CORNELL 
 
 UNIVERSITY 
 
 LIBRARY 
 
 BOUGHT WITH THE INCOME 
 OF THE SAGE ENDOWMENT 
 FUND GIVEN IN 1891 BY 
 
 HENRY WILLIAMS SAGE 
 
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 Overs 
 

 Cornell University 
 Library 
 
 The original of tiiis book is in 
 tine Cornell University Library. 
 
 There are no known copyright restrictions in 
 the United States on the use of the text. 
 
 http://www.archive.org/details/cu31924028854300 
 
HISTORY 
 
 OF THE 
 
 COUNTIES 
 
 IcKeai Elk, Cameron and Potter, 
 
 PENNSYLVANIA, 
 
 BIOGRAPHICAL SELECTIONS, 
 
 INCLUDING 
 
 THEIK EAELY SETTLEMENT AND DEVELOPMENT ; A DESCRIPTION OF THE HISTORIC AND 
 
 INTERESTING LOCALITIES ; SKETCHES OF THEIR CITIES, TOWNS AND VILLAGES ; 
 
 PORTRAITS OF PROMINENT MEN ; BIOGRAPHIES OF REPRESENTATIVE 
 
 CITIZENS; OUTLINE HISTORY OF PENNSYLVANIA; STATISTICS. 
 
 ILLUSTRATED. 
 
 CHICAGO : 
 
 J. H. BEERS & CO., PUBLISHERS, 
 
 1890. 
 
John Morris Company, 
 printers, 
 
 118 AND 120 MoNRoc Street, 
 CHICAGO, ILL. 
 
PEEFACE. 
 
 -.->^<-_ 
 
 Go fix some weighty truth ; 
 Chain down some passion; do some good; 
 Teach ignorance to see or grief to smile; 
 Correct thy friend; hefriend thy greatest foe; 
 Be just in all things; make amends 
 For follies past, and, with warm heart, 
 Forgive, and be forgiven. Let work not words 
 Thy virtue prove. Go act as well as prate. 
 And then thy counsels will be strong, 
 Thy reprimands avail— Anon. 
 
 THE province of the historian is to gather the threads of the past ere they 
 elude forever his grasp, and weave them into a harmonious web to which 
 the ' ' art preservative ' ' may give immortality. Therefore he, who would res- 
 cue from fast -gathering oblivion the deeds of a community, and send them on 
 to futurity in an imperishable record, should deliver a plain, unvarnished tale. 
 In such a spirit have the compilers of the following pages approached the work 
 of detailing the history embodied therein, and trust they have been fairly 
 faithful to the task imposed. It has been their honest endeavor to trace the 
 history of the development of this section from that period when it was in the 
 indisputed possession of the red man to the present, and to place before the 
 reader an authentic narrative of its rise and progress to the prominent position 
 it now occupies in the Keystone State. 
 
 This volume has been prepared in strict accordance with the announce- 
 ments , made in the prospectus issued more than a year ago. 'The publishers 
 were fortunate in securing the services of Prof. M. A. Leeson, whose many years 
 of labor in the field of local history have especially fitted him for the work. To 
 him was assigned the task of preparing the general histories of these counties. 
 
 The biographical sketches, which are an important feature of the work, 
 were prepared, for the most part, by a special corps of writers, who gathered 
 the facts from those immediately interested, to whom they were submitted, in 
 type- written form, for revision and correction. The personal and family his- 
 tories given in these sketches chronicle much interesting and valuable matter 
 which, through death and the ravages of time, would otherwise be lost, and it is 
 believed that in succeeding years they will be found to possess an additional 
 interest and value. 
 
 The volume is believed to contain a larger and more varied amount of his- 
 torical materials than was ever before embodied in a local history; but he who 
 expects to find it entirely free from errors or defects has little knowledge of 
 the difficulties attending the preparation of a work of this kind. To procure 
 material for its compilation, official records have been carefully examined; 
 newspaper files searched; manuscripts, letters and memoranda have been 
 
IV PEEFACE. 
 
 sought, and hundreds of citizens interviewed. In some cases it was necessary 
 to reconcile contradictory statements. Some errors are unavoidable. The pub- 
 lishers trust that the book will be received in that generous spirit which is grati- 
 fied at honest and conscientious effort, and not in that captious spirit which 
 refuses to be satisfied short of unattainable perfection. 
 
 Throughout the pages of the history of the counties literary credit is given 
 to those, who, in earlier years, did so much for the cause of history in this 
 district; acknowledgment is made to others for the ready assistance given in 
 the prosecution of the work. The number who have assisted by suggestion, 
 relation or written testimony to render this volume what it is, is too large to 
 warrant individual mention here, but the aid and courtesy of each one are fully 
 remembered and appreciated. 
 
 Special thanks are tendered to the prothonotaries, commissioners' clerks 
 and recorders, and to all other ofiicials of these counties, for their co-opera- 
 tion with the writer in searching the public record books and documents. To 
 the clerks of the boroughs and the record keepers of religious, secret, benevo- 
 lent, temperance and military organizations, acknowledgement is gratefully 
 made for their material aid. 
 
 To the members of the newspaper circle of McKean county, who not only 
 permitted the examination of their most valuable files, but also suggested many 
 interesting historical points, hitherto unpublished, much of the complete char- 
 acter of this volume must be credited. The files examined comprise the Mirier, 
 in possession of Lucius Rogers; the Reporter, of A. J. Hughes; the Era and 
 older papers, as well as the Oil Neivs, of the Era Publishing Company, through 
 Editors P. C. Boyle and A. L. Snell; the Star, of the Star Publishing Company, 
 through Editor H. E. Barbour; the Eldred Eagle, of A. D. Gould; the McKean 
 Democrat, of Clark Wilson; the Kane Leader, of Ada C. Malone, and the 
 Oswayo Valley Mail, of J. P. Herrick; while a thorough summary was made 
 of the old newspaper files of 1832-42; of the King survey books of 1799-1805, 
 and historical papers of Orlo J. Hamlin, published in 1832, all in possession of 
 Byron D. Hamlin. The reminiscences of Loyal Ward, and the private docu- 
 ments in possession of Henry Hamlin, proved very valuable. 
 
 To the editors of Elk county an equal measure of thanks is extended. The 
 old files of the Advocate, in possession of Jerome Powell, the new ones, of 
 Editor Baker, the files of the Democrat, of George R. Dixon; the Gazette, of 
 the Wilmarth Brothers, and the Herald, of F. A. Jacob, yielded up a wealth 
 of local history. The pamphlet entitled Our Common Schools, by George R. 
 Dixon, the papers by Erasmus Morey, Jefferson L. Brown and George A. 
 Rathbun, with short sketches by Henry Souther and Dr. C. R. Earley, con- 
 tributed largely to render the history of Elk county complete; while the collec- 
 tion of old school records and documents in possession of Charles Luhr, and 
 the reminiscences of Ignatius Garner, were invaluable contributions to the 
 sketches of Benzinger township and St. Mary's borough. Prom copies of the 
 Clarion Breeze accounts of modern Johnsonburg and vicinity are taken. 
 
 Cameron county has been especially fortunate in the number of her his- 
 torians. In 1875 one of the pioneers of theSinnemahoning, John Brooks, 
 contributed a very interesting historical paper to the literature of the times. 
 He was followed by Dr. Lanning and J. B. Newton. All their writings were 
 published in the Cameron County Press. Prior and subsequent to Centen- 
 nial year the veteran editor of the Press, C. B. Gould, left little or nothing 
 undone to render his journal a great, con temporary record, so that to the his- 
 torical writers named, and their editor, the complete character of the history 
 of Cameron county must be credited. Prom the files of the Independent, 'Oi 
 
PBEFACE. T 
 
 S. S. Hacket, many facts connected with the development of the lumber in- 
 dustry were taken, and from the Driftwood Gazette, of J. T. Earl & Co. , much 
 relating to the progress of the lower townships. 
 
 In Potter county acknowledgments are due to Edwin Haskell, editor of the 
 Potter County Journal; to W. W. Thompson, owner of a valuable collection of 
 local newspapers ; to A. J. Evans, of the Ulysses Sentinel; to D. W. Butterworth, 
 of the Enterprise, and to H. D. Caskey, of the Austin Autograph. To E. O. 
 Austin literary credit must be given for the history of Austin and Costello, 
 and their great industries, as published in the Autogragh ; indeed, his history 
 published in 1869—71 must be considered the first written of Potter county. Dr. 
 E. S. Mattison' s historical manuscript was unhesitatingly granted for the use of 
 the compiler, and from it many valuable pages of the county's history were 
 taken; to his earnest efforts much of the complete character of the story of 
 poneer life is due. 
 
 To all people, whose intelligent cooperation renders this work successful, 
 is sent a message of hope and belief that this volume will prove authentic 
 and be acceptable. 
 
 THE PUBLISHEBS. 
 
CONTENTS. 
 
 ' > * < -«-^ 
 
 History of Pennsylvania. 
 
 Page. 
 Introductory.— First Settlers Along the 
 Delaware— William Penn— His Early Diffl- 
 culties— Dissensions in the Colony- Penn's 
 Second Visit to the Province— Accession 
 of Governor Keith— French and Indian 
 War— Franklin's Mission to England— The 
 
 Page. 
 Boundary Line— Struggle for Independence 
 —Convention of 17S7— Constitution of 1790— 
 Whisky Insurrection— Stone Coal— Conven- 
 tion of 1837— Pennsylvania in the War of 
 the Eebellion— Subsequent Events 17-48 
 
 History of JSiloKean County. 
 
 CHAPTEK I.— Topographs and Natu- 
 ral History.— Boundary and Area— Land 
 Cessions and Purchases— Population— As- 
 sessment Statistics— General Description — 
 Topography— Creek Nomenclature— Vege- 
 tation — Liunher Manufacture— Game and 
 Fish— Fossils— Coal Mines— Gas Wells 53-58 
 
 CBLAPTEK II.— Oil Fields.— Early Discov- 
 eries of Oil— Coal Oil Mills and Oil Wells- 
 Oil Companies— Wells of the Pioneer Period 
 —The Bradford Oil Field—" Shut In " by 
 Producers— Pipe Lines and Companies- 
 Well Drilling, Past and Present— Oil Scouts 
 —Well Torpedoes— Miscellaneous 58-94 
 
 CHAPTEK III.— Pioneers and Pioneer 
 Days.— Prehistoric Eemains— Indians— In- 
 dian Land Purchases— Sale of Lands— Early 
 Surveys and Settlements— Early Tax-payers 
 —Underground Kailroad— Hunting— Storms 
 and Floods— First Court-house— First Ball 
 —Early Wedding — Early Incidents and 
 Keminiscences— County Centennial Celebra- 
 tion 95-105 
 
 CHAPTER IV.— Transactions of the 
 County Commissioners. — Organization 
 of the County— Holland Land Company's 
 Lands— John Keating's Liberality— Smetli- 
 poit, the County Town— CoimtyAdministra^ 
 tion — County Buildings — Public Eoads — 
 Bridges— Poor Farm- Mortgages— Forfeit- 
 edLands 105-112 
 
 CHAPTER v.— Courts and Bar.— First 
 Courts— Character of the Early Bench and 
 Bar, with Dates of Admission of Members 
 Prior to 1878— Celebrated Causes— Judges 
 and Associate Judges— Prominent Attor- 
 neys, Prothonotaries, etc.— Attorneys Ad- 
 mitted to the McKean Coimty Bar since May, 
 1878, Term— Olio J. Hamlin— John W. Howe 
 112-118 
 
 CHAPTER VI.— Political Affairs.— In- 
 troductory— Orlo J. Hamlin— Elections for 
 Governor, 1835— Elections from 1840 to 1883 
 —General Elections, 1884 to 1889-Prohibit- 
 ory Amendment Vote, 1889 121-128 
 
 CHAPTER VII.— Military History.- 
 Forty-second Regim'ent (Bucktails)— Col. 
 Kane— Fifty-eighth Regiment, P. V. I.— 
 Eighty-third Regiment, P. V. I.— One Him- 
 dred and Fittiefli Regiment, P. V. I.— One 
 Hundred and Seventy-second Regiment, P. 
 V. I.— Two Hundrecl and Eleventh Regi- 
 ment, P. V. I.— Miscellaneous 128-144 
 
 Addendum. — List of soldiers buried in 
 the vicinity of Bradford 569-570 
 
 CHAPTER VIII.— Newspapers— Schools 
 — Physicians. — Newspapers — Introduc- 
 tory—Journals and Journalists— Bradford 
 Newspapers— Bradford Press Club— Miscel- 
 laneous Journals. Schools— Grant of Land 
 and Money by John Keating— First Schools- 
 Primitive Eleemosynary Institution— Early 
 School at Smethport — Education Law — 
 School Commissioners and Delegates- 
 School Tax— Statistical Report for 1888. 
 Medical — Physicians, Past and Present — 
 Early Practitioners— Indian Doctors— Re- 
 markable Cure — Itinerant Disciples of Ms- 
 culapius— McKean County Medical Associa- 
 tion—List of Medical Men Who Have Regis- 
 tered in McKean County since 1881 144-154 
 
 CHAPTER IX.— Railroads. -The Kinzua 
 Viaduct— The Warren Railroad Convention 
 — Sunbui-y & Erie R. R.— Buffalo, Bradford 
 & Pittsburgh R. E.— The Turkey Path— Sale 
 of the Western New York & Pennsylvania 
 R. R.— Clean. Bradford & Warren R. R.— 
 Bradford & Foster Brook R. R.— The " Peg 
 Leg" Line— Bradford, Bordell & Kinzua 
 R.R.— Bradford, DeGolier & Smethport R. 
 R.— Pittsburgh, Bradford & Buffalo Ry., and 
 Big Level & Bradford R. R.— Big Levgl & 
 Kinzua R. R.— Bradford R. R. and Kinzua 
 R. R.— Bradford & State Line R. R. Co.— 
 Buffalo Division of Rochester & Pittsburgh 
 R. R. Co.— Miscellaneous 155-161 
 
 CHAPTER X.— Bradford Township and 
 City of Bradford.— Brad/ord Tmimship. 
 —General Description— Census Statistics- 
 Early Settlers — Land Warrants and Com- 
 panies—Early Schools and Churches— Some 
 
Tin 
 
 CONTENTS. 
 
 Page. 
 First Things— Bradford Village in 187.5— 
 Township Officers Elected in 1890— Villages. 
 CWj of BradfortJ- Pioneers— Origin of the 
 Town — Oil Boom, etc.— Fires— Municipal 
 Affairs — Light and Heat Companies — 
 Banks, Etc.— Oil Exchanges— Post-offlce— 
 Hotels — Schools — Churches — Cemeteries — 
 Hospital — Societies, etc. — Manufacturing 
 and Other Industries— Conclusion 162-214 
 
 CHAPTEE XI.— FOSTEK TOWNSHIP— BOR- 
 OUGH OF Kendall— CORVDON" Town- 
 ship.— Poster Tot«?is/iip— Formation— Cen- 
 sus— Fires— Township Officers Elected in 
 1890— Villages. Borough of ifend«!l— Locar 
 tlon— Population— Business— Peg-Leg Line 
 —Incidents— Fires, etc. —Elections— Scliools 
 — Churches— Cemetery— Societies. Corjjdon 
 TouiTisftij)- Topography, etc.— Population- 
 Seated Tax-payers, 1836-37— Early Mills- 
 Township Ofncers Elected in 1890 214-225 
 
 CHAPTEE XII. — Annin Township — 
 Ceres Township. — Annin Tornnship— 
 Topography and Natural History— Popula- 
 tion— Officers of the Township, 1890— Turtle 
 Point— Newell Creek— Churches and Ceme- 
 tery. Geres ToionsMB — Topography — Oil 
 Wells — Population— Officers of Township, 
 1890— First Justice of the Peace— Early Set- 
 tlers— Eesident Tax-payers, 1836-37- Ee- 
 survey of the Northern State Line. Ge/res 
 Ffltaffe— First Arrivals— Post-oJHce — Mer- 
 chants— Schools— Churches— Military— Eail- 
 roads— Industries 225-230 
 
 CHAPTEE XIII.— Eldred Township- 
 Borough or Eldred.— JEIdred Township 
 —Topography— Oil Wells— Population— Offi- 
 cers of the Township, 1890— First Settle- 
 ments— Eesident Tax-payers, 1843-44— First 
 Shingle-mill — Villages, etc. Borough of 
 j;?dred— Origin of Name— Early History- 
 Growth of the Town— Incorporation— First 
 Council — Officers Chosen m 1890— Hurri- 
 canes, Fires, etc.— Fire Company— Schools 
 and Churches — Societies — Banks— Water- 
 works— Gas Company— Industries— Miscel- 
 laneous 231-244 
 
 CHAPTEE XIV.— Hamilton Township— 
 Hamlin Township.— Hamiifem Toumship 
 — Topography— Geology— Pojjulation— Eesi- 
 dent Tax-payers, 1836-37— Ofncers Elected in 
 1889— Villages. Hamlin Township — Boun- 
 dary— Topography— Oil Wells— Discovery of 
 Limestone— Forests— Population— Eesident 
 Tax-payers, 1847^8— JlfouniJeMJett-Its Else 
 and Growth — Natural Gas — Industries — 
 Post-office— Chinches and Cemetery— Soci- 
 ety— Kinzua Bridge— Oil Companies 244-251 
 
 CHAPTEE XV.— Keating Township- 
 Borough OF Smethport. — Keating 
 Township — Topography — Geology — Oil 
 Wells — Population — Township Officers in 
 1890— Port of Entry— Early Settlers— The 
 Forester— Solomon Sartwell and Others— 
 Eesident Tax-payers, 1836-37— Early Mer- 
 chants in the Township— Villages. Borough 
 Of Smethport — Population, etc.— Officers 
 Elected in 1890— First Cabin and House— 
 Eeminiscences of Asa Sartwell— Early Set- 
 tlers—Some First Things— Post-offlce— Eesi- 
 dent Property Owners, 1856-57— Municipal 
 AfEairs—Acacfemies— Churches— Societies— 
 Hotels— Banks— Water and Gas Systems- 
 Floods and Fires— Miscellaneous 251-276 
 
 CHAPTEE XVI.— Lafayette Township.— 
 Topography — Minerals — Oil Wells — Coal 
 Mines and Companies — Population— Elec- 
 tion in February, 1890— Eesident Tax-pay- 
 ers, 1843^4— State Eoad— Stores— Disasters 
 and Fires— Miscellaneous 276-281 
 
 Page. 
 CHAPTEE XVII.— Liberty Township- 
 Borough of Port Allegany.- ii&erty 
 Tmonship — Topograpliy — Geology — Coal 
 Measures and Mines— Oil Well— Early Set- 
 tlers, etc.— Eesident Tax-payers, 1836-37— 
 Early Stores— Pc)i)Uhition— Officers Elected 
 in Februai-y, 1890 — Churches — Cemetery 
 -Fires. Bormifih of Port Allegany— Intio- 
 ductory— Canoe Place— Pioneers, etc.— Pop- 
 ulation— Fires and Floods— Municipal Mat- 
 ters — Industries— Banks— Cemetery Asso- 
 ciation— Hotels— Churches— Public Schools 
 —Societies, Associations, etc 281 -296 
 
 CHAPTEE XVIII. —Norwich Township.— 
 TopograiJhy, etc.— Geology— Coal Mines- 
 Oil Wells— Population— Officers for 1890 - 
 Assessment, 1837— Early Settlers— The Old 
 Norwich Church— The Old Norwich Ceme- 
 tery Association— Stores in 1847— Mineral 
 Wells — Timber Lands and Saw-raills— 
 Newert 296-301 
 
 CHAPTEE XIX,— Otto Township.— Otto 
 Township — Topography— Population— Offi- 
 cers Elected in 1890— Eesident Tax-payers, 
 1854-55— Arthur Prentiss' Account— Some 
 Early Settlers— Storms and Fires— Church 
 —Society at Eixford— Miscellaneous. Duke 
 Centre— Some First Things— The Place in 
 1879 — Postmasters — Population — Charter 
 Election, 1881 — Gas Company — Bank — 
 Churches— Societies 301-306 
 
 QHAPTEE XX.— Sergeant Township.— 
 Topography, etc.— Coal Measures— Oil Wells 
 —Population— The Cooper Lands— Town of 
 Instanter— The Place in 1810-13-17— Assess- 
 ment of Sergeant Township for 1836-37 — 
 Villages. Cfermtmt— Some First Things- 
 Fire— Gas Wells— Cemetery Association- 
 Societies 306-312 
 
 CHAPTEE XXL— Wetmoke Township- 
 Borough OP Kane.— TFetmore Toumship 
 
 — General Topography — Oil Wells and 
 Lands— Limiber Company— Oil Fields and 
 Enterprises — Population— Officers Elected 
 in 1890— Gen. Kane— The Seneca Hunters- 
 Forest Fires- Town of Jo-Jo— Large Sale 
 of Oil Interests. Borauigh of Kane— Ori- 
 gin of Name— Col. Kane and David Cornelius 
 
 — Population — The Place in 1869-74— Elec- 
 tion— Schools— The Board of Trade— Nat- 
 ural Gas Companies — Water Company- 
 Bank and Industries— Hotels — Churches— 
 Societies— Miscellaneous 313-326 
 
 CHAPTEE XXII. -Biographical 
 Sketches.— Bradford Township and City of 
 Bradford 327-413 
 
 CHAPTEE XXin.-BlOGRAPHICAL 
 Sketches.— Keating Township and Bor- 
 ough of Smetliport 413-165 
 
 CHAPTEE XXIV. -Biographical 
 Sketches.— Foster Township and Borough 
 of Kendall 465-484 
 
 CHAPTEE XXV. -Biographical 
 Sketches.— Eldred Township and Borough 
 of Eldred— Otto Townsliip 484r-515 
 
 CHAPTEE XXVI. -Biographical 
 Sketches.— Liberty Township and Bor- 
 ough of Port Allegany— Annin and Ceres 
 Townships 515-535 
 
 CHAPTEE XXVII. -Biographical 
 Sketches.— Norwich, Hamlin, Lafayette 
 and Sergeant Townships 536-654 
 
 CHAPTEE XXVIII.-B iographical 
 Sketches.— Wetmore Townsliip and Bor- 
 ough of Kane — Corydon and Hamilton 
 Townships 55t-569 
 
CONTENTS. 
 Bio^raiiliical SlcetolxGS, 
 
 IX 
 
 Pagk. 
 
 Annin Township 527 
 
 Bradford Township and City of Bradford 327 
 
 Ceres Townsliip 531 
 
 Corydon Township 567 
 
 Eldred Township and Borough of Eldred 484 
 
 Foster Townsliip and Borough of Kendall ... , 465 
 
 Hamilton Township 5U7 
 
 Hamhn Township 541 
 
 Keating Townsliip and Borough of Smethport 413 
 
 Lafayette Townsliip 549 
 
 Liberty Township and Borough of Ft. Allegany 515 
 
 Norwich Township 536 
 
 Otto Township 503 
 
 Sergeant Township 553 
 
 Wetmore Township and Borough of Kane.... 554 
 
 Portraits. 
 
 Alford, B 307 
 
 Arnold, A. S 119 
 
 Baker, H. S., M. D 169 
 
 Barbour, H. F 211 
 
 Benton, A. M 129 
 
 Brown, "William Wallace 109 
 
 Campbell, G. W 261 
 
 Chrisman, Wm. L., M. D 233 
 
 Coleman, 0. D 297 
 
 Davis, Joshua 267 
 
 Dennis, Eeuben 255 
 
 Foster, 0. H 159 
 
 Griffith, J. T 317 
 
 HamUn, Byron D 59 
 
 Hamhn, Delano K 199 
 
 Hamlin, Henry 79 
 
 Hamlin, Orlo J 49 
 
 Hazelton, B. F 245 
 
 Hughes, A. J 217 
 
 Jones, J. T 139 
 
 Kane, Ma.i.-Gen. Thomas L 69 
 
 Keyes, D.J 287 
 
 LilUhridge, A. N 223 
 
 Newell, Aug. "W 149 
 
 Sogers, Lucius 179 
 
 Eose, EobertH 205 
 
 Sprague, F. W '. 239 
 
 Stone E.B 189 
 
 Taylor, A. N 89 
 
 Wainman, T. C 277 
 
 History of Blk County. 
 
 CHAPTEE I. —Topograph V- and Nat- 
 TJKAL History. — Formation — Judge 
 Geddes' Eeport — General Topography — 
 Population — Area and Natural Eesources 
 —Oil and Gas Wells and Pipe Lines— Coal 
 Deposits, etc.— Lumber Eesources — Fires 
 and Floods— Wild Fruits, Animals, etc. . .573-579 
 
 CHAPTEE II.— Indians and Pioneers.- 
 The Aborigines— Gen. Wade— Early Eemi- 
 niscences of Judge Kyler— Pioneer Settlers 
 —Judge J. L. Gilhs and Others— Irishtown— 
 First Declarations of Citizenship — The 
 German Union Bond Society— Some First 
 Things in the County— Eeminiscences of 
 John Brooks 579-589 
 
 CHAPTEE III.— Courts and Bar.— First 
 Courts, Where Held— First Eecord of Courts 
 in Elk County— Business Transacted in the 
 Courts of 1844— Early Admissions to the Bar 
 — Crimes — Licenses — Appointments — 
 Names of Attorneys Who Practiced Here 
 from 1868 to 1879, and Subsequently— New 
 Court-house and Jail— Law Lioraries.... 590-595 
 
 CHAPTER IV.— Transactions of the 
 COM3IISSIONERS. — Introductory — Estab- 
 lishment of Elk County— Its Boundaries— 
 The Commissioners of 1843 and Their Trans- 
 actions—Location of the County Seat — 
 Coimty Contracts, etc. —Doings of the Com- 
 missioners from Dates of Appointment- 
 County Offtcials—Court-house— First Court 
 —New Jail, etc 596-602 
 
 CHAPTEE v.— Political History.— Polit- 
 ical Status of Elk County from 1843 to 1889 
 —Vote on the Prohibitory Amendment in 
 1889— Eeturns by Boroughs and Townships- 
 Elections in 1889 602-610 
 
 CHAPTER VI.— Journalism— Schools.- 
 JownalUm—St. Mary's Eepublican— The 
 
 Elk County Advocate— The Elk Democrat— 
 The Daily Democrat— The Elk County Ga- 
 zette — Other Journals. ScftooZs— First 
 School in Elk County and Early Teaching- 
 Township Schools— First Public School- 
 Statistics, 1888-89— School Superintendents 
 —County Institutes 613-619 
 
 CHAPTEE VII. -Military Affairs.- 
 Some Veterans of the War of 1812— Elk 
 Coimty in the Civil War— The Forty-sec- 
 ond Eegiment (Buektails)— Names of Sol- 
 diers—The Elk County Guards— Sixteenth 
 Eegiment, P. V. I.— Company H of Eldg- 
 way, and its Eecord 620-625 
 
 CHAPTEE VIII. — Eailroadm. — Philadel- 
 phia & Erie Eailroad— Sunbury & Erie Eail- 
 road— Pittsburgh & New York Eailroad— 
 Other Eoads— Accidents, etc 625-627 
 
 CHAPTER IX.— Medical. — The Pioneer 
 Physicians of the County and Later Prac- 
 titioners— Eecord of Physicians Wlio Eegis- 
 tered under the Act of 1881 628-631 
 
 CHAPTEE X.— Benezette Township.— 
 Elevations — Minerals — Population — Elec- 
 tions — Eesident Tax-payers, 1844 — The 
 Township in 1850— Village of Benezette— 
 Miscellaneous 631-633 
 
 CHAPTER XL— Benzin(4ek Township- 
 Borough of St. Mxky's. — Benziiwer 
 Towmhip — General Description — Early 
 Laud Purchases— Eesident Tax-payers in 
 1844— Elections- Voters in 1846— Population 
 —Business. Burowjli of St. Mary's— Loca- 
 tion,etc.— Beginnings of the Town— Eeminis- 
 cences of Charles Luhr— Municipal Affairs 
 — Fires — Industries — Bank — Hotels — 
 Churches— Convents and Convent Schools- 
 Academies— Public Schools— Societies— Mis- 
 cellaneous 634r-657 
 
CONTENTS. 
 
 Page. 
 CHAPTER XII.— Fox TOWNSHIP.— Gener- 
 al Description — Settlement — Some First 
 Things- Resident Tax-payers, in 1844— 
 Elections— United States Land Deeds— Coal 
 and Oil Companies— Villages— Churches- 
 Industries, etc G58-667 
 
 CHAPTER XIII.— HiiiHLAND TowjrsHiP— 
 HORTOX Township— .lAY Township.— 
 Highland Toivnship—lts Conformation- 
 Growth — Business — Elections. Horton 
 ToiOTisWp- General Description— Minerals 
 —Villages— Churches— Elections, etc. Jay 
 ToiOTisnij)- Streams— Elevations, etc.— Resi- 
 dent Tax-payers in 1844— Business in 1850— 
 Coal and Oil Companies— Census Statistics— 
 Elections— Caledonia— Miscellaneous . . ..667-674 
 
 CHAPTER XIV.— Jones Township.— Gen- 
 eral Conformation— Coal Basins and Mines 
 —Resident Tajc-payers in 1844— Elections- 
 Sketch of the Early History of the Town- 
 ship—Villages, etc.— Tftto/j;— What the 
 Town is Noted for— Post-office- Business, 
 etc.— Population— Cliurches— Societies . . .674-681 
 
 CHAPTElt XV.— RiDGWAY Township- 
 Borough op Ridgway.— i?i(Jgwai/ Town- 
 sWj)— StreamSj Elevations, etc.--Coal— First 
 Comers— Elections-Resident Tax-payers in 
 1844 — Population— Villages— Miscellaneous. 
 BoroiifiJi of Ridgway — Location, etc. — 
 
 Page. 
 The Eidgways and Other Pioneers— Some 
 First Things— Post-office, etc.— Municipal 
 Affairs — Fires — Manufactures — Banlis — 
 Hotels— Churches— Cemetery Association— 
 Schools— Societies, etc 682-712 
 
 CHAPTER XVI.— Millstone Township- 
 Spring Creek Township. — Millstone 
 Tonmsfitp— Topography— First Settlement 
 —Mills — Population — Election. Sriring 
 Creek ToomisMp- General Conformation- 
 Population — Elections, etc. — Some First 
 Things— Villages— Miscellaneous 712-710 
 
 CHAPTER XVII.— Biographical 
 Sketches.— Ridgway Township and 
 Borough of Ridgway 717-745 
 
 CHAPTER XVIIL— Biographical 
 
 Sketches.- .lONES Township 745- 759 
 
 CHAPTER XIX.— Biographical 
 Sketches.— Fox Township — Horton 
 Township 760-773 
 
 CHAPTER XX.— Biographical Sketches 
 — Benezette Township— Jay Town- 
 ship 774-788 
 
 CHAPTER XXL— Biographical 
 Sketches.— Benzinger Township and 
 Borough of St. Mary's 789-811 
 
 Biograpiical Sfeetclies. 
 
 Benezette Township 774 
 
 Benzinger Township and Borough of St. 
 
 Mary's 789 
 
 Fox Township 760 
 
 Horton Township 769 
 
 Jay Township 783 
 
 Jones Township 745 
 
 Ridgway Township and Borough of Ridgway. 717 
 
 JF'ortraits. 
 
 Bardwell J. S., M. D 695 
 
 Be'adle, J. Henry 689 
 
 Brown, Rasselas W 575 
 
 Brown, Mrs. Rasselas W 575 
 
 Brown, Isaac B 629 
 
 Brown, J. L 611 
 
 Cartwright, Burr E 653 
 
 Chamberlin, C. L 660 
 
 Dickinson, George 581 
 
 Dixon, George R 671 
 
 Ely, Byron F 665 
 
 Ernhout, John 647 
 
 Gardner, J. K 707 
 
 Houk, J. V 587 
 
 Horton, Hez 605 
 
 Horton, A. S 659 
 
 Horton, W. H 641 
 
 Jones, Julius 683 
 
 Kaul, Andrew 593 
 
 Luhr, Charles 599 
 
 Meagher, Rev. M 677 
 
 Osterhout, W. H 617 
 
 Oyster, D. C 623 
 
 Robertson, D 635 
 
 Williams, W. L., M. D 701 
 
 History ot Caznefon County. 
 
 CHAPTER I.— Topography and Natu- 
 ral History'.— Locality of County and 
 Origin of Name— Altitudes— The New Pur- 
 chase—Area and Population— Topography- 
 Natural History — Salt and Oil WeUs— 
 Floods, Storms and Forest Fires — Chma- 
 tology 815-819 
 
 CHAPTER II. — Aborigines and Pio- 
 neers.— Indian Relics— Interesting Find- 
 Fights with Indians— Adventures and Mur- 
 ders— Dr. Lannlng's Account — Lands in 1811 
 —Early Settlers and Settlements — Expe- 
 riences and Privations of the Pioneers — 
 Life on the Sinnemahoning in 1839-40— Hun- 
 ters' Stories— Highwaymen 819-835 
 
 CHAPTER III.— Transactions of the 
 County Commissioners.— Establishment 
 of the Coimty— Location of County Seat— 
 Capt. Rogers' Reminiscences— First Meeting 
 of the Commissioners— Doings of the Com- 
 missioners from 1860— War Tax— Appoint- 
 ments— County Officers— Jail, etc 835-838 
 
 CHAPTER IV.-COURTS AND Bar.— First 
 Record of Cameron County Courts— Ap- 
 pointments and Removals— Admissions to 
 the Bar In 1862 and Subsequently— Presiding 
 Law Judges, Assistant Law Jndges, Presi- 
 dent Judges and Associate Judges— Law 
 Circle of the County— Crimes 838-843 
 
CONTENTS. 
 
 XI 
 
 Page. 
 CHAPTER V. — Political Histoky.- 
 Nortluimbei-land District— Judicial Erection 
 of Counties — Organization of Cameron 
 County— First Election for County Officers- 
 Elections from 1860 to 1889 843-848 
 
 CHAPTEE VI.-MiLITAKY HlSTOKV.-In- 
 troductoi-y- "War Meeting at Emporium- 
 Cameron County Company (Old Bucktails)— 
 First Cavalry— Eighty-fourth Kegiment, P. 
 V. I— One Hundred and Ninetieth P. V. I. 
 —One Hundred and Ninety-first P. V. I.— 
 One Hundred and Ninety-ninth P. V. I.— 
 Miscellaneous 848-856 
 
 CHAPTEE VII. — Journalism — Educa- 
 tion — Physicians — County Associa- 
 tions — Eailkoabs. — Journalism — The 
 Citizen— The Press— The Independent— The 
 Herald— The Gazette (Sterling and Drift- 
 wood) — Literature. Education — Early 
 Schools— Teachers and County Superintend- 
 ents— Report of Superintendent Pearsall 
 Year Ending June 4, 1888— The Teachers' 
 Institute. Physicians — Dr. Kincaid and 
 Others— The Cameron County Medical So- 
 ciety. County Associations — Agricultural 
 Societies — Centennial Association — Semi- 
 Religious Societies. BaiVroads — Road to 
 Salt Spring Run— The P. & E. E. E.— The 
 B., N. Y. & P. E. E.— Miscellaneous 857-866 
 
 CHAPTEE VIII.— Shippen Township- 
 Borough of Emporium.— SMppen Toum- 
 sMp— Boundary and Area — General Topog- 
 raphy-Population and Assessments— March 
 Elections, 1861— Pioneer Days and Homes- 
 Lumber and Mills— Oil Well, Coal Mining 
 and Other A'entures— Internal Improve- 
 ments — Miscellaneous. BororujgU of Empo- 
 riums-Its Early History— Mimicipal Affairs 
 —Postmasters and Postoffices- Fire Depart- 
 ment—Water Company— Bank— Manufact- 
 ures— Societies— Churches— Schools — Fires 
 —Flood of 1889— Conclusion 866-900 
 
 CHAPTER IX.-GlBSON TOWNSHIP-BOR^'^''' 
 OUGH OF Driftwood.— Gifisorj Township 
 —Boundary and Area — Elevations and 
 Streams — Population and Assessments- 
 Election, 1844— Miscellaneous. Bonmgh. of 
 Driftwood— Origin of the Place— Some First 
 Things— Incorporation— Municipal Affairs— 
 The Place in 1876— Manufactures, Fires, 
 Floods, etc.— Hotels— Churches— Schools- 
 Societies and Associations— Conclusion . . 900-910 
 
 CHAPTEE X.-GROVE TOWNSHIP.-Groi'e 
 Township — Boundary — Elevations and 
 Streams— Population and Assessment— In- 
 dian History— Industries. Sinnemahcming— 
 Survey and Sale of Village Lots— Historic 
 Apple Tree— First Business in the Place- 
 Hotels — Mails — Early Schools — Fires- 
 Church, etc.— Societies 910-916 
 
 CHAPTEE XI. — Lumber Township.— 
 Boundary — Topography — Population and 
 Assessment— Elections in 1861— Forest Fires. 
 Sterling— Oi-lgin and Survey of the Place- 
 Business and Improvements— Fires— Post- 
 masters— Societies— Churches, etc. Came- 
 roji— Sm-vey and Commencement— Fires, 
 etc.— Catholic Church 916-920 
 
 CHAPTEE XII. — Portage Township.— 
 Portage Township— Us Origin— Elevation- 
 Streams — Population and Assessment- 
 Families Eesident in 1869— Elections, 1861. 
 Sizerville—A Historic Place— Salt Works- 
 Hotels— Fires— Cemetery Association— Con- 
 clusion 920-922 
 
 CHAPTEE XIIl:.— Biographical Sketch- 
 es.— Shippen Township and Borough 
 OF Emporium 922-951 
 
 CHAPTEE XIV.— Biographical Sketch- 
 es.— Gibson Township and Borough 
 of Driftwood— Grove, Lumber and 
 Portage Townships 952-975 
 
 Biograpliioal Sketohea. 
 
 Gibson Township and Borough of Driftwood. 952 
 
 Grove Township 965 
 
 Lumber Township 969 
 
 Portage Township 973 
 
 Shippen Township and Borough of Emporiiun 922 
 
 Portraits. 
 
 Cochran, J. W 831 
 
 Earl, John T 911 
 
 Felt, J. P 841 
 
 Gould, C. B 821 
 
 HeilmanR. P., M. D 881 
 
 Seger, N 891 
 
 Seger, R 901 
 
 Taggart, L 851 
 
 Warner, G. W 861 
 
 Wiley, J. S 871 
 
 History of Potter County. 
 
 CHAPTER I.— Topography and Natu- 
 ral History.— Origin of Name of County 
 —Area and Elevations— Topographical Con- 
 formation—Fossils and Strata, etc.— Lum- 
 bering— Giant Saw-mills— Lumber Camps- 
 Experiences of the Woodsman— Technical- 
 ities of the Trade— Eaf ting and "Driving" 
 —Cyclones and Natural Phenomena 979-i 
 
 CHAPTER II.— Indian and Pioneer 
 History. — Indian Settlements, Grain 
 Storehouse, Relics, etc.— First White Set- 
 tlers, Marriage, etc.— Early Land Transfers 
 -Religious Exercises— Price of Commodi- 
 ties-Two Interesting Letters— Customs and 
 Doings of the Early Times— Some Pioneer 
 Names— Indian and White Hunters 989-1004 
 
XII 
 
 CONTENTS. 
 
 tAGE. 
 CHAPTER III.— TKANSAfTIONS OF THE 
 
 COMMISSIONERS.— Establishment of Potter 
 County— First Proceedings of the Commis- 
 sioners-Laying oil: of Koads— Tax Sales of 
 Lands— Building of Court-house— The New 
 Jail— Prohibition in Potter— Lists of Offi- 
 cers 1004-1011 
 
 CHAPTER lY.— CouBTS AND Bar.— First 
 Court and Judges — Jurors — Primitive 
 Causes, etc.— List of Lawyers, Dates of Ad- 
 • mission, etc.— Judges, Protlionotarles, Dis- 
 trict Attorneys and SherlHs— Crimes and 
 Punishments 1012-1019 
 
 CHAPTER v.— Medical.— Early Physicians 
 —Trials of the Pioneer Doctor— Names of 
 all Physicians Attainable in the County . 1019-1020 
 
 CHAPTER VI.— JouKNALiSM— Education. 
 —Journalism— Home Account of the Press of 
 Potter— The "Survival of the Fittest"— 
 Bducatkm^'History of the School and School 
 System of Potter Cfounty— Names of Educar 
 tors— Interesting Statistics 1021-1024 
 
 CHAPTER VII.— Military Historv.— Pot- 
 ter Comity in the Civil War— Enlistment of 
 Volunteers— ReUef Committees, etc.— Forty- 
 sixth P. V. I.— Fifty-third P. V. I.— Fifty- 
 eighth P. V. I.— One Hundred and Forty- 
 ninth P. A'. I.— Two Hundred and Tenth 
 P. V. I.— New York State Regiments— Lists 
 of Soldiers who Entered the Service from 
 Potter County— The Battles in which They 
 Were Engaged— Miscellaneous 1027-1039 
 
 CHAPTER YIII.— Railroads-Agricult- 
 ural— Statistical.— KaiJrofi ds— Project- 
 ed and Completed Railroads— First Passen- 
 ger Train- Establishment of Railway Mail 
 Service. Agricultural — Society — Results 
 of not Working in Harmony. Statistical— 
 Statistics of Population- Valuation — Re- 
 ceipts and Expenditures 1040-1044 
 
 CHAPTER IX.— EULALIA Township— BOR- 
 OUGH OF CouDERSPORT.— Eutalia Town- 
 sMp— General Topograpliy— Oil Wells, etc.— 
 Population— Assessors Statistics-Elections 
 in February, 1890— Laying off of Roads- 
 Early Tax-payers— Miscellaneous. Borough 
 of Goiidersjiort— Survey— Some First Things 
 — Reminiscences of Mrs. Mary A. Ross- 
 Post-office and Postmasters— Schools, etc.— 
 Resident Tax-payers in 184S — Municipal 
 Matters— The Germans— Early Events— The 
 Great Fire of 1880— Liunberlng— Churches- 
 Societies, etc.- Business 1044-1070 
 
 CHAPTER X.— Abbot and Allegheny 
 Townships.— ./Ibbot Township— Contorm- 
 ation — First Inhabitants — Settlement of 
 Germanla— Ole Bull's Colony— Hardships of 
 the Pioneers— Interesting Accounts— Some 
 First Events and Things— Miscellaneous. 
 Allegheny Township— The Summit Town- 
 ship of Potter — Topography — Population 
 and Assessment— Early Names, Churches, 
 Business, etc 1070-1073 
 
 CHAPTER XI.— Bingham Township.— 
 Geology of the Township— Tornadoes— Pop- 
 ulation and Values— Names of Settlers— A 
 Number of First Tilings- Educational and 
 Religious— Miscellaneous 1073-1078 
 
 CHAPTER XII.— Clara, Hebron and 
 Pleasant Valley- Townships.— Clara 
 Township— Its Topography— First Tax-pay- 
 ers and Early Elections— Settlers— Schools, 
 etc.— Elections in February, 1890. Hebron 
 Township— Date of EstabUshment— Popula- 
 tion— Residents in 1839— Sad Accident- 
 School— Church and Cemetery— Elections in 
 February, 1890. Pleasant Valley Township 
 
 PAOE. 
 
 —Locality— Taxables — First Church and 
 School— Elections in February, 1890 1078-1081 
 
 CHAPTER XIII.— Genesee Township.— 
 Boundaries — Settlement — Names of Pio- 
 neers — First Store— Schools— Church— Vil- 
 lages— Elections in February, 1890— Gene- 
 see Forks— Postmasters— Orders and Soci- 
 eties 1081-1084 
 
 CHAPTER XIV.— Harkison Township.- 
 Early Names and Locations— First School 
 Teacher— Early Churches— Business Houses, 
 Hotels, Mills, etc.— Harrison Valley— Busi- 
 ness Circle— Methodist and Baptist Church- 
 es, Societies, etc.— The Village of Mills— Its 
 Lumber and Other Interests— I. 0. O. F.— 
 Township Officers Elected in February, 1890 
 .'.1084-1091 
 
 CHAPTER XV.— Hector and Pike Town- 
 ships. — Hector Toimiship — Its Surface, 
 Population and Taxables — First Rehgious 
 Society— Equitable Aid Union— Signal Star 
 tlon — Elections in February, 1890. Pike 
 Tovmship— Its Lumber Interests, Popula- 
 tion, etc.— School and Tavern— Galeton— Its 
 Business, Church, and G. A. R. Post— West 
 Pike- Blue Run and Its Tragedy— Township 
 Elections in February, 1890 1092-1097 
 
 CHAPTER XVI.— Keating, Homer and 
 Summit Townships.— Jfeaiijijcr Township 
 — General Description— Population— Assess- 
 ment— Early Settlers— Some First Thli^s— 
 Business, Societies, etc.— Elections in Feb- 
 ruary, 1890. Homer Township— Its Pecu- 
 har Location— Tax-payers in 1845— Odin and 
 Inez— Elections in February, 1890. Summit 
 Toumship—lts General Conformation— Pop- 
 ulation— Tax-payers in 1855— Elections m 
 February, 1890 1098-1100 
 
 CHAPTER XVII.— OswAYO Township.— 
 Geologic Formation— Population and Taxa- 
 bles— The First Settler— Privations of the 
 Early Residents— Stores and Schools— First 
 Religious Services — Churches — Societies— 
 Ante-Tannery Days— Eleven Mile and Os- 
 wayo— The. Tanning Interest, etc.— Elec- 
 tions in February, 1890 1101-1104 
 
 CHAPTER XVIII.-Sylvania Township. 
 —Settlement of the Township in 1828— Some ' 
 Early Residents— Its Growth— First Church, 
 etc.— Elections in February, 1890— Village 
 of Costello 1104-1109 
 
 CHAPTER XIX. -Portage Township- 
 Borough OF Austin— Wharton Town- 
 ship— East Fork (Oleona).— Portoflg 
 To«'n«;i/p— Topography — Population and 
 Taxables— Elections in Februai-y, 1890— Mis- 
 cellaneous. Borough of ^lisiiTi^Incorpora- 
 tion and First Officers— Elections in Februa- 
 ry, 1890- Lumber Interests— Goodyear Rail- 
 road System— School and Church— Societies 
 —Business, etc. Wharton Township— Con- 
 formation— Population, etc.— Early Land 
 Owners — First Assessment, 1831 — First 
 Schools, etc. East Forlt, (Oleona)—A Wil- 
 derness—Residents, Streams, etc 1110-1121 
 
 CHAPTER XX.— Stewardson, Sweden 
 AND West Branch Townships.— Stew- 
 ardson Township— Streams— Valuations in 
 1845— Residents at that Date— Ole Bull and 
 His Colonization Scheme — Some First 
 Tilings— Elections In February, 1890. Swe- 
 den Tow7Uhm—Its Elevation, Population, 
 etc.— Some First Settlers, etc.— Churches 
 and Cemetery— Business— Elections in Feb- 
 ruai-y, 1890. West Branch Toiimship— Some 
 Geological Curiosities— Taxables and Popu- 
 lation — Cliurch — School — Business — Elec- 
 tioHsin February, 1890 „ 1121-1127 
 
CONTENTS. 
 
 XIII 
 
 CHAPTER XXI.— Roulette Tom-nship.— 
 Topography and Xatui-al Advantages— Pop- 
 ulation In 1880 — Taxables In 1831— Early 
 Names— The Germans— Primitive Prices- 
 Early Baptists — Industries— Schools— Mis- 
 cellaneous— Elections in February, 1890— 
 Village of Roulette- Its School, Business, 
 etc.— Floods— Societies 1127-1130 
 
 CHAPTER XXII.— Shaeon Township.— 
 Geological and Geographical— The Boulders 
 ValuaDle Stone — Nature's Freaks— Relics — 
 Petroleum Interest— Population— Tax-pay- 
 ers of 1832— Some First Settlers and Tlieir 
 Privations— First Store and School— Ste- 
 vens, the Wild Boy— Villages— Miscellane- 
 ous 1130-1135 
 
 CHAPTER XXIII.— Ulysses Township- 
 Borough OF Levvisville. — Ultjsses 
 ToumsMp—VmoB. of Ulysses and Jackson 
 TownsMps— General Topography— Popular 
 tlon — Assessments— Origmal Settlers— Some 
 First Things— Elections in February, 1890— 
 Villages. Borough of Levnsville — Location 
 and Population — Municipal Matters — 
 Churches— Societies and Associations— Ho- 
 tels— General Business— MisceUaneous . 1136-1141 
 
 CHAPTER XXIV.-Biographical''^' 
 Sketches.— Eulalia Township and 
 Borough of Coudeespoet 1U2-1179 
 
 CHAPTER XXV.-Biogeaphioal Sketch- 
 es.— Sharon, OswAYO AND Genesee 
 Townships 1179-1197 
 
 CHAPTER XXVI.-Biographical 
 Sketches.— Bingham and Harrison 
 Townships 1197-1217 
 
 CHAPTER XXVII.-B iogeaphical 
 Sketches.— H e c t o R, Pike, "West 
 Branch, Abbot and Stewaedson 
 Townships 1218-1227 
 
 CHAPTER XXVIII.-B iogeaphical 
 Sketches.— Ulysses Township and 
 
 BOEOUGH of LeWISVILLE, ALLEGHENY, 
 
 Hebron, Claea and Pleasant Val- 
 ley Townships 1228-1261 
 
 CHAPTER XXIX. — Biographical 
 Sketches.— Roulette, Homee, Por- 
 tage (AND Borough of Austin) and 
 Wharton Townships 1251-126I 
 
 JBiograpTiioal Slc&tclies. 
 
 Abbot Township 1225 
 
 Allegheny Townsliip 1243 
 
 Bingham Township 1197 
 
 Clara Township 1249 
 
 Eulalia Township and Borough of Couders- 
 
 port 1142 
 
 Genesee Township 1193 
 
 Harrison Township 1204 
 
 Hebron Tovmship 1247 
 
 Hector Township 1218 
 
 Homer Township 1257 
 
 Oswayo Township 1189 
 
 Pilce Township 1222 
 
 Pleasant Valley Township 1250 
 
 Portage Townsliip and Borough of Austin .... 1257 
 
 Roulette Township 1251 
 
 Sharon Township 1179 
 
 Stewardsou Township 1227 
 
 Ulysses Township and Borough of Lewisvllle.1228 
 
 West Branch Township 1225 
 
 Wharton Township 1260 
 
 I*ortraits. 
 
 Benson, Isaac 995 
 
 Cobb, A. H 1105 
 
 Cobb, L. H 1095 
 
 Dent, H. H 1046 
 
 Dodge, George W 1075 
 
 Jones, Arch. F 1025 
 
 Jones, W. K 1035 
 
 Knox, F. W 1015 
 
 Knox, F. W. (view of residence) facing 1015 
 
 Larrabee, D. C 1005 
 
 Lyman, A. G 1116 
 
 Nichols, Rodney L 1085 
 
 Olmsted, A. G 985 
 
 Spafford, J. M 1055 
 
 Tucker, A. J 1126 
 
 Tuclcer, A. J. & Co. (view of tannery), facing 1125 
 White, R.L 1065 
 
 A/iscellaneous. 
 
 Outline map of McKean, Potter, Cameron, Elk, Forest and Warren Counties 14 and 15 
 
 Table shovring the vote of Governors of Pennsylvania since the organization of the State 47 
 
 Map showing the various purchases from the Indians 48 
 
Manama 
 
 "CoTumbua P.O. 
 
 UMGUSi 
 
 tplumbus Station i\ - 
 
 I 
 
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 James^ 
 
 Preweburgh 
 
 Onoville 
 
 
 Kea HouBe 
 
 Limesn 
 
 '^ ■■ ~ ~ " -" ' ojyAoMijy Sta. y^^ ^^^ 
 
 , n ,, - , „ .^ - .i'-Ji— r,---i\:^ ' '>iXast sine Grovi 
 
 I n S U G A R ■ o or faiiikr F.O.\(ir^ ! /-^ 
 
 LD.^- :;FARMIN(T0Nip,NE?fGR0VE,iEO™i; _^, 
 
 QjjBussell' /J 7 \ "-VJ^ — Stilri to*"" 8 ^'^ <S',Of'<lf 4 
 
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 Ludlow \f\ I E / II R ^u 
 
 Rand. McNanv 
 
IJanction 
 
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 li Ailon Sta/VSl---^ 
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 KBsaeiaB ^ 
 tllamsvi1|ei 
 
 Tr«t^,.ff;(LlV " ° " * "i H A;? R I S N^ 
 
 saerville 'SWgostdlo \( 
 
 \b ti/uhfi. 
 
 oj Gre^feujo 
 
 Hexviil 
 
 ■nr8Zcysi;iZZe 
 
 :ys!^s T. 0. or /^t%. 
 
 oj^ewt svUleZBorougf^ i ^ 
 
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 OJeorea 
 
 r. 0. 
 
 E W A 
 
 r-'" Walhal 
 
 .OtjlOSOQ I 
 
 Blatk Fflresv 
 
 'ro85 Forks J \J ^y 
 
 OUTLINE MAP 
 
 OF 
 
 McKEAN, 
 POTTER, 
 CAMERON, 
 ELK, 
 
 FOREST, and 
 WARREN COUNTIES, 
 
 PENNSYLVANIA. 
 
 inters and Engravers, Chicaga 
 

INTRODUCTOEY. 
 
 HISTORY OF PENNSYLVANIA. 
 
 First Settlers along the Delaware— WiLLLut Penn-His Early Diffi- 
 culties-Dissensions IN the Colony-Pbnn's Second Visit to the 
 Province— Accession of Governor Keith-French and Indian AVar- 
 i^RANKLiNs Mission to England— The Boundary Line— Struggle for 
 Independence— Convention of 1787-Constitution of 1790-AVnisKY 
 Insurrectiox-Stone Coal— Convention of 1837-Pennsylvania in the 
 WAR OF THE Rebellion- Subsequent Events. 
 
 ^HE region which is now known as Pennsylvania was, prior to the coming 
 X of Eui-opeans, a vast forest, inhabited by its native Indians. The uncer- 
 tain traditions which these people have preserved of themselves have often 
 been recorded, and their sad history since the advent of the white man is 
 well known. 
 
 Early in the seventeenth century the region watered by the Delaware river 
 was visited by Dutch traders. Such was their success that posts were estab- 
 lished and trade was kept up during some years. They did not seek to estab- 
 lish colonies for the cultivation of the soil, but limited themselves to the 
 profitable exchange of commodities with the natives. They were followed by 
 the Swedes, who established settlements along the river and brought hither 
 the habits of industry and thrift in which they had been reared at home. Be- 
 tween the Swedes and the Dutch arose conflicts of authority and hostilities 
 which finally resulted in the subjugation of the former. The Dutch were in 
 turn dispossessed by the diplomacy and arms of the aggressive English, who 
 became masters of the territory along the Delaware in 1664. 
 
 William Penn became a trustee and finally a part owner of West New 
 Jersey, which was colonized by Quakers in 1675. To his father. Admiral 
 Penn, was due, at his death, the sum of £16,000 for services rendered the 
 English government. The son petitioned to Charles II to grant him, in liqui- 
 dation of this debt, a tract of land in America lying north of Maryland, 
 bounded east by the Delaware river, on the west limited as Maryland, and 
 northward to extend as far as plantable. 
 
 The charter of King Charles II was dated April 2, 1681, and other grants 
 to lands south from the territory originally conveyed were procured in 1682. 
 Not being in readiness to go to his province during the first year, he dis- 
 patched three ship-loads of settlers, and with them sent his cousin, William 
 Markham, to take formal possession of the country and act as deputy- governor. 
 It is hardly necessary to say that these settlers were of the then proscribed sect of 
 Quakers. Having made the necessary preparations and settled his afPairs in 
 England, Penn embarked on the ship "Welcome," in August, 1682, in com- 
 pany with a hundred planters, and set his prow toward the new world. He 
 arrived at New Castle in October, and on the site of Philadelphia in November 
 of that year. The arrival of Markham and Penn, with their colonists, on the 
 west bank o^ the Delaware was the inauguration of a new regime there; that 
 of the people who had never before enjoyed such a measure of self government. 
 
18 HISTOBY OF PENNSYLVANIA. 
 
 By reason of ignorance of the geography of this country the language of 
 royal grants was often ambiguous, and sometimes the descriptions covered ter- 
 ritory that had been previously granted. Conflicts of claims then arose that 
 were sometimes difficult of settlement. Soon after his arrival Penn learned of 
 such a conflict in the claims of himself and Lord Baltimore, and he visited the 
 latter to adjust the matter, if possible. In this he was not successful. Sub- 
 sequent attempts to negotiate also failed, and finally Penn proposed to pay 
 Lord Baltimore for territory which he had already purchased from the crown. 
 This Lord Baltimore refused, and soon afterward made forcible entry on the 
 lands claimed, and drove oif those who had purchased from Penn. The latter 
 also learned that secret and ex-parte representations of the case had been made 
 to the lords of the committee of plantations in England, and he decided to 
 return and defend his imperiled interests. 
 
 He accordingly empowered the provincial council, of which Thomas Lloyd 
 was president, to act in his stead; commissioned Nicholas Moore, William 
 Welch, William Wood, Eobert Turner and John Eckley provincial judges for 
 two years; appointed Thomas Lloyd, James Claypole and Robert Turner to 
 sign land patents and warrants; and William Clark as justice of the peace for all 
 the counties, and on the 6th of June, 1684, sailed for England, where his efforts 
 were successful, though the boundary line was not definitely fixed till 1766. In 
 his absence the affairs of his province exhibited the great need of his strong 
 guiding hand to check abuse, and direct the course of legislation in proper 
 channels. 
 
 He ,had labored to place the government in the hands of the people, an 
 idea most attractive in the abstract, and one which, were the entire population 
 wise and just, would result fortunately; yet, in practice, he found to his 
 sorrow the results most vexatious. The proprietor had not long been gone 
 before troubles arose between the two houses of the legislature relative to pro- 
 mulgating the laws as not being in accordance with the requirements of the 
 charter. Nicholas Moore, the chief justice, yias impeached for irregularities 
 in imposing fines and in other ways abusing his high trust. But though 
 formally arraigned and directed to desist from exercising his functions, he 
 successfully resisted the proceedings, and a final judgment was never obtained. 
 Patrick Robinson, clerk of the court, for refusing to produce the records in 
 the trial of Moore, was voted a public enemy. These troubles in the govern- 
 ment were the occasion of much grief to Penn, who wrote naming a number 
 of the most influential men in the colony, and beseeching them to unite in an 
 endeavor to check further irregularities, declaring that they disgraced the 
 province, ' ' that their conduct had struck back hundreds, and was ten thousand 
 pounds out of his way, and one hundred thousand pounds out of the country. ' ' 
 
 In the latter part of the year 1686, seeing that the whole council was too 
 unwieldy a body to exercise executive power, Penn determined to contract the 
 number, and accordingly appointed Thomas Lloyd, Nicholas Moore, James 
 Claypole, Robert Turner and John Eckley, any three of whom should consti- 
 tute a quorum, to be commissioners of State to act for the proprietor. In 
 place of Moore and Claypole, Arthur Cook and John Simcock were appointed. 
 They were to compel the attendance of the council; see that the two houses 
 admit of no parley; to abrogate all laws except the fundamentals; to dismiss 
 the assembly and call a new one; and finally he solemnly admonishes them: 
 "Be most just, as in the sight of the all-seeing, all-searching God." In a 
 letter to these commissioners he says: "Three things occur to me eminently: 
 First, that you be watchful that none abuse the king, etc. ; secondly, that you 
 get the custom act revived as being the equalest and least offeiisive way to 
 
HISTORY OF PENNSYLVANIA. 19 
 
 support the government; thirdly, that you retrieve the dignity of courts and 
 
 sessions." 
 
 Thomas Lloyd acted as president of the council after the departure of 
 Penn. At his own request he was relieved, and Samuel Carpenter was ap- 
 pointed m his place, with Thomas Ellis as alternate. July 27, 1688, Penn 
 commissioned John Blackwell, who was at that time in New England, and 
 who possessed his esteem and confidence, to be lieutenant-governor. With the 
 commission the proprietor sent full instructions, chiefly by way of caution, the 
 last one being: " Eule the meek meekly; and those that will not be ruled, rule 
 with authority." Though Lloyd had been relieved of power, he still remained 
 in the council, probably because neither of the persons designated was willing 
 to serve. Having seen the evils of a many-headed executive, he had recom- 
 mended the appointment of one person to exercise executive authority. It was 
 in conformity with this advice that Blackwell was appointed. He met the 
 assembly in March, 1689; but either his conceptions of business were arbitrary 
 and imperiovis, or the assembly had become accustomed to great latitude and 
 lax discipline, for the business had not proceeded far before the several 
 branches of the government were at variance. Lloyd refused to give up the 
 great seal, alleging that it had been given him for life. The governor, arbi- 
 trarily and without warrant of law, imprisoned oificers of high rank, denied 
 the validity of all laws passed by the assembly previous to his administration, 
 and set on foot a project for organizing and equipping the militia under the 
 plea of threatened hostility of France. The assembly attempted to arrest his 
 proceedings, but he shrewdly evaded their intents by organizing a party among 
 the members, who persistently absented themselves. His reign was short, for 
 in January, 1690, he left the colony and sailed away for England; whereupon 
 the government again devolved upon the council, Thomas Lloyd, president. 
 Penn had a high estimation of the talents and integrity of Blackwell, and 
 adds : " He is in England and Ireland of great repute for ability, integrity and 
 virtue. ' ' 
 
 Penn's favor at court during the reign of James II caused him to be 
 suspected of disloyalty to the government when William and Mary had come 
 to the throne. He was three times arraigned before the lords of the council, 
 but was each time acquitted. He organized a large party of settlers for his 
 colony, but a great accusation compelled him to abandon the voyage, and in- 
 duced him to go into retirement for two or three years. His personal griev- 
 ances in England were the least which he suffered. For lack of guiding 
 influence, bitter dissensions had sprung up in his colony, which threatened the 
 loss of all. Desiring to secure peace, he had commissioned Thomas Lloyd 
 deputy -governor of the province, and William Markham deputy-governor of 
 the lower counties. Penn's grief on account of this division is disclosed in a 
 letter to a friend in the province: "I left it to them to choose either the gov- 
 ernment of the council, five commissioners, or a deputy. What could be 
 tenderer ? Now I perceive Thomas Lloyd is chosen by the three upper, but 
 not the three lower, counties, and sits down with this broken choice. This 
 has grieved and wounded me and mine, I fear, to the hazard of all ! * * * 
 for else the governor of New York is like to have all, if he has it not already." 
 But the troubles of Penn in America were not confined to civil aft'airs. 
 His religious society was torn with dissension. George Keith, a man of con- 
 siderable power in argumentation, but of over-weaning self-conceit, attacked 
 the Friends for the laxity of their discipline, and drew off some followers. So 
 venomous did he become that on the 20th of April, 1692, a testimony of 
 denial was drawn up against him at a meeting of ministers, wherein he and his 
 
20 HISTORY OP PENNSYLVANIA. 
 
 conduct were publicly disowned. This was confirmed at the next yearly meet- 
 ' ing. He drew off large numbers and set up an independent society, who 
 termed themselves Christian Quakers. Keith appealed from this action of the 
 American church to the yearly meeting in London, but was so intemperate in 
 speech that the action of the American church was confirmed. Penn was 
 silenced, and thrown into retirement in England. It can be readily seen what 
 an excellent opportunity these troubles in America, the separation in the gov- 
 ernment and the schism in the church, gave his enemies to attack him. They 
 represented that he had neglected his colony by remaining in England and 
 meddling with matters in which he had no business; that the colony in conse- 
 quence had fallen into great disorder, and that he should be deprived of his 
 proprietary rights. These complaints had so much weight with William and 
 Mary that on the 21st of October, 1692, they commissioned Benjamin Fletcher, 
 governor of New York, to take the province and territories under his govern- 
 ment. There was another motive operating at this time, more potent than 
 those mentioned above, to induce the king and queen to put the government 
 of Pennsylvania under the governor of New York. The French and Indians 
 from the north were threatening the English. Already the expense for defense 
 had become burdensome to New York. It was believed that to ask aid for the 
 common defense from Penn, with his peace principles, would be fruitless, but 
 that through the influence of Gov. Fletcher, as executive, an appropriation 
 might be secured. » 
 
 Through the kind offices of Lords Eochester, Eanelagh, Sidney and 
 Somers, the Duke of Buckingham and Sir John Trenchard, the king was 
 asked to hear the case of William Penn, against whom no charge was proven, 
 and who would two years before have gone to his colony had he not supposed 
 that he would have been thought to go in defiance of the government. King 
 William answered that William Penn was his old acquaintance as well as 
 theirs, that he might follow his business as freely as ever, and that he had 
 nothing to say to him. Penn was accordingly reinstated in his government by 
 letters patent dated on the 20th of August, 1694, whereupon he commissioned 
 William Markham lieutenant-governor. 
 
 Free from harassing persecutions at last, and in favor at court, Penn deter- 
 mined to remove with his family to Pennsylvania, and now with the expecta- 
 tion of living and dying here. Accordingly in July, 1699, he set sail, and, on 
 account of adverse winds, was three months tossed about upon the ocean. 
 Great joy was everywhere manifested throughout the province at the arrival of 
 the proprietor and his family, fondly believing that he had now come to stay. 
 He met the assembly soon after landing, but, it being an inclement season, he 
 only detained them long enough to pass two measures aimed against piracy 
 and illicit trade, exaggerated reports of which having been spread broadcast 
 through the kingdom had caused him great uneasiness and vexation. In Feb- 
 ruary, 1701, he met the most renowned and powerful of the Indian chieftains 
 from the Potomac to the Onondagas of the Five Nations, and entered into a 
 formal treaty of active friendship with them. 
 
 Several sessions of the Legislature were held in which great harmony pre- 
 vailed, and much attention was given to revising and recomposing the consti- 
 tution. But in the midst of their labors for the improvement of the organic 
 law, intelligence was brought to Penn that a bill had been introduced in the 
 house of lords for reducing all the proprietary goveraments in America to 
 regal ones, under pretense of advancing the prerogative of the crown, and the 
 national advantage. Such of the owners of land in Pennsylvania ' as hap- 
 pened to be in England remonstrated against action upon the bill until Penn 
 
HISTORY OF PENNSYLVANIA. 21 
 
 could return and be heard, and wrote to him urging his immediate coming 
 hither. Though much to his disappointment and sorrow, he determined to go ■ 
 immediately thither. He promptly called a session of the assembly, and in 
 his message to the two houses said: "* * * review again your laws, pro- 
 pose new ones, and you will find me ready to comply with whatsoever may ren- 
 der us happy, by a nearer union of our interests. ' ' " The assembly returned a 
 suitable response, and then proceeded to draw up twenty-one articles. The 
 first related to the appointment of a lieutenant-governor. Penn proposed 
 that the assembly should choose one. But this they declined, preferring that 
 he should appoint one. Little trouble was experienced in settling everything 
 broached, except the union of the province and lower counties. Penn used 
 his best endeavors to reconcile them to the union, but without avail. The new 
 constitution was adopted on the 28th of October, 1701. The instrument pro- 
 vided for the union, but in a supplementary article, evidently granted with 
 great reluctance, it was provided that the province and the territories might be 
 separated at any time within three years. As his last act before leaving, he pre- 
 sented the city of Philadelphia, now grown to be a considerable place, and 
 always an object of his afFectionate regard, with a charter of privileges. As 
 his deputy he appointed Andrew Hamilton, one of the proprietors of East 
 New Jersey, and sometime governor of both East and West Jersey; and for 
 secretary of the province and clerk of the council he selected James Logan, a 
 man of singular urbanity and strength of mind, and withal a scholar. Penn 
 set sail for Europe on the 1st of November, 1701. Soon after his arrival, on 
 the 18th of January, 1702, King William died, and Anne of Denmark suc- 
 ceeded him. 
 
 Gov. Hamilton's administration continued only till December, 1702, when 
 he died. He was earnest in his endeavors to induce the territories to unite 
 with the province, they having as yet not accepted the new charter, alleging 
 that they had three years in which to make their decision, but without success. 
 He also organized a military force, of which George Lowther was commander, 
 for the safety of the colony. The executive authority now devolved upon the 
 council, of which Edward Shippen was president. Conflict of authority, and 
 contention over the due interpretation of some provisions of the new charter, 
 prevented the accomplishment of much, by way of legislation, in the assembly 
 which convened in 1703; though in this body it was finally determined that 
 the lower counties should thereafter act separately in a legislative capacity. 
 The separation proved final, the two bodies never again meeting in common. 
 Though the bill to govern the American colonies by regal authority failed, 
 yet the clamor of those opposed to the proprietary governors was so strong 
 that an act was finally passed requiring the selection of deputies to have the 
 royal assent. Hence, in choosing a successor to Hamilton, he was obliged to 
 consider the queen's wishes. John Evans, a man of parts, of Welsh extraction, 
 only twenty-six years old, a member of the queen's household, and not a 
 Quaker, nor even of exemplary morals, was appointed, who arrived in the col- 
 ony in December, 1703. He was accompanied by William Penn, Jr., who was 
 elected a member of the council, the niimber having been increased by author- 
 ity of the governor, probably with a view to his election. The first care of 
 Evans was to unite the province and the lower counties, though the final sepa- 
 ration had been agreed to. He presented the matter so well that the lower 
 counties, from which the difiiculty had always come, were willing to return to 
 a firm union. But now the provincial- assembly, having become impatient of 
 the obstacles thrown in the way of legislation by the delegates from these coun- 
 ties, was unwilling to receive them. They henceforward remained separate in 
 
22 HISTORY OF PENNSYLVANIA. 
 
 a legislative capacity, though still a part of Pennsylvania, under the claim of 
 Penn, and ruled by the same governor; and thus they continued until th^ 20th 
 of September, 1776, when a constitution was adopted, and they were pro- 
 claimed a separate State under the name of Delaware. During two years of 
 the government of Evans, there was ceaseless discord between the council, 
 headed by the governor and Secretary Logan on the one side, and the assem- 
 bly led by David Lloyd, its speaker, on the other, and little legislation was 
 effected. 
 
 In conjunction with the legislature of the lower counties, Evans was instru- 
 mental in having a law passed for the imposition of a tax on the tonnage of 
 the river, and the erection of a fort near the town of New Castle for compel- 
 ling obedience. This was in direct violation of the fundamental compact, and 
 vexatious to commerce. It was at length forcibly resisted, and its imposition 
 abandoned. His administration was anything but efficient or peaceful, a series 
 of contentions, of charges and counter-charges, having been kept up between 
 the leaders of the two factions, Lloyd and Logan, which he was powerless to 
 properly direct or control. He was relieved in 1709. 
 
 The experience with Gov. Evans led the proprietor to select a more sedate 
 character in his successor. After considering the candidature of his son for a 
 time, the founder finally selected Charles Gookin, who was reputed to be a man 
 of wisdom and prudence, though, as was afterward learned to the sorrow of 
 the colony, he was subject to tits of derangement, which toward the close of 
 his term were exhibited in the most extravagant acts. He had scarcely arrived 
 in the colony before charges were prepared against the late governor, and he 
 was asked to institute criminal proceedings, which he declined. This was the 
 occasion of a renewal of contentions between the governor and his council and 
 the assembly, which continued during the greater part of his administration. 
 In the midst of them, Logan, who was at the head of the council, having de- 
 manded a trial of the charges against him, and failed to secure one, sailed for 
 Europe, where he presented the difficulties experienced in administering the 
 government so strongly, that Penn was seriously inclined to sell his interest in 
 the colony. He had already greatly crippled his estate by expenses he had 
 incurred in making costly presents to the natives and in settling his colony, for 
 which he had received small return. In the year 1707 he had become involved 
 in a suit in chancery with the executors of his former steward, in the course of 
 which he was confined in the Old Bailey during this and a part of the follow- 
 ing year, when he was obliged to mortgage his colony in the sum of £6,600 to 
 relieve himself. Foreseeing the great consequence it would be to the crown 
 to buy the rights of the proprietors of the several English colonies in America 
 before they would grow too powerful, negotiations had been entered into early 
 in the reign of "William and Mary for their purchase, especially the "fine 
 province of Mr. Penn." Borne down by these troubles and by debts and liti- 
 gations at home, Penn seriously entertained the proposition to sell in 1712, 
 and offered it for £20,000. The sum of £12,000 was offered on the part of 
 the crown, which was agreed upon; but before the necessary papers were ex- 
 ecuted, he was stricken down with a'poplexy, by which he was incapacitated 
 for transacting any business, and a stay was put to further proceedings until 
 the queen should order an act of parliament for consummating the purchase. 
 A year before the death of Penn, the lunacy of Gov. Gookin having become 
 troublesome, he was succeeded in the government by Sir William Keith, a 
 Scotchman, who had served as surveyor of customs to the English goverment, 
 in vyhich capacity he had visited Pennsylvania previously, and knew something 
 of its condition. He was a man of dignified and commanding bearing, 
 
HISTOEY OF PENNSYLVANIA. 23 
 
 endowed with cunning, of an accommodating policy, full of faithful promises, 
 and usually found upon the stronger side. Hence, upon his arrival in the 
 colony, he did not summon the assembly immediately, assigning as a reason in 
 his first message that he did not wish to inconvenience the country members 
 by calling them in harvest time. The disposition thus manifested to favor the 
 people, and his advocacy of popular rights on several occasions in opposition 
 to the claims of the proprietor, gave great satisfaction to the popular branch of 
 the legislature, which manifested its appreciation of his conduct by voting him 
 liberal salaries, which had often been withheld from his less accommodating 
 predecessors. By his artful and insinuating policy, he induced the assembly 
 to pass two acts which had previously met witji uncompromising opposition — 
 one to establish a court of equity, with himself as chancellor, (the want of 
 which had been seriously felt), and another for organizing the militia. Though 
 the soil was fruitful and produce was plentiful, yet, for lack of good markets, 
 and on account of the meagerness of the circulating medium, prices were very 
 low, the toil and sweat of the husbandman being little rewarded, and the taxes 
 and payments on land were met with great difficulty. Accordingly, arrange- 
 ments were made for the appointment of inspectors of provisions, who from a 
 conscientious discharge of duty soon caused the Pennsylvania brands of best 
 products to be much sought for, and to command ready sale at highest prices 
 in the West Indies, whither most of the surplus produce was exported. A 
 provision was also made for the issue of a limited amount of paper money, on 
 the establishment of ample securities, which tended to raise the value of the 
 products of the soil and of manufactures, and encourage industry. 
 
 Though Gov. Keith, during the early part of his term, pursued a pacific 
 policy, yet the interminable quarrels which had been kept up between the 
 assembly and council during previous administrations at length broke out 
 with more virulence than ever, and he who in the first flush of power had 
 declared that "he should pass no laws, nor transact anything of moment relat- 
 ing to the public affairs, without the advice and approbation of the council, ' ' 
 took it upon himself finally to act independently of the council, and even went 
 so far as to dismiss the able and trusted representative of the proprietary in- 
 terests, James Logan, president of the council and secretary of the province, 
 from the duties of his high office, and even refused the request of Hannah 
 Penn, the real governor of the province, to reinstate him. This unwarrant- 
 able conduct cost him his dismissal from office in July, 1726. 
 
 Upon the recommendation of Springett Penn, who was now the prospective 
 heir to Pennsylvania, Patrick Gordon was appointed and confirmed lieuten- 
 ant-governor in place of Keith, and arrived in the colony and assumed 
 authority in July,' 1726. He had served in the army, and in his first address 
 to the assembly, which he met in August, he said that as he had been a 
 soldier he knew nothing of the crooked ways of professed politicians, and must 
 rely on a straightforward manner of transacting the duties devolving upon 
 him. George I died in June, 1727, and the assembly at its meeting in Oc- 
 tober prepared and forwarded a congratulatory address to his successor, George 
 II. By the decision of the court in chancery in 1727, Hannah Penn's authority 
 over the colony was at an end, the proprietary interest having descended to 
 John, Eichard and Thomas Penn, the only surviving sons of William Penn, 
 Sr. This period, from the death of Penn in 1718 to 1727, one of the most 
 prosperous in the history of the colony, was familiarly known as the " Eeign 
 of Hannah and the Boys." 
 
 In 1732 Thomas Penn, the youngest son, and two years later John Penn, 
 the eldest, and the only American born, arrived in the province, and wero 
 
2J: HISTORY OF PENNSYLVANIA. 
 
 received with every mark of respect and satisfaction. Soon after the arrival 
 of the latter, news was brought that Lord Baltimore had made application to 
 have the provinces transferred to his colony. A vigorous protest was made 
 against this by Quakers in England, headed by Richard Penn; but lest this 
 protest might prove ineiiectual, John Penn verj"- soon went to England to 
 defend the proprietary rights" at court, and never again returned, he having 
 died a bachelor in 1746. In August, 1736, Gov. Gordon died, deeply lamented 
 as an honest, upright and straightforward executive, a character which he 
 expressed the hope he would be able to maintain when he assumed authority. 
 His term had been one of prosperity, and the colony had grown rapidly in 
 numbers, trade, commerce and manufactures, ship-building especially having 
 assumed extensive proportions. 
 
 James Logan was president of the council, and in effect governor during 
 the two years which elapsed between the death of Gordon and the arrival of 
 his successor. During this period troubles broke out on the Maryland border, 
 west of the Susquehanna. The question of boundary was involved in these 
 difficulties, but the troubles were quelled by an order of the king and council. 
 
 George Thomas, a planter from the West Indies, was appointed governor 
 in 1737, but did not arrive in the colony till the following year. His inter- 
 course with the assembly was not at first harmonious, but became more so on 
 his relinquishment of the coercive policy which he at first adopted. After the 
 death of John Penn, the eldest of the proprietors, he retired from the duties 
 of his ofBce because of declining health. 
 
 Anthony Palmer was president of the council at the time of the withdrawal 
 of Thomas, and became acting governor. He continued at the head of the 
 government about two years. He was a wealthy retired merchant from the 
 West Indies, and had come into the colony in 1708. 
 
 On the 23d of November, 1748, James Hamilton arrived in the colony from 
 England, bearing the commission of lieutenant-governor. He was born in 
 America, a son of Andrew Hamilton, who had for many years been speaker of 
 the assembly. The Indians west of the Susquehanna had complained that set- 
 tlers had come upon their best lands, and were acquiring titles to them, where- 
 as the proprietors had never purchased these lands of them and had no claim 
 to them. The first care of Hamilton was to settle these disputes, and allay 
 the rising excitement of the natives. Eichard Peters, secretary of the colony, 
 a man of great prudence and ability, was sent in company with the Indian 
 interpreter, Conrad Weiser, to remove the intruders. It was firmly and fear- 
 lessly done, the settlers giving up their tracts and the cabins which they had 
 built, and accepting lands on the east side of the river. The hardship was, in 
 many cases, great, but when they were in actual need the secretary gave money 
 and placed them on lands of his own, having secured a tract of two millions 
 of acres. 
 
 But these troubles were of small consequence compared with those that 
 were threatening from the West. The French were determined to occcupy the 
 whole territory drained by the Mississippi, including that on the Ohio, by force 
 of arms, and a body of one hundred and fifty men, of which Washington was 
 second in command, was sent to the support of the settlers there; but the 
 French having the Allegheny river at flood-tide on which to move, and Wash- 
 ington, without means of transportation, having a rugged and mountainous 
 country to overcome, the former first reached the point of destination. Oon- 
 tracceur, the French commander, with 1,000 men and field pieces on a fleet of 
 sixty boats and 300 canoes, dropped down the Allegheny and easily seized the 
 fort then being constructed by the Ohio Company at its mouth, and proceeded 
 
HISTORY OF PENNSYLYAKIA. 25 
 
 to erect there an elaborate work which he called Fort Du Quesne, after the 
 governor-general. Informed of this proceeding, Washington pushed forward, 
 and finding that a detachment of the French was in his immediate neighbor- 
 hood he made a forced march by night, and coming upon them unawares killed 
 and captured the entire party save one. Ten of the French, including their 
 commander, Jumonville, were killed, and twenty-one made prisoners. Col. 
 Fry, the commander of the Americans, died at Will's creek, where the com- 
 mand devolved on Washington. Though re -enforcements had been dispatched 
 from the several colonies in response to the urgent appeals of Washington, 
 none reached him but one company of 100 men under Capt. Mackay, from 
 South. Carolina. Knowing that he was confronting a vastly superior force of 
 the French, well supplied with artillery, he threw up works at a point called 
 the Great Meadows, which he characterizes as a " charming field for an encoun- 
 ter," naming his hastily built fortification Fort Necessity. Stung by the loss 
 of their leader, the French came out in strong force and soon invested the 
 place. Unfortunately one part of Washington's position was easily com- 
 manded by the artillery of the French, which they were not slow in taking 
 advantage of. The action opened on the 3d of July, and was continued until 
 late at night. A capitulation was proposed by the French commander, which 
 ^Vashington reluctantly accepted, seeing all hopes of re-enforcements reaching 
 him cut off, and on the 4th of July marched out with the honors of war and 
 fell back to Fort Cumberland. Gov. Hamilton had strongly recommended, 
 before hostilities opened, that the assembly should provide for defense and 
 establish a line of block-houses along the frontier. But the assembly, while 
 willing to vote money for buying peace from the Indians, and contributions to 
 the British Crown, from which protection was claimed, was unwilling to con- 
 tribute directly for even defensive warfare. In a single year £8,000 were voted 
 to Indian gratuities. The proprietors were appealed to to aid in bearing this 
 burden. But, while they were willing to contribute liberally for defense, they 
 would give nothing for Indian gratuities They sent to the colony cannons 
 to the value of £400. 
 
 In February, 1753, John Penn, grandson, of the founder, son of Richard, 
 arrived in the colony, and as a mark of respect was immediately chosen a mem- 
 ber of the council, and made its president. In consequence of the defeat of 
 Washington at Fort Necessity, Gov. Hamilton convened the assembly in extra 
 session on the 6th of August, at which money was freely voted; but owing to 
 the instructions given by the proprietors to their deputy-governor not to sign 
 any money bill that did not place the whole of the interest at their disposal, 
 the action of the assembly was abortive. 
 
 Finding himself in a false position by the repugnant instructions of the pro- 
 prietors. Gov. Hamilton had given notice in 1753, that at the end of twelve 
 months from its reception, he would resign. Accordingly, in October, 1754, 
 he was succeeded by Robert Hunter Morris, son of Lewis Morris, chief justice 
 of New York and New Jersey, and governor of New Jersey. The son was bred 
 a lawyer, and was for twenty-six years a counselor, and for twenty chief jus- 
 tice of New Jersey. The assembly at its first session voted a money bill for 
 £40,000, bat not having the proviso required by the proprietors it was vetoed. 
 Determined to push military operations, the British government had called 
 early in the year for three thousand volunteers from Pennsylvania, with sub- 
 sistence, camp equipage and transportation, and had sent two regiments of the 
 line, under Gen. Braddock, from Cork, Ireland. Landing at Alexandria, Va., 
 he marched to Frederick, Md., where, finding no supplies of transportation, he 
 halted. The assembly of Pennsylvania had voted to borrow £5,000, on its 
 
26 HISTORY OF PENNSYLVANIA. 
 
 own account, for the use of the crown in prosecuting the campaign, and had 
 sent Franklin, who was then postmaster-general for the colonies, to Braddock 
 to aid in prosecuting the expedition. Finding that the army was stopped for 
 lack of transportation, Franklin returned into Pennsylvania, and by his com- 
 manding iniluence soon secured the necessary wagons and beasts of burden. 
 
 Braddock had formed extravagant plans for his campaign. He would 
 march forward and reduce Fort Du Quesne, thence proceed against Fort 
 Niagara, having conquered which he would close a season of triumphs by the 
 capture of Fort Frontignac. But this is not the first time in warfare that the 
 result of a campaign has failed to realize the promises of the manifesto. Accus- 
 tomed to the discipline of military establishments in old, long settled coun- 
 tries, Braddock had little conception of making war in a wilderness with only 
 Indian trails to move upon, and against wily savages. Washington had advised 
 to push forward with pack-horses, and by rapidity of movement forestall ample 
 preparation. But Braddock had but one way of soldiering, and where roads 
 did not exist for wagons he stopped to fell the forest and construct bridges 
 over streams. The French, who were kept advised of every movement, made 
 ample preparations to receive him. In the meantime Washington fell sick; but 
 intent on being up for the battle, he hastened forward as soon as sufficiently 
 recovered, and only joined the army on the day before the fatal engagement. 
 He had never seen much of the pomp and circumstance of war, and when on 
 the morning of the 9th of July the army of Braddock marched on across the 
 Monongahela, with gay colors flying and martial music awakening the echoes 
 of the forest, he was accustomed in after years to speak of it as the ' ' most 
 magnificent spectacle" that he had ever beheld. But the gay pageant was 
 destined to be of short duration; for the army had only marched a little dis- 
 tance before it fell into an ambuscade skillfully laid by the French and Indians, 
 and the forest resounded with the unearthly whoop of the Indians and the con- 
 tinuous roar of musketry. The advance was checked and thrown into confusion 
 by the French from their well-chosen position, and every tree upon the flanks 
 of the long drawn outline concealed a murderous foe, who with unerring aim 
 picked off the officers. A resolute defense was made and the battle raged with 
 great fury for three hours ; but the fire of the English was ineffectual because 
 directed against an invisible foe. Finally, the mounted officers having all 
 fallen, killed or wounded, except Washington, the survivors being left without 
 leaders were seized with a panic, and "they ran," says Washington, "before 
 the French and Indians like sheep before dogs. ' ' 
 
 Gov. Morris made an earnest appeal to the assembly for money to ward 
 off the impending enemy and protect the settlers, in response to which the 
 assembly voted £50,000; but having no exemption of the proprietor's estates 
 it was rejected by the governor, in accordance with his original instructions. 
 Expeditions undertaken against Nova Scotia and at Grown Point were more 
 fortunate than that before Du Quesne, and the assembly voted £15,000 in 
 bills of credit to aid in defraying the expense. The proprietors sent £5,000 
 as a gratuity, not as any part of expense that could of right be claimed of 
 them. In this pressing emergency, while the governor and assembly were 
 waging a fruitless war of words over money bills, the pen of Franklin was 
 busy in infusing a wholesome sentiment in the minds of the people. In a 
 pamphlet that he issued, which he put in the familiar form of a dialogue, he 
 . answered the objections which had been urged to a legalized militia, and 
 willing to show his devotion by deeds as well as words, he accepted the com- 
 mand upon the frontier. By his exertions a respectable force was raised, and, 
 though in the dead of winter, he commenced the erection of a line of forts 
 
HISTOEY OP PENNSYLVANIA. 27 
 
 and block-houses along the whole range of the Kittatinny hills, from the 
 Delaware to the Potomac, and had them completed and garrisoned with a body 
 sufficient to withstand any force not provided with artillery. In the spring 
 he turned over the command to Col. Clapham, and returning to Philadelphia 
 took his seat in the assembly. The governor now declared war against the 
 Indians, who had established their headquarters thirty miles above Harris' 
 Ferry, on the Susquehanna, and were busy in their work of robbery and 
 devastation, having secured the greater portion of the crops of the previous 
 season of the settlers whom they had killed or driven out. The peace party 
 strongly objected to the course of the governor, and voluntarily going among 
 the Indians induced them to hxirj the hatchet. The assembly which met in 
 May, 1756, prepared a bill with the old clause for taxing the proprietors, as 
 any other citizens, which the governor was forbidden to approve by his instruc- 
 tions, "and the two parties were sharpening their wits for another wrangle 
 over it," when Gov. Morris was superseded by William Denny, who arrived 
 in the colony and assumed authority on the 20th of August, 1756. He was. 
 joyfully and cordially received, escorted through the streets by the regiments 
 of Franklin and Dach6, and royally feasted at the State House. 
 
 But the promise of efficient legislation was broken by an exhibition of the 
 new governor's instructions, which provided that every bill for the emission 
 of money must place the proceeds at the joint disposal of the governor and 
 assembly; paper currency could not be issued in excess of £40,000, nor could 
 existing issues be confirmed unless proprietary rents were paid in sterling 
 money; proprietary lands were permitted to be taxed which had been actually 
 leased, provided that the taxes were paid out of the rents, but the tax could 
 not become a lien upon the land. In the first assembly the contention became 
 as acrimonious as ever. 
 
 The finances of the colony, on account of the repeated failures of the 
 money bills, were in a deplorable condition. Military operations could not 
 be carried on, and vigorous campaigns prosecuted, without ready money. 
 Accordingly, in the first meeting of the assembly after the arrival of the new 
 governor, a bill was passed levying £100,000 on all property alike, real and 
 personal, private and proprietary. This Gov. Denny vetoed. Seeing that 
 money must be had the assembly finally passed a bill exempting the proprie- 
 tary estates, but determined to lay their grievances before the crown. To 
 this end two commissioners, Isaac Norris and Benjamin Franklin, were 
 appointed to proceed to England and beg the interference of the royal govern- 
 ment in their behalf. Failing health and business engagements of Norris 
 prevented his acceptance, and Franklin proceeded alone. He had so often 
 defended the assembly in public, and in drawing remonstrances, that the 
 whole subject was at his fingers' ends. Franklin, upon his arrival in Eng- 
 land, presented the grievances before the proprietors, and that he might get 
 his case before the royal advisers and the British public, wrote frequent 
 articles for the press, and issued a pamphlet entitled ' ' Historical Eeview of 
 the Constitution and Government of Pennsylvania." The dispute was adroitly 
 managed by Franklin before the privy council, and was finally decided sub- 
 stantially in the interest of the assembly. It was provided that the proprie- 
 tors' estates should be taxed, but that their located uncultivated lands should 
 be assessed as low as the lowest uncultivated lands of the settlers; that bills 
 issued by the assembly should be receivable in payment of quit -rents, and 
 that the deputy- governor should have a voice in disposing of the revenues. 
 Thus was a vexed question of long standing finally put to rest. So success- 
 
28 HISTOKY OF PENNSYLVANIA. 
 
 fully had Franklin managed this controversy that the colonies of Massa- 
 chusetts, Maryland and Georgia, appointed him their agent in England. 
 
 In October, 1759, James Hamilton was again appointed governor, in place 
 of Gov. Denny, who had by stress of circumstances transcended his instruc- 
 tions. The British government, considering that the colonies had borne more 
 than their proportionate expense in carrying on the war against the French 
 and Indians, voted £200,000 for five years, to be divided among the colonies, 
 the share falling to Pennsylvania being £26,000. 
 
 The boundary line between Maryland and Pennsylvania had long been in 
 dispute, aad had occasioned serious disturbances among the settlers in the 
 lifetime of Penn, and repeatedly since. It was not definitely settled until 
 1760, when a beginning was made of a final adjustment, though so intricate 
 were the conditions that the work was prosecuted for seven years by a large 
 force of surveyors, as men and pioneers. Finally, the proprietors, Thomas 
 and Eichard Penn, and Frederick, Lord Baltimore, entered into an agreement 
 for the executing of the survey, and John Lukens and Archibald McLean on 
 the part of the Penns, and Thomas Garnett and Jonathan Hall on the part of 
 Lord Baltimore, were appointed with a suitable corps of assistants to lay ofF 
 the lines. After these surveyors had been three years at work, the proprietors 
 in England, thinking that there was not enough energy and practical and 
 scientific knowledge manifested by these surveyors, appointed Charles Mason 
 and Jeremiah Dixon, two mathematicians and surveyors, to proceed to Amer- 
 ica to take charge of the work. They brought with them the most perfect and 
 best constructed instruments known to science, arriving in Philadelphia on the 
 15th of November, 1763, and, assisted by some of the old surveyors, entered 
 upon their work. By the 4th of June, 1766, they had reached the summit of 
 the Little Allegheny, when the Indians began to be troublesome. They looked 
 with an evil eye on the mathematical and astronomical instruments, and felt a 
 secret dread and fear of the consequences of the frequent and long continued 
 peering into the heavens. The Six Nations were understood to be inimical to 
 the further progress of the survey. But through the influence of Sir William 
 Johnson a treaty was concluded, providing for the prosecution of the work 
 unmolested, and a number of chieftains was sent to accompany the surveying 
 party. Mason and Dixon now had with them thirty surveyors, fifteen axmen, 
 and fifteen Indians of consequence. Again the attitude of the Indians gave 
 cause of fear, and, on the 29th of September, twenty-six of the surveyors 
 a,bandoned the .expedition and returned to Philadelphia. Having reached a 
 point two hundred and twenty-four miles from the Delaware, and within thirty- 
 six miles of the western limit of the State, in the bottom of a deep, dark valley 
 they came upon a well-worn Indian path, and here the Indians gave notice that 
 it was the will of the Six Nations that this survey proceed no further. There 
 was no questioning this authority, and no means at command for resisting, and 
 accordingly the party broke up and returned to Philadelphia. And this was 
 the end of the labors of Mason and Dixon upon this boundary. The line was 
 marked by stones which were quarried and engraved in England, on one side 
 having the arms of Penn, and on the opposite those of Lord Baltimore. These 
 stones were firmly set every five miles. At the end of each intermediate mile 
 a smaller stone was placed, having on one side engraved the letter P, and on 
 the opposite the letter M. The remainder of the line was finished and marked 
 in 1782-84 by other surveyors. A vista was cut through the forest eight yards 
 in width the whole distance. In 1849 the stone at the northeast corner of 
 Maryland having been removed, are-survey of the line was ordered, and survey- 
 ors were appointed by the three States of Pennsylvania, Delaware and Marv- 
 
HISTORY OF PENNSYLVANIA. 29 
 
 land, who called to their aid James D. Graham. Some few errors were dis- 
 covered in the old survey, but in the main it was found to be accurate. 
 
 John Penn, one son of Richard, and grandson of the founder, had come to 
 the colony in 1753, and having acted as president of the council, was in 176S 
 commissioned governor in place of Hamilton. 
 
 A difference having arisen between tho governor and assembly on the vexed 
 question of levying money, the assembly passed a series of resolutions advocat- 
 ing that the ' ' powers of government ought to be separated from the power 
 attending the immense proprietary property, and lodged in the hands of the 
 king." After an interval of fifty days — that time for reflection and discussion 
 might be given — the assembly again convened, and adopted a petition praying 
 the king to assume the direct government oi the province, though this policy 
 was strongly opposed by some of the ablest members, as Isaac Norris and John 
 Dickinson. The Quaker element was generally in favor of the change. 
 
 The great struggle for the independence of the colonies of the British 
 crown was now close at hand, and the first sounds of the .controversy were be- 
 ginning to be heard. Sir William Keith, that enterprising governor whose 
 head seemed to have been full of new projects, as early as 1739 had proposed 
 to lay a uniform tax on stamped paper in all the colonies, to realize funds for 
 the common defense. Acting upon this hint, Grenville, the British minister, 
 notified the colonists in 1763 of his purpose to impose such a tax. Against 
 this they remonstrated. Instead of this, a tax on imports to be paid in coin 
 was adopted. This was even more distasteful. The assembly of Rhode Island, 
 in October, 1765, submitted a paper to all the colonial assemblies with a view 
 to uniting in a common petition to the king against parliamentary taxation. 
 This was favorably acted on by the assembly of Pennsylvania, and Franklin 
 was appointed agent to represent their cause before the British parliament. 
 The stamp act had been passed on the 22d of March, 1765. Its passage ex- 
 cited bitter opposition, and a resohition asserting that the colonial assemblies 
 had the exclusive right to levy taxes was passed by the Virginia assembly, and 
 concurred in by all the others. The Massachusetts assembly proposed a meeting 
 of delegates in New York on the second Tuesday of October, 1765, to confer 
 upon the subject. The Pennsylvania assembly adopted the suggestion, and 
 appointed Messrs. Fox, Morton, Bryan and Dickinson as delegates. This 
 congress met according to the call and adopted a respectful petition to the 
 king, and a memorial to parliament, which were signed by all the members 
 and forwarded for presentation by the colonial agents in England. The stamp 
 act was to go into effect on the 1st of November. On the last day of October, th& 
 newspapers were dressed in mourning, and suspended publication. The pub- 
 lishers agreed not to use the stamped paper. The people, as with one mind, 
 determined to dress in homespun, resolved not to use imported goods, and to 
 stimulate the production of wool the colonists covenanted not to eat lamb for 
 the space of one year. The result of this policy was soon felt by British man- 
 ufacturers, who became clamorous for repeal of the obnoxious measure, and it 
 was accordingly repealed on the 18th of March, 1766. 
 
 Determined in some form to draw a revenue from the colonies, an act was 
 passed in 1767 to impose a duty on tea, paper, printers' colors and glass. The 
 assembly of Pennsylvania passed a resolution on the 20th of February, 1768, 
 instructing its agent in London to urge its repeal, and at the session in May 
 received and entered upon its minutes a circular letter from the Massachusetts 
 assembly, setting forth the grounds on which objection to the act should be 
 urged. This circular occasioned hostile feeling among the ministry, and the 
 secretary for foreign affairs wrote to Gov. Penn to urge the assembly to take 
 
30 HISTOBY OF PENNSYLVANIA. 
 
 no notice of it; but if they approved its sentiments, to prorogue their sittings. 
 This letter was transmitted to the assembly, and soon after one from the Vir- 
 ginia assembly was presented, urging union of all the colonies in opposing the 
 several schemes of taxation. This recommendation was adopted, and com- 
 mittees appointed to draw a petition to the king and to each of the houses of 
 parliament. To lead public sentiment, and have it well grounded in the argu- 
 ments used against taxation, John Dickinson, one of the ablest of the Pennsyl- 
 vania legislators, at this time published a number of articles purporting to 
 come from a plain farmer, under the title of " Farmer's Letters," which be- 
 came popular, the idea that they were the work of one in humble life helping 
 to swell the tide of popularity. They were republished in all the colonies, and 
 exerted a commanding influence. * Alarmed at the unanimity of feelings 
 against the proposed schemes, and supposing that it was the amount of the 
 tax that gave offense, parliament reduced the rate of 1769 to one-sixth of the 
 original sum, and in 1770 abolished it altogether, except threepence a pound on 
 tea. But it was the principle and not the amount that was objected to, and 
 at the next session of the assembly in Pennsylvania their agent in London 
 was directed to urge its repeal altogether. 
 
 liichard Penn, son of the founder, died in 1771, whereupon Gov. John 
 Penn returned to England, leaving the president of the council, James Ham- 
 ilton, at the head of the government. John Penn, eldest son of Richard, suc- 
 ceeded to the proprietary interests of his father, which he held in conjunction 
 with his uncle, Thomas, and in October of the same year, Richard, the second 
 son, was commissioned governor. He held the office but about two years, and 
 in that time won the confidence and esteem of the people; and so much 
 attached was he to the popular cause that upon his return to England, in 1775, 
 he was intrusted by congress with the last petition of the colonies ever pre- 
 sented to the king. In August, 1773, John Penu returned with the commis- 
 sion of governor, superseding his brother Richard. 
 
 To encourage the sale of tea in the colonies and establish the principle of 
 taxation the export duty was removed. The colonies took the alarm. At a 
 public meeting called in Philadelphia to consider the subject, 6n the 18th of 
 October, 1773, resolutions were adopted in which it was declared: " That the 
 disposal of their own property is the inherent right of freemen; that there can 
 be no property in that which another can, of right, take from us without our 
 consent; that the claim of parliament to tax America is, in other words, a 
 claim of right to levy contributions on us at pleasure. ' ' The East India Com- 
 ' pany now made preparations for sending large importations of tea into the colo- 
 nies. The ships destined for Philadelphia and New York, on approaching port 
 and being advised of the exasperated state of public feeling, returned to 
 England with their cargoes. Those sent to Boston came into the harbor; but 
 at night a party disguised as Mohawk Indians boarded the vessels, and break- 
 ing open the packages emptied three hundred chests into the sea. The min- 
 istry, on being apprised of this act, closed the port of Boston, and subverted 
 the colonial charter. Early in the year committees of correspondence had 
 been established in all the colonies by means of which the temper and feeling 
 in each were well understood by the others, and concert of action was secured. 
 The hard conditions imposed on the town of Boston and the colony of Massa- 
 chusetts Bay aroused the sympathy of all; "for," they argued, "we know 
 not how soon the heavy hand of oppression may be felt by any of us. " At a 
 meeting held in Philadelphia on the 18th of June, 1774, at which nearly eight 
 thousand people were convened, it was decided that a continental congress 
 ought to be held, and appointed a committee of correspondence to communi- 
 
HISTOEY OP PENNSYLVANIA. 31 
 
 cate with similar committees in the several counties of Pennsylvania and in the 
 several colonies. On the 15th of July, 1774, delegates from all the counties, 
 summoned by this committee, assembled in Philadelphia, and declared that 
 there existed an absolute necessity for a colonial congress. They accordingly 
 recommended that the assembly appoint delegates to such a congress to repre- 
 sent Pennsylvania, and Joseph Galloway, Samuel Ehoads, George Ross, 
 Edward Biddle, John Dickinson, Charles Humphries and Thomas Mifflin were 
 appointed. 
 
 On the 4th of September, 1774, the first continental congress assembled in 
 Philadelphia. Peyton Eandolph, of Virginia, was called to preside, and 
 Charles Thomson, of Pennsylvania, was appointed secretary. It was resolved 
 that no more goods be imported from England, and that unless a pacification 
 was effected previously no more colonial produce of the soil be exported thither 
 after September 10, 1775. A declaration of rights was adopted, and addresses 
 to the king, the people of Great Britain and of British America were agreed 
 to, after which the congress adjourned to meet again on the 10th of May, 1775, 
 In January, same year, another meeting of the county delegates was held 
 in Philadelphia, at which the action of the colonial congress was approved, 
 and while a restoration of harmony with the mother country was desired, yet, if 
 the arbitrary acts of parliament were persisted in, they would at every hazard 
 defend the ' ' rights and liberties of America. ' ' The delegates appointed to 
 represent the colony in the second congress were Mifflin, Humphries, Biddle, 
 Dickinson, Morton, Franklin, Wilson and Willing. 
 
 The government of Great Britain had determined with a strong hand to 
 compel obedience to its behests. On the 19th of April, 1775, was fought the 
 battle of Lexington, a blow that was felt alike through all the colonies. The 
 cause of one was the cause of all. A public meeting was held in Philadelphia, 
 at which it was resolved to organize military companies in all the counties. 
 The assembly heartily seconded these views, and engaged to provide for the 
 pay of the militia while in service. The second congress, which met in May, 
 provided for organizing a Continental army, fixing the quota for Pennsylvania 
 at 4,300 men. The assembly adopted the recommendation of congress, pro- 
 vided for arming, disciplining and paying the militia, recommended the organ- 
 izing of minutemen for service in an emergency, made appropriations for the 
 defense of the city, and offered a premium on the production of saltpetre. 
 Complications hourly thickened. Ticonderoga was captured on the 10th of 
 May, and the battle of Bunker Hill was fought on the 17th of June. On the 
 15th of June George Washington was appointed commander-in-chief of the 
 continental army, supported by four major-generals and eight brigadiers. 
 
 The royal governors were now an incumbrance greatly in the way of the 
 popular movement, as were also the assemblies where they refused to repre- 
 sent the popular will. Accordingly, congress recommended that the several 
 colonies should adopt such government as should "best conduce to the hap- 
 piness and safety of their constituents in particular and America in general." 
 This meant that each colony should set up a government for itself, independent 
 of the crown. Accordingly, a public meeting was held in Philadelphia, at 
 which it was resolved that the present assembly is "not competent to the 
 present exigencies of affairs," and that a new form of government ought to be 
 adopted as recommended by congress. The city committee of correspondence 
 called on the county committee to secure the election of delegates to a colonial 
 meeting for the purpose of considering this subject. On the 18th of June the 
 meeting was held in Philadelphia, and was organized by electing Thomas 
 McKean president. It resolved to call a convention to frame a new constitu- 
 
32 HISTORY OF PENNSYLVANIA. 
 
 tion, provided the legal forms to be observed, and issued an address to the peo- 
 ple. The convention for framing a new constitution for the colony met on the 
 15th of July, and was organized by electing Franklin president, and on the 
 28th of September completed its labors, having framed a new organic law and 
 made all necessary provisions for putting it into operation. In the meantime 
 the old proprietary assembly adjourned on the 14th of June, to the 26th 
 of August. But a quorum failed to appear, and an adjournment was had to 
 the 23d of September, when some routine business was attended to, chiefly 
 providing for the payment of salaries and necessary bills, and on the 28th of 
 September, after a stormy existence of nearly a century, this assembly, the 
 creature of Penn, adjourned, never to meet again. With the ending of the 
 assembly ended the power of Gov. Penn. 
 
 The titles of the proprietors to landed estates were suspended by the action 
 of the convention, and on the 27th of November, 1779, the legislature passed 
 an act vesting these estates in the commonwealth, but paying the proprietors 
 a gratuity of £130,000, "in remembrance of the enterprising spirit of the 
 founder." This act did not touch the private estates of the proprietors, nor 
 the tenths of manors. The British government in 1790, in consideration of 
 the fact that it had been unable to vindicate its authority over the colony and 
 afford protection to the proprietors in the enjoyment of their chartered rights, 
 voted an annuity of £4, 000 to the heirs and descendants of Penn. This annu- 
 ity was regularly paid until within a few years, when, on the payment of a 
 round sum to the heirs by the British government, the annuity was discon- 
 tinued. 
 
 The convention which framed the constitution appointed a committee of 
 safety, consisting of twenty-five members, to whom was intrusted the govei'n- 
 ment of the colony until the proposed constitution should be framed and put 
 in operation. Thomas Kittenhouse was chosen president of this body, wha 
 was consequently in eifect governor. The new constitution, which was unan- 
 imously adopted on the 28th of September, was to take efPect from its passage. 
 It provided for an assembly to be elected annually; a supreme executive coun- 
 cil of twelve members to be elected for a term of three years; assemblymen ta 
 be eligible but four years out of seven, and councilmen but one term in seven 
 years. Members of congress were chosen by the assembly. The constitution 
 could not be changed for seven years. It provided for the election of censors 
 every seven years, who were to decide whether there was a demand for its 
 revision. If so, they were to call a convention for the purpose. On the 6th 
 of August, 1776, Thomas Wharton, Jr., was chosen president of the council of 
 safety. 
 
 The struggle of the parent country was now fully inaugurated. Parlia- 
 ment had resolved upon a vigorous campaign, to strike heavy and rapid blows, 
 and quickly end the war. The first campaign had been conducted in Massa- 
 chusetts and, by the efficient conduct of Washington, Gen. Howe, the leader 
 of the British, was compelled to capitulate and withdraw to Halifax in March, 
 1776. On the 28th of June Sir Henry Clinton, with a strong detachment in 
 conjunction with Sir Peter Parker of the navy, made a combined land and 
 naval attack upon the defenses of Charleston harbor, where he was met by 
 Gen. William Moultrie, with the Carolina militia, and after a severe battle, in 
 which the British fleet was roughly handled, Clinton withdrew, and returned 
 to New York, whither the main body of the British army, under Gen. Howe, 
 had come, and where Admiral Howe, with a large fleet directly from England, 
 joined them. This formidable power, led by the best talent in the British 
 army, Washington could muster no adequate force to oppose, and he was 
 
HISTORY OF PENNSYLVANIA. 33 
 
 obliged to withdraw from Long Island, from New York, from Harlem, from 
 White Plains, to cross into New Jersey, and abandon position after position 
 until he had reached the right bank of the Delaware on Pennsylvania soil. A 
 heavy detachment under Cornwallis followed, and would have crossed the Del- 
 aware in pursuit, but, advised to a cautious policy by Howe, he waited for ice 
 to form on the waters of the Delaware before passing over. The fall of Phil- 
 adelphia now seemed imiftinent. Washington had not sufScient force to face the 
 whole power of the British army. On the 2d of December the supreme coun- 
 cil ordered all places of business in the city to be closed, the schools dismissed, 
 and advised preparation for removing the women and children and valuables. 
 On the 12th the congress, which was in session here, adjourned to meet in Bal- 
 timore, taking with them all papers and public records, and leaving a committee, 
 of which Eobert Morris was chairman, to act in conjunction with Washington 
 for the safety of the place. Gren. Putnam was dispatched on the same day 
 with a detachment of soldiers to take command in the city. 
 
 Washington, who had from the opening of the campaign before New York 
 been obliged for the most part to act upon the defensive, formed the plan 
 to suddenly turn upon his pursuers and offer battle. Accordingly, on the 
 night of the 25th of December, taking a picked body of men, he moved up 
 several miles to Taylorsville, where he crossed the river, though at flood 
 tide and filled with floating ice, and moving down to Trenton, where a detach- 
 ment of the British army was posted, made a bold and vigorous attack. 
 Taken by surprise, though now after sunrise, the battle was soon decided in 
 favor of the Americans. The victory had a great stragetic value. The British 
 had intended to push forward and occupy Philadelphia at once, which, being 
 now virtually the capital of the new nation, had it been captured at this junct- 
 ure, would have given them the occasion for claiming a triumphal ending of 
 the war. But this advantage, though gained by a detachment small in num- 
 bers yet great in courage, caused the commander of a powerful and well-ap- 
 pointed army to give up all intention of attempting to capture the Pennsyl- 
 vania metropolis in this campaign, and retiring into winter cantonments upon 
 the Raritan to await the settled weather of the spring for an entirely new cast 
 of operations. Washington, emboldened by his success, led all his forces into 
 New Jersey, and pushing past Trenton, where Cornwallis, the royal leader, 
 had brought his main body by a forced march under cover of darkness, at- 
 tacked the British reserves at Princeton. But now the enemy had become wary 
 and vigilant, and, summoned by the booming of cannon, Cornwallis hastened 
 back to the relief of his hard-pressed columns. Washington, finding that the 
 enemy' s whole army was within easy call, and knowing that he had no hope of 
 success with his weak army, withdrew. He now went into winter quarters at 
 Morristown, and by constant vigilance was able to gather marauding parties of 
 the British who ventured far away fi-om their works. 
 
 Putnam commenced fortifications at a point below Philadelphia upon the 
 Delaware and at commanding positions upon the outskirts, and on being sum- 
 moned to the army was succeeded by Gen. Irvine, and he by Gen. Gates. On 
 the 4th of March, 1777, the two houses of the legislature, elected under the 
 new constitution, assembled, and in joint convention chose Thomas Wharton, 
 Jr., president, and George Bryan, vice-president. Penn had expressed the 
 idea that power was preserved the better by due formality and ceremony, and, 
 accordingly, this event was celebrated "with much pomp, the result being de- 
 clared in a loud voice from the court-house, amid the shouts of the gathered 
 throngs and the booming of the captured cannon brought from the field of 
 Trenton. The title bestowed upon the new chief ofiicer of the State was fitted 
 
34 HISTOEY OF PENNSYLVANIA. 
 
 by its length and high-sounding epithets to inspire the multitude with awe and 
 reverence: "His Excellency, Thomas Wharton, Junior, Esquire, President of 
 the Supreme Executive Council of Pennsylvania, Captain-General and Com- 
 mander-in-Chief in and over the same." 
 
 Early in April great activity was observed among the shipping in New 
 York harbor, and Washington communicated to congress his opinion that 
 Philadelphia was the object against which the blow "would be aimed. This 
 announcement of probable peril induced the council to issue a proclamation 
 urging enlistments, and congress ordered the opening of a camp for drilling 
 recruits in Pennsylvania, and Benedict Arnold, who was at this time a trusted 
 general, was appointed to the command of it. So many new vessels and trans- 
 ports of all classes had been discovered to have come into New York harbor, 
 probably forwarded from England, that Washington sent Gen. Mifflin, on the 
 10th of June, to congress, bearing a letter in which he expressed the settled 
 conviction that the enemy meditated an immediate descent upon some part of 
 Pennsylvania. Gen. Mifflin proceeded to examine the defensive works of the 
 city which had been begun on the previous advance of the British, and recom- 
 mended such changes and new works as seemed best adapted for its protec- 
 tion. The preparations for defense were vigorously prosecuted. The militia 
 were called out and placed in two camps, one at Chester and the other at 
 Downington. Eire-ships were held in readiness to be used against vessels at- 
 tempting the ascent of the river. 
 
 Lord Howe, being determined not to move until ample preparations were 
 corripleted, allowed the greater part of the summer to wear away before he ad- 
 vanced. Finally, having embarked his force on a fleet of transports, he sailed 
 southward. Washington promptly made a corresponding march overland, 
 passing through Philadelphia on the 24th of August. Howe, suspecting that 
 preparations would be made for impeding the passage of the Delaware, sailed 
 past its mouth, and moving up the Chesapeake instead debarked fifty-four 
 miles from Philadelphia, and commenced the march northward. Great activity 
 was now manifested in the city. The water- spouts were melted to furnish bul- 
 lets, fair hands were busied in rolling cartridges, powerful chevaux-de-frise 
 were planted to impede the navigation of the river, and the last division of 
 the militia of the city, which had been divided into three classes, was called 
 out. Washington, who had crossed the Brandywine, soon confronted the ad- 
 vance of Howe, and brisk skirmishing at once opened. Seeing that he was 
 likely to have the right of his position at Red Clay creek, where he had 
 intended to give battle, turned by the largely superior force of the enemy, 
 under cover of darkness on the night of the 8th of September, he withdrew 
 across the Brandywine at Chad's Ford, and posting Armstrong with the mili- 
 tia upon the left, at Pyle's Ford, where the banks were rugged and precipitous, 
 and Sullivan, who was second in command, upon the right at Brinton's Ford,^ 
 under cover of forest, he himself took post with three divisions. Sterling's, 
 Stephen's and his own, in front of the main avenue of approach at Chad's. 
 Discovering the strong position which the American army occupied, the Brit- 
 ish general began a maneuver to turn it by a flank movement. Washington, 
 always on the alert, promptly divined the enemy's intentions, and ordered 
 Gen. Sullivan to counteract the movement by flanking the flankers, while he 
 held his immediate command ready to attack the main force while in confusion. 
 The plan was ruined, however, by Sullivan' s failure to obey orders, and Wash- 
 ington had no alternative but to remain in position and make the best dispo-' 
 sition that time would permit. His main body with the force of Sullivan took 
 position along the brow of the hill on which stands the Birmingham meeting- 
 
HISTOBY OF PENNSYLVANIA. 3g 
 
 house, and the battle opened and was pushed with vigor the whole day. Over- 
 borne by numbers, and weakened by losses, Washington was obliged to retire, 
 leaving the enemy in possession of the field. 
 
 Congress remained in Philadelphia while these military operations were 
 going on at its very doors, but on the 18th of September adjournei to meet at 
 Lancaster, though subsequently, on the 30th, it removed across the Susque- 
 hanna to York, where it remained in session till after the evacuation in the 
 following summer. The council remained until two days before the fall of the 
 city, when, having dispatched the records of the loan oflace and the more valu- 
 able papers to Easton, it adjourned to Lancaster. On the 26th the British 
 army entered the city. Deborah Logan in her memoir says : ' ' The army 
 marched in and took possession of the city in the morning. We were upstairs 
 and saw them pass the State House. They looked well, clean and well clad, 
 and the contrast between them and oiir own poor, bare-footed, ragged troops 
 was very great, and caused a feeling of despair. * * * * Early in the 
 afternoon Lord Cornwallis' suite arrived and took possession of my mother's 
 house." 
 
 The army of Washington, after being recruited and put in light marching 
 order, was led to Germantown, where on the morning of the 3d of October the 
 enemy was met. A heavy fog that morning had obscured friend and foe alike, 
 occasioning confusion in the ranks and, though the opening promised well and 
 some progress was made, yet the enemy was too strong to be moved, and the 
 American leader was forced to retire to his camp at White Marsh. Though 
 the river had now been opened and the city was thoroughly fortified for resist 
 ing attack, yet Howe felt not quite easy in having the American army quar- 
 tered in so close striking distance, and accordingly on the 4th of December, 
 with nearly his entire army, moved out, intending to take Washington at 
 White Marsh, sixteen miles away, by surprise, and by rapidity of action gain 
 an easy victory. But by the heroism and fidelity of Lydia Darrah, who as she 
 had often done before passed the guards to go to the mill for flour, the news 
 of the coming of Howe was communicated to Washington, who was prepared 
 to receive him. Finding that he could effect nothing, Howe returned to the 
 city, having had the wearisome march at this wintry season without effect, 
 Washington now crossed the Schuylkill, and went into winter quarters at Val- 
 ley Forge. The cold of that winter was intense; the troops, half -clad and 
 indifferently fed, suffered severely, the prints of their naked feet in frost and 
 snow being often tinted with patriot blood. Grown impatient of the small 
 results from the immensely expensive campaigns carried on across the ocean, 
 the ministry relieved Lord Howe and appointed Sir Henry Clinton to the chief 
 command. 
 
 The commissioners whom congress had sent to France early in the fall of 
 1776 — Franklin, Dean and Lee — had been busy in making interest for the 
 united colonies at the French court, and so successful were they that arms and 
 ammunition and loans of money were procured from time to time. Finally, a 
 convention was concluded by which France agreed to use the royal army and 
 navy as faithful allies of the Americans against the English. Accordingly, a 
 fleet of four powerful frigates and twelve ships were dispatched under com- 
 mand of the Count D'Estaing to shut up the British fleet in the Delaware. 
 The plan was ingenious, particularly worthy of the long head of Franklin. 
 But intelligence of the sailing of the French fleet reaching the English cabinet; 
 they immediately ordered the evacuation of the Delaware, whereupon the 
 admiral weighed anchor and sailed away with his entire fleet to New York, 
 
3() HISTOliY OF PENNSYLVANIA. 
 
 and D'Estaing, upon his arrival at the mouth of the Delaware, found that the 
 bird had flown. 
 
 Clinton evacuated Philadelphia, and moved across New Jersey in the direc- 
 tion of New York. Washington closely followed, and came up with the enemy 
 on the plains of Monmouth, on the 28th of June, 1778, where a sanguinary 
 battle was fought which lasted the whole day, resulting in the triumph of the 
 American arms, and Pennsylvania was rid of British troops. The enemy was 
 no sooner well away from the city than congress returned from New York and 
 resumed its sittings in its former quarters, June 24, 1778, and on the following 
 day the colonial legislature returned from Lancaster. Gen. Arnold, who was 
 disabled from field duty by a wound received at Saratoga, was given command 
 in the city, and marched in with a regiment on the day following the evacua- 
 tion. On the 23d of May, 1778, President Wharton died suddenly of quinsy, 
 while in attendance upon the council at Lancaster, when George Bryan, the 
 vice-president, became the acting president. Bryan was a philanthropist in 
 deed as well as in word. TJp to this time African slavery had been tolerated 
 in the colony. In his message .of the 9th of November, he said: "This or 
 some better scheme would tend to abrogate slavery, the opprobrium of Amer- 
 ica, from among us. * * * in divesting the State of slaves, you will 
 equally serve the cause of humanity and policy, and offer to God one of the 
 most proper and best returns of gratitude for His great deliverance of us and 
 our posterity from thraldom; you will also set your character for justice and 
 benevolence in the true point of view to Europe, who are astonished to see a 
 people eager for liberty holding negroes in bondage." He perfected a bill 
 for the extinguishment of claims to slaves, which was passed by the assembly, 
 March 1, 1780, by a vote of thirty-four to eighteen, providing that no child 
 of slave parents born after that date should be a slave, but a servant till the 
 age of twenty-eight years, when all claim for service should end. Thus by 
 simple enactment, resolutely pressed by Bryan, was slavery forever rooted out 
 of Pennsylvania. 
 
 At the election held for president, the choice fell upon Joseph Eeed, with 
 George Bryan, vice-president, subsequently Matthew Smith, and finally Will- 
 iam Moore. Reed was an erudite lawyer, and had held the position of private 
 secretary to Washington, and subsequently that of adjutant-general in the 
 army. He was inaugurated on the 1st of December, 1778. William Moore 
 was elected president to succeed Joseph Eeed, from November 1-1, 1781, but 
 held the office less than one yoar, the term of three years for which he had 
 been a councilman having expired, which was the limit of service. James 
 Potter was chosen vice-president. In the State election of 1782, contested 
 with great violence, John Dickinson was chosen president, and James Ewing, 
 vice-president. On the 12th of March, 1783, intelligence was first received 
 of the signing of the preliminary treaty in which independence was ac- 
 knowledged, and on the 11th of April congress sent forth the joyful procla- 
 mation ordering a cessation of hostilities. The soldiers of Burgoyne, who had 
 been confined in the prison camp at Lancaster, were put upon the march for 
 New York, passing through Philadelphia on the way. Everywhere was joy 
 unspeakable. The obstructions were removed from the Delaware, and the 
 white wings of commerce again came fluttering on every breeze. 
 
 In September, 1785, after a long absence in the service of his country 
 abroad, perfecting treaties and otherwise establishing just relations with other 
 nations, the venerable Benjamin Franklin, than nearly eighty years old, feel- 
 ing the infirmities of age coming upon him, asked to be relieved of the duties 
 of minister at the court of France, and returned to Philadelphia. Soon after 
 
HISTOKY OF PENNSYLVANIA. 37 
 
 his an-ival be was elected president of the council." Charles Biddle was elected 
 vice-president. In May, 1787, a convention to frame a constitution for the 
 United States met at Philadelphia. The delegates from Pennsylvania-were 
 Benjamin Franklin, Kobert Morris, Thomas Mifflin, George Clymer, Thomas 
 Fitzsimons, Jared Ingersoll, James Wilson and Gouverneur Morris. Upon 
 the completion of their work, the instrument was submitted to the several 
 States for adoption. A convention was called in Pennsylvania, which met on 
 the 21st of November, and though encountering resolute opposition it was 
 finally adopted on the 12th of December. On the following day the conven- 
 tion; the supreme council and officers of the State and city government, moved 
 in procession to the old court-house, where the adoption of the constitution 
 was formally proclaimed amidst the booming of cannon and the ringing of 
 bells. 
 
 On the 5th of November, 1788, Thomas Mifflin was elected president, and 
 George Boss, vice-president. The constitution of the State framed in and 
 adapted to the exigencies of an emergency, was ill-suited to the needs of the 
 State in its relations to the new nation. Accordingly a convention assembled 
 for the purpose of preparing a new constitution in November, 1789, which was 
 finally adopted on September 2, 1790. By the provisions of this instrumeut, 
 the executive council was abolished, and the executive duties were vested in 
 the hands of a governor. Legislation was intrusted to an assembly and a 
 senate. The judicial system was continued, and the terms of the judges 
 extended through good behavior. 
 
 The whisky insurrection in some of the western counties of the State, 
 which occurred in 1794, excited by its lawlessness and wide extent general 
 interest. An act of congress of March 3, 1791, laid a tax on distilled spirits 
 of fourpence per gallon. The then counties of Washington, Westmoreland, 
 Allegheny and Fayette, comprising the southwestern quarter of the State, 
 were almost exclusively engaged in the production of grain. Being far re- 
 moved from any market, the product of their farms brought them scarcely 
 any returns. The consequence was that a large proportion of the surplus 
 grain was turned into distilled spirits, and nearly every other farmer was a 
 distiller. This tax was seen to bear heavily upon them, from which a non- 
 producer of spirits was relieved. A rash determination was formed to resist 
 its collection, and a belief entertained Ihat, if all were united in resisting, it 
 would be taken off. Frequent altercations occurred between the persons ap- 
 pointed United States collectors and these resisting citizens. As an example, 
 on the 5th of September, 1791, a party in disguise set upon Bobert Johnson, 
 a collector for Allegheny and Washington, tarred and feathered him, cut off 
 his hair, took away his horse, and left him in this plight to proceed. Writs 
 for the arrest of the perpetrators were issued, but none dared to venture into 
 the territory to serve them. On May 8, 1792, the law was modified, and the 
 tax reduced. In September, 1792, President Washington issued his proclama- 
 tion commanding all persons to submit to the law, and to forbear from further 
 opposition. But these measures had no effect, and the insurgents began to 
 organize for forcible resistance. Maj. Macfarlane, while in command of a 
 party of insurrectionists, was killed in an encounter with United States sol- 
 diers at the house of Gen. Neville. The feeling now ran very high, and it 
 was hardly safe for any person to breathe a whisper against the insurgents 
 throughout all this district. One Bradford had, of his own notion, issued a 
 circular letter to the colonels of regiments to assemble with their commands 
 at Braddock' s field on the 1st of August, where they appointed officers and 
 moved on to Pittsburgh. After having burned a barn, and made some noisy 
 
38 HISTOEY OF PENNSYLVANIA. • 
 
 demonstrations, they were induced by some cool heads to return. These tur- 
 bulent proceedings coming to the ears of the State and national authorities at 
 Philadelphia, measures were concerted to promptly and effectually check them. 
 Gov. Mifflin appointed Chief Justice McKean and Gen. William Irvine to 
 proceed to the disaffected district, ascertain the facts, and. try to bring the 
 leaders to justice. President Washington issued a proclamation commanding 
 all persons in arms to disperse to their homes "on or before the Ist of Sep- 
 tember, proximo," and called out the militia of four States — Pennsylvania, 
 New Jersey, Maryland and Virginia — to the number of 13,000 men, to enforce 
 his commands. The quota of Pennsylvania was 4,500 infantry, 500 cavalry, 
 and 200 artillery, and Gov. Mifflin took command in person. Gov. Eichard 
 Howell, of New Jersey, Gov. Thomas S. Lee, of Maryland, and Gen. Daniel 
 Morgan, of Virginia, commanded the forces from their States, and Gov. 
 Henry Lee, of Virginia, was placed in chief command. President Washing- 
 ton, accompanied by Gen. Knox, secretary of war, Alexander Hamilton, secre- 
 tary of the treasury, and Eichard Peters, of the United States District Court, 
 set out on the 1st of October for the seat of the disturbance. On Friday the 
 President reached Harrisburg and on Saturday, Carlisle, whither the army 
 had preceded him. In the meantime a committee, consisting of James Eoss, 
 Jasper Yeates and AVilliam Bradford, was appointed by President Washington 
 to proceed to the disaffected district, and endeavor to persuade misguided 
 citizens to return to their allegiance. 
 
 A meeting of 260 delegates from the four counties was held at Parkinson's 
 Ferry on the 14th of August, at which the state of their cause was considered, 
 resolutions adopted, and a committee of sixty, one from each county, was ap- 
 pointed, and a sub-committee of twelve was named to confer with the United 
 States commissioners, McKean and Irvine. These conferences with the State 
 and national committees were successful in arranging preliminary conditions 
 of settlement. On the 2d of October the committee of safety of the insur- 
 gents met at Parkinson's Ferry, and having learned that a well -organized 
 army, with Washington at its head, was marching westward to enforce obedi- 
 ence to the laws, appointed a committee of two, William Findley and David 
 Eeddick, to meet the President, and assure him that the disaffected were dis- 
 posed to return to their duties. They met Washington at Carlisle, and several 
 conferences were held, and assurances given of implicit obedience; but the 
 President said that as the troops had been called out, the orders for the march 
 would not be countermanded. The President proceeded forward on the 11th 
 of October to Chambersburg, reached Williamsport on the 13th and Fort 
 Cumberland on the 14th, where he reviewed the Virginia and Maryland forces, 
 and anived at Bedford on the 19th. Eemaining a few days, and being satis- 
 fied that the sentiment of the people had changed, he returned to Philadel- 
 phia, arriving on the 28th, leaving Gen. Lee to meet the commissioners and 
 make such conditions of pacification as should seem just. Another meeting 
 of the committee of safety was held at Parkinson's Ferry on the 24th, at 
 which assurances of abandonment of opposition to the laws were received, and 
 the same committee, with the addition of Thomas Morton and Ephraim Doug- 
 lass, was directed to return to headquarters and give assurance of this dispo- 
 sition. They did not reach Bedford until after the departure of Washington. 
 But at Uniontown they met Gen. Lee, with whom it was agreed that the citi- 
 zens of these four counties should subscribe to an oath to support the consti- 
 tution and obey the laws. Justices of the peace issued notices that books 
 were opened for subscribing to the oath, and Gen. Lee issued a judicious 
 address urging ready obedience. Seeing that all requirements were being 
 
^ HISTOEY OF PENNSYLVANIA. 39 
 
 faithfully carried out, an order was issued the 17th of November for the re- 
 turn of the army and its disbandment. A number of arrests were made and 
 trials and convictions were had, but all were ultimately pardoned. 
 
 With the exception of a slight ebullition at the prospect of a war with 
 France in 1797, and a resistance to the operation of the "homestead tax " in 
 Lehigh, Berks and Northampton counties, when the militia was called out, the 
 remainder of the term of Gov. Mifflin passed in comparative quiet. By an act 
 of the legislature of the 3d of April, 1799, the capital of the State was removed 
 to Lancaster, and soon after the capital of the United States to Washington, 
 the house on Ninth street, which had been built for the residence of the Pres- 
 ident of the United States, passing to the use of the University of Pennsylvania. 
 During the administrations of Thomas McKean, who was elected governor 
 in 1799, and Simon Snyder, in 1808, little beyond heated political contests 
 marked the even tenor of the government, until the breaking out of the troubles 
 which eventuated in the war of 1812. Pennsylvania promptly seconded the 
 national government, the message of Gov. Snyder on the occasion ringing like 
 a silver clarion. The national call for 100,000 men required 14,000 from this 
 State, but so great was the enthusiasm that several times this number tendered 
 their services. The State force was organized in two divisions, to the com- 
 mand of the first of which Maj.-Gen. Isaac Morrell was appointed, and to the 
 second Maj. -Gen. Adamson Tannehill. Gunboats and privateers were built in 
 the harbor of Erie and on the Delaware, and the defenses upon the latter were 
 put in order and suitable armaments provided. The act which created most 
 alarm to Pennsylvania was one of vandalism scarcely matched in the annals of 
 warfare. In August, 1814, Gen. Boss, with 6,000 men in a flotilla of sixty 
 sail, moved up Chesapeake Bay, fired the capitol, the President's house and 
 the various offices of cabinet ministers, and these costly and substantial build- 
 ings, the national library and all the records of the government from its 
 foundation were utterly destroyed. Shortly afterward. Boss appeared before Bal- 
 timore with the design of multiplying his barbarisms, but he was met by a force 
 hastily collected under Gen. Samuel Smith, a Pennsylvania veteran of the Eevo- 
 lution, and in the brief engagement which ensued Boss was killed. In the severe 
 battle with the corps of Gen. Strieker, the British lost some 300 men. The 
 fleet in the meantime commenced a fierce bombardment of Fort McHenry, and 
 during the day and ensuing night 1, 500 bombshells were thrown, but all to 
 no purpose, the gallant defense of Maj. Armistead proving successful. It 
 was during this awful night that Maj. Key, who was a prisoner on board the 
 fleet, wrote the song of the Star Spangled Banner, which became the national 
 lyric. It was in the administration of Gov. Snyder in February, 1810, that an 
 act was passed making Harrisburg the seat of government, and a commission 
 raised for erecting public buildings, the sessions of the legislature being held 
 in the court-house at Harrisburg from 1812 to 1821. 
 
 The administrations of William Findley, elected in 1817, Joseph Heister, in 
 1820, and John Andrew Schulz, in 1823, followed without marked events. Par- 
 ties became very warm in their discussions and in their management of political 
 campaigns. The charters for the forty banks which had been passed in a fit 
 of frenzy over the veto of Gov. Snyder set a flood of paper money afloat. The 
 public improvements, principally in opening lines of canal, were prosecuted, 
 and vast debts incurred. These lines of conveyances were vitally needful to 
 move the immense products and vast resources of the State. 
 
 Previous to the year 1820, little use was made of stone coal. Judge Obe- 
 diah Gore, a blacksmith, used it upon his forge as early as 1769, and found 
 the heat stronger and more enduring than that produced by charcoal. In 
 
40 HISTOBY OF PENNSYLVANIA. 
 
 1791 Phillip Ginter, of Carbon county, a hunter by profession, having on one 
 occasion been out all day without discovering any game, was returning at night 
 discouraged and worn out, across the Mauch Chunk mountain when, in the 
 gathering shades he stumbled upon something which seemed to have a glisten- 
 ing appearance, that he was induced to pick up and carry home. This speci- 
 men was taken to Philadelphia, where an analysis showed it to be a good qual- 
 ity of anthracite coal. But, though coal was known to exist, no one knew how to 
 use it. In 1812 Col. George Shoemaker, of Schuylkill county, took nine 
 wagon loads to Philadelpnia. But he was looked upon as an imposter for 
 attempting to sell worthless stone for coal. He finally sold two loads for the 
 cost of transportation, the remaining seven proving a complete loss. In 1812 
 "White & Hazard, manufacturers of wire at the Palls of Schuylkill, induced an 
 application to be made to the legislature to incorporate a company for the 
 improvement of the Schuylkill, urging as an inducement the importance it would 
 have for transporting coal; whereupon, the senator from that district, in his 
 place, with an air of knowledge, asserted that "there was no coal there, that 
 there was a kind of black stone which was called coal, but that it would not 
 burn. ' ' White & Hazard procured a cart-load of Lehigh coal that cost them %1 
 a bushel, which was all wasted in a vain attempt to make it ignite. Another 
 cart-load was obtained, and a whole night spent in endeavoring to make a fire 
 in the furnace, when the hands shut the furnace door and left the mill in dis- 
 pair. "Fortunately one of them left his jacket in the mill, and returning for 
 it in about half an hour, noticed that the door was red hot, and upon opening 
 it, was surprised at finding the whole furnace at a glowing white heat. The 
 other hands were summoned, and four separate parcels of iron were heated 
 and rolled by the same fire before it required renewing. The furnace was 
 replenished, and as letting it alone had succeeded so well, it was concluded to 
 try it again, and the experiment was repeated with the same result. The 
 Lehigh Navigation Company and the Lehigh Coal Company were incorporated 
 in 1818, which companies became the basis of the Lehigh Coal and Navigation 
 Company, incorporated in 1822. In 1820 coal was sent to Philadelphia by 
 artificial navigation, but. 365 tons glutted the market." In 1825 there were 
 brought by the Schuylkill 5,378 tons. In 1826 by the Schuylkill 16,265 tons, 
 and by the Lehigh 31,280 tons. The stage of water being insufiicient, dams 
 and sluices were constructed near Mauch Chunk, in 1819, by which the navi- 
 gation was improved. The coal boats used were great square arks, sixteen to 
 eighteen feet wide, and twenty to twenty- five feet long. At first, two of these 
 were joined together by hinges, to allow them to yield up and down in passing 
 over the dams. Finally as the boatman became skilled in the navigation, 
 several were joined, attaining a length of 180 feet. After reaching Philadel- 
 phia, these boats were taken to pieces, the plank sold and the hinges sent back 
 for constructing others. Such were the crude methods adopted in the early 
 days for bringing coal to a market. In 1827 a railroad was commenced, which 
 was completed in three months, nine miles in length. This, with the exception 
 of one at Quincy, Mass. , of four miles, built in 1826, was the first constructed 
 in the United States. The descent was one hundred feet per mile, the coal 
 descending by gravity in a half hour, and the cars were drawn back by mules, 
 which rode down with the coal. Bituminous coal was discovered and its quali- 
 ties utilized not much earlier than the anthracite. A tract of coal land was 
 taken up in Clearfield county in 1785, by Mr. S. Boyd, and in 1804 he sent 
 an ark down the Susquehanna to Columbia. 
 
 During the administrations of George "Wolf, elected in 1829, and Joseph 
 Eitner, elected in 1 835, a measure of great beneficence to the State was passed, 
 
HISTOEY OP PENNSYLVANIA. 41 
 
 aad brought into a good degree of successful operation — nothing less than a 
 broad system of public education. Schools had been early established in Phila- 
 delphia, and parochial schools in the more populous portions of the State from 
 the time of early settlement. In 1749, through the influence of Dr. Franklin, 
 a charter was obtained for a ' ' college, academy, and charity school of Penn- 
 sylvania," and, from this time to the beginning of the present century, the 
 friends of education were earnest in establishing colleges, the colonial govern- 
 ment, and afterward the legislature, making liberal grants from the revenues 
 accruing from the sale of lands for their support, the University of Pennsyl- 
 vania being chartered in 1752, Dickinson College in 1783, Franklin and Mar- 
 shall College in 1787, and Jefferson College in 1802. Commencing near the 
 beginning of this century, and continuing for over a period of thirty years, 
 vigorous exertions were put forth to establish county academies. Charters 
 were granted for these institutions at the county seats of forty-one counties, 
 and appropriations were made of money, varying from two thousand to six 
 thousand dollars, and in several instances of quite extensive land grants. In 
 1809 an act was passed for the education of the "poor gratis." The asses- 
 sors in their annual rounds were to make a record of all such as were indigent, 
 and pay for their education in the most convenient schools. But few were 
 found among the spirited inhabitants of the commonwealth willing to admit 
 that they were so poor as to be objects of charity. 
 
 By the act of April 1, 1834, a general system of education by common 
 schools was established. Unfortunately it was complex and unwieldly. At 
 the next session an attempt was made to repeal the act, and substitute the old 
 law of 1809 for educating the " poor gratis, " the repeal having been carried 
 in the senate. But through the appeals of Thaddeus Stevens, a man always 
 in the van in every movement for the elevation of mankind, this was defeated. 
 At the next session, 1830, an entirely new bill, discarding the objectionable 
 features of the old one, was prepared by Dr. George Smith, of Delaware 
 county, and adopted, and from this time forward it has been in efficient opera- 
 tion. In 1854 the system was improved by engrafting upon it the feature of 
 the county superintendency, and in 1859 by providing for the establishment of 
 twelve normal schools in as many districts into which the State was divided for 
 the professional training of teachers. 
 
 In 1837 a convention assembled in Harrisburg, and subsequently in Phila- 
 delphia, for revising the constitution, which revision was adopted by a vote of 
 the people. One of the chief objects of the change was the breaking up of 
 what was known as " omnibus legislation, " each bill being required to hav& 
 but one distinct subject, to be definitely stated in the title. Much of the pat- 
 ronage of the governor was taken from him, and he was allowed but two terms 
 of three years in any nine years. The senator's term was fixed at three years. 
 The terms of supreme court judges were limited to fifteen years, common pleas 
 judges to ten, and associate judges to five. A step backward was taken in 
 limiting suffrage to white male citizens twenty-one years old, it havmg pre- 
 viously been extended to citizens irrespective of color. Amendments could be 
 proposed once in five years, and if adopted by two successive legislatures, and 
 approved by a vote of the people, they became a part of the organic law. 
 
 At the opening of the gubernatorial term of David E. Porter, who was 
 chosen in October, 1838, a civil commotion occurred known as the "Buckshot 
 War ' ' which at one time threatened a sanguinary result. Fraud in the election 
 returns was alleged, and finally the opposing factions armed for the mainte- 
 nance of their claims. Some of them were supplied with buckshot cartridges, 
 hence the name which was given to the contest. It ended without bloodshed. 
 
42 HISTOBY OF PENNSYLVANIA. 
 
 Francis E. Shunk was chosen governor in 1845, and during his term of 
 office the war with Mexico occurred. Two volunteer regiments, one under 
 command of Col. Wynkoop, and the other under Col. Eoberts, sub.sequently 
 under Col. J. W. Geary, were sent to the field, while the services of a much larger 
 number were ofPered, but could not be received. Toward the close of his first 
 term, having been reduced by sickness, and feeling his end approaching, Gov. 
 Shunk resigned, and was succeeded by the speaker of the senate, William P. 
 Johnston, who was duly chosen at the next annual election. During the 
 administrations of William Bigler, elected in 1851, James Pollock, in 1854, 
 and William F. Packer, in 1857, little beyond the ordinary course of events 
 marked the history of the State. The lines of public works undertaken at the 
 ■expense of the State were completed. Their cost had been enormous, and a 
 debt was piled up against it of over forty million dollars. These works, vastly 
 expensive, were still to operate and keep in repair, and the revenues therefrom 
 failing to meet expectations, it was determined in the administration of Gov. 
 Pollock to sell them to the highest bidder, the Pennsylvania Eailroad Com- 
 pany purchasing them for the sum of seven million five hundred thousand 
 dollars. 
 
 In the administration of Gov. Packer petroleum was first discovered in 
 quantities in this country by boring into the bowels of the earth. From the 
 earliest settlement of the country it was known to exist, and it had been gath- 
 ered in small quantities and utilized for various purposes. In 1859 Mr. E. L. 
 Drake, at first representijig a company in New York, commenced drilling near 
 a spot where there were surface indications. When the company would give 
 him no more money he strained his own resources and his credit with his 
 friends almost to the breaking point, and when about to give up in despair 
 finally struck a powerful current of pure oil. Prom this time forward the ter- 
 ritory down the valley of Oil creek and up all its tributaries was rapidly 
 acquired and developed for oil land. In some places the oil was sent up with 
 immense force at the rate of thousands of barrels each day, and great trouble 
 was experienced in bringing it under control and storing it. In some cases 
 the force of the gas was so powerful on being accidentally fired as to defy all 
 approach for many days, and lighted up the forests at night with billows of 
 light. The oil has been found in paying quantities in McKean, Warren, 
 Forest, Crawford, Venango, Clarion, Butler and Armstrong counties, chiefly 
 along the upper waters of the Allegheny river and its tributary, the Oil creek. 
 Its transportation has come to be effected by forcing it through great pipe 
 lines, which extend to the great lakes and the seaboard. Its production has 
 grown to be enormous. Since 1859 a grand total of more than three hundred 
 millions of barrels have been produced in the Pennsylvania oil fields. 
 
 In the fall of 1860, Andrew G. Curtin was elected governor of Pennsyl- 
 vania, and Abraham Lincoln, President of the United States. The war of the 
 great rebellion followed, and in the spring of 1861 Pennsylvania was called 
 on for sixteen regiments, her quota of the 75,000 volunteers that were sum- 
 moned by proclamation of the President. Instead of sixteen, twenty -five regi- 
 ments were organized for the three months' service from Pennsylvania. 
 Judging from the threatening attitude assumed by the rebels across the 
 Potomac that the southern frontier would be constantly menaced, Gov. Curtin 
 sought permission to organize a select corps, to consist of thirteen regiments 
 of infantry, one of cavalry, and one of artillery, and to be known as the Penn- 
 sylvania Eeserve Corps, which the legislature, in special session, granted. 
 This corps of 15,000 men' was speedily raised, and the intention of the State 
 authorities was to keep this body permanently within the limits of the com- 
 
HISTOEY OP PENNSYLVANIA. 43 
 
 monwealth for defense. But at the time of the first Bull Run disaster in July, 
 1861, the national government found itself without troops to even defend the 
 capital, the time of the three months' men being now about to expire, and at 
 its urgent call this fine body was sent forward and never again returned for 
 the execution of the duty for which it was formed, having borne the brunt of 
 the fighting on many a bard-fought field during the three years of its service. 
 
 In addition to the volunteer troops furnished in response to the several 
 calls of the President, upon the occasion of the rebel invasion of Maryland in 
 September, 1862, Gov. Curtin called 50,000 men for the emergency, and, though 
 thp time was very brief, 25,000 came, were organized under command of Gen. 
 John F. Reynolds, and were marched to the border. But the battle of Antie- 
 tam, fought on the 17th of September, caused the enemy to beat a hasty 
 retreat, and the border was relieved, when the emergency troops were dis- 
 banded and returned to their homes. On the 19th of October Gen. J. E. B. 
 Stewart, of the rebel army, with 1,800 horsemen under command of Hampton, 
 Lee and Jones, crossed the Potomac and made directly for Chambersburg, 
 arriving after dark. Not waiting for morning to attack, he sent in a flag of 
 truce demanding the surrender of the town. There were 275 Union soldiers in 
 hospital, whom he paroled. During the night the troopers were busy picking 
 up horses — swapping horses perhaps it should be called — and the morning saw 
 them early on the move. The rear guard gave notice before leaving to remove 
 all families from the neighborhood of the public buildings, as they intended to 
 fire them. There was a large amount of fixed ammunition in them, which had 
 been captured from Longstreet's train, besides government stores of shoes, 
 clothing and muskets. At 11 o'clock the station-house, round-house, railroad 
 machiue shops and warehouses were fired and consigned to destruction. The 
 fire department was promptly out; but it was dangerous to approach the burn- 
 ing buildings on account of the ammunition, and all perished. 
 
 The year 1862 was one of intense excitement and activity. From about 
 the 1st of May, 1861, to the end of 1862, there were recruited in the State of 
 Pennsylvania 111 regiments, including eleven of cavalry and three of artillery, 
 for three years service; twenty-five regiments for three months; seventeen for 
 nine months; fifteen of drafted militia, and twenty-five called out for the 
 emergency; an aggregate of 193 regiments— a grand total of over 200,000 
 men — a great army in itself. 
 
 In June, 1863, Gen. Robert E. Lee, with his entire army of Northern Vir- 
 ginia, invaded Pennsylvania. The army of the Potomac, under G«n. Joseph 
 Hooker, followed. The latter was superseded on the 28th of June by Gen. 
 George G. Meade. The vanguards of the army met a mile or so out of Gettys- 
 burg on the Chambersburg pike on the morning of the 1st of July. Hill's 
 corps of the rebel army was held in check by the sturdy fighting of a small 
 division of cavalry under Gen. Buford until 10 o'clock, when Gen. Reynolds 
 came to his relief with the first corps. While bringing his forces into 
 action, Reynolds was killed, and the command devolved on Gen. Abner Double- 
 day, and the fighting became terrible, the Union forces being greatly outnum- 
 bered. At 2 o'clock in the afternoon the eleventh corps. Gen. O. O. Howard, 
 came to the support of the first. But now the corps of Bwell had joined hands 
 with Hill, and a full two-thirds of the entire rebel army was on the field, 
 opposed by only the two weak Union corps, in an inferior position. A sturdy 
 fight was however maintained until 5 o'clock, when the Union forces withdrew 
 through the town, and took position upon rising ground covering the Baltimore 
 pike. During the night the entire Union army came up, with the exception of 
 the sixth corps, and took position; and at 2 o'clock in the morning Gen. Meade 
 
44 HISTOBY OF PENNSYLVANIA. 
 
 and staff came on the field. During the morning hours, and until 4 o'clock in 
 the afternoon, the two armies were getting into position for the desperate 
 struggle. The third corps, Gen. Sickles, occupied the extreme left, his corps 
 abuttmg on the Little Round Top at the Devil's Den, and reaching, en 
 echelon, through the rugged ground to the Peach Orchard, and thence along 
 the Emmittsburg pike, where it joined the second corps, Gen. Hancock, reach- 
 ing over Cemetery Hill, the eleventh corps, Gen. Howard, the first, Gen. 
 Doubleday, and the twelfth, Gen. Slocum, reaching across Gulp's Hill— the 
 whole being crescent shaped. To this formation the rebel army conformed, 
 Longstreet opposite the Union left, Hill opposite the center, and Ewell opposite 
 the Union right. At 4 p. m. the battle was opened by Longstreet, on the ex- 
 treme left of Sickles, and the fighting became terrific, the rebels making stren- 
 uous efforts to gain Little Round Top. But at the opportune moment a part 
 of the fifth corps. Gen. Sykes, was brought upon that key position, and it was 
 saved to the Union side. The slaughter in front of Round Top at the wheat- 
 field and the Peach Orchard was fearful. The third corps was driven back 
 from its advanced position, and its commander, Gen. Sickles, was wounded, 
 losing a leg. In a more contracted position, the Union line was made secure, 
 where it rested for the night. Just at dusk the Louisiana Tigers, some 1,800 
 men, made a desperate charge on Cemetery Hill, emerging suddenly from a 
 hillock just back of the town. The struggle was desperate, but the Tigers 
 being weakened by the fire of the artillery, and by the infantry crouching be- 
 hind the stone wall, the onset was checked, and Carroll's brigade, of the sec- 
 ond corps, coming to the rescue, they were finally beaten back, terribly deci- 
 mated. A.t about the same time a portion of Ewell' s corps made an advance 
 on the extreme Union right, at a point where the troops had been withdrawn to 
 send to the support of Sickles, and unopposed gained the extremity of Culp's 
 Hill, pushing through nearly to the Baltimore pike, in dangerous proximity to 
 the reserve artillery and trains, and even the headquarters of the Union com- 
 mander. But in their attempt to roll up the Union right they were met by 
 Green's brigade of the twelfth corps, and by desperate fighting their further 
 progress was stayed. Thus ended the battle of the second day. The Union 
 left and right had been sorely jammed and pushed back. 
 
 At 4 o'clock on the morning of the 3d of July, Gen. Geary, who had been 
 ordered away to the support of Sickles, having returned during the night and 
 taken a position on the right of Green, opened the battle for the recovery of 
 his lost breastworks on the right of Culp's Hill. Until 10 o'clock the battle 
 raged with unabated fury. The heat was intolerable, and the sulphurous va- 
 por hung like a pall over the combatants, shutting out the light of day. The 
 fighting was in the midst of the forest, and the echoes resounded with fearful 
 distinctness. The twelfth corps was supported by portions of the sixth, which 
 had now come up. At length the enemy, weakened and finding themselves 
 overborne on all sides, gave way, the Union breastworks were reoccupied and 
 the Union right made entirely secure. Comparative quiet now reigned on 
 either side until 2 o'clock in the afternoon, in the meantime both sides bring- 
 ing up fresh troops and repairing damages. The rebel leader having brought 
 his best available artillery in upon his right center, suddenly opened with 150 
 pieces a concentric fire upon the devoted Union left center, where stood the 
 troops of Hancock, Doubleday and Sickles. The shock was terrible. Rarely 
 had such a cannonade been known on any field. For nearly two hours it was 
 continued. Thinking that the Union line had been broken and demoralized by 
 this fire, Longstreet brought out a fresh corps of some 14,000 men, under 
 Pickett, and charged full upon the point which had been the mark for the can- 
 
HISTOEY OF PENNSYLVANIA. 45 
 
 nonade. As soon as this charging column came into view, the Union artillery 
 opened upon it from right and left and center, and rent it with fearful efPect. 
 When arrived within musket range, the Union troops, who had been crouching 
 behind slight pits and a low stone wall, poured in a most murderous fire. 
 Still the rebels pushed forward with a bold face, and actually crossed the 
 Union lines and had their hands on the Union guns. But the slaughter was 
 too terrible to withstand. The killed and wounded lay scattered over all the 
 plain. Many were gathered in as prisoners. Finally the remnant staggered 
 back, and the battle of Gettysburg was at an end. 
 
 So soon as indications pointed to a possible invasion of the North by the 
 rebel army under Gen. Lee, the State of Pennsylvania was organized into two 
 military departments, that of the Susquehanna, to the command of which 
 Darius N. Couch was assigned, with headquarters at Harrisburg, and that of 
 the Monongahela, under W. T. H. Brooks, with headquarters at Pittsburgh. 
 Urgent calls for the militia were made, and large numbers in regiments, in 
 companies and in squadrons, came promptly at the call to the number of over 
 36,000 men, who were organized for a period of ninety days. Fortifications 
 were thrown up to cover Harrisburg and Pittsburgh, and the troops were 
 moved to threatened points. But before they could be brought into action, 
 the great decisive conflict had been fought, and the enemy driven from north- 
 ern soil. Four regiments under Gen. Brooks were moved into Ohio to aid in 
 arrestiiig a raid undertaken by John Morgan, who with 2,000 horse and four 
 guns had crossed the Ohio river for a diversion in favor of Lee. 
 
 In the beginning of July, 1864, Gen. Early invaded Maryland, and made 
 his way to the threshold of Washington. Fearing another invasion of the 
 State, Gov. Curtin called for volunteers to serve for 100 days. Gen. Couch 
 was still at the head of the department of the Susquehanna, and six regiments 
 and six companies were organized, but as fast as organized they were called to 
 the front, the last regiment leaving the State on the 29th of July. On the 
 evening of this day, Gens. McCausland, Bradley Johnson and Harry Gilmore, 
 with 3,000 mounted men and six guns, crossed the Potomac, and made their 
 way to Chatabersburg. Another column of 3, 000 under Vaughn and Jackson 
 advanced to Hagerstown, and a third to Leitersburg. Averell, with a small 
 force, was at Hagerstown, but finding himself over-matched, withdrew through 
 Greencastle to Mount Hope. Lieut. McLean, with fifty men in front of Mc- 
 Causland, gallantly kept his face to the foe, and checked the advance at every 
 favorable point. On being apprised of their coming, the public stores at 
 Chambersburg were moved northward. At 6 a. m. McCausland opened his 
 batteries upon the town, but, finding it unprotected, took possession. Eing- 
 ing the court-house bell to call the people together, Capt. Fitzhugh read an 
 order to the assembly, signed by Gen. Jubal Early, directing the command to 
 proceed to Chambersburg and demand one hundred thousand dollars in gold, 
 or five hundred thousand dollars in greenbacks, and if not paid to burn the 
 town. While this parley was in progress, hats, caps, boots, watches, clothing 
 and valuables were unceremoniously appropriated, and purses demanded at the 
 point of the bayonet. As money was not in hand to meet so unexpected a 
 draft, the torch was lighted. In less than a quarter of an hour from the time 
 the first match was applied, the whole business part of the town was in flames. 
 Burning parties were sent into each quarter of the town, which made thorough 
 work. With the exception of a few houses upon the outskirts, the whole was 
 laid in ruins. Retiring rapidly, the entire rebel army recrossed the Potomac. 
 
 The whole number of soldiers recruited under the various calls for troops 
 from the State of Pennsylvania was 366,000. In May, 1861, the Society of 
 
4:6 HISTOKY OF PENNSYLVANIA. 
 
 the Cincinnati of Pennsylvania, an organization of the officers of the Eevolu- 
 tionary war and their descendants, donated $500 toward arming and equip- 
 ping troops. By order of the legislature the sum was devoted to procuring 
 flags for the regiments, and each organizaton that went forth was provided 
 with one emblazoned with the arms of the commonwealth. These flags, seamed 
 and battle-stained, were returned at the close of the war, and are now preserved 
 in a room devoted to the purpose in the State Capitol. When the war was 
 over, the State undertook the charge of providing for all soldiers' orphans in 
 schools located in different parts of the territory, furnished food, clothing, 
 instruction and care, until they should be grown to manhood and womanhood. 
 The number thus gathered and cared for has been some 7, 500 annually, at an 
 average annual expense of some six hundred thousand dollars. 
 
 At the election in 1866, John ^V. Geary, a veteran general of the war, was 
 chosen governor. During his administration,' settlements were made with the 
 general government, extraordinary debts incurred during the war were paid, 
 and a large reduction of the old debt of forty million dollars inherited from the 
 construction of the canals was made. A convention for a revision of the con- 
 stitution was ordered by the act of April 11, 1872. This convention assem- 
 bled in Harrisburg November 13, and adjourned to meet in Philadelphia, 
 where it convened on the 7th of January, 1873, and the instrument framed 
 was adopted on the 18th of December, 1873. By its provisions the number 
 of senators was increased from thirty-three to fifty, and representatives from 
 100 to 201, subject to further increase in proportion to increase of population; 
 biennial in place of annual sessions, making the term of supreme court judges 
 twenty-one in place of fifteen years, remanding a large class of legislation to 
 the action of the courts, making the term of governor four years in place of 
 three, and prohibiting special legislation, were some of the changes provided for. 
 
 In January, 1873, John F. Hartranft became governor, and at the election 
 in 1878, Henry F. Hoyt was chosen governor, both soldiers of the war of the 
 Rebellion. In the summer of 1877, by concert of action of the employes on 
 the several lines of railway in the State, trains were stopped and travel and 
 trafiic were interrupted for several days together. At Pittsburgh conflicts 
 occurred between the railroad men and the militia, and a vast amount of prop- 
 erty was destroyed. The opposition to the local military was too powerful to 
 be controlled, and the national government was appealed to for aid. A force 
 of regulars was promptly ordered out, and the rioters finally quelled. Unfor- 
 tunately Gov. Hartranft was absent from the State at the time of the troubles. 
 
 At the election in 1882 Eobert E. Pattison was chosen governor. The 
 legislature which met at the opening of 1883, having adjourned after a session 
 of 156 days, without passing a congressional apportionment bill, as was 
 required, was immediately reconvened in extra session, by the governor, and 
 remained in session until near the close of the year, from June 1 to December 
 5, without coming to an agreement upon a bill, and finally adjourned without 
 having passed one. 
 
 James A. Beaver was elected governor of Pennsylvania in November, 1886, 
 and is the present incumbent. He is a native of Perry county, Penn. , and a 
 graduate of Jefferson College. He read law, and was admitted to practice in 
 1859. In April, 1861, he went into the army as a first lieutenant, and served 
 with distinction, being mustered out in December, 1864, with the rank of 
 brigadier- general. The most prominent law enacted during his administration 
 is the Brooks license law, passed in 1887. The proposed amendment to the 
 constitution, prohibiting the manufacture or sale of intoxicants within the 
 State, was voted on in the spring of 1889, and was defeated by a large majority. 
 
HlSTOllY OP PENNSYLVANIA. 
 
 41 
 
 TABLE SHOWING THE VOTE FOR GOVERNORS OF PENNSYLVANIA SINCE THE ORGAN- 
 IZATION OP THE STATE. 
 
 1790. 
 
 Thomas Mifflin 27,725 
 
 Arthur St. Clair 2,802 
 
 1793. 
 
 Thomas Mifflin 18,590 
 
 F. A. Muhlenberg 10,706 
 
 1796. 
 
 Thomas Mifflin 30,020 
 
 F. A. Muhlenberg 1,011 
 
 1799. 
 
 Thomas McKean 38,036 
 
 James Ross 32,641 
 
 1803. 
 
 Thomas McKean 47,879 
 
 James Ross, of Pittsburgh 9,499 
 
 James Ross 7,538 
 
 1808. 
 
 Simon Snyder 67,975 
 
 James R"SS 39,575 
 
 John Spayd 4,006 
 
 W. Shields 2 
 
 Charles Nice 1 
 
 Jack Ross 2 
 
 W. Tilghman 1 
 
 1811. 
 
 Simon Snyder 52,319 
 
 ■William Tighlman 3,609 
 
 Scatt'ring,no record for whom 1,675 
 
 1814. 
 
 Simon Snyder 51,099 
 
 Isaac Wayne 29,566 
 
 Ci. Lattimer 910 
 
 J. R. Rust 4 
 
 1817. 
 
 William Findlay 66,331 
 
 Joseph Hiester 59,272 
 
 Moses Palmer 1 
 
 Aaron Hanson 1 
 
 John Seffer 1 
 
 Seth Thomas 1 
 
 Nicholas Wiseman 3 
 
 Beniamin R. Morgan 2 
 
 William Tilghman 1 
 
 Andrew Gregg 1 
 
 i8:o. 
 
 .Joseph Hiester 67,905 
 
 William Findlay 66,300 
 
 Scattering (no record) 21 
 
 1823. 
 
 J. Andrew ghulze 81,751 
 
 Andrew Gregg 64,151 
 
 Andrew Shiilze 112 
 
 John Andrew Shulze 7,311 
 
 Andrew Gragg 53 
 
 Andrew Greg 1 
 
 John A. Shulze 754 
 
 Nathaniel B. Eoileau 3 
 
 Capt. Glosseader 3 
 
 .Tohn Gassender 1 
 
 Isaac Wayne.; 1 
 
 George Bryan 1 
 
 1836. 
 
 J. Andrew Shulze 72,710 
 
 John Sergeant 1.175 
 
 Scattering (no record) 1,174 
 
 18-29. 
 
 George Wolf 78,219 
 
 Joseph Ritner 51,776 
 
 George E. Baum ,. 6 
 
 Frank R. Williams 3 
 
 1833. 
 
 George Wolf 91,335 
 
 Joseph Ritner 88,165 
 
 1835. 
 
 Joseph Ritner 94,023 
 
 GoorgeWolf. 65,804 
 
 Henry A. Muhlenberg 40,586 
 
 1838. 
 
 David R. Porter 127,827 
 
 Joseph Ritner 122,321 
 
 18.11. 
 
 David R. Porter 136,504 
 
 John Banks 113,473 
 
 T.J. Lemoyne 763 
 
 George F. Horton 18 
 
 Samuel L. Carpenter 4 
 
 Ellis Lewis 1 
 
 1844. 
 
 Francis R. Shunk 160,322 
 
 Joseph Markle 156,040 
 
 Julius J. Lemoyne .10 
 
 JohnHaney " 2 
 
 James Page 1 
 
 1847. 
 
 Francis R. Shunk 146,081 
 
 James Irvin 128,148 
 
 Emanuel 0. Reigart 11,247 
 
 F.J. Lemoyne 1,861 
 
 George M. Keim 1 
 
 Abijan Morrison 3 
 
 1848. 
 
 William F. Johnston 168,522 
 
 Morris Longstreth 168,225 
 
 E. B. Gazzam 48 
 
 Scattering (no record) 24 
 
 1851. 
 
 William Bigler 186,489 
 
 William F. Johnston 178,034 
 
 Kimber Cleaver 1,850 
 
 1854. 
 
 James Pollock 203,822 
 
 William Bigler 166,991 
 
 B. Rush Bradford 2,194 
 
 1857. 
 
 AVilliam F. Packer 188,846 
 
 David Wilmot 149,139 
 
 Isaac Hazlehurst 28,168 
 
 James Pollock 
 
 George R. Barret 
 
 William Steel 
 
 F. P. Swartz 
 
 Samuel McFarland 
 
 George F. Horton 
 
 1860. 
 
 Andrew G. Curtin 262,346 
 
 Henry D. Foster 230,239 
 
 1863. 
 
 A. G. Curtin 269,506 
 
 George W. Woodward 254,171 
 
 John Hickman 1 
 
 Thomas M. Howe 1 
 
 1866. 
 
 John W. Geary 307,274 
 
 Hiester Clymer 290,097 
 
 Giles Lewis 7 
 
 1869. 
 
 John W. Geary 290,.55i 
 
 Asa Packer 285,956 
 
 W. D. lielly 1 
 
 W. J. Robinson ] 
 
 1873. 
 
 John F. Hartrauft 353,387 
 
 Charles R. Buckalen 317,760 
 
 S. B.Chase 1,197 
 
 William P. Sohell 12 
 
 1875. 
 
 John F. Hartrauft 304,175 
 
 Cyrus L. Pershing 292,145 
 
 R. Audley Brown 13,244 
 
 James S. Negley 1 
 
 PhilliD Wendle 1. 
 
 J. W. ^rown 1 
 
 G. F. Reinhard 1 
 
 G. D. Coleman 1 
 
 James Staples 1 
 
 Richard Vans 1 
 
 Craig Biddle 1 
 
 Francis W. Hughes 1 
 
 Henry C. Tyler 1 
 
 W. D. Brown 1 
 
 George V. Lawrence 1 
 
 A. L.Brown 1 
 
 1878. 
 
 H. M. Hoyt 319,490- 
 
 Andrew H. Dill 297,137 
 
 Samuel R. Mason 81,758 
 
 Franklin H. Lane 3,753 
 
 S. Matson - 
 
 John McKee 1 • 
 
 D. Kirk 1 
 
 R. L. Miller 1 
 
 J. H. Hopkins 1 
 
 A. G. Williams 1 
 
 Samuel H. Lane 1 
 
 John Fertig 1 
 
 James Musgrove 1 
 
 Silas M.Baily 1 
 
 A. S. Post 9 
 
 C. A. Cornen S 
 
 Seth Yocum 1 
 
 Edward E. Orvis 1 
 
 1882. 
 
 Robert E. Pattison 355,791 
 
 .lames A. Beaver 316,589 
 
 John Stewart 43,743 
 
 Thomas A. Armstrong 23,996 
 
 Alfred C. Pettit 5,195 
 
 Scattering .'. 35 
 
 1886. 
 
 James A. Beaver 412,286 
 
 Chauncey F. Black 369,634 
 
 CharlesS. Wolfe 32,458 
 
 Robert J. Houston 4,835 
 
 Scattering ^- 
 
HISTORY OF McKEAN COUNTY, 
 
McKEAN COUNTY. 
 
 CHAPTER I. 
 TOPOGRAPHY AND NATURAL HISTORY. 
 
 Boundary and Area— Land Cessions and Pqkohases— Population— Assess- 
 ment Statistics— General Description— Topography— Creek Nomen- 
 clature—Vegetation—Lumber Manufacture— Game and Fish— Fossils 
 —Coal Mines— Gas Wells. 
 
 THIS county is bounded on the north by the New York-P«nnsylvania line; 
 east by Potter county; south by Cameron and Elk counties, and west by 
 Warren county. The area is placed at 640,000 acres, a tract the most interest- 
 ing in the country, owing to its mineral resources and railroad systems; and 
 the most picturesque, on account of its ten thousand hills, many of which are 
 still clothed in their suits of hemlock. 
 
 Under .the treaties of 1784 the lands of McKean and adjoining counties were 
 ceded to Pennsylvania by the Six Nations Indians, and within a year thousands 
 of acres were sold by lottery. In 1796 John Keating made his first purchases 
 here (buying 300,000 acres for $80,000 from the original buyers), and a year 
 later a line was traced for a road from the head of Pine creek to the Oswayo. 
 Surveyors Lightfoot, King, Ayers and others were on the ground at an early 
 date, so that before the close of the first decade of the nineteenth century the 
 territory was explored, and a few villages established, Ceres and Instanter 
 being the most important. 
 
 In 1810 there were 142 inhabitants; in 1820, 728, and in 1830 there were 
 1,439, of whom 764 were white males and 674 white females, two deaf and 
 dumb and two blind persons. In 1840 the population increased to 2,975; in 
 1850 to 5,254; in 1860, exclusive of-Shippen (added to the new Cameron 
 county), 7,651, and in 1870, 8,826. The population in 1880 was 42,578, the 
 remarkable increase being due to the development of the great oil field from 
 1875 to date of census. The total vote in 1888 was 7,709 or 4,066 Republi- 
 can, 2,922 Democfatic, 426 Prohibitionists and 295 Labor Unionists. The 
 population estimated on this vote of November, 1888, is 40,424, as shown in 
 the sketches of the townships and boroughs. 
 
 By the assessment of 1829 the seated lands were valued at 139,340; the 
 unseated at $490, 740, and personal property at 132, 707. 25. The tax levy was 
 5 mills with $17.26 collected for duties on foreign merchandise amounting to 
 $102. 26. The valuation of trades and occupations in 1889 was $434, 710; of seated 
 real estate, $4,756,923; of unseated real estate, $1,650,620; of 4,064 horses, $94,- 
 035; of 4,547 cows and neat cattle, $48,735, or a total of $6,985,033. The moneys 
 at interest were estimated at $1,296,911, and for the luxury of keeping 2,228 
 canines the owners paid a tax of $2,512. The amount of money at interest. 
 
54 HISTOBY OP MCKEAN COUNTY. 
 
 including stocks, bonds, etc. , assessed at the rate of three mills on the dollar, 
 was $1,296,911. Smethport leads with $594,903. Bradford comes next with 
 $264, 162, and Port Allegany third with $94,228. Wetmore township stands 
 fourth with |83,00i, and Kane seventh with $28,893. In January, 1889, the com- 
 missioners of Potter, McKean and Cameron counties agreed to value unseated 
 lands per acre for the next three years aa follows : Barren lands, 50 cents to $1. 50; 
 sparsely timbered hemlock, $2.50 to $4; good hemlock, $5 to 18; sparsely 
 timbered pine, $6 to $8; good pine, |10 to $20. The assessed value of real and 
 personal estate in the boroughs of McKean county stand in the following order : 
 Port Allegany, $161,836; Smethport, $159,585; Kane, $100,538; Eldred, 
 $97,046; Kendall, $85,382. 
 
 The Gazetteer, giving a description of McKean county in 1832, says: 
 
 It is everywhere hilly along the streams, but nowhere mountainous, and abounds with 
 coal, iron and salt. The first is found in every township, and works have been erected 
 for manufacturing salt at the small village of Emporium, on a branch of the Sinnema- 
 honing. * * * * The only places that can claim the slightest pretention to be con- 
 sidered as towns are Smethport, Emporium and Ceres; neither of the two last named con- 
 tains six houses. ***** There is not a church in the county; yet an academy, 
 endowed by John Keating and others, and further receiving $2,000 from the State, was 
 incorporated January 19, 1839. There are in this town also a very substantial brick 
 court-house, and a stone prison; there is also a newspaper published here. Lumber seeks 
 the western market at Pittsburgh by the Allegheny, and the eastern markets by the Sin- 
 nemahoning creek. 
 
 The measured elevations of the county are given as follows [However the 
 average elevation must not be based on such figures; as, within short distances 
 of the points named, mountain peaks rise abruptly to heights of from 300 to 
 700 feet above the track.]: Sergeant, 1,716 feet above mean ocean level; Clar- 
 ion summit, 2,025; Kane, 2,020; Cumming's siding, 1,878; Wetmore, 1,808; 
 May' s siding, 1, 789, and Ludlow, 1,604, in the southwest corner on the Phil- 
 adelphia & Erie Railroad. The elevation at the Forks of Kinzua creek is 
 1,304 feet above tide level; at the sulphur spring, near Kane, 1,619 feet, and 
 at Morrison's mill-dam, 1,264 feet. 
 
 Keating summit, 1,876 feet above tide; Liberty, 1,641; Port Allegany, 
 1,477; Sartwell, 1,447, Larrabee, 1,476; McKean & Buffalo Eailroad junction, 
 1,472, and Eldred, 1,438 feet above tide, the track of the Western New York 
 & Pennsylvania Eailroad being the measured elevation, which is comparatively 
 level from Eldred to the State line, except below Duffy's tannery, where the 
 elevation is more marked than at Eldred. 
 
 The Eldred or Dennis hill is at least 250 feet above the track; Frisbee, 
 1,459; Farmers Valley, 1,470; Smethport, 1,488; Crosby, 1,535; Colegrove, 
 1,538; Hamlin, 1,552; Wernwag, 1,855; Clermont, 2,074; Bishops Summit, 
 2,108; Bunker Hill, 2,095, and old Instanter, 2,200; Carrollton, N. Y., 1,394 
 feet; Limestone, 1,405; State Line and Babcock, 1,414; Tarport or Kendall 
 Creek, 1,433; Bradford, 1,439 (Mount Eaub is 2,250 feet at summit); DeGol- 
 ier, 1,496; Lewis run, 1,560: Big Shanty, 1,667; Crawford's, 1,959; Summit, 
 2,133; Alton, 2,067; Bond View or Gilesville, 2,025, and Buttsville, 1,996; 
 Creek water at Kinzua crossing, 1,796; Howard Hill Hotel, 2,225; Kane and 
 Howard Hill road crossing, 2,196; Clarion crossing, 1,734; Schultz gas well 
 and Wilcox well No. 2, 1,646; Lanigan run, 1,634, and county line, 1,605 feet. 
 The places named, south of Buttsville, were measured in 1879 for the proposed 
 continuation of the road to Wilcox, in Elk county, the elevation of' which is 
 1,526 feet; Dalton summit is 2,249 feet above ocean level; Seven Mile sum- 
 mit, 2,200; crossing of Wilcox and Smethport State road, 2,186; head of west 
 branch of Warner brook, 2,210; Port Allegany depot, 1,477; Smethport depot, 
 1,488; cross roads (on warrant 3,064), 1,643; summit near southeast corner of 
 
HISTORY OP MCKEAN COUNTY. 55 
 
 No. 2,083 warrant, 2,140 feet; southwest part of No. 2,073 warrant, 1,725 
 feet; the Devil's Elbow, on warrant 2,063, is 2,060 feet, and the highest point 
 in Pennsylvania west of the fifth coal basin is Prospect hill, or the summit on 
 warrant No. 2,063, which is 2,495 feet above tide. 
 
 The highest measured point between Ceres and Port Allegany is near the 
 cross-roads on the northeast corner of warrant 2,220, which is 2,185 feet above 
 tide. The lowest point is at Turtle bridge over Eock run, on No. 115 war- 
 rant, being 1,445 feet, or ten feet below the elevation of hotel at Ceres. The 
 highest measured point between Ceres and Eldred, except Dennis hill, is 
 1,558 feet above tide-water, being 120 feet above Eldred and 103 feet above 
 Ceres. Up Lillibridge creek from Port Allegany an elevation of 1,770 feet 
 is reached at the crossing of creek near warrant 2,236 or near the Ames farm, 
 but at the head the elevation is 2, 260 feet. On warrant 2, 203, near Annin 
 Creek post-office, the altitude is 2,255, and at the office 1,723; at Cooper's saw- 
 mill, southwest part of No. 3,444 warrant, 1,665 feet, and at the Methodist 
 building on same warrant, 1,740 feet. Between Port Allegany and Norwich 
 post-office the highest measured elevation above tide is 1,785 feet, the bridge over 
 Wolcott creek being the point measured. At the old Dennis well, near Brad- 
 ford, the elevation was found to be 2,055 feet above ocean level ; Two Mile run 
 summit is 2,375 feet, and Comes creek summit, on road, is 2,255 feet. The 
 ridge between the branches of Brewer's run shows an altitude above tide of 
 2,232 feet. 
 
 The Allegheny river enters the county in the west center of Liberty town- 
 ship coming down from the heights of Potter county, receives the waters of 
 the Portage at Port Allegany, and of Nunundah creek south of Larrabee. 
 Hundreds of small streams enter the creeks named, while other hundreds feed 
 the main river directly. The river leaves the county at the State line, flows for 
 a short distance through New York State and, returning to Pennsylvania, forms 
 the natural, but not the political, boundary of the north half of the county's 
 west line. The Tuna river and feeders water the central part of the northern 
 half, while the Kinzua and headwaters of the Clarion, fed by hundreds of 
 streams, are found in the south and southwest. 
 
 Over thirty years ago Orlo J. Hamlin completed his historical notes on this 
 county. From his unpublished manuscript, referred to in the chapter on pio- 
 neers, the writer learns that Kinzua creek is named from the Indian word Kinzu 
 (fish) ; Tuna or Tunuanguant creek, from Tunuan (big) and guant (frog or bull- 
 frog). Nun-un-dah (Potato creek), from the Indian word for potato; Marvin 
 creek, from the pioneer of that name who settled on its bank. Blacksmith run 
 and spring were named from the pioneer blacksmith's shop near the spring in 
 the western part of Smethport; Cole's creek from Squire Cole, the pioneer of 
 its valley; Tobey, now known as the Clarion, and other creeks derive their 
 names in a similar manner. Mr. Hamlin, speaking on the name of Potato 
 creek, stated that Indians in the long ago lost some potatoes in this stream 
 through the upsetting of their canoe, and they called it Nun-un-dah. In 1832 
 he placed a potato before an Indian school-teacher, asking for its Indian name; 
 the teacher replied, "nun-un-dah." In after years he interviewed members 
 of the Cornplanter and Seneca bands, who gave it the same name. The stream 
 was also called "Six's creek," a Quaker name conferred likely by Francis 
 King; Conondaw and Cononondaw were titles conferred by some old surveyors, 
 likely in honor of some Indian who accompanied them, and in John Keating' s 
 letter to the county seat commissioners, he gives it the name " Cononoclan," 
 undoubtedly reading "ondaw"as "oclan." Up to the period of Mr. Ham- 
 lin's death he always regretted the action of his fellow-citizens in adhering to 
 
HISTOEY OF MCKEAN COUNTY. 57 
 
 sappho; spirifera, lepidodendron and brachiopoda, small cast, poor. At Brad- 
 ford, chonetes scitula; spirifera disjuncta; rhynchonella (stenoschisma) dupli- 
 cata; rhynchonella; productella hirsuta; crinoid columns, impressions of ends 
 and the plant. On Kinzua creek, near the county lines, he discovered ptycho- 
 paria salamanca; orthis leucosia, var. pennsylvanica; rhynchonella (stenoschis- 
 ma) sappho; spirifera disjuncta; lamellibranch, poor and broken, and orthis 
 impressa. In 1878 A. W. Sheafer reported among others orthis leucosia and 
 plant impressions similar to those found in the green sandstone at Eldred and 
 Emporium. The discoveries of shells reported include rhynchonella, etc., 
 Bradford, point between east and west branches; also in that neighborhood 
 allorisma; crinoids; avicula; and rhynchonella and spirifer; grammysia, Brad- 
 ford, east side of Tuna; rhynchonella, etc., in SS. Bradford, west branch, 
 near "Boss Well" (loose); orthoceras in cong., Eodger's farm, one-half mile 
 south of Bradford (loose) and at Morrison's dam; spirifer in cong. (two pieces, 
 loose); orthoceras, etc., one and a half miles south of Bradford (loose), also 
 spirifer, there, on Sugar creek and on road from Tally Ho to the Swede church; 
 carboniferous plants, etc., Dennis well (two pieces) dug from Conductor hole; 
 aviculopecten, Tarport (loose), and spirifer at railroad level. 
 
 Id 1880 E. A. Barnum discovered on the Bingham lands near Kinzua junc 
 tion the root of a maple tree which was almost a perfect figure of a girl two and 
 one-half feet in height .... Near Kinzua village, and at an elevation of almost 
 1,000 feet above, is a small pond fifty by twenty feet in dimension, and from 
 six to eight feet in depth. In this lake were found fish, most of them blind, 
 In 1884 this locality was the home of rattlesnakes .... In April, 1878, H. F. 
 Northrup discovered (twenty rods east of the Windsor House, three miles east 
 of Port Allegany), the impression of a gigantic lizard in the sand rock .... In 
 the history of Bradford township reference is made to the remains of a large 
 race of men found some years ago. 
 
 The first semi-bituminous coal found in this county was discovered by a 
 surveying party (of which Jonathan Colegrove was chief) near Instanter in 1815 
 or 1816. They came to a windfall, and saw the stone coal lying beneath, 
 forming a bed for the roots and, in some cases, lumps of coal turned up with 
 the roots. Wheeler Gallup, who was one of the party, related the facts to O. 
 J. Hamlin in 1875. In '1817 Kansom Beckwith discovered coal on his lands 
 one mile from Instanter ; later the Barrus bed, known as the ' ' Lyman Mine, ' ' 
 was opened, and in 1821 coal was found on the Clermont farm. In 1845 coal 
 was delivered at Smethport from the Barrus bed for 12|^ cents a bushel, and 
 shipped by team to Allegany and Cataraugus counties in New York State. In 
 1874 the Clermont mines were explored at the expense of Gen. George J. 
 Magee, and in September the Buffalo Coal Company was organized with the 
 General as president and B. D. Hamlin and O. J. Hamlin, local stockholders. 
 The McKean & Buffalo Railroad Company was also organized with Byron 
 D. Hamlin, president, and D. R. Hamlin, local director. Work was begun 
 in October, 1874, and the road was completed to Clermont in 1875. Mr. John 
 Forrest, now of Smethport, was appointed paymaster at that point. During 
 the year ending October 1, 1849, there were 1,000 tons of bituminous coal sent 
 by wagons into adjoining counties in this and New York State, and to-day the 
 coal fields of McKean, whether in the eastern or western portion of the county, 
 lend to the owners of manufacturing industries a confidence in supply of fuel 
 which neither gas nor oil can destroy. In other sections of this work the his- 
 tory of the several coal-mining industries is given, and notes made on the 
 attempts to manufacture coal oil from the smoky deposit. 
 
 In the history of the borough of Kane and of Wetmore, Eldred, Liberty and 
 
58 HISTORY OF JtfCKEAN COUNTY. 
 
 other townships, references are made to the gas wells. In Ohio, New York, 
 Michigan, Illinois and other States, gas veins have been opened when excavat- 
 ing for water wells, and the flame converted into the uses of fuel; but the 
 modern well is a something which was discovered by accident in boring for oil. 
 Assistant State Geologist Ashburner, replying to Prof. I. C. White's state- 
 ment that all great gas wells are found on the anticlinal axes, points out the 
 exceptions in the Kane field, at Ridgway, at the old Mullin snorter and round 
 Bolivar, where large gas wells have been found ia or near the center of syn- 
 clines. He says: 
 
 Although it is a fact that many of our largest Pennsylvaaia gas wells are located 
 near anticlinal axes, yet the position in which gas may be found, and the amount to be 
 obtained, depend upon (a) the porosity and homogenoousness of the sandstone which 
 serves as a reservoir to hold the gas; (b) the extent to which the strata above or below the 
 gas sand are cracked; (c) the dip of the gas sand, and the position of the anticlines and 
 sjuclines; (d) the relative proportions of water, oil and gas contained in the sand; and 
 («) the pressure under which gas exists before being tapped by wells. All oil-bearing 
 sandstones contain a greater or less quantity of gas; and most gas-producing sandstones 
 contain some oil, although a number of wells said to produce "dry gas," or that in which 
 no oil or water can be delected, contain gas to the exclusion of fresh water, salt water or 
 oil. 
 
 Whether found in the synclines or anticlines the gas wells of McKean have 
 proved a luxury which even the poor may enjoy. Throughout the county gas 
 is used for light and fuel, giving peace to the home and promises of success 
 to every manufacturing industry. 
 
 In the Reporter of January 31, 1890, appeared the following poetical trib- 
 ute to McKean county from the pen of Mrs. Jennie E. Groves: 
 
 When morn with its splendor illumines the sky. 
 Save where a star lingers to watch the night die. 
 And the gray shrouding mist from the valley uprolled 
 Is changed by the sun to an ocean of gold 
 That bears on its bosom cloud land as fair 
 As ever took shape in the realms of the air; 
 Ah! who that, enraptured, has gazed on the scene 
 Can forget the briglit valleys and hills of McKean? 
 
 CHAPTER 11. 
 
 OIL FIELDS. 
 
 Eaiily Discoveries of Oil— Coal Oil Mills and Oil Wells— Oil Companies- 
 Wells OF THE PlONEEE PERIOD— THE BRADFORD OiL FiBLD— " SHUT-IN " 
 
 BY PiiOD [JOE RS— Pipe Lines and Companies— Well Drilling, Past and 
 Present— Oil Scouts— Well Torpedoes— Miscellaneous. 
 
 nPHE earliest mention of oil fields was made in the year 440 'B. C, by 
 J-- Herodotus, in connection with the black oil of Anderrica. Contemporary 
 geologists, as well as the people, appear to have paid no attention to this sub- 
 stance, and for over 2,000 years the only known reservoirs of the world were 
 left unnoticed and undeveloped. 
 
 A discovery of oil was made July 18, 1627, by the French missionary, P6re 
 Joseph De la Roche, who described the Cuba oil spring across the New York 
 Ime in Allegany as La Fontaine de bitunie. France was too much engaged in 
 spreading her Roman civilization throughout the world to entertain an idea of 
 
HISTOEY OF MCKEAN COUNTY. 61 
 
 developing tliis fountaia of bitumen. There was no necessity for such devel- 
 opment, for before settlements were made at St. Augustine, Baltimore or 
 Plymouth Eock, that country was enjoying the fruits of plenty, and came next 
 to Eome herself in art and science. Thus these oil wells were left unnoticed 
 for almost 240 years. In 1694 Hancock and Portlock were granted patents 
 for oil made from rock, and in 1761 oil was distilled from bituminoiis shale 
 Thirty-eight years later Col. Brodhead's division of Gen. Sullivan's army 
 reported their discovery of petroleum on their return from the expedition 
 against the Senecas, and some years later, when the British Indians, soldiers 
 and Tory followers fled to Canada from the wrath of a free people, they pur- 
 chased oil for illuminating and lubricating purposes from the Indians of the 
 Thames Valley. 
 
 On September 19, 1767, Sir William Johnson, writing at Niagara, says: 
 " Asenshan came in with a quantity of Carious Oyle, taken off the top of the 
 water of some very small Leake near the village he belongs to." 
 
 In 1806 a peddler, by name Nat. Carej-, established his " Seneca Oil" in- 
 dustry on Oil creek, where, later, Gen. Hayes of Franklin purchased three 
 barrels, which he shipped by wagon to Baltimore. The intelligent oil dealers, 
 to whom it was consigned, did not fancy the odor of the oil or appearance of 
 the barrels, and consequently had it emptied into the Chesapeake, and the bar- 
 rels destroyed by fire. From 1810 to 1817 Hecker and Mitis of Truscovitch, 
 Austria, refined petroleum, and at Bayne an official inspection of naphtha and 
 mineral oil was made in 1817, and in Starunia they were rectified. The 
 Greensburg Gazette of November 18, 1819, speaking of the first oil well, says: 
 "We are informed that John Gibson, of this town, in boring for salt water 
 near Georgetown, on the Conemaugh river, struck a copious supply of Seneca 
 oil at a depth of 207 feet. He supposes that a barrel per day might be pro- 
 ■cured. " 
 
 In 1854, while the United States bid farewell forever to the Old-line 
 Whigs, one Toch, an Austrian, bid farewell to the United States, and going 
 to Vienna taught the oil men of Austria the method of refining used at Taren- 
 tum, Penn. , by Peterson & Dale, for whom he built the refinery. The Marvin 
 Creek Coal Company was organized February 12, 1855, with a capital stock of 
 $25,000. John Atkinson, of Erie, and Bryant P. Tilden, of Boston, owned 
 half this stock. Two years later the capital was increased, and 700 acres of 
 <3oal lands added. Near Smethport, at Crosby, works were erected where are 
 now the mills, and coal oil produced from the Clermont coal. In March, 
 1857, tbe following letter appeared in the Rochester (N. Y.) Democrat: -'I 
 liave just seen specimens of benzole, camphene oil and tallow from coal up 
 in the vicinity of Smethport, McKean county, superior to anything ever known. 
 ■One ton of coal makes eighty gallons of benzole, forty gallons of fluid, twenty 
 gallons of lubricating oil and fifteen pounds of tallow or sperm. The actual 
 cost of benzole, etc. , will not exceed fifteen cents per gallon. * * * There 
 is a machine (for manufacturing purposes) now on the way to Bradford. De- 
 pend upon it, this is no humbug." Nor was it, for buildings were erected 
 opposite the present Riddell House, and coal oil manufactured there. In 
 November, ]859, a New York and Boston company erected a coal-oil mill at 
 the Hermit opening between Marsh's Corners and Kinzua, where they hoped 
 to mine sufficient coal for obtaining this oil. Gilbert, one of the projectors, 
 did not then dream that oil existed here in oceans, although the Drake well, 
 at Titusville, was completed August 28, 1859, and even before this, in 1858, 
 J. M. Williams' well in Canada, and other wells in Enniskillen township, in 
 the county of Lambton, same country, were in operation. The coal oil man- 
 
g2 HISTORY OF MCKEAN COUNTY. 
 
 ufacturers had before them the efforts of S. Kier and Nevin, McKeown & Co., 
 of March, 1857; the latter company's well at Greensburg, Penn., in 1858; 
 the offer of $1,000 for a lamp that would burn petroleum made by S. Kier in 
 1857, and also the shipments made to New York in November, 1857, by A. C. 
 Ferris, and the introduction of a lamp in which the odorous oil would burn. 
 Col. Drake's well soon shadowed the coal-oil extract works out of existence, 
 and nothing was heard throughout Pennsylvania but stories of wells and drills 
 
 and oils. 
 
 In April, 1861, oil was found on the Beckwith farm, a mile west of Smeth- 
 port; at Port Allegany the citizens drilled a well, while near McCoy's mill 
 pond (in the vicinity of Smethport) oil was discovered, and down the Tuna ex- 
 ploration was carried on. About this time some irreverent drillers placed a 
 sign on their new derrick, "Oil, Hell or China." Their resolution amounted 
 
 to little as they did not strike oil, or China. In 1862 the old Barnsdall 
 
 or Bradford well near west city line was drilled, a spring pole being part of 
 the machinery used. With this rude driller and ruder ideas of the reservoir, 
 it is no wonder that the tired and disappointed owners abandoned the work at 
 a depth of 200 feet, or within 825 feet of the productive sand. In 1865-66, 
 the citizens of the little village of Bradford* formed a bee to explore farther, 
 and drilled to a depth of 875 feet, when they surrendered the works within 
 150 feet of the point where perseverance would bring victory. Basing their 
 ideas on the Oil City fields, where the top of the productive third sand is 528 
 feet above ocean level, they, with little labor, essayed to elevate the level of 
 the Bradford third sand which is 114 feet below that of Oil City, a physical im- 
 possibility indeed. In 1864-65 the Dean Brothers drilled 900 feet on the 
 Shepherd farm, near Custer City. Here another disappointment waited on 
 ignorance of geological structure, for while the old Bradford sand could be 
 found 1,100 feet below the surface there, it was at least 200 feet deeper down 
 on the Shepherd farm. Men were wild in those days. Impatience as well as 
 ignorance of altitudes and structures ruined many individuals, whose ideas 
 were otherwise practicable. The Dean Brothers did poorer work on the Clark 
 farm (Tarport), where they halted within 400 feet of the top of the produc- 
 ing sand, after wasting time and labor on a 605-feet hole. Kinzua Village 
 oil-field dates back to 1865, when the Kinzua Oil Company and the Kinzua 
 Oil Association were organized, and six wells drilled to a depth of 600 feet, 
 but oil answered the drill in only small quantities. In 1875 Hunter & Cum- 
 mings drilled on the Cobbett farm without success, and in 1878 E. A. Van- 
 Scoy & Co. ' s venture on Wolf run was equally unsuccessful, although residents 
 and others were much enthused by the appearances and disappearances of oil. 
 In the winter of 1884-85 James Parker & Co. drilled on the Fuller farm, 
 and on March 27, 1885, the " Kinzua Gusher" was expected to drown out all 
 other wells, but yielded only twenty- five barrels. Later, however, staying 
 wells were developed and worked successfully. 
 
 In 1868 the several oil enterprises of Job Moses, in the neighborhood of 
 Limestone, gave an idea of what the true development of this region would 
 yield. The Salem Oil Company' sf well was being drilled in August, 1871, on 
 
 * On August 87, 1866, the Kingsbury well at Bradford was drilled by Mr. Wakhe to a depth of 791 feet 
 (eighty feet in oil bearing rock), when a vein of oil was struck. P. T. Kennedy stales that the well of 1866-66^ 
 put down by the villagers, produced a fine quality of lubricating oil in small quantities. A man named Hale 
 pumped from this well for a number of years. The Dean Brothers' well on Shepherd's run was drilled for a 
 Middletown (N. Y.) company. 
 
 fThe Salem Oil Company's well mentioned was never drilled in 1871, but in 1876 carried out their 
 plans near where P. T. Kennedy drilled the second well in that neighborhood. The Taylor Company found 
 some oil in the second sand, but in 1876 others drilled deeper and were successful. Job Moses drillea across the 
 line from 1865 to 1875, meeting with small success. 
 
HISTORY OF MCKEAN COUNTY. 63 
 
 Shepherd's run, near DeGolier and the Elk Lick spring. The W. H. Tay- 
 lor Oil Company organized in September, 1871, with J. K. HafPey, president; 
 J. W. Hillon, vice-president; T. J. Campbell, treasurer, and T. J. Melvin, 
 secretary, to drill wells on Kendall creek, on the Moore farm. Mark Hardie, 
 of Mt. Alton, and others were members of this company. In August, 1871, 
 a meeting held at the new Bradford House, at Bradford, to consider means to 
 develop the oil field, organized the Barnsdall Oil Company, with J. W. Hilton, 
 president; J. R. Pomeroy, vice-president; C C. Melvin, treasurer; T. J. Mel- 
 vin, secretary; James Broder and Enos Parsons, directors. 
 
 Iq 1871 old-time methods changed for the better. The Poster Oil Com- 
 pany was organized with C. H. Poster, Job Moses and James E. Butts, mem- 
 bers. They drilled at a point two miles northeast of Bradford, and in 
 November struck a ten-barrel-per-day sand 1,110 feet below the well's mouth. 
 Even with this example of perseverance nothing more of importance was 
 accomplished until December 6, 1874, when Butts & Poster opened Butts well 
 No. 1 on the Buchanan farm, a half mile northeast of their first well, and 
 struck a seventy-barrel- per- day stream. The product for the month was 
 seventy-five barrels. Before April 1, 1880, there were 4,000 producing wells 
 in the Bradford oil district, yielding 50,000 barrels daily. In March, 1874, 
 the Emporium Press, referring to the Butts wells below Tarport, noticed the 
 progress of development as follows: "The oil fever is raging in our neighbor- 
 ing county. Two wells have been put down at Bradford, and both are yield- 
 ing well. The oil is of better quality than that found in the oil regions, and 
 many oil men are changing base, preparing to operate in this new oilderado. 
 The oil is found at a depth of eleven hundred and fifty feet." In March, 
 1875, J. C. Jackson and A. B. Walker leased of P. T. Kennedy a farm one 
 mile east of Bradford (now producing), and they completed their first well in 
 July — the first ever drilled into the third Bradford sand — yielding about 
 twenty-five barrels per day. This field J. C. Jackson, A. B. Walker, S. Solo- 
 mon, Elias Eckhart formed a company to develop, putting down twenty paying 
 wells in 1875-76. Meantime Mr. Kennedy had his royalties from this field, 
 and shortly after the well proved a success he purchased Eckhart' s interest. 
 Olmsted, of Tidioute, finished his well into slush oil below the old Bennett 
 farm, on the Crooks farm, one mile north of the well on the Kennedy farm, 
 about July, 1875. In September, same year, the Crocker well, then only 960 
 feet deep, was yielding 150 barrels per day. In April, 1875, work on the 
 Smethport oil well was begun, and on November 15a depth of 2, 004 feet was 
 reached without finding oil. In August, 1876, the William Haskell well was 
 commenced. 
 
 No 1 well on the Tibbett farm is said to be the first success on the East 
 branch. This farm became the property of Lewis Emery, Jr. The Quintuple 
 tract, formerly the Kingsbury estate, contains 4,000 acres.. It was purchased 
 in 1875 by Lewia Emery, Jr., for $54,000. Whitney & Wheeler, Pree Pren- 
 tiss and S. L. Wilson were associated with him in this purchase, Wilson sub- 
 sequently receiving $15,000 advance on his share of purchase money. In 
 1875 Mr. Emery made his first venture on the Tibbett farm in Toad Hollow, 
 his next on the J. M. DeGolier farm, and the third on the Salem tract of the 
 Quintuple, near a well formerly drilled by Barnsdall, bul abandoned at 1,100 
 feet; a fourth on lot 296, southwest of Custer, near Marshburg, and a fifth at 
 Lewis run on a lease of 3,700 acres. Lescure, the superintendent, reported 
 123 producing wells in January, 1880, and 681 wells in January, 1884, on the 
 Quintuple. Blair well No. 1, Jackson & Walker's No. 2, at Bradford, and 
 Olmsted's No. 1 on the Sanford farm, were examined in November, 1875, and 
 
64 HISTORY OF MCKEAN COUNTY. 
 
 showed the crude to range from 44° to 46° gravity. In July, 1876, the Ken- 
 nedy well showed slush oil of 41° gravity, while Prentiss No. 1 showed 44°, 
 and Byron & Co.'s well on the Poster farm 45°- Late in 1876 a gas well was 
 struck on the Bruce Rogers farm, near Bradford. The gas was ignited, and 
 from October 1 to February 1, 1877, jets of flame rose twenty-five to forty 
 feet, burning continually, and making summer dwell in the depths of the 
 forest during the earlier winter months. 
 
 The Bradford Oil Company was organized under charter April 20, 1876, as 
 the successor to Chambers, Jones & Co. The principal stockholders were J. 
 T. Jones, Wesley Chambers, L. G. Peck and L. F. Freeman. This company 
 owned a large portion of the site of Bradford from Main street south, the sale 
 of which in lots brought in $40,000. In January, 1882, the company still 
 owned 10,000 acres of the northern field, had 100 producing wells at Four 
 Mile, Indian Creek, West Branch of Tuna, and in other localities, so that 
 each share was valued at $2,000. In June, 1879, J. T. Jones, who purchased 
 Chambers' stock, was elected president, and in 1881 he bought out Peck & 
 Freeman, when H. E. Brown, of Warren, was elected secretary, and T. J. 
 Powers, treasurer. Thirty-five new wells were added in June, 1876, and the 
 total production for the month was 33,134 barrels. There were 115 wells in 
 the Tuna Valley in July, 1876, twelve of which yielded less than ten barrels 
 per day, and only five yielded over twenty barrels each. During June of 
 this year thirty-five wells were drilled, which are included in the total given. 
 Of the flowing wells Wing & Lockwood' s, near the State line, and Whitney & 
 Co. ' s well No. 5, both new wells, took fire. In August, 1876, a gas explosion 
 at Prentiss well No. 9 resulted in two men being burned to death. 
 
 The true development of the Bradford District commenced in the centen- 
 nial year, when operators from the Venango fields turned to the Tuna Valley, 
 extending their wells from Bradford to Limestone, where Job Moses had the 
 first paying well. At this time oil lands were purchased at from |6 to $10 per 
 «,cre, which in a few months were worth $500 and $1,000 per acre. The 
 Dennis well, located three-quarters of a mile southwest of the old village 
 boundary, was begun in December, 1877, and drilled to 1,719 feet by April, 
 1878, the mouth being 2,055 feet above the ocean, or about 611 feet above the 
 railroad track at Bradford depot. To watch and record the clays and rocks 
 brought up by the drill. Geologist Leslie appointed a Mr. Hale, who made the 
 complete record published by the department. The McCalmont Oil Company, 
 named from the McCalmont farm, where the company met early successes, was 
 organized in 1877, with David Kirk, F. A. Dilworth, Frank Tack, F. E. Tack, 
 A. H. Tack and I. E. Dean, members. In 1879 they decided to try the north- 
 ern field, where heavy purchases were made from the Binghams, as the "Tri- 
 angle well," opened by O. P. Taylor, showed what might be expected in 
 Allegheny county. In May, 1881, the Richburg well was struck, and imme- 
 diately the McCalmont Company purchased the Ackerman farm of 350 acres, 
 at $90 per acre, and then the Reed farm, which led to so much litigation in 
 order to decide the validity of the Shepherd leases. In the northern territory 
 it claimed 950 acres and twenty-six wells, in 1882, and in McKean county 406 
 acres and eighty-eight wells, with fifty new wells under construction. 
 
 In 1877 a company of Pennsylvania cheese makers drilled 1,100 feet in 
 Sharon township, on a tributary of the Honeoye, and was known as the Wright 
 well. The well on Horse run, across the line in Genesee township, Allegany 
 county, N. Y. , was drilled about this time ; while Kemper, of Duke Centre, 
 drilled in the northeast corner of Ceres township, just inside the line of McKean 
 •county, to a depth of 1,600 feet, but very little oil was found. Kemper drilled 
 
HISTOEY OF MCKEAN COUNTY. 65 
 
 a second well on King's run, which proved dry. It appears that this sand 
 belongs to the Elk county family rather than to the Bradford family. It is 
 said to have its origin in Spring Creek township, in Elk county, and to extend 
 to Wellsville. Taylor's Triangle No. 4, the Schultz wells on Halsey's lands, 
 near Wilcox, the Buffalo Coal Company's wells on Instanter brook, the wells 
 at Smethport, also the wells drilled toward the northeast, were all found to be 
 in the Spring Creek sand. In 1878 the Duke Centre oil field showed the rich 
 oils of the Bradford sand, and the same year wells along the Windfall and 
 round Eldred were drilled. The Angell Oil Company was organized in March, 
 1880, when C. D. Angell' s wells, at Knapp's creek, the Exporters & Producers' 
 wells, on Kendall creek and at Fullerton, were merged, and 960 acres of the 
 Clark, Babcock & Hulings' tract, north of the State line, added, in all fifty-eight 
 producing wells, valued at $400,000. C. D. Angell was chosen general man- 
 ager; George H. Danforth, president; William R. Lyon, secretary and treas- 
 urer, and they, with Charles T. Crocker and E. M. Danforth, formed the board 
 of directors. 
 
 Mitchell & Jones had 900 acres, sixty producing wells, and a one -fourth 
 share in forty others, in 1882. Peck & Freeman had 500 acres, fifty produc- 
 ing wells, and a one-eighth interest in 125 acres of leased oil lands. Brown & 
 Jones claimed 125 acres on the head-waters of Kendall creek, in 1882, with 
 twenty-five producing wells. The Emery Oil Company (L. Emery, Jr. , W. E. 
 Weaver and L. E. Hamsher), purchased the Minard run tract, in October, 1883, 
 from C. C. Melvin, A. B. Walker, Howe and associates. The original Moody 
 tract was 7,000 acres, of which 920 were hitherto disposed of, leaving the 
 Emery Company 6,080 acres, ninety-four producing wells, and seven 35,000- 
 barrel tanks. The consideration was $300,000. This was formerly proved 
 and found wanting by the P. C. L. & P. Company, but Melvin, Walker & Howe 
 are said to have realized about $1,000,000 from the tract. 
 
 In November, 1885, the Kane field, which was an uncertain quantity in the 
 oil market for six years before, came prominently before the people. At this 
 time oil reached $1.07|, but on November 20 news arrived that the Kane well 
 was making seventy-nine barrels in sixteen hours, and that on December 11 
 it had reached ninety-three barrels in twenty-four hours. This news, of course, 
 had its efPect upon the market. Among the leading producers of this county 
 Capt. Jones leads, with R. J. Straight, the Emery Oil Company, Lewis Em- 
 ery, Jr., John McKeown, The Associated Producers, Union Oil Company, 
 Forest Oil Company, Anchor Oil Company, Bradford Oil Company, American 
 Oil Company, and the Watson Oil Company. The American Oil Company 
 (P. T. & W. C. Kennedy), were among the leading producers until a year or 
 two ago, when they sold many of their wells. 
 
 Wells of the Pioneer Period.* The wells di-illed in the Bradford field 
 prior to December 1, 1880, 8,845 of which were producers at that date, are 
 named in the following list; [The few omissions in this list are referred to 
 in the sketches of the boroughs and townships of McKean county.] 
 
 *The list was prepared for the j^a by a special staff of reporters, among whom was the late J. C. Mc- 
 Mullen; A. L. Snell, now manager of the Era, was also in this work. How well they accoQiplished the work 
 confided to them is made evident by this historical list— the only record in existence which gives the names- 
 connected with the Bradford field and the drill work accomplished within its boundaries from 1875 to Decem- 
 ber, 1880. 
 
66 
 
 HISTOEY OF MCKEAN COUNTY. 
 
 Tuna Vali.ey. 
 (Producing.) 
 
 Irvine, Irvine Oil Co 3 
 
 Mantz, Bennie Bros & Co. . 3 
 Leonard, Porter & Mont- 
 gomery 1 
 
 Leonard, Allen & Scher- 
 
 merhorn 1 
 
 Leonard,Harsh&Sclireiber 1 
 
 Bissell, P Schreiber 1 
 
 Moses tract, Harsh & 
 
 Schreiber 8 
 
 Willis, Shear Bros 1 
 
 " State Line Oil Co. , . 4 
 
 " Stillwell Oil Co.... 3 
 
 " Woodring&Co 3 
 
 " Diamond Oil Co 1 
 
 Clark, State Line Oil Co ... . 5 
 
 ' ' Eureka Oil Co 3 
 
 Patton, J W Humphrey. ... 3 
 Zelife, " ..3 
 
 McKenzie, " .. 1 
 
 Carmody, PC L&PCo... 3 
 
 C H Foster , C H Foster & Co 5 
 
 " J L Aleomb 1 
 
 " PC L&P Co.. 1 
 
 Bennett, Hale & Carll 2 
 
 " Foster 1 
 
 J O Beardsley, James 
 
 Rooker 3 
 
 Terry, P C L & P Co 4 
 
 S L Wilson, S L Wilson.... 1 
 
 Miller, M S Miller 3 
 
 Watkins, Roberts & Ster- 
 
 rett 1 
 
 Crooks, J L Aleomb 3 
 
 P Hooker, J L Aleomb & Co 3 
 Harris, Sill Farm Oil Co . . . 3 
 McCartey, Sill Farm Oil Co 3 
 Union Oil Co... 3 
 Mrs Miller, Diamond Petro- 
 leum Co 1 
 
 Eli Hooker, J C McAllister 2 
 
 Wm Beardsley, GVForman 9 
 
 Kenner, Mitchell 7 
 
 H Beardsley, Empire State 
 
 Oil Co 9 
 
 Cronin, Roberts & Sterrett. 1 
 
 Dan Glass, Glass c&Dikeman 1 
 
 McKean, Roberts & Sterrett 1 
 H Beardsley, State Line Oil 
 
 Co 11 
 
 H Beardsley, pur Line Oil 
 
 Co 1 
 
 Bell, Line Oil Co 1 
 
 Clark heirs, J R Clark & Co 35 
 
 " PCL&PCo.. 3 
 
 " CJEverson 5 
 
 WBSnow 5 
 
 .Taft& Payne.. 8 
 
 Evans lot. Union Oil Co . . . 3 
 
 Seward, Whitney c& Wheeler 3 
 
 Ford lease, Mabee 1 
 
 Fuller, J Mabee 3 
 
 " H Trumboer 1 
 
 Welsh, H B Porter & Co. . . 6 
 
 " HM Haskell 2 
 
 " Heady & McNiel. . . 3 
 
 " Geo S Frank 4 
 
 Slocum, Whitney & Wheel- 
 er 7 
 
 E D Foster, Foster & Powell 1 
 
 P T Kennedy, A C Scott. . . 2 
 
 Railroad Y, P C L & P Co . . 3 
 
 Hunt lot, H Clark 1 
 
 Ward, A C Scott. 6 
 
 Bramblee, Foster & Co 3 
 
 Parsons lot, J B Farrel. ... 3 
 
 Houeh, J L Aleomb 1 
 
 Widow Hahey, Whitney & 
 
 Wheeler 3 
 
 Sanford lot, Davis & Hilton 3 
 
 Mill lot, P T Kennedy 1 
 
 Miller lot, Foster, Bartlett 
 
 &Co 3 
 
 Matteson lot, F E Bradley . 1 
 
 A W Newell, S G Slike .... 3 
 
 FH Newell.. 3 
 Brown & Norris lot. Brown 
 
 & Norris 1 
 
 Van Scoy lot. Brown & Nor- 
 ris 3 
 
 Stone lot, J W Humphrey . 1 
 
 Frazier, H Clark 1 
 
 T W Cole, Whitney & 
 
 Wheeler 1 
 
 Balton Bros, F E Bradley . . 1 
 
 Howard, " ... 1 
 
 Wagner, G Emery & Co. 1 
 
 Colegreve, Walker & Co . . '. 1 
 
 Wagner lot, W W Martin. . 1 
 
 Whalen lot, A DeGolier 1 
 
 Fairbanks, Houghton, 
 
 Hanks & Co 3 
 
 Neye lot, John Potts 1 
 
 Hewett lot, Whitney & 
 
 Wheeler 1 
 
 Rutherford, Whitney & 
 
 Wheeler 1 
 
 DeGolier lot, Whitney & 
 
 Wheeler 1 
 
 Leigh lot, Whitney & 
 
 Wheeler 1 
 
 Parsons lot, Whitney & 
 
 Wheeler 1 
 
 Osgood lot, Thomas Brad- 
 ley 1 
 
 Bradley lot, Thomas Brad- 
 ley 1 
 
 Butts lot, J E Butts, Jr . . . . 1 
 Brennan, Whitney & 
 
 Wheeler 1 
 
 Bakerlot, PC L&PCo... 1 
 Webster lot, Whitney & 
 
 Wheeler 2 
 
 Cheese Factory lot, C F 
 
 Allen 3 
 
 Holmes, Mrs Holmes 1 
 
 Tibbett lot, Emery Oil Co . . 1 
 Ackley, " ..2 
 Fisher, " ..3 
 
 Peterson, " . . 1 
 
 Matteson, " .. 1 
 
 Cutting, " . . 5 
 Cockroft, " ..5 
 Campbell, Whitney & 
 
 Wheeler 1 
 
 Rogers, Bradford Gas Co . . 1 
 
 Brown, " . . 1 
 
 Raub, PCL&PCo 9 
 
 " GWRaub 3 
 
 " C Everson 2 
 
 " Lane, Smith & 
 
 Thomson 1 
 
 Case lot, A K Darrow 1 
 
 Fisher & Lane, E O Emer- 
 son 4 
 
 Fisher & Lane, Husband & 
 
 Wilson 3 
 
 Fisher & Lane, Mechanics' 
 Oil Co 2 
 
 Fisher & Lane, W A Pull- 
 man & Co 2 
 
 Fisher & Lane, J D Lupher 2 
 Derby & 
 Jones 3 
 
 Fisher & Lane, Sam Smith 
 & Thomson 3 
 
 Canfleld & Brady, Moore & 
 Pettibone 3 
 
 Canfield& Brady, McManus 
 & O'Dell 3 
 
 Pierce lot, Sterrett & Rob- 
 erts 3 
 
 Patterson lot, I L Shank .^. 2 
 
 Total 310 
 
 (Abancloned.) 
 Irvine, Van Vleck & Mitch- 
 ell 4 
 
 Baillet, Short & Co 1 
 
 " Eclipse Oil Co 1 
 
 Huntington, unknown 1 
 
 Cogswell, Tait & Schermer- 
 
 horn 1 
 
 Hapgood, H L Taylor & Co 1 
 Moses tract. Harsh & 
 
 Schreiber 4 
 
 Willis, Shear Bros 1 
 
 State Line Oil Co.. 1 
 
 " Miller 2 
 
 " Joseph Fritz 1 
 
 " Haskell & O'Dell.. 1 
 Alanson Clark, State Line 
 
 Oil Co 1 
 
 Clark, J W Humphrey 3 
 
 Whittaker, P C L & P Co . . 1 
 
 Terry, " " " .. 3 
 
 S L Wilson, S L Wilson. ... 4 
 
 P Hooker, Buchanan & Sons 1 
 
 Harris, Sill Farm Oil Co. . . 3 
 
 McCartey, Louks Bros 3 
 
 " Morris & Barse. 4 
 Parsons &Co.. . 1 
 Randolph Par- 
 ties 1 
 
 McCartey, James Rooker. . 2 
 Mrs Mueller, Diamond Pe- 
 troleum Co 3 
 
 Mrs Mueller, P C L & P Co 1 
 
 Eli Hooker, G V Forman. . 5 
 
 Wm Beardsley " .. 2 
 
 Pat Lynch, Pat Lynch 1 
 
 Cronin, McMann 1 
 
 Dan Glass, J E Butts, Jr . . . 3 
 
 Jones, Harris & Slocum. . . 3 
 Empire State farm, Sam 
 
 Woodring 1 
 
 Hinchy, Ottman 2 
 
 Buchanan, Heald 3 
 
 ' ' Ottman 1 
 
 " Buchanan & Co 1 
 
 Wolcott, Harsh (fcSchreiber 1 
 
 " " Forman.. 6 
 
 J O Beardsley, unknown.. 4 
 
 " Limestone 
 
 Petroleum Co * 3 
 
 Unknown lot, Geo V For- 
 man 1 
 
 McKean, unknown 1 
 
 Clark heirs, J R Clark & Co 1 
 
 PCL&PCo. 1 
 
HISTORY OF MCKEAN COUNTY. 
 
 67 
 
 PT Kennedy, American Oil 
 
 Co 12 
 
 Cockroft, P C L & P Co . . . . 7 
 
 " Emery Oil Co.. . 1 
 
 Railroad T, P C L & P Co . . 4 
 
 Evans, American Oil Co . . . 2 
 
 Parsons lot, " " ... 1 
 
 Sanford lot, Davis & Hilton 2 
 
 Mill lot, P T Kennedy 1 
 
 A W Newell, H Clark 1 
 
 S G Slike 1 
 
 Stone lot, J W Humphrey . 2 
 
 Walsh lot, Anglun Bros ] 
 
 Balton Bros' lot, Whitney 
 
 it Wheeler 1 
 
 Balton Bros' lot, Balton 
 
 Bros 3 
 
 Schroder, E G Tilf ord 2 
 
 Neye lot, Dr Book 1 
 
 Foster lot, Wliitney & 
 
 Wheeler 1 
 
 Caby, PCL&PCo 1 
 
 Church, P T Kennedy 1 
 
 Parsons lot, Whitney iV: 
 
 Wheeler 1 
 
 Little, Harsh & Schreiber. 6 
 
 Wagoner, " 1 
 
 Raub, PCL&PCo 1 
 
 Cole lease, G V Forman 2 
 
 Seward, Whitneycfc Wheeler 4 
 
 Ford lease, unknown 2 
 
 Fuller, " 1 
 
 Welsh, H B Porter & Co. . . 3 
 Pierce lot, Sterrett & Rob- 
 erts 1 
 
 Patterson lot, I L Shank. . . 1 
 
 J O Beardsley, Morris 4 
 
 " James Rooker 1 
 Limestone 
 
 PetCo 1 
 
 Babcock, Wliitney & 
 
 Wheeler 1 
 
 Malony, Whitney A: 
 
 Wheeler 1 
 
 Total 159 
 
 {Dnj.) 
 
 Reservation, Fred Prentice 2 
 
 Palmer & Co. 1 
 " Carson & Slo- 
 
 cum 1 
 
 Bartlet Brook, lot 14, PC L 
 
 &PCo 1 
 
 Irvine, State Line Oil Co . . . 1 
 
 " Deluce, Palmer & Co 1 
 " Hammerwright, & 
 
 Co 1 
 
 Irvine, Frederick & Co 1 
 
 Boot, Van Vleck & Mitch- 
 
 . ell 2 
 
 Leonard, Porter & Mont- 
 gomery 2 
 
 Bennett, unknown 2 
 
 Miller, M S Miller 1 
 
 " unknown 1 
 
 McCartey, McCartey 1 
 
 Mrs Miller, Diamond Petro- 1 
 
 leum Co 1 
 
 H Beardsley, Empire State 
 
 Oil Co 1 
 
 Empire State farm. Empire 
 
 State Oil Co 1 
 
 Empire State farm, Harsh 
 
 it Schreiber 1 
 
 Empire State farm, E Clark 
 
 &Co 1 
 
 Ed Bell, Empire State Oil Co 1 
 
 Pat Lynch, Lynch & Co.. . . 2 
 
 Dan Glass, Glass Bros 2 
 
 Buchanan, unknown .3 
 
 C H Foster, " 1 
 
 McKean, " 2 
 
 H Beardsley, State Line Oil 
 
 Co No 24 1 
 
 Moses, State Line Oil Co No 
 
 24 1 
 
 Metcalf, pur Short & Co. . . 1 
 
 Willett, State Line Oil Co . . 1 
 
 Moses, Peter Schreiber 1 
 
 " Harsh & Schreiber. . 1 
 
 " Ash&O'Dell 1 
 
 Zelife, Olmsted 1 
 
 Boss, Bradford Oil Co 1 
 
 Bolivar Run " 1 
 
 Adams, Nichols Run, Brad- 
 ford Oil Co 1 
 
 Total 45 
 
 FOSTER BKOOK. 
 
 (Producing) . 
 Porter &, Gillmor, C. Sharp 
 
 &Co.... 2 
 
 Porter & Gillmor, Anchor 
 
 Pet Co 2 
 
 Porter & Gillmor, Sharp, 
 
 Metcalf &Cn 1 
 
 Porter & Gillmor, David 
 
 Lamb & Co 2 
 
 Porter & Gillmor, Rathbone 
 
 & Miller 9 
 
 Porter & Gillmor, Hazen, 
 
 Lamb & Co 1 
 
 Porter & Gillmor, Coats & 
 
 Murray 2 
 
 Porter & Gillmor, Porter, 
 
 Gillmor & Co 4 
 
 Porter & Gillmor, Rump & 
 
 Hazen 1 
 
 Ottman, W Crim Walker. . 4 
 
 Mack Bros 3 
 
 Upper Herdick, Frink 4 
 
 Hitrick & 
 
 Howe 3 
 
 Upper Herdick (and C.B. & 
 
 H), J J Carter 14 
 
 Upper Herdick, Irvin, 
 
 Davis & Co 4 
 
 Upper Herdick, Post & 
 
 Bartles 4 
 
 Clean Oil Co., C K Raner 2 
 Leopold Bros. 2 
 
 EM Bell 5 
 
 John McMurray, Leopold 
 
 Bros 2 
 
 John McMurray, Murray & 
 
 Critchlow 2 
 
 John McMurray, McMurray 
 
 Bros 5 
 
 Robt McMurray, McMur- 
 ray Bros 14 
 
 Robt McMurray, Whitney 
 
 & Son 8 
 
 Robt McMurray, Parks >t 
 
 Hazzard 10 
 
 James McMurray, McMur- 
 ray Bros 7 
 
 James McMurray, Wiggic 
 
 &Co 3 
 
 B R & Co, Baum, Richard- 
 son & Co 
 
 Smith, O B & W L Smith 2 
 
 Tew, H W Tew 8 
 
 Berry, RD Bailey 3 
 
 " J A Stearns 4 
 
 Lynch, Lynch iV McMurray 2 
 
 E T Co, O A Childs & Co 8 
 
 Walker it Wait.. 3 
 
 Wilcox, Wilcox it Kirk .... 3 
 
 " JMCongdon 6 
 
 Randall* Veder.. 3 
 
 SSScoville 3 
 
 OF Schonblom... 1 
 
 " J Evans 3 
 
 " Donahugh & Sher- 
 man 3 
 
 Olmsted it Son .. . 3 
 
 Shelden&Edgett. 2 
 
 " Stewart 4 
 
 FA Wright 3 
 
 Randall ifeVeder.. 2 
 
 Sill Farm Oil Co.. 2 
 
 " Jennings & Ross . . 2 
 
 " C F McDonnell.... 3 
 
 Hunt,Thomas Argue 1 
 
 " J L Clark 6 
 
 " Irvin, Davis it Co .. . 2 
 
 " C Brown & Co 3 
 
 " JVBitts 3 
 
 " C R Sherman 2 
 
 " Short, Blain& Co... 2 
 " Rogers &■ Richard- 
 son 2 
 
 " Foster Brook Oil Co 2 
 
 " AW Sherman & Co 3 
 
 " Mutual Oil Co 3 
 
 Snyder, Foxburg Oil Co. . . 11 
 
 J E.White 3 
 
 " Gushing & Morri- 
 son 1 
 
 Snyder, Hapgood & Lock- 
 wood 3 
 
 Snyder Hapgood & Lock- 
 wood 3 
 
 Bell, E M Bell 1 
 
 Bradley, Ernst Bradley & 
 
 Co 27 
 
 Bradley, Snyder 1 
 
 " Powell & Wheaton 2 
 
 " Harry Fox 2 
 
 " Union Oil Co 8 
 
 MasonMJTufEt 3 
 
 Buffalo Oil Co 3 
 
 Palmer & Dudley,. 3 
 
 DeloOilCo 1 
 
 " Kelly & Henshaw. . 1 
 
 " E Boyer r. 3 
 
 " Grossmayer it Son 3 
 
 " ON Hazen 2 
 
 " T B Matteson 4 
 
 " Dudley (fePalmer (5) 2 
 
 " Kinney & Chapin. . 3 
 
 " Keny on & Mason.. 1 
 
 " J L Shank 3 
 
 " E A & S B Drake 2 
 
 Evans, Riddell & Co 7 
 
 BNHurd 4 
 
 Thos Tait, Thomas Tait, Sr. 12 
 
 J M Tait 2 
 
 Thos Tait, Jr. . . 4 
 
HISTORY OF MCKEAN COUNTY. 
 
 Thos Tait, Geo Tait 2 
 
 ■ ' ' Harry Fox 2 
 
 J M Tait, J M Tait 6 
 
 McClure,Pittsburgh Oil Co 18 
 
 Ladd, Tliomas Ladd 3 
 
 Smitli, W L & B Smitli . . 3 
 
 Tliayer, H S Payson 4 
 
 J S Williams i 
 
 B R ifc Co., Baum, Richard- 
 son & Co 3 
 
 Total 371 
 
 CLAKK, BABCOOK & HUHNGS 
 TKACT. 
 
 Van Sickles & Co 5 
 
 Clinton, Strong & Co 1 
 
 Wallace, Steele & Co 3 
 
 J B Mandeville S 
 
 Willoughby & Kinkaid .... 15 
 
 Geo K Anderson 6 
 
 Pat Monroe 1 
 
 Smith, Palmer & Co 2 
 
 United Pipe Line, gas 4 
 
 Union Gas Co, gas 3 
 
 J W Humphrey 6 
 
 Fitzsimmons & Bennett. . . 2 
 
 Fitzsimmons & Son 2 
 
 French, Willard & Co 4 
 
 WAWade 3 
 
 Mandeville, Mandeville & 
 
 Murphy ' 5 
 
 A C Hawkins 1 
 
 Boyer, S P Boyer & Co B 
 
 Bussell&Co 12 
 
 Elliott Bros 2 
 
 Medallion 3 
 
 Bar & Manney 3 
 
 P Connors 1 
 
 FA Carlis 2 
 
 WW Bailey 2 
 
 Davis & Haldeman 8 
 
 C W Pratt & Co., lease 4.. . 7 
 
 Burdick Oil Co 4 
 
 Forest Oil Co IB 
 
 WHKinter 3 
 
 Elliott Bros 3 
 
 Eighmey Bros 8 
 
 Dilworth,McCalmont Farm 
 
 Oil Co 14 
 
 Dihvorth, Fulton & Alex- 
 ander 4 
 
 Dilworth, Spaulding & 
 
 George 4 
 
 Dilworth, Flemming & 
 
 Payne 4 
 
 Dilworth, C N Payne 3 
 
 " F H Parkman ite 
 
 Co 4 
 
 ' ' Barr & Manning 2 
 
 " J S Patterson... . 9 
 
 J D Wolf 4 
 
 J W Shirley 1 
 
 " Morrison & 
 
 Browning 1 
 
 Dilworth, Holmes 1 
 
 " Tom Argue 3 
 
 " Bosley & Ford.. 4 
 
 " Ralph Bros 3 
 
 " RW Shirley 1 
 
 " Babcock & Hul- 
 
 ings 2 
 
 " Jno Stinson.... 1 
 
 Dilworth, W B Snow 1 
 
 Howe Bros & Co 3 
 " Canisteo & Hor- 
 
 nellsville Oil C!o 5 
 
 Dilworth, Eaton Bros 2 
 
 " D Grimm 3 
 
 " RJ Straight 8 
 
 " Boyd Kinslcr & 
 
 Co 1 
 
 Evans 2 
 
 " AEMarlin 3 
 
 " Kinslercte Star.. 3 
 
 " Smith & Wilson. 4 
 " Hepburn & Goe- 
 
 tel 4 
 
 Taylor & White . 7 
 
 & Scott 5 
 
 Dilworth, Northern Oil Co. 6 
 " H F Hutchison 
 
 &Co 5 
 
 " R W Sherman... 1 
 
 " L Emery, Jr 3 
 
 " Wilder & Warren 4 
 
 JnoDodd 7 
 
 " Murray &Penzer 5 
 
 Banks & Co 2 
 
 FB McDonald... 3 
 " Hays & McGar- 
 
 land 1 
 
 Styles & Roy.... 8 
 
 " FA Curtis & Co 3 
 
 " Stafford* Patten 4 
 
 Long it Co 6 
 
 Cummings & Co 7 
 
 " A Cummings.. . . 3 
 
 SS&Co 5 
 
 W Smith 6 
 
 Coney Oil Co.... 1 
 
 " Leland & Co 3 
 
 Boyd&Scoville. 3 
 
 De Voe 3 
 
 " Rhodes A; Eaj'- 
 
 mond 3 
 
 " Evans t^i Scrax- 
 
 ton 5 
 
 '' R McMurray. . . . 3 
 
 " Penzer & Gregg 4 
 
 " W M Moore 6 
 
 " Winters & Mc- 
 
 Manus 3 
 
 " R Jennings & 
 
 Son 12 
 
 " Eighmey& Seely 5 
 " Cochran & Hor- 
 
 ton 5 
 
 " Cochran & La- 
 fever 4 
 
 " James, Christie 
 
 cfcCo 2 
 
 Earl & Co 3 
 
 Johnson & Nut- 
 ting 2 
 
 " Caldwell, Boyer 
 
 & Co 12 
 
 " Caldron & Wolfe 22 
 
 " Cushing &Irvin 1 
 
 " Porter & Watson 3 
 
 Treat & Mallory 1 
 ' ' Dreibelbis & 
 
 Wolfe 1 
 
 " EmlentonOilCo. 1 
 
 " Moore Bros 1 
 
 " Taylor & White 8 
 
 " Weser 1 
 
 Dilworth, E Katz a 
 
 " R W Steele & 
 
 Co 4 
 
 " Fitzgibbons Bros 3 
 " Wallace Brown& 
 
 Co 1 
 
 Palmer & Smiley 7 
 " Wilder & War- 
 ner 1 
 
 " Buckeye Oil Co. B 
 
 FG Babcock 1 
 
 " Clarke <& Steele . 3 
 
 " (Mandeville) A 
 
 C Hawkins ... 3 
 
 Hope Oil Co.... 3 
 
 P F Kerns & Co.. 3 
 
 RF Blackmar.. , 1 
 
 " WM Mercer 1 
 
 " Mercer & Van 
 
 Wormer 3 
 
 G WPlummer.... 1 
 " Howes (fe Parker 3 
 " John McGinnis.. 2 
 J W Douhleday.. 2 
 J H Van Wor- 
 mer 3 
 
 T Frothingham. 3 
 " Patterman&Peif- 
 
 fer 1 
 
 L Vandenstine . . 7 
 " EnteiTirise Tran- 
 sit Co 1 
 
 C DGreenley.... 3 
 
 WH Abbott 3 
 
 Mercer & Kil- 
 
 bourne 4 
 
 " Norwich Oil Co. 2 
 
 Ed Urner 1 
 
 " Davis, Ottman& 
 
 Hyde 9 
 
 " Benton & Co 4 
 
 Bird &Bell 8 
 
 " Baker & Malone 8 
 
 WILLETS TRACT. 
 
 Howe & Son 11 
 
 Jacob Beyer &Co 6 
 
 Childs & Haldeman 4 
 
 Willets, Boyne & Co 11 
 
 I Willets 30 
 
 NBPurson 2 
 
 FAEathbone 2 
 
 Stafford & Leech 3 
 
 H Snow 2 
 
 N Bushnell 1 
 
 J W Davis 2 
 
 J W Davis & Co 13 
 
 O A Childs & Co 13 
 
 Neath Bros & Willets 10 
 
 Dandy 3 
 
 Willets, Young & Co 4 
 
 J HPerkin 1 
 
 Curtis & Juter 8 
 
 Brawley Bros 3 
 
 EABoyne 3 
 
 Van Scheick Bros 18 
 
 OttoGermer 18 
 
 Brawley & Hotchkiss 3 
 
 OSmithOilCo 6 
 
 NBParsous 2 
 
 N Bushnell 1 
 
 Young & Willets 9 
 
 Total 1,128 
 
mAi> cZ . iy(^4 ^ 
 
 Aihn!n':f--/ihii'^;lii;,:f:':f_'!/,!r<i\'ii,.'ji n A' Y 
 
HISTORY OF MCKEAN COUNTY. 
 
 71 
 
 (Abandoned . ) 
 
 C B & H, Plumbley & 
 
 Gould 1 
 
 C B & H, Towanda Oil Co . 1 
 
 Leslie Bros 1 
 
 Clark & Steele.. 1 
 
 Painter 1 
 
 Unknown 3 
 
 Total 7 
 
 EXSt AND WEST BRANCH. 
 
 (Producing.) 
 
 Pike, American Oil Co 3 
 
 WF Kelly 4 
 
 Brioty &McVey 3 
 
 JJMcVey 1 
 
 M C McLaughlin 4 
 
 Trax Bros 3 
 
 H O Pike & Brown.... 4 
 
 EB Rogers 3 
 
 Luce & Co 3 
 
 J L Waters 1 
 
 Cutting & Sterrett ... 1 
 
 HWTracy 3 
 
 Fuller, American Oil Co . . . 15 
 
 Rogers, M C McDougal.. 10 
 
 " WB Chapman.... 3 
 
 " Macon Bros 3 
 
 SE Barnard 1 
 
 Wolcott & Hifler . 1 
 
 JWThomas 3 
 
 " John Healy 4 
 
 HG Cutting 4 
 
 " D Atwater & Co.. 3 
 
 Adams & Curtis . . 3 
 
 " Emerson Bros 2 
 
 " Williams & Bailey 3 
 
 Bickford & Curtis 1 
 
 " Martin Comstock. 6 
 
 " Groves &Fourl.. 3 
 
 " MM Jaynes 1 
 
 " Short, Parsons & 
 
 Loomis 3 
 
 Rogers, H Jaynes 1 
 
 Ent Tran Co's tract, Ent 
 
 Transit Co 13 
 
 Ent Tran Co's tract, Law- 
 rence Oil Co 10 
 
 Ent Tran Co's tract. An- 
 chor Pet Co 3 
 
 Ent Tran Co's tract, Ben- 
 
 ner Bros 3 
 
 Curtis, Benner Bros 13 
 
 Cross, " 3 
 
 John DeGolier, " 7 
 David DeGolier, Emery Oil 
 
 Co 11 
 
 Cram, Emery Oil Co 7 
 
 Morris, ' ' 35 
 
 M K Dieter, " 6 
 
 Stoddart, " 1 
 
 Tibbets, " 1 
 
 Kingsbury, Tucker Bros. . , 5 
 " J W Humph- 
 rey 3 
 
 Kingsbury, Parks & Haz- 
 
 Wagner lot,' W L feiton.V. '. 1 
 
 R R lands. Union Oil Co.. . . 16 
 
 N W M Co's lands, " . . 3 
 
 Hawkins, " . . 7 
 P C L & P Co 
 
 & P T Kennedy 6 
 
 Hawkins, Buttrey & Davis. 3 
 
 " J W Dean 3 
 
 " Lawrence Babbitt 
 
 & Co 1 
 
 Hawkins, E A Wing 3 
 
 Rock Oil Co lands, J D 
 
 Case& Co 5 
 
 Ernest lot, Whitney & 
 
 Wheeler 3 
 
 Harris, Whitney & Wheeler 2 
 M K Dieter, Cadwell & 
 
 Kleckner l 
 
 Mill lot, H Hill 4 
 
 " P Hanuan 3 
 
 " Harding & Co 3 
 
 Otto Germer lot, ' Straight 
 
 & Shirley 4 
 
 B I Taylor tract. Quartette 
 
 Oil Co 33 
 
 B I Taylor tract, J L Mc- 
 
 Kinney & Co 13 
 
 B I Taylor tract, Williams 
 
 &, Wright 3 
 
 B I Taylor tract. Sill Farm 
 
 Oil Co 3 
 
 B I Taylor tract, H S Baker 
 
 & Co • 3 
 
 B I Taylor ti-act. Gushing & 
 
 Harvey 3 
 
 B I Taylor tract, Bovaird, 
 
 Seyfang tt Co 1 
 
 Clark, Haldeman & Sons . . 20 
 
 " Boulton Bros 7 
 
 " CMCoburn 3 
 
 " Stettheimer 3 
 
 " John Wallace 3 
 
 Baker (Brown lease), John 
 
 Wallace 6 
 
 Baker (Clark lease), John 
 
 Wallace 5 
 
 Baker (Barry lease), John 
 
 Wallace 9 
 
 Baker, W S McMullen & 
 
 Co 4 
 
 J C Drake, W S McMul- 
 len & Co 6 
 
 J C Drake, J C Drake 3 
 
 " J W Humphrey 3 
 
 " Mitchell & Buss. 3 
 
 " Quincy Barber. . . 3 
 " Montgomery & 
 
 Durston 3 
 
 J C Drake, Drake Oil Co . . 1 
 
 Beckwith, R Carson 5 
 
 " C Kammerdiener 3 
 
 " T Beckwith 1 
 
 " Kriner & Lyons . 1 
 
 Wright, M Matson cfe Co.. . 1 
 '^ Keatley Bros & 
 
 Co 1 
 
 Pike, Book & Rhodes 5 
 
 Albert Palmer, J L Mc-/ 
 
 Kinney & Co 5 
 
 A T Newell, Book & Co.. . . 10 
 Drake lease, Drake Bros. & 
 
 Co 4 
 
 Drake lease. Book & Co . . . 14 
 
 W&JDuke... 1 
 
 " Pat Lyons 1 
 
 Drake pur DoUey, Burton 
 
 & Morris 3 
 
 Drake pur Hayes & Grif- 
 fith 5 
 
 Drake pur H Leonard 8 
 
 Drake estate, R S Battles. 4 
 
 Drake estate, B u r t i s A 
 
 Drake 3 
 
 Geo DictLT, Deitter Bar- 
 
 ■ rett & Co 1 
 
 Geo Dieter, Post, Brown 
 
 & Norris 1 
 
 Haffey, Roth & Sax 3 
 
 " Otto Germer & Co . 3 
 
 Widow Dieter, Book & Co. . 1 
 Kennedy, L H Cowley & 
 
 Co : . . 4 
 
 Kennedy, W L Yelton 2 
 
 Cutting, Bullock and Clark 2 
 
 " Hastings & Slocum 3 
 
 " Drake Brothers .. . 1 
 
 " L C Blakeslee 3 
 
 " Book& Co 3 
 
 " F Reiber 1 
 
 Rutherford, Book & Rhodes 23 
 
 " Buttrey & Davis 1 
 Dikeman, Whitney & 
 
 Wheeler 19 
 
 Dikeman, Caldwell, Ham- 
 
 sher&Co 6 
 
 Forman & Beaver pur 
 
 Whitney & Wheeler 11 
 
 Tait, Hazlett & White 3 
 
 " Alfred Short & Co... 3 
 
 " R A Davidson & Co. . 3 
 
 " A Davidson 1 
 
 Jas DeGolier, Quintuple 
 
 Oil Co 7 
 
 Jas DeGolier, Whitney & 
 
 Son 3 
 
 Burton, Otto Germer & Co. 2 
 
 Carey, John Hill 3 
 
 " Ford Brothers 1 
 
 " Springer & Campbell 1 
 Foster, Tarbell, Shafer & 
 
 Co 5 
 
 Foster, HoflEman, Bussell 
 
 &Co 7 
 
 Havens, P C L & P Co 3 
 
 " Fuller & Roberts. . 1 
 
 Herrick, J H Springer & Co 3 
 
 Ten Eyck, D W Thomas ... 3 
 
 Freeman, E Strong & Co.. . 4 
 
 " Leopold & Co.. . 3 
 
 JohnPZane 3 
 
 " Freeman Oil Co.. 3 
 " Husband & Bun- 
 ton 4 
 
 Jewett,Hamsher, Weaver & 
 
 Co 8 
 
 Smith, P T Kennedy 6 
 
 Sheldon Jewett, Quintuple 
 
 OilCo 7 
 
 Clapp farms, J M Clapp ... 30 
 P Shady, Joseph Stettheim- 
 er 1 
 
 P Shady, Roberts & Lock- 
 wood 2 
 
 P Shady, Mary E Shady ... 1 
 Salem tract, Quintuple Oil 
 
 Co 4 
 
 D V R Foster, Huff & Treat 5 
 
 D E Foster, McMann Bros. 3 
 
 " Foster Bros & 
 
 Co 3 
 
 D E Foster, Hogan & Co. . 1 
 
 Foster pur Whitney & Son 2 
 
 Lewis Run tract, " " 3 
 
 Foster, S N Siggins 1 
 
 W Brown, J T Gillespie. ... 3 
 
 " Newell & Slike.. 3 
 
72' 
 
 SISTOBY OF KCCKEAN COUNTY. 
 
 W Brown, DfVanScoy 2 
 
 " McKeown & 
 
 Vaughn 1 
 
 W Brown, Johnson 1 
 
 " Wheatland Oil 
 
 Co 1 
 
 Foster, Harding & Dow. ... 1 
 
 Turner, Van Wormer 1 
 
 " Harris* Co 2 
 
 " Wheatland Oil Co.. 2 
 
 " Leopold Bros 1 
 
 " Tally 1 
 
 Ingoldsby, DeGolier 3 
 
 Watrous, James Galbraith. 1 
 
 " H James 2 
 
 " Steinwandle 1 
 
 JNBrown.Flisher&Farrell 2 
 
 " Emery & Pike .. . 2 
 
 ' ' Campbell & Ford 1 
 McKeown & 
 
 Vaughn 3 
 
 Gregg, Gregg 1 
 
 " PomeroyOilCo 4 
 
 " Hitchcock 1 
 
 A Watrous, Flisher & Far- 
 
 rell 6 
 
 Wm Foster, Wolcott & Co . 1 
 Bingham, lot 168, R J 
 
 Straight* Co 3 
 
 Bingham, G H Van Vleck. . 3 
 
 " Roess Bros 6 
 
 " lot 177, G VFor- 
 
 man 1 
 
 Bingham, 400 acres, Forest 
 
 Oil Co 2 
 
 Bingham, lot 152, Forest Oil 
 
 Co 3 
 
 Bingham, lot 153, J J & T J 
 
 Vandergrif t 4 
 
 Bingham, Kishwaukee Oil 
 
 Co 3 
 
 Bingham, John McKeown. 2 
 lot478,JJ&TJ 
 
 Vandergrift 1 
 
 Bingham, lot 482, Johnson 
 
 & Kittenger 1 
 
 Dent lands, PC L&P Co.. 7 
 
 " W S McMuUen 1 
 " Parks & Haz- 
 
 zard 1 
 
 Moody, Minard Run Oil Co 32 
 
 Mill lot,Whitney& Wheeler 7 
 
 Fuller, J M Fuller 2 
 
 Taylor, Clark &Noyes 1 
 
 Newell, Potts & Slike 3 
 
 " T W Hartman & 
 
 Frazier 5 
 
 Newell, Fuller, Dow & New- 
 ell 1 
 
 Davis, P F Kearns 1 
 
 " Kern 1 
 
 " John Lamars 5 
 
 " Bradford Oil Co ... . 1 
 
 Mack, Quintuple Oil Co 3 
 
 Moorhouse, M B McMauus 1 
 
 " J Moorhouse . 1 
 
 Walker lot, T W Cole 1 
 
 Little, M B McManus 6 
 
 " John Chambers 1 
 
 Dikeman, " .... 1 
 
 Lane,PCL&PCo 1 
 
 Switzer, " 1 
 
 Taylor, Bradford Oil Co ... . 1 
 
 Clark " .... 1 
 
 Blair, - .... 19 
 
 Niles, Bradford Oil Co.... 
 
 4 
 
 Lot 46, Heald, Sisco & Co 
 
 3 
 
 Reed, " 
 
 3 
 
 " 47, 
 
 
 King, 
 
 4 
 
 " 48, Davis & Hyde ... . 
 
 
 " Wesley Chambers . . 
 
 20 
 
 " 49, " " .... 
 
 
 Pratt, 
 
 6 
 
 " 50, B F Brinton 
 
 
 Hatfield, 
 
 1 
 
 " 52, J C Wales 
 
 
 Clark, Clark & Co 
 
 1 
 
 " 53, " 
 
 
 Emery, Whitney & Wheeler 
 
 5 
 
 " 54, B F Brinton 
 
 
 Crooker " 
 
 2 
 
 " 55,- " 
 
 
 Mack lands, Chapin & Co. . 
 
 3 
 
 " 56, EH Aiken 
 
 
 " Henry Fisher . 
 
 1 
 
 " 57, Kendall & Boyer . 
 
 
 " Fisher & Pick- 
 
 
 " 59, FT Barker 
 
 
 ett 
 
 1 
 1 
 
 " 60, " 
 
 " 61, Broder & Humph- 
 
 
 School-house lot, A F Heald 
 
 
 ACHarton 
 
 1 
 
 rey 
 
 
 Cranmer, Chapin & Co 
 
 2 
 
 " 62, FT Barker 
 
 
 Tibbets 
 
 T 
 
 " 63, Aiken Bros 
 
 
 Crooker, Carroll, Bauman 
 
 
 " 64, B F Brinton 
 
 
 & Co 
 
 2 
 1 
 
 " 65, " 
 
 " 66, EB Barton 
 
 
 Crooker, W B Snow & Co. . 
 
 
 Craft, G W Archer & Co ... . 
 
 'S 
 
 " 67, " 
 
 
 Kissam, Theodore N Barna- 
 
 
 " 69, J W Humphrey. . . 
 
 
 dall 
 
 2 
 
 " 70, Davis & Hyde .... 
 
 
 Kissam, Barnsdall & Briety 
 
 2 
 
 " 71, " . " .... 
 
 
 Wetmore & Staf- 
 
 
 " 72, Heald, Sisco & Co. 
 
 
 ford 
 
 1 
 
 " 73, Etna Oil Co 
 
 
 Kissam, Wetmore & Hayes 
 
 2 
 
 " 76, E Strong 
 
 
 " Brown & Norris. . . 
 
 1 
 
 " 79, ET Howes 
 
 
 Stinson, Williams & Alex- 
 
 
 " 80, AGordnier 
 
 
 ander 
 
 1 
 
 " 81, " 
 
 
 
 
 " 82, J S Wilson 
 
 
 
 
 " 83, " 
 
 
 QUINTUPLE TRACT. 
 
 
 " 84, E Strong & Co. .. . 
 
 
 Lot 1, Venango Oil Co... 
 
 3 
 
 "85, 
 
 
 " 2, 
 
 1 
 
 " 86, John DuflE & Co. . . 
 
 3 
 
 " 3, Kahn, Lehman & 
 
 
 " 87, Strause, Waixel & 
 
 
 Co 
 
 2 
 2 
 
 Co.. 
 
 " 88, Kearns &Vosburg 
 
 9 
 
 " 4, Underwood & Co.. 
 
 2 
 
 " 5, John Haggerty ... 
 
 3 
 
 " 89, Aiken Bros 
 
 1 
 
 6, HA Booth* Co.. 
 
 3 
 
 " 90, Joseph Stettheim- 
 
 
 " 7, Jackson & Conant 
 
 2 
 
 er 
 
 2 
 
 " 8, HA Booth & Co.. 
 
 3 
 
 " 91, Joseph Stettheim- 
 
 
 " 9, Sherwood & Con- 
 
 
 er 
 
 2 
 
 ant 
 
 3 
 
 " 92, Joseph Stettheim- 
 
 
 " 10, I G Jackson & Co. 
 
 3 
 
 er 
 
 
 " 11, 
 
 2 
 
 93, Joseph Stettheim- 
 
 
 " 12, HA Booth & Co.. 
 
 2 
 
 er 
 
 
 " 13, Gillis & Hall 
 
 2 
 
 " 95, SG Elliott 
 
 
 " 14, FtanklinOilCo... 
 
 2 
 
 " 96, Strause, Waixel & 
 
 
 " 15, " "... 
 
 1 
 
 Co.. 
 
 
 " 16, 
 
 1 
 
 " 97, ICMcAUester.... 
 
 
 " 17, JERalph&Bro.. 
 
 2 
 
 " 98, E Strong & Co ... . 
 
 
 " 18, " "... 
 
 1 
 
 "99, " " .... 
 
 
 " 19, Heald, Sisco & Co 
 
 2 
 
 " 100, Samuel Grandin . . 
 
 
 " 20, Tinker, Duncan & 
 
 
 " 101, G M Barney 
 
 
 Fisher 
 
 3 
 1 
 
 " 104, E Howes 
 
 
 " 24, JERalph&Bro.. 
 
 " 105, J S Wilson <fc Co.. 
 
 
 " 26, GW Ralph 
 
 2 
 
 " 108, " " .. 
 
 
 " 27, " 
 
 2 
 
 " 112, GM Barney 
 
 
 " 28, " 
 
 1 
 
 " 113, " 
 
 
 " 29, W H Richards .... 
 
 2 
 
 ' ' 114, Samuel Grandin . . 
 
 
 " 30. AC Parish 
 
 2 
 
 " 115, W H Bradley 
 
 
 " 32, " 
 
 1 
 
 " 116, " 
 
 
 " 34, Charles Kendall.. 
 
 1 
 
 " 117, J S Wilson 
 
 
 " 35, " "... 
 
 3 
 
 " 118, " 
 
 
 " 36, WH Richards.... 
 
 2 
 
 " 119, Venture Oil Co... 
 
 
 " 37, Anglum&O'Boyle 
 
 2 
 
 " 121, " "... 
 
 
 " 38, 
 
 1 
 
 " 132, Bradley &DufE... 
 
 
 " 39, Gillis & Hall 
 
 1 
 
 " 123, " "... 
 
 
 " 40, Franklin Oil Co. . . 
 
 1 
 
 " 134, Venture Oil Co... 
 
 
 " 41, " "... 
 
 1 
 
 " 125, " "... 
 
 
 " 42, Tarbell & Morris. . 
 
 1 
 
 " 126, " "... 
 
 
 " 43, " " .. 
 
 1 
 
 " 127, Smith & Wilson. . . 
 
 
 " 44, J W Humphrey. . . 
 
 1 
 
 " 128, J S Wilson 
 
 
 "45, 
 
 3 
 
 " 130, H J Beers 
 
 
HISTOBY OF MCKEAN COUNTY. 
 
 73 
 
 Lot 131, E Strong & Co.. . . 
 
 " 132, Woodbury & Camp- 
 bell 
 
 " 133, David Emery 
 
 " 134 *' 
 
 " 135! GW Baldwin!!;;! 
 
 " 136, Jacob OlshoSsky. 
 
 " 137, J H Campbell 
 
 " 13S, RatclifE 
 
 " 145, D Atwater &Co.. 
 
 " 146, Hamsher & Stev- 
 enson 
 
 " 147, Hamsher & Stev- 
 enson 
 
 " 148, D Emery & Co ... . 
 
 " 149, " " .... 
 
 " 150,Woodburycfe Camp- 
 bell 
 
 " 151, E Strong & Co ... . 
 
 " 152, H J Beers 
 
 " 154, BF MeClure 
 
 " 155, H N Kingsbury . . 
 
 " 157, H L McMuUen . . . . 
 
 " 158, Bradley* Duff... 
 
 " 159, " " ... 
 
 " 160, 
 
 " 161, 
 
 " 162, HLMcMullen.... 
 
 " 163, HN Kingsbury... 
 
 " 165,' B F Mcciure. . ; ; ; ; 
 
 " 168, William Hanley . . 
 
 " 169, 
 
 " 170, 
 
 " 171, 
 
 " 172, Hazleton & Bro. . . 
 
 " 173, OPBoggs 
 
 " 174, Atwater Oil Co . . . 
 
 " 183, D Atwater & Co. . . 
 
 " 185, T N Barnsdall . . . . 
 
 " 186, Vrooman & Mc- 
 Graw 
 
 " 189, Jennings, Hunter 
 & Oummlngs . . 
 
 " 190, Jennings, Hunter 
 & Cummings . . 
 
 " 191, Vrooman & Mc- 
 Graw 
 
 " 192, T N Barnsdall ... . 
 
 " 193, M J Seymour 
 
 " 194, Atwater Oil Co . . . 
 
 ' ' 196, Charles H Richards 
 &Co 
 
 " 200, Butler & Martin.. 
 
 " 201, 
 
 " 202, 
 
 " 203, 
 
 " 204,6eoMcCullough& 
 
 Co 
 
 " 205, JAVera&Co .... 
 
 " 206, Casper Taylor ... . 
 " 207, " " .... 
 
 " 208, S Siggins 
 
 " 209, Bradley & Duff... 
 
 " 210, 
 
 " 211, Emma Howard & 
 
 Co 
 
 " 212, Kane City Oil Co. . 
 
 " 213, 
 
 " 214, 
 
 u 215 *' " 
 
 " 216' Gardner & Cheney 
 
 ti 217 '* " 
 
 " 219^ Abbott, Proper & 
 Conaway 
 
 Lot 220, Abbott, Proper & 
 
 Conaway 1 
 
 " 221, Petroleum Centre 
 
 Oil Co 1 
 
 " 322, Petroleum Centre 
 
 Oil Co 1 
 
 " 223, Petroleum Centre 
 
 Oil Co 2 
 
 " 226, George MeCul- 
 
 lough & Co 1 
 
 " 227, George McCul- 
 
 lough & Co 1 
 
 " 228, TN Barnsdall* Co 2 
 
 " 239, " " 2 
 
 " 230, " " 3 
 
 " 232, J A Wing 1 
 
 " 233, " 1 
 
 "234, " 1 
 
 " 236, R J Straight 1 
 
 " 237, R J Straight & Co. 1 
 " 238, R C Shearman & 
 
 Bro 1 
 
 " 242, Asher Brown 1 
 
 "243, " 2 
 
 " 244, T N Barnsdall .... 2 
 
 " 345, " .... 1 
 
 " 346, Hamsher, Weaver 
 
 ifeCo 1 
 
 " 347, Hamsher, Weaver 
 
 & Co 1 
 
 " 248, M Watson 2 
 
 " 350, Pomeroy & Rich- 
 ards 1 
 
 " 2.52, Hamsher, Weaver 
 
 ctCo 1 
 
 " 255, Hamsher, Weaver 
 
 &Co 2 
 
 " 256, Van Scoy & Scow- 
 den 1 
 
 " 257, Van Scoy & Scow- 
 den 1 
 
 " 258, E W Lamphier & 
 
 Co 3 
 
 " 359, Mahoning Oil Co . 1 
 " 360, Conover, Kelley & 
 
 Stewart 2 
 
 " 261, WW Brown 3 
 
 " 362, LTSoule 2 
 
 " 262, Hamburg Oil Co. . 1 
 
 " 263, LTSoule 2 
 
 " 263, Hamburg Oil Co. . 4 
 
 " 364, Eagle Oil Co 3 
 
 " 265, " " 3 
 
 " 266, GW Archer 2 
 
 " 268, J L Brown & Co.. 3 
 " 369, Alexander* John- 
 son 3 
 
 " 270, Mahoning Oil Co. . 1 
 
 " 271, " " 1 
 
 " 273, A S Hubbard 1 
 
 " 273, J B Flisher 1 
 
 "274, " 3 
 
 " 275, E Shaver & Co.... 2 
 
 " 276, LH Cowley & Co. 2 
 
 " 377, Baker* Co 1 
 
 " 378, " 1 
 
 " 279, Huntley, Davis & 
 
 Schonblom 1 
 
 " 280, J L Brown* Co.. 1 
 
 " 283, P Newell * Bro. . . 1 
 
 " 284, William Lynch... 1 
 
 " 285, A & W Russell ... 1 
 
 " 286, " " ... 2 
 
 " 287, " " ... 1 
 
 LOWER QUINTUPLE. 
 
 Lot 1, Fredonia Oil Co 1 
 
 1, Quintuple Oil Co . ; 3 
 
 2, Kearns, Pemberton 
 &Co 2 
 
 3, Potts * Walker ... i 
 
 3, Mountain Oil Co... 3 
 
 4, Frey, Bear * Slin- 
 son 3 
 
 5, Gelm & Phillips ... 3 
 
 6, O'Dell* Haskell,. 3 
 
 7, John McVey 1 
 
 8, 1 G Jackson 2 
 
 9, " 2 
 
 10, Boden * Emerson. 3 
 
 11, WF Kelley 2 
 
 Salem lot. Quintuple Oil Co 4 
 
 Sheldon Jewett, " 7 
 
 James DeGolier, " 7 
 
 Total 1,313 
 
 (Abandoned.) 
 
 Curtis, American Oil Co. . . 1 
 
 Davis, P F Kearns 1 
 
 Total 3 
 
 (Dry.) 
 
 Moody, PC L*PCo.... 4 
 N W M Co's tract. Union 
 
 Oil Co 2 
 
 Taintor's Mills, Union Oil 
 
 Co 1 
 
 Lafayette Coal Co., Neuer 
 
 * Davis 1 
 
 Boweu, Mullen & Mills 1 
 
 Bingham, 400 acres. Forest 
 
 OilCo 1 
 
 Cranmer, Bradford Oil Co . 3 
 
 Quintuple, Sherman Bros. 1 
 
 Crooker, Chapin & Co 1 
 
 Mack, Gt Western Oil Co . . . 1 
 Various tracts, Gt Western 
 
 Oil Co 10 
 
 Marshburg, Venture Oil Co 1 
 
 " Johnson* Co. 1 
 
 Total 37 
 
 KENDALL CREEK. 
 
 (.Producing .) 
 
 Melvin, P C L & P Co 53 
 
 " McCray* Thompson 4 
 
 " Hamsher & Weaver. 4 
 
 " R Sherman 5 
 
 Jane Schoonover, Amm, 
 
 Seep * Co 5 
 
 Jane Schoonover, George 
 
 Leckey 1 
 
 Jane Schoonover, H B Por- 
 ter 1 
 
 Jane Schoonover, Sterrett 
 
 & Roberts 2 
 
 Cornen, purCA*DCornen 3 
 
 " F S Reynolds.. 3 
 
 P Buchanan, G A Leckey 3 
 " Farnham & 
 
 Gilbert 3 
 
 C Storms, P Buchanan. . 6 
 
 " Wright* Strong 3 
 
74 
 
 HISTORY OF MCKEAN COUNTY. 
 
 C Storms, J 0' Dell 4 
 
 " Knox, Leckey iV: 
 
 Co 3 
 
 C Storms, Ash & Robinson 1 
 
 " Wright & Sowers 1 
 
 " J Heathcote 1 
 
 PE Shearon.... 1 
 Frank Moore, Butts & 
 
 Moore - 3 
 
 Frank Moore, Huff ct Go. . 5 
 PCLA PCo 7 
 Boden & Em- 
 erson 3 
 
 BN Brooks.. 3 
 Seward, Knox, Leckey A: 
 
 Co 4 
 
 " D i n g m a n A 
 
 O'Neill 5 
 
 Buchanan, W J Sherman. . 6 
 " Anchor Petrole- 
 um Co 7 
 
 Buchanan, P O Buchanan. . 1 
 
 Mack, E K West 14 
 
 " Denman & Co 7 
 
 " Rochester Oil Co... 3 
 
 " CFDoll 3 
 
 " AngellOilCo 8 
 
 " Johnson, Kittenger 
 
 & Treft 5 
 
 Lafferty, Hazelwood Oil Co 33 
 " George H Van 
 
 Vleck 38 
 
 Lafferty, R H Thayer 6 
 
 " Johnson & Co and 
 
 Union Oil Co 37 
 
 LafiEerty, A B Smith & D J 
 
 Thayer 13 
 
 Lafferty, Forest Oil Co ... . 3 
 Hollow, A Childs 
 
 &Co 15 
 
 Lafferty, C J Lane 3 
 
 WH Selkrigg.... 3 
 
 " Wheaton & Beasy 3 
 
 Totten, Suhr & Shopperlee 8 
 
 " MHGoUins 3 
 
 " Merrick & Harris. . . 7 
 
 P Storms, J Test Oil Co. . . 17 
 Cheney & Duf- 
 
 fey 3 
 
 P Storms, O P Buchanan . . 3 
 
 " J W Sherman. .. 1 
 " Sandein & Den- 
 
 nigen 3 
 
 Sill, Sill Farm Oil Co 6 
 
 Kirk, Eaton & Co 3 
 
 Eaton & Co 1 
 
 H J Pemherton 3 
 
 MC Treat 1 
 
 Hiram Sill 1 
 
 F Spencer 3 
 
 Anchor Petroleum Co 1 
 
 CN Owens 3 
 
 Richardson, Muuhall & 
 
 Smithman 14 
 
 Richardson, A B Walker.. 3 
 " James Peak Oil 
 
 Co 5 
 
 " Davis & West- 
 
 ervelt 5 
 
 Richardson, Ed Dolan 2 
 
 " O' Dell & Emer- 
 son 5 
 
 Richardson, Kennedy 3 
 
 Whipple, J J Carter 35 
 
 " Wm Weston 3 I 
 
 Whipple, Anchor Petrole- 
 um Co 15 
 
 Whipple, Knox, Leckey & 
 Co 11 
 
 Whipple, John W Knox... 3 
 
 BNHurd 5 
 
 " Larrabee et Mc- 
 Donald 4 
 
 Whipple, Keller & Wirtner 3 
 
 ' ' Crandall 1 
 
 " Norman & Lester 3 
 " Morrison & Turn- 
 ■ er 4 
 
 Schoonover, Anchor Petro- 
 leum Co 6 
 
 Schoonover, Forest Oil Co 7 
 D D & H 
 Schoonover 5 
 
 Schoonover, H Schoon- 
 over 1 
 
 Schoonover, Clark & War- 
 ren 3 
 
 Schoonover, Clark, Warren 
 & Childs 5 
 
 Schoonover, Martin & 
 Childs 3 
 
 Schoonover. J W Sherman 3 
 ■ SoUfleld & 
 Dodge 3 
 
 Schoonover, Hunt & Graff 3 
 Smith & Han- 
 del 3 
 
 Schoonover, O P Buchanan 1 
 " P F Kimball 3 
 
 Ent Transit Go's tract, 
 J Lewis <& Go 3 
 
 Ent Transit Co!s tract, 
 Linieman & Zimmerman 4 
 
 Ent Transit Go's tract, F 
 E Boden 5 
 
 Ent Transit Go's tract, Ha- 
 zelwood Oil Co 30 
 
 Ent Transit Go's tract, 
 Curtis & Jennings 3 
 
 Ent Transit Go's tract, An- 
 chor Petroleum Go 3 
 
 Ent Transit Go's tract, W 
 H D Chapin & Co 16 
 
 Ent Transit Go's tract, 
 Adams Davis 11 
 
 Ent Transit Go's tract, 
 Forest Oil Co 33 
 
 Ent Transit Go's tract, An- 1 
 chor Petroleum Go 1 
 
 Hollenbeck, E S Temple- 
 ton 3 
 
 Hollenbeck, Carmen & Co 3 
 " Anchor Petro- 
 leum Co 3 
 
 Hollenbeck, W J Porter ... 4 
 
 " WH Brown.. 3 
 
 J D Lupher. . . 4 
 
 " Jennings & 
 
 Shirley 5 
 
 Hollenbeck, Bunton & 
 Husband 3 
 
 Brennan, G H Van Vleck. . 10 
 
 Berry, pur R H Thayer .... 6 
 Test Oil Co . . . . 6 
 
 Knight, Anchor Petroleum 
 Go 9 
 
 Anchor P Go, pur Anchor 
 Petroleum Co 6 
 
 Sawyer, M G Treat 1 
 
 Evans, Pittsburgh Oil Co . . 9 
 
 Richardson, O P Buchanan S 
 
 " J H Perkins. . 3 
 " James Smith & 
 
 Co 3 
 
 Richardson, Mulqueen & 
 
 Gahan 1 
 
 Davis, J L McKinney & Co 4 
 
 ' ' Moore & Gayly 1 
 
 "AD Smith 3 
 
 " Rich & Hostetter .... 3 
 
 " WH North 3 
 
 ' ' Rochester Oil Co 5 
 
 " Humes 1 
 
 " Henderson 3 
 
 " Applebee & Rogers. 8 
 
 " Edwards 1 
 
 " Lobruck 3 
 
 " Holstein 1 
 
 " Sondheim 1 
 
 Chamberlain, Rochester Oil 
 
 Co 30 
 
 Chamberlain, J H Bruin & 
 
 Co 1 
 
 Chamberlain,' Swingle & Co 5 
 " Giddings & 
 
 Dewees 5 
 
 Chamberlain, F C Giddings 3 
 " McElhany. .. 3 
 " Stowell & Ea- 
 ton 3 
 
 Chamberlain, A O'Niel .... 9 
 Rich & Hos- 
 tetter 4 
 
 Chamberlain, Westmore- 
 land Oil Go 4 
 
 Chamberlain, W H Wood. 3 
 " Boylston & 
 
 Go 6 
 
 Chamberlain, Lang, Per- 
 kins & Go 3 
 
 Chamberlain, Pierson 3 
 
 " Hammond 
 
 Brothers 1 
 
 Chamberlain, Teff t 4 
 
 " Linch& Win- 
 ters 6 
 
 Chamberlain, A W Boyd.. . 1 
 " Treat & Craw- 
 lord 3 
 
 Chamberlain, Ash & Rob- 
 inson 1 
 
 Chamberlain, Kerner & Co 4 
 " Dingman & 
 
 Go 3 
 
 Chamberlain, Chamberlain 3 
 " Lany&Go.. 3 
 Post & Co... 3 
 A W Boyd, Hayes & Grif- 
 fith 3 
 
 A W Boyd, Benedict & Wise S , 
 " Spence & Den- 
 nis 2 
 
 A W Boyd, H P Bates & Co 3 
 
 " Schofleld 5 
 
 " Glass & DeGol- 
 
 ier 3 
 
 A W Boyd, Boulton Bros. . 3 
 " Murphy & 
 
 Smith 1 
 
 A W Boyd, Foster 2 
 
 " E A Culver .... 4 
 
 " Wade Bros 2 
 
 Ellis & Go 3 
 
 " Johnson &Sha- 
 
 f er 3 
 
HISTORY OF MCKEAN COUNTY. 
 
 75 
 
 A W Boyd, C B Whitehead 
 
 2 
 
 Monroe, E P Bligh 
 
 C F DeGolier 
 
 1 
 
 " Fltzgibbons 
 
 
 3 
 
 Bros 
 
 3 
 
 Bissett, Union Oil Co & 
 Morgan 
 
 4 
 
 A W Boyd, Shafer & Co. . . 
 
 " Richardson & 
 
 
 Bissett, E C Robbins & Co. 
 
 7 
 
 Jones 
 
 1 
 
 Shear &McGee..., 
 
 3 
 
 Mehan, A T Palmer 
 
 la 
 
 " Lynch & Snyder.. 
 
 4 
 
 " John P Zane 
 
 3 
 
 ELockwood 
 
 3 
 
 " Willoughby 
 
 4 
 
 Hoadley & Gamble 
 
 3 
 
 " RG Cochran 
 
 8 
 
 Young, D J Thayer 
 
 fi 
 
 " E S Templeton .... 
 
 2 
 
 " Kennedy Bros 
 
 6 
 
 " A L Avery 
 
 3 
 
 Patterson, Huntly, Jamie- 
 
 
 
 M 
 
 son & Co 
 
 
 
 " Dibble 
 
 1 
 
 Patterson, Spellacy, & Mc- 
 
 
 Dexter Moore, A S Palmer 
 
 4 
 
 Tammany 
 
 3 
 
 J S Patter- 
 
 
 Patterson, Wm Alshouse. . 
 
 3 
 
 son 
 
 2 
 
 CELovell 
 
 1,5 
 
 Dexter Moore, C E Judd. . 
 
 a 
 
 EC Brown 
 
 3 
 
 Campbell, E Duthil 
 
 3 
 
 " WR Patterson... 
 
 a 
 
 " Duthil &Co 
 
 a 
 
 " Nolan Bros 
 
 2 
 
 J M Wood 
 
 a 
 
 " Potts Bros 
 
 1 
 
 Dallas B Whipple 
 
 2 
 
 " For gie Bros 
 
 3 
 
 " J M Congdon 
 
 3 
 
 " McCalmont Oil 
 
 
 " J D Lupher 
 
 5 
 
 Co 
 
 13 
 
 " Tuclier & Sowers 
 
 3 
 
 Sample 
 
 3 
 
 " McKevert, Locli- 
 
 
 Tait, Stickney & Co 
 
 1 
 
 wood & Co 
 
 10 
 
 " Pittsburgh Oil Co.... 
 
 3 
 
 Wilson & Smith. 
 
 3 
 
 
 
 4 
 4 
 
 " Roberts & Sart- 
 
 ■' Duor& Roach 
 
 well 
 
 1 
 
 " Artley & Co 
 
 •>, 
 
 Campbell, J C Donnell 
 
 1 
 
 " Detroit Oil Co .. .' 
 
 7 
 
 " Chamber's well. . 
 
 1 
 
 " Pittsburgh Oil Co & 
 
 
 Corwin, Pickering c% Smith 
 
 3 
 
 Broder 
 
 1 
 
 " Barney 
 
 5 
 
 Borden, Pittsburgh Oil Co. 
 
 3 
 
 , " A A Palmiter 
 
 2 
 
 Purchases near K & E, 
 
 
 " Stowell & Mat- 
 
 
 Summit, Union Oil Co 
 
 14 
 
 thews 
 
 7 
 
 Spencer, Nye & Taylor 
 
 3 
 
 Corwin, Stowell 
 
 3 
 
 " Brenneman 
 
 5 
 
 " Eaton &Bundy 
 
 4 
 
 " WP Logan 
 
 3 
 
 ' ' Jarecki & Westh . . 
 
 « 
 
 R V Mitchell.... 
 
 3 
 
 
 
 W J Boyd, Zane & Taylor 
 
 7 
 
 Jones 
 
 4 
 
 S S Fertig & Co 
 
 7 
 
 Corwin, Soult & Dower 
 
 5 
 
 Farr, Pacific Oil Co 
 
 11 
 
 ' ' Varney 
 
 1 
 
 " F E Tyler 
 
 5 
 
 " Keeler & Downey 
 
 1 
 
 " Finnegan & Co 
 
 3 
 
 " D Curtis &Co.... 
 
 3 
 
 " Pittsburgh Oil Co... 
 
 3 
 
 " Corwin Bros & Co 
 
 3 
 
 " Selkregg & Son 
 
 « 
 
 " N Grossmayer 
 
 4 
 
 " I)uor& Roach 
 
 5 
 
 J S Boyd 
 
 ^ 
 
 Shaw John McCort 
 
 10 
 
 " McNiel&Co 
 
 n 
 
 " Newell & Palmer. . . 
 
 5 
 
 " Pittsburgh Oil Co 
 
 5 
 
 " Finnigan & Co 
 
 3 
 
 Garlock, Logan Bros 
 
 ON Hazen &Co. 
 
 
 " Lockwood& Roberts 
 
 4 
 
 « 
 
 " EFWillets 
 
 n 
 
 " C S Clark & Co... 
 
 .5 
 
 " J H Selkregg & Son 
 
 6 
 
 R G Cochran 
 
 3 
 
 " F E Tyler & Co 
 
 3 
 
 " Black & Knight 
 
 3 
 
 " Henney, Tyler & Co 
 
 3 
 
 McCray Bros 
 
 3 
 
 Ethridge, A S Palmer & 
 
 
 " Frank Cooban 
 
 1 
 
 Son 
 
 4 
 
 " Anchor Petroleum 
 
 
 Ethridge, Bodine & Walker 
 
 3 
 
 Co 
 
 3 
 
 JTLarmonth... 
 
 b 
 
 " JO Johnston 
 
 3 
 
 " Frank Cooban. . 
 
 a 
 
 " Hi F Whiting 
 
 4 
 
 Pratt, Perkins & DeGolier. 
 
 3 
 
 " Bowers & Ohlwei- 
 
 
 " M A Brookins 
 
 1 
 
 ler 
 
 3 
 
 ' ' Hazen & Metcalf 
 
 1 
 
 " Porter cfeWaiigh.. 
 
 5 
 
 " Suhr & Shopperlee . . 
 
 3 
 
 " Frank Cooban 
 
 1 
 
 " Van Wermer & Mer- 
 
 
 
 3 
 
 cer 
 
 a 
 
 " P M Shannon 
 
 1 
 
 Pratt, G W &AAPlummer 
 
 1 
 
 " Winger Brothers. 
 
 3 
 
 
 ' Deming ifc Gibson . . . 
 
 4 
 
 Fisher, Bradford Oil Co... 
 
 6 
 
 
 ' Van Wermer <fe Craig 
 
 3 
 
 " AT Palmer & Co.. 
 
 1 
 
 
 ' Mercer & Co 
 
 3 
 
 Monroe, Ritts & Eshner . . . 
 
 3 
 
 
 ' M M McElwaine .... 
 
 4 
 
 Ritts & Son 
 
 1 
 
 
 ' C A & D Cornen 
 
 8 
 
 CH Glass* Co... 
 
 a 
 
 
 ' Limited Oil Co 
 
 6 
 
 " W^ard & Anderson 
 
 3 
 
 
 ' O'Dell&Darrow.... 
 
 5 
 
 Pratt, Smith A: Duncan 4 
 
 " Steel & Whitney.... 3 
 
 " Brown Bros 3 
 
 " Dow & Thomas 3 
 
 Taylor tract, Jones, Black- 
 mar & Brown 15 
 
 Taylor tract, John J Carter 11 
 " Mitchell & 
 
 Jones 14 
 
 Taylor tract, Koeslor & 
 
 Mosley 4 
 
 Taylor tract. Pine Tree Oil 
 
 Co 4 
 
 Taylor tract. Union Oil 
 
 Co 9 
 
 Whipple, Whipple Bros. . . 9 
 
 Rew, J D Wolfe 3 
 
 " DKarns&Co 1 
 
 " Hopkins & Packard. . 3 
 
 " James McKay .^ 
 
 " Hammond & Co 3 
 
 " Dyer & Ford 3 
 
 " McCalmont Oil Co... 7 
 
 " Barlow & Clark 4 
 
 " Johnson & Ritts 4 
 
 " Thompson Bros 5 
 
 " Marian Bros 1 
 
 " Dalrymple 1 
 
 Hodge, O G Emery 2- 
 
 " AC Emery 1 
 
 " John Stinson 3' 
 
 " Seeley & Broder. . 1 
 
 " P Buchanan.... 2 
 
 " HazlewoodOil Co. 3 
 
 " R Jennings & Son 2 
 
 " Sliney & Dodge .. . 2 
 
 I H Shank )> 
 
 " Pencer & Wing 1 
 
 " Everson & Wood- 
 ward 2 
 
 Hodge, Whiteman & Bell . 2 
 
 Shedd, Henry Fisher 14 
 
 " A Linnemau 3 
 
 " J C Linneman & 
 
 Chapin 7 
 
 Shedd, P O Buchanan 3: 
 
 " Fuller & Parsons. 1 
 
 Bingham, Geo K Anderson 5 
 
 -" Pittsburgh Oil Co 3 
 
 " Reed & Ker win. . 3 
 
 " Capt Taggart 4 
 
 " Stewart & Mc- 
 Donald 3 
 
 Bingham (Tack farm), Mc- 
 Calmont Oil Co 1& 
 
 Bingham, lot373, Tack Bros 7 
 
 " Mead& Boss.... 11 
 
 " Mead, Green & Co 3 
 " lot 383, Allen Oil 
 
 Co 6 
 
 Bingham, lot 383, Johnson 
 
 & Co and L T Soule 1 
 
 Bingham, J F WykofE Itt 
 
 " Bayne, Fuller & 
 
 Co 10 
 
 J H Caldwell.... 4 
 Tuna Valley Oil 
 
 Co 10 
 
 Bingham, lot 380, Niagara 
 
 Oil Co 3 
 
 Bingham, Applebee, Fisher 
 
 &Co 4 
 
 Bingham, Trio Oil Co 5 
 
 " lot 383, Johnson & 
 
 Co and Union Oil Co 6 
 
10 
 
 HISTORY OF MCKEAN COUNTY. 
 
 Bingham, lot 384, Ocean Oil 
 
 Co 15 
 
 lot 385, Boden, 
 
 Emerson & Payne 10 
 
 Bingham, lot 377, Union Oil 
 
 Co 7 
 
 Kellogg, Flisher & Farrel. 3 
 
 Monroe, A N Simpson 1 
 " Simpson & Sulli- 
 van 1 
 
 Monroe, Simpson, Sullivan 
 
 & Co 1 
 
 Monroe, J D Wolf 3 
 
 " James O'Neil.... 3 
 
 Below Knox City, Warn- 
 
 niaker & Greer 1 
 
 Below Knox City, Turner. 1 
 
 -J .J Carter, pur John J Car- 
 ter 31 
 
 .J J Carter, pur H H Argue 1 
 
 Total 1,690 
 
 (Abandoned.) 
 Seward, Knox, Leckey & 
 
 Co 1 
 
 Schoonover, Martin Childs 
 
 & Co 1 
 
 HoUenbech, Anchor Petro- 
 leum Co 3 
 
 HoUenbech, M C Treat. . . 1 
 
 P Storms, O P Buchanan. . 1 
 
 " J W Sherman 3 
 
 Schoonover, McLachlin... 1 
 
 Crandall&Co 1 
 
 Richardson, Gabriel Mosher 3 
 Bissett, Union Oil Co <& 
 
 Morgan 1 
 
 Fisher, Bradford Oil Co. . . 1 
 
 Pratt, M A Brookins 1 
 
 Melvin, PCL&PCo 3 
 
 Jane Schoonover, Amm, 
 
 Seep tt Co 1 
 
 Jane Sclioonover, Gillmor 
 
 & Jamieson 1 
 
 P Storms, Test Oil Co 1 
 
 Total 23 
 
 StMMIT, .M.VRKIX AND KIXFOKD. 
 
 (Producing.) 
 Binijham, Stevens Oil Co. . 4 
 Clark & Hanna. 6 
 " Jolinson & Co 
 andTlie Union Oil Co... 6 
 Bingham, Davis & Haskell 13 
 Pickett cV: Co ... 3 
 " Wetmore it Bos- 
 ley 10 
 
 Bingham, John Conley 1 
 
 " A A Hopkins ... 6 
 Bingham & Rixford,Breece, 
 
 Boyer&Co 39 
 
 McGrew pur L S Anderson. 10 
 
 " McGrew Bros 33 
 " No. 3, McGrew 
 
 Bros 3 
 
 McKeown & Hayes pur 
 
 McLeod & Morrison 3 
 
 Hawkins pur Billy O'Brien. 1 
 
 Rixford, A A Hopkins 1 
 
 W K Vandegrift . . 3 
 
 Rixford, Plumberton & 
 
 Richardson 3 
 
 Rixford, Dr Love 3 
 
 State Line Oil Co.. 1 
 
 " Archibald* Co... 3 
 
 " Howe & Daley 1 
 
 " Mayle & Campbell 3 
 
 " Huver&Co 4 
 
 " Howe ifc Daley 3 
 
 " Evans &Lockhart. 1 
 McCullagh, Ernest W Ham- 
 mond 3 
 
 McCullagh, A A Hopkins 1 
 
 & Packard 4 
 
 McCullagh, O'Day & Mc- 
 Cullagh 4 
 
 McCullagh, Knapp's Creek 
 
 Oil Co 3 
 
 McCullagh, Otto Oil Co . . . 7 
 Cummings, A A Hopkins & 
 
 Packard 4 
 
 Cummings, Wells & Ken- 
 yon 3 
 
 Cummings, Christie & 
 
 Cameron 3 
 
 Cummings, Tom Mills 3 
 
 " "Little George" 3 
 
 Failing, Wm Melline 3 
 
 " Brennan & Derby. . 4 
 " Knapp's Creek Oil 
 
 Co 3 
 
 " Gerwig & Bacon.. 1 
 
 Cooper pur Cooper Bros.. , 7 
 
 Baker, Whitcomb 1 
 
 " Parks & Co 3 
 
 " Unknown 3 
 
 " Dan Clark 6 
 
 " F E Williams & Co . 4 
 
 Barton, Wm Doe 3 
 
 Longfellow, P T & W C 
 
 Kennedy 3 
 
 Inghram, M B Birdseye ... 3 
 Mather, Mather & Ander- 
 son 1 
 
 Mather, W L Perrin cfe Co. 7 
 Lockwood, Shattuck Sons 
 
 &Co 3 
 
 Stone, Bruin Oil Co 1 
 
 Allen, Doe, Felt & Co 8 
 
 Vaughn, Johnson & Co 4 
 
 Carpenter, Knapp's Creek 
 
 Oil Co 15 
 
 Carpenter, John Baker 3 
 
 Potts & Slike pur Potts & 
 
 Slike 34 
 
 Potts & Slike pur J W 
 
 Humphrey 3 
 
 Potts & Slike pur R H 
 
 Boughton 5 
 
 Bertram, Dr Zimmerman. . 4 
 " R H Boughton ifc 
 
 Co 1 
 
 " Bisher & Snyder.. 3 
 
 " Kane&Hazeltou. 1 
 
 " A A Hopkins 3 
 
 " J L Snyder 1 
 
 Cummings, Dolley & Ar- 
 nold 6 
 
 " Hi Dean 2 
 
 " L S Anderson. . 1 
 
 " Lovell well 1 
 
 Borden, Buzzell & Eckhart 4 
 
 " John J Carter 11 
 
 " Pittsburgh Oil Co. 6 
 
 " Pew & Emerson.. . 3 
 
 Borden, Tom Bradley 2 
 
 " W McManus 4 
 
 Matson 3 
 
 Lee & Apple 4 
 
 " Shear Bros & 
 
 Braunchweiger 6 
 
 Borden, Broder & Goetler . 3 
 
 " RH Thayer 3 
 
 Duffield & Brene- 
 
 man 3 
 
 ' ' Can- & McEntire . . 3 
 
 ' ' Adams & Baldwin . 6 
 
 " Pat Layman 7 
 
 " Davis & Co 7 
 
 " CC Scott 3 
 
 Kirk, McCalmont Farm Oil 
 
 Co 11 
 
 Bingham, Harrington 1 
 
 " Thompson & 
 
 Siggins 1 
 
 Bingham, Jones & Brown. . 3 
 
 Gardner, Wesley Chambers 3 
 
 Chambers, Wm Chambers . 8 
 
 " Gushing & 
 
 Chambers 3 
 
 Willet & Coleman, Willet 
 
 & Coleman 3 
 
 Willet & Coleman, R H 
 
 Boughton & Co 1 
 
 Willet & Coleman, Kane & 
 
 Hazelton 3 
 
 Willet & Coleman, Union 
 
 Oil Co 3 
 
 Willet & Coleman, A B Me- 
 
 Connell 3 
 
 Cornish, Merriam Bros 2 
 
 " Shear Bros& 
 
 Braunchweiger 3 
 
 Cornish, S S Fertig & Co . . 3 
 
 " Sharp &JE[azen. . 3 
 
 " J D Clark & Co... 3 
 
 Woodbury, Wm Reader ... 2 
 
 " Ed Hammond.. 2 
 
 Bertram, Caldwell & Clem- 
 
 enger 5 
 
 Bertram, Steinberg 1 
 
 " Geo Gorden 3 
 
 Anderson, M McFadden. . . 2 
 
 Irons, Breeee, Boyer & Co. 3 
 
 " Kemper 1 
 
 Dodge, Dodge 2 
 
 Rixford Gas Wells . 1 
 Anderson, Anderson, Otis 
 
 &Co 3 
 
 Anderson, L S Anderson . . 1 
 " Wesley Cham- 
 bers 3 
 
 Mitchell, F W Mitchell .... 4 
 Sherman, Sherman & Sel- 
 
 kregg 2 
 
 Sherman, Beclc & Ross 3 
 
 " Blackball, Spen- 
 cer & Reardon 1 
 
 Sherman, T P Thompson . . 3 
 " Palme ter & 
 
 Mosher 2 
 
 Sherman, Cowles & Atkin- 
 son 3 
 
 Sherman, Bradner & Cos- 
 ford 3 
 
 B T & S, Tracy & Pier 3 
 
 " Wm Belsh 2 
 
 " Anderson Bros. . . 3 
 
 " Meads i&Cameron 2 
 
 " Egert & Ross .... 2 
 
HISTOEY 0^ McKEAN COCNTY. 
 
 "77 
 
 B T & S, Gelm & Phillips. . i 
 WA&JSThomp- 
 
 son 4 
 
 B T (& S, Butters & ShaflEer 4 
 " Tarbel, Robinson 
 
 & Bisher 3 
 
 Smith & Thayer, Smith & 
 
 Thayer 14 
 
 Holt, P T tfe W C Kennedy . 3 
 
 " Wood 1 
 
 Thornton, Christie & Cam- 
 eron 4 
 
 Borden, Mackin Bros 1 
 
 " Stanton & Barrett. 2 
 Reader & Hacken- 
 
 bury 4 
 
 " Whitehead & Bow- 
 ens 7 
 
 CB Whitehead.... 10 
 
 Fisher & Weaver.. 3 
 
 " Kneeland Bros 3 
 
 Reed & Kerwin . . . 3 
 " Mitchell & McKil- 
 
 lop 1 
 
 " WW Brown 5 
 
 " Bisher & Blackmar 3 
 " Cochran & Ander- 
 son 3 
 
 " E Ferran 3 
 
 " Custer & Grady .. . 3 
 
 " Northern Oil Co . . 6 
 " Clark, Warren & 
 
 Childs 5 
 
 " Logan & Frew 6 
 
 ' ' Nelson, Finnegan 
 
 &Co 3 
 
 Zeigler 1 
 
 " McManus & Co . . . 4 
 
 " GO Gorden&Co. 9 
 
 Smith Bros 6 
 
 ' ' Patty & Armstrong 3 
 
 ' ' Ira Wagner 5 
 
 " Elkhart & Lavens . 6 
 " Stickney & Wag- 
 ner 1 
 
 Boulton Bros & 
 
 Mullen 3 
 
 " Spellacy & Koester 3 
 
 Triangle Oil Co... 3 
 
 " Butlers & Shaffer. 3 
 
 " Williamson 1 
 
 Anderron, Looker & Wing- 
 er 1 
 
 Prentice, C A & D Cornen. 14 
 
 J D Luper & Co 3 
 
 Peterson, Humley, Jam- 
 ison & Co 1 
 
 Bingham, Davis & Haskell. 13 
 
 Total 651 
 
 (Abandmied. ) 
 Hawlin, Archibald & Co 
 
 No 3 
 
 Failing, Gervey & Becon. . 
 
 Total 
 
 Lot 3353, Borden, H 
 
 Picket 
 
 Lot 3353, Dennis, Bailey. 
 
 Total. 
 
 COLE CREEK. 
 
 (Producing. ) 
 
 C C pur Columbia Oil Co 19 
 
 J McLean 3 
 
 " Barnsdall & 
 
 Briety 4 
 
 " Barnsdall, Duke 
 
 & Co 4 
 
 " Loan, Johnson 
 
 & Co 3 
 
 " Evans 1 
 
 " Gorden 1 
 
 T O C pur Youngstown 
 
 OilCo 33 
 
 Bingham, McCord, Tack 
 
 Bros 5 
 
 Bingham, McCord, Forest 
 
 on Co 18 
 
 Freeman, McLeod & Co. . . 1 
 
 Hamlin, Lego & Son 3 
 
 " Decker & Cofleld. 3 
 
 " Huver& Thomson 5 
 
 " A Sheidemantel. . 5 
 
 " Rochester Oil Co. 4 
 
 " Jordan & Shannon 4 
 
 " Hogan & Duffey. . 1 
 
 " Howe & Parker. . . 3 
 
 Brown, J L McKinney & Co 7 
 
 " FMPratt&Co.... 1 
 
 " VanVleck&Co... 4 
 " Stafford Potter & 
 
 Thomson 3 
 
 " Kemp & Armour . . 4 
 
 Wright, Tack Bros 6 
 
 A Sheidemantel . . 3 
 
 " Krug & Mechlin. . 2 
 
 EC Bradley & Co 3 
 
 " Kroger & Griffin.. 3 
 
 " Stahl, Avery & Co , 1 
 
 " Edmunds & Co... 3 
 
 " M Russlander 1 
 
 " Green & Co 3 
 
 North Star Oil Co 4 
 Wright, Allen & 
 
 Pratt 1 
 
 Yerdon, Forest Oil Co 3 
 
 Sam Giffln 3 
 
 " Wesley Chambers 5 
 
 " E Emerson 1 
 
 Union Oil Co 5 
 
 Morse, Armstrong & Sharp 8 
 
 " Kemp <fe Patterson. 7 
 " Hart,Hicks&Mark- 
 
 ham 3 
 
 Wilber, E O Emerson 9 
 
 " James Amm & Co 15 
 
 " Filkins & White . . 3 
 
 J W Humphrey.. 6 
 
 " Thomas Percy 3 
 
 Mantz, Johnson & Co and 
 
 U O Co 13 
 
 Reitter, Knox Bros & 
 
 Palmer 4 
 
 Reitter, Bayne, Fuller & 
 
 Co 9 
 
 Reitter, Johnson & Kitten- 
 
 ger 3 
 
 Reitter, St Clair & Haw- 
 kins 1 
 
 Reitter, 0' Hare & Co 1 
 
 Reitter, A Lemex 3 
 
 Reitter, Curry & Stack- 
 house 1 
 
 Reitter, Pike & Co 3 
 
 Reitter, Union Oil Co 3 
 
 Reitter, Nolan & Wright.. 3 
 
 Reitter, J M Harrison l 
 
 Reitter, John Barry l 
 
 Reitter, Clark & Foster 4 
 
 Reitter, Mahan Bros 3 
 
 Reitter, Mitchell l 
 
 Geary, Boden pur Union 
 OilCo 16 
 
 Brown & Geary pur Union 
 OilCo 14 
 
 Wilber & Emerson pur 
 Union Oil Co 4 
 
 Geary, A Lemex l 
 
 " WB Nolan l 
 
 Brown & Bennet. . . 3 
 " F M Pratt & Co.... 1 
 " A K Murray 4 
 
 Moore, J W Porter l 
 
 Emerson, Forest Oil Co . . . 7 
 
 SSFertig&Co. 10 
 
 " Roter & Spreeter 4 
 
 " Curtis* Wood. . 1 
 
 Younger Emerson, Quar- 
 tette Oil Co 4 
 
 Younger Emerson, Duke 
 Bros 4 
 
 Vincent, Stafford, Potter & 
 Thomson 4 
 
 Vincent, Straight & John- 
 son 8 
 
 Vincent, D A Wray 5 
 
 Vincent, H W Williams, Jr 4 
 
 Vincent, Evans & Houtz . . 8 
 
 Bingham lot 363, Tack 
 Bros 16 
 
 Bingham lot 393, Johnson 
 &C0&UOC0 17 
 
 Bingham Anna Oil Co 9 
 
 Bingham lots 387 & 394, P 
 T & W C Kennedy 10 
 
 Bingham lot 388, Beau- 
 mont, Lyle & Kane 13 
 
 Bingham (Hermit lot) 
 Straight & Johnson 6 
 
 Bingham (P & S pur) Un- 
 ion Oil Co 13 
 
 Bingham lot 431, Southard 
 & Short 5 
 
 Bingham lot 431, Hooper 
 & Stevens 3 
 
 Bingham lot 431, Tinsman 
 &McNulty 3 
 
 Bingham lot 431, Lawyer 
 Mason 3 
 
 Bingham lot 431, Curry & 
 Stackhouse 3 
 
 Bingham lot 431, Oliver & 
 Hartwell 1 
 
 Bingham lot 431, Bracken 
 &Co 2 
 
 Bingham lot 431, Oak 
 Shade Oil Co 3 
 
 Bingham lot 390, Forest 
 Oil Co 10 
 
 Bingham lot 395, Forest 
 Oil Co 6 
 
 Bingham lot 396, Forest 
 Oil Co 3 
 
 Bingham lot 399, Forest 
 
 Oil Co 3 
 
 Bingham lot 398, Forest 
 
 Oil Co 4 
 
 Bingham lot 397, Forest 
 Oil Co 3 
 
78 
 
 HISTOEY OF MCKEAN COUNTY. 
 
 Bingham lot 403, Forest 
 
 Oil Co 7 
 
 Bingham lot 430, Forest 
 
 on Co 13 
 
 Bingham lot 419, Forest 
 
 Oil Co 34 
 
 Bingham (D & M pur) Da- 
 vis & Murphy 14 
 
 Bingham lot 413, Johnson & 
 
 Co & U Co 6 
 
 Bingham lot 414, Johnson 
 
 &C0&UOC0 4 
 
 Bingham lot 433, Johnson 
 
 & Co & U Co 10 
 
 Bingham (five lots), John- 
 son & Co & U O Co 9 
 
 Bingham lot430}^,Johnson, 
 
 Kittenger & Trelt 7 
 
 Bingham lot 431)^, John- 
 sou, Kittenger & Treft. . 5 
 Bingham lot 483, Johnson 
 
 & Kittenger 1 
 
 Bingham lot 430, R H 
 
 Thayer (1 spoiled) 8 
 
 Bingham lot 431, Smith & 
 
 Thayer 9 
 
 Bingham lot 413, Fertig 
 
 Bros 7 
 
 Bingham lot 413, Sowers & 
 
 Miller 3 
 
 Bingham lot 413, Kelly Oil 
 
 Co 5 
 
 Bingham lot 413, Fertig & 
 
 Henne 9 
 
 Bingham lot 380, Fertig & 
 
 Henne 6 
 
 Bingham lot 381, Fertig & 
 
 Henne 3 
 
 Bingham lot 410, "Fertig & 
 
 Henne 7 
 
 Bingham lot 400, George V 
 
 Forman 8 
 
 Bingham lot 403, Boyer & 
 
 Emery 8 
 
 Bingham lot 404, Bennet & 
 
 Quick 1 
 
 Bingham lot 401, Henry 
 
 Fisher 5 
 
 Bingham, Munhall & Smith- 
 man 17 
 
 Bingham lot 433, T J Van- 
 
 dergrift 8 
 
 Bingham lot 439, J L Mc- 
 
 Kmney & Co 9 
 
 Bingham lot 406, J L Mc- 
 
 Kinney & Co 1 
 
 Bingham lot 409, J L Mc- 
 
 Kmney & Co 3 
 
 Bingham lot 501, J L Mc- 
 
 Kinney & Co 6 
 
 Bingham lot 500, Straight 
 
 & Johnson 3 
 
 Bingham lot 373, Tapk Bros 9 
 Bingham, Smith pur Huff 
 
 Bros 3 
 
 Bingham, Smith pur C S 
 
 Whitney 1 
 
 Bingham, Smith pur Pratt 
 
 &Co 1 
 
 Bingham, Smith pur Pen- 
 
 ser & MehaSey 3 
 
 Bingham, Smith pur Geo 
 
 Givens 1 
 
 Bingham, S P F & H pur 
 
 F M Pratt & Co 3 
 
 Bingham, S P F & H pur 
 
 Rochester Oil Co 11 
 
 Bingham, S P F & H pur 
 
 Sinclair & Co 3 
 
 Bingham, Union Oil Co . . . 10 
 Bingham, G&Vpur Union 
 
 Oil Co 8 
 
 Bingham lot 436, A J 
 
 Thompson 11 
 
 Bingham lot 391, A J 
 
 Thompson 9 
 
 Bingham lot 440, Bayne, 
 
 Fuller & Co 1 
 
 Bingnam lot 463, Stanford 
 
 &Co 3 
 
 Bingham lot 464, H C 
 
 Werthman 3 
 
 Bingham lot 487, Grace & 
 
 Goldsborough 10 
 
 Bingham lot 486, 0. F. 
 
 Schonhlom & Co 7 
 
 Bingham lot 416, Lee & 
 
 Apple 3 
 
 Bingham, Palmer 3 
 
 Bingham lot 485, Aiken Oil 
 
 Co 3 
 
 Bingham lot 408, Maple 
 
 Shade Oil Co 9 
 
 Bingham lot 407, Bennett 
 
 & Quick 7 
 
 Bingham lot 411, R. Jen- 
 
 , nings & Son 10 
 
 Bingham lot 467, Hamlin 
 
 & Rose 1 
 
 Bingham lot 417, Forman 
 
 &UnionOilCo 1 
 
 Bingham lot 418, Forman 
 
 & Union Oil Co 4 
 
 Bingham lot 434, Forman 
 
 & Union Oil Co 3 
 
 Bingham lot 491, Forman 
 
 & Union Oil Co 3 
 
 Bingham lot 499, Forman 
 
 & Union Oil Co 3 
 
 Bingham lot 498, Forman 
 
 & Union Oil Co 3 
 
 Bingham lot 466, Logan & 
 
 Buchanan 1 
 
 Bingham, M W H 600 acres, 
 
 Black & George 5 
 
 Bingham, M W H 600 acres. 
 
 Van Vleckcfe Stow 7 
 
 Bingham, M "W H 600 acres, 
 
 Bole & Patterson 3 
 
 Bingham, M W H 600 acres. 
 
 Smith & Aiken 3 
 
 Bingham, M W H 600 acres, 
 
 Spain, Grace & Co 3 
 
 Bingham, M W H 600 acres, 
 
 Logan & Buchanan 4 
 
 Bingham, M W H 600 acres, 
 
 W W Thompson 1 
 
 Bingham, M W H 600 acres, 
 
 E H Barnum 30 
 
 Bingham, M W H 600 acres, 
 
 Leah Oil Co 3 
 
 Bingham, M W H 600 acres, 
 
 R Jennings & Son 11 
 
 Bingham, M W H 600 acres, 
 
 F W Andrews & Co 1 
 
 Total 939 
 
 (Abandfined. ) 
 I Geary, J M Tait 1 
 
 (Dry.) 
 Bingham lot 467, Hamlin 
 
 & Rose 1 
 
 McCord Hollow, Boden, 
 
 Hatch cfe Co 1 
 
 Bingham, Warrant 3370, 
 
 Gray & Van Vleck 1 
 
 Sterling lot. Wing & Co ... . 1 
 " Montgomery & 
 
 Co 1 
 
 Wright, Sellen & Co 1 
 
 " Queen City Oil Co. 1 
 
 Total 7 
 
 TKAM HOLLOW. 
 {Producing. ) 
 
 Borden, Oak Shade Oil Co. 1 
 
 " Mutual Pet Co 3 
 
 " Washington Oil Co 3 
 
 " Wentworth&Co.. 1 
 
 " Smith & Ingram.. 3 
 
 " Harris &Tuttle... 1 
 
 " Hogan & Co 1 
 
 " A J Thompson.... 13 
 
 " J S Rogers 9 
 
 Argue & Akin 11 
 
 " H Gallagher 3 
 
 ' ' Frey, Bear & Simp- 
 son 5 
 
 " Saunders & Stan- 
 lord 4 
 
 Wm Chambers 3 
 
 " J J McCandless . . . 3 
 
 " Lennox & Hanna.. 3 
 
 " Johnson & Wilson 3 
 
 " Roanoke Oil Co .. . 4 
 
 " Wright & Loomis . 6 
 
 " PEApplebee 1 
 
 GWIhrig 1 
 
 " J J Vandergrift. . . 11 
 
 " Baker &Malone... 19 
 
 " Bushnell & White 5 
 
 " GL Watson 4 
 
 " J B Daniels 14 
 
 Booth & Newkirk 3 
 
 " SSFertig 5 
 
 " Hoffman & Patter- 
 son 4 
 
 " Andrews & Co 4 
 
 " Ralph Bros 3 
 
 J Van Vleck 6 
 
 " VanVleckOilCo.. 13 
 
 VanVleckifc Gray 3 
 
 FE Boden 2 
 
 J G Cooper 2 
 
 " O F Schonhlom ... 2 
 
 " Beverly & Burnett 1 
 
 Waugh&Co 8 
 
 " Macon & Co 3 
 
 " J L Johnson 3 
 
 " M Hughes 2 
 
 A J Wheeler 2 
 
 " AG Bowen 3 
 
 J Fox 1 
 
 " Whitney & Wheel- 
 er 7 
 
 Oil City Oil Co ... . 9 
 
 " A J Thompson 10 
 
 " Smith & Thomp- 
 son 13 
 
 FW Mitchell 13 
 
 " R Jennings 9 
 
HISTOEY OF MCKEAN COUNTY. 
 
 81 
 
 Borden, Mingo 3 
 
 " Young & Lawtou.. 2 
 " Huntley & Jami- 
 son 2 
 
 Austin & Bennett. 3 
 
 H R Proctor 7 
 
 Caldwell & Penfiy 1 
 
 Gibbs & Sterrett.. 1 
 
 " Lane & Johnson. . 2 
 
 " Hogue & Duke ... 1 
 
 " Strutbers 6 
 
 " Newell & Palmer.. 3 
 
 " John Pertig 4 
 
 " Bowers & Oblweier 2 
 
 " George Chambers.. 2 
 
 " St Joe Oil Co 3 
 
 " Elk City Oil Co.... 6 
 
 " Riter & Conley.. . . 10 
 
 Hill& Herrick.... 4 
 
 " RTLane 3 
 
 " Bligh&Kyle 3 
 
 Coultebaugh& 
 
 Townsend 3 
 
 Trax & Co 8 
 
 " J Grove 5 
 
 " Curtis, Kehr & Co 3 
 
 " Harris & Wallace.. 3 
 
 " Green & Winger. . . 3 
 " Blancbard & Klcb- 
 
 ardson 1 
 
 " "Derrick" 1 
 
 " Brawley & Crouth- 
 
 ers 1 
 
 " Wiser & Overy 1 
 
 " W F Monger 3 
 
 " Hooper & Stevens 1 
 
 " Forest Oil Co 11 
 
 " Carter &Hurd 5 
 
 " J J Carter 4 
 
 " Mike Gorman 3 
 
 " Ralston & Co 3 
 
 " J B Daniels & Co . . 14 
 
 Meldrum, E A Boyne 2 
 
 " D Richie 3 
 
 " RO Meldrum... 10 
 " Hogan & Mur- 
 phy 5 
 
 " Sunburst 3 
 
 Alls- 
 'the 
 
 Wm Utter 
 
 " Curron & 
 
 baugh . . 
 
 " Bull of 
 
 Woods" 1 
 
 " Theo Heifer.... 1 
 
 " Lorn& O'Dell.. 1 
 
 " Burnes 3 
 
 " Kern & Co 1 
 
 Vandergrift, Gibbs & Ster- 
 rett 1 
 
 " Weiser 1 
 
 Rutherford . . 3 
 Doubleday, Lee, Milligan 
 & Doubleday. 
 " Carson Bros.. 
 W A Nichol- 
 son 
 
 " Allshouse 
 
 Chambers, Hazlewood Oil 
 
 Co 
 
 Keller, Bell Bros 3 
 
 " Cutting & Sterrett. 5 
 
 " Lego & McCool 3 
 
 " Healy& Wilder.... 5 
 " Backus & Straight. . 3 
 " Gaskall& Workman 4 
 
 15 
 2 
 
 2 
 3 
 
 15 
 
 Keller, W J Morrell 
 
 " Pomeroy & Judd . . . 
 
 BKirley&Oo 
 
 J T Williams 
 
 " Williams & Keller 
 
 ' ' John Fagundus 
 
 " Longwell & Snow . . 
 Morse, Irvin & Morgan . . 
 Slike& Williams... 
 
 " J I Dunn 
 
 " Applebee & Fisher 
 
 Kerr & Eaton 
 
 " Lake Oil Co 
 
 " Mattison 
 
 " R J Walker ( Swamp 
 
 Angel) 
 
 " Watkin Bro 
 
 " O P Buchanan 
 
 PolarOilCo 
 
 " J H Sherman 
 
 " Daniels 
 
 " Jno Potts 
 
 " Applebee & Rogers 
 
 " MTcEnvoe & Co 
 
 " Warren & Tidioute 
 
 Oil Co 
 
 " Morse & Ball 
 
 " SPBoyer 
 
 Wm Duke,Wilson & Heller 
 " W H & D W 
 
 Longwell 
 
 " Wm Duke, Jr.. 
 
 N C Clark 
 
 White, John Eaton 
 
 " Bently & Thurston 
 
 " H L Blackmar 
 
 H Beardsley 
 
 A J Neil 
 
 NP Stone 
 
 " Hontz & Hower 
 
 " Howe & Eaton 
 
 " Mitchell & Jones. .. 
 
 " Warren Oil Co 
 
 Cole, Stewart & McDonald 
 
 " Fisher & Reeves 
 
 " Eureka Oil Co 
 
 " T B Buchanan 
 
 ' ' Maple Grove Oil Co. . 
 " Morris, Gillies & Co 
 
 " J Pepper ; 
 
 " Carothers Bros 
 
 Middaugh, 1 G Howe 
 
 Forest Oil Co.. 
 
 " J S Cooper 
 
 " Rochester Oil 
 
 Co 
 
 " AC Hawkins. .. 
 
 Inghram, Patterson & Lee- 
 
 dom 
 
 Sanderson, W C Patterson 
 
 " Erie Oil Co.... 
 
 Skinner, R J Walker & Co 
 
 " R M Brown & Co 
 
 " Swan Bros 
 
 Scio, Devlin & Co 
 
 " King & Cutting 
 
 " J H Mayer 
 
 " Devlin & O'Connor. . . 
 
 " Nichol & Rhodes 
 
 " Scio Oil Co 
 
 ' ' Roch ester Oil Co 
 
 " WL Russell 
 
 Rose, Blackman & Jackson 
 
 W & J Duke, Hackett & 
 
 Shirley 
 
 J Duke, Sjproal & Hasson . . 4 
 
 " MTerket Bros 8 
 
 " John Duke 2 
 
 Dow pur Johnson, Mc- 
 
 Manus & Co o 
 
 Haines pur Carlin Bros ifc 
 
 Golden 8 
 
 " Reed & Brown 2 
 
 WL Russell.. 3 
 
 Kemp & Co.. 4 
 
 Chas Duke, Chas Duke 3 
 
 " Duke Centre 
 
 Oil Co 3 
 
 Oil City Oil Co, Longwell & 
 
 Co 1 
 
 Borden, A C Smith ...'.'.'..'. 3 
 
 Chas Duke, S A Elliott .... 1 
 
 Angell Oil Co,Angell Oil Co 14 
 
 C O Co, Columbia Oil Co . . 18 
 
 Borden, McKelvey & Co... 9 
 
 Total 852 
 
 (Abandoned.) 
 Borden, Duke & Hague No 
 
 3 1 
 
 " Forest Oil Co 1 
 
 Rose, J S Rogers 1 
 
 Total .3. 
 
 OIL VALLEY. 
 
 24 
 
 {Producing.) 
 J E & W P Baldwin, Stew- 
 
 art Bros & Co 
 
 J E & W P Baldwin, Wil 
 
 ton (fe Emerson 10 
 
 J E & W P Baldwin, J E & 
 
 WPBaldwin 4 
 
 E & F W Sprague, Nunda 
 
 Oil Co 8 
 
 Noble, Noble 35 
 
 " G H Noble 12 
 
 " HW Noble a 
 
 J B McElwaine 1 
 
 Keating, Hamlin 10 
 
 " DC Brawley...'.. 4 
 
 WHMcGill&Co 3 
 
 " Young & Co 4 
 
 " Bradleyife Metcalf 8 
 
 " Tracy & Jenkins . 2 
 
 " H Robbins 5 
 
 Strickland, W H Bull 2 
 
 " E B Rogers .... 3 
 
 '' Whitman Bros 
 
 & Clark 
 
 " Boden& Emer- 
 son 
 
 Field & Chat- 
 tels 
 
 H H Metcalf . . 
 " Johns,on & 
 
 Rathbon 
 
 Atwater, R S Battle 
 
 ' ' Lupher Bros & Co 
 Marvin, T B Clark & Co. . . 
 
 Moore, G N Moore 11 
 
 F W Sprague, Carlin Bros 
 
 & Golden 4 
 
 F W Sprague, Millikin 
 Bros 3 
 
 4 
 
 1 
 1 
 
 3 
 3 
 
 4 
 5. 
 
'82 
 
 HISTORY OF MCKEAN COUNTY. 
 
 P W Sprague, Norwich Oil 
 
 
 Co 
 
 4 
 
 F W Sprague, Westmore- 
 land Oil Co 
 
 
 3 
 
 F W Sprague, S W Mason. 
 
 ,6 
 
 F W Sprague, W A Hardi- 
 
 
 son & Co 
 
 3 
 
 F W Sprague, S F Conant . 
 
 4 
 
 FW Sprague 
 
 7 
 
 W F Sprague, J Galis 
 
 4 
 
 Gates &Siple 
 
 2 
 
 EichnerBros 
 
 2 
 
 Van Norman 
 
 
 &Co 
 
 2 
 
 W R Love . . 
 
 4 
 
 Sam Baldwin, Nunda Oil 
 
 
 Co 
 
 S 
 
 Sam Baldwin, C G "Warner 
 
 1 
 
 " Hardison & 
 
 
 Collins.. . . 
 
 11 
 
 " Nettie Pete 
 
 « 
 
 " Shadman... 
 
 3 
 
 " PennellBros 
 
 1 
 
 " Waugh & 
 
 
 Sheakley. 
 
 2 
 
 " Grierson & 
 
 
 Co 
 
 3 
 
 Steele & 
 
 
 Tracy .... 
 
 2 
 
 HP Boyd.. 
 
 4 
 
 Wildwood, Wildwood Oil 
 
 
 Co 
 
 15 
 
 Breckenridge, Brecken- 
 ridge & Harper 
 
 
 8 
 
 Borden, unknown 
 
 2 
 
 Rickerson, Alford & Curtis 
 
 •2 
 
 J Van Kleecke 
 
 1 
 
 E E Sprague, H P Boyd. . . 
 
 2 
 
 John Ward & 
 
 
 Co 
 
 8 
 
 Thomas & 
 
 
 Jones 
 
 2 
 
 . Straight, E Emerson 
 
 1 
 
 " St Petersburg Oil 
 
 
 Co 
 
 5 
 
 Baldwin & Mc- 
 
 
 Coy 
 
 4 
 
 CG Warner 
 
 a 
 
 " Carlin, Bros & 
 
 
 Golden 
 
 4 
 
 ^Slater, Hufe Bros & Farrell 
 
 2 
 
 " Hart 
 
 6 
 
 " Chambers & Bros. . 
 
 4 
 
 " Kump & Nicholson 
 
 3 
 
 " Oil Valley Gas Well 
 
 1 
 
 " J B McElwaine 
 
 1 
 
 Werthman, Hurtzel & Ne- 
 
 
 
 5 
 
 Werthman, J N Pew 
 
 5 
 
 " S Watson 
 
 4 
 
 GN Moore.... 
 
 3 
 
 SL Wilson.... 
 
 8 
 
 " Otto Germer.. 
 
 7 
 
 HC Werthman 
 
 7 
 
 " Williamson 
 
 
 • Bros 
 
 3 
 
 Boot Leg, L P Warner .... 
 
 9 
 
 J&FHBole... 
 
 n 
 
 Boot Leg Oil Co 
 W SMcMuUen. 
 
 2 
 
 2 
 
 " Luce & Perkin. . 
 
 2 
 
 Lovell, S L Wilson 
 
 4 
 
 ' ' Waugh ,Porter & Co 
 
 4 
 
 Borden, Watson & Willock 
 
 
 Oil Co 
 
 13 
 
 Borden, Hefner 2 
 
 Fisher & Co 2 
 
 " Pew & Emerson. . 3 
 
 " H Boyer 2 
 
 " Magbee & Whea- 
 
 ton 2 
 
 " Brandeth & Wat- 
 son 10 
 
 " Russell & Co 1 
 
 " Glass & Huff 3 
 
 " Smith & Jones 2 
 
 " Tanner & Co 4 
 
 " Bartles & Post . . . . 3 
 
 " Brooks & Hoffman 4 
 
 " TafEt& Egbert.... 6 
 
 C B Williams & Co 12 
 
 Ker win & Reed. . . 1 
 
 " Borden Oil Co.... 3 
 
 " Willard & Weaver 2 
 " Wilcox & Brene- 
 
 man 2 
 
 J Knox& Co 3 
 
 Brown, South Shore Oil Co 1 
 
 " WLCalbet 1 
 
 " J McCort 4 
 
 " Weible Bros 3 
 
 " Westmoreland Oil 
 
 Co 4 
 
 " NK Connelly 2 
 
 ANGELL OIL COMPANY'S TKACT. 
 
 Ralston & Benedict 6 
 
 Harris & Wallace 3 
 
 Guyer & Basch 4 
 
 R Jennings & Son 4 
 
 Ballard & Barr 6 
 
 J B Daniels* Co 5 
 
 J G & C B Williams 5 
 
 Wallace Oil Co 3 
 
 Frank Campbell & Co 4 
 
 Piper &Dany 3 
 
 Forman & Lawton 3 
 
 Ballard & Williams 2 
 
 Angell Oil Co 9 
 
 Jaynes Bros 5 
 
 M J TufEt 1 
 
 Stewart & McDonald 2 
 
 John Beno 3 
 
 Hart, Hicks & Co 1 
 
 A W Williams 3 
 
 Burns Bros 4 
 
 Havens & Wright 1 
 
 Fargo Oil Co 4 
 
 Waugh & Co 5 
 
 WLPerrin&Co 3 
 
 Chauncy Oil Co 1 
 
 Hamlin, J B Daniels & Co 9 
 
 Total 594 
 
 KANSAS BRANCH. 
 
 {Producing. ) 
 
 Whitney & Wheeler, Tay- 
 lor cfe McVey 3 
 
 Whitney & Wheeler, Tay- 
 lor & Rix 2 
 
 Whitney & Wheeler, Tan- 
 ner & Wheeler 1 
 
 Whitney & Wheeler, A P 
 Tanner 2 
 
 Whitney & Wheeler, C F 
 Allen 1 
 
 Dixon, Dalrymple Bros — 2 
 " & Milli- 
 
 ken 1 
 
 Duke & Howard, Dorsey & 
 
 Co 7 
 
 Duke & Howard, Arctic 
 
 Oil Co 8 
 
 Duke & Howard, W G Duf- 
 
 field 6 
 
 Duke & Howard, Keyes . 4 
 Duke & Howard, Stahl, 
 
 McFarland&Co 2 
 
 Duke & Howard, D S Kemp 2 
 " DG Stage 2 
 
 " Alex Mc- 
 
 Ginness. 2 
 " Winich e r 
 
 Bros.... 1 
 " Rew & 
 
 Shoem'kr 3 
 Johnson, Chubbeck & 
 
 Drake 2 
 
 Duke & Johnson, Reed & 
 
 Brown 4 
 
 Duke & Johnson, Mills, 
 
 Guider & Co 5 
 
 Duke & Johnson, J Wolfe 
 
 &Co 7 
 
 Duke & Johnson, Black 
 
 Giant Oil Co 7 
 
 Duke & Johnson, TafEv Oil 
 
 Co "..... 4 
 
 Duke & Johnson, Hackett 
 
 & Shirley 6 
 
 Duke & Johnson, C E Rob- 
 bins & Co 6 
 
 Duke & Johnson, Varney 
 
 &Co 3 
 
 W & J Duke, McPherson 
 
 &Co 6 
 
 W & J Duke, Merrick & 
 
 Co 6 
 
 Morton, J S Cooper 1 
 
 ■" Monroe & Smith. 1 
 " Heydrick Bros & 
 
 Brown 6 
 
 " J D Downing & 
 
 Co 13 
 
 " White* Clark... 3 
 
 " Dorsey Bros 3 
 
 " Daniels & Co 1 
 
 Keating, L W Young & Co 3 
 
 Forest Oil Co. .. . 21 
 
 " Mountain Oil Co . 7 
 
 " B Kirley 1 
 
 " AP Tanner 2 
 
 Hamlin, Forest Oil Co 31 
 
 A Loop, J D Downing & 
 
 Co 3 
 
 Baldwin Bros, Rauber & 
 
 Hogan i 
 
 Duke, Church & Baldwin, 
 
 Wetter & Nicholson .-. . . 3 
 Duke, Church & Baldwin, 
 
 Paul Kratzer 3 
 
 Duke, Church & Baldwin, 
 
 B Vensel 3 
 
 Duke, Church & Baldwin, 
 
 RC Coulter 2 
 
 Duke, Church & Baldwin, 
 
 Anderson & Leonard 2 
 
 Duke, Church & Baldwin, 
 
 Blakeslee Bros 3 
 
 Duke, Church & Baldwin, 
 J B McElwaine & Co ... . 7 
 
HISTORY OF MCKEAN COUNTY. 
 
 83 
 
 Duke, Cluirch & Baldwin, 
 
 Hemlock Oil Co 9 
 
 Duke, Church & Baldwin, 
 
 Patterson & Hoffman ... 4 
 Duke, Church & Baldwin, 
 
 G L Howard 4 
 
 Duke, Church & Baldwin, 
 
 Warren Oil Co 4 
 
 Duke, Church & Baldwin, 
 
 Calhoun & Slater 1 
 
 Duke, Church & Baldwin, 
 
 Wilder & Warren 1 
 
 Duke, Church & Baldwin, 
 
 Bronson & Curtis 3 
 
 Swink, Hamsher & Co 4 
 
 Duke & Gorton, Kribhs & 
 
 Co 4 
 
 Duke & Gorton, John Duff 3 
 ' ' Chauncey 
 
 Oil Co.. 18 
 Duke & Blackmar, Burt & 
 
 Abel 3 
 
 Duke & Blackmar, Har- 
 rington 3 
 
 Duke &, Blackmar, Lew.. . . 3 
 " Kentucky 
 
 Oil Co... 3 
 ' ' Chautau - 
 
 qua Oil' 
 
 Co 3 
 
 J E Robinson, "Maude" 
 
 wells 3 
 
 Kapp pur " Maggie " 1 
 
 Kansas Br Oil Co, Simonds 
 
 & McGill 13 
 
 Kansas Br Oil Co, Tanner 
 
 & Wheeler 3 
 
 Kansas Br Oil Co, Braun- 
 
 schweiger 5 
 
 Kansas Br Oil Co, R M 
 
 Brown & Co 3 
 
 Kansas Br Oil Co, Mead & 
 
 Co 3 
 
 W^right, Husband & Co ... . 6 
 Tarious tracts, J S Patter- 
 son 10 
 
 Total 343 
 
 (Abandoned.) 
 Morton, White & Clark. . 
 " Daniels & Co. . . 
 
 Total , 
 
 (Dry.) 
 Peffer, Lupher Bros & Co. 
 
 Total. 
 
 INDIAN" CBEBK. 
 (Producing. ) 
 Keyes, Indian Creek Oil 
 
 Co 
 
 Eeyes, J Keyes 
 
 " Collins & Hardison 
 
 " W A Hardison & Co 
 
 ' ' Tod, Anderson & Co 
 
 ■Cooper, Oak Shade Oil Co . 
 
 " JKribbs: 
 
 " N Wood 
 
 Cooper, Safford 1 
 
 Forest Oil Co 1 
 
 J Campbell, Oak Shade Oil 
 
 Co 4 
 
 J Campbell, Evans & 
 
 Thompson 1 
 
 J Campbell, Forest Oil Co 2 
 
 Rounds, Oak Shade Oil Co 7 
 
 " Kemp & Patterson 4 
 
 " Evans & Thompson 3 
 
 " Forest Oil Co 3 
 
 Dodge, Kemp & Patterson 3 
 
 " Rochester Oil Co . . 1 
 Hooker, J D Downing & 
 
 Co 10 
 
 Hooker, L Loup 1 
 
 Drake, Evans & Thompson 1 
 L Loup, Evans & Thomp- 
 son 4 
 
 L Loup, Bradford Oil Co & 
 
 Follet Bros 11 
 
 Zimmer, Brawley Bros 1 
 
 " Gray Bros 1 
 
 " Zimmer 3 
 
 " McNulty & Strong 1 
 " Spring Valley Oil 
 
 Co 1 
 
 " Forest Oil Co 6 
 
 Henry Lo'up, J D Downing 
 
 (&Co 3 
 
 Henry Loup, J J McNulty 1 
 
 Whitney & Co 2 
 
 " Unknown 1 
 
 Wm Loup, Ferness 1 
 
 Palmiter, Cavey & Purtell . 6 
 " Spring Valley Oil 
 
 Co 8 
 
 J L Eddy 1 
 
 Swett 1 
 
 " Fry & Hayes 1 
 
 Acre Oil Co 3 
 
 " Boggs& Curtis. . 1 
 
 " C Phillips 1 
 
 G N Smith 4 
 
 " ML Sweeny & Co 4 
 
 Emlenton Oil Co 3 
 
 Barrett, Bartlfttt & Co 3 
 
 " JKBartlett 3 
 
 " Bennie&Co 13 
 
 " LE Mallory 3 
 
 " Markham & Co. . . 8 
 
 " Emlenton Oil Co. . 3 
 
 M Loup, Hart & Hicks 6 
 
 " James O'Neal 4 
 
 Erie City Oil Co. . 3 
 
 " Kinney & Co 2 
 
 Simms, Bradford Oil Co. . . 11 
 Sparger, " "... 1 
 Hamlin, Plummer Oil Co. . 4 
 " Vandergrlft & Mil- 
 ler 3 
 
 " GW Strong* Co. 1 
 (Oak Shade pur) ' 
 Forest Oil Co... 1 
 M W Campbell, Spring Val- 
 ley Oil Co 3 
 
 M W Campbell, Follett 
 
 Bros 1 
 
 M B Campbell, Spring Val- 
 ley Oil Co 1 
 
 M B Campbell, Morris, 
 
 Smith & Co 3 
 
 EUing, Forest Oil Co 1 
 
 Hooker and other farms. 
 
 Forest Oil Co, c< aZ 33 
 
 Hooker and other farms, 
 
 Evans & Thompson, et al 18 
 
 E.IBSE TRACT. 
 
 Union Oil Co 9 
 
 Siggins & Lincoln 5 
 
 Smith & Crowley 1 
 
 LB Caldwell 1 
 
 Wm Chambers 3 
 
 Stover & Dilks 7 
 
 SC Whitney 5 
 
 McCort & Hancox 6 
 
 St John & Co 5 
 
 Curtis Bros 4 
 
 W C Patterson 7 
 
 DC Brawley & Co 5 
 
 D S Gray 1 
 
 A C Hawkins 4 
 
 Davis & Hyde 3 
 
 Russell & Co 2 
 
 H W Curtis & Co 3 
 
 Geo V Forman 34 
 
 GilflUan 1 
 
 Tobias & McGiven 2 
 
 Smith & Bovee 5 
 
 Mallory & Co 3 
 
 Gray & Stettheimer 1 
 
 Fitzgibbons Bros 4 
 
 BDCampbell 3 
 
 Steelsmith 1 
 
 Lyon & Connelly 1 
 
 Rovee & Clawson 3 
 
 Boston Oil Co 3 
 
 Collins & Hardison 8 
 
 J D Downing & Co 6 
 
 Emlenton Oil Co 3 
 
 Robert Herse 1 
 
 LE Mallory 3 
 
 Tod & Anderson 1 
 
 Morris & Co 7 
 
 Cape Cod Oil Co 1 
 
 Galbraith & Kennedy 3 
 
 W A Hardison & Co 1 
 
 R Jennings & Son 6 
 
 H Jennings <fc Co 2 
 
 Major Wetter 3 
 
 Total 387 
 
 (Abandoned.) 
 
 Barse, Union Oil Co 1 
 
 " Shackleton&Co... 1 
 
 " McCort & Hancox. 1 
 
 Total 3 
 
 (Dry.) 
 
 McMullen 1 
 
 Unknown 2 
 
 Dodge, Kemp & Patterson 1 
 
 Arthur Loop, unknown. ... 2 
 
 Total 6 
 
 MIX CREEK. 
 
 (Producing.) 
 Keating, J L McKinney & 
 
 Co 37 
 
 Burdick, Tack Bros 10 
 
 Wheeler, Dusenberry, 
 
 Wheeler & Co 34 
 
 Comstock & Riddell, John 
 
 Tonkin, Jr 5 
 
84 
 
 HISTOBY OF MCKEAN COUNTY. 
 
 Mann, Geo E Mann 3 
 
 K H McBride, Haymaker. . 4 
 
 Gale, Gale & Son 14 
 
 " Cavey & Purtell 12 
 
 Templeton, Nott Bros 3 
 
 ' ' Templeton 4 
 
 " Bennett & 
 
 Brown 2 
 
 Wright & Sawyer, C J Till- 
 
 f ord 3 
 
 Hazzard & Hollister, G S 
 
 Williams 3 
 
 Cook, Kenyon 3 
 
 Weston lot, Forest Oil Co . 6 
 
 " Lee & Apple.. 9 
 " EHBarnumcfe 
 
 Co 9 
 
 Weston lot, Dinining Oil Co 5 
 J B Kiley & Co 4 
 " Gibbs & Alex- 
 ander 4 
 
 Weston lot, S S Henne .... 6 
 
 CWPratt&Co 18 
 
 " Geo V Forman 1 
 
 Total 186 
 
 {Dry.) 
 
 Weston, Kiley & Co il 
 
 " Smith & Ames ... 1 
 
 " . Lyman 1 
 
 J L McKinney & 
 
 Co 1 
 
 Weston, Geo V Forman ... 1 
 
 Annis, Brown & Bennett . . 1 
 
 Clark, J McKinney & Co . . 1 
 
 Cook, Andrews & Comey. . 1 
 
 Gilletts, C E Hatch Co 1 
 
 Total . 
 
 KINZUA. 
 
 {Producing. ) 
 Union Oil Go's track. Union 
 
 Oil Co, Kinzua wells 20 
 
 Union Oil Co's tract. Union 
 
 Oil Co, GufEey wells 10 
 
 Union Oil Co's tract, Union 
 
 Oil Co, Bonanza wells. . . 2 
 Bingham lands, Baker & 
 
 Malone 14 
 
 Bingham lands, Corwall, 
 
 Parker* Co 30 
 
 Bingham lands, Riter & 
 
 Oonley 10 
 
 Bingham lands, A Gillmor 
 
 Jr & Co 7 
 
 Bingham lands, lot 135, J 
 
 M Tait 6 
 
 Bingham lands, lot 136, J 
 
 M & Thomas Tait 2 
 
 Bingham lands, Byron & 
 
 MeKeown 3 
 
 Bingham lands, C P Byron. 1 
 La Fayette Coal Co's lands, 
 
 Eaton Bros 4 
 
 La Fayette Goal Co's lands. 
 
 Porter, Gillmor & Jack- 
 son 3 
 
 La Fayette Coal Co's lands, 
 
 Boden&Co 3 
 
 La Fayette Coal Co's lands. 
 Carter & Hurd 
 
 Total. 
 
 10 
 113 
 
 {Abandoned.) 
 
 Union Oil Co's tract, Union 
 Oil Co No 4 1 
 
 La Fayette Coal Co's lands, 
 M Brownson 1 
 
 La Fayette Coal Co's lands, 
 (Gronen lot) McCalmont 
 Oil Co 2 
 
 La Fayette Coal Co's lands, 
 Neuer & Davis 1 
 
 La Fayette Coal Co's lands, 
 Porter, Gillmor & Jack- 
 son 1 
 
 Total 6 
 
 {Dry.) 
 Union Oil Co's tract. Union 
 
 Oil Co Nos 3 and 5 2 
 
 Halsey lands, Westmore- 
 land Oil Co 2 
 
 Halsey lands, Knox, Leck- 
 
 ey&Co 1 
 
 Halsey lands, Wilcox & 
 
 Knox 1 
 
 Bingham lands, E L Bowen 
 
 &Co 1 
 
 Kane lands, P C L & P Co . 1 
 " Marcus Hul- 
 
 ings 1 
 
 Hagadorn, Shaf er 1 
 
 Bingham, Treat & Co 1 
 
 " McCuUagh & Co 1 
 Patterson, P C L & P Co . . . 5 
 Warrant 3901, J&HONeil 1 
 Lafayette Coal Co's lands, 
 
 Van Vleck, Stow & White 1 
 Lafayette Coal Co's lands, 
 
 Hazlewood Oil Co 1 
 
 Lafayette Coal Co' s lands, 
 
 Pittsburg Oil Co 1 
 
 Lafayette Coal Co's lands, 
 
 Dutchess Oil Co 1 
 
 Lafayette Coal Co's lands. 
 
 Union Oil Co 1 
 
 Hoover lease, Wm Dow. . . 1 
 Newton, Martin Comstock. 1 
 Backus, General Hamar. . . 1 
 
 Total 26 
 
 FOUK MILE. 
 
 (Producing.) 
 Joe Waters, Carroll Bros . . ' 1 
 " H wa rd & 
 
 Baum 3 
 
 Joe Waters, John R Bram- 
 
 bley 1 
 
 Jake Waters, E C Howard. 1 
 Jacob Moultrous, Robert 
 
 Moultrous & Son 6 
 
 Griffith, A Griffin & Co ... . 7 
 ' ' Harold & Byrnes . . 4 
 
 Zimbauer, Coast Bros 7 
 
 Rock View Oil 
 Co 4 
 
 Zimbauer, Merrill & Coast. 4 
 
 WF Coast 2 
 
 Parson's lot, Carroll Bros. . 3 
 
 " MLLockwood 6 
 " Pebble Rock.. 
 
 Oil Co 4 
 
 Parson's lot. Pioneer Oil Co 12 
 " ML Lockwood 
 
 &Co 2 
 
 Dye, Coast & Clark 10 
 
 J H Boardman &Co.. 1 
 
 Allegany Oil Co 7 
 
 Pebble Rock Oil Co.. 3 
 
 NADye& Co 4 
 
 John H Borden & Co. 3 
 
 Kerr & Bickle 3 
 
 Boyle, Rogers & Co. . 2 
 
 Argue & Aiken 4 
 
 Argue & Poole 3 
 
 B WBaum& Son.... 
 
 Miller & McNish 1 
 
 T B Clark & Co 2 
 
 LH Ballard & Co.... 6 
 
 George W Consor 3 
 
 Brambley, Granger & 
 
 Co 3 
 
 Frank Waters, Merrill & 
 
 Coast 3 
 
 Frank Waters, Calkins & 
 
 Kelty 11 
 
 Van Campen, Geo Van 
 
 Campen 13 
 
 Widow Carrol, J Wesley & 
 
 Co 2 
 
 Widow Carrol, Collins & 
 
 Son 3 
 
 Widow Carrol, Kerwin & 
 
 Reed..: 4 
 
 McCartney, Gibby 1 
 
 " W J Steele & 
 
 Co 1 
 
 McCartney, S D HefCner ... 3 
 Rock City Oil 
 
 Co 3 
 
 McCartney, G D Grannis & 
 
 Co 3 
 
 McCartney, Rogers & 
 
 Seeley ; 1 
 
 McCartney, Clark Bros & 
 
 Canfield 1 
 
 McCartney, Tabor & Co. . . 2 
 " Aiken Bros ... 2 
 " John R Bram- 
 bley 2 
 
 McCartney, H B Davis & Co 1 
 
 ' ' Abrams & Co . 1 
 
 " Kinkaid&Co. 1 
 
 Lippert, Howard & Baum . 2 
 
 Mary Waters, Howard & 
 
 Baum 3 
 
 Garr, Hayes & Davis 6 
 
 Howard, Rumsey & Co 6 
 
 ' ' Vandergrif t & 
 
 Foreman 1 
 
 Howard, C B Williams & Co 1 
 
 " Hayes Bros 1 
 
 Bozzard, Wiser Bros 3 
 
 " L OTafEel &Co.. 2 
 
 " Griswold & Co . . . 1 
 
 J F Johnson, Argue & Cobb 2 
 " Garrett & 
 
 Prentice 1 
 
 J F Johnson, Eaton & Howe 3 
 " Hutchinson & 
 
 Stoughton 1 
 
HISTOKY OF MCKEAN COUNTY. 
 
 85' 
 
 J F Jolinson, Shear Bros. . 
 Stichelbauer, F r a n e h o t 
 
 Bros 
 
 Stichelbauer, E Bailey 
 
 Ferkel, Franchot Bros 
 
 Geiger, Buffalo Oil Co 
 
 Donahue, Ellis, Coleman & 
 
 Co 
 
 Donahue, Brown & Norris 
 
 Douahxie 
 
 Bucher, Wm Buolier 
 
 " Pebble Rock Oil Co 
 
 Stevens, McCalmontOilCo 
 
 " Book & Rhodes. . 
 
 " J H Hughes 
 
 " Canfleld 
 
 Zaph, Franchot Bros 
 
 " Meade & Sargent . . . 
 J Brandall, Franchot Bros . 
 John Harbell, Coleman, 
 
 Meade & Co 
 
 John Harbell, Hickey & 
 
 Nessil 
 
 John Harbell, Capt J M 
 
 Burns & Co 
 
 John Harbell, Smith & 
 
 Howard 
 
 John Harbell, McNall & 
 
 Lewis 
 
 John Harbell, M H Byrnes 
 
 &Co 1 
 
 John Harbell, Hogan & 
 
 Murphy 1 
 
 John Harbell, Meade & 
 
 Crawford 3 
 
 John Harbell, J B Daniels 
 
 & Co 2 
 
 John Harbell, Allegany Oil 
 
 Co 1 
 
 Andy Harbell, Smith & 
 
 Howard 2 
 
 Andy Harbell, Franchot 
 
 Bros 15 
 
 Andy Harbell,- Smith & 
 
 Howard 1 
 
 United Pipe Lines, Franchot 
 
 Bros 1 
 
 Stewart, Crocker 3 
 
 J G &E M John- 
 son 4 
 
 Stewart, Morgan, Wilson 
 
 ifcCo 2 
 
 Fries, Meade & Sargent. ... 1 
 
 " Franchot Bros 7 
 
 Hollander, Pebble Rock Oil 
 
 Co 6 
 
 Hollander, H E Brown & 
 
 Co 2 
 
 Hollander, Colegrove & Co 3 
 
 Johnson, Johnson & Co . . . 3 
 
 HCGaskell 3 
 
 " JHDilks 1 
 
 " Allegany Oil Co . . 3 
 
 C W Rhodes 1 
 
 Total 339 
 
 {Abandoned. ) 
 
 Widow Carroll, J Lewis 
 
 &Co 1 
 
 Fries, Eaton & Stowell .... 2 
 
 Moultrous, Moultrous & 
 
 Son 1 
 
 A Harbell, Smith & Howard 1 
 
 Total. 
 
 (Dry.) 
 
 North Pole, unknown 
 
 Stevens, Roberts 
 
 Austin, McVey, Taylor & 
 
 Co 
 
 Various sections, unknown 
 
 Total . 
 
 The Bradford Oil Field. — The production of the Bradford field from 
 1868 to the close of 1889 is shown as follows: 
 
 YEAR. 
 
 Barrels. 
 
 Wells 
 Completed. 
 
 Daily 
 Runs. 
 
 YEAR. 
 
 Barrels. 
 
 Wells 
 Completed. 
 
 Daily 
 Runs. 
 
 1868-75... 
 
 36,000 
 
 380,000 
 1,450,000 
 6,500,000 
 14,200,000 
 22,300,000 
 23,000,000 
 18,000,000 
 
 17 
 
 376 
 
 903 
 
 2,036 
 
 2,460 
 
 8,803 
 
 3,847 
 
 859 
 
 
 1883 
 
 1884 
 
 1885 
 
 1886 
 
 1887 
 
 1888 
 
 1889 
 
 13,400,'000 
 
 13,300,000 
 
 11,000,000 
 
 19,000,000 
 
 7,700,000 
 
 5,400,000 
 
 6,300,000 
 
 789 
 601 
 484 
 413 
 145 
 47 
 683 
 
 36,813 
 38,053 
 39,238 
 26,980 
 30,733 
 13,993 
 16,463 
 
 1876 
 
 
 1877 
 
 
 1878 
 
 1879 
 
 1880 
 
 1881 
 
 1882 
 
 16,980 
 38,586 
 55,178 
 70,811 
 51,030 
 
 The total product up to January 1, 1888, was 140,166,000 barrels from 
 15,722 wells, of which 14,000 were producers prior to the shut-in of 1887. 
 In 1885 there were 10,668,255 barrels sent through the pipes from the Brad- 
 ford field; 9,847,911 in 1886, and 7,563,452 in 1887. During the years of 
 1888-89 the yield fell from 22,422 barrels per day to 17,350 ia the Bradford 
 field, and from 5,702 to 935 in the Kane and Elk field; so that the actual yield 
 for the two years is said not to have exceeded 12,000,000 of barrels. The fol- 
 lowing table gives the average price of crude certificates, on the floor of the 
 Bradford Oil Exchange, since March 1, 1879, to December, 1885: 
 
 MONTH. 
 
 1879 
 
 1880 
 
 1881 
 
 1882 
 
 1883 
 
 1884 
 llli 
 
 104^ 
 lOOi 
 94 
 85f 
 68f 
 631 
 814 
 78 
 71 
 73i 
 741 
 
 1885 
 
 January 
 
 
 llOi 
 
 103i 
 
 89 
 
 76f 
 
 80i 
 
 lOOJ 
 
 lOli 
 
 90i 
 
 95i 
 
 96f 
 
 91i 
 
 m 
 
 95 
 
 89i 
 
 82| 
 
 84i 
 
 81i 
 
 81 
 
 761 
 
 78J 
 
 93i 
 
 924 
 
 82i 
 
 88f 
 
 83 
 
 85i 
 
 801 
 
 78i 
 
 70 
 
 544 
 
 571 
 
 58J 
 
 m 
 
 114f 
 95i 
 
 921 
 101 
 
 97i 
 931 
 991 
 117J 
 108 
 108J 
 113i 
 llli 
 114-t 
 114J 
 
 70^ 
 
 
 
 73tV 
 
 March 
 
 86 
 
 78f 
 73i 
 681 
 691 
 67i 
 69i 
 88i 
 1051 
 113J 
 
 80^ 
 
 
 78^ 
 
 May 
 
 79# 
 
 
 82+ 
 
 July 
 
 96f 
 
 
 100f 
 
 flpTitpiTibftr 
 
 ino^ 
 
 Ontohpr 
 
 105+ 
 
 
 104* 
 
 December ' 
 
 
86 HISTORY OF MCKEAN COUNTY. 
 
 Bradford was the field that produced such an extraordinary quantity of oify. 
 filling up the stocks in tanks until they reached 36,000,000 barrels with its 
 field still yielding 60,000 barrels a day, or thereabouts. In regard to the possi- 
 bility of another such field being discovered Prof. Carll said he believed there- 
 was absolutely no likelihood of it. The number of experimental wells that 
 had been drilled in search of another Bradford sand, in all parts of the coun- 
 try, seemed to establish the fact that Bradford was unique and alone. He did 
 not believe that such a petroleum deposit as this would ever be found in any 
 country in the world. The Bradford field and its annex, in Allegany county, 
 N. Y., is apparently being drained to the dregs. At one time the production ^ 
 of the field was as high as 105,000 barrels every twenty-four hours. Bradford' 
 has produced about 156,000,000 barrels of oil, and a pool that would yield 
 the 156th part of this is something that the oil producer is eagerly looking for. 
 He goes on to show how, in 1886, the ' ' Whitesand ' ' horizon was producing 
 daily 45,560 ba,rrels, and the Bradford, or "Blacksand" horizon was pro- 
 ducing 32, 668 barrels (in all 78, 228 barrels) daily, and how the steady decrease 
 of production in both brought the figures down, in December, 1888, to 29,349' 
 and 20,680—50,029 barrels daily. 
 
 To take in all the fields the following short table will show the decrease in. 
 the annua] production: 1886, 25,080,400; 1887 (in spite of 1,694 newwells), 
 21,286,560; 1888 (in spite of 1,530 new wells), 16,126,580, the shut-down be- 
 ing responsible for only about 1,500,000 of this decline; for the October daily 
 average before the shut-down was 58,942, and the December daily average 
 after the shut-down was 50,029. In September, 1880, the producers of the 
 Bradford field placed a cannon at Bradford, also one each at Coleville and 
 'Olean, to be used in bering oil tanks in case of fire. 
 
 Shut-in by Producers. — Under date June 11, 1884, a petition was circu- 
 lated by John P. Zane asking the producers to agree to a shut-down until Jan- 
 uary 1, 1885. Within six days 200 producers signed this agreement, and by 
 August 3 the great majority of oil men had signed it. [The names of majority 
 and minority are given in the Era of August 4, 1884.] On the last day of 
 October, 1887, the executive board of the Petroleum Producers' Association, 
 and the advisory board, met at Oil City and signed the contract by which a part 
 of the daily production was to be shnt-in for one year. From this shut-in pro- 
 ducers were to receive the benefit which may accrue from the advance in the 
 price of 5,000,000 barrels of oil set aside at 62 cents per barrel; the profit on 
 the oil to be divided proportionally to the amount of production which each 
 man shuts in. Out of the 5,000,000, producers were to give the profit on 1,000- 
 000 to laboring men, and the Standard set aside 1,000,000 for the same pur- 
 pose, and many producers also agreed not to drill any more wells for one year. 
 
 On June 29, 1889, the Standard Oil Company purchased 3,500,000 barrels 
 of this oil at 91 J cents, giving a profit of $248,000, which was divided among 
 the 900 producers. The Era referring to this great transaction, says: "Another 
 particularly gratifying feature is the consummation of good faith between the 
 parties to the great agreement entered into nearly two years ago. While the 
 pecuniary results have not been so great as some of the more sanguine led 
 themselves to hope for, the Producers' Association has accomplished the great 
 purpose of its organization — reducing stock; and have further made a hand- 
 some profit on the oil which was set apart without any expense to themselves 
 for their own use in case they kept their agreement inviolate. ' ' Prior to this, 
 the profits on 1,000,000 barrels, set apart for the support of the laborers in the 
 field who were thrown out of employment by reason of this shut in, were 
 realized, returning a revenue of no small amount. 
 
HISrOET Of MCKEAN COUNTr. 87 
 
 Pipe Lines. — The idea of pipe lines is said to have originated with Gen. S. 
 D. Karns in November, J 865, when he proposed to construct a six- inch line 
 from Burning Springs to Parkersburg, Va. Hutchinson, of rotary-pump fame, 
 explained his plan to John Dalzell and C. L. Wheeler, and the first line was 
 placed from the Sherman well to the railroad depot on Miller' s farm. Van 
 Syckle detected the faults in Hutchinson's system, and at once constructed a 
 line from Miller's farm to Pithole. Afterward William Warmcastle assisted 
 Henry Harley in building a line from Benninghoff run to the Oil Creek Railroad,, 
 and out of this grew the Pennsylvania Transportation Company. A two-inch 
 pipe line from Miller's farm to Pithole was completed October 10, 1865, by 
 S. E. Van Syckle, H. C. Ohlen, Henry Harley, Charles Hickox, Charles W. 
 Noble and Eeed and Cogswell. It was placed at a cost of |50 per joint; while" 
 three pumping stations were found necessary in the 32,000 feet of pipe. 
 Branch lines were also constructed to Cherry run. Bull run and Pioneer. Mr. 
 Van Syckle, speaking of this venture, refers to the troubles and losses its 
 building entailed as follows: 
 
 At length the system was completed, and I began pumping oil into the pipe. The 
 experiment was perfectly successful from the time the first barrel of oil was pumped into 
 the pipe, and I had the pleasure of seeing my detractors silenced for a little while. But 
 my success by no means quelled the opposition to me. Instead of the calm which I thought 
 would follow the completion of my work, I raised a tempest. It was the teamsters now 
 with whom I had to contend. They saw the value of this means of transportation, and 
 they also saw tlieir profits vanishing from them, and they tried every conceivable way to 
 worry and annoy me. They pried the pipes with pick-axes or fastened log chains around 
 them, hitched their teams to the chains and pulled the pipe apart. To put a stop to this 
 I sent to New York for some carbines and armed a patrol to watch the line. Not long 
 after the line was laid two partners who had joined with me to work the thing failed for 
 a considerable amount, and as they were involved to the amount of $15,000 at the bank, 
 I assumed the payment of the debt, and made an agreement with the creditors that they 
 should take tlie line and run it until the debt was liquidated, which was done in the course 
 of the next nine months. Not long afterward a tank line company was formed down 
 East, and they came to me and wanted me to connect my pipe line with their system, in 
 payment for which I should receive a certain amount of stock in the company. I agreed 
 to this. They began to operate the pipe line and gave me a memorandum stating the 
 amount of stock I was entitled to. It was not long before the company became insolvent, 
 the line passed into other hands, and I had nothing but the memorandum which was of 
 no earthly value. 
 
 The Pennsylvania Tubing and Transportation Company's line from Pit- 
 hole Valley to Oleopolis, or Island Well (nine miles), was the first important 
 line. This was opened December 10, 1805, by the president, Joseph Casey, 
 and superintendent, David Kirk. It appears Judge Casey met Mr. Kirk in 
 the woods, and got from him the first word of encouragement, scientists 
 pointing out that the pipe transfer of oil was an impossibility under the law 
 of friction, Mr. Kirk was given an interest in the line, completed it, and 
 while saving the original company from loss made a great success of the enter- 
 prise before Pithole sunk into oblivion. 
 
 The Titusville Pipe Company was organized jn January, 1866, by H. E. 
 Pickett, J. Sherman & Co. , and the line completed from Pithole to Titusville 
 (nine miles), in April of that year, at a cost of |120,000. Before the Penn- 
 sylvania Tubing and Transportation Company's line, or the Titusville line, 
 was completed, Henry Harley had a two-inch pipe from Benninghoff run to 
 the §hafFer farm, on Oil creek, where the oil was shipped on the old railroad 
 at that point. 
 
 The Bradford & Olean Pipe Line (eighteen and a quarter miles long) was 
 completed in December, 1875, for the Empire Transportation Company, of 
 Philadelphia. The main pumping depot was on the Beardsley farm, four 
 miles -north of -Bradford, where a 1,200-barrel receiving tank was used. When 
 
88 HISTORY OP MCKEAN COUNTY. 
 
 oil was first pumped at Bradford, the Erie Eailroad Company; charged |140 
 per oar to New York, and |8 storage. So soon as pipe-line construction 
 commenced, the rate was lowered to 1100 per car; again to $80; while the 
 rate of the new line was placed at $1 per barrel to New York, and 20 cents 
 to Olean. The Tide Water Company dates back to 1878-79, when leases 
 were made for a strip of land, two rods wide, from MoKean county to the 
 seaboard. This work was secretly and ably performed for some time, but 
 the eagle eye of the Standard Company discovered the plans of the new com- 
 pany, and every opposition was offered. Yet the Tide Water Company won, 
 and their great work was completed. The station at Corryville was moved to 
 Eixford, in June, 1880, and since that time many changes in management and 
 operation have been effected. 
 
 The Buffalo Pipe Company's station, on the divide between Indian creek 
 and Four Mile creek, was completed in 1880. The point is 200 feet above 
 the Buffalo end, so that the oil is pumped up from Bradford into the four 
 25,000-barrel tanks, whence it is piped sixty-three miles to Buffalo. 
 
 The Kane and Parker City Pipe Line, connecting Bradford with the lower 
 country (sixty-five miles in length), was completed August 5, 1880. The 
 Bradford Gas Company' s tile pipe line was laid from Eixford to Bradford in 
 August, J 880. 
 
 The United Pipe Line Association was organized by J. J. Vandergrift and 
 George V. Porman as the Fairview Pipe Line Company. In 1877 and subse- 
 quently the following named lines were consolidated under the title ' ' United, 
 Antwerp, Clarion, Oil City, Union Conduit, Grant, Karns, Belief, Pennsyl- 
 vania and Clarion Division of the American Transportation Company." Later 
 the McKean Division of the American Transportation Company, and the Pren- 
 tiss and Olean lines were absorbed, and J. J. Vandergrift was elected president; 
 M. Hulings, vice-president; H. F. Hughes, secretary; E. Hopkins, manager, 
 the president and J. T. Jones and D. O'Day being the executive committee of 
 the association. 
 
 In 1884 the company had 3,000 miles of pipe, and storage capacity for 
 40,000,000 barrels. Their large depots were at Tarport, Duke Centre, Eich- 
 burg and Kane, and the central offices at Bradford and Oil City. Through- 
 out the field were 118 pumping stations; fifty-one of which were in the Brad- 
 ford and Allegany fields. On April 1, 1884, the transfer of the United Pipe 
 Lines to the National Transit Company was effected. The National Transit 
 Company was organized in 1880. 
 
 The average daily pipe line runs, by barrels, of the Bradford field by years 
 have been as follows: 1878, 16,980; 1879, 38,586; 1880, 55,173; 1881, 70,811; 
 1882, 51,030; 1883, 36,812; 1884, 33,052; 1885, 29,228; 1886, 26,980; 
 1887, 20,722; 1888, 13,992; 1889, 16,462. 
 
 The pipe line runs for the year 1884 amounted to 12,096,950; in 1885, 
 10,668,255; in 1886, 9,847,911; in 1887, 7,563,452; in 1888, 5,121,025, and 
 in 1889, 6,018,737 barrels. 
 
 Well Drilling, Past and Present. — The reminiscences of early days in the 
 oil field furnish some interesting as well as instructive lessons. In 1888 George 
 Koch, of East Sandy, Penn., contributed to the pages of the Petroleum Age 
 the following history of old- time and modern drilling operations: 
 
 The first oil well drilled was finished August 38, 1859, at a depth, of sixty-nine and one- 
 half feet, and was known as the "Drake well." It was located near Titusville. It was 
 commenced in June, and seventy-four days later it was finished. The drilling was done 
 with rope tools, and when drilling they made about four feet a day, " Uncle Billy Smith " 
 and his sons, of Tarentum, Allegheny' County, Penn., doing the work. The drilling tools 
 were made at Kier's shop, Tarentum. It was a four-inch hole. At that time experienced 
 
/^^ f 
 
HISTOEY OF MCKEAN COUNTY. 91 
 
 drillers could only be had at Tarentuin, where salt wells were being drilled, and Kier'sshop 
 there was the only place where rope-drilling tools could be had. Drilling was done by 
 hand, no engines being used. At Tidioute the first engine was used in September, 1860, 
 for drilling oil wells, but for some years after many wells were drilled by band. A good 
 eight-horse portable engine and boiler cost about $2,000 during 1864 and 1865. Tbe'cost 
 of getting them to the oil regions before the railroads were built was the cause of them 
 not being used generally. The drilling tools used during the early days of the business 
 were very primitive. The auger stem was from twelve to fifteen feet long, and one and 
 a half to one and three-fourtbs inches in diameter. The sinker was ten to twelve feet in 
 length. The tools, ready to drill, weighed from 235 to 350 pounds. Tlie men on the well 
 would, when necessary, often carry the string of tools on their shoulders for miles to a 
 shop for repairs. They used one and a half to one and three-fourths-inch rope for drilling, 
 and iron jars. George Smith, at Eouseville, made the first set of steel-ltned jars in 1866,' 
 for H. Leo Nelson. They did not prove a success. The steel came out of them. They 
 were used with a set of three-inch tools, the largest drilling tools then made, but they did 
 not prove successful. 
 
 The first well drilled through casing was located on Benninghoft run. It was drilled 
 during the summer of 1868. Tliis was the greatest invention ever conceived and applied 
 to the art of drilling. Previous to that time all wells were drilled wet. No casing was 
 used. Three to six months were required to drill a well 600 feet deep. Contractors at that 
 time received from |8 to $4 a foot for drilling, and the well owner paid all expenses 
 excepting the labor. It would appear that at that time the contractor received a very remun- 
 erative price, but many of them failed. The trouble was fishing, and a lot of it was done. 
 Iron jars and poor welding, especially the welding of the jars and the steel in the bits and 
 reamers, was the trouble. Fishing tools were very primitive. The valve sockets and the 
 grabs were all the tools known for that purpose. When a bit, rimmer or part of the tools 
 was lost in a well, the floating sediment or drillings would settle and fasten it. The driller 
 knew but little about fishing at that time, and the fishing tools were poorly adapted to 
 the business. At this time, looking back over the tools used and the primitive methods 
 then in vogue, it is indeed wonderful to think that up to 1868, 5,201 wells were successfully 
 drilled, In 1868 the first well was drilled through casing, and the time of drilling was 
 made fully two-thirds shorter. The device was not patented. Tool-fishing lost many of 
 its terrors. Tools lost in a cased well do not become fastened by the drillings settling. 
 When the oil sand is reached it can most always be told if it will be a paying well; in a 
 wet hole but little can be told until it is pumped for a time. All drillers dislike to work in 
 wet holes. The rig now universally used is known as the " Pleasantville rig," and was 
 first used by Nelson on the Meade lease, at Rouseville, in 1866. The writer took out a 
 patent November 11, 1873, on full size, fluted drills, which did away with the rimmer. 
 This invention was a great benefit to the oil business. It reduced the time of drilling 
 from sixty to twelve days, and the price from $3 a foot to 45 cents. The writer and his 
 brother William filed an application March 31, 1877, for a patent on the bull-wheel now in 
 use, and a patent was granted to them October 1, 1878. This has also been of vast use to 
 the oil men, but it has been poor property to the inventors. We hereby grant all our' 
 rights and privileges in and to both patents to the benefit of the oil men during the full 
 term of both patents. Durina; 1887 drilling was done without a sinker, and at this time 
 no driller thinks of using them. This hasbeen a great benefit to the trade. Heavier tools 
 can be used with but little strain on the jars. The common-sized tools are now forty-five 
 feet long and three and three-fourths inches in diameter, with the jars screwed or welded 
 on the top, and the rope socket screwed on to the jars. In formations, where but little 
 sand is found, no jars are used. 
 
 Oil Scouts. — From the days of the Drake well to the present time the oil 
 scout and reporter have been institutions in the oil field. The newspapers of 
 the field were principally relied upon for reports up to 1882, leaving free scout- 
 ing to the many who did not believe in geologists or newspaper men of that 
 period. The Cherry Grove and Shannon mysteries of that year brought the 
 professional scout into existence, and soon Oildom was excited over the doings 
 of "Si" Hughes, Justus C. McMullen, J. C. Tennant, Joseph P. Cappeau, 
 Daniel Herring, Patrick C. Boyle, Owen Evans, Jale Rathburn, John B. Drake, 
 A. L. Snell and their disciples. A. R. Crum, in his sketches of famous scouts, 
 refers to the late J. C. McMullen as the most painstaking of the little com- 
 pany. This reference is transferred to the chapter on journalism, where men- 
 tion is also made of Boyle, Snell and others. "Si" Hughes explored the 
 mysterious 646 well near" Clarendon, belonging to Grace & Dimmick, and gave 
 $500, 000 worth of information to the Anchor Oil Company. He is superinten d - 
 
92 HISTOKY OF MCKEAN COUNTY. 
 
 ent of the Elk Oil Company of Kane, Penn. The story of Tennant' s exploration 
 of the Shannon mystery is told in the history of Elk county. He was one of the 
 pioneers of the Macksburg (Ohio) field, until his removal to Kansas. Cappeau, 
 now a resident of Pittsburgh, is a leading oil producer; Owen Evans is con- 
 nected with the Philadelphia Natural Gras Company; Jule Eathburn resides at 
 Kane, and is interested in oil lands. Herring is a hotel-keeper in New York 
 State, and John B. Drake, a ranchman in Nebraska. P. C. Boyle is editor- 
 in-chief of the Era and owner of the Toledo Commercial, while A. L. Snell is 
 managing editor of the Era. 
 
 Well Torpedoes. — When the old wells began to show signs of giving out, ne- 
 cessity invented the torpedo. The Roberts Brothers patented the invention. The 
 " torpedo kings," as they were called, had scores of agents in all parts of the oil re- 
 gions exploding these torpedoes in wells for producers. Each torpedo was from 
 ten to 200 quarts capacity, and the danger in carrying them over the country was 
 very great. The agents were called ' ' shooters. " They carried the nitro-glycerine 
 in wagons drawn by one and often two horses. They often carried as much as 
 1,500 pounds of the deadly stuff, and yet these men would become so reckless 
 in their business that they gave little heed to the manner of their driving. 
 
 When the patents expired by limitation the business of exploding torpe- 
 does in oil wells was taken up by whosoever chose to engage in the hazardous 
 undertaking, and now scores of firms are supplying the trade which formerly 
 depended upon " Torpedo Roberts," as the doctor was called. He was origi- 
 nally a dentist in New York, but coming to the oil country in the early days 
 of the petroleum excitement, he and his brother engaged in the oil business, 
 and soon secured a patent on a device for exploding nitro-glycerine in the bot- 
 tom of oil wells to increase the flow. The device was simple, but it proved to 
 be one of the most valuable inventions of the age, and certainly far exceeded 
 the wildest dreams of the young inventors. The device was simply a tube 
 made of tin to hold the explosive, supplied with a cap for exploding the sub- 
 stance. This was lowered into the well to the depth of 1, 000 feet, if necessary, 
 by means of a cord, and, when at the desired depth, a small iron weight called 
 " go devil " was dropped down on the cord, and this striking the tube contain- 
 ing the nitro- glycerine a terrific explosion followed. These explosions shat- 
 tered the oil-bearing rock, and the result in nearly every case was an increase 
 in the production of the well. The demand for these torpedoes was enor- 
 mous. There were anywhere from 15,000 to 25,000 wells in the region and 
 nearly all of them were torpedoed at regular intervals. "Torpedo accidents" 
 were therefore a common occurrence. In dozens of cases man, team and 
 vehicle were blown entirely out of existence. It was rarely that a cigar box 
 would not hold all of the driver that could be found. In one case, that of 
 "Doc" Haggerty, no vestige of a human being was ever found, and a few 
 pounds of flesh identified by the hair as being all that was left of two horses. This 
 was the strangest case of the many "torpedo explosions " in the oil country. 
 Below Eldred, or near Ceres, resided a short time ago a man who was thrown 
 high up into space, and beyond being filled with tiny pieces of tin he did not 
 suffer much from the explosion. 
 
 Miscellaneous. — He who supposes that oil men are specially exempt from 
 ordinary human frailties is a miscalculator. They are much like ordinary men 
 in many respects, but their dealings are on a larger scale, and their vision is 
 more comprehensive. Looking over the pages devoted to the history of the 
 Bradford field, one would suppose that the courts were always full of oily liti- 
 gants; but the records do not bear out this supposition. Of course leases of 
 oil lands have been questioned time and again, but the suits were of an agra- 
 
HISTORY OF MCKEAN COUNTY. 93 
 
 rian character. Indeed, with the exception of a few direct oil cases, the 
 following memorandum may be considered a fair sketch of the heavy oil suits 
 in McKean county: In 1868 the celebrated oil case, O'Connor vs. Tack Bros., 
 was tried. The plaintiff appeared to believe that the price of oil would fall 
 very soon, and so instructed his brokers, the defendants, to sell for the future. 
 Oil did decline within a day or so, but immediately rose again, thus leaving 
 O'Connor short. He charged his brokers with conspiracy, claiming $50,000, 
 but the court awarded him $600 of the $1,000 due him by his brokers, and 
 dismissed the conspiracy charge. In August, 1883, Col. N. D. Preston, of the 
 Bradford Oil Exchange, was sued by Mrs. Maria A. Harm, for whom the 
 Colonel held 30,000 barrels of oil. It appears he sold this oil, first formally, 
 and secondly on change, but the arbitrators decreed that he should pay Mrs. 
 Harm $24,000. The Roberts Torpedo Patent resulted in a series of lawsuits. 
 "Every oil producer had to pay tribute to the Roberts Brothers, and finally 
 the oil men sought to break the monopoly by attacking the validity of the 
 patents. The producers organized to fight the patents in the courts, and long 
 and bitter litigation was the result. The fight went on' in every court for 
 years, and finally the supreme court of the United States decided in favor of 
 the Roberts Brothers, and they continued to have the exclusive right to man- 
 ufacture and use the torpedo for seventeen years, the life of the patent. ' ' 
 
 In November, 1885, the celebrated case, Blackmarr vs. Scofield, was tried 
 at Smethport. On December 8, 1882, H. L. Blackmarr and C. W. Scofield 
 entered into a contract, of which the following is a copy: 
 
 Bradford, Pa., Dec. 8th, 1883. 
 No '.... 
 
 Sold to C. W. Scofield, for account of H. L. Blackmarr, twenty-five thousand (35,000) 
 barrels of crude petroleum at one dollar and twenty-five cents (?1.35) per barrel of forty- 
 two (43) gallons, in bulk, to be delivered at buyer's option at any time from the eighth 
 day of December, 1883, to the sixth day of February, 1883, in accepted and— United Pipe 
 Line receipts, pipage unpaid, and to be paid for in cash as delivered, with no notice from 
 buyer to seller. Should no notice be given, delivery shall be made on the sixth day of 
 
 February, 1883. Place of delivery, Bradford, Pa. Brokerage cents per barrel by 
 
 sellers. No margins. Through 
 
 Accepted by C. W. Scofield. 
 
 This contract was written on a blank form, such as has been in use in the 
 Old Exchange for many years, and a duplicate was given to Scofield. Feb- 
 ruary 6, 1883, was, by the terms of the contract, the limit of the time for 
 settlement, and Blackmarr received the following notification: 
 
 Bradford, Pa., Feb. 6, 1883. 
 
 To H. L. Blackmarr: . , , . . „ j . i. 
 
 Sear Sir;— Yon are hereby notified that a certain pretended contract alleged to have 
 been made by and between yourself and C. W. Scofield about December 8, 1883, for a pre- 
 tended sale of 35,000 barrels of oil at $1.35 is illegal and void, will in no wise be carried 
 out by me in any respect, and you are further notified that any attempt to establish a 
 difference by a sale of the oil either publicly or privately will be the subject of an action 
 for damages. Yours truly, c. W, Scofield. 
 
 By Berry, Elliott & Jack, Attorneys. 
 
 Upon receipt of the above Blackmarr tendered certificates for 25,000 bar- 
 rels of oil, freshened to date, to Berry, he being the only representative of 
 Scofield that could be found in the city. Berry refused to accept the oil, and 
 it was sold by C. L. Wheeler, of the Bradford Oil Exchange, at public sale, 
 for $1.04i to C. P. Stevenson, who gave his certified check for $26,125. 
 According to the terms of the contract this left a deficiency of $5,125 due 
 Blackmarr. Scofield refused to pay the difference, on the grounds that he did 
 not consider the contract legal, and consequently not binding. Blackmarr 
 
94 HISTORY OF MCKEAN COUNTY. 
 
 took legal proceedings to obtain the established difference, and the case was 
 crowded over or postponed a number of times, until November 14, 1885, when 
 it was decided by the jury that Blackmarr should be allowed his claim of 
 15,125. The court charged the jury that if Blackmarr had the 25,000 barrels 
 of oil, or was able to procure the oil before the expiration of the contract, the 
 defendant should be held for the difference. Scofield' s attorneys were Berry, 
 Elliott & Jack, and Brown & Roberts, of Bradford, and Jerome Fisher, of 
 Jamestown. Blackmarr' s were B. D. Hamlin, of Smethport, and F. L. Black- 
 marr, of Meadville. The suits in re title to oil and oil lands in Forest coun- 
 ty won notoriety at the time, and cost the litigants thousands of dollars. 
 
 As illustrative of the manner in which much of the business was done 
 in early oil days, and as evidence of the good faith that prevailed among oil 
 men, the following incident is worthy of note: Soon after the Noble welUwas 
 struck on Oil creek, Mr. Wheeler met Orange Noble on the streets of Titus- 
 ville, and asked him what he would take for 30,000 barrels of oil. Mr. Noble 
 replied, " $1. 50 per barrel. ' ' Mr. Wheeler said, " I will take it. ' ' No further 
 record was made oi this transaction, but before the oil was delivered crude had 
 advanced to $7.50 per barrel, but every barrel was delivered and paid for as 
 regularly as if the contract had been drawn up by an expert legal authority 
 and recorded in the courts. 
 
 John McKeown, the king of the oil regions, purchased from Mitchell and 
 Van Vleck, in August, 1888, 1,200 acres of oil land, and fifty producing wells, 
 in Keating and Lafayette townships, McKean county, the price paid being 
 190,000. This action on the part of this great oil owner showed his faith in 
 the old field, which he aided in developing before his removal to the Washing- 
 ton field. The recent Emerson purchase, for $100,000, is an equally material 
 testimony to the faith of operators in the perpetuity of the greatest oil field 
 in the world. 
 
 During the last ten years crude ranged from 54J cents in 1882 to $1. 17|^ in 
 1883. For some time prior to the summer of 1889 it was far below the dollar 
 mark, but owing to the judicious action of the producers, it is now ranging in 
 price above the dollar. 
 
 " The Bradford field began to be known as early as 1875, but its total pro- 
 duction for that year did not exceed 25,000 barrels. It attained its maximum 
 in 1881, when its average pipe-line runs were 70,811 barrels a day. By 1887 
 these had declined to 20,722 barrels a day. During 1888 there was a decline 
 to 13,992 barrels a day, followed in 1889 by a recovery to 16,462 barrels for 
 every twenty-four hours. This increase for 1889 is due to two causes: First, 
 the termination of the artificial shutting-in of production, and the discovery 
 of additional territory on the borders of Cole creek and in the vicinity of Mount 
 Jewett. And to bring about this increase of 2,470 barrels a day in the pipe- 
 line runs it has been necessary to drill 683 wells during the twelve months 
 ending with December 31, 1889."* 
 
 * From the Era. 
 
HISTORY OF MCKEAN COUNTY. 95 
 
 CHAPTER III. 
 PIONEERS AND PIONEER DAYS. 
 
 Prehistoric Remains— Indians— Indian Land PuEcnASES— Sale of Lands- 
 Early Surveys and Settlements— Early Tax Payers— Underground 
 Railroad — Hunting — Storms and Floods— First Court-house — First 
 Ball— Early Wedding— Early Incidents and Reminiscences- County 
 Centennial Celebration. 
 
 THE pioneers were the self-commissioned explorers and settlers of the New 
 Purchase. Some of them followed the retiring Indians so closely that they 
 cooked their frugal meals by the deserted camp-fires of the evacuating tribes; 
 others joined the adventurous band in the wilderness, while yet the Allegheny 
 Divide was considered the limit line of settlement, and all may be considered 
 satellites of that star which has carried empire westward since the days of the 
 Revolution. Their objects and hopes belonged to that peculiar form of Ameri- 
 can civilization which desires, to this day, to settle on the horizon, a feat of 
 irresistible fascination to them, which they performed practically, although the 
 thing was theoretically impossible. 
 
 The Treaty Indians, whose old country they entered, were comparatively 
 modern settlers. There were men here before them, who lived in the age of 
 giant nature. On the Fisher farm, near Bradford, in the Tuna Valley flats, 
 there were relics of a large race exhumed years ago. It appears an aged tree 
 was felled and uprooted to make way for improvements, and beneath were 
 found large skulls, any one of which could encase the head of any modern man; 
 while thigh-bones and shin-bones were several inches longer than those of the 
 present people. Near Kane are other souvenirs of prehistoric times, and on 
 other sections evidences of possession by an unknown race are not wanting. 
 
 On a map made by the French in 1763 the territory along the lake extend- 
 ing southward is marked: "The seat of war, the mart of trade and chief 
 hunting grounds of the Six Nations on the lakes and the Ohio. ' ' Sixty years 
 prior to the date of this map Le Houton published an account of a decade 
 passed by him among the savages on the south of Lake Erie — "the Iroquois, 
 Illinois, Oumanies and others who are so savage that it is a risk to stay with 
 them." The Iroquois had exterminated the Eriez and the Massasaugas about 
 the year 1650. The Eriez were named in 1626, when the French missionaries 
 first came among them, as the Neutre Nation, and were governed by a queen — 
 Yagowania — whose prime minister was a warrior named Ragnotha. In 1634 
 some Senecas murdered a son of the chief of the Massasaugas, and a deputa- 
 tion from that tribe waited on the queen to ask for justice. Two Seneca war- 
 riors also came, who, on learning of the queen's intention to set out with her 
 warriors to give justice, fled to their people to give warning. On the approach 
 of the Eriez the Senecas offered battle and forced the imperial troops to fly, 
 after leaving 600 warriors on the field. In 1650 the Iroquois invaded the 
 district and, though driven back seven times, ultimately conquered, particu- 
 larly during the year of pestilence, when disease swept away great numbers of 
 the nation. In "l712 the Tuscaroras were admitted to the Iroquois confed- 
 eracy and the name " Six Nations " took the place of that of " Five Nations." 
 
96 HISTORY OF MCKEAN COUNTY. 
 
 Their territory stretched from Vermont to the upper end of Lake Erie and 
 embraced the country at the heads of the Allegheny and Susquehanna, with the 
 seat of council in the Onondaga Valley. The Senecas, a tribe of the original 
 Five Nations, occupied the territory along the Allegheny and near the Penn- 
 sylvania-New York line, and in the treaty of 1784 they were particularly con- 
 cerned. In 1789 a supplementary treaty was made and $800 granted to Corn- 
 planter, Half- Town and Big Tree in trust for the tribe. This treaty was 
 signed in 1791 by the chiefs, and in March, 1792, the triangle was purchased 
 from the United States by the commonwealth. In April, 1792, the assembly 
 passed an act to encourage settlement here, and in 1794 troops were stationed 
 at Le Boeuf to keep peace, as many of the Senecas refused to respect the treaty 
 and charged Cornplanter and the other chiefs with being traitors. The 
 British emissaries of course urged on the disaffected braves, Brandt, chief of 
 the Mohawks, being one of the diplomats; but their logic could not influence 
 Cornplanter, although British interest in justice to the Indians was manifested 
 by two armed vessels lying off Presque Isle to enforce the claims of the discon- 
 tented Senecas. In 1795 other treaties were negotiated, and the threatened 
 Anglo-Indian raid on the young republic was postponed. At this time there were 
 eighty Senecas at Cornplanter' s town, west of the present city of Bradford, 
 where a large tract of land was reserved to them. In 1866 the legislature 
 authorized the building of a monument to Cornplanter which was completed 
 and dedicated at Jennesedaga October ]8, 1867. The chiefs of the Senecas 
 who signed the treaty in 1789 were Gyantwachia (Cornplanter), Guyasota 
 (Big Cross), Kanassee (New Arrow), Achiont (Half Town), Anachkont (Wasp), 
 Chishekoa (Wood Bug), Sessewa (Big Bale of a Kettle), Sciawhowa (Council 
 Keeper), Tewanias (Broken Twig), Souachshowa (Full Moon), Cachunevasse 
 (Twenty Canoes), Onesechter, Kiandock-Gowa and Owenewah. 
 
 The purchase from the Indians (Six Nations, Wyandots and Delawares) in 
 October, 1784, embraced all the territory lying north and west of a line from 
 the mouth of Beaver creek on the Ohio; thence by said river up the Allegheny 
 to Kittanning; thence by line to Upper Canoe Place on the West Branch of the 
 Susquehanna; thence by that river to the mouth of Pine creek, and north by 
 this creek to the New York State line. In 1758 and at other periods the 
 Indians ceded their possessions in this district in small parcels, but the " New 
 Purchase " treaties and the power of the whites soon did away with requests of 
 favors from the red men, and ended in the expulsion of the aborigines. The 
 Susquehanna Company's purchase of 1754 is bounded by a line drawn north 
 and south through Benizette, Shippen, Norwich, Liberty and other townships 
 to the New York State line. In 1785 the act of Pennsylvania declared that 
 the laud purchased from the Indians in 1784 and defined in the treaty of Fort 
 Stanwix and Fort Mcintosh, should be attached to Westmoreland and Northum- 
 berland counties, and that the Allegheny river from Kittanning to the mouth 
 of Conewango creek should be the county line. The land office was opened in 
 1785, but the homestead of 400 acres and actual settlement thereon, together 
 with the Indian wars down to 1796, made the plan of sale useless. In 1793 
 an act was passed allowing the sale of lands in 1,000-acre warrants on condi- 
 tion of settlement, except during Indian troubles. Under this permit the- 
 Holland Land Company purchased 1, 140 warrants, and in 1801 the condition 
 of settlement being removed, this company, with the Keatings, Binghams and 
 others, located their warrants at will, and within a few years essayed to develop 
 the wilderness — John Keating being in the advance. 
 
 Byron D. Hamlin, speaking on this subject, states that the legislature of 
 1785 provided for the sale of the "Waste Lands," as the whole territory was: 
 
HISTOEY OF MCKEAN COUNTY. 97 
 
 named. A lottery- wheel was the system of auction selected. An application 
 ticket, with the number of acres applied for written thereon, was placed in one 
 urn and a similar ticket with the warrant number, etc., placed in another. Of 
 course each applicant drew in or about the number of acres he wished to pur- 
 chase, and as early as May 17, 1785, some of the purchasers found their lands 
 m what are now known as Liberty and Eldred townships. The survey was 
 made in 1787-88. In the latter year it was seen that the desire to purchase 
 this wild land was limited, owing to the price ($80 per 100 acres) being too 
 high. It was reduced, and again reduced, in 1792, to $131 per 100 acree, and 
 in that and the following year the greater part of McKean and adjoining coun- 
 ties became private property. William Bingham and the Holland Land Com- 
 pany were the principal purchasers. In 1796 John Keating purchased a large 
 area from the Binghams, and in 1816 Benjamin B. Cooper purchased the Hol- 
 land Company's lands and sold to the Jones Brothers, the Ridgways, the 
 Wernwags, Halseys and smaller owners. The first attempt at settlement was 
 made at Ceres by John Keating' s agent, Francis King, in 1798. On July 1, 
 1801, surveys of the Keating property were commenced. In 1804 the ceme- 
 tery at Cerestown was platted; Coudersport was surveyed in July, 1807, and 
 Smethport in August, 1807. At this time there was not a wagon-road in Mc- 
 Kean county. Every family had its own grist-mill; the meat market was the 
 forest; the dry-goods factory was the family spinning-wheel or loom in the 
 lean-to; nails and hardware for building were manufactured from wood; tea 
 and eofPee were improvised from the most convenient sources, and whisky was 
 deferred for a more refined generation. Jersey Shore, one hundred miles dis- 
 tant, was the nearest post-office. Two weeks' travel through the wilderness 
 (the carrier bearing his own provisions) were required to make the round trip, 
 his pockets being the mail-bag and his ardor for news his reward. The census 
 taker had not then been seen. His first visit was made in 1810, when he found 
 a population of 141 whites and one colored resident in McKean county, and in 
 Potter county twenty- eight whites and one colored citizen. 
 
 The original deed of Robert Morris, one of the Revolutionary fathers, and 
 his wife Mary, to lands in McKean and other counties dated January 6, 1797, 
 is in possession of Mr. Hamlin, and also one from William Bingham to Omer Talon 
 (afterward conveyed to John Keating & Company), dated December 21, 1796, 
 covers about 300, 000 acres in McKean and Potter counties, for $80, 000. In 
 1801 Francis King surveyed the boundaries of the Keating lands, adjoining 
 the New York and Holland purchase in New York State, and the lands of the 
 Binghams, Ridgways and Joneses in Pennsylvania. When the New York & 
 Pennsylvania boundary commission was in session this old field book was pro- 
 duced. The present owner of this parchment, speaking of the early land pur- 
 chases, calculates that up to 1874 each acre cost the proprietor $26. To arrive 
 at this total he takes the original cost, 13^ cents per acre, with interest 
 compounded at six per cent, and finds $15.12. Prior to 1840 wild lands were 
 assessed 50 cents per acre on which a five-mill county tax and a five-mill road tax 
 were levied, or a one-half cent per acre. From 1 840 to 1 860 the taxation was three 
 cents per acre, and from 1860 to 1874 five cents per acre was levied. Mr. Hamlin 
 thinks that the total cost of each acre of wild land to the original owners was 
 $35 including costs of transfers, agencies and other expenditures. 
 
 The survey of the town of Smethport was a most important event of pio- 
 neer days. The King survey notes read as follows: 
 
 The first of the seventh month, 1801. Began at a hemlock corner sixty-three perches 
 west of the Holland Company's thirteen-mile stake on the State line, when wc found a south 
 line, which proved to be a district line, dividing Districts 3 and 3, and traveled it south 
 
98 HISTORY OF MCKEAN COUNTY. 
 
 througli a thick wiadfall. Second day. State line marlced on a beecli witli tlie initials 
 "T. W., October 10, 1793;" soil, cliocolate colored; timber, white pine, hemlock, beech, 
 sugar tree, etc. Our provisions being exhausted we returned home. On the twelfth of 
 the tenth month. Found a line blazed for a road from the head of Pine creek to the head 
 of Oswayo in the fall of 1797. We then went to meet the pack-horses on the south branch 
 of the Allegheny. Nineteenth of the twelfth month. Found a sugar tree corner with 
 inilials, one marked "O. S. S." and under it the letters "8. T. E." Seventeenth of the 
 tenth month, 1805. Proceeded with the road and lodged at the Allegheny. Running of 
 the town lots of Smethport, etc. Twenty-fourth of the eighth month, 1807, left home to 
 go to Smethport and loaded at the mouth of our creek; 25th, continued up the river 
 and lodged at themouth of Potato creek; 26th, camped near the forks of the creek; 37th, 
 still raining, went up the small branch, and built a camp; 28th, finished camp and moved 
 into it; 19th of the ninth month finished survey of the town. 
 
 In 1832 Orlo J. Hamlin contributed to the pages of Hazzard's Gazetteer, the 
 history of this county published therein, parts of which are used in this work. 
 After the publication of the Gazetteer, the pioneer historian of McKean county 
 continued the good work, and from among the documents in possession of his 
 son, Henry Hamlin, one from which the following summary of early history 
 is extracted was found: 
 
 Seventeen hundred and ninety-nine to 1800, Ceres township settled by Francis King 
 
 and others, aaent and employes of John Keating 1808 (about), Corydon township 
 
 settled by Philip Tome and others from the west branch of the Susquehanna. . . .1810-13 
 (about), Hamilton township settled by George Morrison and others of the west branch of 
 the same river. . . .1813-15 (about). Liberty township settled by ex-Judge Foster from New 
 Jersey, ex-Judge Samuel Staunton, Sr., from Wayne county, Penn., L. Lillibridge, Dr. 
 H. Coleman and others. . . .1810, Keating township (Farmers Valley), settled by Joseph 
 and George Otto, the StuUs and others from Northampton county, Penn., six families 
 . . . .1808, Eldred township settled by the Wrights, Jacob Knapp, Joseph Stull, Nathan 
 Dennis, E. Larrabee and others. . . .1815, Norwich township settled by Jonathan Cole- 
 grove and fourteen families from North Atlantic States 1809-14* Sergeant township 
 
 first settled at Instanter, next by Joel Bishop in 1811; Sweeten, David Combs, Sr., 
 
 R. Beckwith and others settled in 1814 near Bishops summit, and at Clermont farm Paul 
 
 E. Scull, John Garlick, Philip Lee and others about 1819 -30 1834 (about), Lafayette 
 
 township settled by George W. Griswold and others. . . .1833-34 (about), Bradford first 
 siittled by Dr. William M. Bennett, the Farrs, Scotts, Fosters and otiiers. . . .1846-47, 
 Otto township settled by Arthur Prentiss and others. .. .1833-33 (about), Hamlin town- 
 ship first settled by Seth Marvin. . . .1840-41, Annin township first settled by Evans, Ken- 
 ney and others. . . .1858 (about). Wetmore township first settled by Grover and others. . . . 
 1830-31, Clermimt farm, named by Jacob Ridgway after his return from Belgium, where 
 he was United States consul for a term. 
 
 The oldest tax roll in possession of the commissioner's clerk covers the 
 years 1806-12. The tax payers (of course non-resident) were William Bing- 
 ham, John Barron, Ezekiel King, William Barker. Robert Blackwell, Henry 
 Clymer, Henry Drinker, Robert Gillmor, Samuel Hughes, George Harrison, 
 William Lloyd, George Meade, Nicklen Griffith, John Olden, Jonathan B. 
 Smith, Thomas Stewarton. Thomas Willing, Charles Willing, Wilhelm "W el- 
 lick and H^nry WykofP. The valuation was 50 cents per acre, and the tax 
 averaged $2.47 on 990-acre tracts and $2. 75 on 1,099-acre tracts. Four years 
 later (in 1810) Commissioners Pennington, Glen and Herring of Centre 
 county confirmed the asse.ssirient roll, and assessed the unseated lands of Mc- 
 Kean county at 50 cents per acre, on which a tax of two and one-fourth 
 mills per dollar was ordered to be levied, the assessment to continue in force 
 until 1813. 
 
 Joseph Stull and his brother, Jacob, settled below Smethport, four miles 
 above Eldred, on the Allegheny, in 1810. A few years later Indians camped 
 at the mouth of Potato creek, and while making for this camp a warrior, being 
 overtaken by night, wrapped his blanket around him and lay face downward 
 to sleep. He was followed by a panther, who sprung on him as soon as he 
 laid down,, striking the claws into the sides of the redman and the teeth into 
 
 * See history of townships, and of Sergeant township for sltetcb of Instanter. 
 
Missing Page 
 
Missing Page 
 
HISTOEY OF MCKEAN COUNTY. 101 
 
 his neck. The Indian caught a small tree near by, and, raising himself, stabbed 
 the panther in the heart, and then lay down to die with the beast. Next morn- 
 ing his brothe^r Indians set oiit in search and found the hero of the fight almost 
 ■dead. They took him to Jacob Stull's house, where he recovered after some 
 weeks. 
 
 Asylum Peters died at the house of Walter Edgecomb, in Homer township. 
 Potter county, November 24, 1880. He was born in Bradford, Penn. , in 1793, 
 and named after his native township. In 1806 he came to Ceres as cook for 
 Oen.. Brevost, a surveyor, and when that work was completed he was sold to 
 William Ayers for $100 and the further consideration that he should receive 
 a fair common education until he was of age, when he was to be set free. In 
 1808 Ayers moved to the Keating farm, six miles east of Coudersport, on the 
 old Boone road, then the only road in the county, bringing Peters with him. 
 
 During the years when the abolition movement first gathered sympathizers, 
 the King settlement above Ceres became an important underground railroad 
 ■depot. As long ago as 1827 or 1828, Smethport was a way-station on the 
 underground railroad leading from the South to the North, whereon runaway 
 slaves used to travel in making their escape into Canada, then a land of free- 
 dom to the black man. In other Vords, runaway slaves striking the Allegheny 
 river at Warren, would take a short cut, the one used by lumbermen in this 
 region returning from Pittsburgh, and reaching what was then known as the 
 "Four Corners " pass through Smethport, Eldred and Olean, and so on by way 
 of Buffalo to Canada. It was at the above mentioned, that four forlorn look- 
 ing slaves, foot- sore and weary, and terribly hungry withal, arrived in the 
 little village of Smethport, and stopped at a hotel kept by David Young. They 
 acknowledged that they were runaway slaves, fleeing from hard-hearted mas- 
 ters, and were also out of money. Through the kindness of several of the 
 people of Smethport, the negroes were provided with a good meal at a hotel, 
 a small amount of money furnished them, and were sent on their way. The 
 next stopping place was in Olean, at the hotel kept by Backus. Fearing pur- 
 suit from their masters, the slaves were directed to a lumber camp about one 
 mile from the village, which shelter they used for a hiding place and also 
 intended to make it their resting place for the night. Hardly had these four 
 negroes left Smethport when two men on horseback arrived in pursuit, they 
 being the owners of the runaways. Getting no information from the Smeth- 
 port people, the horsemen hastened to Olean, at which place they arrived just 
 as the slaves had entered their hiding place, though unseen by their mas- 
 ters—and here comes the gist of our tale. The citizens of Olean, who were 
 aware of the pursuit, and fearing that the negroes might be captured, employed 
 a little strategy for the occasion. Sending messengers to the camp with infor- 
 mation about the state of matters, the slaves speedily sought their safety. 
 In the meantime the slave owners were informed that the objects of their pur- 
 suit might be found in a certain camp near Olean, and kind hands directed 
 their course to the desired point. But upon their arrival, a sad fate awaited 
 them. A bucket of tar and a quantity of feathers were in readiness, and masked 
 men spread the unsightly covering without stint upon the persons of the slave 
 owners, and then left them to their own musings. The next seen of the pur- 
 suers, who by this time had become sadder, but wiser men, was in a hotel kept 
 by John Lee near by where the bridge crosses the Allegheny at Eldred. 
 Through grease, soap, water and other appliances and a sojourn of a week, 
 the unfortunate slave owners presented a somewhat better appearance and 
 departed for their Southern homes, and their poor slaves reached the Mecca 
 of their hopes in Canada. 
 
102 HISTOEY OF MCKEAN COUNTY. 
 
 In the history of Potter county reference is made to the successful hunters 
 prior to 1826. In January of this year McKean county takes her place as a 
 distinct government, and the first order issued is that for 81 cents to Wheeler 
 Gallup and Dan Cornelius for fox scalps ; Rufus Cory received 27 cents and 
 Ealph Hill, for wolf scalps, $12, while James Taylor, Eben Burbanks, Tim 
 Kenney, Isaac King, Jonathan Colegrove, David Grow, Nathan White, Leon- 
 ard Foster, Benjamin Chatsey, Hub. Starkweather, James Brooks, George 
 Pinkerton, Henry Willard, Erastus John (an Indian), an unnamed Indian, 
 James John (an Indian), and Hunter (an Indian) were rewarded for killing 
 wild animals. In this year Squire Cole received 112 and Benjamin Freeman 
 $17 for one old and one young panther, and an Indian named Jimmerson $12 
 for panther certificates. In 1827 the panther hunters were Joseph Silverkeel 
 (an Indian), Dan Killbuck (an Indian), Simon Beckwith, William Lewis, Dan 
 Lewis and Ralph Hill. In 1828 there is no record of panther hunters, but in 
 1829 Philander Reed brought in some trophies. 
 
 Leroy Lyman, one of the great hunters of the past, was a natural philos- 
 opher of a determined character. At one time he resolved to acquaint him- 
 self thoroughly with the habits of the panther, and in all his expeditions looked 
 anxiously to the time when this cruel habitant of the woods of this section 
 would cross his track. The time came at last. Returning to his home one 
 evening he felt that he was followed, and, after a time, beheld his pursuer. 
 The latter kept an equal distance from the hunter until Leroy would stop, 
 when the panther would halt for a moment, then purring, creep slowly along 
 to leaping distance. This was repeated several times until the open country 
 was reached, when the hunter made his last study, and prepared for battle. 
 He was well armed, with a seven- shooter rifle, and halting suddenly waited 
 his enemy. The panther halted as suddenly, then purred, crept forward, gave 
 a blood-curdling scream, and at the moment he sprang forward, the daring 
 hunter filled him with seven bullets. Not a moment too soon; for the next 
 instant the pafither was dead at his feet .... About fifty-three years ago Reuben 
 Dennis and his brother, then boys, started into the bush near the homestead 
 to find the cows, taking with them a small farm dog of a fidgety character: 
 They were not far into the forest when they heard a terrible scream; but, not 
 knowing the cry of the panther, paid no attention to the strange call, until 
 they looked at the dog, whose hair stood out like porcupine quills. They 
 shared the terror of the dog and fled toward home. On describing their expe- 
 rience to Nathan Dennis, the pioneer, he told them they had just escaped an 
 encounter with a panther, which, in pursuing other game, left the boys safe. 
 Mr. Dennis tells also of the old-time method of trapping bear. Many are 
 acquainted with the bird trap (known as the dead-fall) used by boys of to-day. 
 The pioneer bear trap was constructed on the same principle, except that in- 
 stead of a box or cage a log sufficiently heavy to crush and kill a bear was 
 used, the supporting timber being so fixed that bruin, in rushing forward to 
 seize the bait, would displace it, leaving the heavy log to fall on him. 
 
 Samuel Beckwith, Sr., one of the pioneers, came upon a bear suddenly,, 
 and firing at the animal, wounded it; bxat failed to kill. Believing that bruin 
 would escape, he advanced knife in hand and a terrible encounter ensued. 
 The bear hugged and tore and bit the desperate hunter, and nearly carried the 
 victory, when Beckwith thrust the knife into the animal's heart. The marks 
 of the battle remained on Beckwith to his death. In 1828-29, while this. 
 Beckwith and O. J. Hamlin were surveying the turnpike route, the latter came 
 upon a wolf asleep. The animal was so scared, that instead of jumping over- 
 the log, he crept under, where his head and fore-shoulders were caught as in 
 
HISTORY OP MCKEAN COUNTY. 103 
 
 a trap. The pack-driver seized him by the hind leg, and opening the jack- 
 knife with his teeth, cut off the hamstrings, despatched the wolf, and brought 
 in the skin and scalp as trophies of the affair. 
 
 In 1825-26 a road was opened from N. C. Gallup' s mill to the Potter county 
 line, and a bridge was built by Lemuel Lucore over the Sinnemahoning, so 
 that as the wild animals decreased such evidences of civilization increased. 
 The existence of this road scared away the large game. The modern hunters, 
 such as Henry Lascar, of Lafayette, and Jones, of Sergeant, tell some extra- 
 ordinary stories of the doings of bear and panther here since 1880. 
 
 From 1842 to the present time storm and flood have accompanied progress 
 in this section, but there are few, if any, cases of destruction of life through 
 such agencies. Lightning, however, has not been bo merciful, for, during the 
 last sixty years, it is estimated that over one hundred persons have been killed 
 by electricity, and hundreds of thousands of dollars worth of property de- 
 stroyed by it. Since 1878 electric storms as well as wind storms have been 
 common. That of April 16, 1880, carried away eleven rigs in the Tuna Val- 
 ley, four on East Branch, two on West Branch, thirty-six on Kendall creek, 
 five at Foster Brook and two at Summit, together with farm and village build- 
 ings, forests, fences and orchards; subsequent storms have destroyed oil -tanks 
 by the dozen, as related in the chapter devoted to local history. The hail 
 storm of May 19, 1888, swept through Marvin Valley and struck Smethport 
 and other towns. The hail average the size of hens' eggs, and of course des- 
 troyed much of the glass in its path. The heavy rains of the latter days of 
 May, 1889, which led to the Johnstown catastrophe, also swelled the rivers 
 and creeks of McKean county, entailing heavy losses on owners of valley 
 farms, impeding travel, sweeping away bridges and flooding several villages. 
 The rain storm of June 21, 1889, swept across the county, creating havoc in 
 the forests and injuring buildings and orchards. Lightning played round the 
 hill-tops, and at Big Shanty and other points left records of its destructive- 
 ness. 
 
 The rain storm, which began on July 2, 1889, reached its climax on the 
 3d, and continued until past midnight, carrying away a few small bridges and 
 overflowing the lowland roads. The great anniversary morning, however, ap- 
 peared wreathed in sunshine, and one of the most beautiful of summer days 
 ensued. The first six months of this year were marked by a rain-fall never 
 hitherto experienced. 
 
 The second story of the first court-house was used on Sundays by Elder 
 Folsom, the Unionist preacher. Elder Oviatt, the Baptist, and one or other 
 of the various Methodist and Adventist preachers who visited this section from 
 1826 to 1833. The jail, debtor's room and sheriff's residence were on the 
 lower floor; the water supply was taken from a spring on the farm now owned 
 by John W. Brennan. In this building Hall and Dikeman, counterfeiter and 
 robber, respectively, found a home until they escaped from the " dungeon." 
 
 In 1828 the first ball was held in the county. The tickets were printed at 
 Buffalo in the following form: 
 
 1828 — INDEPENDENCE BALL — 1828. 
 
 At the hotel of Davis Young, in the village of Smeth- 
 port, July 4, 1828. Yourself and lady are respectfully in- 
 vited. Good music and flrat-class accommodations. The 
 company to assemble at 3 o'clock, p. m. 
 
 MANAGERS. 
 
 Almon Sarlwell, S. A. Winsor, Horace King, Benjamin' 
 Corwin, Daniel Rifle and David Dunbar. 
 
104 HISTORY OF MCKEAN COUNTY. 
 
 At this time Mrs. Willard's hotel occupied the site of George Moore's pres- 
 ent house. She was indignant at the fact of her house being ignored, and 
 threatened the sheriff with punishment should he allow the proposed orchestra 
 (a prisoner then in jail) to be present. The sheriff's wife, knowing that Mrs. 
 Willard would carry out her threats, dressed a dummy to represent the pris- 
 oner, and the lady, looking through the keyhole, saw this figure, and was sat- 
 isfied. The committee refused to issue a ticket to her, and thus the first ball 
 led to dissension which was not healed for years. The open-air celebration 
 was held beneath the shadows of the stars and stripes floating from the great 
 hickory pole on the square. A long table of freshly planed pine boards was 
 constructed, and above it was a roof of hemlock, pine and hardwood boughs. 
 The procession formed at the lower tavern, owned formerly by William Will- 
 iams, and marched in couples — male and female —to the court house, under 
 the lead of Jonathan Colegrove, a soldier of 1812. O. J. Hamlin was the ora- 
 tor, Isaac Burlingame, fifer, and Asa Sartwell, clarionet player. O. R. Ben- 
 nett or John E. Niles read the Declaration, but the drummer's name is forgot- 
 ten. At the banquet Hiram Payne was toastmaster, and as each toast was 
 given Marshal Colegrove would wave his sword as a signal to his squad of 
 thirteen soldiers to fire a salute. The thirteen men were armed with flint-locks, 
 and were converted for the occasion into an artillery corps, or, if the noise is 
 considered, a firecracker corps. Cheers generally followed the salute, but 
 when the musketeers were too slow the people cheered before the salute was 
 given, while the marshal w_aved his sword wildly. Edward Corwin and Col. 
 Elihu Chadwick, Revolutionary soldiers, were present. 
 
 In the fall of 1832 or 1833 Hyde Rice, son of Justice Rice, of Ceres, mar- 
 ried Angeline Rice, daughter of Allan Rice, of the salt works neighborhood, 
 now in Cameron county. The wedding guests, some seventeen in number, met 
 at Smethport, the following morning proceeded to Daniel Rifle's house (Cole- 
 grove) for breakfast, and thence twelve miles through the forest to the salt 
 works on horseback, where a feast was prepared at the bride's home. Allan 
 Rice removed to Cincinnati shortly after his daughter's marriage. It is re- 
 lated that on arriving at the salt works, twenty-seven deer, ranged in line, 
 looked down on the bridal party from the hill. 
 
 Joel Sartwell came with his father in 1816. He was a celebrated driver of 
 oxen, and on one occasion hitched his team to a large pine, which he cut down 
 in rear of his house (the Ransom-Beckwith House). Standing on the hill he 
 piloted the oxen down by shouting " Gee Buck" — " Haw Buck." The snow 
 was twenty-four inches deep, and the flight of the cleared tree down the hill- 
 side sent this snow flying to the top of the forest, but the tree and oxen got 
 down all safe, with the exception of the tail of one of the animals, which was 
 cut clean off. Among the pioneer women who resided at or near Smethport in 
 1880 were Mrs. Ira Curtis, then in her eighty- seventh year. She knew Com- 
 modore McDonough, and also Commodore Perry, who defeated the British 
 fleet near Sackett's Harbor in 1812, and saw the historical rooster. Mrs. John 
 Holmes came about 1830, and was eighty-two years old in 1880; Mrs. James 
 Taylor, ninety-four years; Mrs. Cory, the tailoress, who made clothes for the 
 Confederate officers of Houston, Tex., in 1861-65, ninety-two years; Mrs. 
 Ghordis Corwin, daughter of Solomon Sartwell, settled in Farmers valley in 
 1816, was ninety-two years old (when twelve years old she coald spin yarn and 
 weave cloth, and was asked to visit Port Allegany (Canoe Place) to help Mrs. 
 Judge Stanton fix the loom and web). Throughout the county a few more 
 women of the pioneer period resided in 1880, but the last nine years have 
 
HISTORY OF MCKEAN COUNTY. 105 
 
 thinned the ranks of the heroines of settlement. In January, 1847, the fol- 
 lowing poetical tribute to the pioneer women appeared in the Yeoman : 
 
 The mothers of our forest land 
 
 Stout-hearted dames were thev, 
 With nerve to wield the battle brand, 
 
 And join the border fray. 
 
 No braver dames had Sparta, 
 
 No nobler matrons Rome; 
 The great and good shall honor them 
 
 Throughout their own green home. 
 
 The western line of McKean county is often called the Cornplanter line, 
 for here lived the old chief for years. He was born at Conewaugus, on the 
 Genesee river, to an Indian woman, who was the hunting wife of John O'Bail, 
 a white trader from the Mohawk valley. In July, 1755, he is alleged to have 
 been in the French service, opposing Braddock, but later was present with 
 the British, at the time of the Wyoming massacre, and on their death-dealing 
 scout through the Schoharie Kill and the Mohawk valleys. When the success 
 of the Revolution was assured, he hurried to the burial of the hatchet, and 
 assisted in the post-Revolution treaties. For his services he was given a beau- 
 tiful reservation, near Kinzua village (the river and valley being named from 
 Kinzuquade, a contemporary chief), where he settled in 1791, and died in 
 1836. The Indians who visited the settlements during the first two decades 
 of this century are in their graves, but at long intervals a small band of their 
 children visit the old hunting grounds. Jim Jacobs, the aged Seneca Indian, 
 who, prior to the war, hunted in McKean, Elk, Potter, Forest and Cameron 
 counties, visited throughout the county in November, 1880, to renew his old- 
 time sport and observe the changes. Near the northwest corner of McKean 
 county were 640 acres, the last piece of Indian land in Pennsylvania. Forty 
 years ago the place was called ' ' Burnt Houses. ' ' 
 
 The County Centennial Celebration Convention, held in February, 1876, 
 was presided over by B. D. Hamlin, with H. F. Barbour, secretary. Township- 
 committees were appointed, and other steps taken to insure proper observance. 
 
 CHAPTER IV. 
 
 Transactions of the County Commissioners — Organization of the County 
 —Holland Land Company's IjAnds— John Keating's Liberality— Smeth- 
 port, the County Town— County Administration — County Buildings — 
 Public Roads— Bridges— Poor Farm- Mortgages— Forfeited Lands. 
 
 THE county of McKean was established March 26, 1804, being set off from 
 Lycoming. On December 13, 1805, Gov. McKean appointed John 
 Brevost, John Bell and Thomas Smith, trustees for the new county, under 
 the act of March 26. In May, 1806, the trustees posted a notice at Ceres 
 that they were ready to receive proposals for the county town. In November 
 they assembled to consider the offers made by John Keating and Paul Busti, 
 the latter being agent for the Holland Land Company. In Busti' s letter of 
 June 13, he expresses his pleasure at the prospect of a new county, and agrees 
 to lay off 200 acres of the Holland Land Company's lands, in either of tracts. 
 
106 HISTORY OF MCKEAN COUNTY. 
 
 numbered 2313, 2312, 2603, 2602, 2669, 2375, 2470 or 2578, on the com- 
 pany's road, from the mouth of Bald Eagle creek, on the Susquehanna, to 
 the State line. Of the 200 acres, two-thirds were to be conveyed to the county; 
 100 acres adjoining were to be donated for the support of a minister of the 
 Gospel, and 100 acres for the support of a school. This or 500 acres of wild 
 land was their offer. 
 
 John Keating was more liberal. He offered 228 acres at the forks of the 
 Cononoclan (Nun-un-dah), one half the lots surveyed, 150 acres for the support 
 of a school-teacher, and 1500 cash to aid in erecting a school building. He 
 pointed out so very clearly the beauty and utility of the location that on Sep- 
 tember 17, 18 and 19, 1807, he, with the trustees, vi^ted the locality (Smeth- 
 port), and selected the spot September 21 that year. On April 19 following 
 they made plans for building the State road. 
 
 In October, 1815, J. Borrows, prothonotary of Lycoming county, residing 
 at Williamsport, informs Samuel Stanton, Isaac Lyman and Joel Bishop of 
 their election as commissioners of taxes for McKean county. On October 19, 
 they met at Benjamin Burt's house in Bulalia, where they qualified before 
 Justice Nathan B. Palmer. A day later they appointed Palmer clerk, John 
 King, of Ceres, treasurer, and made an appointment with Messrs. Bell and 
 Smith, the trustees of McKean and Potter, and appointed James Parmeter 
 assessor of Eulalia. In 1816 Jonathan Colegrove was appointed assessor of 
 Sergeant; Rensselaer Wright, of Ceres, and John Lyman, of Eoulette; in April 
 Joseph Otto was appointed, vice Stanton, and in October he was elected with 
 Nathan B. Palmer. John King was chosen county clerk. At this time Israel 
 Merrick, of Eulalia, Ransom Beckwith, of Roulette, Abram Baker, of Ceres, 
 and Joel Bishop, of Sergeant, were appointed assessors. In 1817 C. .Ellis, J. 
 Colegrove and R. Wright were appointed auditors of Potter and McKean, and 
 Israel Merrick, Jr., commissioner's clerk. W. W. Wattles was chosen clerk, 
 in March, 1817; in October John King qualified as commissioner before Joel 
 Bishop at Coudersport. In November Ezekiel B. Foster was appointed clerk, 
 and Isaac Lyman, treasurer. The latter was requested to remove records, etc. , 
 to the house of the clerk. The tax levy was one-half cent per dollar, and the 
 pay of treasurer five per cent. In January, 1818, the office was at Kingsville; 
 John Taggart was elected auditor; Isaac Lyman, commissioner, vice Otto; I. 
 Merrick, clerk, vice Foster, and in November John Taggart was appointed 
 commissioner, vice Palmer, by the court of Lycoming county. In 1816 Rens- 
 selaer Wright was elected commissioner; Joseph Otto was appointed clerk, but 
 did not qualify, leaving the office to Merrick. Thomas Hays was commission- 
 er's clerk of Lycoming in 1818, and in 1820 Philip Krebs was prothonotary. 
 In November, 1821, R. Wright and J. Colegrove were appointed to make a 
 return of all tax payers and slaves in Potter and McKean counties. In 1822 
 John Lyman was elected commissioner; Nathaniel Eastman was clerk, and 
 Leonard Taggart, treasurer, and all qualified at Coudersport. Jonathan Cole- 
 grove, David Crow and John Lyman were chosen commissioners in 1823, and 
 Harry Lyman, clerk. R. Wright took John Lyman's place in 1824, and N. 
 C. Gallup was appointed clerk, but he was succeeded by Nathan White in 
 December of that year; Benjamin Colegrove was appointed treasurer, with 
 Timothy Newell, John King and William Smith, auditors.. N. White was 
 elected commissioner in 1825, vice R. Wright, and Henry Scott chosen 
 clerk (Keating township was established in 1824). In January, 1826, Paul 
 E. Scull was appointed treasurer, the first for this separate organization; Tim- 
 othy Newell was elected prothonotary in October, having previously served by 
 appointment, and in November Richard Chadwick was chosen clerk. 
 
HISTORY OF MCKEAN COUNTY. 107 
 
 On May 31, 1827, the mason work on county buildings, was accepted, and 
 August 4 an order for 13,000 was given to the contractor, Solomon Sartwell, Jr. 
 During this year deeds to a number of lots round the public square were sanc- 
 tioned by the commissioners, White and Otto, they being the active members 
 of the board. In November, that year, William Bell qualified, and in Novem- 
 ber, 1828, Messrs. Otto, Bell and Gallup formed the board. Bradford town- 
 ship was established, also Liberty township. In June, 1829, Squire Man- 
 ning contracted to build a bridge over Potato creek for $300. Corydon town- 
 ship was formed, and practical improvements authorized. In 1830 Messrs. Crow, 
 Bell and Colegrove were commissioners, and O. J. Hamlin county attorney. 
 On November 12, 1830, B. Freeman contracted to construct the primitive 
 water works on the square, and the first privilege of using this water, after the 
 supply at the public buildings, was granted to David Crow. A contract was 
 entered into January 5, 1831, with B. B. Smith to do the county printing, and 
 Paul E. Scull's treasurer's bail bond was signed by Nathaniel White, George 
 Darling and Thomas Curtz, Jr. In September, 1831, moneys were paid to 
 Burlingame & Co. for raising public buildings, and to Oviatt for leveling pub- 
 lic square. In 1831-32 Colegrove, Bennett and Fobes were commissioners. 
 In May, 1883, Ghordis Corwin was appointed commissioner, and in Novem- 
 ber Commissioner Patterson qualified. B. Freeman with Bennett and Patter- 
 son formed the board m 1834; Hamilton township was set off, and in Decem- 
 ber Commissioner Smith took his seat. In November, 1835, Greene qualified. 
 At this time the contract to line the dungeon with hewed stone was sold to 
 Wheeler Gallup. Norwich township was established, and other measures taken 
 to show progress. The contract for turnpiking the main street of Smethport, 
 from John E. Niles' house on the northeast corner of the square, was sold to 
 Gideon Irons, in June, 1836. In November, Col. Wilcox qualified, Smith 
 and Greene being the old commissioners, but in May, 1837, Commissioner A. 
 Lull was appointed, while Oviatt and Coats were elected that fall. Oviatt was 
 re-elected in 1838, and Chapin elected. In 1840 Fobes was one of the commis- 
 sioners, and later Squire Hunt and Kobbins became members of the board. 
 In October, 1831, Mr. Chadwick signed the records as prothonotary and 
 clerk, and continued to sign until F. B. Hamlin qualified in 1842, and again 
 from 1845 to January 21, 1851. In November P. Ford signed as his deputy, 
 and January 7, 1852, Paul E. Scull qualified as prothonotary. In 1843 the 
 contract for building a bridge at Canoe Place was sold to Solomon Sartwell, 
 Sr., Commissioner Corwin being on the board. In June, 1843, new streets 
 were ordered to be opened at Smethport, and old ones repaired, and Lafayette 
 and Eldred townships were established. Corwin, Bobbins and Marsh were 
 the commissioners in 1844, and in this year Hamlin township was organized. 
 
 In 1845 Commissioner Eastey and Dr. Darling, with Marsh, formed the 
 board. B. C. Corwin qualified as treasurer in January, 1846, and W. A. 
 Williams as clerk at a salary of |100 per year. In the fall A. P. Barnaby was 
 elected commissioner. In 1847 W. A. Williams was appointed county coun- 
 sel at a stated salary of $25 per annum for actual business, and to be paid 
 usual fees for extra time. Commissioner A. Martin qualified in 1848. In 
 this year contracts for building the jail were sold. In October R. Wright was 
 chosen commissioner, and Ira H. Curtis clerk. J. Marsh took Barnaby' s 
 place in 1849. In July, 1850, Contractor William Bell agreed to enlarge the 
 court-house for $1,000, and on August 30 Wright and Martin were present super- 
 intending the hanging of Uzza Bobbins for the murder of his wife. J. F. 
 Gallup was chosen commissioner in October, 1850, and at this time David 
 Grindley proposed to enlarge the court-house for $800. A. Martin, with Gal- 
 
108 HISTOBY OF MCKEAN COUNTY. 
 
 lup and Marsh, formed the board in 1851. S. Holmes qualified in June, 
 1852, vice Marsh, while in 1853 W. Y. McCoy, A. M. Benton and Holmes 
 formed the board. Smethport was incorporated in 1853, and Otto township 
 was formed in 1851. In 1855 Nelson Peabody, of Ceres, took Dr. McCoy's 
 place. W. J. Colegrove was elected in 1858, and in 1860 Messrs. Colegrove, 
 Keyes and Davis were commissioners, Howard being chosen in 1861. Annin 
 township was organized during this year. 
 
 The commissioners, Colegrove, Keyes and Davis, assembled November 30, 
 1861, to consider the question of relieving families of volunteers, but what was 
 accomplished at this meeting is not on record. The records of the period do 
 not contain any valuable information, as the clerk appears to have been always 
 in a hurry to go home or to the war. In July, 1862, Associate Judge Darling, 
 with Commissioners Howard, Davis and Keyes, resolved to pay |50 for the relief 
 of each family of volunteers, and a tax of two and one-half mills was ordered for 
 that purpose. In October, 1862, J. W. Starks was appointed commissioner, vice 
 D. J. Keyes, while A. P. Brewer took the place of Davis, and B. C. Corwin that 
 of Howard. W. S. Oviatt was appointed clerk January 5, 1863. James M. 
 Baldwin was elected commissioner in October, 1863, and, with Corwin and 
 Brewer, formed the board, and were prominent in managing the affairs of the 
 county during these dark days of the Civil war. In August, 1864, the board 
 appointed W. W. Brown, county agent, to recruit in tlfe rebel States, empow- 
 ering him to offer $100 to recruits for one year; $200 for two years and $300 
 for three years. Mr. Brown refused to accept this office on account of ill-health, 
 and the commissioners, failing to obtain the services of an agent for this pur- 
 pose, withdrew bounty offers and placed the matter of filling the quota in the 
 hands of the township authorities. August 20, same year, this resolution was 
 rescinded and a $300 bounty offered. G. M. Smith, Baldwin and Brewer were 
 commissioners at the close of the war. 
 
 In 1866-67 Messrs. Brewer, Smith and P. M. Fuller were commissioners. 
 In June, 1867, J. C. Hamlin contracted to remove the old-time rpof from the 
 court-house and place a heavy tin one thereon for $150. In 1868 Reuben Den- 
 nis, G. M. Smith and P. M. Fuller formed the board. In July, 1869, the 
 proposition to abolish the old spring water supply and establish a deep well 
 was carried, and the contract sold to Daly. Charles S'. Rice replaced Fuller 
 in December, 1869, and Oviatt took Smith's place in November, 1870. In 
 January, 1871, F. King was appointed clerk; in January, 1872, C. C. Melvin 
 was appointed treasurer to fill vacancy, and Coleman took the place of Com- 
 missioner Dennis. In 1873 J. R. Chadwick was appointed clerk, and Commis- 
 sioner Smith resumed his place on the board, vice Rice. Bradford borough 
 was incorporated. In 1874 Broder replaced Oviatt. In March, 1875, the com- 
 missioners authorized the issue of bonds for $25,000, the proceeds to be used 
 in building a jail. On April 6, the southeast corner of square No. 38, bought 
 of Keating & Co.', was selected as the site and A. S. Bishop was employed as 
 building foreman. In January, 1876, the commissioners-elect, JSenjamin 
 Bunker, W. A. Young and Orlando Gallup, qualified, and John R. Chadwick 
 was appointed clerk. In December, 1877, William D. Gallup qualified as 
 treasurer. In 1879 Messrs. Colegrove, Abbey and Boyer were commissioners. 
 H. F. Barbour was appointed clerk at a salary of $500, S. W. Smith, attorney, 
 and S. D. Freeman, physician. In June, 1879, the board considered the recom- 
 mendation of the grand jury in the matter of building a new court-house, and 
 ordered such building to be erected on the site of the old house. In Septem- 
 ber, 1879, the Methodist church-house was rented for the purposes of a court- 
 room, and October 7, 1879, the building contract was sold to John J. Hogan, 
 

HISTOKY OF MCKEAN COUNTY. Ill 
 
 of Erie, for $75,000. On November 24, the issue of $50, 000- bonds was author- 
 ized, and December 16, 1880, a further issue of $60,000. J. W. Beeman was 
 treasurer in 1880-81. 
 
 The new court-house was completed, and opened September 12, 1881, B. 
 D. Hamlin, presiding, with the following representatives of county sub-divi- 
 sions: Joseph Hodges, of Annin; B. C. Havens, James Broder and Loyal 
 "Ward, of Bradford; W. E. King, of Ceres; Thomas Conover, of Corydon; John 
 Duke, of Duke Centre; Eben Barden and William L. Chrisman, of Eldred; A. 
 W. Buchanan, of Foster; Jabez E. Gallup, of Hamlin; James A. Anderson, of 
 Hamilton; A. H. Cory, of Keating; Philo Ackley, of Kendall borough; A. M. 
 Benton, of Liberty; James Hoop, of Lafayette; A. P. Brewer, of Norwich; 
 Arthur Prentiss, of Otto; Adam Martin, of Sergeant; W. Y. McCoy, of Smeth- 
 port, and O. D. Coleman, of Wetmore. Lucius Rogers and John K. Chadwick 
 were secretaries. That evening Judge H. W. Williams opened the September 
 term of court, and P. M. Fuller qualified as associate judge vice F. N. Burn- 
 ham, deceased. In January, 1882, commissioners F. S. Johnson, A. T. Pal- 
 mer and Andrew Eeilly replaced the commissioners of the court-house building 
 days, and appointed John R. Sherwood clerk. In April the erection of fount- 
 ains on the square was authorized. In January, 1883, T. A. Morrison was 
 appointed county attorney, and E. G. Brown, physician. In July of this year 
 more contracts for building iron bridges were entered into. In December, 1883, 
 C. C. Melvin qualified as treasurer. 
 
 In September, 1883, a petition signed by a majority of the poor-masters 
 was presented to the court asking for an election on the question of establish- 
 ing a poor' farm. This was granted, and in February, 1884, 1,611 votes were 
 cast in favor of and 885 against such establishment. In March, ] 884, an issue 
 of bonds for 150,000 was authorized; in April the Wilcox farm was purchased, 
 and E. F. Richmond employed as superintendent of the farm. In April the A. 
 I. Wilcox farm, 345 acres, was purchased for $15,515. In May the style of 
 the Allegheny county poor buildings was adopted, and S. A. Bishop appointed 
 architect. In July the contract for buildings was sold to Davitt, O'Brien & 
 Hart for $24,813.18; in Deceinber a further issue of bonds for $15,000 was 
 authorized. In April, 1885, bonds for $9,000 were ordered to be issued. In 
 May, 1885, D. H. Burnham was appointed general superintendent. In July, 
 1885, the building was ready to receive poor persons. In January, 1886, E. 
 G. Brown and H. L. McCoy were appointed physicians, and D. H. Burnham, 
 superintendent; but in 1887 Dr. McCoy alone was appointed physician. Dr. 
 Brown succeeding him in 1889, John R. Chadwick succeeding Burnham as 
 general superintendent. C. S. King was appointed superintendent of poor 
 farm in January, 1890. 
 
 In January, 1885, Commissioners Andrew Reilly, R. A. Rice and W. D. 
 Gallup qualified. In January, 1887, M. B. Greer was appointed county 
 clerk; T. A. Morrison was re-appointed attorney, and Dr. S. I. Wells, physician. 
 In January, 1888, Commissioners James Aoglun, P. M. Fuller and James A, 
 McKean took their seats to serve until January 1, 1891. Robert H. Rose was 
 appointed attorney and E. G. Brown, physician, in January, 1889. 
 
 The first mortgage was recorded June 1, 1827. It secured to Norry 
 Hooker by Justice Rice 200,000 feet of good, merchantable pine boards, pay- 
 able in 1828 for 100,000 feet of similar boards purchased from Hooker that 
 year. All the mortgage transactions from 1826 to 1858 are contained in 
 Record A or in 473 pages. The mortgage record was contained in Book A and 
 part of Book B up to 1874, since which time thirty-three large records have 
 
 6 
 
112 HISTOKY OF MCKEAN COUNTY. 
 
 been filled, and isince 1864 sixty- three records of deeds and twelve miscella- 
 neous records. 
 
 During Asa Sartwell' s administration of the prothonotary' s office the county 
 commissioners declared 100,000 acres in McKean county and 50,000 acres in 
 Potter county forfeited for non-payment of taxes. He commenced to purchase 
 such lands at from 3 to 10 cents per acre, and continued until he claimed about 
 250,000 acres or even more. In time he sold to Nevy York lumbermen the 
 pine, hemlock and maple forests, and with the proceeds purchased from the 
 Binghams a tract of 55,000 acres in this county (the greater part of which 
 floats on an ocean of oil), Joe E. Ingersoll and William Miller being the agents 
 of the estate at the time. In 1836 Mr. Sartwell sold all his lands, as pur- 
 chased from the Holland Company in Jeiferson county, as well as the Kersey 
 tract in Jefferson and Clearfield counties to the United States Land Company 
 of Boston. 
 
 The townships of McKean county established when the county was or- 
 ganized are Sergeant and Ceres. Keating township was established in 1824; 
 Bradford township, in 1828; Liberty, in 1828; Corydon, in 1829; Hamilton, in 
 1834; Norwich, in 1835; Lafayette and Eldred, in 1843; Hamlin, in 1844; 
 Otto, in 1854, and Annin, in 1860. Smethport was organized in 1853; Brad- 
 ford borough, in 1878; Poster township, in 1880, and Eldred, Duke Centre 
 (since discontinued) and Kane boroughs since 1878; Port Allegany was or- 
 ganized in 1882, Kendall borough in 1881. 
 
 CHAPTER V. 
 
 COUKTS AND BAE. 
 
 First Coukts— Character ok the Eaelx Bench and I3ak, with Dates of Ad- 
 mission OF Members Prior to 1878— Celebrated CAUSEf— Judges and As- 
 sociate Judges— Prominent Attorneys, Prothonotaries, etc.— Attor- 
 neys Admitted to the McKean County Bar since May, 1878, Term— Oki.o 
 J. Hamlin— John W. Hoave. 
 
 THE first court of McKean county was held at Smethport, September 25, 
 1826. Edward Herrick presided, with Joseph Otto and Joel Bishop as- 
 sociate judges. Prothonotary Timothy Newell and Sheriff Wright were pres- 
 ent, while the bar of the circuit was represented by Anson Parsons* a young 
 lawyer from Lycoming county (deputy attorney- general), subsequently judge 
 of the Philadelphia courts; Ellis Lewis,* of Wellsboro, later a judge of the 
 supreme court; William Garretson,* and Peter E. Adams,* of Tioga county, 
 later judge of the Peoria circait, in Illinois; Simon Kenny,* of Towanda, 
 Penn. ; Henry Bryan* and Chauncey J. Fox,* of Olean, N. Y. In December 
 of this year Orlo J. Hamlin* and John W. Howe* were admitted to the bar. 
 Mr. Howe died in 1873, and his wife, Sallie Howe, died April 17, 1880. In 
 February, 1827, Clarendon Rathbone, of Tioga county, was admitted, but no 
 record is made of the May, September and December terms of that year. On 
 the order book of 1826, however, there are no names of jurors given, but in 
 May, 1827, the following-named citizens were paid small sums for jury service; 
 
 * Deceased. 
 
HISTOKY OF MCKEAN COUNTY. 113 
 
 AVilliam Brewer, E. J. Cook, Levi Coats. Oliver Felt, John Smith, Jacob 
 Minard, Jonathan Colegrove and William Bell. The other members, it is to be 
 presumed, did not call for warrants. In September, 1827, the grand jury 
 served two days. The members were William Housler, Eobert King, George 
 Jackox, Gideon Irons, Jacob Knapp, Simeon M. Morris, Jacob DeWitt, Will- 
 iam Eice, Hugh Moore, Harvey Abbey, Benjamin Billins, William Moore, Henry 
 Garlick, Levi Davis, John E. Spencer, Ira H. Curtis, John Applebee, Ealph 
 Hill, Ebenezer Burbanks, Smith VVolcott and Essek Smith. In February 
 and May, 1828, court was regularly opened, and in September Horace Willis- 
 ton, of Bradford county, Eobert Fleming, of Lycoming, George Miles, of Al- 
 legany, N. Y., and George A. Y. Crocker, of Cattaraugus, N. Y,, were ad- 
 mitted. 
 
 Court was also held in December, 1828, and four terms were held in 1829, 
 James Lowrey, * of Tioga county, being admitted in September. In February, 
 1830, Judges Otto* and Bishop* were present; Eichard Chadwick* was pro- 
 thonotary; S. Sartwell, Jr., sheriff; George Darling, coroner; Levi Bennett, 
 crier. Judge Herrick* presided; Justus Goodwin,* of Tioga, and D. C. 
 Bryan,* of Cattaraugus county, N. Y., were admitted, and the former ac- 
 cepted the office of deputy attorney-general which O. J. Hamlin declined. 
 In September William Lowe,* of Cattaraugus county, was admitted, and also 
 Abner C. Harding,* of Union county. Eobert G. White,* of Tioga county, 
 •was admitted in December, 1830. 
 
 Eegular terms of court were held in 1881, with the judges and the lawyers 
 of the old bar present. In February, 1832, Messrs. N. H. Purple* & May- 
 nard* were admitted; in May, John E. Niles, ex gratia; in December, L. B. 
 Cole,* of Coudersport, and S. M. Eussell,* of Olean, became members of the 
 bar. In May, 1833, Asa Sartwell signed the record as prothonotary ; in Sep- 
 tember, James Armstrong, of Lycoming, and Josiah Emery, of Tioga, signed 
 the roll, and in March, 1834, W. S. Oviatt and E. Patterson. P. B. Depew 
 was admitted in June, also Horace M. Bliss. Lawyer White was present in 
 September. Hiram Payne and Dr. W. Y. McCoy were appointed school 
 inspectors for Keating township, and L. E. Hawkins was then deputy clerk. 
 T. M. Keeler and Eli Eees were appointed school inspectors for Wharton 
 township, in March, 1835. In September C. B. Curtis, of Warren, was 
 admitted to the bar, and also Benjamin Bartholomew, A. S. Tiven and James 
 D. Bryan. In December Judge N. B. Eldred presided. Joseph P. King was 
 appointed crier, and Thomas Struthers, of Warren, signed the attorney's roll. 
 The May term of 1836 was held before Judges Otto and Bishop. Messrs. 
 Hamlin and Niles were present as attorneys; F. B. Hamlin was admitted to 
 the bar; tavern licenses were granted to P. W. Beach, of Smethport, and David 
 Benson, of Ceres. In September Judge Eldred was present, with Attorneys 
 Hamlin, Niles, Payne, Johnson, Bartholomew, Curtis, Wetmore, F. B. Ham- 
 lin and L. B. Cole. George Weirder, a German, was naturalized at this 
 time. A few insolvent petitions were presented, and the property of the debt- 
 ors assigned for creditors' use. Probate business was also transacted. In 
 February, 1837, Attorneys Johnson, Purple, Maynard and Bryan, with those 
 hitherto named, were present. 
 
 In December the divorce" suit of T. B. Shepperd vs. L. Shepperd was 
 entered, and also a similar suit by W. B. Otto vs. Lucy O. Otto, but the latter 
 was granted her petition in 1838. Testimony regarding the death of Elihu 
 Chadwick, a Eevolutionary soldier, showed that he died August 30, 1837, 
 leaving his widow, Kebekah. In February, 1838, Attorney DePue was pres- 
 
 * Deceased. 
 
il4 HiSTOKY OF McKEAN COUNTY. 
 
 ent, and Anson ' Gibbs, of Cattaraugus county, N. Y. , was admitted. In May 
 S. P. Johnson was appointed deputy attorney-general for McKean county. , J. 
 Lowry practiced in this court during the fall term. D. C. Woodcock was 
 admitted in December, and prosecuted the indictment for murder against 
 Joseph and Sarah Brush. In this case the jury, comprising Erastus Cowles, 
 Simeon Morris, David Crow, John Brockham, Eichard Renshaw, Joseph 0. 
 Coleman, Samuel Holland, Jr., Walter Brush, Amos Flatt, William Smith, A. 
 P. Barnaby and Joseph Rhodes, found the prisoners not guilty on the 22d. 
 At this time a horn was used in calling court. In February, 1839, tavern 
 licenses were granted to J. S. McCall, William Gibbs and Samuel Eastey. In 
 May William A. Williams* was admitted to the bar. In September a lawyer 
 named White appeared, and in December Judge McCalmont presided. Cros- 
 by W. Ellis was admitted an attorney, also L. P. Williston and J. C. Knox, 
 and in 1841 Alexander McDougall. In February, 1841, The Tomahawk was 
 declared a nuisance by the grand jury. President Judge McCalmont, with 
 associates, W. P. Wilcox and S. Sartwell, were present in May. Sheriff Rich- 
 mond took McCoy's place, while Smith still held the office of coroner. M. 
 Gallaher was admitted to the bar in September, and in November, 1842, H. 
 W. Smith and G. W. Scofield. In 1843 N. White replaced Wilcox on the 
 bench. In 1844 the name of Attorney Brown appears, and in September, 
 1845, N. W. Goodrich and John McCalmont were admitted, and Isaac Ben- 
 son permitted to practice. Nelson Richmond was appointed deputy sheriff, 
 and in May, 1846, John K. Williams was admitted to the bar, and in Septem- 
 ber Byron D. Hamlin was examined and admitted, and resolutions on the 
 death of Judge White adopted. C. B. Curtis was appointed deputy attorney- 
 general in December, 1846; Ford was sheriff. Joseph Morse was associate 
 judge in 1847, succeeding I. S. Holmes, and A. S. Arnold held over. Attorney 
 Knox's name was enrolled here in September, and also that of J. S. Mann. 
 In June, 1849, Horace Williston was president judge and W. A. Williams, 
 prosecutor. H. W. Souther was admitted to practice here, and Bard was 
 sheriff. In January, 1850, the old court-house was considered unsafe, and 
 court was held in the Methodist church. There the trial of Uzza Bobbins was 
 commenced, with O. J. Hamlin, Isaac Benson and N. W. Goodrich, prosecut- 
 ing; S. P. Johnson, C. B. Curtis, C. W. Ellis and L. D. Wetmore, defending. 
 Uzza Bobbins was hanged August 30, 1850, and buried, but during the night 
 the earth was removed, the murderer's head cut off, and carried to a carpen- 
 ter's shop, where it was found next day, and replaced in the grave by a com- 
 mittee of citizens. Isaac G. Gordon was admitted in January, 1850, and C. 
 C. Green and Arthur G. Olmsted, in October. A. D. Hamlin qualified as 
 county surveyor. In 1851 Colegrove was sheriff, and Corwin, coroner. George 
 R. Barrett was admitted to the bar in June, and *J. C. Backus, M. W. Aldrich 
 and A. F. Frazer, in October. In January, 1852, Judges 'R. G. White, K. 
 Chadwick and 0. L. Stanton, with Sheriff Bennett, were present. F. W. 
 Knox and Charles B. Curtis were permitted to practice here. S. F. C. Hyde 
 took Eichard Chadwick'e place as prothonotary. In February, 1858, the court 
 refused tavern license to eleven applicants. A year later E. B, Eldred prac- 
 ticed here. In September, 1854, Warren Cowles was admitted, and in Febru- 
 ary, 1856, Oliver Payne was examined and enrolled as an attorney, while H. 
 B. McKean and E. A. Brooks were permitted to practice here. In December 
 Samuel C. Hyde signed the records as prothonotary, Judge White was presi- 
 dent of the court, with S. Holmes and J. Darling, associates. In March, 1858, 
 the bar petitioned for the removal of H. B. King, the old court crier, and for 
 
 * Deceased. 
 
HISTOKY OF MCKEAN COUNTY. 115 
 
 <3-. C. DeGolier's appointment. This petition was granted. In June, 1858, 
 Judge John Galbraith, of Brie, presided. H. G. Eogers and John H. Boyle 
 were admitted to the bar, and in December William A. Nichols' name appears 
 as a member of the bar. C. B. Curtis presided, vice White, in June, 1859. 
 In September of that year Joseph J. Bobbins was tried for firing John Dexter' s 
 house, and acquitted. B. D. Hamlin and Prosecutor Cowles represented the 
 State, while L. D. Wetmore and W. A. Williams defended, twenty witnesses 
 being called for the defense and twenty for the State. The trial of James 
 Dunn, for the murder of James Stocker, in Ceres township, July 1, took place 
 at this time, and resulted in a verdict of guilty in the second degree, in June, 
 186(); W. Cowles and L. D. Wetmore prosecuted, while B. D. Hamlin and S. 
 P. Johnson defended. He was sentenced by Judge White to a fine of one 
 dollar costs, and to twelve years solitary confinement. A. B. Armstrong, 
 Philetus Ford and Samuel C. Hyde were admitted in 1860. In December, 
 1861, Attorney Struthers' name appears. Judge Peabody took the place of 
 Judge Holmes. Fred. E. Smith was admitted in July, 1862, and J. W. 
 Eyan, J. W. Conley and W. W. Williard, in December. In February, 1863, 
 J. B. Newton and G-. W. DeCamp were admitted. 
 
 In 1865 Judge Williams, with Associates Darling and Peabody, presided. 
 The petition for the incorporation of Kane was reported on favorably. Attor- 
 neys Laurie J. Blakely and Beardsley were admitted, and Wallace W. 
 
 Brown appointed district attorney, vice Cowles, resigned. Judges A. T. Bar- 
 den and A. N. Taylor were present in December, 1866, with Judge Williams, 
 presiding; William J. Milliken was admitted to the law circle, and William K. 
 King was appointed county surveyor. In February, 1868, Nelson Medbery 
 was appointed crier of the court, vice King, but the latter was reappointed. 
 Henry King was admitted to the bar in June of that year, and Charles R. 
 Saunders, in February, 1869. The petition against the election of C. C. Mel- 
 vin as treasurer was received in December, 1870, and was considered and re- 
 considered until the subject was dropped. Manley Crosby was admitted to the 
 bar in June, 1871, and Delano R. Hamlin's* name appears on the records in 
 August of that year. Associate Judges W. S. Brownell and Loyal Ward 
 qualified in December, H. W. Williams presiding, and in February, 1872, 
 S. F. Wilson, the additional law judge, was present. At this session the 
 name of E. Brown appears as attorney. D. C. Larrabee* was admitted in 
 April, and George A. Rathbun in June, when the charge of murder against 
 the Burns brothers was tried, one of whom was found guilty of murder in the 
 second degree and sentenced to twelve years solitary confinement. Messrs. 
 King, Williams and Clark prosecuted, while Backus and Milliken defended. In 
 September F. W. Paine was admitted, the death of Warren Cowles announced, 
 and H. E. Brown, of Warren, permitted to practice here, and later John G. 
 Hall,* of Elk county. In June, 1873, Andrew Tracy signed the roll of attor- 
 neys. J. R. CJark was present as an attorney in the fall, and Robert H. Rose 
 was admitted to the bar. At this term the celebrated hunter, Leroy Lyman, 
 was indicted for killing deer out of season. In June, 1874, Charles Dinsmore, 
 of Warren, was admitted to practice, S. W. Smith in September, also F. D. 
 Leet, of Cameron county; R. B. Power qualified as stenographer. The 
 grand jury declared the jail and outbuildings nuisances; in December P. 
 R. Cotter and C. Hollenbeck appeafed as attorneys, and W. M. Lindsey was 
 admitted. Edward Crow was indicted by a coroner's jury of killing Cal- 
 vin H. Hobar, at Port Allegany, August 3, 1874. The same year he was 
 tried for this offense and sentenced to a five-years term. He was defended by 
 
 * Deceased. 
 
116 HISTOEY OF MCKEAN COUNTY. 
 
 A. G. Olmsted, W. A. Williams and Charles Dolan. Charles H. Noyes was 
 enrolled in September, 1875, and in December the contested election case — C. 
 K. Sartwell vs. John R. Chadwick — in re office of prothonotary, was entered. 
 
 B. A. Green was admitted to the bar at this time. In February, 1876, A. W. 
 Barry, M. F. Elliott and George A. Berry were admitted attorneys, and H. N. 
 Gardiner appointed stenographer. Eugene MulJin signed the roll in June, 
 1876, and Roger Sherman, C. J- Curtis and G. W. Kelly in December. Dur- 
 ing the year a number of divorce cases were presented, and the records of the 
 court began to assume large proportions as the population increased. In Feb- 
 ruary, 1877, Associate Judges Brownell and F. N. Burnham were present; 
 among the members of the bar were *0. A. Hotchkiss, R. B. Stone, L. H. Cobb 
 and C. H. Sherwood. Julius Byles was admitted a member. In September 
 Sheridan Gorton, David Sterrett and H. McClure were admitted; in October 
 H. C. Dornan, and in December D. E. Dufton, J. C. Sturgeon and C. L. 
 Peck. In February, 1878, A. F. Bole was admitted and C. D. Longfellow 
 was enrolled; in April J. C. Johnson, W. I. Lewis and W. B. Graves were en- 
 rolled as members, and E. B. McCleery was admitted. Edward McSweeney's 
 name appears upon the records of 1876, and also that of W. B. Boggs. 
 
 Andrew Tracy, a young lawyer of Smethport, was tried in February, 1879, 
 for the murder of his cousin, Miss Mary Reilly, at Smethport. District At- 
 torney S.. W. Smith, M. F. Elliott and W. W. Brown represented ' the State, 
 while C. B. Curtis, A. B. Richmond, George A. Jenka, A. G. Olmsted and N. 
 McSweeney defended. He was found guilty of murder, and, in April, sen- 
 tenced by Judge Williams to death. The Judge, in passing sentence, saidr 
 " The victim was a friend, not an enemy; a relative by blood; a modest and 
 lovely woman, whose only offense was that she had struggled to overcome her 
 affection for you, from a sense of duty toward the church to which she be- 
 longed, and toward her parents whom she honored. ' ' Every effort was made 
 to save this unfortunate man, but the board of pardons refusing to interfere 
 with the sentence the law was carried into effect in December, 1879. This 
 tragedy of September 18, 1878, may be said to have broken up one of the 
 most hospitable homes of McKean county. 
 
 The trial of Robert Butler for murder took place in March, 1880, resulting 
 in a sentence of eight years solitary confinement. In December, 1886, the 
 trial of John Thompson for the murder, on previous July 24, of John Yohe at 
 Mount Jewett was heard. Messrs. Koester, Cotter, Mullin and McClure rep- 
 resented the State, while Morrison, Apple, Elliott and Hastings defended. He 
 was found guilty of mqpslaughter and sentenced to imprisonment. 
 
 Anthony Anderson Oaks, a Swede, was tried in May, 1889, for the murder 
 of Henry Robinson, in Long Hollow, Annin township, February 12, 1889, 
 Messrs. Sturgeon and P. R. Cotter prosecuting, and Messrs. Mullin and Mc- 
 Clure defending. . . .In October, 1889, one of the heaviest cases ever brought 
 before this court was presented — The McKean & Elk Land & Improvement 
 Company vs. Elizabeth D. Kane. Plaintiffs originally owned 120,000 acres 
 of land in this section of country, of which Gen. T. L. Kane was agent. The 
 case involved the title to a large portion of this territory. A brilliant array of 
 legal talent was employed in the litigation. F. B. Gowan and William W. 
 Wilbank, both of Philadelphia, and R. B. Stone, of Bradford, were for the 
 prosecution, and C. H. McCauley, of IJidgway, J. G. Johnson and E. W. 
 Hanson, of Philadelphia, B. D. Hamlin, of Smethport, and M. F. Elliott, of 
 Wellsboro, represented the defendant. Judgment was rendered in favor of 
 Mrs. Kane, and the title to the lands and lots thereby settled. 
 
 * Deceased. 
 
HISTORY OF MCKEAN COUNTY. 117 
 
 In February, 1890, a Salvation Army case was presented to the grand jury. 
 Three of the bills, ignored by that body, were brought by Capt. Charles Lock- 
 ■yey, the commander of the Salvation Army in Bradford. He charged two boys 
 with disturbing one of the meetings at their barracks. In addition to ignoring 
 the bills the grand jury placed the costs upon the prosecutor. The costs of 
 the three cases amounted to 193.88. Neither the captain nor the members of 
 his army who were present in court had the money, and the captain was com- 
 mitted to jail in defaiilt thereof. The parting scene between the captain and 
 his followers was an emotional one. He kissed the weeping sisters amid a 
 chorus of "God bless you," and the prison door closed. The inmates of the 
 jail, upon seeing the badge of their new comrade, welcomed him with a shout 
 and a rapturous medley of "war cry" choruses. 
 
 Another bill 'was presented to this jury asking an indictment for assault 
 against G. W. Kelly. This indictment was the outcome of the trouble between 
 the members of the W. V. R. U. which the national president, Mrs. Camp- 
 bell, attempted to adjust, and whom Kelly had arrested for the Jarceny of a 
 charter. Kelly had the costs to pay in that case, when Mrs. Campbell was 
 discharged. The grand jury in ignoring the bill against Kelly placed the costs 
 on the county. 
 
 The attorneys admitted to practice here since the May term of 1878 are 
 named 8,8 follows: 
 
 George A. Allen, 1878; James Addle, 1877; George W. Allen, 1879; Isaac Ash and 
 Harrison Allen, 1880; John N. Apple, 1882, and Fred L. Armstrong, 1884. 
 
 John B. Brawley, 1877; Lewis F. Barger, W. D. Brown, C. L. Baker, R. C. Beach 
 F. L. Blackman, David Ball, W. E. Burdick and M. H. Byles, 1879; James Boyce H 
 W. BlakeSlee and Eben Brewer, 1880; B. T. Ball and W. C. Brown, 1881; Joseph 'w. 
 Bouton and C. Benedict, 1885; George H. Bemis and Charles E. Boyle, 1887. 
 
 W. B. Chapman, 1877; 8. E. Cheeseman, E. Grossman, A. A. Craig, F. J. Coibin* 
 and C. L. Covell, 1878; John B. Chapman, S. M. Crosby and J. H. Cunningham, 1879; 
 Mahlon J. Colcord and David Cameron, 1883; A. L. Cole and James Cable, 1889. 
 
 M. E. Dunlap and W. M. Dame, 1878; John W. Dunkle, 1881; Joshua Douglass, 1888; 
 W. F. Doyle, 1887, and 8. M. Decker, 1889. 
 
 Thomas F. Emmens and M. T. H. Elliott, 1880. 
 John Forrest, 1879; W. L. Poster, 1883; G. N. Frazier, 1886. 
 
 W. B. Graves, 1878; James George, F. F. Guthrie and J. T. Qealy, 1879; S. 8. 
 
 Geisinger, 1880; Henry N. Gardner, 1883; Sam. Trumbine, 1885, and 8. B. Griffith, 1886. 
 
 D. 8. Herron, 1878; P. T. Hallock, William C. Holahan and C. A. Hitchcock, 1879; 
 
 H. D. Hancock, M. J. Heywang, A. P. Huey and George H. Higgins, 1880; Watson £. 
 
 Hinckley, F. W. Hastings, Jacob Hockley, 1881; T. B. Hoover, 1882; H. J. Hammond, 
 
 ; J. D. Hancock, 1885, and C. Heydrick, 1889. 
 
 H. C. Johns, 1878: David H. Jack. 1880; Charles E. Judd, 1884; A. L. Kinkead, 1878; 
 E. Koester, J. L. Kinkead and E. L, Keenan, 1879; W. C. Kerr, 1880; H. O. Kline, 1881; 
 George C. King, 1883. 
 
 W. J. Lewis, 1878; A. H. Low, 1879; William L. LilKbridge, 1881; W. H. Latham, 
 1884; J. W. Lee, 1886, and George A. Lukehart, 1888. 
 
 *B. 8. McAllister, A. M. Metzger and C. H. McCauley, 1877; *E. B. McCleery, E. R. 
 Mayo, G. B. McCalmont, H. N. Mclntyre and William McSweeney, 1878; W. M. Mere- 
 dith, Samuel Minbr, Graham McParlane, W. A. Mason, C. H. McKee, H. J. Muse, Henry 
 Mc8weeney, T. A. Morrison, Robert Mackwood, William E. Marsh, Joseph M. McClure 
 and J. O. Marshall, 1879; J. C. Metzger, Miles 8. Plummer and J. V. Mclntyre, 1880; 
 Joseph A. McDonald, 1881; H. C. McCormack and J. P. McNarney, 1883; James J. Mc- 
 Carthy, 1884; ChBirles McCandless, 1885; T. F. Mullln, 1886; J, B. McAllister and R. M. 
 Magee, 1888. 
 
 Herman H. North, 1880; 8amuel T. Neill, February, 1890. 
 
 N. M. Orr and *Omer Osmer, 1878; John Omerod, 1883; J. H. Osmer, 1883; George 
 M. Orr, 1887. 
 
 Louis K. Purviance and H. 8, Payson, 1879; M. J. Peck. 1887. 
 
 A- B. Richmond, 1878; F. D. Reaves, 1879; George L. Roberts, 1880; L. Rosenzweig 
 and Hamlet E. Rossell, 1881; Thomas F. Richmond, 1883; J. E. Rounseville, 1888, and 
 W. E. Rice, October 15, 1889. 
 
 G. F. 8tone, N. B. Smiley* and J. W. Shaw, 1878; H. C. Scoville, G. A. Sturgeon, 
 
 * Removed by death or emigration. 
 
lis HISTORY OF MCKEAN COUNTY. t 
 
 William Svvanson, P. L. Seeley, William A. Stone and G. J. Stranahan, 1879; O. L. Sny- 
 der and M. Sullivan, 1880; H. N. Snyder, 1881, and W. R. Scott, 1884. 
 
 E. E. Tail, 1883; 0. C. Thompson, 1885. 
 
 J. K. Wilson, J. K. Wallace and *C. L. Wescott, 1878; W. P. Weston, 1879; 0. H. 
 Wheeler, A. Leo Weil, George J. Wolfe, 1880; Irvine Watson, 1883; M. A. K. Werdner, 
 1883; S. C. White, 1887. 
 
 Iq the history of Stnethport the first night's experience of the pioneer law- 
 yer. Orlo J. Hamlin, at the Willard House is described. Next morning Paul 
 E. Scull and Judge Sartwell, then the only merchants at the county seat, in- 
 vited him to visit the court-house. Accepting, the trio had to creep along the 
 fence to escape the quagmire then occupying the present main street. To 
 ameliorate matters, the merchants offered the young lavyyer a retaining fee of 
 J5(), and immediately the cloud of disappointment vanished, and Smethport 
 seemed clad in sunshine. He decided to stay, and was permitted to occupy the 
 west wing of the brick court-house, then completed. Obtaining some rough 
 furniture he ranged " Blaokstone, " "Peak's Evidence " and a borrowed vol- 
 ume of " Purdonis Digest " on tho cross-legged pine table, and in December, 
 18'26, opened the first law office in McKean county. Practice was very primitive 
 then. Prior to his coming a justice of the peace, afterward an associate judge 
 here, rendered a judgment against the defendant for "six yards of calico" 
 (enough then to dress a woman), and in another case for "twenty- five hemlock 
 saw logs." The constable did not know how to execute the judgmenfce legally, 
 and time alone canceled them. The first case in which Mr. Hamlin partici- 
 pated here was tried in the Willard tavern. An employe of a saw-mill owner 
 sued his employer for assault and battery with intent to kill. Hamlin was 
 
 retained for the defense, while Counselor T prosecuted. Thef counselor 
 
 was athletic and illiterate, but naturally a speaker and full of assurance. The 
 bar-room was crowded, and the young lawyer determined to prove his profes- 
 sional training. He was very technical, and the justice was there to listen. 
 Eleek Hall, equally powerful as a counselor, was then bar-tender, and while 
 the case proceeded, he helped the audience to what drinks were called for. 
 Mr. Hamlin, knowing the physical character of his opponent, called Hall to 
 assist him, and when Hamlin had examined and cross-examined the witnesses 
 
 and badgered the counselor, he would wink to Hall to answer Counselor T . 
 
 Eleek would step forward, smacking his lips and foaming with vehemence, 
 and continue a doggerel speech until exhausted. The sun had set, and the jus- 
 tice had sent the case to quarter sessions, holding the mill owner under bonds. 
 The latter soon drove away his employe, holding his wife as hostage for a small 
 debt. At quarter sessions the banished employe did not appear nor did he ever 
 come to claim the wife he left as a hostage. 
 
 About the third week in December, 1826, John W. Howe came to Smeth- 
 port, ostensibly to seek employment as a school-teacher. His baggage was a 
 small wooden box, which proved to contain only law books. The people soon 
 learned that he was a lawyer and not a teacher. He was something of a wag, 
 eccentric, sensible, honorable and energetic. After a stay of six years he 
 moved to Franklin, Penn. , and thence to Meadville. In M^, 1827, Thomas 
 Puller came hither to settle, but after a few months returned to Bethany, N. Y. 
 
 In the spring of this year Counselor T fell into a hornets' nest. It appears 
 
 Hamlin, Howe and Puller determined to oust this individual, and their deter- 
 mination succeeded ; for the counselor, being unable to make war against the 
 trio, became irritable and sat down, exhausted. Leaving Smethport at once, 
 he never returned to practice here. No doubt he felt like the physician in the 
 drama of Macbeth: 
 
 Were I from Dunsinane away and clear. 
 Profit again should hardly draw me here. 
 
HISTORY OF MCKEAN COUNTY. 121 
 
 CHAPTER VI. 
 
 POLITICAL AFFAIES. 
 
 Introductory— Orlo J. Hamlin— Elections for Governor, 1835— Ele'ctions 
 FROM 1840 to 1883— General Elections, 1884 to 1889— Prohibitory Amend- 
 ment Vote, 1889. 
 
 THE early election returns of McKean county are among the very few 
 records which have been lost; so that the writer had to rely upon the 
 commissioners' records as well as court records for the names of men successful 
 in the political battles prior to 1840. 
 
 In 1831-33 Orlo J. Hamlin represented the district in the legislature, and 
 was re-nominated in 1833 ; but his name not being placed on the legislative 
 ticket in Lycoming county he withdrew. He refused the nomination in 1835, 
 but served in the great constitutional convention until the poor condition of his 
 health compelled him to retire, when Hiram Payne, the alternate, took his 
 seat. It was Delegate Hamlin who proposed to give a representative to each 
 county, a proposition which has been carried out only in recent years. 
 
 In 1835 there was an election for governor. Wolf being the nominee of the 
 Democrats, and Joseph Ritner of the Anti-Masonic party. When the votes 
 were counted Wolf was leading, and the merry Democrats of McKean county 
 never dreamed of such a thing as defeat. To memorialize this victory a party 
 ot Democrats went out at night and imitated the howls of the wolf so thor- 
 oughly that Squire Williams arose from his bed to re-examine the sheep-fold. 
 Next day he met Squire Crow, Asa Sartwell, and others, to whom he related 
 liis night's experience with the pack of wolves; but Squire Crow knew all 
 about the howlers, and turning to his Democratic audience said, " Well, boys, 
 you have made your last howl." He was correct, for Eitner was chosen gov- 
 ernor. Among the old voters of the county are N. W. Abbey, of Smethport; 
 H. W. Burlingame, of Kasson; J. P. Evans, of Norwich; M. Ostrander, of 
 Liberty, and Moses Dillenbach, of Annin, all of whom voted for Harrison in 
 1840. Philetus Ford and A. H. Cory gave their votes to Martin Van Buren. 
 C. D. Calkins, of East Smethport is said, by B. D. Hamlin, to have voted that 
 year. Jeremiah Chadwick was here then. John Cousin, now of Friendship, 
 N. Y. ; Amos Briggs, still a resident; Daniel Crossmire, a resident of Farmers 
 Valley; James Daly, Jabez F. Gallup, James Hoop, and a few others named 
 in the fownship sketches, are living representatives of the voters of 1840. 
 
 The elections of 1840 gave 263 Harrison votes to Bernard Connelly, Jr. , 
 and 275 Van Buren votes to William Philson, the presidential electors. Davis 
 Dimmock,. Jr. , received 305 votes and George Kress 211, for congress; James 
 L. Gillis (D.) 266, and Perry Shearman (W.) 240, for assembly; Nelson Eich- 
 mond (D.) 323, and James Taylor (W.) 205, for sherifP; Abner O. Hunt (D.) 
 -307, and Leavitt C. Little (W.) 220 votes for commissioner; Samuel Eastey 
 (D.) 297, and William Smith (W.), of Ceres, 220 votes for auditor. 
 
 In 1841 L. B. Dunham (D.) received 242 votes, and C. C. Gaskill(W.) 
 187, for representative; Jedediah Darling (W.) was elected coroner; David 
 ■Crow (W.), treasurer; Nathaniel Bobbins (D.), commissioner, and Ben. C. 
 Corwin (D.), auditor. 
 
122 HISTORY OF MCKEAN COUNTY. 
 
 In 1842 the county gave marked majorities to William P. Wilcox for 
 senator; Joseph Y. James for representative; F. B. Hamlin for prothono- 
 tary, and Asa P. Barnaby, for auditor, all Democrats. 
 
 In 1843 Henry Chapin was chosen treasurer; David E. Bennett, sheriff, 
 and J. F. Melvin, auditor. At this time the question of establishing a poor- 
 house was defeated by a vote of 310 contra, 163 pro. The successful can- 
 didates were all Democrats. 
 
 The elections of 1844 show 419 votes for the Democratic elector, N. B. 
 Eldred; 340 for John Killinger (W.), and 3 for James Wood, the elector 
 on the Abolition ticket. The vote for member of congress was given in the 
 same ratio to James Thompson, Charles M. Reed and John S. Mann, respect- 
 ively. For the assembly and county offices there were only Democratic and 
 Whig candidates, Easselas Brown receiving 408 votes, and L. C. Little re- 
 ceiving 314, for representative; Oshea E. Bennett (D.) was chosen coroner, 
 A. H. Cory (D.) auditor. There were 151 votes recorded for and 498 against 
 the sale of the main line of the Pennsylvania canal and railway. The three 
 Abolitionists were John King, Henry Chevalier and Eleazer Wright. 
 
 In 1845 Thomas Struthers (W.) received a majority over James L. Gillis 
 (D.) for senator, Benjamin Bartholomew (W.) over Sol. Sartwell, Jr. (D.), for 
 representative; Eichard Chadwick (W.) over W. A. Williams (D.) for pro- 
 thonotary; Benjamin C. Corwin (D.) was elected treasurer almost unani- 
 mously, and Joseph Morse (D.), auditor. 
 
 James Thompson (D.) defeated James Campbell (W.) for congress in 1846 
 in this county; Henry P. Kinnear (W.) received a majority over Solomon 
 Sartwell for representative; Philetus Ford (D.) defeated Jeremiah Chadwick 
 (W.) for the office of sheriff, and J. F. Gallup (D.) was chosen auditor. The 
 charge of youth was preferred against Mr. Ford by the friends of Chadwick, 
 who was then eight years younger than the victor. 
 
 In. 1847 Alonzo I. Wilcox (D.) received a majority vote for representative; 
 Ezra Bard (D.) for treasurer; B. C. Corwin (D.) was elected coroner, and J. 
 F. Melvin (D.) and E. F. Carrier (D.), auditors. 
 
 The elections of 1848 showed 367 votes for Taylor and Fillmore; 418 for 
 Louis Cass and Butler, and 22 for Van Buren and Adams. James Thompson 
 (D.) received a majority for congress; Timothy Ives (D.) for senator; A. I. 
 Wilcox (D.) for representative; Eichard Chadwick (W.) for prothonotary ; 
 Samuel Smith (D.) defeated William K. King (W.) for treasurer; B. C. Corwin 
 (D.) defeated Jedediah Darling (W.) for coroner, while O. L. Stanton (D.) and 
 Benjamin F. Cory (D.) were chosen auditors. 
 
 In 1849 Glen W. Scofield (D. ) carried the county for representative; Ezra 
 Bard (D. ) was chosen sheriff, and A. K. Johnson (D. ), auditor. Sheriff Bard 
 died during his term, when W. J. Colegrove (W.) was appointed. 
 
 Carlton B. Curtis (D.) received 454 votes and J. H. Walther (W.) "^92 for 
 congress in 1850; W. J. Hemphill (D.) was chosen representative; Byron D. 
 Hamlin (D.), treasurer by 391 votes against 356 received by Jedediah Darling 
 (W.); Eobert Hines, Jr. (D.) was elected auditor; A. D. Hamlin (D.), county 
 surveyor; William A. Williams (D.), district attorney by 84 to 54 received 
 by N. W. Goodrich, while 588 votes were recorded for Constitutional Amend- 
 ment and 2 against it. 
 
 In 1851 James L. Gillis (D.) defeated Eeuben Winslow (W.) here for 
 representative; Eobert G. White (D.) was elected president judge, receiving 
 the whole vote (799). Eichard Chadwick (W.) and O. L. Stanton (D.) re- 
 ceived majority votes for associate judges; David E. Bennett (D.) was chosen 
 sheriff; A. W. Needham (W.), coroner; PaulE. Scull (D.), prothonotary; John 
 
HISTORY OF MCKEAN COUNTY. 123 
 
 C. Backus (D.), recorder, by a vote of 412 against 366 for C. D. Webster (W.), 
 and 0. K. Sartwell (D.), auditor. 
 
 The elections of ] 852 gave 597 votes to Pierce and King for Democratic 
 president and vice-president; 405 to Scott and Graham, Whigs, and 78 to 
 Hale and Julien, Free- soil candidates. C. B. Curtis (D.) defeated Patrick 
 Kerr (W.) for congress; Byron D. Hamlin (D.) received a majority vote for 
 senator, but the election was almost unanimous; A. S. Arnold (D.) for repre- 
 sentative; B. O. Burdick (D.) for auditor; Jedediah Darling (W.) for treas- 
 urer, and William Tenney (W.) for coroner. 
 
 In 1853 A. S. Arnold (D.) was re-elected representative; N. W. Goodrich 
 (D.), prosecuting attorney; Henry Hamlin (D.), auditor; Jasper Marsh (D.), 
 surveyor; A. M. Benton (D. ), commissioner. 
 
 David Barclay (D.) received 441 votes for congress in 1854, against 228 
 recorded for Eichard Arthur (W. ), Alexander Caldwell (D. ) received a large 
 majority for representative; William M. Smith (D.) for sheriff; Wilber H. 
 Sartwell (D.) for treasurer; Samuel C. Hyde (D.) for prothonotary ; Jasper 
 Marsh (D. ) for recorder, John Campbell for auditor, and John C. Backus (D. ) 
 for prosecuting attorney. The prohibitory liquor law was defeated by a vote 
 of 481 against 415. 
 
 In 1855 Henry Souther (W. and K. N.) received a majority vote for sena- 
 tor; William A. Williams (D.) for representative, and A. J. Otto (D.) for 
 auditor. 
 
 The elections of 1856 show majorities for James S. Myers (E.) for con- 
 gress; John Brooks (E.) for representative; Jedediah Darling (E.) and Syl- 
 vanus Holmes (E.), associate judges; W. A. Williams (E.), treasurer; Joseph 
 Housler (E.) and B. C. Corwin (D.), auditors; Alexander T. Barden (E.), 
 coroner, and Horatio Bell (E.), surveyor. The vote in favor of Constitu- 
 tional Amendment was 257 and against it 126. 
 
 In 1857 Eobert Matson (D.) and W. P. Wilcox (D.) had the highest num- 
 ber of votes for representatives; Joseph Morse (D.) was elected sheriff; 
 Samuel C. Hyde (D.), prothonotary; C. K. Sartwell (D.), recorder; L. E. 
 Wisner (D.) coroner; A. L. Eifle (E.) and Gideon Irons (D.), overseers of the 
 poor; E. B. Eldred (D.), prosecuting attorney. 
 
 In 1858 Chapin Hall (E.) carried the county for congress by a vote of 
 835 against 479 recorded for James L. Gillis (D.); Enos Parsons (E.) was 
 elected treasurer; V. P. Carter (E.), auditor; Nathan Dennis (D.), coroner, 
 and Joseph Wilks (D.), poor-house commissioner. 
 
 In 1859 A. M. Benton (D.) received 649 votes; T. Jefferson Boyer (D.) 
 599, I. G. Gordon (E.) 559, and William A. Nichols (E.) 578 for repre- 
 sentatives; J. C. Hamlin (D.) and G. B. Gillett (D.) were chosen auditors, 
 and Dr. George Darling (E.), coroner. At this time the district comprised 
 MoKean, Elk, Clearfield, Jefferson and Forest counties. 
 
 In 1860 Henry Souther, Eepublioan elector, received 1,077 votes; Byron D. 
 Hamlin, Democratic, 591, and Joseph H. Otswick, Union, two votes; John 
 Patton received the Eepublican vote for congress, and James E. Kerr, the- 
 Democratic vote. S. M. Lawrence (E.) and I. G. Gordon (E.) were elected 
 representatives over A. M. Benton and — Brady, Democrats; James E. Blair 
 (E.), sheriff; John E. Chadwick (E.), prothonotary; C. K. Sartwell (E.), re- 
 corder; William K. King (E.), treasurer; W. A. Nichols (E.), attorney; W. 
 A. Williams (E.), auditor, and Enos Parsons (E.), coroner. 
 
 In 1861 Eobert G. White (E.) received 633 votes, and Easselas Browa 
 491 for president judge; N. Peabody (E.) and Jedediah Darling (E.) were 
 elected associate judges; Alonzo I. Wilcox (E.) and Joseph B. McEnally 
 
124 HISTORY OF MCKEAN COUNTY. 
 
 (R.), representatives; Charles D. Webster (E.), auditor; P. Ford (R. ), attorney, 
 and Ebenezer Barden (R.), coroner. In the district were 6,983 votes, of which 
 Judge White received 6,289. 
 
 The elections of 1862 show 785 votes for G. W. Scofield (R.) and 625 for 
 Milton Courtright, Democratic candidates for congress; Stephen P. Wilson 
 ,(R.) received a majority vote for senator; Martin H. Shannon (R.) and War- 
 ren Cowles (R.) were elected representatives; V. Perry Carter (R.), treasurer; 
 P. Ford (E.), attorney; H. D. Hicks (D.) and B. H. Lamphier (R.), auditors, 
 and D. F. Finley, coroner. 
 
 In 1863 Frank Bell (R.) and John MahafCy (R.) received 717 votes, T. J. 
 Boyer (D.) and A. M. Benton (D.) 625 votes for the legislature, the Demo- 
 crats being elected. A. N. Lillibridge (R., 702 votes) contested for the 
 sheriff's office with G. R. Moore (D., 642 votes); John R. Chadwick (R., 
 709 votes) opposed J. B. Oviatt (D. 621 votes) for prothonotary ; Wallace W. 
 Brown (R., 710 votes) fought against G. W. Sartwell (D., 617 votes) for the 
 office of recorder, and James Bond (R. , 693 votes) opposed L. R. Miner (D. , 
 '620 votes) for the position of coroner. Warren Cowles (R.) and J. C. Backus 
 (D.) received party votes, and Swift (E.) and Duntley (E.) were chosen au- 
 ditors. 
 
 The elections of 1864 show 767 votes for Isaac Benson, Eepublican elector, 
 and 652 for John M. Irvine, Democratic elector. G. W. Scofield (R.) had a 
 majority for congress over Bigler (D. ) ; Lucius Rogers (E. ) had 649 votes for 
 representative, against 575 given to C. B. Bldred (D. ), who was elected in the 
 district; James E. Blair (R.) was elected treasurer; John H. Duntley (R.), 
 auditor; Dr. M. A. Sprague (R.), coroner, and Thomas King (R.), surveyor. 
 
 In 1865 H. W. Williams (R.) was elected president judge; John Brooks 
 (R.) opposed E. B. Eldred (D.) for representative; Warren Cowles (E.) 
 ■defeated S. R. Peale (D.) for senator; S. O. Tenney (R.) and John S. Bean 
 (D. ) contested for the office of auditor; William K. King (R.) was elected sur- 
 veyor; E. C. Olds (E.) opposed Dr. C. W. Robbins (D.) for the coroner's 
 oftice. The military vote was taken on the field. In 1866 C. A. Lyman 
 {R.) received 848 and G. O. Deise (D.) 742 votes for representative; A. N. 
 Taylor (R.) and A. T. Barden (R.) defeated Medbery (D.) and Brownell (D.) 
 for associate judges; B. F. Wright (R.) defeated Coon in the race for sheriff; 
 Thomas Malone (R.) was elected treasurer over Dolley; W. W. Brown (E.), 
 attorney, defeated Backus; J. E. Chadwick (E.) was elected prothonotary 
 over C. C. Melvin; F. D. Wheeler (E.), auditor, and A. N. Lillibridge (E.), 
 <3oroner. P. M. Fuller (E.) received 851 votes and Andrew Eeilly (D.) 734 
 votes for commissioner. G. W. Scofield (R.) received a majority vote for 
 -congress in this county. 
 
 In October, 1867, S. D. Freeman (R. ) received 769 votes for representa- 
 tive, against 485 recorded for Deise; Abram Anderson and W. Y. McCoy were 
 elected jury commissioners, with W. Y. McCoy (D.) and W. K. King (R.), 
 auditor. In this year the questions of "license" and "no license" were 
 submitted. The first received 715 votes and the second 478. 
 
 The elections of 1868 show 964 Scofield (E.) and 825 E. Brown votes for 
 congress; 978 for A. G. Olmsted (E.) and 808 for A. M. Benton (D.), senato- 
 rial candidates; 983 for John Brooks (E.) and 798 for W. J. Davis (D.) for 
 representative. E. B. Dolley (D.) was elected treasurer; Reuben Dennis 
 (E.), commissioner, and H. Hamlin (E.), auditor. In November, 1,028 votes 
 were cast for the Eepublican and 730 for the Democratic electors. 
 
 In 1869 L. W. Crawford (E.) carried the county for representative; 
 
HISTOBY OF MCKEAlSr COUNTY. 125'. 
 
 Henry King (B.) was elected attorney; Lucius Rogers (R.), prothonotary; J 
 D. Barnes (R.), auditor, and J. E. Blair (R.), coroner. 
 
 G. W. Scofield repeated his success this time over Selden Marvin in 1870; 
 V. Perry Carter received a majority for the assembly; C. C. Melvin (D.) was 
 chosen treasurer, receiving 804 votes against J. R. Chadwick's (R.) 762; F. 
 W. Sprague (R.) was chosen auditor; William K. King (R.), surveyor, and S. G. 
 Curtis (R.) and D. H. Comes (D.), jury commissioners. 
 
 In 1871 B. B. Strang carried the county for senator over W. Y. McCoy; 
 H. W. Williams (R.) for president judge over M. F. Elliott (D.); Lucius 
 Rogers (R.) received 940 votes for representative against 720 recorded for F. 
 W. Knox(D.); W. H. Curtis (R.) was chosen auditor; M. J. Hadley (R.), 
 coroner, and Charles E. Bailey (D.), surveyor. There were 1,620 votes cast 
 for congressional convention and eleven against. Loyal Ward was elected 
 associate judge. 
 
 In 1872 Thomas L. Kane (D.) received 1,000 votes, and C. B. Curtis (R.) 
 956, for congress; Charles S. Jones (R.) 1,025 and F. W. Knox (D.) 953 for 
 representative; W. J. Milliken (R.) 1,022 and D. R. Hamlin (D.) 946 for 
 attorney; C. H. Foster (R.) was elected treasurer; M. A. Sprague (R.), pro- 
 thonotary; M. N. PoweU (D.), sheriff; D. A. Butts (R.), auditor; C. P. Rice^ 
 (R.), coroner; while Jerome B. Niles, John S. Mann and M. F. Elliott were 
 chosen delegates to the congressional convention. The Republican electors 
 received 1,040 votes, and the Democratic 618. A unanimous vote was cast for 
 the convention. 
 
 The elections of 1873 resulted in 614 votes for Conrad HoUenbeck (D.), or 
 six over his opponent, C. S. Jones (R.), for representative; P. T. Kennedy (R.) 
 was chosen auditor; Andrew Reilly (D.) and Orrin Vosburgh (R.), jury com- 
 missioners, and H. L. Burlingame (R. ), coroner. In December the new con- 
 stitution was approved by 1,093 votes and disapproved by 64. 
 
 In 1874 Sobieski Ross (R.) had 922 votes and H. W. Early (D.) 924 for 
 congress; Almeron Nelson carried the county for senator; John C. Backus (D.) 
 defeated Butts (R.) for the assembly; A. H. Medbery (D.) was chosen treas- 
 urer; Thomas Callor (D.), auditor and B. F. Wright (R.), coroner. 
 
 In 1875 C. K. Sartwell and John R. Chadwick received 957 votes each for 
 prothonotary, but Sartwell qualified; C. S. King(R.) was chosen sheriff; Pat- 
 rick H. Cotter (D.), attorney; Eugene 'Mullin (D.) and J. L. Bean (D.), 
 auditors, and Enos Parsons (R.), coroner. 
 
 The elections of 1876 show 1,427 votes for Republican (or Hayes) electors, 
 1,320 for Democratic (Tilden), 12 for Greenback (Peter Cooper), and one for 
 Prohibition (Green Clay Smith); John J. Mitchell (R.) received 1,414 votes, 
 Henry White (D.) 1,331, and John T. Davis (G.-B.) 3, for congress; C. H. 
 Seymour (R.), Dr. L. Granger (D.) received the respective votes for senator;. 
 C. H. Foster (R.), W. J. Davis (D.) and C. L. Allen (G.-B.) were the candi- 
 dates for representative; W. S. Brownell (D.) and F. W. Burnham (R. ) were 
 elected associate judges; J. E. B. White (R.) and J. H. Anderson (D.), jury 
 commissioners; J. E. McDougall, coroner. 
 
 In 1877 W. D. Gallup (R.) was elected treasurer; J. E. Blair (G.-B.), 
 coroner, and G. H. Lyon (R.), surveyor. 
 
 The elections of 1878 show 1,515 votes for John J. Mitchell (R.), 1,252 for 
 R. B. Smith (D.), and 774 for John T. Davis (G.-B.), candidates for congress; 
 Lewis Emery, Jr. (R.), received 1,652 votes for representative; Roswell Sart- 
 well (D.) 1,321 for sheriff, defeating six other candidates; John B. Brawley 
 (D.) received 1,516 votes for prothonotary, defeating H. F. Barbour (R. ) and two 
 others^ S, W. Smith {R.) 1,699 votes for attorney; 0. D. Vosburg(R.) and 
 
126 
 
 HISTOBY OF MCKEAN COUNTY. 
 
 J. J. Roberts (R.) were chosen auditors, and N. W. Abbey (R.), J. G- Beyer 
 CD.) and W. J. Colegrove (R.), commissioners. 
 
 In 1879 N. C. Gallup (R.) and O. P. Coon (D.) were elected jury com- 
 missioners. 
 
 In 1880* the presidential vote was 3,693 (Garfield) Republican, 3,169 
 (Hancock) Democratic, 16 (Dow) Prohibition, and 299 (Weaver) Greenback; 
 Lewis Emery, Jr. (R. ), received 4, 233 votes for senator, and Arthur J. Hughes 
 (D.) 2,768; ^ David Kirk (D.) received 3,591 votes, and R. J. C. Walker (R.) 
 3,541 votes for congress; W. L. Hardison (R.) 3,591 for representative, and 
 E. M. Reardon (D.) 3,307; John W. Brennan (D.) received 3,712 votes for 
 treasurer and was elected; G. H. Lyon (R.) was chosen surveyor, and 
 Anthony F. Bannon(R.), coroner. 
 
 In 1881 Henry W. Williams (R.) was elected president judge; P. M. 
 Fuller (R.) and Henry Hamlin (R.), associate judges; A. I. Wilcox (R.), 
 sheriff; John B. Brawley (D.), re-elected prothonotary; Edward McSweeney 
 (D.), district attorney; W. H. Higgins (D.) and A. P. Brewer (R.), auditors. 
 
 The elections of 1882 show a majority for M. F. Elliott (D.) for congress- 
 at-large; almost a unanimous vote was recorded for Arthur G. Olmsted (R.), 
 additional law judge; 2,464 votes for W. W. Brown, Republican candi- 
 date for congress; David Sterrett (R.) received 2,294 votes, and B. D. Ham- 
 lin (D.) 2,277 for representative; E. F. Clark (R.) and D. F. Pattison (D.) 
 were chosen jury commissioners. 
 
 In 1883 Charles C. Melvin (D.) was elected treasurer, defeating John R. 
 Shoemaker (R.) by 120 votes; John King (R.) was elected surveyor, and R. 
 A. Dempsey (R.), coroner. 
 
 GENERAL ELECTIONS, 1884. 
 
 Pbesidential Electors. 
 
 Joseph A. Bge (E.) 3,830 
 
 P. R. Ackley (D.) 3,980 
 
 C. H. Dana (Pro.) 346 
 
 George A. Webb (U. L.) 414 
 
 OOKGRBSS. 
 
 W. W. Brown (R.) 3,533 
 
 W. C. Kennedy (D.) 3,775 
 
 John Brown (Pro.) 333 
 
 Senator. 
 
 Lewis Emery, Jr. (R.) 3,956 
 
 Eugene Miillin (D.) 3,376 
 
 A. Cadugati (Pro.) 357 
 
 Representative. 
 
 Robert H. Rose (R.) 3,779 
 
 O. L. Snyder (D.) 3,443 
 
 C, E. Tucker (Pro.) 405 
 
 Sheriff. 
 
 A. F. Bannon (R.) , . . 4 013 
 
 T. L. Sartwell(D.) 3,009 
 
 D. P. Connelly (Pro.) 233 
 
 N. D. Preston (U. L.) 381 
 
 Prothonotary and Recorder. 
 
 J. M. McElroy(R.) 3,678 
 
 J. M. Armstrong (D.) 3,839 
 
 (ILL.) 398 
 
 333 
 
 S. L. Rhodes (U. L.) . 
 J. G. Hann(Pro.).... 
 
 District Attorney. 
 
 Ernest Koester (R.) 3,832 
 
 G. B. McCalmont (D.) 3,319 
 
 G. J. Stranchan (U. L.) 381 
 
 Auditor. 
 
 A. P. Brewer (R.) 3,759 
 
 G. N. Barrett (R.) 3.796 
 
 Thomas Osborne (D.) 3,006 
 
 C. M. Capehart (D.) 3,947 
 
 J H. McKilop (U. L.) 415 
 
 J. W. Stearns (U. L.) 476 
 
 Peter Findlay (Pro.) 359 
 
 J. 0. Young (Pro.) 362 
 
 • .V* p^'^"™^' f ■ Kane was a member of the Republican National Convention in 1880, and voted thirty-six times 
 in that assembly for Grant's nomination. 
 
HISTOBY OF MCKEAN COUNTY. 
 
 127 
 
 In 1885 D. Martin and M. S. Sheldon were elected jury commissioners. 
 
 ELECTIONS, 1886. 
 
 Congress. 
 
 Henry C. McCormick (R.) 3,727 
 
 Edward L. Keenan (D.) 1,893 
 
 David Sterrett (Pro.) 497 
 
 Ebprbsentative. 
 
 F. S. Jolinson (R.) 2,138 
 
 JohnK. Wilson (D.) 1,405 
 
 Elisha K. Kane (Pro.) 483 
 
 Ferd. Kriener (U. L.) 1,579 
 
 Tebasuher. 
 
 John R. Shoemalier (R.) 2,686 
 
 John W. .Brennan (D.) 1,180 
 
 Miles S. Howe (Pro.) 460 
 
 Daniel Clarlf (U. L.) 1,296 
 
 CORONEll. 
 
 William T. McCarthy (R.) 2,192 
 
 Cornelius J. Lane(D.) 1,588 
 
 J. S. Wilson (Pro.) 423 
 
 M. D. Ward (U. L.) 1,397 ■ 
 
 Surveyor. 
 
 C. M. Colegrove (R.) 2,339 
 
 G. H. Lyon (Pro.) * 429 
 
 William M. Lord (U. L.) 1,449 
 
 Fence Law. 
 
 For repeal 2,204 
 
 Against repeal 1,207 
 
 elections, 1887. 
 
 Additional Law Judge.* 
 
 Thomas A. Morrison (R.) 2,953 
 
 Edward L. Keeuan (D. ) ... 3,811 
 
 Prothonotahy, etc. 
 
 J. M. McElroy (R.) 3,108 
 
 T. H. Lowry (D.) 3,332 
 
 A. J. McIntyre(Pro.) 204 
 
 Sheriff. 
 
 William B. Clarke (R.) 3,235 
 
 J. W. Stearns (U. L. and D.) 2,506 
 
 C. P. Cody(Pro.) 194 
 
 District Attorney. 
 
 George A. Sturgeon (R.) 2,707 
 
 J. W. Bouton (D.) 1,580 
 
 W. L. Lillibridge (U. L.) 1,480 
 
 Auditors. 
 
 J. O. Sonburgh (R.) 3,891 
 
 F. R. Foster (R.) 3,931 
 
 A. B. Wicks(D.) 3,807 
 
 B. P. Greenman(D.) 2,806 
 
 J. C. Young (Pro.) 309 
 
 O. B. Lay (Pro.) 210 
 
 elections, 1888. 
 
 Presidential Electors. 
 
 John W. Wallace (R.) 4,066 
 
 William Dent (D.) 2,923 
 
 Seymour J. Noble (U. L.) 436 
 
 R. D. Horton (Pro.) 395 
 
 Congress. 
 
 Lewis F. Watson (R.) 4,301 
 
 W. A. Rankin (D.) 3,758 
 
 Charles Miller (Pro.) 415 
 
 J. Whitely(U. L.) 337 
 
 Senator. 
 
 Horace B. Packer (R.) 4,058 
 
 G. D. Helwig(D.) 3,879 
 
 A. H. Cory (Pro.) 463 
 
 Representatives. 
 William E. Burdick (R.) 3,800 
 
 John T. Griffith (R.) 4,094 
 
 Frank J. Collins (D.) 3,134 
 
 James McDade (D.) 3,967 
 
 John R. McCarthy (Pro.) 384 
 
 William Luck (U. L.) 455 
 
 Daniel Clark (U. L.) 405 
 
 Coroner, 
 
 'Samuel D. Heffner (R.) 4,061 
 
 Philo Ackley (D.) 2,907 
 
 A. W. Newell (Pro.) 418 
 
 W. D. Murray (U. L.)..... 825 
 
 Jury Commissioners. 
 
 George Hyde (R.) 4,041 
 
 M.S. Sheldon (D.) 2,883 
 
 Gilbert Moody (Pro.) 411 
 
 J. W. Corwill (U. L.) 365 
 
 The vote of June 18, 1889, on the Prohibitory Amendment, was 3,054 for, 
 and 2,058 contra, showing a majority of 996, the vote by political divisions 
 being as follows: 
 
 *The district vote was 5,091 and 4,248, respectively. 
 
128 
 
 HISTOBY OF MCKEAN COUNTY. 
 
 Annin township. . 
 
 Bradford City.lstward, 1st dist 
 
 1st " 2d dist 
 
 2d 
 
 3d 
 
 4th 
 
 5th 
 Bradford township, 1st dist. . 
 2d dist.. 
 
 Ceres 
 
 Corydon 
 
 Bldred borough 
 
 Bldred township. i 
 
 Poster township, 1st dist 
 
 2d dist 
 
 Hamilton township, 1st dist. . 
 2d dist.. 
 
 For. 
 137 
 
 42 
 
 32 
 162 
 
 93 
 108 
 
 71 
 120 
 
 54 
 118 
 4 
 118 
 159 
 164 
 118 
 
 30 
 
 85 
 
 Against. 
 
 26 
 
 84 
 
 147 
 
 102 
 
 170 
 
 125 
 
 66 
 
 49 
 
 31 
 
 35 
 
 27 
 
 56 
 
 53 
 
 55 
 
 46 
 
 31 
 
 3 
 
 For. Against. 
 
 Hamlin 108 63 
 
 Kane borough 173 79 
 
 Keating township, 1st dist. . . . 149 77 
 
 2d dist.... 29 37 
 
 3d dist.... 38 20 
 
 Kendall borough, 1st dist 6°> 31 
 
 2d dist 80 44 
 
 Lafayette township, 1st dist. . . 59 61 
 
 3d dist . , 29 32 
 
 Liberty 74 50 
 
 Norwich 56 64 
 
 Otto township, 1st dist 142 105 
 
 3d dist 103 34 
 
 Port Allegany 119 72 
 
 Sergeant 12 43 
 
 Smethport 83 108 
 
 Wetmore 171 35 
 
 The official canvass of votes cast iu McKean county general election held 
 November 5, 1889, was as follows: For State treasurer: Boyer (E.), 2,661; 
 Bigler (D.), 1,685 and Johnson, 349. For county treasurer: Capt. Eogers (E.), 
 2,467; Broder (D.), 2,037, and Cody, 278. For surveyor: Hadley, 2,424; King, 
 128, and Kane, 606. Mr. King was voted for in several of the precincts by 
 personal friends, but positively declined to have his name printed on the tickets 
 as a candidate for county surveyor. 
 
 The township and borough elections of February, 1890, are recorded in 
 the pages of township and borough history. 
 
 CHAPTER VII. 
 
 MILITAEY HISTOEY. 
 
 FOETY-SECOND REGIMENT (BUCKTAILS)— COLONEL KANB— FiFTY-EIGHTH REGI- 
 MENT, P. V. 1.— ElGHTY-THIED REGIMENT, P. V. 1.— ONE HUNDRED AND FIF- 
 TIETH Regiment, P. V. I.— One Hcndked and Seventy-second Regiment,. 
 P. V. I.— Two Hundeed and Eleventh Regiment, P. V. I.— Miscellaneous. 
 
 FOETT-SECOND HEGIMENT (buCKTAILs). 
 
 THE Eifle Eegiment of the Pennsylvania Eeserves, changed in June, 1861, 
 to the Kane Eifle Eegiment of "the Pennsylvania Eeserve Corps or Forty- 
 second Pennsylvania Eegiment, began organization a day before the telegraph 
 flashed the tidings throughout the world of the breaking out of the Civil war. 
 On April 13, 1861, Thomas L. Kane petitioned Gov. Curtin for leave to organ- 
 ize a command in the "Wild Cat District, ' ' known now as Forest, McKean, Elk, 
 and Cameron counties. On the 14th the petition was granted, and the news 
 being carried into the valleys and mountains, a company of one hundred men 
 assembled on the Sinnemahoning, April 24, and entered on raft building, sO' 
 that when the proposed regiment would be formed this method of transporta- 
 tion would be at their disposal. On April 26 three hundred and fifteen men 
 marched onto three rafts then ready, and setting up a green hickory pole on 
 one of them, the ' ' flag ship, ' ' placed above it a bucktail, and from this floated 
 the flag of the Union. 
 
HISTORY OP MCKEAN COUNTY. 131 
 
 The command moved toward Hariisburg without marching orders from the 
 governor. As soon as this movement was known, a message was sent to Lock 
 Haven ordering the return of the men to their rendezvous, as only a limited 
 number could be received. Gen. Jackman, who desired the service of the hardy 
 woodsman, opposed this, and though his order was duly sent, it was never 
 delivered. The men arrived at Harrisburg, and saluting the capitol with a 
 rifle volley, made their presence known. After some days an order to muster 
 in as the Seventeenth Eegiment (three months) was issued, but as soon rescinded, 
 owing to a regiment of that number being already enrolled. Gol. Kane de- 
 clined his commission, an^ entered the ranks May 13. The Warren Company, 
 under Capt. Roy Stone, was organized "out of similar material in the woods on 
 the head-watej's of the Allegheny river, while other companies of a kindred 
 character flocked toward the capitol; so that on June 12 a regiment was or- 
 ganized, of which Thomas L. Kane was commissioned colonel; Charles J. 
 Biddle, lieutenant-colonel; Eoy Stone, major; A. E. Niles, Hugh McDonald, 
 E. A. Irvin, George B. Overton, Julius Sherwood, W. T. Blanchard, Philip 
 Holland and John A. Eldred, captains. 
 
 The captains named had previously petitioned Gen. McCall to have their 
 companies united under Col. Kane, who resigned June 13, that Lieut. -Col. 
 Biddle, a Mexican war soldier, might be commissioned. On the same day the 
 captains (Langhorn Wistar's name now appearing) petitioned for change of 
 regimental name as hitherto stated. This newly organized command, with 
 Simmon's Fifth Eegiment and Barr's Battery, proceeded on June 21 to Mary- 
 land, and on the 27th established Camp Mason and Dixon on the State line. 
 About July 7, immediately after Col. Wallace' s regiment left for Martinsburg 
 to join Patterson's brigade, Kane's rifles returned to the camp; on the 12th 
 a scout of sixty men under Lieut. -Col. Kane moved to New Creek, Va., 
 where the first skirmish took place with McDonald's Confederate cavalry. 
 Kane pursued the rebels to Eidgeville, and held that neighborhood until July 
 27, when the regiment returned to Harrisburg. On August 6 the Bucktails 
 reported to Banks at Harper' s Ferry, and on October 20 Companies A, G, H, 
 I and K, under Lieut. -Col. Kane, encountered the Louisiana Zouave Tigers 
 near Hunter's Mill, and drove them back. Col. Biddle resigned December 12, 
 leaving Kane to command on the 20th, at Dranesville. At noon on that day 
 the enemy was reported advancing on the Centreville road, when Ord's artil- 
 lery was sent forward, and the Kane rifles were advanced to check him. A 
 little later Kane discovered the enemy flanking him, and the movement which 
 led to the occupation of the brick house, the flight of the rebels, the wounding 
 of Col. Kane, another officer and twenty-six men, and the death of two men. 
 In January, 1862, H. W. McNeil was chosen colonel, and in March attached 
 to Gen. Eeynolds' first brigade, four companies being detached, under Lieut. - 
 Col. Kane, for the purpose of drill under his new system until May, when the 
 four companies reported to Col. Bayard, and were pushed forward to within a 
 few miles of Hanover courf-house. From May 25 to June 6 the Bucktails led 
 Fremont's army, with such spirit that the efl'ective force was reduced to 128 
 men. On June 6 Col. Kane and 104 men went forward to rescue the wounded 
 of the First New Jersey Cavalry, who were reported to have fallen into an 
 ambuscade near Harrisonburg. This little command came suddenly upon four 
 Confederate regiments and a battery, and sending back a message, attacked, 
 breaking their line. Recovering from the surprise the Confederate regiments 
 prepared to advance, when Martin Kelly, volunteering to draw their fire, stepped 
 from behind a tree, received a shower of lead and died next day in the glory 
 of wai;. George McGowan was shot near him next day. While holding this 
 
132 HISTORY OF MCKEAN COUNTY. 
 
 position against such terrible odds, the while waiting for Fremont's aid, the 
 wounded Col. Kane directed the battle. Private Holmes, who lay close hj 
 mortally wounded, hearing Gen. Ashby, of the Fifty- eighth Confederate Vir- 
 ginians (then in Stuart' s rebel brigade), urge a bayonet charge, fired, killing 
 the rebel general. The Fifty- eighth was repulsed, but Johnson pushed onward 
 and drove the Federals from the bush, capturing the wounded Lieut. -Col. Kane 
 and Capt. Taylor, latter of whom had returned in the face of the enemy to res- 
 cue his colonel. Only then did the Confederates realize that the Bucktail rifles 
 were the actors in this affair, the famous regiment losing fifty-two men in 
 killed, wounded and missing, while killing or wounding 559 of the enemy. 
 
 On June 8 Fremont encountered Jackson at Cross Keys. The former was 
 driven back, leaving the Bucktails to cover the retreat, but to the surprise of 
 all this command cut its way through, and further carried with them the guns 
 which they were ordered to support, receiving marked thanks for the exploit. 
 While Lieut. -Col. Kane's four companies were thus engaged Maj. Stone, then 
 in charge of the other six companies of 400 men, was engaged in the Shenan- 
 doah Vallev. In June his command arrived at Dispatch Station in the Penin- 
 sula, and was found within four miles of Eichmond, Va. On the 26th two 
 companies were at the railroad and meadow bridge on Beaver Dam creek, and 
 the other four in the neighborhood. Their fire checked the enemy's advance; 
 but in the hurry, Stone learned that Simmons, who commanded the grand 
 guard, had withdrawn the three Bucktail regiments in his rear, leaving the 
 other three within the enemy's circle. Stone succeeded in bringing in Wis- 
 tar's and Jewett's companies to the entrenchments, where were now the three 
 companies formerly withdrawn, leaving Capt. Irvin's company within the 
 enemy's lines. The latter withdrew to a swamp, where he held out for three 
 days before surrendering. The Bucktails' loss in this affair was seventy-five in 
 killed, wounded and missing. Maj. Stone's subsequent doings at Mechan- 
 icsville and Gaines' Mills are matters of national history, his little force of 
 Bucktails holding a whole division of rebels back and delaying the battle at 
 Gaines' Mills until the Federal forces recovered strength to contest that field. 
 It lost that morning and on the retreat half their men, being able to muster 
 only six officers and 125 men on its arrival at Gaines' Mills, where it suffered 
 a loss of one officer and twenty-five men. On the 29th slightly wounded and 
 missing members rejoined the remnant of the command, bringing the force up 
 to five officers and 150 men, with whom were incorporated five officers and 
 eighty-four men of the United States sharpshooters. The battle of Charles 
 City Cross-roads took place July 30. There the ' ' Bucktails ' ' did some 
 extraordinary fighting, and barely escaped capture. On the night of that 
 day MoCall rode into a rebel command and was captured, leaving Stone to 
 escape under a shower of lead. The Bucktails lost two officers and ninety 
 men killed, wounded and taken prisoners, and their United States sharp- 
 shooter friends lost two officers and fifty-six men. At Harrison's Landing the 
 work of bridging the river was assigned to the Bucktails. At 5 p. m. these for- 
 esters began work, chopping the timber along the river. At sunrise, next 
 morning, they had the 500-feet bridge ready for the artillery to cross. Soon 
 after Maj. Stone resigned to take command of the One Hundred and Forty- 
 ninth Infantry, and Col. McNeil, who had returned, resumed command. Then 
 some of those captured at Mechanicsville were exchanged, rejoined their com- 
 mand, and all were present at the Second Bull Run, August 29 and 30, where 
 five were killed, nineteen wounded and three missing. 
 
 Returning to Col. Kane' s four companies, they are found at Brandy Sta- 
 tion on August 19, 1862, where Kane rejoined them after his term of imprison- 
 
HISTOEY OF MCKEAN COUNTY. 133 
 
 ment. At this time they numbered 160 men. On the morning of the 23d Capt. 
 Winslow's guard of fifteen men were seeking shelter from a heavy thunder 
 storm when Gen. Stuart' s rebel cavalry rode over his tent, taking all prisoners. 
 Col. Kane rallied his men to the number of sixty-eight, and with this small force 
 performed some of the most daring feats known to military men. That night 
 he charged right and left, causing the stampede of the rebel army, losing only 
 one man mortally wounded and four wounded of his sixty- eight warriors. Next 
 morning they crossed the Cub run bridge, which they destroyed, and Gen. 
 Pope's army was saved. On September 7 Kane was commissioned brigadier- 
 general, Edward A. Irvine, of Company K, taking his place as lieutenant- colonel 
 of the Bucktails, while A. E. Niles was commissioned major, vice Stone, now 
 colonel of the One Hundred and Forty- ninth regiment. 
 
 On th^ day of the promotions just referred to Col. McNeil was ordered into 
 Maryland, and, September 14, 1862, led the attack on South Mountain, losing 
 eighteen killed and forty-five wounded, among the latter being Lieut. -Col. Ir- 
 vine and Capt. Mack. At the Dunkard church, Antietam, they led next morn- 
 ning, when Col. McNeil, Lieut. William Allison and twenty-eight men were 
 killed, and sixty-five men and officers wounded. Capt. McGee at once took com- 
 mand, and, aided by Adj. Hartshorn, fought to the close of that terrible day. 
 This division of the Bucktails lost in the two days 110 officers and men, killed, 
 wounded or missing. After this affair Capt. Charles P. Taylor, who was capt- 
 ured while returning to save Kane at Harrisonburg, rejoined the command. 
 He was soon commissioned colonel, and moved to the Eappahannock, where, on 
 December 12, the Bucktails met the enemy, losing in killed Lieut. W. B. Jen- 
 kins and nineteen others, with 113 wounded and missing. 
 
 On February 6, 1868, the celebrated regiment is found with the First Bri- 
 gade at Fairfax Court House. Maj. Niles is lieutenant-colonel, vice Irvine, re- 
 signed on account of wounds; William R. Hartshorn is major, and Roger 
 Sherman, adjutant; Col. Taylor is commanding, and receiving old members from 
 the hospitals. On July 2 the Bucktails are on historical Little Round Top. 
 They have just arrived, and in time, for in a moment they are called upon to 
 save the Union artillery. Dashing down the hill, through the deep swamp to 
 the wheat field, they drove the enemy, but paid dearly for the honor in the 
 death of Col. Taylor and Lieut. R. Hall. Lieut. -Col. Niles was wounded 
 some time before, so Maj. Hartshorn took command, and the Bucktails fell 
 back to remain in rest until the afternoon of July 3, when they again led in 
 the capture of the Fifteenth Georgia Confederate Regiment. In this Gettys- 
 burg affair Capts. Hugh McDonald, J. D. Yerkes, N. B. Kinsey and Frank 
 Bell; Lieuts. J. E. Kratzer, T. J. Roney, J. R. Sparr and thirty-one men 
 . were wounded. 
 
 In April, 1864, the Bucktail fighters were given Spencer repeaters instead 
 of the Sharp's rifles of former times. On May 5 the regiment barely es- 
 caped capture (having been deserted by the first brigade), by breaking 
 through the rebel lines, near Parker's Store. On the 7th Maj. Hartshorn lost 
 two killed and twenty-one wounded. The day after his little command arrived 
 at a point three miles north of Spottsylvania to find two divisions of the fifth 
 corps engaged in a terrible struggle. On the 10th it participated in the two 
 assaults on the rebel works at Mountain Run, and engaged incessantly until 
 the morninf^ of May 13, when it was given a day for rest, but resuming work 
 next day continued in active service to their last battle on the Mechanicsville 
 road, May 30, 1864. In the Wilderness campaign this command lost two offi- 
 cers and twenty-six men killed, and six officers and 112 men wounded. The 
 veterans and recruits were transferred to the One Hundred and Ninetieth In- 
 
134: HISTOIIY OP MCKEAN COUNTY. 
 
 fantry, of which Hartshorn was comraissioned colonel, and the One Hundred 
 and Ninetieth was mustered out June 11, 1864. 
 
 The field and stafp of the Forty-second Regiment comprised the following- 
 named officers: Col. Thomas L. Kane, mustered in as colonel May 12, 1861, 
 but resigning next day took a position in the ranks; promoted to colonel June 
 12, 1861, he resigned and was commissioned lieutenant-colonel June 13, 1861; 
 from this period to the close of his service he was present at all those stirring 
 affairs in which the Bucktails were always the leading actors. Charles J. 
 Biddle was appointed colonel May 29, 1861, and resigned February 1, 1862. 
 Hugh W. McNeil, promoted from captain of Company D to colonel January 
 22, 1862, was killed at Antietam, September 16, that year. Charles F. Tay- 
 lor, killed at Gettysburg. A. E. Niles resigned the position of lieutenant- 
 colonel March 28, 1864. Eoy Stone, promoted colonel of the One Hundred 
 and Forty-ninth August 29, 1862. W. E. Hartshorn, mustered out June 1, 
 1864. John T. A. Jewett, captain of Company D, February 5, 1862. 
 Roger Sherman, adjutant, resigned March 21, 1864. H. D. Patton, quarter- 
 master, in May, 1861. Lucius Truman appointed quartermaster on the same 
 day. S. D. Freeman, surgeon, in May, 1861, resigned to be promoted sur- 
 geon of United States VolTinteers, and was succeeded December 17, 1862, by 
 Jonathan J. Comfort, who, in May, 1864, was transferred to the One Hundred 
 and Ninetieth Regiment, and breveted lieutenant- colonel March 13, 1865 (Dr. 
 Freeman was breveted lieutenant-colonel for distinguished services.) W. 
 T. Humphrey, assistant surgeon in 1861, was promoted surgeon of the 
 One Hundred and Forty-ninth regiment September 5, 1862. W. B. Jones 
 was commissioned assistant surgeon August 2, Daniel O. Crouch December 1, 
 1862, and Lafayette Butler September 30, 1863, the latter being transferred in 
 1864 to the One Hundred and Ninetieth regiment. W. H. D. Hatton, com- 
 missioned chaplain August 8, 1861, resigned November 1 1, 1862 (charged with 
 straggling by Roger Sherman), and had no successor. Sergeant-major Baker, 
 Quarter- master Sergeant W. C. Hunter, and Hospital Steward J. J. Starr 
 were transferred to the One Hundred and Ninetieth regiment in May, 1864. 
 John Lemon, commissary-sergeant, was mustered out with Company K, June' 
 ] 1, 1864. R. Fenton Ward, first hospital steward, was promoted captain of 
 Company I July 1, 1862. Henry Zundel, principal musician, served to mus- 
 ter out. 
 
 Company I, of the Forty-Second Regiment, was organized in April, 1861, 
 but not mustered in until May 30, 1861, as related in the regimental history. 
 William T. Blauchard, the first captain, was wounded ab Harrisonburg June 
 6, 1862, and resigned December 1 following. Lieut. Frank J. Bell, wounded 
 at Antietam September 17, 1862, was promoted captain March 1, 1863, and. 
 received discharge October 19, same year. R. Featon Ward was promoted 
 second lieutenant July 1, 1862; first lieutenant March 1, 1863; wounded in 
 service, and transferred to the One Hundred and Ninetieth Regiment May 31, 
 1864. Second Lieut. Bruce A. Rice died June 14 of wounds received at 
 Cross Keys June 8, 1862. Richard A. Rice was promoted second lieutenant 
 May 18, 1863, and served until mustered out, June 11. 1864. Edward D. 
 Curtis served as first sergeant to date of muster-out; Sergt. W. J. Kibbe 
 was wounded at South Mouatain, and died September 18, 1862; A. G. Poster 
 served as sergeant until master-out (Dr. Freeman states that Foster was 
 killed); also Lorenzo B. Prosser, while Sergt. Angelo M. Crapsey was wounded 
 and made prisoner at Fredericksburg; Sergt. A. Farnham was discharged on 
 surgeon's certificate August 6, 1861; Sergt. Charles O. Bee was wounded at 
 Fredericksburg, and died January 14, 1863; Sergt. John K. Haffey was dis- 
 
HISTORY OP MCKEAN COUNTY. 135 
 
 charged for disability February 22, 1863 ; Corp. Peter B. Porter was transferred 
 to the One Hundred and Ninetieth Regiment; Henry L. Dewell, wounded and 
 made prisoner at Second Bull Kun, was transferred in 1864 to the One Hun- 
 dred and Ninetieth Regiment; Solomon S. King lost his foot at Fredericks- 
 burg, but was able to be transferred to the One Hundred and Ninetieth Regi- 
 ment in 1864. Wallace W. Brewer, wounded at Antietam, and Joseph D. 
 Barnes, wounded at Fredericksburg, were mustered in June, 1864. Corp, 
 Henry J. Hadley was killed at Cross Keys June 8, 1862, and Corp. F. C- 
 Holmes died June 14 of wounds received at Harrisonburg June 6, 1862. 
 
 The private troops who were killed or died from wounds are named as fol- 
 lows: Joseph A. Ames, died; Hero Bloom, Henry Magee, William M. Maxson, 
 killed at South Mountain; Patrick H. Clyens, Joseph Hayter and Forest 
 Sherwood, killed at Fredericksburg; William L. Dale and Milton G. Farr, 
 killed at Harrisonburg; James Newpher, died October 6, 1862, and N. A. Delos, 
 September 17, 1862, from wounds received at South Mountain; P. G. Elli- 
 thorpe, wounded" at Gettysburg, died; Joseph Keener died of wounds, also 
 Nathaniel S. Nichols, and Franklin West, wounded at Cross Keys, Va., died 
 June 14, 1862. Joseph Little lost a leg and was discharged. 
 
 The private troops who received wounds but recovered and were discharged 
 are named as follows: James T. Alton, wounded at Cross Keys; Joseph Aus- 
 tin, at Gaines' Mills; Leslie S. Bard, at South Mountain; Samuel R. Beck- 
 with, at Cross Keys (was promoted second lieutenant of Company G, One 
 Hundred and Fiftieth Regiment September 3, 1862); Cornelius Culp, at Gettys- 
 burg; Peter Close, at Antietam; Rev. Columbus Cornforth, at Fredericksburg 
 (he was Baptist preacher at Smethport) ; D. V. Crossmire, at Second Bull Run ; 
 Frank B. Crandall, wounded and fled; Newell E. Howard, W. Snyder and 
 Alonzo Mapes, at Fredericksburg; H. J. Hammond, at Harrisonburg; Samuel 
 C. Hamlin, Albert Herglei, at Harrisonburg; Samuel M. Horton, at Fredericks- 
 burg; Russell Ingalsbee, at Harrisonburg; Sheldon Jewett, at Second Bull 
 Run; Ferd. Kilburn, at Harrisonburg; Frank King, at Gaines' Mills; William 
 A. Lafferty and Charles P. Rice, at Antietam; Charles Mulvaney, at Second 
 Bull Run; Charles Mellison, J. M. Woods, William Richardson and Charles 
 H. Robbins, at Harrisonburg; A.- A. Walters, at Fredericksburg. 
 
 The troops regularly discharged were Thomas Barnes, W. J. Bridge, G. 
 W. Briggs, J. B. Belknap, H. G. Babcock, A. L. Buchanan, S. Berts, Jake 
 Both, D. W. Brigham, J. O. Blauvelt, J. R. Coates, C. L. Clark, D. Case, 
 Alpha W. Colegrove, Edgar W. Wells, G. A. Campbell, W. J. Curtis, N. M. 
 Curtis, J. W. Cobbett, L. B. Danforth, J. Demars, C. D. Dickenson, E. W. 
 Edson, J. M. Essington, B. H. Freeman, E. P. Fanning, J. A. Fish, H. K. 
 Gould, A. T. Hoop, J. L. Johnson, W. A. Knapp, R. M. Keach, James Land- 
 rigan, C. B. Lawrence, J. Leber, P. C. Lovell, W. Mulvaney, Joshua Moses, 
 William Mason, J. R. Mains, W. Page, W. H. Rifle, D. T. Smith, S. G. 
 Southwick, F. T. Smith, A. P. Smith, E. B. Seamans, B. A. Treat, G. W. 
 Taylor, A. D. Townsend, C. Vandyne, G. O. White, A. Walters, John 
 
 Whalen, C. H. Weed. -^ c. .^ 
 
 Among the names on the original muster roll of Company I, Forty-beconc! 
 Infantry not given above, are S. D. Freeman, who was immediately promoted 
 surgeon; John and Joseph Austin, Jacob Crow, G. A. Campbell, E. N. How- 
 ard, Samuel Horton, F. King, Solomon S. King, R. T. Lane, Peter Porter, 
 W. Richardson and A. J. Turpin. There were eighty-two private troops en- 
 rolled. John W. Newell was first paymaster. 
 
 A roster of the surviving members of the old regiment was compiled on 
 July 1 1889 Those then residing in McKean county are named as follows: 
 
186 
 
 HISTORY OF MCKEAN COUNTY. 
 
 Name. Postofflce. 
 
 Lucore, 8. J Kendall Creek 
 
 Mulvaney, William Sartwell 
 
 Prosaer, L. B Kendall Creek 
 
 Quigley, George B Guffey 
 
 Rice, R. A Eldred 
 
 Rifle, W. H Norwich 
 
 Ryan, Thomas H Kane 
 
 Smith, A. P ■ Colegrove 
 
 Seward, Levi Kendall Creek 
 
 South wick, Samuel Smethport 
 
 Simmons, Al Eldred 
 
 Snyder, T Kendall Creek 
 
 Taggart, H. H Bradford 
 
 Walters, A. A Smethport 
 
 Wood, James M Annin Creek 
 
 Wright, B. F Smethport 
 
 Wells, E. W Bell's Run. 
 
 Name. Postoffice. 
 
 Brewer, W. W Mt. Jewett 
 
 Barnes, J. D Kasson 
 
 Brown, W. W Bradford 
 
 Colegrove, A. W Colegrove 
 
 Campbell, J. J Eldred 
 
 Case, Dennis Bradford 
 
 Curtis, William Custer City 
 
 Clark, C. L Bradford 
 
 Coates, John R Annin Creek 
 
 Dickesim, C. W Norwich 
 
 Dougherty, George Farmers Valley 
 
 Freeman, S. D Smethport 
 
 Hanlan, IPatrick Bradford 
 
 Howard, E. N Custer City 
 
 Jewett, Sheldon Custer City 
 
 Lane, R. T Bradford 
 
 Looker, R. E Kane 
 
 Lanigan, James Kane 
 
 E. W. Seamans, one of the survivors, while in the Thornton House at 
 Drainsville, Va. , was the objective point of a rebel battery. During that dan- 
 gerous moment he vras discovered I)y Dr. Freeman, standing before a mirror, 
 oiling his hair. The Doctor, amazed at the fellow' s coolness, ordered him to 
 take his rifle and ' ' shoot down the rebels, ' ' an order with which he complied 
 with equal coolness. At the re-union in October, 1887, Dr. Freeman read the 
 historical address. 
 
 FIFTY-EIGHTH REGIMENT, P. V. I. 
 
 The Fifty-Eighth Eegiment was raised at Philadelphia, also in McKean, 
 Cameron, Potter, Elk and adjoining counties, in the fall of 1861, and was 
 organized February 13, 1862, with John R. Jones, colonel; Carlton B. Curtis, 
 lieutenant-colonel, and Montgomery Martin, major. The forward movement 
 commenced March 8, and on May 10 the regiment was at Ocean View, en route 
 to Norfolk, over which the flag of the Fifty-Eighth was raised the night pre- 
 ceding the morning on which the "Merrimac" was blown up. On February 
 13, 1863, as if to celebrate the first anniversary of organization, the Confed- 
 erate camp at Sandy Ridge, on the head-wafters of Cone creek, was captured 
 and the buildings burned. At New Berne, March 14, this command, with others, 
 withstood Pettigrew's attack, and on May 20 the works at Kingston were capt- 
 ured. From June 27 to December 31 the regiment was scattered on detached 
 service in the Pamlico river country, doing excellent and, in two instances, 
 brilliant work. On the last date Col. McChesney, the successor of Palmer as 
 commandant at Washington, N. C, led an expedition to Greenville, where a 
 hand to hand battle was carried on that night. In May, 1864, the regiment 
 proceeded to Bermuda Hundred, on the James river, and on the 9th lost 
 twenty killed and wounded near Appomattox. The command arrived at Cold 
 Harbor June 1, participated in the assault on the 3d, carried the rifle-pits, 
 and was continuously at the front until June 13, and again at Petersburg until 
 relieved on the evening of June 15. After return from a well-earned furlough, 
 the command held the hill near Fort "Wisconsin, on August 25, and on Sep- 
 tember 29 participated in the assault on Fort Harrison, which principal point 
 of defense it captured. 
 
 At Star Fort, Spring Hill, Fort Harrison and Charles City Cross Roads the 
 Fifty-eighth completed a term of magnificent services, and commencing a new 
 term (which resulted in the capture of Lee's army), served until muster-out, 
 January 24, 1866. 
 
 Company E of the Fifty-eighth was raised in McKean, Erie and Tioga 
 
HISTOEY OF MCKEAN COUNTY. . 137 
 
 counties. John C. Backus, the first captain, resigned February 12, 1863, and 
 in March Lieut. T. J. Hoskinson was promoted, but resigned September 9, 
 1864, when Capt. Philetus M. Fuller succeeded, and served until muster-out, 
 January 24, 1866. Lieut. Charles D. Webster was gradually promoted until, in 
 October, 1864, he was commissioned captain and assistant quartermaster. Syl- 
 vanus Holmes was promoted adjutant in February, 1862. F. W. Davis rose from 
 the ranks to lieutenant, and served until discharged, June 14, 1865. Second 
 Lieut. Samuel B. Sartwell resigned, July 11, 1862, and DeWitt 0. Kinsman 
 was muster,ed out, December 7, 1864, at expiration of term. Sergts. Pontius 
 Solomon, W. W. Eichardson, J. H. Cobbett, Amos M. Preston and G. W. Farr 
 served from October, 1861, to January 24, 1866. Sergt. John Shaftsbury was 
 discharged for disability in September, 1862; Melvin Hall for wounds, in July, 
 1865; Theodore M. Clark and C. D. Gilbert mustered out in December, 1864; 
 William E. Derning, in August, 1865, and W. A. Moore, for promotion, in 
 August, 1864. Corps. Eobert Walters, John Lorson, William Grigsby, Alfred 
 B. Loop, James A. Saurwine (a substitute), David C. Brown and Warden H. 
 Gary were mustered out in January, 1865 ; Eobert A. DeGolier in December, 
 1864; John Toony (a substitute) in November, 1865; while James G. Booth, 
 N. S. Grinnell, F. E. Patterson, David Quirk and Allen Tibbits (veterans), 
 left in August, 1864, the State papers alleging desertion. James H. Doal 
 served until 1865 as musician; M. McMillan was discharged in 1862, and E. 
 Eeed in 1863. 
 
 The private troops who died during the war, or were killed on the field, are 
 named as follows : Henry Baker, at New Berne, N. 0. , in 1863 ; George W. 
 Beckwith, wounded, died at Hampton, Va. , in 1864; C. S. Culp, died at 
 Hampton in June, 1863; S. P. Dikeman, at New Berne, N. C, in August, 1863; 
 Orlando Foster, at Bermuda Hundred, Va., July 15, 1864; J. H. Green, at 
 Harrisburg in December, 1861; S. L. Goodwin, at Portsmouth, Va. , in July, 
 1862; G. W. Hall, at Alexandria, in June, 1864; Hugh L. Haughey, at An- 
 napolis, in March, 1865; John S. Niles, at Harrisburg, in January, 1862; A. 
 J. Eifle, at Fortress Monroe, in November, 1864; Joseph Tibbits, of wounds, 
 at Arlington, in June, 1864; H. H. Van Gorder, at Bachelor's Creek, N. C, 
 March, 1863; Dan Vanatta, in McKean county, October 14, 1864; Abram 
 Weed (substitute) at Fortress Monroe, in May, 1865. 
 
 Company F was recruited in McKean, Elk and Warren counties, Lucius 
 Eogers being commissioned captain in December, 1861. He resigned in Feb- 
 ruary, 1863, when Henry Eogers was promoted.^ On his discharge for disa- 
 bility, February 26, 1864, John M. Collins held command and served until 
 January 24, 1866. Lieut. W. W. Wells died of wounds July 12, 1864, and 
 was buried at New Berne, N. C. ; Lieut. C. J. Tubbs was mustered out in Feb- 
 ruary, 1865; Sergt. P. M. Thompson, in January, 1866; P. T. Campbell 
 in December, 1865; Eobert M. Overhiser, chosen sergeant at organization, 
 was promoted lieutenant of Company H in December, 1864, and veteranized; 
 James A. Arnold served from October, 1861, to August 22, 1864, when, it is 
 alleged, he deserted. Sergt. Ambrose C. Fuller, wounded in September, 
 1864, was absent at muster-out. James C. Malone and James Phelan were 
 on furlough. Jesse C. Chew served until January, 1866; M. J. Hadley, pro- 
 moted sergeant-major in June, 1865, was mustered out in January, 1866, and 
 George W. Hayes is said to have deserted August 22, 1864. Corps. George 
 F. North, John Walshe, F. A. Sutton, Patrick Walsh, W. H. Hewitt, and L. 
 B. Gleason served until January, 1866; A. N. Farman was killed at Fort Har- 
 rison, Va. W. H. Eogers was wounded there, and Hiram Peasley died of 
 wounds received there in the affair of September 29, 1864. Elijah T. Davis 
 
138 HISTORY OF MCKEAN COUNTY. 
 
 was mustered out Febraary 22, 1865. The musician, L. S. Lytle, served 
 until January, 1866. Calvin Shepherd, an old hunter of Cameron county, 
 served in this command. 
 
 The private troops killed on the field or who died of wounds or disease are 
 named as follows: William Alinder, at Bachelor's Creek, N. C. ; Joseph Black, 
 wounded September 29, 1864, was buried at Cypress Hills; John Bowers, 
 drafted, died at Point of Rocks, Va. , in February, 1865 ; Otis Copeland was 
 killed at Fort Harrison; H. K. Conrad died at Harrisburg January 4, 1862; 
 Ezra Daniels died at Hampton, Va., of wounds, in October, 1864; W. E. 
 Flanders, drafted, was buried at Staunton, Va., July 29, 1865; R. M. Gibson, 
 at Beaufort, N. C. , October 1, 1863 ; Andrew Henderson, died in Anderson- 
 ville July 1, 1864; Don D. Jooes, in Cameron county July 16, 1864; Peter 
 Manning was killed at Fort Harrison September 29, 1864; James A. Mapes, 
 died at Suffolk, Va., November 21, 1862; Alex. McCrady, at Washington, N. 
 
 C, October 10, 1863; George Peasley, at Petersburg, August 12, 1865; James 
 Peasley, at Washington, N. C, September 5, and Philander S. Peasley Decem- 
 ber 28, 1868; Samuel Richardson, died at Harrisburg January 15, 1862; G. 
 
 D. Rogers, at Point of Rocks, Va. , October 3, 1864; Jeremiah Sullivan, at 
 Portsmouth, Va. , August 6, 1862; James Vangarder, of wounds, at Hampton, 
 Va., October 30, 1864, and William Whitaker, of wounds, October 12, :864. 
 
 Company H was raised in McKean county October 1, 1861, with Asa H. 
 Cory, captain. On his resignation August 21, 1862, C. C. Moses was pro- 
 moted, captured July 6, 1863, but returned and was mustered out April 16, 
 1865. Lieut. Roswell Sartwell resigned November 25, 1862, and F. N. 
 Burnham was promoted. Robert M. Overhiser, transferred from Company F, 
 was promoted captain April 17, 1865, but mustered out in 1866 with rank of 
 lieutenant. Second Lieut. David Ludwig died at Philadelphia June 17, 
 1863; Oliver Haines was mustered out in 1866; J. M. Pelton was discharged 
 for promotion in August, 1863, and W. E. Moses was promoted second lieuten- 
 ant of the First North Carolina Colored Regiment April 29, 1864. 
 
 The sergeants of this company are referred to as follows: Joseph S. Vaughn, 
 Norman J. Stanton, L. L. Dennis and Fernando Loop were mustered out in 
 January, 1866; W. H. Richmond and W. M. Skiver, in December, 1864; 
 Alonzo Cross and Ed. Baldwin in October, 1865; Allen Wightman died of 
 wounds April 20, 1863, and John Bord is said to have deserted August 30, 
 1865, and Theodore F. Ostrander on the same day. 
 
 The corporals' records are thus given: Cyrus Baldwin, wounded at Cold 
 Harbor; Charles Rodenbush and M. M. Griffin mustered out in January, 
 1866; Niles Robbins and Clark B. Hopkins discharged for disability in 1862 
 and 1863, respectively; E. C. Wolcott, George Ferris, Emory Skiver, W. D. 
 Reitz, George J. Reitz, William Shafftstall (the three last named drafted) were 
 mustered out at close of their terms. W. P. Fowler died September 21, 
 1864; Henry H. Metcalfe died in Cameron countv, returning from prison in 
 1865; W. D. Burlingame died at Hampton, Va., March 17, 1865; M. D. Jud- 
 son, transferred to the Fourth United States Artillery, and Augustus Short to 
 United States Signal Corps. The musicians were Anthony Breithaupt (a sub- 
 stitute), sick at muster out, George W. Bowen, discharged for disability in 
 May, 1865, and Nathan Boylan alleged to have deserted December 31, 1865, 
 after long service. 
 
 The deaths of private soldiers on the field, or from wounds or disease, are 
 recorded as follows: Henry Blasdell, died at New Berne, N. C, July 16, 
 1863, of wounds received April 20; James Baldwin, October 12, 1864, of 
 wounds received September 20, 1863; C. J. Carter, October 3, 1864; Henry 
 
tJJ 
 
HISTOEY OF MCKEAN COUNTY. 141 
 
 D. Hagadorn, killed at Cold Harbor, June 1, 1864; H. H. Haines, died Janu- 
 ary 24, 1865; John A. Jennings, February 23, 1863; Leslie Lyons, July 7, 
 1864; Charles N. Lawton, wounded at Cold Harbor, died at Arlington ; Jerome 
 Netting, wounded September 29, 1864, died October 4 at Hampton, Va., and 
 Philip Eoades, died September 24, 1864. In this command no less than 
 eighteen substitutes are accounted for, nineteen drafted men and nine 
 deserters. 
 
 EIGHTY-THIEI) REGIMENT, P. V. I. 
 
 The Eighty-third Pennsylvania Infantry comprised, among others, Lieut. 
 Plympton A. White, of Company D, who enlisted in McKean county, also 
 Matthew Hayes, both of whom were wounded at Malvern Hill; William Sohla- 
 bach, Julius W. Day, wounded at Gettysburg; Thaddeus Day, at Malvern 
 Hill; Eugene Clapper, Charles J. Nichols, died of wounds received at Mal- 
 vern Hill; D. Coyle was wounded there, and killed at Gettysburg; Calvin H. 
 Wilks, of Company H, died at Eichmond, Va. , of wounds received at Laurel 
 Hill. Gott Lehman, of Eoulette, served in Company I, also P. C. Glancy, 
 John and Judson Ames, and Norman Scott, of Centreville. 
 
 ONE HUNDEED AND FIFTIETH REGIMENT, P. V. I. 
 
 The One Hundred and Fiftieth Eegiment (New Bucktails) effected organi- 
 zation at Camp Curtin September 3, 1862, and claims service with the One 
 Hundred and Forty-ninth, sharing in many, if not all, of the successes and 
 reverses of that command. Langhorne Wistar, of the old Forty-second, was 
 chosen colonel; H. S. Huidekoper, lieutenant-colonel, and Thomas Chamber- 
 lin, major. When the colors of the One Hundred and Forty-ninth Eegiment 
 were captured at Gettysburg, they were recaptured at once by the sister regi- 
 ment, and later, when it became too evident that the President was to be sac- 
 rificed to the policy of the Confederacy, the authorities called on Col. Stone to. 
 assign two companies of the One Hundred and Fiftieth to take the place of 
 the United States troops as President's guard at the Soldiers' Home. On the 
 arrival of Companies C and H there, they would not be received, as the regu- 
 lars had no orders to retire, and so returned to their command. In the mean- 
 time orders came relieving the regular troops, who marched, leaving the Home 
 unguarded; but when these false steps were discovered Companies D and K 
 were ordered thither, while later Company D was ordered to guard the Sol- 
 diers' Home with Company A, leaving Company K to guard the place until 
 relieved in June, 1865, when it was mustered out with the other companies. 
 
 Company G, of this command, was raised in McKean county with Horatio 
 Bell, captain. He was killed at the battle of the Wilderness May 6, 1864, and 
 Lieut. Samuel E. Beckwith, commissioned captain, who served until muster- 
 out. Lieut. Dan. J. Keys resigned in June, 1863, and was succeeded by James 
 M. Eobinson, commissioned Maj 7, 1864. Second Lieut. Daniel Beckwith 
 served to the close; Sergt. Clark Weels was discharged in December, 1863; 
 Cyrus W. Baldwin was killed on the North Anna river. May 23, 1864; S. De- 
 Loss Taggart, wounded at Hatcher's run, died at Lookout, Md., February 
 20, 1865 ; J. L. Beers was mustered out at the close, also John Swink, Buck- 
 ley D. Catlin and E. H. Judkins; Sergt. Lorenzo Hodges, who was wounded 
 at Gettysburg, died July 16, 1863. 
 
 There were no less than fifteen members of this company honored with 
 the position of corporal: Putnam Barber, W. H. Haven, W. F. Lovejoy, 
 William Brown, C. D. Winship, Al. L. Lanphere, William A. North, Wilson 
 W. Tubbs, H. M. Kenny, H. L. Burlingame, H. A. Young and C. C. Tripper 
 served to the close of the war. Theo. Yardley was killed at Hatcher's run^ 
 
142 HISTORY OF MCKEAN COUNTY. 
 
 Joseph B. otto, died October 30, 1862, and William J. Holmes, wounded at 
 Gettysburg, died July 23, 1863. The only musician, Daney Strickland, 
 served from September, 1862, to June, 1865. 
 
 The private troops who fell on the field, or who died from the efPects of 
 wounds or other causes, are named as follows: L. M. Adams died in 1864; 
 Melville Baldwin, at Eichmond, Va., in 1864; A. M. Beckwith, in 1863; Ben 
 Fulton, John Benson and Nathan Hand were killed at Gettysburg, July 1, 
 1863; Delos Otto, at the battle of the Wilderness, and Philetus Southwick, 
 at Spottsylvania, in May, 1864; William P. Garner died in captivity, Decem- 
 ber 11, 1864; T. D. Colegrove, November 21, 1862, and D. A. Morse, Octo- 
 ber 30, same year, at Washington; L. F. Haven died in prison, August 31, 
 1863; Oscar Moody died in Biehmond prison February, 1864; W. Merrick, a 
 prisoner, died July 20, 1868; W. J. Mills, in Andersonville, August 6, 1864; 
 J. A. Morris, in March, 1865; Isaac Pelgrim, wounded at Gettysburg, died 
 July 1, 1863; Steve Seymour died March 13, 1863; Charles B. Slocum died 
 in captivity in May, 1864; Jeffry Kenny died March 3, 1863. 
 
 The record of discharged soldiers after a full term of service contains the 
 following names: W^illiam Brockam, Joseph D. Ball, Willard Cummings, Jos- 
 eph Coats, M. M. Catlin, Charles Dickerson, Edward Finnegan, John Mead, F. 
 Fuller, Eobert Graham, J. S. Hodges, L. F. Hovey, George Loomis, George 
 T. Otto, Samuel L. Provin, William T. Strickland, Wesley Starks, Thomas 
 Smith and Judson Skiver. Eobert B. Warner was discharged for disability. 
 
 The private troops discharged on surgeon' s certificate were Merrit J. Bald- 
 win, W. H. Baker, Silas A. Devaul, Eichard Goodwin, Thomas Good, Elias 
 Grimes, John B. Gleason, Moses E. Ford, Levi Holcomb, Charles Karr, 
 Ebenezer Leonard, Wellington Lord, George Loomis and Edward Simpson in 
 1862-63. S. DeLoss Taggart died some years ago. The transfers to V. E. 
 C. included Joseph D. Ball and Benjamin Treat; William Ellis was sick at 
 muster-out; John B. Litch, was wounded at Hatcher's Eun, and in hospital 
 at date of disbanding; Miles Lovejoy was transferred to the United States 
 army in 1862. The alleged deserters were Miles Hess, in 1862, and John 
 Barron, in 1863. 
 
 ONE HONDEED AND SEVENTY-SECOND REGIMENT, P. V. I. 
 
 The One Hundred and Seventy-second Kegiment was organized at Camp 
 Curtin, in November, 1862, with Charles Kleckner, colonel. Elk and Mc- 
 Kean counties contributed detachments to this command, who accompanied 
 the regiment to Yorktown, December 2, to relieve the Fifty-second Pennsyl- 
 vania Infantry garrisoning that post. In July, 1863, the command moved to 
 Hagerstown, Md. , was attached to the eleventh corps, joined in the pursuit of 
 the Confederate forces to Williamsport, returned to Warrentown, and was 
 mustered ont August 1, 1863. 
 
 TWO HUNDEED AND ELEVENTH EEGIMENT, P. V. I. 
 
 Company C, of this regiment (one year) was mustered in September 16, 1864, 
 with Warren Cowles, captain; A. J. Sparks, lieutenant; John M. Pelton and 
 William C. Smith, second lieutenants. Cowles was mustered out with com- 
 mand June 2, 1865, as brevet major; Sparks was killed at Petersburg, April 
 2, 1865; John M. Pelton died of wounds received there, and Smith, who took 
 his place, was mustered out. Sergt. Harvey D. Hicks was killed at Peters- 
 burg; Sergts. H. H. Sparks, J. Shattsbury, E. A. Smith and F. B. Harvey 
 were mustered out. Corps. M. S. Sheldon, Joel Hancock and Eli Stevens 
 were wounded at Petersburg; while John Smith, J. G. Otto, E. E. Gerrish, 
 
HISTORY OF MCKEAN COUNTY. 143 
 
 T. Thompson and S. L. Holoomb were mustered out unwounded, also Musi- 
 cians S. R. Seamans and N. M. Tubba. 
 
 Of the private troops Andrew Calhoun was wounded and died at Peters- 
 burg; John Largey died October 21, 1864; Simon Martin, Charles D. Mc 
 Keown, Peter "W. Struble and Jonathan Studley were woiinded at Petersburg; 
 Sanford Provin and Martin VanSickle were wounded at Fort Steadman, Va., 
 March 25, 1865; Henry McDowell and William Nuff died in February, 1865, 
 and were buried at City Point, Va. ; John W. Nobles was missing at Peters-' 
 burg, and C. H. Besse was captured September 29, 1864. 
 
 The private troops mustered out were H. and J. Arnett, A. A. Acre, J. C. 
 Allen, I. B. and A. J. Brown, E. Barton, F. S. Bradford, A. R. Barnaby, 
 William Cooper, J. Cavanagh, J. M. Caldwell, M. Cummings, M. L. Camp- 
 bell, M. Daley, M. G. Dennis, J. Dunbar, G. Emigh, J. Frugen, Enos Grover, 
 J. R. Greene, J. E. Graham, A. Gray, Reuben and H. M. Gross, A. Giles, 
 
 A. Holcomb, J. Jund, M. J. Coons, J. D. Kessler, W. K. Kidder, E. R. and 
 Al. Loop, Henry Largey, John Leahy, Thomas Madden, A. C. and Josiah 
 Myers, J. McQuoine, William M. and William Mcintosh, J. T. and Hymen 
 Otto, J. Patterson, Le Roy Paugh, Henry Reedy, W. T. Ross, Benson and 
 
 B. F. Bobbins, A. Stockdill, F. Sanderson, W. F. Stewart, A. Sharp, F. 
 Thorpe, W. M. VanSickle, F. Verbeck, W. Wiley, A. G. Walters, George 
 Wood and James Walshe. Henry Sperhouse was a prisoner from November, 
 1864 to March, 1865, and J. C. Lewis was alleged to have deserted. 
 
 MISCELLANEOUS. 
 
 Lieut. Patrick Kelliher, Twenty-eighth United States Infantry, served with 
 the Pennsylvania Volunteers during the war, and' died at Fort Davis, Tex. , in 
 1870. 
 
 In May, 1861, a Juvenile Home Guard company was organized at Smeth- 
 port. The ages of the troops ranging from five to fourteen years, the arms 
 were wooden guns, and the music, tin whistles and a tambourine. 
 
 In June, 1863, Judge Holmes, of Bradford township, was appointed dep- 
 uty-provost-marshal for this district, and he appointed Sheriflf Blair, O. Vos- 
 burg, L. S. Bard and Thomas Malone enrolling officers, the two last named 
 being disabled soldiers of the old Bucktail regiment, the latter working in the 
 Citizen office when he went into the Bucktails with William R. Rogers. 
 
 In 1863 the enrolling officer struck a family who believed that Andrew 
 Jackson ran for president every four years. The old man and his several sons 
 annoyed the officer and even, when he was leaving, one of the boys called out: 
 "Hello there, you haven't enrolled the old dog yet," referring to a dog lying 
 near the house. "Well," says the officer, " I have all the pups down, and 
 they'll answer for the first draft." 
 
 The draft of August, 1863, met with resistance on several quarters, and near 
 Port Allegany, it is alleged, an organization to oppose conscription was in ex- 
 istence. In January, 1864, H. S. Campbell, then provost-marshal of the 
 Nineteenth Military District, called for ninety men from McKean county, while 
 five deserters, taking refuge in Liberty township, were sought for. In March, 
 1864, the quota of McKean county was placed at 153. On March 12 a 
 meeting of citizens of Bradford township, presided over by William Barton, 
 with A. T. Newell, secretary, resolved to issue bonds for $7,000 to pay county 
 troops. 
 
 Jonathan Colegrove enlisted in the Chenango County (New York) Military 
 Company for the war of 1812, and served at Sacketts harbor until discharged 
 for disability. 
 
144: HISTORY OF MCKEAN COUNTY. 
 
 The Soldiers' Monument was dedicated June 2, 1886, according to the G. 
 A. B. ritual. Lewis Emery, Jr., presided, and A. W. Norris delivered the 
 address. 
 
 CHAPTER VIII. 
 
 NEWSPAPERS-SCHOOLS— PHYSICIANS. 
 
 Newspapers— Introductory— Journals and Journalists— Bradford News- 
 papers—Bradford Press Club— Miscellaneous Journals. 
 
 Schools- Grant of Land and Money- by John Keating— First Schools- 
 Primitive Eleemosynary Institution— Early School at Smethport— 
 Education Law — School Commissioners and Delegates— School Tax- 
 Statistical Eepobt for 1888. 
 
 Medical— Physicians, Past and Present— Early Practitioners- Indian 
 Doctors- Remarkable Cure— Itinerant Disciples of ^sculapius— Mc- 
 Kean County Medical Association— List of Medical Men who have 
 Registered in MoKean County since 1881. 
 
 newspapers. 
 
 THE beginnings of journalism are contemporary with the beginnings of com- 
 mercial and political progress. Like these two important branches, jour- 
 nalism advanced slowly but certainly, and toward the close of the eighteenth 
 century, assumed pretensions, which have since become governing' principles. 
 The newspaper took its full share in the trials and sacrifices of the Revolution 
 here, and even before that -time, pointed out to the peoples of France and 
 America the odious system of class government, defining it as aristocracy — a 
 coalition of those who wish to consume without producing, to occupy all pub- 
 lic places without being competent to fill them, and to seize upon all honors 
 without meriting them. 
 
 The journalists of that period were of the Franklin type the world over, 
 but cast in another matrice of thought; they knew nothing of the spirit of 
 Republicanism, if we accept a few publicists of France who dared to arraign 
 the aristocracy that grew wealthy on the robbery and degredation of thousands 
 of human beings. When great political reformations followed revolutionary 
 teachings, their attention was given to educating the enfranchised masses. Titles 
 were abolished, and ten thousand symbols of old-time ignorance and viciousness 
 were swept away. The Bohemian era was introduced under the new dispensa- 
 tion, and with it came some of the best and the most liberal thoughts of the 
 emancipated world. 
 
 Bohemia has none but adopted sons; 
 
 Its limits, where fanoy's bright stream runs! 
 
 Its honors not garnered for thrift or trade, — 
 
 For beauty and truth men's souls were made. 
 
 The vulgar sham of the pompous feast. 
 
 Where the heaviest purse is the highest priest, 
 
 The organized charity — scrimped- and iced 
 
 In the name of a cautious, statistical Christ; 
 
 The smile restrained, the respectable cant. 
 
 When a friend in need is a friend in want. ^ 
 
 Where the only aim is to keep afloat. 
 
 And a brother may drown with a cry in his throat. 
 
 Oh, I long for the glow of a kindly heart and 
 
 the grasp of a friendly hand. 
 And I'd rather live in Bohemia than in any other land. 
 
HISTORY OF MCKEAN COUNTY. 145 
 
 When the county was organized, and up to 1826, when the first courts were 
 held at Smethport, not one of the pioneers dreamed of a printing press. In 
 1827 D. Gotshall was county printer, his office being at Williamsport or 
 Wellsboro. The following bill, presented to Sheriff R. Wright, is the evidence 
 of the county's first expenditure for printing: 
 
 January 13, to one year's paper $2 00 
 
 April 17, to advertising proclamation 2 50 
 
 July 24, to libel for divorce and sale 4 2,5 
 
 August 22, to proclamation 1 37 
 
 September 13, to printing band-bills '. 4 GO 
 
 November 13, to advertising sale of real estate 1 00 
 
 November 27, to libel for divorce and probate 5 00 
 
 Total $20 12 
 
 Rankin, Lewis & Co. also did some printing for the county this year. 
 
 In 1828 Benjamin B. Smith of the Phoenix, Wellsboro, was appointed 
 county printer, for on April 29 he gave to Joseph Allen an order on the com- 
 missioners for $29.34, being very near the total amount of contract. This 
 order was given to cover a judgment obtained by Allen against J. F. Donald- 
 son, but was not paid until September following. In 1831 A. H. Cory entered 
 the Phoenix office, and set type for McKean advertisements. A few years 
 passed by, when Hiram Payne, who came to this county in 1830 from Brad- 
 ford county, Penn., established the Forester, as related in the history of 
 Smethport. This was the pioneer newspaper of the county and the first in 
 the district, except the papers at Wellsboro, Warren and Franklin, which were 
 in existence in 1832, when in the State convention Mr. Payne claimed to rep- 
 resent more territory, more bears, more wolves, more porcupines and more 
 wild-cats than any five members of the convention, and the members called his 
 territory " The Wild-cat District." Miner, his son, is in New York city, and 
 Fred, is at Waverly, N. Y. A daughter married a son of John E. Niles. Vol- 
 ume II, No. 19, of the Forester and Smethport Register was published June 
 14, 1834. Mr. Payne died two years ago at Waverly, N. Y. The press 
 used in his office was brought hither from Philadelphia, and was known as a 
 ' ' Ramage Press. ' ' 
 
 The McKean County Journal was issued by Richard Chadwick in 1834. 
 This life-long |)rothonotary of the county published the paper until Septem- 
 ber, 1837, when he sold the office to Asa H. Cory for 1300. 
 
 The Beacon and'McKean County Journal was issued in September, 1837, 
 although No. 51, of Volume I, is dated April 13, 1839. It bears the name of 
 Asa Howe Cory as publisher. He bought the oflice of the Journal. Among 
 the advertisers were John Montgomery, of the Williamsville limekilns, twenty 
 miles southwest; of Holmes & Co.'s Smethport tannery; S. Sartwell, Jr., a 
 stock of fulled cloth, and B. Freeman, a stock of general merchandise. O. J. 
 Hamlin and Hiram Payne were the resident lawyers, and W. Y. McCoy, resi- 
 dent physician. [Dr. George Darling moved to Brookville before this 
 period.] Thomas Hunt, a boy of seventeen years, left home, and for his 
 recovery the father, John Hunt, an IJnglish shoemaker, offered a reward of 
 one cent. The academical exhibition to be held on April 3, 1839, was also 
 advertised. Mr. Cory sold to J. B. Oviatt, who established the Settler and 
 Pennon. 
 
 ' The Settl&r and Pennon, published at Smethport in the summer of 1839 
 by William S. Oviatt, was continued in 1845 by J. B. Oviatt. Volume II, 
 No. 10, is dated December 24, 1840. Mr. Oviatt abolished Chadwick' s inde- 
 pendent ideas, and espoused the Democratic idea of the time. 
 
146 HISTOBY OF MCKEAN COUNTY. 
 
 The Tomahawk and Scalping Knife was the name given to a sheet pub- 
 lished at Smethport fifty years ago. In February, 1841, it became so objec- 
 tionable as to be brought before the grand jury and pronounced a nuisance. 
 Dwight Holcomb was the printer, and he and others were editors. 
 
 The McKean Yeoman and Elk County Advertiser, Volume III, No. 10, 
 bears date April 28, 1849, A. H. Cory being editor. No. 1 was issued in 
 December, 1846, by B. F. and A. H. Cory, publishers. The journal was 
 Democratic. In its pages the legal advertisements of Elk county were contin- 
 ued for some years, and a good deal of attention was given to Elk county 
 political news. 
 
 The McKean Orbit, Volume II, No. 27, published by J. B. Oviatt, was 
 issued August 2, 1851. The first paper was issued October 13, 1849, by N. 
 W. Goodrich and J. B. Oviatt. John R. Chadwick thinks that the Yeoman 
 was merged into the Orbit in 1849. 
 
 The McKean News, Volume I, No. 52, published by George B. Backus, is 
 dated October 2, 1852, the first number being issued September 13, 1851, as 
 a Whig journal. Backus is said to have sold the office \o F. A. Allen, and 
 moved to Colorado, where he" died about the year 1870. The News was 
 neutral in politics. 
 
 The Citizen was established by F. A. Allen (who moved to Mansfield, 
 Penn. , and established the Soldiers' Home there) in September, 1 858, and was 
 conducted by him until the spring of 1858, when he sold to Lucius Rogers, 
 formerly of the Warren Mail, who published the paper at Smethport up to 
 July 14, 1860, when the office was moved to Shippen (Emporium), and the 
 paper issued December 28. Volume I, No. 42, of the McKean Citizen is 
 dated April 7, 1855, and bears the signature of Charles H. Allen, editor. 
 
 The McKean County Miner, successor of the Bradford Miner, was issued 
 June 6, 1863, by L. Rogers, the news pages being devoted to war items. 
 In May, 1871, E. H. and J. C. Bard were publishers, and L. Rogers editor, 
 of the Miner; but on July 27 following, H. F. Barbour took the place of J. 
 C. Bard and also that of Capt. Rogers. On March 11, 1880, E. H. Bard, 
 who for the greater part of eighteen years was connected with the Miner, 
 and who, in 1873, sold his interest in the office to H. F. Barbour, repur- 
 chased the office and was publisher until January, 1883, when Mr. Barbour 
 again took control, selling to Capt. Rogers in January, 1884. 
 
 The McKean Democrat was established at Smethport in 1879 by Clark 
 Wilson, one of the oldest newspaper men in the State. This journal is devoted 
 solely to Democratic interests. 
 
 In 1831-32 Orlo J. Hamlin wrote the historical sketch published in 1832 in 
 Hazard's Gazetteer, and in 1850 Josiah Priest wrote a history of the Oswayo 
 Valley, which was never published. 
 
 The Bradford Miner was established at Bradford in 1858 by Daniel Kings- 
 bury, J. K. Haffey and others. The editor, John Keenan Haffey, a native of 
 Armagh, Ireland, born in 1831, died at Beverly, N. J., in November, 1881. 
 In 1852 he came to Bradford, married Diantha DeGolier, in 1858 established 
 the Bradford Miner, and in 1861 entered Col. Kane's regiment as sergeant of 
 Company I. On returning in 1865 he was one of the first to be interested in 
 the oil exploration on the outskirts of the present city, and became active 
 in oil circles. The Neiu Era was founded at Bradford in 1875 by J. K. Haffey 
 as a semi-weekly newspaper; but six months later he sold to Ferrin & Weber. 
 After the death of Daniel Kingsbury, Col. HafPey aided the Universalist 
 society in securing the property at the corner of North Mechanic and Corydon 
 
HISTORY OF MCKEAN COUNTY. 147 
 
 streets, and after the collapse of the first society organized a second. In 1878 
 he established the Banner at Beverly, N. J. 
 
 The Bradford Era was issued "October 29, 1877, in Bradford, from the 
 office of Weber, Ferrin & Persons (over the old Star Clothing House ou Main 
 street). The salutatory points out its independent principles, and further 
 states as follows: " We do not run the paper for glory or notoriety; that we 
 could have obtained by becoming the president of a savings bank, pocketing 
 the depositors' money and then going to State prison. * * * * -^^ 
 have faith in the Latin proverb. Omnia Vincit Labor." In 1878 Mr. Thorn- 
 ton, now of the Bradford Era, took the position of oil reporter on the old Era, 
 and in September of that year furnished the first perfect review of the Brad- 
 ford oil field. 
 
 The Daily Breeze was established in the fall of 1878, at Bradford, by David 
 Armstrong for a stock company. L. C. Morton, who died at Montreal in 
 1884, was one of the staff, and altogether it was credited with being one of the 
 leading daily journals of the State. S. K. Dunkle was the first business man 
 ager until succeeded by Mr. Linderman. Early in 1879 the publishers of the 
 Breeze purchased the opposition Era office, and Jordan, Longwell & Co. took 
 charge of the consolidated journals and continued the publication of the Era. 
 W. F. Jordan was editor, with P. H. Linderman, business manager, J. C. 
 McMullen, oil reporter, L. C. Morton.' night editor, and E. A. Bradshaw (who 
 succeeded Frank Vogel), city editor. The notice of incorporation of The 
 Era Publishing Company appeared in August, 1887, when H. McSweeney, C. 
 H. Lay, Jr., F. G. Eidgway, John E. Campbell and William T. Scheide peti- 
 tioned for a charter. Patrick C. Boyle was then editor of the Era, with George 
 S. Bright associate manager, who resigned to take charge of the Jamestown 
 News, when A. L. Snell, who was previously oil editor, was promoted asso- 
 ciate manager. The present staff comprises P. C. Boyle, A. L. Snell, C. Den- 
 nison (who succeeded C. H. Steiger transferred to Toledo) and A. H. Thorn- 
 ton. There are fifteen printers employed. Mrs. Ada Cable is reporter for the- 
 Era, the only lady engaged in reportorial work in the city, and with the ex- 
 ception of Miss Malone, of Kane, the only one in the field. 
 
 The Bradford Sunday Herald was issued in Bradford, August 4, 1878, by 
 the Herald Company, in the interests of the labor party and greenback money. 
 The Sunday News was established April 15, 1879 [On the Sunday prior 
 to April 11, 1879, the Era ceased publication of a Sunday issue.], by Butler 
 Bros., now of Buffalo, who continued publication up to November, 1883, when 
 P. H. Linderman purchased the office. This journal has been regularly pub- 
 lished down to the present day. 
 
 The Daily Blaze was established by David Armstrong in April, 1879. On 
 one occasion the paper was printed in blood-red ink, to signify its terrible hos- 
 tility toward the Standard Oil Company. His staff comprised S. K. Dunkle, 
 manager; and J. L. Howell, foreman and local editor. The office was on the 
 corner of Newell avenue and Webster street, adjoining the old Academy of 
 Music. The Blaze went down in a blaze of glory within three or four months, 
 and the editor-in-chief moved to Canada. 
 
 The Star was established in 1879 by Eben Brewer (now editor of the Erie 
 Despatch) as an evening journal. Late that year the office became the prop- 
 erty of F. N. Farrar and A. J. Carr, and in May, 1880, H. F. Barbour pur- 
 chased the latter' s interest, and the same fall sold to E. B. Stone, who wa& 
 practically sole owner. In 1883 the office was sold to George E. Allen & Co., 
 who conducted the Star until May, 1884, when Mr. Barbour became half- 
 owner and editor. In June, 1885, the Star Publishing Company was incor- 
 
148 HISTORY OP MCKEAN COUNTY. 
 
 porated, with H. F. Barbour, president, and R. E. Whiteley, secretary and 
 treasurer. In October, 1885, the office was moved from the old stone building 
 ■on Pine street, to the present quarters in the Producers' Exchange. There 
 are fourteen hands employed. George E. Allen, who posed as a lazy man while 
 running the Star, was making a success of the Railway Magazine, of BufPalo, 
 in 1885. 
 
 The Petroleum Age was issued in December, 1882, by W. J. McCullagh 
 and A. J. Carr. In July, 1880, A. L. Snell came to Bradford as correspond- 
 ent of the Oil City Derrick, and became connected with the Era. In 1882 he 
 joined the Cherry Grove Scouts, and in August, 1883, he purchased the 
 Petroleum Age, then published by W. J. McCullagh & Co., J. C. McMullen 
 and W. C. Armor being the partners in the new purchase. On December 1, 
 1887, Mr. Snell and Mr. Armor sold their interests to McMullen, who con- 
 tinued publication until his death. The Age was very ably conducted. 
 
 The Sunday Morning was established at Bradford in 1882, Phil. J. Welch 
 being then editor, and Benzinger & Edwards proprietors. This journal is 
 said to have run only a short time, and closed with the publication of Walt 
 Whitman's poem. Blades of Grass, the issue selling for |1 per copy. 
 
 The Sunday Mail was established at Bradford by A. J. Carr. Toward its 
 latter days it was printed in the Star office, and in 1884 was absorbed by the 
 Star, hence the hyphenated name, Star- Mail, given to the weekly edition of 
 the Star. The paper was established in 1881. 
 
 The Kendall Church Visitor is published at Tarport. 
 
 The Evening Call was issued at Bradford in November, 1885, to oppose 
 the Star, which then opposed the Typographical Union. The life of this 
 journal was short, indeed, having ceased publication early in the following 
 December. 
 
 The Daily Oil News was issued at Bradford October 3, 1887, by J. C. Mc- 
 Mullen and E. A. Bradshaw. The journal continued regular publication until 
 June, 1888. 
 
 The Bradford Press club was organized January 29, 1884, with Will P. 
 Jordan, president; George E. Allen, vice-president; P. H. Linderman, treas- 
 urer; A. J. Carr, financial secretary; C. H. Steiger, recorder; George H. 
 Leader, Col. L. M. Morton, T. E. Kern, L. E. Puller and J. C. McMullen, 
 directors; Joseph Moorehead, E. A. Bradshaw, Dr. N. L. Willard, L. P. 
 Camp and Col. L. M. Morton, committee men. 
 
 The Reporter was established at Port Allegany by A. J. Hughes, May 27, 
 1874. The editor made many specious promises and, what is better, more 
 than fulfilled them; for seldom, if ever, has a local journal, more complete in 
 news items and historical and industrial reviews, been examined by the writer. 
 P. A. Thomas, now of the Miner, was the first typo here. As Mr. Hughes has held 
 the editor's chair continuously since 1874, he may be considered the senior 
 member of the newspaper circle of McKean. He witnessed the establishment 
 and fall of many newspaper enterprises, the while building up his own office, 
 until now it is one of the moat perfect news and job establishments in this 
 congressional district. Prom the files of the Reporter many interesting items 
 of history have been obtained. Among the officers of the Pennsylvania Edi- 
 torial Association, elected at Harrisburg, January 22, 1890, was A. J. Hughes, 
 of the Reporter. 
 
 C. E. Wright, who died here in March, 1889, was born in New York State 
 September 5, 18 14. In 1838 he married Martha Wright, of Eldred, and soon 
 after moved to Honesdale, where he published the Herald. Later he returned 
 to Deposit, N. Y. , and founded the Courier, in which office "P. V. Crosby ' ' 
 
HISTORY OF MCKEAN COUNTY. 151 
 
 served his apprenticeship. From 1855 to 1874 or 1875 Mr. Wright resided at 
 Janesville, except while assisting in compiling the Chicago Directory. Charles 
 E. Wright, his son, died in 1869, while on the editorial staff of the Times. 
 A. short time prior to his death he contributed a few papers on local history to 
 the Miner, and for years was a contributor to the Reporter. 
 
 The Ceres News was issued at Ceres in 1874 by Jerry Barker. One volume 
 was issued within fourteen months, when a humorous valedictory was issued. 
 The disappointed editor died a poor man, at Machias. The second paper 
 publis'bed at Ceres was the Courant, issued by J. P. Herrick in the summer of 
 1886. The success of this journal under Mr. Herrick is told by the fact that 
 in May, 1889, a two-story building was completed, and opened as the office. 
 The Oswayo Valley Mail is the new name of the Consolidated Ceres Courant 
 and the Sharon Leader, of which Mr. Herrick is publisher. The consolidation 
 dates to April, 1889. 
 
 The Eldred Express was issued at Eldred August 17, 1878, by Judson 
 Howden, publisher, and A. J. Hughes, of the Reporter, owner. In September, 
 1879, this journal was consolidated with the present Reporter of Port Allegany. 
 
 The Eldred Eagle was issued at Eldred by A. D. Gould, August 24, 1878, 
 as an independent journal in politics. When the Express people witnessed 
 the failure of the Eldred oil field, they ceased their contest with the American 
 bird, who has held the field successfully down to the present time. 
 
 The Herald was issiied at Duke Centre in November, 1879, by Wellington 
 & Carr. Other journals followed during the great oil fever at this point; but 
 now the Auger is the only journal published. A number of small papers were 
 issued at vaiious oil camps since 1878, such as the Bordell Bazoo, The Driller. 
 
 The Kane Blade was published at Kane as an independent weekly news- 
 paper by O. B. Lay, from 1879 to 1882. It was printed in Ridgway, until the 
 fire of September, 1882, destroyed the printing office there, when the Blade 
 suspended publication. 
 
 Kane Leader.— On July 2, 1885, Earl Bros., of Sterling and T. J. Malone, 
 of Eidgway, formed a partnership and published the Kane Leader. Earl 
 Bros., on March 11, 1886, sold their interest to a friend of Mr. Malone' s. 
 December 24, 1886, Mr. Malone transferred his interest to Miss Ada C. Ma- 
 lone, who, under the name of "The Leader Publishing Company " managed 
 the paper until May 5, 1887, when it was purchased by Eugene J. Miller. 
 During the Prohibitory Amendment Campaign of 1889 Mr. Miller sold the 
 paper to a Prohibitionist who desired to control it, and Miss Malone again 
 became its publisher in 1889. The Leader is a weekly journal carefully edited, 
 and replete with local news. 
 
 SCHOOLS. 
 
 The school history of McKean county begins in September, 1807, when 
 John Keating, the donor of the county seat, set aside 150 acres for the sup- 
 port of a teacher, and subscribed 1500 toward a school building. A refer- 
 ence to the transactions of the commissioners will show that for fifteen years, 
 at least, no steps were taken to utilize this liberal grant. The first school, 
 however, was opened at Instanter in 1809. Joseph Otto taught the second 
 school in the county at his house. It was an eleemosynary institution, sug- 
 gested by the ignorance and wants of the times, and, like the age, very 
 primitive. In time the academy was established at Smethport, a few sub- 
 scription schools were opened throughout the county, and the system of com- 
 mon schools was adopted. 
 
 Eichard Chadwick taught a school at Smethport in 1828, having constructed 
 
152 HISTORY OF MCKEAN COUNTY. 
 
 a frame house for that purpose in rear of the present Methodist church. Mr. 
 Chadwick compiled an arithmetic, and had it printed at Williamsport, which 
 was used for a number of years. The Ked School-house was erected on the 
 lot where Dr. Freeman now resides, in about 1834. Jedediah Darling, Anson 
 and William Burlingame and Dr. Graves were among the first teachers, and to 
 them the children of the pioneers went to be educated. 
 
 In November, 1 834, the education law was in force here, Amos Patterson, 
 Brewster Freeman and John Smith being commissioners. John Morris was 
 delegate from Ceres; Lemuel Lucore, from Shippen; Orville Ketchum', from 
 Keating; Ambrose Corey, from Bradford; Eussell M. Freeman, from Cory- 
 don, and Henry Scott, from Sergeant. All agreed on appropriating moneys 
 for common schools, and levied a school tax of one mill per dollar valuation. 
 In 1835 the delegates were Eensselaer Wright, John Chandler, Nathaniel 
 White, A. Corey, David Cargill and Daniel A. Esterbrooks, from the respect- 
 ive townships, with Asa P. Barnaby, of Liberty, and Epaphas Eoot, of Hamil- 
 ton. A mill tax was authorized in the face of strong opposition. In 1836 
 William White represented Norwich as school delegate; James Greene took 
 Freeman's place as commissioner, and a one-half -mill tax was authorized. 
 
 The growth of the system is shown by Supt. W. P. Eckels' report on the 
 schools of McKean county for the year ending June 4, 1888. This document 
 gives the following figures: 163 school-houses, or 190 rooms, 6 houses being 
 built during the previous year; 63 male and 202 female teachers; 4,668 male 
 and 4,360 female pupils, of whom 6,435 attended school; school tax, $93,- 
 599.28; State moneys, $7,212; total revenue, $117,833.53, of which the sum 
 of $64,762.36 was paid to teachers. The total expenditures amounted to 
 $111,514.52. 
 
 There were fifteen graded schools, and twenty-four districts in which books 
 are supplied free. At Bradford there were five school buildings, containing 
 thirty-two rooms. There are 1,905 pupils enrolled, presided over by thirty- 
 three female teachers, of whom Miss Ella M. Boyce was superintendent. The 
 Catholic separate schools, in charge of the Sisters, also claim a large attendance. 
 
 PHYSICIANS. 
 
 In 1817 Dr. Butterfield, who settled at Clermont, then called Instanter, 
 attended, in 1818, Richard Chadwick, of Rich Valley. Dr. Coleman was a 
 farmer and hotel keeper near the Coleman homestead. He was a very excel- 
 lent citizen, but did not make medicine a profession. 
 
 Dr. George Darling, the first physician of the county who devoted his time 
 to the profession, settled at Smethport in 1827-28. Dr. R. B. Graves was 
 school-teacher and physician. Dr. W. Y. McCoy came shortly after, and mar- 
 ried Dr. Darling's daughter, who died in 1832. She was the first person 
 buried in the old Smethport cemetery. William Printup, a native physician 
 of the Oneida Indians, was born during the Revolutionary war, and conse- 
 quently was too young to share with his tribe in their removal to Canada, 
 or death. At the time that George Long, George Saltsman, Peter Grove and 
 the other great frontier men were carrying on their warfare against the In- 
 dians on the Sinnemahoning, Printup was a boy, but he remembered the' two 
 companies of Oneidas — one of twenty-five men (hunters), one of forty men 
 (warriors) — who were still working under the British license. This Printup, 
 with the remaining Oneidas, hunted through this district until 1845. Blihu 
 Chadwick, Jr. , was dangerously ill at Lafayette Corners, twelve miles west of 
 Smethport, in June, 1831, and the local physicians failing to cure the sufferer. 
 
HISTOEY OF MCKEAN COUNTY. 153 
 
 Printup took charge of the patient, and within ten days had him able to ride 
 home in an ox sled, Edmund Freeman and Gideon Irons assisting. 
 
 Dr. Jedediah Darling died February 22, 1871. He was born in Massa- 
 chusetts September 25, 1814, and came to Bunker Hill with his father in 1822. 
 After a term of study in Dr. McCoy's office he began practice. Dr. Joshua 
 Baxom was at Smethport prior to 1837. The house in which he lived, while 
 being moved in 1838, careened, killing Joseph Barnes, who was assisting in the 
 work. Dr. Jones is said to have practiced at Smethport as early as 1840; 
 Drs. Nobles and E. C. Olds were at Littleton (Bradford), and also Goit Brown 
 and McDougall. About this period a number of physicians, whose names are 
 scattered throughout the sketches of townships and boroughs, were here. Dr. 
 B, P. Cory studied in Ohio, and practiced here as early as 1844, then moved to 
 Ironton, Ohio, in 1852, where he now resides. Dr. Wisner came here early in 
 the "fifties," moved to Michigan after the war, where he died about 1887. 
 Silvanus D. Freeman came in 1856, and still resides here. Henry L. McCoy 
 came after the war. Kanistanaux, an Indian doctress, was a professional vis- 
 itor in 1866, and also Dr. A. C. Jackson. 
 
 The McKean County Medical Association was organized July 24, 1880, 
 with Dr. F. M. Follett, president; Dr. Hand, vice-president; Dr. S. B. Dorn, 
 secretary, and Dr. Murdoch, treasurer. Drs. Matteson, Buss, Dorand, Wallace 
 and Wright, with the officers, were the constituent members. Dr. Shoemaker, 
 of Bradford, died in 1888. Dr. S. D. Freeman, Dr. Dorn, Dr. Buss, Dr. Henry 
 L. McCoy, have served the society as presidents. 
 
 The following is a list of the medical men who have registered in McKean 
 county from 1881 to 1889, inclusive: 
 
 Those who registered in 1881 were as follows: 
 
 Silvanus D. Freeman, Buffalo, 1856. Abram Mayer, Bavaria, 1866. 
 
 Edward G. Brown, Buffalo, 1875. F. M. Follett, Buffalo, 1863. 
 
 Thomas H. Carroll, Buffalo, 1881. G. S. Wykoff, Buffalo, 1877. 
 
 Wilfred W. Streeter, Washington, 1875. J. A. Wallace, Philadelphia, 1869. 
 Matthaeum M. Griffith, Philadelphia, 1867. G. W. Weaver, Philadelphia, 1873. 
 
 Henry Wilson, Buffalo, 1873. James L. Carnahan, Cleveland, 1874. 
 
 Joteph H. Shuey, Cleveland, 1876. John C. Swan, Philadelphia, 1876. 
 
 W. P. Shoemaker, Ann Arbor, 1874. H. Scott Baker, Ann Arbor, 1855, 
 
 Myron A. Todd, Cleveland, 1876. A. R. Baker, Cleveland, 1879. 
 
 Bela B. Phelps, Buffalo, 1847. James T. Kinsler, Bellevue, N.Y., 1867. 
 
 O. 8. Wright, Ann Arbor, 1875. Julius Scheffer, Germany, 1865. 
 
 David E. Matteson, Cleveland, 1873. Urban G. Mease, Philadelphia, 1867. 
 
 T. J. Martin, Philadelphia, 1878. W. L. Craig, , 1871. 
 
 Aug. F. McKay, Georgetown, 1873. W. F. Conners, New York, 1880. 
 
 A. F. Groves, New York, 1879. W. H. Kinnier, Albany, 1881. 
 
 Chester S. Hubbard, Ann Arbor, 1877. Merritt Wilcox, Philadelphia, 1866. 
 
 Sylvester S. Satterlee, Cleveland, 1873. Horace A. Place, New York, 1878. 
 
 Charles D. Buss, New York, 1876. W. R. Dorand, Philadelphia, 1870. 
 
 G. H. Monegan, Cleveland, 1880. Thomas D. Ross, Cleveland, 1878. 
 
 L. B. C. Phelps, Columbus, 1877. Henry L. McCoy, Buffalo, 1868. 
 
 Henry A. Page, Yale, 1865. W. Robert Hand, Cincinnati, 1877. 
 
 W. W. Powell, Ann Arbor, 1854. John E. McDougal, , 1871. 
 
 Frank H. Murdoch, Ann Arbor, 1873. James V. Otto, Buffalo, 1878, 
 
 Thomas H. Stewart, Berks, Mass, 1844. John S, Stearns, Buffalo, 1873. 
 
 Kay A. Sweet, Buffalo, 1880. A. K, Corbin, New York, 1881. 
 
 Justin C. Elliott, Buffalo, 1851. H. T. Dunbar, Cincinnati, 1876, 
 
 H. A. Canfleld, Ann Arbor, 1877. Nathaniel Sweet, Buffalo, 1865. 
 
 James Love, Pennsylvania, 1851. W. A. Hobday, Buffalo, 1881. 
 
 Edwin A. Walter, Cleveland, 1879. C. H. Gumaer, Ann Arbor, 1878. 
 
 G W Rae, Canada, 1875. Thomas E. Lewis, U. S, Cert,, 1863. 
 
 G. E, Benninghoff, Cleveland, 1879. Albert H, Smith, Buffalo, 1865, 
 
 Sidney E. Ford, Cleveland, 1878. Fred C. Cluxton, Canada, 1870, 
 
 John D. Maloy, Buffalo, 1875. Luther Phillips, Cincinnati, 1856, 
 
 A. M, Williams, Philadelphia, 1867. W. C. Tracy, Boston, 1866, 
 
154 HISTORY OF MCKEAN COUNTY. 
 
 J. H. Harmon, Pennsylvania, 1869. G. H. Preston, New York, 1879. 
 
 Comfort Carpenter, Pennsylvania, 1871. Simon B. Stevens, Cincinnati, 1877. 
 
 Samuel G. Ginner, Pennsylvania, 1871. S. B. Hartman, Philadelphia, 1857. 
 
 Sullivan B. Dorn, Pennsylvania, 1870. Jacob B. Kincaid, Buffalo, 1879. 
 
 Charles P. Ailing, Cleveland, 1863. John R. McCarthy, Buffalo, 1866. 
 
 Lyman Deck, Ann Arbor, 1878. Lewis Balfour, Edinburgh, 1871. 
 
 John C. Cheeseman, Buffalo, 1865. G. H. Gollry, Buffalo, 1860. 
 
 O. W. Sadler, Chicago, 1868. 
 
 Those who registered in 1882 were as follows: 
 
 W. Y. McCoy, Ohio, M. C, 1877. Thomas C. James, New York, 1874. 
 
 C. H. Reed, New York, 1876. Andrew Meisell, Austria, 1842. 
 
 F. "W. Hogarth, Buffalo, 1868. Emily A. Corbin, 1868.' 
 
 Those who registered in 1883 were as follows: 
 
 Jacob C. Batdorf, Columbus, 1864. James Nichols, Buffalo, 1864. 
 
 Robert J. Sharp, New York, 1883. Elmer E. Livingstone, Buffalo, 1883. 
 
 r. W. Johnson, , 1883. Rufus A. Egbert, Ann Arbor, 1875. 
 
 Those who registered in 1884 were as follows: 
 
 Francis H. Linning, Am. Ec, Ohio, 1881. W. H. Perdomo, New York, 1883. 
 
 E. O. Anderson, Philadelphia, 1880. S. S. Herman, Buffalo, 1884. 
 
 Bvanum O. Kane, Jefferson College, 1884. Henry J. Nichols, Buffalo, 1883. 
 
 Ed. Van Scoy, Ec. Pennsylvania, 1873. James Johnston, Canada, 1884. 
 
 Those who registered in 1885 were as follows: 
 
 Brwin M. Coss, Buffalo, 1884. John P. De Lancy, New York, 1885. 
 
 Martia E. Drake, Cleveland, 1885. J. C. F. Bush, Baltimore, 1880. 
 
 Elizabeth D. Kane, Women's Medical Col- Harriet A. Kane, Women's Medical Col- 
 lege of Pennsylvania, 1883. lege of Pennsylvania, 1885. 
 
 Those who registered in 1886 were as follows: 
 
 Gardner B. Young, New York, 1886. S. M. K. Wells, Buffalo, 1883. 
 
 Thomas L. Kane, Philadelphia, 1886. H. C. Chesney, Fort Wayne, 1883. 
 
 David Howard, McKean county, 1866. Francis E. Watts, Chicago, 1883. 
 
 F. W. Winger, New York, 1886. 
 
 Those who registered in 1887 were as follows: 
 
 James M. Peebles, Philadelphia, 1876. Walter B. Hnttell, Cleveland, 1886. 
 
 W. J. Armstrong, New York, 1883. Joseph B. Colcord, Baltimore, 1885. 
 
 James H. Douglass, Baltimore, 1883. Joseph Ward, Cleveland, 1885. 
 
 Orra M. Cain. 
 
 Those who registered in 1888 were as follows: 
 B. Chadwick, Philadelphia, 1888. Thomas Eddy, Cincinnati, 1854. 
 Dunham E. Ash, Ohio, 1887. C. M. Blakeslee, , 1859. 
 
 Those who registered in 1889 were as follows: 
 
 J. G. Taylor, , 1864 John C. Brown, Buffalo, 1889. 
 
 Eli Monell, , 1870. W. J. Fredericks, Philadelphia, 1889. 
 
 James B. Stewart, Cincinnati, 1888. Walter J. Russell, Philadelphia, 1889. 
 
 A. M. Straight, Ohio, 1871. John L. Wright, Philadelphia, 1881. 
 
 Emma Griggs, Chicago, 1888. Abigail Grace, Philadelphia, 1887. 
 
 A. Grace White, of Bradford, registered William R. Gibson, August 13, 1889. 
 
 in June, 1889. Nelson Cheney, September, 5, 1889. 
 
HISTOBY OF MCKEAN COUNTY. 155 
 
 CHAPTER IX. 
 
 EAILEOADS. 
 
 The Kinzua Viadltct— The Warren Railroad Convention— Sunbuky & 
 Erie R. R.— Buffalo, Bradford & Pittsburgh R. R.— The Turkey Path 
 —Sale of the Western New York & Pennsylyania R. R.— Olean, Brad- 
 ford & Warren R. R.— Bradford & Foster Brook R. B.— The " Peg-Leg " 
 Line— Bradford, Bokdell & Kinzua R. R.— Bradford, DeGolier & Smeth- 
 port R. R.— Pittsburgh, Bradford & Buffalo Ry., and Big Level & 
 Bradford R. R.— Big Level & Kinzua R. R.— Bradford R. R. and Kinzua 
 R. R:— Bradford & State Line R. R. Co.— Buffalo Division of Rochester 
 & Pittsburgh R. R. Co —Miscellaneous. 
 
 IF variety be a recommeadation to railroad systems, McKean county is 
 singularly well endowed. Here have been constructed roads, ranging 
 from a single rail to a double track of six-feet gauge, and from a prairie level 
 to a grade of 264 feet per mile. In the matter of viaducts the county is no 
 less blessed, for every form of bridge from the common wooden culvert" to the 
 Kinzua viaduct is found. This latter structure completed September 2, 1882, 
 may be classed as one of the world's wonders. This bridge rests on founda- 
 tions of sandstone, quarried near by. It consists of twenty lower spans of 
 thirty-eight and a half feet each, and twenty- one intermediate spans of sixty- 
 one feet each. The trains run 301 feet above the creek bed, and the length of 
 the structure is 2,051 feet. The first watchman (StafPord) used to inspect 
 three of the twenty towers every day. In the winter of 1883-84, while en- 
 gaged in this work, the air benumbed his hands, so that he could not cling 
 longer to the braces, and losing his grip, fell sixty-five feet into a deep snow- 
 drift which saved him. On another occasion some one hailed him from the 
 track, and, forgetting his location, he let go his hold and was falling from the top 
 girts, when a friendly iron brace, within reach, saved his life. The old " Peg- 
 Leg ' ' Railroad, now a thing of the past, was wonderfully unique. It belonged 
 to Bradford's infancy and for this reason is referred to historically in the 
 sketch of that city. To-day a ride on the Bradford, Bordell & Kinzua Rail- 
 road, is almost as exciting as a chariot-race or bull fight, and a trip from 
 Bradford to Smethport, or south on the main line, is something at once enjoy- 
 able and instructive. A reference to the first chapter will point out the sharp 
 high elevations over which our engineers have carried this and other local rail- 
 roads. 
 
 The Warren railroad convention of June, 1851, claimed Representatives 
 O. J. Hamlin, Hiram Payne and N. W. Goodrich, of McKean county; Henry 
 Souther, James L. Gillis and C. K. Early, of Elk county, on the executive 
 committee. Many other citizens, however, were present as delegates. Work 
 on the Sunbury & Erie Railroad was soon after commenced, and the comple- 
 tion of that road through McKean, Elk and Cameron counties in 1864 followed. 
 
 The Buffalo, Bradford & Pittsburgh Railroad from Carrollton to Gilesburg, 
 twenty-six miles, was consolidated in 1859 with the Buffalo & Pittsburgh and 
 the Buffalo & Bradford Railroads, and opened January 5, 1866. 
 
 The Turkey Path was proposed in 1872, and $50,000 was expended on sur- 
 
156 HISTORY OF MCKEAN COUNTY. 
 
 # 
 
 vey and right of way. Asa H. Cory waa agent for purchase of right of way, 
 and B. D. Hamlin attorney, in 1873. This road was graded through Farmers 
 Valley by Contractors A. I. Wilcox and Capt. Murphy, who abandoned it the 
 same year. 
 
 In April, 1881, the Western New York & Pennsylvania Railroad was sold 
 to Archer N. Martin. This sale covered the main line, 121 miles; the Olean, 
 Bradford & Warren Narrow Gauge (twenty-three miles of which were then 
 built); the Kendall & Eldred Narrow Gauge (eighteen miles opened July 30, 
 1877); the McKean Eailroad from Larrabee, twenty-three miles up to the coal 
 mines, together with 16,000 acres of the Buffalo Coal Company's lands. The 
 price paid was $4,850,000, exclusive of $3,000,000 first and $1,000,000 second 
 mortgage bonds. Sherman S. Jewett represented the old company, A. N. 
 Martin represented the purchasing syndicate, while the city of Buffalo, owner 
 of $700,000 stock, was also represented. The Olean, Bradford & Warren 
 Railroad was opened in 1878 to the State line (twelve miles), and from the 
 State line to Bradford the same year. 
 
 The Bradford & Foster Brook Railroad Company was incorporated in Octo- 
 ber, 1877, with Col. A. I. Wilcox, president; John B. Brawley, M. N. Allen, 
 S. H. Bradley, Roy Stone, George Gilmore and E. W. Codington, directors. 
 The object was to build a railroad from Bradford to Gillmor City, on Foster 
 Bro6k, the gauge not to exceed three feet. Among the stockholders were the 
 officers named, with C. W. Staats and T. J. Skidmore. The work of construc- 
 tion was soon commenced, and in January, 1878, the road was opened to Tar- 
 port, running in opposition to the Olean & Bradford Narrow Gauge, com- 
 pleted February 11 that year. Eli Perkins, who traveled on the Peg-Leg in 
 February, 1878, describes the road as follows: 
 
 The cars run astride an elevated track on a single rail. This rail is nailed to a single 
 wooden stringer which rests on the top of piles. So evenly balanced is the train, that 
 passing over a pond or creek at the rate of twenty miles an hour the water is hardly dis- 
 turbed. ■ The motive for building is economy, the price per mile being $3,000, and the 
 cost of a ten-ton locomotive, |3,000. The locomotive is a queer looking thing. An Irish- 
 man here compared it to a gigantic pair of boots swung over a clothes line. The boiler 
 is without a flue, the engine without a piston, and the driver without a crank. I rode 
 with Gen. Stone around corners and up steep grades at thirty miles an hour. 
 
 Eli exaggerated somewhat, as this speed was never attained, there were no 
 corners, and little or nothing in the way of grades. The Peg-Leg depots were 
 Bradford, Tarport, Foster Brook, Babcock's Mill, Harrisburg Run and Derrick 
 City. Ten double trips would be made daily, and an accident was chronicled 
 almost every day. The accident of August, 1878, was a trivial one. It 
 appears that immediately after the two flat cars were pulled out of the depot, 
 by the new locomotive, A. I. Wilcox, the timbers holding the single track gave 
 way and the flat cars fell ten feet, leaving the engine on the track. In May, 
 Hugh Brawley, now deputy prothonotary, was appointed conductor. In De- 
 cember he moved to Smethport, leaving George Grogan to take his place. On 
 January 27, 1879, the explosion of a boiler, during the trial of the Gibbs & 
 Sterrett locomotive, over the Peg-Leg, resulted in the death of six men and 
 the mutilation of three others: George Grogan (conductor), John Addis (brake- 
 man), John Vaughn (engineer), Charles Shepherd (assistant superintendent), 
 Michael Hollevan (fireman) and Thomas Luby (engineer) being killed, and 
 Sterrett, Peterson and Gartside injured. In February, 1879, the road was 
 sold to Allen & Skidmore, and in March, 1880, it was disposed of at sheriff' s sale. 
 
 The Bradford, Bordell & Kinzua Railroad Company was incorporated 
 March 4, 1880; among the local directors were F. E. Boden, W. F.. Jordan, 
 James Broder, W. W. Brown, G. L. Roberts, of Bradford, and C. H. Knox, 
 
HISTOEY OF MCKEAN COUNTY. 157 
 
 of Kendall. On April 17 the first locomotive was placed on the track for 
 construction purposes, and the road was opened for trafSc June 7, 1880, to 
 Kinzua junction, the train being in charge of Conductor Stubey, with A.' T. 
 Harris, engineer, and Keuben Sweet, express messenger. The officers of this 
 company for 1890 are as follows: President, J. J. Carter; vice-president, W. 
 W. Brown; directors: John E. Eansom, of Buffalo,. N. Y. ; A. S. Murray, 
 Jr., of New York; John C. Havemeyer, of New York; August Stein, of New 
 York; M. L. Hinman, of Dunkirk, N. Y. ; W. W. Brown, of Bradford, Penn. ; 
 A. I. Wilcox, of Bradford, Penn. ; George A. Eckbert, of Titusville, Penn. ; 
 John C. McKenna, of Bradford, Penn. ; John J. Carter, of Titusville, Penn. 
 
 In September, Craigie, Eafferty & Yeomans signed the contract for build- 
 ing the road from Simpson's to Smethport, and December 16 the first train 
 arrived at the county seat, with President J. J. Carter, Attorney W. W. 
 Brown, F. E. Boden, James Broder, A. I. Wilcox and J. W. Humphrey, of 
 Bradford, among the passengers. The first freight was received by Ed. 
 Schenck, of the Bennett House. 
 
 Col. Carter, lessee of the Bradford, Bordell & Kinzua, reported a total tonnage 
 of 430,000 tons five years ago, when he took charge, and 2,000,000 tons in 
 1889. This road is now known as the Bradford & Smethport Railroad, and 
 forms part of the old Bradford, Bordell & Kinzua system. The officers elected 
 in 1890 are as follows: President, J. J. Carter; vice-president, A. I. Wilcox; 
 directors: J. J. Carter, J. C. McKenna, W. W. Brown, G. L. Eoberts, A. I. 
 Wilcox, J. E. Ransom, M. L. Hinman, L. J. Backer, August Stein. The 
 other officers of the roads elected are as follows: Superintendent, J. C. Mc- 
 Kenna; treasurer, C. T. Griggs; secretary, J. E. Eansom; auditor, W. R. 
 Diffenbach. 
 
 The Bradford, DeGolier & Smethport Railroad Company was organized 
 April 16, 1880, under charter, with L. Emery, Jr., president; Eben Brewer, sec- 
 retary; Robert H. Eose, treasurer; R. B. Stone, George A. Berry, M.A. Sprague, 
 C. S. King, P. H. Towell and W. C. Kennedy, with the officers named, directors. 
 The people of Smethport soon entered the project, B. D. Hamlin, D. Sterrett 
 and R. H. Rose, leading, and by April 22, $8,000 dollars were subscribed. In 
 May, 1880, the Bradford, Bordell & Kinzua Railroad Company was consoli- 
 dated with the Bradford, DeGolier & Smethport Road, the condition being that 
 the latter' s charter be surrendered, and $30, 000 subscribed to the stock of 
 the first- named company. 
 
 Under the management of Col. C. W. Mackey, of Franklin, the Pitts- 
 burgh, Bradford & Buffalo Railway was extended to Kane in 1883. The 
 same year it was consolidated with the Big Level & Bradford Eailroad (par- 
 tially constructed in 1881 by Gen. Kane) and the united railroad was in turn 
 consolidated with the Pittsburgh & Western Eailroad, and completed to. 
 Mount Jewett. Difficulties of transfer from narrow to standard gauge at 
 Mount Jewett however prevented the development of much traffic until, in 
 1886, Elisha K. Kane joined with five of the stockholders of the Pittsburgh & 
 Western Eailroad, and built the Big Level & Kinzua Eailroad from Mount 
 Jewett to Ormsby station on the Bradford, Bordell & Kinzua Eailroad. Con- 
 tracts were then entered into by which the Bradford, Bordell & Kinzua Eail- 
 road Company gained control of the line from Ormsby to Kane, and have since 
 operated it greatly to the satisfaction of the people of Kane, and to the devel- 
 opment of traffic. 
 
 The railroad accident of January, 1884, on the Bradford, Bordell & 
 Kinzua Eoad, three miles from Bradford and one from Tarport, resulted in the 
 death of three female passengers and one male, and injury to many others. It 
 
158 HISTORY OF MCKEAN COUNTY. 
 
 appears that oil from the Anchor Company's tank on the Buchanan farm leaked, 
 in large quantities, down the steep hill to the railroad track, and running along 
 the track formed a pool 1,000 feet below. Engineer Patrick Sexton and Fire- 
 man Walsh did not suspect the presence of oil until the gas caught the engine 
 fire, and in a minute the engineer opened the throttle wide to fly through the 
 flames. It was a terrible ride, the air-pipe couplings were burned, and the 
 train plunged down a grade of 130 feet per mile, until derailed at the curve, 
 the engineer and fireman being at their posts until their roasting flesh com- 
 pelled them to plunge into the snow. The persons burned to death were Mrs. 
 Fair, of Kinzua Junction; Mrs. Jones, of Hew City; Miss Moran, of Allen, and 
 the aged Prof . Fought, of Tarport. 
 
 The Bradford Railroad, fourteen miles to the intersection of the Kinzua 
 Railroad, was opened in July, 1881. The Kinzua Railroad from that point to 
 Kinzu^, twelve miles, was also built. The Bradford & State Line Railroad 
 Company was incorporated September 23, 1881, to build a road from Bradford 
 to the crossing of the State line at Tuna creek. The consolidation of the Alle- 
 gheny & Kinzua and Bradford & Corydon Roads, embracing what is known as 
 the"Bullis Lumber Roads," was effected in February, 1890. The Allegheny 
 & Kinzua had ten miles of road constructed from Red House on the Western 
 New York & Pennsylvania Railroad to Freck's lumber station, the Bradford 
 & Corydon Railroad, fifteen miles from Bradford to Coffey run. S. S. Bullis 
 was chosen president, and C. D. Williams, of Bradford, superintendent. The 
 branch road connecting Freck & Gilbert's mills up the west branch, runs 
 through ten miles of dense forest. 
 
 The third railroad connecting Bradford with Buffalo was opened November 
 19, 1883, by the Rochester & Pittsburgh Railroad Company. It is known as 
 the Buffalo division, extending to Punxsutawney, about 182 miles. The inaug- 
 uration train was in charge of Joe Consalus, with William Hayden, engineer, 
 and James M. Nevins, baggageman. 
 
 In December, 1878, a meeting was held at Eldred to consider the question 
 of building the Wellsville & Eldred Railroad, Guerdon Evans presiding. In 
 May, 1881, this narrow gauge railroad was commenced, W. F. Jones being 
 president; William Duke, vice-president; L. S. Anderson, secretary; W. A. 
 Baldwin, treasurer, and C. A. Farnum, attorney at the time. Work on the 
 Eldred & Rew City Railroad was commenced May 28, 1882. In May, 1886, 
 the contract for building the narrow gauge from Mount Jewett to Ormsby was 
 sold to Tennant & Johnson. This road was suggested in 1858 by Gen. Kane. 
 The Mount Jewett, Kinzua & Riterville Railroad Company was chartered in 
 April, 1889, with Elisha K. Kane, president. The capital stock was placed at 
 $80,000. The line is eight miles long, extending from the junction of the Big 
 Level & Kinzua Railroad at Mount Jewett to the junction of the New York, 
 Lake Erie & Western Railroad, near Crawfords Summit. The work of con- 
 struction was at once entered upon, and by the close of July the road was ready 
 for the iron to Kushequi, or crossing of Kinzua creek, where McClellan & 
 Kane's large saw-mill was being built. The road was completed to Doyle's 
 mill, two miles below, in September. It is proposed to build the road through 
 to the mouth of the Kinzua. The Philadelphia & Erie Railroad branch between 
 Johnsonburg and Clermont was completed in May, 1889. 
 
 In 1885-86, during the oil excitement at Kane, James Bros., of Kane, 
 constructed the Kane Oil Field Railroad, from Jo-Jo Junction, one mile south 
 of Kane, to Jo- Jo, an ephemeral village near the confluence of West and Wind 
 runs of East Branch, Tionesta creek. It is not now operated. 
 
 In 1886 West & Britton, of Kane, constructed a lumber railroad, which 
 
C, y^kj^a^^u^^ 
 
HISTORY OF MCKEAN COUNTT. 161 
 
 they called the North Kane Railroad, from the Philadelphia & Erie Railroad, 
 at Kane, for two miles down the south branch of Kinzua creek. In 1888 they 
 sold their mills at North Kane and the railroad to G. W. Campbell & Sons, 
 who made the North Kane Railroad form a portion of their Kinzua tJreek & 
 Kane Railroad. The Kinzua Creek & Kane Railroad was chartered to run 
 from Kane to Neely's mill on the Western New York & Pennsylvania Railroad, 
 and about six miles have been completed. In consideration of right of way 
 and of a loan of money necessary for its construction this railroad was ex- 
 tended to a connection with the Pittsburgh & Western Railroad, forming a belt 
 line through the borough, and entered into a permanent contract with Elisha 
 K. Kane, by which any manufacturer locating upon its line within borough 
 limits is entitled to free use of the tracks, or to have cars brought to his works 
 and returned to the main railroad at a charge of only 75 cents per car. 
 
 In 1882 a railroad was built between Coudersport, in Potter county, and 
 Port Allegany, in McKean county, known as the Coudersport & Port Allegany 
 Railroad. The Kinzua Creek Railroad Company was chartered in February, 
 1890, to build twelve miles of track from Anderson switch, of the Western 
 New York & Pennsylvania Railroad, to the big bridge on the New York, Lake 
 Erie & Western Railroad. 
 
162 HISTORY OF MCKEAN COUNTY. 
 
 CHAPTER X. 
 
 BRADFOED TOWNSHIP AND CITY OP BRADFORD. 
 
 Bradford Township — General Description — Census Statistics — Early 
 Settlers — Land Warrants and Companies — Early Schools and 
 Churches— Some First Things— Bradford Village in 1875— Township 
 Officers Elected in 1890— Villages. 
 
 City of Bradford Pioneers— Origin of the Town— Oil Boom, Etc.— 
 
 Fires— Municipal Affairs— Light and Heat Companies— Banks, Etc.— 
 Oil Exchanges — Post-Office— Hotels— Schools— Churches— Cemeter- 
 ies — Hospital— Societies, Etc. — Manufacturing and Other Industries 
 —Conclusion. 
 
 BRADFORD TOWNSHIP is bounded on the north by the south line of 
 Foster township, south by Lafayette and Keating townships, east by 
 Otto township, and on the west by Corydon township. The east branch of 
 ' Tuna creek*, running north from Lewis run, near the center of the south line, 
 forms a confluence with the west branch at Bradford, while at Tarport and 
 Babcock the main stream receives Kendall creek and Foster brook. The west 
 branch heads in Two Mile run and flows northeast from the southwest corner 
 of the township to Bradford city. Kendall creek rises in the southeast corner 
 and flows northwest to Tarport, and Foster brook rises near the east line of 
 the northeast quarter of the township, flowing almost west to Babcock. Ma- 
 rilla creek, the principal feeder of the west branch, comes down from the 
 heights in the northwest corner. A hundred smaller streams are found here, 
 some finding a way to the main streams through deep cafions. Mount Eaub, 
 a mile east of Bradford, is the highest measured point, being 2, 225 feet above 
 level. The lowest point (1,415 feet) is where Tuna creek enters New York 
 State. All the higher points are capped by Pottsville conglomerate, which is 
 either the Kinzua creek sandstone or the Olean conglom. , while in tHe south 
 and west the Johnson run sandstone is found resting on its Alton coal bed. 
 The dip of the Olean and, consequently, the oil sand from Rpck City to Tar- 
 port (nine miles) averages five and one-half feet per 'mile ; Tarport to Bradford, 
 thirteen feet; Bradford to DeGolier, twelve and one-half feet; DeGolier to 
 Lewis run, thirty-seven feet; Bradford to Marilla summit (summit elevation 
 2,010 feet, and distance six miles), three feet per mile, and the average dip 
 from Tarport to the southeast corner of the township is fourteen feet per mile. 
 The total thickness of rocks explored in the outcrop or wells is 1,977 feet ex- 
 tending from cap of Mount Raub to the' Chemung formations. Bold outcrops 
 of Olean conglomerate are visible in the Tuna Valley, and west of Custer 
 City they take the peculiar features of the formation at Olean, Rock City, 
 where the summit is 2, 350 feet above tide. In the Marilla region occurs the 
 extreme northern outcrop, in the United States, of the Appalachian coal basin, 
 but the area is so small it is held in little estimation by coal men. At Lewis 
 run is the black band iron ore (under a bed of black band shales) which yielded 
 on test 43.75 per cent of metal. Near the head of Two Mile run, just across 
 
 * Tuna creek derives its name from the eddy at its mouth, called by the Indians Ichunuagwanl or Big 
 Cove with Large Mouth. 
 
HISTORY OF MCKEAN COUNTY. 163 
 
 the south town line, five varieties of ore exist, one of which yields 48. 65 per cent 
 of metal, and one as low as 23. 10 per cent. The mineral paint ore on the Foster 
 farm was largely used by the Erie Eailroad Company some years ago in paint- 
 ing depots, bridges and cars. It was ground and mixed, with crude oil, and 
 found to be very desirable for an outside paint. There being no mill near in 
 which it could be ground, the expense of transporting it to Buffalo, having it 
 ground and then sent to market, was too great for the limited capital of the 
 party engaged in its manafacture. A barn now standing near Smethport built 
 some years ago by Col. Wilcox is entirely constructed of McKean county prod- 
 ucts except the nails, and is painted with the paint in question. 
 
 The population of Bradford township and village in 1870 was 1,446, of 
 which 100 were foreign-born citizens. In June, 1874, the number was esti- 
 mated at 1,500, including 350 in the village. The oil production for the pre- 
 ceding six years was roughly estimated at twenty-one barrels per day, which 
 sold for $1. 30 per barrel. One lumberman ran over 5,000, 000 feet of white pine 
 logs and manufactured over 3,000,000 shingles that year, and with the other 
 lumber and bark interests of Zeliff, Clark & Babcock, Peterson, J. W. Hilton 
 and P. T. Kennedy brought to the township at least $150,000. Three hun- 
 dred cows yielded 112,000 worth of butter and $3,620 worth of cheese, while 
 grain and root crops, cattle, sheep, hogs and horses contributed largely to the 
 township's wealth. 
 
 The population of Bradford township in 1880 was 2,699. In 1888 the 
 township gave 270 Republican, 132 Democratic, 41 Prohibition and 19 Labor 
 votes, or a total of 462. This number multiplied by six, as in the case of 
 Bradford city, gives the population, at the close of last year, 2,772. 
 
 The population of Bradford city in 1880 was 9,197. Of this number 2,622 
 resided in the First Ward, 1.704 in the Second, 2,603 in the Third, 1,520 in 
 the Fourth, and 1,228 in the Fifth. In November, 1888, there were 178 
 votes cast in the First Ward for the Eepublican candidate for president, 265 
 for the Democratic, and 8 for the Prohibitionist; in the Second Ward the 
 figures were 242, 112 and 15, respectively; in the Third, 143, 181 and 17; in 
 the Fourth, 228, 106 and 7, and in th^ Fifth, 122, 73 and 9, while Streeter 
 received 7 votes in all the wards, or 913+737-1-56+7^1,713, multiplied by 
 6 equals 10, 278, the population based on vote. 
 
 The resident tax-payers of Bradford township in 1844-45 were Philo Ack- 
 ley, N.. J. Buel, Smith Barton, William Coleman, John Dudley, James Cooper, 
 Orrin Fuller, C..Lukins, Hiram and J. O. Beardsley, Phil. Barron, Chester 
 Barron, Asmit Brown, Bradley & Fobes (saw-mill owners), Jones and A. L. 
 Buchanan, A. W, Buchanan, George Brookmire, William Beardsley, Aaron 
 Boon, James Babcock, H. C. Blakesley; James Blair (assessed $100 for a gold 
 watch), Andrew and W. P. Browne, John Boyd, Henry Conklin, Erastus 
 Croak, Ed. Case, J. L. Colegrove, Dyer Cramer, John Corwin, Henry Collins, 
 John anl3 Orrin Coleman, J. F. Clark, Jared Curtis, Philetus Corwin, Dana 
 & Smith (grist- and saw-mill owners), William Dikeman, Joe DeLong, Ben., 
 Dan. and Sam. Dikeman, Lorenzo and Silas Drake, James, Abel, David and 
 William DeGolier, Nathan DeGolier (saw-mill owner), F. E. Dodge, Tom 
 Doloff, Samuel and Darius Emery, H. Edson, P. D. Dean (owner of a gold 
 watch), L. Dewey (owner of a silver watch), Nathaniel, Newton and Warren 
 Edson, William Fisher (saw-mill owner), G. W. Fisher, H. Fox, M. Filler, 
 Jonathan Fuller & Son, Isaac Farr, Ephraim Foster, David Foster, Edmond 
 Freeman (farmer, near Custer City), C. D. Foot, L. S. Foster, Daniel and H. 
 W. Glass, E. Gates, Nathan Green, A. and A. L. Houghton, Hiram Hagadorn, 
 William Hook, O. Hegle, Orrin and Benjamin Havens, Simon Hamond, A. O. 
 
164 HISTOBY OF MCKEAN COUNTY. 
 
 Hunt. Hunt, Bradley & Fobes (saw-mill owners), John and Absalom Hutchi- 
 son, Lyman Imus, John Inglebee, G. W. and Timothy Kelly, James Lilly, 
 James Meddock, William Miller, W. Q. McKean, William and Simeon Morris, 
 Amos Moore (saw-mill owner), Dr. McDougall, J. F. Melvin, Melvin & Whea- 
 ton (saw-mill owners), G. W. Mantz, Michael McCullough, Sands Niles, Dr. 
 E. C. Olds (tan-yard owner), Barnabus Pike, E. C. Phillips, R. B. Eogers, 
 George Reynolds, John Rutherford, Seth Scott, William Sherman (saw-mill 
 owner), Silas Stormes, J. P. S. Snape (a foreigner), W. Snyder, H. Stellon, 
 Ardos Shepherd, W. C. Shedd, Silas Sutton, William Tanner, Jerry Totton, 
 Col. L. C. Little (agent for Boston Land company), William Yansickles, L. 
 R. Vaughn, Henry Webb (saw-mill owner), Roswell Walker, J. S. and T. L. 
 V. Waggoner, Allen Whittaker, Matt. W^oodruff, Matthew Withrow (saw-mill 
 owner), Sabines Walker, Henry Welks, John & Willard Whipple (saw-mill 
 owners) and Eli Whipple. L. S. Foster was assessor. 
 
 In 1846 the stores in Bradford village were those of L. C. Little, A. K. John- 
 son, E. Walker & Co., Melvin & Wheaton and E. P. Allen, the grocery of Seth 
 Scott and the tavern of S. Walker. In December of this year Kingsbury & 
 Fuller, the Boston Company, Sam. W. Bradley and Noble & Tozer were 
 merchants. 
 
 The merchants of Bradford township in 1852 were S. Holmes & Co. (J. H. 
 Porter), J. F. Melvin, B. Chamberlain andB. McCoy, H. Hazzard&Co., David 
 Hunt, G. A. S. Crooker and Daniel Kingsbury. McCoy, Melvin & Co. paid 
 a tax of $10, while the others paid $7. 
 
 In 1829 David DeGolier and his wife took three days to move from the 
 site of the present town of Eldred to their farm on the east branch of the Tima. 
 The Beardsleys, Fishers, Dollops and Fosters were then in the valley, and 
 Henry Bradford Dollop was the first white child born there, in that same house 
 above Sawyer City which was destroyed by the glycerine explosion of 1880. 
 Of the two first houses built on the site of Bradford, one was occupied by the 
 Hart family, six boys and six girls, including three sets of twins. The Deacon 
 speaks of wolves being very plentiful, even in 1867, when the well drillers 
 appeared on the west branch, the time whistles would be chorused by packs of 
 wolves. He further states that No. 1 well, on the Tibbett farm, was the first suc- 
 cessful one on the east branch. The farm was purchased by Louis Emery, Jr. 
 
 Warrant 3906 dated July 1 7, 1793, to William Bingham, the consideration 
 for 1,100 acres being £5, 8s. The patent was signed by Gov. Miiflin Decem- 
 ber 12, 1794. On February 6, 1795, Bingham deeded the warrant to Eobert 
 Morris and John Nicholson, but it fell into the hands of the Binghams in 
 1799 as shown in Deed Book F, page 41. In 1851 the United States Land 
 Company deeded this tract to Daniel Kingsbury. 
 
 Col. Levitt C. Little, agent for the United States Land Company, who had 
 purchased 250,000 acres in McKean county, settled where Bradford city now 
 is, and the place was called Littleton. The first log house was constructed in 
 December, 1887, where the old calaboose stood; but later a frame house was 
 erected where the Berry block stands. The plan of the town was drawn in 
 1888 by Leech, of Boston, after the Colonel' s idea. In 1840 another plat was 
 drawn by C. D. Webster, wherein is shown the space for a church-house where 
 is now the St. James Hotel. Main street was known as the Smethport road; 
 the south extension of Mechanic street, the Warren road, and northward, the 
 Clean road. Congress street was a short alley, which connecte(i Main street 
 with the Corydon road. The old lumbering town of Littleton was down in 
 I^Sypt until 1858, when a weekly newspaper, the Miner, was inaugurated, and 
 the name of Bradford assumed. 
 
HISTOEY OF MCKEAN COUNTY. 165 
 
 In December, 1849, when Judge Ward came from Cattaraugus county, N. 
 Y., he settled at Tarport and took charge of the large school there. He was 
 at once struck with the remarkable progressive character of the people and 
 merchants, and equally so by the pupils. Prof. F. A. Allen was then county 
 superintendent and principal of the Smethport Academy.' Tarport was then 
 the business center of the Bradford lumber field, and here were the large stores 
 of John F. Melvin (who came as a lumberman in 1826), and Benjamin Cham- 
 berlain, his partner, who lived in Cattaraugus county. Sylvanus Holmes and 
 Joseph Porter also had a large store there. Hiram Hazzard was also a mer- 
 chant, and like the 6thers, engaged in lumbering. David Hunt was solely a 
 merchant; Sabines Walker carried on his grocery; Harvey D. Hicks was post- 
 master (it is thought deputy to Mr. Melvin) and hotel-keeper; Dr. Goit Brown 
 was physician there, while Dr. Peckham was at Littleton. Johnson & Leech 
 were sole dealers in pine lumber and shingles. There were four saw-mills run- 
 ning, of which W. B. Fisher owned one and Melvin & Chamberlain the remain- 
 ing three. The school building was a large one, ornamented with a cupola, 
 and in this building the Methodists, Baptists and Congregation alists used to 
 worship. Elder Porter (who owned the farm on which Judge Ward's house 
 now is) was minister of the last-named denomination, while the energetic Will- 
 iams watched over the Methodists and Elder Prosser over the Baptists. Judge 
 Ward presided over this school for two sessions, then moved to Bradford to 
 take charge of the village school, and about 1855 he established the Bradford 
 Academy, with Mr. Sellick, assistant. This select school continued only two 
 years, but Judge Ward continued teaching at Limestone, and after the war 
 completed his school experiences at Salamanca. After Mr. Kingsbury' s of&ce 
 was really established Tarport began to decline, and Littleton to advance. 
 
 At Littleton was Daniel Kingsbury's little store, also that of G. D. H. 
 Crooker. The Boston Company's land office was just opened with Mr. Kings- 
 bury in charge, and Col. Little, agent. The double mill stood just west of the 
 Mechanic street iron bridge; a frame school-house stood on what is now the 
 corner of Corydon and Mechanic streets. Therein religious services were 
 held by the preachers named in the history of Tarport. From this period 
 the progress of Littleton dates. Thomas J. Melvin, Loyal Ward (who, 
 about war times carried on a store at Tarport) and Nelson Parker estab- 
 lished their business at Littleton after the war. E. C. Old's tannery was here 
 in 1849. Among the leading lumbermen were Fuller and Miller, of Bolivar 
 run. The firm of Bradley & Fobes had three mills on Foster brook. At the 
 State line, on the Tuna, was the Webb and Leech & Johnson mills; up Ken- 
 dall creek was F. A. Moore's mill, also Whipple's and Silas Sutton's. Up the 
 south branch was N. DeGolier's mill, and above Bradford Fobes & Bradley 
 had a miU. The Judge is convinced that this list covers the mills in operation 
 forty years ago. All over the country shingle makers found a home, bringing 
 the shingles to the lumberman in the evening and receiving their pay. The 
 square timber industry was also very extensive, as the pines were large and 
 clear. The large timber was rafted and run down the Tuna to the Allegheny, 
 and thence to the Ohio. 
 
 The first golden wedding celebration ever held in Tuna Valley was that of 
 July, 1883, by W. E. Fisher and wife. Forty years prior to this date they 
 settled on the Tarport road in a log cabin which this old settler erected. In 
 1847 he built the house in which the celebration was held. Dan Glass, 
 who for forty years played the violin throughout the Tuna and neighboring 
 valleys, contributed the music on this occasion. 
 
 In September, 1875, when C. L, Wheeler came to Bradford, the business 
 
166 HISTORY OF MCKEAN COUNTY. 
 
 of the village was represented by Thromas Melvin, who kept a general store, 
 Frank Davis, the druggist and telegraph operator, and Wilbur DeGolier, 
 watchmaker and postmaster. J. K. Pomeroy kept a dry goods store; Albert 
 DeGolier had a general store, the popular Bradford House, Green's Hotel on 
 Main street, while the old St. Nicholas Hotel stood where the Producers' Ex- 
 change now is. The hotel formerly kept by P. M. Fuller was in existence in 
 1875. 
 
 The officers of the township elected in February, 1890, are as follows: 
 Supervisors, J. L. Morris, H. Boss; school directors, W. H. Emery, H. G. 
 Cutting; auditor, M. Ingalsby, Sr. ; collector, J. L. Morris; constable, G. W. 
 Eddy; town clerk, H. C Chesney; judge of election. First District, C. A. 
 Wilbur; inspectors, C. E. Seely, Louis Brown; judge of election. Second 
 District, W. W. White; inspectors, George A. Brown, James Bell. 
 
 Villages. — Custer City, south of Bradford, was brought into existence dur- 
 ing the days of the oil stampede up the east branch. Here are the works of 
 the Kock Glycerine Company noticed in the history of the city. The bull and 
 bear fight of July 1, 1879, took place at Custer City, under the management 
 of one Marsh. The officers of the Pennsylvania society for prevention of 
 cruelty to animals, tried to stop the fight; but the people threatened to pitch 
 them into the pit, and ultimately drove them as far as Bradford. The fight 
 went on, but the bear, escaping from the infuriated bull, ran through the 
 crowd, was recaptured, placed in the pit and made fight to the death. The 
 agent had twenty men arrested for participation in this brutal affair, but with- 
 out satisfactory results. The fire of December 16, 1881, destroyed seven 
 buildings, including the Straight House. In March, 1885, the explosion of 
 6,000 pounds of glycerine at Custer City resulted in the deaths of H. V. 
 Pratt and William Harrington. 
 
 DeGolier, north of Custer City, was named in honor of the pioneer, of 
 whom mention is made in the history of Bradford. As a settlement it is 
 among the oldest in the western part of the county. The DeGolier Cemetery 
 Association was incorporated in December, 1869, with M. Ingalsby, H. J. 
 Hammond, Phil. ShafPner, Aug. M. Cram, Michael K. Dexter and John K. 
 Haffey, trustees. The United Brethren Church of DeGolier was incorpor- 
 ated April 12, 1888, with L. E. Cutting, Allen T. Foster, W. C. Freeman, 
 M. Ingoldsby, G. W. Foster, Spencer Tibbits and H. E. Bryner, officials. 
 
 Howard Junction, near the south line of the township, is a lumbering 
 village. 
 
 CITY OF BEADFOBD. 
 
 Throughout the pages devoted to general history and particularly those on 
 the Bradford oil field, a good deal has been written relating to this capital of 
 oildom. In the foregoing sketch of the township many names, inseparably 
 connected with the early agricultural and lumbering interests of this section 
 are given, so that little of the early history of the old village remains to be 
 told. How often the Indians camped in this beautiful valley of the Tuna will 
 never be learned any more than the history of the people who were here before 
 them. How often the ancient Mount Eaub was ascended by the watchmen of 
 the tribes to give warning of the advance of hostiles of the same race, or to 
 signal the approach of friends, as they |urned the distant valley curve, can 
 never be known, but enough has been told by the Oornplanters to point out 
 the fact that Indians hunted here before the coming of Seneca or Delaware, 
 and that the valley, from Foster brook to Marilla creek, on the west branch, 
 and Eutherford run on east branch, was a favorite site for their camps. As 
 
HISTORY OF MCKEAN COUNTY. 167 
 
 told in the third chapter, remains of ancient settlement were unearthed a few 
 years ago. 
 
 From 1823 to 1827 the pioneers of a new race appeared on the scene. Dr. 
 William M. Bennett, after whom Bennett's branch is named, the Pikes, Farrs, 
 Scotts, Fosters, Beardsleys, Harts, Dollops and Fishers came into the beauti- 
 ful wilderness. This immigration took place almost a quarter of a century 
 after Eobert Morris, of Eevolutionary fame, lost his title to lands here, leav- 
 ing them to revert to the Binghams. The Hart family, fourteen members, 
 settled on the site of Bradford in about 1827. For years they held p'ossession 
 of the Forks, welcoming new comers and hailing new settlers. They saw a 
 thriving village built up north of them at Tarport, and south of them the De- 
 Golier settlement was winning recruits; but their chosen spot was merely a 
 mark in the forest. 
 
 In 1837 Col. Little purchased 250,000 acres in and around Bradford, and 
 built a log house. In 1888 the village was surveyed, and named Littleton. 
 In 1851 a large tract was sold to Daniel Kingsbury by the United States Land 
 Company, and to that year we must look back for the first faint beginnings of 
 the city, though not until 1858 did the new proprietor make a determined- 
 effort to build up the place. Thirty-two years ago the name Littleton was 
 cast aside, and the present name chosen. Messrs. Kingsbury and Haffey estab- 
 lished a newspaper to aid in building up a village; Old's tannery, the mills, 
 stores, schools and religious societies referred to in Judge Ward's reminiscences 
 were all here sharing in the hopes of Kingsbury; but all their efPorts were 
 rewarded with very limited results, the mercantile and manufacturing interests 
 named in the history of the township being the only material response. During 
 the Civil war the oil fever penetrated the valley, and new hopes were built up, 
 only to be cast down; after the war, a series of disappointments waited on the 
 attempts to find oil ; but amid all such reverses men came and remained, a few 
 of whom in after years, took a foremost place among those to whom the honor 
 of developing the resources of this section is credited. They decided to carve 
 out for themselves a home in this valley and fashion out a city in the forest, 
 which would one day be regarded as the goal of enterprise, where scholars 
 would find a home and religion 10, 000 adherents. They built well ! Only a few 
 years of hope deferred, and a city sprung out of the ancient forest, extending 
 from hill to hill, and stretching down the valley. In 1878 the people asked 
 for borough government, and the demand was granted. Within three years the 
 locality was filled with busy men, and the oily ocean was yielding up its wealth 
 of petroleum; the forest fell, and in its place hundreds of houses and a thous- 
 and derricks grew up, as it were. 
 
 In 1880 eight large brick buildings, including the Eiddell House, and 500 
 frame buildings were erected; the swamp was reclaimed and a number of new 
 streets laid out. 
 
 Col. A. K. McClure, of the Philadelphia Times, visited Bradford in May, 
 1883. In his description of the city, he says: "The houses as a rule are 
 pitched together like a winter camp, with here and there a solid brick edifice 
 to mock the make-shift structures around it. The oil exchange is a beautiful 
 building, and looks as if it was expected that oil gambling would continue, 
 even after the day of doom, regardless of the shifting of oil centers. * * * 
 Oil is just now on a boom. Everybody talks oil, and the visitor must talk oil 
 or endure the unconcealed pity Qf all around him. Oil had struck somewhere 
 about $1.12 on Tuesday. * * * They sold oil by the million of barrels, 
 without a speck in sight, and with only a small percentage of margin money 
 to give substance to the hazard. Five million barrels, and even more, are sold 
 
168 HISTOBY OF MCKEAN COUNTY. 
 
 in a day, and speculators make one day to lose the next. * * * The one 
 thing that the people of this great center of oildom pride themselves upon is 
 their hospitality. They are, as a community, a broad gauge, manly, generous 
 people, with little affection and much merit." 
 
 The first public observation of Decoration Day at Bradford was that of May, 
 1876. On May 13 a subscription list (now in possession of F. S. Johnson) 
 was circulated, and thirty persons paid |2 each to aid in defraying expenses. 
 The first subscribers were Ezra Holmes, E: F. Clark, John McGill, Joseph 
 A. Hughsto, E. J. Carew, George Wright & Co. , G. A. Berry, A. L. Hughes, 
 J. E. Butts, Jr., J. Moorhouse, H. J. Pemberton, D. E. Matteson, J. H. 
 Norris, Ed. Dolan, A. DeGolier, J. K. Haffey, C. S. Whitney, L. C. Blakes- 
 lee, G. D. H. Crooker, J. Amm, P. T. Kennedy, P. M. Fuller, F. W. Davis, 
 L. Emery, Jr., A. B. Walker, P. L. Webster, E. Parsons, Bell Bros., F. S. 
 Johnson and J. C. Jackson. The oration was delivered by E. C. Beach, on 
 the public square, and the cenotaph erected there. 
 
 Fires. — The Bradford House, valued at |1 0,000, and one of the first buildings 
 there under the rule of progress, was burned May 30, 1868. The oil fire, one 
 mile from the center, of June 13, 1876, arose from lightning setting fire to the 
 gas from the Olmsted Well No. 1, on the Sandford farm. It communicated 
 with the McKean county pipe line tank, then with the P. C. L. & P. Com- 
 pany's tank, P. T. Kennedy's mill, Prentiss & Co.'s tanks, Jackson & Walk- 
 er's well and tank, J. B. Farrel's well, forty empty wooden car tanks of Pren- 
 tiss & Co., and Eiley'a dwelling, the total loss being placed at $90,000. 
 
 The fire of November 15 and 16, 1878, destroyed forty buildings, great 
 and small, including the Riddell House, the machine shops and foundry of Bo- 
 vaird & Seyfang, the planing- mills and tank shop of Stewart, the United 
 States Express Company's building, besides numerous stores, saloons, board- 
 ing houses, and shops of every description. The area burned over extended 
 from Boylston street on the north through and across Main street to Gorydon 
 street on the south, easterly to the Erie railway track, and west on Main street 
 to Osgood's dwelling house on the north side and Burgess' green grocery on 
 the south side. The total loss was placed at 1150,000. The following list 
 embraces the names of owners of destroyed buildings in the order of location 
 on Main street, looking east along that street: Fred Schutt's, where the fire 
 was stopped, still standing; Hogan & McCartey's unfinished building; Dila- 
 berto's barber shop; Keystone clothing store; Boyd & Dickson, drugs; Cor- 
 bierre & Benson, billiards; cigar store and Brunswick saloon; Theatre 
 Comique, where the fire originated; Union House; United States Express office; 
 George S. Stewart, planing-mill ; office, occupied by Williams & Cushman, vit- 
 rified stone flues; Sanborn & Co.'s news room; Tinker's hardware store; 
 Pierce House; Eiddell House; Loekwood & Haggerty, bakery and confection- 
 ery; Osgood & Howard's, occupied by Misses Rogers, millinery; Osgood, 
 owner, Mrs. Clark, occupant, boarding house (damaged, but fire stopped); 
 Thompson & Co., feed and flour; Eiddell House laundry; Johnson's, Eyder's 
 Shaw's and Mrs. Wentworth' s boarding houses; Palmer' s dwelling and grocery; 
 Wallace Lawkes' , scorched and damaged, but fire stopped; Kennedy's build- 
 ing (Brady, tenant); Newell' s building; Bradley's oil well rig; Whitney & 
 Wheeler's oil well rig and tank; Bovaird & Seyfang' s boiler shop, damaged, 
 but fire stopped; Seyfang & Bovaird' s machine shop, consumed; planing mill, 
 George S. Stewart; Oyster Bay, Pete Heaton; Bradford Ice Company's store 
 room, ice melted; House that Jack built; Bell Mahone's house; Bradley's oil 
 and well rig, tank and two old buildings; the union and elevated railway 
 depots were scorched, but saved. The fire did not cross the Erie track. 
 
"r/. 
 
 / 
 
 (i. S, /^aJ-Lui In ,z> 
 
HISTOBY OF MCKEAN COUNTY. 171 
 
 The fire of April 3, 1880, originated in the Sawyer House, in the room oc- 
 cupied by James Wilson, who was burned to death. Four acres of buildings 
 were destroyed, the total loss being over $100,000. The following list of losses 
 is taken from the Era's report of the fire: On the south side of Main street, 
 E. G. Wright & Co.'s grocery store, where the fire terminated on the west; 
 loss on stock, 16,000; on building, S1,000; insurance, $4,500. John,C. Holmes, 
 wholesale liquors and cigars; loss, $9,000; no insurance; owner of building un- 
 known; loss, about $3,000; Sawyer Bros.' saloon and restaurant; loss on 
 building and stock, $2,500; no insurance. Applebee & Eogers, grocers; loss 
 on building and stock, 18,500; insurance, $4,300. Titusville House, T. Mc- 
 Goldrick; loss on building, $5,000; insurance, $2,500. Harvey Hill; loss on 
 furniture, $500; insured. Academy of Music, John Nelson; loss, $18,000; 
 no insurance. Philadelphia Oyster House, Irving Campbell, proprietor; loss, 
 $1,500; no insurance. E. Michael, clothing, Academy building; loss on stock, 
 $1,700; no insurance. Owney Williams, billiard room; loss, $200; insured; 
 building owned by John H Shaver; loss, $2,000. Rush building; loss, $3,000; 
 occupied by P. Hanlan, saloon; loss, $500. Stephen O'Leary, hotel; loss on 
 building, $2,000; insurance, $450; on stock, $400; insured; occupied by 
 Luther & Draper; loss, $600; no insurance. Thomas Bradley, building; loss, 
 $1,000; fully insured; occupied by G. H. Dewitt, saloon; loss, $300; no in- 
 surance; goods partly saved. Italian fruit stand; goods partly saved. L. E. 
 Dunton, watchmaker; loss, $200; goods partly saved. Billy Howard and 
 Billy Eose, saloon; stock mostly saved; loss, about $100. Barber shop; stock 
 damaged by moving. Greenewald Bros., clothing; damage, $700; fully in- 
 sured. A. Mayer & Co., liquors and cigars; damage by moving, $300; in- 
 sured. Folwell & Mott, druggists; loss on building, $1,250; insurance, $500; 
 on stock and fixtures, $550; no insurance. Whitlock, liquors; loss, $100. 
 
 On the north side of Main street considerable damage was done by the in- 
 tense heat and removal of goods. James Casey, liquors, $100; insured. Mc- 
 Carty, billiards, $100; insured. N. Lazarus, saloon, $70; insured. Borchert, 
 Daggett & Co., $100; fully insured. T. Bradley, express office, $150; in- 
 sured. A. & G. Hochstetter, loss, $50; insured. Daniel Clark, $150; in- 
 sured. Nick Weiss, loss, $50; insured. On Webster street, behind the 
 Academy of Music, was Judge Newell' s building and office, totally destroyed; 
 loss, $1,500; fully insured. Bullis, meat market, loss on building and stock, 
 $1,000; no insurance, as far as could be learned. J. W. Euble, Washington 
 House; loss on building, stock and fixtures, $2,000; insurance, $600. Mrs. 
 P. McNamara, Corry House; loss on building and furniture, $2,000; insur- 
 ance, $1,500. Amos Williams, Williams House; loss, $2,500; no insurance. 
 Traveler's Home, owned by Whitman & Trainer; loss on building, $800; fur- 
 niture, $200; no insurance; saved part of contents. Parker House, Lewis & 
 Davie, proprietors; damaged by tire, $2,000; $1,000 on furniture; insured. 
 McBean, from Tonawanda, N. Y. (old Frew House), in charge of C. A. Dur- 
 fee; damage, $250; insured. Jamestown Bottling Works, damage, $150; in- 
 sured. 
 
 The fire of May 31, 1880, originated in Wheeler's rig, in rear of the 
 Parker House. Hostetter's building, occupied by E. G. Wright & Co. as a 
 storehouse, and the rig, were destroyed, and other buildings were damaged.* 
 
 The central office of the United Pipe Lines was destroyed by fire June 
 22, 1882, the loss being placed at $20,000. The fire of December, 1882, 
 destroyed Habenrig's store on Mechanic street and public square, the Ho- 
 tel La Pierre, the Hotel Florence, and Irvin's livery stable. 
 
 The fire of June 19, 1884, destroyed the Burt House and three adjoining 
 
172 HISTORY OP MCKEAN COUNTY. 
 
 buildings The burning of Mrs. Charles Eeibley' s bakery and hotel occurred 
 
 July 11, 1884, when Mrs. Eeibley, her two children and a Swedish girl were 
 burned to death. A few months before Mr. Eeibley was drowned in the Al- 
 legheny at Carrollton The fire of December 19, 20, 1886, destroyed five 
 
 buildings on Kennedy street. . . .The fire of January 11, 1889, destroyed the 
 Palace Hotel nearly opposite the Eiddell House, burning out P. P. Bate- 
 man, McEvoy Bros., A. F. Moore, Samuel Ames, J. Krienson, Ardizone Bros. , 
 J. B. Fox, A. Lino, I. Marks and others in the Durfey & Walshe buildinge, 
 and damaged the Greenwald Bros. ' stock. 
 
 A number of small fires are recorded, many of them occasioned by light- 
 ning, such as that which destroyed Park & Hazzard's rig. The great oil fires 
 are recorded in the sketches of Foster and Keating townships, while a few be- 
 longing to this township are noted as follows: The glycerine explosion of Sep- 
 tember 15, 1878, on the farm of Jared Curtis, near Bradford, and opposite 
 Toad Hollow, resulted in the destruction of the Mclntyre Torpedo Company's 
 magazine and the death of N. B. Pulver, A. P. Higgins, C. Page and J. B. 
 Burkholder . . . . The oil fire of July 14,15, 1880, at Custer City, Lewis run 
 and Coleville, caused by lightning, resulted in the burning of a 30,000-barrel 
 tank belonging to the Acme Oil Company, and the destruction of three N. P. 
 L. oil tanks at Custer City and other property in the Minard run neighborhood 
 .... The Custer City fire of December 16, 1881, destroyed seven buildings, 
 including the Straight House then conducted by William Dean. 
 
 The Bradford tire of November, 1889, originated in the Stewart building 
 on Main street. The Bradford Stone Company lost $1,000; L. L. Higgins, 
 16,000; F. N. Merrian, |400, and George S. Stewart, |4,500. Insurance 
 reduces the total loss to a few thousand dollars. 
 
 The fire of January 19, 1890, destroyed the Protestant Episcopal church 
 building on Chatauqua place. The fire was assisted in its rapid progress by 
 the Christmas evergreen trimmings, which had become dry and had not been 
 removed since the services for which they had been put up to commemorate, 
 and the flames thus reached the steeple, which afforded them an excellent 
 draft. It was the universal remark that a fire was never seen to spread 
 with so much rapidity and burn so fiercely as did this one .... The fire of Feb- 
 ruary 19, 1890, originated at 118 Pleasant street, destroying the houses of 
 John Hutchinson and Myers, and damaging that of James Gleason. The fire- 
 men worked like heroes to save the property, but their work was made slow 
 and difficult by too much mud and too little water .... McAmbley's lumber mill 
 was totally destroyed by fire February 26, 1890, entailing a loss of $6,000. 
 
 Municipal Affairs. — Bradford borough was incorporated February 26, 
 1873, and the first election held the last Friday in March. P. T. Kennedy was 
 chosen burgess; P. L. Webster, assistant burgess; F. W. Davis, E. Parsons, 
 J. Mool-ehouse, J. H. Matteson and A. T. Stone, councilmen; G. D. H. Crooker 
 and James Broder, justices; W. Lord, constable; G. D. H. Crooker with E. 
 W. Davis and S. Emery, assessors; A. C. Switzer and P. Woodward, poor- 
 masters; J. W. Hilton, A. DeGolier and G. D. H. Crooker, auditors; J. H. 
 Matteson, H. S. Baker, P. T. Kennedy, W. J. Morrow, J. Moorehouse and E. 
 D. Foster, school directors, and J. Moorehouse, treasurer. F. W. Davis was 
 appointed clerk. A. DeGolier, John A. Evans and Loyal Ward were elected 
 justices prior to 1878. 
 
 Borough elections were held February 17, 1874, when the following votes 
 were recorded: Burgess: P. L. Webster, 33; P. T. Kennedy, 17, and A. K. 
 Johnson, 2. Councilmen: A. DeGolier, 35; E. Parsons, 44; P. Woodward, 
 42; J. Moorehouse, 39; J. W. Morrow, 38; J. E. Pomeroy, 38, and Con. 
 
HISTORY OF MCKEAN COUNTY. 173 
 
 Lane, 32. There were eleven other candidates, who received from one to nine 
 votes. The school directors elected were E. D. Foster and P. L. Webster. 
 Mrs. J. Colby and five other candidates received a nominal vote. In 1875 J. 
 W. Brennan, A. C. Switzer and A. DeGolier were elected directors, the latter 
 being succeeded, in 1876, by A. T. Lane and E. A. VanScoy. The council 
 centennial year comprised P. L. Webster, C. J. Lane, J. A. Evans, P. W. 
 Davis, A. C. Switzer and J. W. Brennan. A. DeGolier was chosen assessor; 
 M. W. Wagner, auditor; W. Lord and P. Woodward, poor-masters; Samuel 
 Emery, constable; Con. Lane, inspector, and P. Woodward, judge of elections. 
 A. DeGolier was appointed clerk. 
 
 The burgess' office has been since filled by the following named citizens • 
 J. W. Brennan, 1875; P. T. Kennedy, 1876; J. H. Norris, 1877; J. M. Fuller, 
 1878. In February, 1879, the first city election was held. James Broder 
 received 483 votes and P. T. Kennedy 222 for mayor; Will F. Jordan received 
 a large majority for mayor in 1881; James Broder, 1883; P. M. Shannon. 
 1885; E. A. Dempsey, 1887; Edward McSweeney, 1889, and Loyal Wardj • 
 1890, for three years. The assistant burgesses elected annually up to 1877 are 
 named af follows: T. J. Melvin, 1875; P. L. Webster, 1876; H. Friedenbur?, 
 1877. 
 
 In ]879 E. P. Miller was appointed clerk, serving until April 30, 1883, 
 when James A. Lindsey was elected by the council, and has since held the office, 
 except for nine months in 1887, when S. M. Decker filled the position. 
 
 In 1875 G. A. Crooker was treasurer; in 1876, C. J. Lane, succeeded in 
 July by J. W. Brennan; F. S. Johnson, in 1877; L. G. Peck, in 1878. Treas- 
 urer Critchlow was elected in 1880. 
 
 In February, 1882, City Treasurer Critchlow was arrested on the charge 
 of embezzlement, but on the 23d was discharged on common bail. On the 25th 
 F. W. Davis was appointed treasurer .... In May, 1879, Messrs. Daggett, 
 McElroy and Logan were elected by council members of the first city board of 
 health .... In January, 1880, C. D. Webster was chosen city engineer. Build- 
 ings for the Johnson and Era Hose Companies were authorized, the Whitney 
 Hose Company having been hitherto supplied with a building. The bondsmen 
 of E. J. McMath, absconding collector, asked for the appointment of a collector 
 for balance of taxes, and G. W. Moorehouse was appointed. 
 
 The officers of the city elected in February, 1890, are as follows: Mayor, 
 Loyal Ward (B.), who received 804 votes against 689 recorded for Gardner; 
 city treasurer, E. T. Lain (E. ) ; city controller, M. Albert (E. ) ; city assessors, 
 N. J. Stanton (E.), George P. Booth (E.), E. A. Boyne (E.). 
 
 Select Council— J. L. Andrews (E.), John P. Zane (E.), Matt Euddy (D.), 
 I. G. Howe (E.), C. E. Harrington (E.). Eepublicans, four; Democrats, one. 
 Common Council — F. A. Moore (E.), Felix Steinberger (D.), L. E. Ham- 
 sher (E.), W. K. Laney (E.), E. Quigley (D.), Bert McAllister (E.), W. C. 
 Kennedy (E.), S. D. Weaver (E.), Thomas A. Flynn (E.), T. W. Eoberts (E.). 
 Eepublicans, eight; Democrats, two. 
 
 School Controllers— C. A. Durfey (D.), W. O. Neely (D.), J. T. Jones (E.), 
 W. E. Weaver (E.), H. H. Adsit (E.), A. M. Mayer (D.), W. A. Booth (E.), 
 A. Miller (E.), Samuel Huff (E.), M. D. Harris (E.). 
 
 Constables — Thomas Osborne (D.), George E. Gibbons (E.), Thomas Fen- 
 nerty (D.), C. A. Spreeter (E.), W. W. Tadder (E.). 
 The vote by wards is recorded as follows: 
 
 First Ward, First Precinct — Select council: Andrews (E.), 77; O'Donnell 
 CD.), 66. Common councU: Steinberger (D.), 84; Moore (E.), 80; Euble (D.), 
 65; Hawkins (E.), 53. School controller: Durfey (D.), 77; Neely (D.), 71. 
 
174 HISTOEY OF MCKEAN COUNTY. 
 
 Constable, Osborne (D.), 91; Hayes (lud.), 51. Assessor: Osborne, 89; Brin- 
 ton (R.), 50. Judge of election: P. Fragner (R.), 78; G. W. McMullen (D.), 
 46. Inspector of election: C. M. Hendrickson (R.), 68. 
 
 First Ward, Second Precinct — Select council: Andrews (R.), 139; O'Don- 
 nell (D.), 97. Common council: Steinberger (D.), 158; Ruble (D.), 135; 
 Moore (R.), 124; Hawkins (R.), 4. School controller: Durfey (D.), four 
 years, 180; Neely (D.), two years, 148; Greenewald (R.), 30. Constable: Os- 
 borne (D.), 151; Hayes (Ind.), 94. Assessor: Osborne (D.), 151; Brinton(R.),. 
 80. Judge of election: P. H. Gallagher (D.), 152; H. K. Welch (R.), 58. 
 Inspector of election: T. F. Mayer, 158; C. A. Dickinson, 55. 
 
 Second Ward— Select council: Zane (R.), 201; Sondheim (D.), 89. Com- 
 mon council: L. E. Hamsher (R.), 210; W. K. Laney (R.), 211. School con- 
 troller: J. T. Jones (R.), 210; W. R. Weaver (R.), 210. Constable: Gibbons 
 (R.), 206. County assessor: Thomas (R.), 275. Judge of election: John R. 
 Zook (R.), 206; B. F. Smith (D.), 84. Inspector of election: W. B. Chapman 
 (R.), 204; J. H. Dibble (D.), 84. 
 
 Third Ward— Select council : Ruddy (D. ), 206 ; Hockenberry (R. ), 11 1 . Com- 
 mon council: Quigley (D.), 162; McAllister (R.), 159; Coffey (D.), 158; Lucas, 
 151. School controller: Adsit (R.), 214; Mayer (Ind.), 163; Hager (D.), 129; 
 Wilcox (D.), 71. Constable: Fennerty (D.), 207; McMahon (R.), 107. County 
 assessor: Fennerty (D.), 191; Blair (R.), 124. Judge of election: M. W. 
 Chaffee (D.), 174; George Duffey (R.), 145. Inspector: Clarence Merrow (D. ), 
 175; C. Hill (R.), 142. 
 
 Fourth Ward— Select council: Howe (R.), 187; Flynn (D.), 100. Com- 
 mon council: Kennedy (R.), 283; Weaver (R.), 131; Scott (D.), 59. School 
 controller: Booth (R.), four years, 288; Miller (R.), two years, 217; Davis (D.), 
 two years, 71. Constable: Spreetor (R.), 288. County assessor: Haggerty (R.), 
 215; Robbins (D.), 71. Judge of election: W. F. Robinson (R.), 288. In- 
 spector of election: N. J. Loveless (R. ), 219; Frank Costello (D.), 71. 
 
 Fifth Ward— Select council: Harrington (R.), 127; Rasch (D.), 65. Com- 
 mon council: Flynn (R.), 429; Roberts (R.), 112; Murray (D.), 87; Brooks 
 (D.), 52. School controllers: Huff (R-), two years, 121; Harris (R.), four 
 years, 118; Walker (D.), four years, 75; Mallick (D.), two years, 70. Con- 
 stable: Tadder (R.), 117; Harrigan (D.), 70. County assessor: Gowdy (R.), 
 122. Judge of election: William Maginn (R.), 122; J. W. Slattery (D.), 70. 
 Inspector of election: John B. Pierson (R.), 120; W. Enches (D.), 72. 
 
 City Finances. — Prior to 1887 there were two valuations of taxable prop- 
 erty in the city, one for city purposes and one for county purposes. The val- 
 uation for county purposes was at least one-third, and often one-half, less 
 than the valuation for city purposes. But it happened that the supreme court 
 in 1886 declared the act of 1875 (the act under which two assessments were 
 permissible) unconstitutional. * This made it necessary to fall back to the 
 county valuation as a basis for the city assessment in 1887, which brought the 
 valuation down from $1, 500, 000 to $1, 000, 000. 
 
 The bonded indebtedness of the city, December 31, 1888, as shown in 
 Mayor Dempsey's address, is as follows: 
 
 Bonds Issued December 1, 1881, to purchase old water-works, due December 1. 1891, 
 $3,500; purchased by sinking fund commissioners, $1,000; leaving a balance outstanding 
 of, $3,500; cash in treasury, $1,157.04, which leaves a balance of $1,342.96 to be raised in 
 three years, or $447.65 this year, together with Interest on $3,500 amounting to $310, 
 making a total of *657.65. 
 
 Bonds issued May 1, 1883, for the erection of the city building and funding the float- 
 ing debt, $17,900; purchased for benefit sinking fund, $1,900; leaving a balance outstand- 
 ing of $16,000; cash in treasury, $6,431.87, which leaves a balance of $9,568.63 to be taken 
 
HISTOEY OF MCKEAN COUNTY. 175 
 
 care of in four years, or |2,376.99thisyear with interest on |17,900, amounting to $1,074, 
 making a total this year for principal and Interest of $3,450.99. 
 
 Bonds issued December 1, 1883, for building new waterworks, due December 1, 
 1893, $20,000; purchased for benefit sinking fund, $8,000; balance outstanding, $12,000. 
 Amount in treasury to be credited to payment of these bonds, $2,857.88, which leaves a 
 balance to be paid in five years of $9,142.12 or $1,828.42 to provide for the incoming year. 
 
 Bonds issued December 1, 1883, due December 1, 1898. Amount of bonds, $30,000; 
 cash in treasury, $2,381.20, leaving a balance to be paid in ten years of $17,618.80; in 
 order to liquidate this we will have to raise this year $1,761.88. 
 
 Bonds issued December 1, 1883, due December 1, 1903. Amount of bonds, $25,000; 
 cash in treasury to apply, $1,984.33; amount to be raised in fifteen years, $23,015.67; 
 amount required to be raised this year, $1,534.37. 
 
 Total to be provided for this year. 
 
 Bonds due December 1, 1891, $657.65; bonds due May 1, 1893, $3,450.99; water bonds 
 due December 1, 1893, $1,828.42; water bonds due December 1, 1898, $1,761.88; water 
 bonds due December 1, 1903, $1,584.37; interest on water bonds, $3,900; all showing a 
 total of $13,133.31. 
 
 The total assets of the city on January 1, 1889, were estimated at 
 $141,885.27, of which the water- works were said to be worth $102,000; the 
 city building, $8,000, and fire department houses and outfits, |5,200. 
 
 The municipal act of May, 1887, was declared unconstitutional in 1888, 
 and some difiB.culty in managing the affairs of the city ensued; but the act 
 of 1889 remedied this, and in April, 1890, the city officers chosen in Febru- 
 ary, under this act, assumed their duties. 
 
 Police Department. — The oldest police record dates back to 1879 when 
 Thomas Murphy was chief, with Abel Edick, Nelson Morrell, John C. McCrea, 
 S. H. Emmerson and Thomas McDonough, policemen. In 1880 John C. 
 McCrea took Chief Murphy's place, and William Quirk and William McAn- 
 drews were added to the force. In July, J. D. Piscus, J. W. Eiley and S. 
 W. Truck were added. On the 21st of this month no less than fifty-one arrests 
 were made within houses of prostitution. The old officers may be said to 
 have continued in service until 1887, when John Wilson, Cummings, and Bent 
 and Hills were appointed, and Ed. Eonan came in later, vice Wilson. In 
 1887 N. J. Stanton succeeded John C. McCrea as chief, and he was succeeded 
 in April, 1889, by Thomas E. McCrea, chief, who along with William Eohne, 
 Matthew Donahue and P. H. Donnelly form the present police force. The 
 police docket, which was opened December 17, 1888, was filled up January 28, 
 1890. It contains 500 pages and represents about 1,500 arrests. 
 
 In years now gone forever the position of the police officer was no sinecure. 
 Desperate men and even women came here at intervals. Even the obsequious 
 Chinaman got into trouble in those days. In June, 1880, Wah Lee delivered 
 a bundle of laimdry goods to some girls on the island, who refused to pay him. 
 He battled for repossession, but was driven to retreat, after leaving marks of 
 his visit on the faces of the girls. Charged with assault, he was brought before 
 Justice McClure, and after a ludicrous attempt to defend himself, was re- 
 manded for trial, and subsequently was punished. 
 
 The first murder ever recorded at Bradford was that of Maj. Ashton, a col- 
 ored man, August 23, 1883, George Gordon, another colored man, being 
 charged with the murder. 
 
 Fire Department. — A movement to organize* a hose company resulted in the 
 formation of the F. S. Johnson Hose Company No. 1. This took place on August 
 2, 1877. The company was furnished with 1,000 feet of hose and a two- wheeled 
 cart, by the borough. Thehose-house was on Barbour street, in Whitney & Wheel- 
 er' s old barn. Another barn located on the public 8qug,re was used as a place of 
 meeting. In the loft of that building the first needs of the hose- boys were 
 
 * From the Era. 
 
176 HISTORY OF MCKEAN COUNTY. 
 
 brought up and acted upon, with Frank Whalen in the chair. Later on the 
 Johnsons fitted up a building on Pine street and made their headquarters there. 
 Their first fight with the fiery enemy was the conflagration which destroyed the 
 old Bradford House. In recognition of their gallant services at this fire the 
 citizens purchased a carriage for them, and since that time they have played 
 well their parts in saving life and property from the devouring element. Their 
 present headquarters are in the city building. This company was incorporated 
 March 7, 1881. The following is a list of the present officers: President, 
 Thomas Blakely; vice-president, Thomas Osborne; recording secretary, B. 
 McAllister; treasurer, George Carney; foreman, D. A. Ropp; first assistant 
 foreman, Jacob Heckel; second assistant foreman, Charles Bobbins. 
 
 One of the foremost organizers of the fire department was Mr. J. L. 
 Andrews, who for several terms held the position of chief engineer. He helped 
 to build up the department, and the fame of Bradford's excellent organization 
 spread all over the country. Mr. Andrews laid the foundation for the Era 
 Hook and Ladder Company, which was the second fire-fighting company organ- 
 ized in Bradford. This was in June, ] 878. Mr. Andrews raised the money 
 and went to New York and purchased the truck, which cost $1,000, and has 
 Served its purpose admirably. As a company for work the Eras are second to 
 none in the State, and, as the name implies, " they are up with the times." 
 They belong to the era in which we live. Headquarters, city building. The 
 present officers are: President, H. H. North; vice-president, Charles H. Steiger;' 
 treasurer, Robert L. Edgett; secretary, Fred. Humbert; financial secretary, 
 Frank Levens; wardrober, Charles F. Genthner; foreman, Charles F. Genth- 
 ner; first assistant, J. J. Hutchinson; second assistant, J. Disney. 
 
 Citizens' Hose Company No. 2 was organized November 27, 1878. Their 
 first conveyance for carrying hose was a sleigh, the runners of which were made 
 of bent pipe two inches in thickness. The motto of this hose company, semper 
 paratus, is well sustained by their record in checking the ravages of fire. Will- 
 iam M. Williams, now of Buffalo, was their first foreman. This organization 
 has furnished the two latest chief engineers of the department, James E. 
 Grainger, and the present incumbent, J. F. Campbell. Their headquarters 
 are on Newell avenue, near Webster street. They are earnest and effective in 
 their work. The present officers are: President, J. C. Greenewald; vice-presi- 
 deut, Herman Frank; treasurer, M. Schaaf; recording secretary, Len. Chad- 
 wick; financial secretary, J. W. Euble; foreman, J. H. Burns; first assistant 
 foreman, James Casey. 
 
 Whitney Hose Company No. 3 was organized November 12, 1878, and 
 commenced a brilliant career with the Johnson's old pumper and 500 feet of 
 rubber hose. They soon acquired a good footing, and established their head- 
 quarters on Barbour street, where they now have a fine building and first-class 
 equipment. E. N. Southwick, who has been elected to the positions of first 
 assistant and chief engineer, was presented by the company with a hat, belt 
 and trumpet in 1880. The presentation was made by William McVeigh, fore- 
 man. These were his remarks: "Nate, here is something the boys got you — 
 the speech will be ready next week." Nate was nearly overcome, but man- 
 aged to say : " Much obli ged. Bill ; my speech- will be ready at the same time. ' ' 
 The Whitney boys are firemen of the "first water." The present officers are: 
 President, W. B. Potter; vice-president, T. Whitirig; secretary, James Bell; 
 foreman, Thomas White; first assistant foreman, D. Smith; second assistant 
 foreman, C. Hudson. 
 
 The Weaver Hose Company (independent) is an organization composed of 
 employes of the firm of Emery & Weaver. They are well prepared for service. 
 
HISTORY OP MCKEAN COUNTY. 177 
 
 p 
 
 being backed up by the steamer "Lewis Emery, Jr." They are thorough 
 firemen. The present officers of the Weaver Hose and Steamer Company are: 
 President, M. B. Bailey; treasurer, C. D. Evans; secretary, Ed. Caldwell; 
 foreman, E. A. Guy; assistant foreman, G. F. Guy; engineer of steamer, 
 John Doty. 
 
 The Central Hose Company (independent) was organized in the fall of 
 1885, and since that time has accomplished good work in fighting fire. The 
 majority of the members belong to the Central Iron Works and the Oil Well 
 supply shops. They beat the record in a hose race in this city September 1 of 
 the present year by running 100 yards in 31 seconds. They should join the 
 department. The present ofScers are: President, H. W. Eaton, Jr. ; vice- 
 president, W. J. Bovaird; recording secretary, J. M. Crawford; financial sec- 
 retary, W. H. Zahnizer; foreman, C. S. Flick; first assistant foreman, S. H. 
 Nightingale; second assistant foreman, J. J. Crosby. 
 
 The Falcon Hose Company is a Third Ward independent organization 
 which is always ready to respond to an alarm. It was formed to protect 
 property remote from the other companies' headquarters, and deserves 
 encouragement. 
 
 The present officers of the Bradford Fire Department are: President, Her- 
 man Frank; vice-president, J. B. Fuller; secretary, M. Cohn; treasurer, J. 
 C. Greene wald; chief engineer, J. Campbell; first assistant engineer, Bert 
 McAllister; second assistant engineer, Harry Campbell. 
 
 The Bradford Exempts are firemen who have seen veteran service, and have 
 retired on their laurels. They own a large and finely furnished building on 
 Kennedy street. They are firemen to the back bone. Their handsome quar- 
 ters are a favorite resort. The parlors are furnished with pictures donated by 
 citizens, and the floor is covered with a costly carpet. Here the Exempts meet 
 and talk over old times. The Exempts have a striking parade uniform and 
 always command the lion' s share of the public attention. Mr. C. L. Wheeler 
 has served as president since the organization of the company. The present 
 officers are: President, C. L. Wheeler; vice-president, M. McMahon; secre- 
 tary, George L. Blakeley; treasurer, J. C. Green ewald; foreman, J. L. An- 
 drews; first assistant foreman, Thomas Osborne; second assistant foreman, Col. 
 B. Adams; directors, J. W. Euble, Arthur Colby, J. F. Campbell, T. C. Kelly. 
 Two steam fire engines, known as "L. Emery, Jr.," and "City of 
 Bradford," are two tine machines that are useful adjuncts to the efficient fire 
 department. The " Emery ' ' steamer is housed in the rear of Emery & Weaver' s 
 store. Main street, and the ' ' City of Bradford ' ' is kept in the city building. 
 The Bradford Fire Police Brigade was organized in December, 1878. The 
 object of the organization was to keep crowds from interfering with firemen 
 while at work, and to stop the operations of thieves. While this company 
 lasted much good work was accomplished in that line of duty. The fire police 
 disbanded and sold their effects some months ago. 
 
 The United Hose Company No. 4 was organized March 25, 1879. This 
 company was composed of men employed mostly by the United Pipe Line. 
 They were originally organized to protect the Pipe Line property in the 
 city, but were admitted to the department in July, 1879. Their record is a 
 good one. This company disbanded a few years ago, much to the regret of 
 all citizens. 
 
 Water- Works. — The Bradford Water- Works Company was incorporated in 
 June, 1877, with C. S. Whitney, president; T. J. Melvin, treasurer; T. A. 
 Hylands, secretary; A. W. Newell, Lewis Emery, Jr., Thomas Bradley and 
 H. J. Pemberton, directors. The capital stock was placed at $7,000, which 
 
178 HISTORY OF MCKEAN COUNTY. 
 
 ■was owned by fifty stockholders. lu October, 1879, Fuller, Bayne & Whitney, 
 representiog the Water- Works Company, proposed to sell to the city for 
 117,9(31.66, if the annual rental would not be increased to |4,600, but a propo- 
 sition by the city was accepted. As told in the pages devoted to the organiza- 
 tion of the city, Bradford owns the present water-works system. 
 
 Light and Heat Companies. — The Keystone Gas Company of Bradford 
 was chartered in February, 1882, with J. B. Bradley, E. O. Emerson, E. C. 
 Bradley, J. N. Pew and John A. Johnson, directors. The object was to sup- 
 ply gas and heat to the people along the summit from State Line southwest 
 to Big Shanty, and to drill and pump oil wells. The Bradford Light and Heat- 
 ing Company, incorporated in June, 1879, offers additional advantages. 
 
 The Bradford Electric Light and Power Company purchased Thornton's 
 big rink building in October, 1889, and converted it into an immense electric 
 light establishment. Among the incorporators are J. H. Rose, D. W. Robert- 
 son, W. C. Walker & Co., D. Phillips and Potter & Wood. 
 
 Banks, Etc. — The McKean County Bank was chartered May 13, 1857, with 
 Solomon Sartwell, George B. Backus, John 0. Backus, Samuel C. Hyde, Syl- 
 vanus Holmes, Samuel L. Casey, Wells D. Wallbridge, A. M. Benton and 
 Daniel Kingsbury, directors, who were appointed to establish a bank at Smeth- 
 port on a capital stock of $150,000. Contrary to the charter some of these 
 financiers determined to locate at Bradford, and called a meeting to elect 
 directors for June 8, at the office of Daniel Kingsbury. The Smethport 
 stockholders protested, and had O. J. Hamlin prepare such protest. This was 
 partially successful, for the wily bankers did pretend to have headquarters at 
 Smethport for a time. In January, 1858, a certificate of capital stock was 
 issued to Hannah L. Hamlin for two twenty-dollar shares in this concern. 
 Samuel C. Hyde and John C. Backus signed the certificate as commissioners, 
 while Solomon Sartwell, Jr., was the third commissioner. 
 
 Col. Henry, in his reminiscences of this bank, states that " a long- 
 legged, gander-heeled, old bank swindler from Rhode Island, with Timothy 
 O. Grannis and one Deidrich, of Utica, N. Y. , came to Smethport, bringing 
 with them three or four boxes said to contain about 134,000 in specie. They 
 interested Daniel Kingsbury and others in their plans, had a charter from 
 the State, elected Kingsbury president, Grannis, vice-president, and Deidrich, 
 cashier, and placed their bills in circulation. Kingsbury was ultimately left 
 liable for large sums, while the cashier walked off with $75,000 in bills, but 
 was captured and made disgorge." 
 
 The Bradford National Bank commenced business July 25, 1879, succeed- 
 ing the Bradford Bank (limited), capital $100,000. The first board of directors 
 were as follows: W. C. Allison, T. E. Allison, James O'Neill, G. A. Berry, 
 R. F. Borokman. The following were the officers: R. F. Borckman, presi- 
 dent; O. F. Schonblom, vice-president; J. F. Merrill, cashier; J. P. Thompson, 
 assistant cashier. On January 8, 1884, the management changed, the follow- 
 ing being the new board: O. F. Schonblom, P. T. Kennedy, W. C. Kennedy, 
 G. A. Berry, S. G. Slike, with O. F. Schonblom, president; P. T. Kennedy, 
 vice-president; T. H. Tomlinson, cashier; J. M. Fink, assistant cashier. On 
 January 13, 1885, the board changed as follows: P. T. Kennedy, O. F. 
 Schonblom, W. 0. Kennedy, H. F. Whiting, R. J. Straight, with the following 
 officers: O. F. Schonblom, president; P. T. Kennedy, vice-president; T. H. 
 Tomlinson, cashier; C. A. Mitchell, assistant cashier. The above named have 
 all remained in office except the cashier, of which office S. P. Kennedy is 
 now incumbent. On September 21, 1886, the capital was increased from 
 $100,000 to $200,000, and the surplus is $40,000. 
 
d't>t^_-^ 
 
 -<U7-^ 
 
HISTORY OF MCKEAN COUNTY. 181 
 
 On March 6, 1888, about 11 a. m.; while several customers were transacting 
 business, a man, wearing a mask and a long rubber coat, entered the front 
 door of the bank. Approaching the cashier's window, he presented a revolver, 
 and ordered the official to open the door. Without pausing, he rapidly 
 walked a short distance toward the rear of the bank, and suddenly sprang 
 over the seven-foot railing, landing directly behind the paying teller. So 
 quickly was this done that the attention of the teller, who was engaged in 
 checking out a deposit, was not attracted. Mr. Tomlinson had apparently 
 kept an eye on the man, and as he vaulted over the partition the official started 
 from his post and met the robber, who instantly*plaeed his revolver against 
 the cashier's abdomen and fired, the bullet passing entirely through his body. 
 The desperado then turned on the paying teller, and, covering him with his 
 revolver, drove him toward the rear of the room. Then seizing what money 
 lay on the counter (about $600) he escaped through the cashier's room and 
 the front door of the bank. A crowd gathered and started in pursuit. 
 After running a short distance the robber turned and fired upon Louis Bleich, 
 who was in advance of the crowd, the bullet striking Bleich in the bowels 
 and passing through his body. The robber continued his flight about 1,500 
 feet farther, when, apparently thinking escape impossible, he placed the 
 revolver to his head and fired, dying almost instantly. The name of the 
 desperado was George A. Kimball. He was formerly a resident of Bradford, 
 but for some years had lived at Garden City, Kas. Several parties who have 
 known Kimball are of the opinion that he was insane, but it was believed 
 generally that the robbery was the well-planned act of a desperado. 
 
 The First National Bank is presided over by F. W. Davis (the successor in 
 that office of J. M. Fuller), with C. C. Melvin, vice-president, W. W. Bell, 
 cashier, and George H. Mills, assistant cashier. The directors are S. G. Bayne, 
 D. O'Day, Joseph Seep, T. Wistar Brown, Trust Company (Philadelphia), A. B. 
 Walker, F. W. Davis, C. C. Melvin, J. M. Fuller and W. W. Bell. Among its 
 stockholders may be named Byron D. Hamlin, Henry Hamlin, A. G. Olmsted, 
 L. Emery, Jr. , J. T. Jones, C. E. Hequembourg, L. E. Hamsher, C. M. Farrar, 
 L. F. Lawton, S. Auerhaim, John Weiss, P. W. Roth, John McKeown, Robert 
 C. Simpson, W. R. Weaver, F. D. Wood, Asher Brown, John Loy, P. L. Web- 
 ster, Joseph Stettheimer, Robert Long, I. W. Shirley, A. Hochstetter, James E. 
 Blair, A. B. Smith, Kenton Saulnier, E. T. Howes, J. D. Case. The capital is 
 placed at $150,000, and the surplus at $30,000. 
 
 The Tuna Valley Bank of Bradford, established in 1875-76, by Whitney 
 & Wheeler, was forced to close its doors, owing to the fierce pressure brought 
 to bear on financial houses during the year 1884. In February, 1886, the 
 final dividend, with interest, was paid to creditors, and the honorable pro- 
 jectors were the only losers. 
 
 The Commercial National Bank was opened in March, 1890, in the O'Don- 
 nell Building, on Main and Pine streets. The entire capital stock of $100,000 
 was easily disposed of, and the new bank started out with a solid backing, 
 both in a financial and a patronizing sense. At a meeting held in January, 1890, 
 the following officers were chosen: P. F. Borckman, president; C. H. Lavens, 
 vice-president; W. H. Powers, cashier; R. L. Mason, assistant cashier and 
 teller; C. H. Lavens, Alexander Urquhart, John R. Zook, J. C. Lineman, E. 
 H. Barnum, J. H. llealey, R. F. Borckman, directors. 
 
 The People's Building, Loan & Savings Association was organized at 
 Elliott & Edgett's office, July 18, 1889, when the following-named officers 
 were chosen: W. W. Brown, president; George A. Sturgeon, treasurer; 
 Roy W. Edgett, secretary; Silas G. Elliott, manager; Stone, Brown & Stur- 
 
182 HISTOKY OF MCKEAN COUNTY. 
 
 geon, attorneys; board of appraisers: E. J. Boylston, A. T. Godfrey, James 
 H. Koche, Frank W. Boss and C. M. Carr. At this time no less than 116 
 shares were subscribed for. 
 
 The Bradford Building & Loan Association is presided over by H. S. 
 Southard, with H. H. North, secretary. The second series of stock was au- 
 thorized to be opened February 2, 1890. 
 
 The McKean County Board of Underwriters was organized some time ago, 
 and presided over by E. V. Cody, with John Troy, of Olean, vice-president, 
 Fred W. Groves, secretary, and William Haskell, treasurer. 
 
 Oil Exchanges. — The Tlina Valley Oil Exchange was presided over in 
 January, 1877, by A. I. Wilcox, with Col. D. Gardner, vice-president, and 
 C. Everson, secretary. 
 
 The Bradford Oil Exchange may be said to have been established March 
 19, 1878, when a meeting, over which C. L. Wheeler presided, considered the 
 question of organization. A. J. Stephenson was secretary; J. M. Fuller, L. 
 Emery, Jr., C. L. Wheeler, G. H. VanVleck and F. E. Boden, executive and 
 building committee, and A. F. Kent, treasurer. Stock to the amount of 
 $30,000 was at once subscribed, and in May plans by E. A. Curtis were 
 adopted, and the old Johnson homestead on Main street, purchased for 
 $10,000. The building contract was sold to Henry Shenk, who commenced 
 work June 13, 1878, and completed the house in February, 1879, the total 
 cost including lot being $44,000. Charles L. Wheeler, the first president, 
 has been elected annually down to the present time. The officers of the 
 Bradford Oil Exchange elected for 1890 are C. L. Wheeler, president; J. E. 
 Haskell, vice president; Winfield Scott, secretary and treasurer; J. B. Jayne, 
 F. W. Davis, C. C. Melvin, P. L. Blackmarr, E. Boyer, W. R. Weaver, S. 
 H. Durston, A. B. Walker, J. E. Cochran and John Denman, directors; F. 
 H. Eoberts, A. Thornton, F. P. Leonard, W. E. Gould and J. M. McElroy, 
 arbitration committee; C. L. Wheeler, E. P. Whitcomb and J. T. Jones, 
 conference committee; C. K. Thompson, judge of election; E. J. Boylston 
 and I. G. Jackson, inspectors of election. 
 
 The Producers' Petroleum Exchange was chartered in December, 1882, 
 and early in 1883 the inaugural meeting was held in Armory Hall, with 500 
 members, each of whom carried a $100 share. In June, 1888, a site for the 
 Exchange building was obtained, and January 2, 1884, the house was com- 
 pleted and opened, David Kirk, the president, delivering the address. Messrs. 
 McKevett, Williamson and Lockwood formed the building committee. Mr. 
 Kirk, referring to the progress of the county, said: " Congressionally we are 
 in the same condition. For six years of the ten at least we must continue to 
 be the tail end of a wild-cat district. Politically we amount to no more to day 
 than when the population of McKean county consisted of a few men in the 
 lumbering camps of the wilderness. Our representatives must be held ac- 
 countable. One of them, with a vulgar display of wealth, has tendered money 
 in place of services." 
 
 The Association of Producers was organized June 11, 1884, with H. L. 
 Taylor, president; David Kirk and W. J. Young, vice-presidents; F. W. 
 Mitchell, treasurer; W. H. Johnson, secretary; John L. McKenney, John 
 Satterfield, J. A. Cadwallader, W. ^N . Hague, F. T. Coast, J. T. Jones, B. 
 Goe, W. R. Weaver, C. S. Whitney, J. S. Davis, F. W. Andrews, James 
 Amm, W. J. Young and H. B. Porter, executive committee. A meeting was 
 held August 21, 1884, when the secretary read the report on the ' ' shut-down ' ' 
 prepared by the executive committee, and with it the agreement, signed by 861 
 individual owners of wells or representatives of firms, while the total number 
 
HISTOBY OF MCKEAN COUNTY. 183 
 
 of wells in the Bradford district, connected with the National Transit and the 
 Tide Water Lines, was 13,328. 
 
 The Producers' Protective Association elected the following named officers 
 September -3, 1889: T. W. Phillips, of New Castle, president; H. L. Taylor, 
 of Buffalo, vice-president; James R. Goldsborough, of Bradford, secretary'; 
 R. J. Straight, of Bradford, treasurer. The association was organized two 
 years before this date, and is credited with introducing the new era of pros- 
 perity in the oil field. 
 
 The W. P. Driven Well Protective Association was organized at Bradford 
 in 1888, with A. J. Edgett, president; Dr. M. A. Todd, secretary; A. De- 
 Golier, treasurer; P. T. Kennedy, C. C. Melvin and James E. Blair, execu- 
 tive committee. 
 
 Post-office. — In 1879 W. F. DeGolier was postmaster at Bradford. His 
 direct salary was $2,300, with 11,500 allowance for clerk hire. During the 
 first quarter of the year 1879 moaey orders for $31,000 were issued, and 
 $5,899 worth of stamps sold. In March, 1885, the citizens of Bradford peti- 
 tioned for the extension of the free-letter delivery system. The petitioners 
 were given an idea of the mills of the gods, for the department devoted four- 
 teen months to the consideration of their prayer. The present postmaster, C. 
 B. Whitehead, took possession of the office May 28, 1886, and within thirty 
 days the welcome letter-carriers were distributing letters among the people. 
 In 1887 the voluine of business was far in excess of any preceding year, and 
 an increase in business marks every month since that time. 
 
 Hotels. — The Riddell House was sold in November, 1881, by Dr. George 
 Riddell, to Chamberlain & Gelm for $40,000. The Doctor built a large frame 
 house in 1878, on part of the site of the present structure. Late that year it 
 was swept away by tire. In 1879 the present house was built by him. Ander- 
 son & Co. purchased Chamberlain & Gelm's interests; Mitchell & Anderson 
 bought the house from them on July 23, 1885; P. P. Holley purchased Mitch- 
 ell's interest, and in 1887 he became sole owner. The Riddell is a first-class 
 hotel, admirably managed. 
 
 The St. James Hotel, at the head of Main street, near the exchanges, 
 banks, newspaper offices and leading business houses, is equally as well man- 
 aged as the Riddell House. The building is quite modern, and the location 
 unexcelled. 
 
 The Henderson House comes next in importance. It is a most popular hos- 
 telry, and well conducted. The hotel is a large building, one block from Main 
 street, but near the business center, the churches and schools, and convenient 
 to the railroad depots. 
 
 The American House is spoken of with favor by visitors from various 
 sections of the Bradford field; while several other houses have their admir- 
 ers, leading one to suppose that the city knows no such thing as a poor hotel. 
 
 In January, 1847, Sabines Walker petitioned the court to grant him a 
 license for keeping a house of entertainment in his dwelling on Tunuanguant 
 creek, where the Smethport and Ellicottville road passes. In January, 1848, 
 Sylvanus Holmes asked license for this house. For about thirty years Bradford 
 and neighborhood were happy in the old-time inns referred to by Judge Ward, 
 and when the modern inns came to replace tl^em, fire swept away a few of the 
 new institutions, as related. 
 
 Schools. — In the reminiscences of Judge Ward, references are made to the 
 early schools of Bradford. In 1877 the old school building became the prop- 
 erty of the Catholic church, and on its site stands the present St. Bernard's 
 
184 HISTOHY OF MCKEAN COUNTY. 
 
 church and convent schools. At that time the common-school system of the 
 city placed the foundation stone of its present greatness. 
 
 In his first report to the State superintendent in 1882, George F. Stone, 
 then superintendent of the city schools, said: " In submitting my first report of 
 the condition of the schools of the city of Bradford, you will permit a refer- 
 ence to the peculiar difficulties with which our city in its infancy has labored. 
 M'ithin seven years our school population has increased more than twelve fold, 
 and the number of schools in like proportion. It has been found necessary to 
 erect within the last two years three school buildings, furnishing accommoda- 
 tions for thirteen schools, and during the present vacation another building 
 has been enlarged to accommodate two additional schools." In 1882 there were 
 in the city twenty-one schools, employing twenty-six teachers. The average 
 attendance was 1,037 and the average percentage was ninety-two. The total 
 amount of tax levied for school and building purposes, $39,649.21. In 1883 
 the number of schools had increased to twenty- four, the number of teachers 
 to thirty-five, and the average attendance had swelled to 1,080. The sexes 
 were about evenly divided. In this year the total tax was $29,488.46. Dur 
 ing the school year ending June 2, 1884, the capacity of the schools was 
 again severely tested, and a new brick building was erected on Congress street. 
 This structure contains a library, a laboratory and a printing office. In this 
 year the number of schools was swelled to thirty-two, employing thirty-eight 
 teachers, with an average attendance of 1,166. The total amount of taxes 
 levied was $27,578.46. In 1885 the schools were not increased. The num- 
 ber of teachers employed was thirty-nine, and the average attendance was 
 1,300. The total amount of the tax levy was 138,091.07. In the spring of 
 1886 the central school building was destroyed by fire. It was replaced by a 
 larger and more commodious structure. In this year there were thirty -four 
 schools, which gave employment to thirty, nine teachers. The average attend- 
 ance was further increased to 1,315. The tax levy was $31,287.48. In 1887 
 there were thirty-one schools, employing thirty-five teachers. The enrollment 
 consists of 912 males and 968 females, a total of 1,880. The average daily 
 attendance is 1,387, and the average cost of each pupil $1.03 per month. The 
 total amount levied for school and building purposes is $27, 180. 74. In 1888 
 phenomenal progress was reported. In June of this year the discussion on 
 the question of the superintendent's salary created a stir in school circles and 
 brought from the superintendent a letter of which the following is a copy. 
 
 Bangor, Mb., June 23, 1888. 
 
 To THK BOABD OF SCHOOL CONTROL, BRADFORD, Pa. 
 
 As I read in the Era of to-day that I have been charged with disloyalty to the schools 
 of Bradford in advising teachers to ask higher salaries elsewhere, and thus oblige the Brad- 
 ford board to increase them; also, that the public are dissatisfied with the increase made 
 in my salary, I again ask the Bradford board to release me from my engagements for an- 
 otheryear. A Superintendent may be found whose desire for a position may be so great 
 that he will be willing to keep silent when he is unjustly accused. Fortunately my op- 
 portunities in life are so many that I am not so placed. I again thank the Board for the 
 uniform courtesy I have received at their hands. 
 
 Respectfully, 
 
 Ella M. Botce. 
 
 The lady did not lose her position; on the contrary her salary was advanced, 
 and in July, 1889, the following assignment of teachers was made, which was 
 adopted by the board: Central Brick Building: Anna McBride, principal; 
 Helen M. Biscoe, first assistant; Oriana Wycoff, principal; Christine Miller, 
 assistant; Sarah Bruce, Sallie Hamor, Luella Harris, Bessie Johnson, A. Hag- 
 gerty, A. Herrick. — Annex: L. Heard, M. Silberberg. — Synagogue: Bertha 
 James. — Central Wooden Building : Helen Shepard, Miss Angell, Annie Miller, 
 
HI8T0EY OF MCKEAN COUNTY. 185 
 
 K. Murphy, J. Simons, H. Horton, B. Huflf, M. Bro^n.— Third Ward: Belle 
 Minard, Nellie Lewis, Cleora Prosser, L. Morton, S. Lewis, Francis Wann.— 
 Fourth Ward: Jennie Renninger, Delia Neely, H. Mason, A. Brennan — 
 Fifth Ward: M. Wann, M. Mead, H. A. Brown, I. Blanchard. 
 
 The actual expenses were, for year ending June, 1889: Salaries of superin- 
 tendent and teachers, 116,559; of secretary and librarian, |411; of janitors, 
 11,242; fuel and contingencies, |1,078; supplies, $823; miscellaneous, $3391 
 total, $20,452. > * > 
 
 Late in the fall of 1878 the work of erecting the schools attached to St. 
 Bernard's Church was begun, and school opened in them in September of the 
 following year, the services of the Sisters of the Order of St. Joseph having 
 been secured as teachers in the same. The maintenance of these schools is 
 quite a heavy burden upon the congregation. These schools are free to all. 
 There are some three hundred pupils upon the school roll, who are instructed 
 and well grounded in all the primary branches without any expense to the tax- 
 payers of the city. Of her educational advantages Bradford has good reason 
 to be proud. The public school system is very nearly perfect, and the advanced 
 methods, the thorough training, and the excellent discipline by which they 
 have been distinguished, have drawn to their cordial support a class which in 
 other cities depends almost wholly upon private schools. The newspapers of 
 the city are, however, the great practical educators. 
 
 Churches. — The First Baptist church is contemporary with the first settle- 
 ment at Bradford. In 1840 Rev. N. E. Chapin had an appointment as mis- 
 sionary pastor, preaching in what was known as Col. Little's house, near the 
 present oil exchange. 
 
 The Regular Baptist church of Bradford was organized under State laws 
 in September, 1852, with Enos Parsons, Truman Sherman, W. F. Peckham, 
 E. C. Olds, James DeOolier, C. Storms and Edwin Colegrove, trustees. In 
 1874 the church was reorganized under the labors of State Missionary Stowell, 
 and T. J. Knapp, of Parker, became pastor in June, 1878. His labors were 
 continued until July, 1879, when he resigned. The church was left pastorless 
 until February, 1880, when Rev. Alfred Rose, of Westerfield, N. Y. , accepted a 
 call. The society was organized under legal form in December, 1 880, and the 
 constitution signed by the following named members: W. "W. Brown, T. J. 
 Powers, F. Z. Trax, P. T. Kennedy, W. H. Dennis, M. S. Cody, C. P. Cody, 
 E. B. Chappelle, Alfred Rose, W. H. Powers, E. Crossman, Clara Prosser, 
 Jessie Browne, Jennie E. Rose and D. DeGolier. Among the trustees were 
 Isaac Jones and A. K. Johnson. Services were held in the Opera House and 
 other places until January 16, 1881, when the present house was dedicated. 
 In April, 1882, Mr. Rose resigned, and in May following was succeeded by 
 Rev. W. R. Baldwin, who served until February 15, 1884. At this time the 
 church numbered 125 members, and was carrying a debt of $8,000. On Au- 
 gust 1, 1884, Rev. James P. Thoms, of Cazenovia, N. Y. , began his pastorate. 
 The Methodist Church of Tunuangaant was incorporated in July, 1848, 
 with John F. Melvin, John O. Beardsley, Absalom Hutchinson, Seth Scott, 
 Thomas DoUoff, William Beardsley, Daniel Warner, William R. Fisher, H. 
 Webb, L. W. Fisher and A. S. Wheaton, stockholders or subscribers. 
 
 The First Methodist Church of Bradford was incorporated May 80, 1878, 
 with Loren G. Peck, J. H. Harris, A. DeGolier, H. S. Baker, L. B. Blakes- 
 lee, A. W. Newell and John Brown. The object of legal association was to 
 acquire property and build a house of worship. For many years before this 
 an organization existed in Bradford, but regular services were not commenced 
 under the auspices of such organization until October, 1876, when Rev. J. A. 
 
186 HISTOKY OF MCKEAN COUNTY. 
 
 Copeland was appointed pastor. Until March, 1887, the Opera House was 
 used for public worship. At that time their new church was completed, which 
 has since been enlarged. Mr. Copeland was succeeded in 1879 by Eev. C. W. 
 Gushing, D. D. , and in 1882 by Eev. D. W. C. Huntington, D. D. The mem- 
 bership of the church at present is over 500, and the average attendance at the 
 Sunday-school is almost 400, under the care of fifty-five officers and teachers. 
 Kev. G. Chapman Jones concluded a four-years term as pastor in September, 
 1889. At that time he reported 553 members and thirty probationers. Mr. 
 Huntington was reappointed in the fall of 1889. 
 
 The First Congregational Church of Bradford was organized in May, 1854, 
 with T. Lambert, V. Waggoner, W. W. Norton, E. D. Norton, M. 0. Fuller, 
 C. D. Webster and E. S. Niles, trustees. Samuel Porter and P. L. Webster, 
 with the trustees, signed the petition for incorporation. 
 
 The Bradford Meeting-House Association was incorporated June 21, 1871, 
 with P. L. Webster, J. E. Blair, T. W. Cole, Benjamin Jewett, Thomas J. 
 Melvin and Abram K. -Johnson, trustees. The society was formed to control 
 the property of the Congregational Church, vice E. D. Norton, A. K. Johnson 
 and F. Newell, the trustees of the old Congregational society of 1853-54, of 
 Littleton Village, who were acting in 1866. 
 
 The Universalist Church was organized here early in the "fifties," as told 
 in the sketch of Editor Haff ey, but meetings were irregular. In later days serv- 
 ices of this denomination have been held here. 
 
 St. Bernard's Church. Previous to the discovery of oil in the northern 
 field there was no resident Catholic pastor in Bradford. The few members of 
 that denomination located at this point and in the immediate vicinity were oc- 
 casionally visited by a priest from Newell creek, and among the first to thus 
 visit them was Very Kev. J. D. Coady, now pastor of St. Titus Church, Titus- 
 ville. His field of missionary duty, though extensive in respect to territory, 
 embracing, as it did, the counties of McKean, Potter, and parts of Elk, was, 
 however, limited in respect to numbers. The summer of 1877 witnessed the 
 climax of the oil excitement in this section; people began to flock to it from 
 every point of the compass, and Bradford grew rapidly from a mere hamlet 
 to a full-fledged city. It was in the fall of this year that Eev. William 
 Coonan, present pastor of St. Bernard's Church, was appointed by Bishop 
 Mullin, of Erie, to look after the spiritual wants of the Catholic population, 
 and build up the church. After some debts, which had been contracted pre- 
 vious to his taking charge, were satisfactorily adjusted, immediate preparations 
 were made for the erection of a suitable church edifice. Heretofore the little 
 congregation had worshiped in what used to be the old village school-house, 
 which, together with the grounds attached, they had purchased, and upon 
 which the present church parsonage and schools are erected. In the spring of 
 1878 the present church, 44x100 feet, was commenced, and was occupied the fol- 
 lowing December, though not dedicated until the summer of 1879, at which time 
 it was almost completely paid for. The school buildings were begun in the fall 
 of 1878, and opened by the Sisters of St. Joseph in September, 1879. In 1881 
 the Catholic cemetery was established on the Brown farm, one mile southwest of 
 the city. Work on the proposed large brick and stone church will, it is said, 
 commence in the spring of 1890. 
 
 The First Presbyterian Church of Bradford was incorporated in June, 1879, 
 the following named having hitherto signed the constitution: Theodore Ladd, 
 C. D. Webster, A. M. Davis, C. H. Hoffman, A. L. Kinkead, J. M. Arm- 
 strong, E. G. Williams and William M. Boggs. Among the directors were 
 Bernard Hook and W. J. McCullough. The society was originally organized 
 
HISTORY OF MCKEAN COUNTY. 187 
 
 June 19, 1877, with twenty-four members. For more than two years the con- 
 gregation was without a regular place of worship, during which time services 
 were held in Wagner's Opera House, the Universalist Church, the Academy of 
 Mu^ic and other places. In the fall of 1875 the lecture room of the church 
 was completed, and a place was thus provided for the services. The church 
 edifice itself was not finished until the following spring. On May 30, 1880, 
 the church was dedicated, $5,000 being raised on this occasion to pay for the 
 same. The following autumn the excellent pipe-organ, which is still in use, 
 was purchased at a cost of $1,600. Eev. R. G. Williams, now of Nelson, 
 Penn. , was the first pastor of the church, and continued his ministry for one 
 year and a half. He was succeeded by Eev. J. Eoss Findley, now of Con- 
 neaut, Ohio, who was pastor of the church from May, 1879, until May, 1882. 
 The present pastor, Eev. Edward Bryan, was installed November 1 5, 1882. 
 The church is now in connection with the presbytery of Erie, to which it was 
 transferred from the presbytery of Buffalo by the general assembly. On Sep- 
 tember 4, 1889, Bryan resigned his of&ce as pastor after seven years' service. 
 During that period $51,172 were collected for missionary and church purposes. 
 Rev. M. J. Eccles came in February, 1890. 
 
 The Protestant Episcopal Church of the Ascension petitioned for incor- 
 poration May 27, 1880. The signers were W. W. Mason, A. B. Put- 
 nam, L. C. Blakeslee, W. F. Crane, I. Beam, J. A. Ege, S. L. Wilson, J. R. 
 Mattock, S. H. Durston, T. L. Shields, E. F. Willetts, A. C. Scott, J. F. 
 Merrill, Peter T. Kennedy, C. L. Wheeler, Ed. R. Shepherd, Lynford Lard- 
 ner, C. A. Seigfried, H. G. Cutting and F. Winslow, of Bradford, with C. A. 
 Cornen and W. N. Hanna, of Kendall. The Eouseville, Penn., church build- 
 ing was moved to Bradford, rebuilt, and was used up to January 19, 1890, 
 when it was burned. The society proposes to erect a new building this year. 
 
 The United Brethren Church is one of the modern religious organizations 
 of the city. The membership is small, but flourishing. 
 
 Beth Zion Congregation was incorporated in December, 1880, with Jacob 
 Olshoffsky, Philip Nusbaum, Alexander Simpson, Moses Ruslander and A. M. 
 Mayer, trustees. The names of S. Auerhaim and Asher Brown also appear 
 on the record. A temple was erected on South Mechanic street, and dedicated 
 in the spring of 1881. The services are conducted according to the reform 
 principles of modern Judaism. That is to say, prayers and sermons in the 
 English language are connected with the Hebrew ritual. Rev. Samuel Weil 
 has been the Rabbi ever since the founding of the congregation. The congre- 
 gation numbers forty members, besides many seat-holders. The Rabbi con- 
 ducts, besides the Sabbath-school, a day school in which Hebrew and German 
 are taught. 
 
 The First Bradford Orthodox Hebrew Congregation was incorporated in 
 March, 1881, with P. Freidman, David Levi and Isaac Nusbaum, trustees. 
 The petition was signed by Joseph Rosenberg, H. Cohn, Dan. Silberene, 
 Raphael Michael, B. Jacobs and L. Graff. 
 
 The African Methodist Church was organized in the spring of 1880 by 
 Eev. Mr. Cyrus. The following fall Rev. R. H. Jackson was appointed to 
 this charge, and for three years served the church in the capacity of pastor. 
 He was succeeded by Rev. R. H. Henderson, who, after serving for two years, 
 was succeeded by Rev. S. H. Lacey in a pastoral service of one year. Rev. 
 C. H. Brown was then appointed. The highest number of members in con- 
 nection with the church at any one time is seventy-two; the lowest reported 
 membership, thirteen. 
 
 The Swedish Church was incorporated September 4, 1888. The congrega- 
 
188 HISTOEY OF MCKEAN COUNTY. 
 
 tion, like others of this faith in the southern townships of McKean county, 
 pushes forward valiantly to gain a place among the old religious societies of 
 the city. 
 
 Rev. Clim Gim, educated in the Lane Seminary for Presbyterian mjj^sion 
 work, came to Bradford in 1881 to address Judge Ward's Sunday-schoo! class 
 of Chinese pupils. 
 
 Ben Hogan, referred to in the history of Tarport, is now an Evangelist. 
 The following concerning this extraordinary man is taken from a local paper: 
 
 Ben Hogan, old-time gambler, cracksman, confidence man, bounty jumper, dive- 
 keeper and pugilist, who left the oil country eleven years ago with the reputation of being 
 the wickedest'man in the world, is back again after his long absence, going from town to 
 town, visiting his old haunts, greeting his old friends, and— preaching to them the gos- 
 pel! Packed houses greet him, and although crude, ungrammatical, and with a vocabu- 
 liiry not at all extensive, he holds the interested attention of ignorant and cultivated 
 alike with the forceful and rudely eloquent recital of his past adventures, and the story 
 of his marvelous conversion. As he looks from the platform he can see the faces of many 
 of his old patrons— the man who drank his liquor at Pithole, the habitue of his dance- 
 house at Babylon, the ex-oil prince who spent his $100 a night on board the infamous 
 " floating palace " at Parker's Landing, and the driller who patronized his place at Tar- 
 port. They all come to hear Ben preach the gospel. For how many men does the whirli- 
 gig of time work such wouders as it has for Ben Hogan, Evangelist? 
 
 Cemeteries. — About fifty- seven years ago three acres were donated to the 
 settlers of Littleton for a free burial-ground. This tract was located on Ken- 
 nedy street. In the winter of 1880-81 the cemetery on the Tarport road was 
 opened. 
 
 The Oak Hill Cemetery Association of Bradford was incorporated in De- 
 cember, 1883, with W. E. Weaver, Enos Parsons, C. C. Melvin, P. M. Fuller 
 and P. L. Webster, stockholders. In 1881 the Catholic cemetery on Washing- 
 ton street was opened. This is located on the H. Brown farm, one mile south- 
 west of the city. 
 
 Hospital. — The project of establishing a hospital was first started by Gen. 
 Kane. He recognized the necessity for an institution of that kind to care for per- 
 sons disabled in the oil field; and in April, 1881, the McKean County Belief Soci- 
 ety was organized and incorporated. A hospital was to be erected on Mount 
 Kaub, but on account of the General' s death the project was abandoned. Rev. D. 
 B. Wilson, well known for his charities, next revived interest in the matter, but 
 before his plans could be properly carried out he died, in 1885. The Brad- 
 ford Hospital Association was incorporated August 4, 1885, on petition of the 
 following named supporters: H. F. Barbour, M. B. Pierce, A. L. Weil, P. 
 M. Shannon, L. Emery, Jr., H. W. Eaton, E. B. Stone, Edward Bryan, J. 
 T. Jones and M. McMahon. By public and private donations and entertain- 
 ments the hospital fund grew, and that worthy institution was placed upon a 
 substantial footing. The hospital was opened in May, 1887, and placed under 
 the direction of Mrs. M. Krider, matron. 
 
 Societies, Etc. — In the order of Masonic* advancement and organization, 
 the Blue Lodge comes first under consideration. 
 
 Union Lodge No. 334. Up to the year 1858 there was not a lodge of Free 
 and Accepted Masons within the borders of McKean county, and there was 
 none nearer than Warren, known as North Star Lodge No. 241. In that year 
 a number of Masons living in the village decided to form a lodge. The con- 
 sent of North Star Lodge No. 241 having been given, the following brethren 
 petitioned the grand lodge of Pennsylvania for a warrant of constitution: 
 Samuel Boyer, Montour Lodge, 168, N. J. ; Nelson Parker, North Star Lodge, 
 241 ; G. F. Peckham, Ellicottville Lodge, 307, N. Y. ; William Beardsley, 
 
 ♦Masonic history is taken from the Slar of July, 1889. 
 
r^/^>AX 
 
 ARTCTYPe J. H BEERS a CO CHICAGO 
 
HISTOBY OF MCKEAN COUNTY. 191 
 
 EUicottville Lodge, 307, N. Y. ; J. L. Savage (lodge not given) ; Jasper Marsh, 
 North Star Lodge, 241; Jonathan Marsh (lodge not given); J. C. Ackley, 
 Brownville Lodge. At a quarterly communication of the grand lodge, held 
 March 7, 1859, the warrant of constitution was granted for a lodge in the vil- 
 lage of Bradford, Penn. , to be known as Union Lodge No. 334, signed by the 
 following grand officers: Henry M. Phillips, E. W. G. M. ; John Thompson, D. 
 G. M. ; David C. Sterrett, S. G. W. ; Lucius H. Scott, J. G. W. ; Peter William- 
 son, grand treasurer; William H. Adams, grand secretary. On August 3, 1859, 
 the lodge was duly constituted, and on that day held its first meeting. The 
 first officers were Samuel Boyer, W. M. ; Nelson Parker, S. W. ; George F. 
 Peckham, J. W. ; Wilson Beardsley, secretary ; Jasper Marsh, treasurer; J. S. 
 Savage, S. D. ; J. C. Ackley, J. D. The following have served as masters of 
 the lodge: George F. Peckam, S. Boyer, A. K. Johnson (three years), William 
 Burton, H. W. Glass, T. H. Stock, Nelson Parker, George T. Keith, L. B. 
 Prosser (two years), G. D. H. Crooker (two years), James Broder, J. W. 
 Brennan, F. W. Davis, T. J. Melvin, James E. Blair, F. P. Wentworth, E. 
 D. Matteson (two years), G. L. Wheeler, E. A. Boyne, D. S. Kemp, Walter 
 Grubb, William K. Laney. The officers of the lodge in 1889 were A. D. 
 Sloan, W. M. ; James M. Stevenson, S. W. ; Henry Trumbower, J. W. ; Lewis 
 C. Longaker, treasurer; C. P. McAllister, secretary; and in 1890, J. M. Stev- 
 enson, Henry Trumbower, S. R. Dresser, C. L. Wheeler and C. P. McAllister. 
 C. L. Wheeler is district deputy grand master of the Twenty-second District of 
 Pennsylvania, comprising the counties of McKean and Potter. Up to 1875 the 
 lodge grew in numbers but moderately. At that time the remarkable growth 
 of the city set in and the lodge felt the effects of it in an increased prosperity 
 and interest. The lodge has now a membership of 240, and its members not 
 only comprise many of the leading and best citizens of Bradford, but are scat- 
 tered alL over the land, in almost every State and Territory. The lodge is 
 also in a flourishing condition, financially, being out of debt and liaving |2,000 
 in property and invested funds. Applications for membership are received at 
 nearly every meeting, and the total inadequacy of the present lodge room to 
 accommodate comfortably one-half the membership has made the building of 
 the new Temple a necessity. There were 225 members in March, 1890. 
 
 Bradford Chapter, R. A. M., No. 260. In the summer of 1880 a number 
 of Royal Arch Masons residing in this city discussed among themselves the 
 formation of a new chapter, and the result was an application to the grand 
 chapter for a charter signed by the following companions as charter members: 
 C. L. Wheeler, Joseph H. Simonds, W. R. Weaver, W. A. Rix, James Broder, 
 J. C. Sturgeon, W. M. Keeler, C. D. Buss, W. H. Clarke, W. C. Husband, 
 John Stinson, Michael Murphy, W. F. Jordan, E. P. Pooler, C. C. Melvin, 
 Henry Trumbower. The charter was granted by the grand chapter, and on 
 September 6, 1880, Bradford Chapter, R. A. M. , No. 260, was constituted and 
 the new officers installed. The occasion was one of great interest in Masonic 
 circles for many miles around. The grand officers of the State were nearly 
 all present and conducted the impressive ceremonies in the presence of a large 
 assembly of chapter masons, including many distinguished men of high posi- 
 tion and character. The first officers, of the new chapter, installed were 
 Joseph H. Simonds, M. E. H. P. ; William R. Weaver, king; William A. Rix, 
 scribe; Charles L. Wheeler, treasurer; Robert T. Thompson, secretary. The 
 chapter at once entered upon an era of unexampled growth and prosperity. 
 At the end of the first year the membership had been increased to eighty- seven, 
 at the end of the second year to 122, and at the end of the third year to 155. 
 Since then the growth has been steady, and at the present date the roster num- 
 
192 ' HISTOBY OF MCKEAN COUNTY. 
 
 bers 210 companions, and the invested funds and property of the chapter 
 amount to about $2,500. Following are the past high priests who have 
 served in that capacity since the constituting' of the chapter: Joseph H. 
 Simonds, W. E. Weaver, W. H. Clarke, David S. Kemp, Phillip M. Shannon, 
 H. Trumbower, Elias Urquhart, Francis W. Sprague and E. F. Sawyer. 
 This chapter elected the following named officers in December, 1889: F. J. 
 Collins, H. P. ; George W. Ashdown, K. ; James M. Stevenson, scribe; Charles 
 L. Wheeler, treasurer; Charles P. McAllister, secretary, and F. W. Sprague, 
 representative. The membership is now (1890) 200. 
 
 Bradford Council No. 43, R. & S. M. In the early part of January, 1 888, 
 a number of royal and select masters residing in Bradford met to consider 
 the advisability of establishing a council of royal and select masters. At an 
 informal meeting held February 9, 1888, it was decided to apply for a charter 
 at the grand council meeting at Erie, Penn. On Friday evening, May 4, 1888, 
 the grand council held a special meeting in this city, constituted Bradford 
 Council No. 43, E. & S. M., and installed the following officers : F. J. Collins, 
 T. I. G. M. ; L. E. Mallory, D. I. G. M. ; J. H. Youngs, P. C. of W. ; C. L. 
 Wheeler, Treas. ; E'. F. Sawyer, Eec. With the exception of P. C. of W. and 
 recorder, the above officers were re-elected for this year. Companion Youngs 
 and Companion Sawyer declined a re-election, and Companions D. C. Greene- 
 wald and C. P. McAllister were elected as P. C. of W. and recorder. The offi- 
 cers of this council elected in December, 1889, were L. E. Mallory, T. I. G. M. ; 
 S. E. Sheakley, D. I. G. M. ; C. S. Hubbard, P. C. of W. ; C. L. Wheeler, 
 Treas. ; C. P. McAllister, Eec. ; J. E. Goldsborough, F. W. Sprague and J. 
 W. Hogan, trustees. The membership is 147, or the third in strength in this 
 State. 
 
 Trinity Commandery, No. 58, K. T. In the early months of 1881 the 
 matter of instituting a Commandery of Knights Templar began to be discussed. 
 Among the new residents of the city were many members of the order who 
 had located in the great northern field to stay, and they wanted a templar 
 home. On April 80, 1881, a preliminary meeting of members of the order was 
 held, and a petition for a dispensation forwarded to the grand commandery, 
 with the following charter members' names affixed: J. H. Simonds, C. L. 
 Wheeler, Victor Gratter, Casper Taylor, E. T. Thompson, James Broder, W. 
 E. Weaver, A. C. Hawkins, J. M. McElroy, E. A. Drake, J. E. Goldsborough, 
 C. H. McKevitt, J. B. Farrel, O. F. Schonblom, L. E. Hamsher, W. H. Brad- 
 ley, Marion Henshaw, John Bird, Joseph Overy, W. L. Yelton, J. C. Stur- 
 geon, H. Trumbower, T. B. Hoover, W. C. Hayes, D. S. Scoville, W. P. 
 Shoemaker, John T. Farmer, W. H. Spain, F. M. Cole, W. H. H. Fithian, 
 J. M. Stevenson, W. Warmcastle, M. A. Sprague, W. F. Kelley, D. F. Sieg- 
 fried, John Eaton, J. B. Wheaton, W. C. Husband, H. C. Sanderson, Sey- 
 mour Peck, W. H. Clarke, Alfred Smedley, Charles A. Bailey, J. E. Haskell, 
 W. A. Eix, Frank A. Smith, W. F. Jordan, J. B. Flisher, John Stinson, A. 
 B. Walker, Charles D. Buss, John C. Holmes, Enos O. Adams and Ed. Good- 
 win. On May 13 the dispensation was granted, and on May 18, 1881, the first con- 
 clave of Trinity commandery was held, with the following officers: Joseph 
 Simonds, eminent commander; C. L. Wheeler, generalissimo; Victor Gratter, 
 captain-general; Casper Taylor, treasurer; Eobert T. Thompson, recorder; 
 John C. Sturgeon, prelate; -James Broder, senior warden; William H. Clarke, 
 junior warden; J. E. Goldsborough, standard bearer; William A. Eix, sword 
 bearer; John Stinson, warder; W. 'H. H. Fithian, sentinel. At the meeting 
 of the grand commandery in that same month the charter was duly granted, 
 and R. E. Sir George W. Kendrick, grand commander of the State of Penn- 
 
HISTOEY OP MCKEAN COUNTY. 193 
 
 sylvania, appointed Wednesday, September 28, 1881, for the constituting of 
 Trinity Commandery, No. 58, K. T. The members of the new commandery 
 resolved to make the occasion one long to be remembered, both as a social and 
 Masonic event of the city, and they more than succeeded. The most elaborate 
 prepara,tions were made, both for the reception of the grand officers and the 
 entertainment of the guests of the occasion. The new commandery so auspi- 
 ciously constituted increased rapidly in members, and soon ranked as one of 
 the most vigorous and most ably officered and conducted templar organiza- 
 tions in the State. At the present time the membership numbers 198. The 
 commandery hSs within the last few years lost many prominent members by 
 death, among them the First Commander E. Sir Joseph H. Simonds, to 
 whose earnest intelligent efforts are dae more than to any other one man, the 
 constituting of both the chapter and commandery, and their success and' effi- 
 ciency. Following are the past commanders in order of service: Joseph H. 
 Simonds, Joseph M. McElroy, Charles L. Wheeler, Phillip M. Shannon, Win- 
 field Scott Watson, James E. Goldsborough, Harry A. Marlin. The officers 
 for 1889 were James E. Goldsborough, eminent commander; Henry F. Bar- 
 bour, generalissimo; William E. Weaver, captain- general; Phillip M. Shan- 
 non, treasurer; W. H. H. Fithian, recorder. The officers for 1890 are H F 
 Barbour, E. C. ; W. E. Weaver, G. ; F. J. Collins, C. G. ; C. L. Wheeler, 
 Treas., and C. P. McAllister, Eec. The present membership is 200. 
 
 In the summer of 1889 the proposition to build a Masonic Temple was 
 favorably received, and the lots on which the Eoberts' block was standing, 
 purchased. The old building was removed and the elegant edifice erected. 
 Mr. Curtis, of Fredonia, is the architect, and the Masonic Temple Association, 
 with S. B. Dresser, president, W. E. Weaver, vice-president, and C. P. Mc- 
 Allister, secretary, had charge of its construction. 
 
 Tuna Lodge No. 41], I. O. O. F., was instituted June 4, 1877. The 
 Past Grands of this lodge are W. H. Adams, C. W. Bartholomew, E. I. Bald- 
 win, J. J. Cole, J. C. Greenewald, D. C. Greenewald, C. A. Huggins, Ber- 
 nard Hook, F. E. Hinkley, J. G. Hann, Lee Kennedy, Dave Kibler, John 
 Kelly, Ed. Kahn, D. C. Macon, A. G. Moultoa, John Meyers, J. W. Piatt, J. 
 H. Ealph, E. N. Southwick, John Theetge, W. E. Weaver, F. Steinberger, 
 V. E. Bryant and John Cummings; A. N. Heard has served as D. D. G. M., 
 and E. A. Dempsey as secretary. The membership is about 100. 
 
 McKean Encampment No. 266, I. O. O. F., was instituted June 18, 1884. 
 The P. C. P's. of this organization are W. E. Weaver, D. C. Greenewald, 
 J. H. Ealph, J. C. Greenewald, James A. Lindsey, V. E. Bryant, John Cum- 
 mings, W. H. Adams, E. G. Baldwin and John Myers. C. V. Cottrell has 
 served as scribe, and J. H. Ealph as D. D. G. M. There are forty-five mem- 
 bers with encampment property valued at $1,300. 
 
 Tuna Valley Lodge No. 453, K. of P., was instituted December 9, 1884, 
 with the following named members: W. H. Malick, Sanford Gordon, F. S. 
 Parker, G. E. Mabb, G. B. Watson, E. J. Chambers, H. Frank, E. T. Wright, 
 J. S. Fritz, C. M. Carr, G. W. Willis, Thomas Fitzpatrick, Charles A. Bailey, 
 J. A. Lindsey, N. A. HoUenbeck, P. Fragner, E. N. Eobinson, L. M. Finney, 
 M. A. Todd, J. A. Nelson, T. J. Beridge, T. J. Collins, C. H. Hogans, W. 
 C. Leonard, G. B. McCalmont, John Slocum, J. E. Grainger, E. A. Durham. 
 Following are the names of P. Cs. : Thomas Fitzpatrick, H. Frank, Sanford 
 Gordon, J. W. Willis, W. A. Hutcheson, S. M. Wilcox, H. M. Wilson, W. H. 
 Malick, J. S. Fritz, A. D. Sloan, E. T. Wright, J. C. McCrea, M. H. Fitz- 
 gibbon, M. Eeis, Charles Morris, G. E. Mabb, Joseph Kilgore, J. L. Andrews, 
 J. T. Burkholder and J. A. McCready. F. S. Butler was elected chancellor 
 
194 HISTOBY OF MCKEAN COUNTY. 
 
 in June, 1889, and G. E. Mabb re-elected K. of R. & S. The present "num- 
 ber of members is 125, and value of lodge property $500. T. Fitzpatrick is 
 representative to the grand lodge, and the other officers in lodge rank are E. 
 D. Matteson, G. W. Double, P. J. Nolan, W. J. Loucks, J. W. Baker, G. R. 
 Mabb, W. H. Malick, E. T. Wright, W. F. Eobinson and J. C. Malick. 
 
 Bradford Division No. 22, IJ. R. K. of P., was instituted December 22, 
 1885. The early members of this division were Henry S. Tucker, Thomas 
 Fitzpatrick, Charles M. Carr, James A. Lindsey, Edwin P. Wright, Andrew 
 R. Burns, Fred S. Parker, James A. McCready, M. H. Fitzgibbons, John C. 
 McCrea, J. S. Fritz, William H. Malick, Edwin J. Chambets, William H. 
 Hall, George W. Slocum, C. L. Bradburn, John A. Nelson, William G. Kahl, 
 C. L. Casterline, J. L. Tracy, J. F. Lasher, John W. Vantine, James O'Hara, 
 Frank E. Bradley, James E. Grainger, Sanford Gordon, M. Herron, Isaac V. 
 Averill, A. W. Swanson, Charles Brown, C. Hazelmaier, William C. Howe, 
 David W. Lerch, P. H. Linderman. The seven first named were elected of- 
 ficers in the order of rank. The officials in 1889 were A. D. Burns, James 
 O'Hara, E. D. Matteson, W. H. Malick and E. P. Wright. The present 
 membership is thirty. 
 
 Bradford Post No. 141, G. A. R., was instituted August 13, 1879, with the 
 following members: J. A. Ege, Peter Grace, Joseph Moorhead, J. W. Shaw, J. 
 W. Searls, Henry A. Page, W. H. Perrigo, J. K. Graham, Clinton J. Smith, A. 
 Wicks, W. W. Brown, F. M. Loekwood, C. G. Cooper, J. C. Sturgeon, T. J. 
 Fennerty, J. F. Collins, A. S. Sinclair, M. W. Ferris, Lynford Lardner, G. H. 
 Lyons, G. H. Baldwin, S. M. Potter, P. M. Fuller, H. B. Huff, E. B. Cham- 
 berlain, W. M. Boggs, S. M. Sayer, E.- S. Pier, Benjamin Franklin and J. P. 
 Siggins. The commanders have been E. R. Sherman, R. A. Dempsey, J. T. 
 Bishop, W. W. Brown and William Dobie, who is now commander. The posi- 
 tion of adjutant has been filled by J. K. Graham, W. C. Rockwell and E. R. 
 Sherman. E. R. Sherman is the present adjutant. The trustees are F. H. 
 Roberts, J. C. Hughes and E. R. Sherman. S. Howard is S. V. ; A. N. 
 Heard, J. V. The number of members is 180, and the value of post property 
 |1 , 500. A few years ago a number of the members of this post formed the 
 Union Veteran Legion, and were duly installed. Later on another body of men 
 from the same post organized Union Veteran Union, and in 1889 another post 
 was formed by members of the parent post. 
 
 John S. Melvin Post No. 585, G. A. R., was mustered June 21, 1889, by 
 J. M. McElroy, mustering officer, assisted by the following officers: W. Dobie, 
 S. V. Com. ; J. E. Baldwin, J. V. Com. ; B. F. Wright, Chap. ; George Grif- 
 fith, Q. M. ; H. M. Choate, Adjt. ; F. H. Roberts, O. D. ; Thomas Ryan, O. G. ; 
 M. B. McMahon, I. S. ; W. W. Brown, escort. The charter officers, in order 
 of rank, were P. M. Shannon, C. P. Byron, W. L. Yelton, W. C. Rockwell, 
 L. E. Hamsher, J. W. McFarland, W. B. Chapman, C. T. Cummings, C. H. 
 Babcock, Arch. Gilchrist, J. T. Bishop, T. J. Fennerty, I. G. Howe, and the 
 trustees, R. McAllister, S. D. HefPner, T. J. Fennerty. The present officers 
 areas follows: C, L G. Howe; S. V. C, S. D. Heffner; J. V. C, W. L. 
 Yelton; Chap., Warren G. Gray; Q. M., W. C. Rockwell; Adjt., J. L. Adams; 
 O. D .,W. B. Chapman; O. G., S. Fisher; Surg., E. I. Baldwin; Sergt.-Maj., 
 C. F. Cummings; Q. M. S., T. J. Fennerty. 
 
 In February, 1890, W. B. Chapman was elected judge advocate -general of 
 the National Encampment of the U. V. L. 
 
 Camp No. 7, Union Veteran Legion, was instituted July 29, 1886. Among 
 the first officers were C. C, S. D. Heffner; L. C, W. K. Laney; M., C. E. 
 
HISTORY OF MCKEAN COUNTY. 
 
 195 
 
 HarringtoD; A., M. Albert; Q. M., T. Gallaher; O. D., N. S. Siggins; C, W, 
 B. Tracy; O. G., Thomas Fitzpatrick. The membership at close of year was 
 eighty-five. 
 
 Gen. Kane Command No. 6, Union Veteran Union, Department of Penn- 
 sylvania, was instituted August 20, 1887, with thirty-five members. The first 
 officers were C, T. J. Fennerty; L. 0., Callip Tibbetts; M., G. W. Eddy; A., 
 N. Wilkins; Q. M., C. H. Ehodes; C, D. F. Wolcott; O. D.,M. C. Canrow; 
 O. O. T. G., J. H. Lefi9er. Command No. 6 elected the following named offi- 
 cers in October, 1889: T. J. Fennerty, Col.; C. B. Tibbetts, Lieut. -Col. ; C. 
 P. Byron, Surg. ; D. F. Wolcott, Chap. ; L. F. Egbert, Q. M. ; T. C. Hosier, 
 O. of D., and L. Wolfe, O. of G. 
 
 During the G. A. E. reunion of August, 1888, the pipe wherein the blue- 
 colored fire was burning, exploded, killing three men: Eobert Hurley, Ed. 
 Duel and Wallace E. Curtis, and wounding many others. In September, 
 1888, the second annual reunion of the Bucktails was held at Bradford. 
 
 The Bradford Military Company completed enrollment August 30, 1880, 
 with a roster of eighty-seven men and asked to be assigned to the Seventeenth 
 National Guard Post. This was subsequently assigned to the Sixteenth. 
 Among its charter members who answered roll-call in September, 1885 (five 
 years after muster) were T. F. Conneely, J. C. Fox (the present captain), A. 
 McAlpine, F. E. Bradley, T. Scroxton, H. Field, A. D. Burns, John J. Lane, 
 W. F. Eobinson, E. C. Hazelmair, Ed. J. Boylston and W. G. Kohl. 
 
 The score made by this company in January, 1890, the years of service 
 and names of candidates for sharpshooters' medals are given as follows : 
 
 T. F. Conneely, lieutenant 47 
 
 P. E. Bradley, lieutenant 46 
 
 W. B. Chapman, private 45 
 
 T. B. Bahew, private 43 
 
 T., W. Scroxton, sergeant 42 
 
 F. F. Eiliben, private 42 
 
 F. W. Webster, sergeant 42 
 
 C. G. Griffith, private 41 
 
 C. L. Griffin, sergeant 39 
 
 W. P. Kobinson, sergeant 89 
 
 J. E. Fennerty, private 39 
 
 C.W.Wallace, " 37 
 
 M. M. Neal, " 36 
 
 E. J. Boylston, sergeant 36 
 
 E. E. Blair, corporal 36 
 
 G. F. Bullock, corporal 35 
 
 TJ. C. Elliott, private 34 
 
 T. F. Mullen, private 34 
 
 F. E. Cloud, 
 W. J. Bovaird, " 
 
 G. W. McKay, " 
 O. B. Cutting, " 
 R. H. Slone, corporal. 
 
 34 
 
 34 
 
 33 
 
 32 
 
 32 
 
 J. D. Snyder, private 32 
 
 J. W. Maybee, private 31 3 
 
 C. L. Blakeslee, corporal 31 2 
 
 C. W. Conneely, musician 31 2 
 
 I. O. Cloud, private 31 2 
 
 N. R. Baker, private 31 2 
 
 A. F. Campbell, corporal 30 2 
 
 J. C. Fox, captain 30 4 
 
 H. C. Chesney, private 30 2 
 
 C. W. Heard, private 30 3 
 
 G. O. Slone, private 29 3 
 
 M. H. Riley, corporal 29 2 
 
 J. J. Crosby, private 38 2 
 
 H. C. Chattle, nrivate 27 2 
 
 E. F. Mclntyre, private 27 2 
 
 W. N. Crane, private 27 2 
 
 S. B. Burton, private 27 2 
 
 A. D. Burns, lieutenant 27 3 
 
 E. F. Riley, private 27 2 
 
 E'. A. Sherman, private 27 3 
 
 J. B. Begel, private 26 2 
 
 F.N. Levens, private 26 1 
 
 J. W. Crosby, private 26 2 
 
 A. F. Leonard, private 25 1 
 
 E. P. Wilcox, private - 25 4 
 
 The Armory Hall Company was incorporated in April, 1881, .with Charles 
 A. Bailey, president; Thomas Connolly, secretary, and F. E. Bradley, treasurer. 
 There were sixty shares of $100 each subscribed, the president and secretary 
 each holding thirteen shares. 
 
 Bradford Eelief Corps No. 13 was organized January 29, 1885, with the 
 following named members: Madams M. A. Wallace, N. J. Heffner, E. E. Sher- 
 man, Lucy Siggins, E. M. Gillespy, J. E. Broniger, Allis Smith, A. O. Baker, 
 Eachel Troup, W. G. Shaw, Laura Switzer, Amond Siggins, S. C. Jayert, 
 
196 HISTOBY OF MCKEAN COUNTY. 
 
 M. J. Mitchel, C. Hill, I. S. Woursly, E. J. Chambers, G. Graff, B. Brown, 
 L. B. Clark, S. E. Artly, A. Jones, L. A. Levans, M. A. Rockwell, J. Hood, 
 L. J. Sherman, D. Goodwin, Lottie McAlister, J. McEntyre, G. Ashdun, 
 Z. Gareman and H. Laurence. Madams M. A. Wallace, Culbertson, Sher- 
 man and Karns have presided over the corps, while Madams Gillespy, God- 
 frey, Langworthy, Green and Bergman have filled the office of secretary 
 Mrs. Chapman, of Bradford, was elected color bearer of the Ladies' Auxiliary 
 of the National Encampment of the U. V. L. 
 
 Tunungwant Lodge No. Ill, Ancient Order of United Workmen, was in- 
 stituted June 1, 1877, with the following members: H. H. Adsit, J. L. An- 
 drews, A. L. Avery, L. B. Brown, T. J. Powers, H. Wilson, P. D. Wright 
 and O. 0. Cutting, who are now members, with others who have removed. 
 The past-masters are named as follows: J. L. Andrews, J. T. Bishop, J. W. 
 Bogardus, Eobert Collins, George E. Davis, Frank Fowler, I. G. Howe, 
 James A. Lindsey, T. J. Powers, C. A. Sinclair, J. W. Siggins, S. D. Wear- 
 ing, C. R. Cosolowsky, C. A. Spreater, F. H. Bailey, T. J. Fennerty, A. Simp- 
 son, W. W. White, A. A. Perkins, H. Wilson, H. M. Harkness, A. P. Odell, 
 T. Kavanaugh, John Wilson, Otho Gash, H. R. Waiger, S. D. Winter and F. 
 W. Hastings. The office of secretary has been held by J. A. Lindsey, John 
 Kelly and F. W. Hastings. The membership is 190. The officers elected for 
 1890 comprise C. Burnsides, J. W. Siggins, W. W. White, J. A. Lindsey, F. 
 W. Hastings, J. G. Howe, F. Fowler, Otho Gash, S. D. Winter and A. P. 
 Odell. 
 
 Bradford Legion No. 16, S. K. A. O. U. W. was organized July 30, 1884, 
 with the following named officers : J. T. Bishop, C. ; James A. Lindsey, V. 
 C. ; J. S. Barlow, Lt. C. ; W. L. Beardsley, Rec. ; A. Simpson, R. T. ; A. L. 
 Wyman, Treas. ; J. Franklin, Chap. The names of commanders are J. T. 
 Bishop, J. A. Lindsey, A. P. Odell, M. L. Thorn, Otho Gash, W. W. White. 
 Jacob Turk and S. A. Smith, with E. Burnsides, M. ; J. P. Eaton, S. B. ; B. 
 Sackrand, Sr. W. ; J. Turk, Jr. W. ; M. L. Thorn, G. L. The position of sec- 
 retary has been held by W. L. Beardsley, J. M. Denny andD. H. Rook, who is 
 the present recorder. There are thirty- six members. The officers elected in 
 1890 are W. W. White, Charles Burnsides, F. W. Hastings, W. H. Coleman, 
 Otho Gash, D. H. Rook, J. A. Lindsey, A. P. Odell, H. S. Karns, Jacob 
 Turk and H. Boss; James A. Lindsey is P. G. C. and treasurer. 
 
 Bradford Council No. 302, Royal Arcanum, was instituted March 24, 1879, 
 with the following members : S. L. Kinkead, M. Danson, E. W. Barker, Ezra 
 Holmes, A. Thornton, C. B. Seymour, F. M. Sweet, C. W. Dennis, H. M. 
 Spence, H. R. Lamb, J. M. Armstrong, F. D. Wood, F. M. Lockwood, F. 
 H. Murdoch, W. A. Brown, P. G. Andrew, C. A. Siegfried, R. Pettibone, F. 
 P. Morris, C. Murray, L. Kennedy, A. A. Perry, J. N. Markham, George Shef- 
 lield, I. Beam, A. L. Ewing, O. N. Hazen, M. D. Harris and G. Chapman. 
 The names of past regents are J. W. McFarland, J. A. Ege, J. T. Evans, H. 
 M. Spence, F. H. Murdoch, J. L. Barrett, J. A. Lindsey, W. C. Henry, A. 
 Thornton, B. McAllister, P. D. Tangney and the present regent, John C. Mc- 
 Kenna. The names of secretaries are S. L. Kinkead, J. T. Evans, J. L. Bar- 
 rett, and J. T. Evans, the present secretary. The present membership is 
 twenty- four. In ten years this council has lost seven members by death, and 
 paid out 121,000 in benefits. The officers for 1890 are P. W. Howe, E. R. 
 Shepard, J. C. McKenna, J. B. McElwaine, G. H. Mills, J. T. Evans, F. P. 
 Slocum, S. L. Rhodes, C. Spangler and A. Thornton. 
 
 Keystone Council No. 144, Catholic Benevolent Legion, was instituted 
 April 28, 1886. Among the first officers were P. C, J. T. Kinsler; P., A. 
 
HISTORY OF MCKEAN COUNTY. 197 
 
 H. Blomer; V. P., John E. Sullivan; O., J. F. Leonard; S., J. H. Ossenbeck; 
 C, A. Gillis; T., W. Hanley; Sr. C, C. P. Byron.' The officers elected in 
 December, 1889, are C. J. H. Ossenbeck; P., A. Gillis; V. P., M. J. Berry; 
 O., Phillip Wise; E. S., D. Healey; C, A. H. Blomer; Treas., Joseph Fischer; 
 M, , James E. Henretty; G., J. M. Englehaupt; Trustees, John E. Sullivan, 
 J. F. Leonard, P. H. Maroney. 
 
 , Bradford Branch No. 13, Catholic Mutual Benevolent Association, was in- 
 stituted April 16, 1879. Among the past presidents of this association the 
 names of J. T. Kinsler, J. B. Fox, James Casey, A. H. Blomer, J. H. Ossenbeck, 
 M. McMahon, J. E. Sullivan, T. A. Flynn and Dennis Healy are recorded. 
 John O'Brien is recorder. Other officers of long service are J. A. Myers (of 
 Duke Centre), John Madigan, Leonard Wholer, J. J. Cleery, B. Healy and J. 
 J. Lane. 
 
 Osmer Lodge No. 2365, K. of H., was organized February 5, 1881. The 
 past dictators are H. C. Jfacock, J. P. McGibbenny, S. Gordon, F. Perkins, 
 W. C. Henry, S. D. Miller, J. N. Mapes, F. W. Hastings, H. Frank, J. L. 
 Dulin; P. S. D., Col. J. A. Ege; P. G. D., James A. Lindsey, John H. Cos- 
 ford, N. Sweet, M. D. , I. G. Howe and J. M. Geiger. James A. Lindsey served 
 this lodge as secretary for seven years, E. N. Hallock for two years, and in the 
 directory F. W. Hastings is credited with holding the position in 1889. There 
 are eighty-four members. The present officers, in order of rank, are C. H. 
 Swift, W. H. Conklin, D. MoKenney, W. T. Magaw, J. A. Lindsey, F. W. 
 Hastings, J. G. Howe, J. P. McGibbenny, J. W. Fritts, A. Brown, D. Gren- 
 nells and H. C. Hacock. • 
 
 Bradford Encampment No. 56, Knights of St. John and Malta, was insti- 
 tuted September 2, 1885, with S. L. Koonse, J. A. Waldo, W. Eople, A. S. 
 Ackerly, E. F. Howland, D. B. Croll, W. L. Ford, C. A. Cummings, A. L. 
 Wyman, M. D. Murray, W. B. Van Horn, P. A. Darby, F. G. Teany, N. W. 
 McCoort, T. F. Howe, J. Z. Wise, H. C. Murray, J. Eobinson, H. C. Brown, 
 J. H. Flynn, C. H. Dubois, E. J. Cross, J. A. Lindsey, M. A. Todd, E. A. 
 Beatty and J. E. Simons, members. The names of past commanders are 
 E. A. Beatty, J. A. Lindsey, A. P. Odell and E. J. Boylston, with C. A. Cum- 
 mings, assistant chancellor. There are 171 members. E. A. Beatty is most 
 eminent grand commander of the chapter general of America, and A. P. Odell 
 is grand prior of the State of Pennsylvania. The present officers in encamp- 
 ment rank are L. D. Gowdy, E. C. Dean, W. T. Johnson, D. H. Eook, E. J. 
 Boylston, C. A. Cummings, S. L. Koonse and seven minor officers. There 
 were 163 members reported in March, 1890. 
 
 Star Conclave No 171, Improved Order of Heptasophs, was organized Feb- 
 ruary 16, 1888, with the following officers: Past archon, L. B. Lockard; ar- 
 chon, George S. Bright; provost, H. W. Eaton, Jr. ; prelate, James George; sec- 
 retary, G. H. Mills; financier, F. W. Hastings; treasurer, E. B. Pemberton; 
 inspector, J. W. Leasure; warden, N. W. McCourt; sentinel, M. Henlein; H. 
 W. Eaton, Jr., was archon in 1889, and G. H. Mills, secretary. There were 
 forty-five members in July, 1889. The officers for 1890 are T. A. Sangster, A. 
 W. Coburn, G. H. Mills, E. B. Pemberton, F. W. Hastings, W. F. Ehone, A. 
 Simon, C. E. Cosolowsky and W. H. Johnson. 
 
 Don Abarband Lodge No. 85, Independent Order Sons of Benjamin, 
 "claimed the following named officers in 1889: G. Herz, H. Friedenberg, I. J. 
 Yampolski, S. Werthman, B. Ash, A. Simon, M. Sidorsky, Eev. D. W. Ja- 
 cobson, L. M. Kreinson, J. B. Levine, M. A. Todd. Among the past pres- 
 idents are H. Friedenberg, A. Simon, L. Kronenberg, Gustav Herz, N. Lev- 
 inson, S. Grange, B. Ash, H. Frank and H. S. Sakolski. The officers chosen 
 
198 HISTOEY OF MCKEAN COUNTY. 
 
 in January, 1890, in lodge rank are H. Friedenberg, H. Frank, B. Ash, S. 
 Werthman and D. Andriesse. The present membership is forty-seven. 
 
 On November 12, 1888, W. 0. 372 of the Patriotic Order Sons of America 
 ■was instituted at Kane, July 9, 1889. National Representative Clarence F. 
 Heeth, of Philadelphia, and J. T. Campbell, district president of McKean 
 county, assisted by W. C. 372 of Kane, instituted Washington Camp No. 452 at 
 Bradford. The Degree Team of "372" conferred the degree of the council. 
 The first officers, elected July 8, were R. L. Edgett, M. A. Henlein, Otto Koch, 
 W. K. Andrus, L. C. Blakeslee, R. W. Murray, A. R. Simons, M. I. Deuel, 
 Mat. Neil, and Trustees W. K. Andrus, L. B. Waters, A. N. Heard. 
 
 Bradford Lodge No. 1111, K. & L. of H., was instituted December 10, 
 1885, by G. P., L. B. Lookard, and D. G. P., A. N. Heard. Among the pres- 
 idents of this society may be named I. G. Howe, Mrs. J. M. Brooks, F. W. 
 Hastings, Mrs. E. M. Wheeler and H. H. North. Ascension Lodge No. 1345 
 claims Mr. Heard as protector, and Mrs. S. Nobles, secretary. 
 
 Bradford City Lodge No. 103, Independent Order Free Sons of Israel, was 
 instituted in April, 1881. The past presidents of this lodge are A. Leo Weil, 
 
 E. Kahn, I. Rich, B. Forst, Fred. Silberburg, A. Silberburg, J. Eloskey, M. 
 Cohn, I. Kahn, Felix Steinberger, A. M. Mayer, S. Fisher. The secretary in 
 1889 was A. M. Samuels. In 1890 J. Weiss was chosen president, with H. Cohn, 
 A. Silberberg, Fred Silberberg, I. Rich, H. Frank and H. Leny filling the 
 other offices. 
 
 Bradford Lodge No. 50, Order of the Golden Chain, was instituted October 
 7, 1885. Among the commanders were F. P. Slocum, Winfield Scott, A. W. 
 Johnson and H. W. Eaton; James Geary was secretary in 1889. The offi- 
 cers, in lodge rank, elected in January, 1890, are H. W. Eaton, Jr., P. H. Lin- 
 derman, W. H. Murphy, J. Preerkson, A. R. Stewart, W. Scott, J. L. John- 
 son, S. D. Weaver, Thomas Banker and C. E. Thompson. At date of election 
 there were thirty-eight members reported. 
 
 Tuna Valley Council No. 70, Home Circle, was instituted October 8, 1883. 
 The past leaders include W. C. Henry, E. R. Shepard, J. P. Taylor and D. 
 R. MacKenzie; F. D. Williams was secretary in 1889. The elections of 1890 
 resulted in the choice of L. C. Longaker, for leader; C. E. Black, V. L. ; W. 
 
 F. Robinson, instructor; M. A. Freeman, secretary; H. T. Crandall, F. S., 
 and James Robinson, treasurer. There are thirty-two members reported. 
 
 Dewey Union No. 5, Equitable Aid Union, was instituted June 7, 1879, by 
 Supreme President Dewey. The P. Ps. are Frank Fowler, L. B. Hill, Delos 
 Armstrong, Mrs. E. B. Burley, W. Walters, T. O'Connor and L. W. Smith. 
 
 The Bradford Aid Union was organized in 1880, and the petition for incor- 
 poration signed January 15, by D. Whiticar, George Young, C. H. Sherwood, 
 Nathaniel Sweet and A. J. Edgett. The latter was first president. 
 
 The Equitable Aid Society of Bradford was organized June 15, 1881. Its 
 officers were P. P., W. D. Lucas; P., J. B. Rutherford; V. P., S. Ames; S., 
 Miss A. J. Lucas; T., Mrs. A. H. Smith; F. C, Mrs. S. A. Lucas, Miss A. 
 J. Lucas, S. Ames. Messrs. Lucas and Rutherford filled the offices of 
 president and secretary in 1889. L. B. Thompson was first secretary, and is 
 now filling that position. The officers of this union for 1890 are J. Burt, pres- 
 ident, with P. T. Fitzgerald, E. B. Chappell, M. Nusbaum, Mrs. Burt, David 
 Drummond, Mrs. Lyons, Mrs. Bender, Mrs. Wightman and J. D. Burt. 
 
 Bradford Local Branch No. 316, Order of the Iron Hall, was instituted 
 February 3, 1886. The chief justices of the past are H. Harmon, N. Wise 
 and W. S. Robison. R. T. Shaw is accountant succeeding W. L. Ford. 
 Among the first members were D. H. Rook, R. Gregg and L. E. Avery, and 
 
Xs2''<i'«-^-<-^''^^^^^^^±l:::^lr^ 
 
HISTORY OF MCKEAN COUNTY. '201 
 
 the officers named. The officers chosen in December, 1889, are as follows: 
 Past chief justice, D. H. Eook; chief justice, W. L. Ford; vice-justice, C. F. 
 Cummings: cashier, L. E. Avery; accountant, John M. Crawford; adjuster, 
 W. L. Robinson; prelate, Joseph Franklin; herald, W. C. Maxwell; watch- 
 man, F. L. Bodine; vedette, D. Campbell; trustees, Joseph Franklin, D. 
 Campbell and S. D. Winters. 
 
 Bradford Tent No. 4, Knights of the Maccabees of the World, was insti- 
 tuted May 31, 1884. Among the early members were N. J. Stanton, J. R. 
 Porter, J. B. McCutcheon, R. F. Howland, P. A. Derby, T. J. Berridge and 
 R. W. Murray. The present sir knight commander is F. D. Matteson and the 
 other officers in tent rank are G. O. Slone, G. B. Watson, R. McAllister, John 
 Burton, Dr. N. Sweet, T. J. Bateman, John Bogart, F. B. Hazelton, John 
 Lyons, John Lustig and T. J. Berridge. M. G. Raub, the record keeper, re- 
 ports a membership of 290. 
 
 Bradford Lodge No. 97, Sons of St. George, was reorganized January 
 16, 1887, with the following named officers: P. P., V. Stanford; P., John 
 Hocking; V. P., John Slocum; S., T. J. Parkes; T., H. D. Hulme; trustees, 
 William Dickson, H. T. Hulme, M. W. Ferris. 
 
 Bradford Branch No. 690, Robert Emmett Land League, was organized in 
 July, 1882, to forward the political interests of the people of Ireland. Among 
 the officials were T. F. McManus, Marshall McMahon, Edward Frawley, D. 
 A. Dennison, J. J. Lane, John J. Sheehe and P. T. Flynn. The officers for 
 1890 are B. Healy, M. McMahon, P. H. Davitt, L. Cushing and D. A. Den- 
 nison, the corresponding secretary. 
 
 Bradford Lodge, I. O. G. T., was organized September 18, 1867, with 
 thirty-two members. A. C. Switzer was first W. C. T., and Mrs. Caroline 
 Holmes, W. V. T. 
 
 The Ladies' Temperance Association of Bradford was organized September 
 11, 1872, with Mrs. J. Colby, president; Madams Young and Crandall, vice- 
 presidents; Mrs. A. DeGolier, treasurer; Madams Pomeroy and Osgood, sec- 
 retaries; and Madams P. T. Kennedy, Foster, Blair, J. N. Brown, Frank and 
 Miss Dieter, executive committee. 
 
 [The Temperance Reading-room Association was incorporated in May, 1879, 
 with W. W. Brown, T. J. Powers, W. J. McCullough, R. M. Sayer. A. W. 
 Newell, C. L. Wheeler, G. L. Watson, H. E. Norris and N. Bushnell, direct- 
 ors. There were no less than sixty- two subscribers.] 
 
 The Women's Christian Temperance Union was organized October 13, 1880, 
 with the following named members: Madams C. H. Hoffman, H. A. Page, F. 
 T. Davis, W. Chambers, W. Boggs, L. C. Blakeslee, C. Johnson, J. S. Wilson, 
 O. Stone, T. B. Hoover, — Whitman, J. N. Bolard, J. R. Findley, C. E. Hatch, 
 C. D. Greenlee, O. Hotchkiss, J. Bondson, J. Morgan, C. E. Garton, J. Roger- 
 son, J. Erwin, A. Metcalf. Mrs. H. A. Page was first president; Mrs. O. 
 Hotchkiss, second president; Mrs. J. N. Bolard, third president, and Mrs. W. 
 Chambers, fourth president. Mrs. J. K. Purse is corresponding secretary, 
 and Mrs. D. A. Burnett, recorder. There are 150 members, and seventeen 
 honorary members, with property valued at $2,000, including hall, which was 
 built in 1888. The officers for 1890 are Mrs. W. Chambers, president; Mrs. J. 
 K. Purse, corresponding secretary; Mrs. D. A. Burnett, recording secretary; 
 Mrs. J. A. Kennedy, treasurer; Mrs. F. J. Davis, vice-president at large. 
 
 Tuna Council No. 17, Royal Templars of Temperance, was instituted Sep- 
 tember 27, 1887, with the following officers: P. C, T. M. Shearer; S. C, 
 D. H. Rook; V. C, T. M. Griffith; E. S., C. G. Essler; F. S., H. H. Lock; 
 T., C. E. Tucker; S. P. C. G. L. and G. T., D. T. Seeley. The officers for 
 
202 HISTOEY OF MCKEAN COUNTY. 
 
 1890 are as follows: S. C, D. T. Seeley; V. C, Mrs. E. B. Laraway; P. C, 
 D. H. Eook; C, Mrs. L. Messner; F. S., W. W. Laraway; R. S., Mrs. E. 
 M. Adams; T., W. G. Long; H., Mrs. E. M. Arnold; G., B. F. Shergerland; 
 S., C. G. Esler. The number of beneficiary members is thirty-four and of hon- 
 orary members thirty-two. 
 
 United Council No. 80, R. T. of T., was organized August 10, 1886. The 
 officers in 1887 were P. G., E. R. Sherman: S. G., A. N. Heard; V. G., S. 
 Howard; E. S., JohnBogart; P. S., Martha Sherman; T., Mrs. L.Westbrook; 
 P. C, E. M. Wheeler. In 1890 the following named officers were elected: 
 S. Howard, Mrs. Knerr, A. Simpson, Mrs. Lenehan, E. S. R. Knerr, Miss 
 Smith, E. E. Comstock, William Campbell, Miss Abbey, Miss. Hacock and E. 
 W. Mann. The membership at present numbers 110. 
 
 Women' s Protective and Reform Association of Bradford was incorporated 
 in May, 1882, with the object of aiding women seeking a virtuous livelihood. . 
 Amanda T. Jones was president; Artie B. Willard, vice-president; Margaret 
 B. Stone, Mary A. Wolcott, Mrs. John Brown, Augustus W. Newell and H. 
 S. Davis, directors. Among the memljers were Mrs. F. H. Stanford, M. D. , 
 and Mrs. J. J. White. 
 
 The Young Mea's Christian Association was organized May 27, 1889, when 
 a board of managers was appointed. This board comprises C. P. Cody, F. D. 
 Cleland, H. S. Thompson, J. T. Evans, J. L. Davidson, W. W. Brown, H. 
 W. Blakeslee, J. W. Davis, W. H. Dennis, E. E. Tait, E. T. Howell, J. A. 
 Perkins, P. A. Kent, John McCrum and S. Hollenbeck. The association pro- 
 poses to rent the principal room on the second floor of the new Masonic Tem- 
 ple. In 1890 W. H. Dennis was chosen president; P. A. Kent, vice-president; 
 J. T. Evans, treasurer; S. Hollenbeck, recorder, and J. G. Purple, general 
 secretary. Total number of members 131. 
 
 The Cherra Bicker Cholim Relief Society was incorporated January 14, 
 1884, on petition of Rev. S. Weil, K. Berwald, H. Sigel, A. Joseph, H. Cohen 
 and I. Cohen. 
 
 Typographical Union No. 185 was organized in May, 1879, with George 
 J. Klehm, W. R. Barnwell, James Howell, R. A. Russell, James Spear, C. H. 
 Widgeon and Harry K. W^elsh, members. The corresponding secretary of 
 this union is James W. Leasure, and the recorder, George O. Slone. Among 
 the members are R. A. Russell and H. K. Welsh of the first organization, W. 
 J. Cotter, D. A. Ropp, George Hummell, S. C. Gilman and A. G. McKenna. 
 The officers for 1890 comprise R. A. Russell, president; George O. Slone, sec- 
 retary; J. W. Leasure, correspondent; H. K. Welsh, treasurer; W. J. Cotter, 
 vice-president, and J. Fetterley, chairman of executive committee. There 
 were sixteen members in March, 1890. 
 
 Oil Exchange Division No. 254, Locomotive Engineers, was formally organ- 
 ized June 7, and completed organization July 7, 1884, with L. J. Jones, chief-, 
 James Wheeler, first engineer; J. R. Banta, second engineer; H. G. King, 
 H. Kendall and O. Burke, assistant engineers ; C. A. Clough, guide, and C . 
 L. Shaffer, chaplain. 
 
 Folwell Lodge No. 326, Brotherhood of Locomotive Firemen, was insti- 
 tuted July 10, 1886. Among the officers were E. Bellington, G. P. Clough, 
 J. H. Penner, C. W. Palmer and P. T. Lane. The following named are the 
 officers for 1890: G. P. Clough, master; C. H. Alger, secretary; G. E. Love- 
 lace, collector, and M. W. Maybee, magazine agent. 
 
 The Cigar-makers Union claimed the following named officials: President, 
 R. Coeninberg; vice-president, P. Hopkins; financial secretary, J. Semhauser; 
 corresponding secretary, P. H. Kieley; recording secretary, P. H. Kieley; ser- 
 
HISTORY OF MCKEAN COUNTY. 203 
 
 geant-at-arms, M. Singer; trustees, W. Ruple, J. Harbrecht, and treasurer, 
 John Bohne. The four principal officers for 1890 are P. Hopkins, J. Har- 
 brecht, T. J. Gary and J. Casterline. 
 
 The Well Drillers Union was incorporated November 27, 1888, with C. H. 
 Snively, James G. Winger, H. Gosser, C. H. Ley and D. W. Brenton, 
 trustees. 
 
 The Bradford Athletic Club was organized in February, 1886, and secured 
 spacious rooms in the Producers' Petroleum Exchange for athletic exercises, 
 as well as club quarters. The list of members in 1887 was as follows: H. A. 
 Marlin, C. R. Huntley, Tom Kennedy, C. M. Dodge. C. H. Lavens, J. M. 
 Fuller, B. F. Smith, E. P. Whitcomb, H. C. Brooks, J. L. Johnson, W. H. 
 Powers, L. E. Mallory, E. W. Wolfe, C. M. Brennan, Fred Davis, Heber Den- 
 man, John Denman, M. B. Pierce, C. K. Book, B. F. Kennedy, L. E. Ham- 
 sher, Sam Kennedy, E. C. Sherman, W. R. Weaver, C. A. Mitchell, W. G. 
 Gray, J. L. Barrett, Fred McKee, J. P. Taylor, J. A. Johnson, G. L. Roberts, 
 William Cochran, S. G. Bayne, G. H. Mills, T. B. Flynn, J. C. Flynn, W. J. 
 Alexander, C. P. Cody, R. H. Gibson, W. S. Watson, H. K. Williams, C. E. 
 Tucker, W. L. Curtis, B. M. Bailey, G. F. Groves, Harry Egbert, T. P. Thomp- 
 son, S. C. Rhodes, P. M. Shannon, J. H. Evans, W. J. Russell. H. J. Seig- 
 fried, C. B. Shepard, A. Willoughby, G. K. Hawkins, G. L. Watson, W. F. 
 Robinson, J. B. Buttry, G. A. Bodine, W. C. Leonard, H. B. Goe, G. H. 
 Potter, Walt Willis, R. L. Edgett, D. H. Jack, H. C. Sanderfeon, E. H. Bar- 
 num, F. D. Wood, C. S. Hubbard, C. F. Collins, Kenton Saulnier, D. J. 
 Thayer, F. E. Wood, J. A. Walker, J. C. Gormely, Robert Long, T. B. Mc- 
 Cray, L. B. Prosser, W. P. Shoemaker, Bateman Goe, C. A. Norton, Frank 
 Giflford, S. M. Reid, W. C. Higgins, A. L. Avery, C. C. Youmans, W. W. 
 Bell, L W. Sherley, A. C. Hawkins, J. E. Haskell, J. C. Greenewald, D. C. 
 Greenewald, J. K. Wilson, M. Matsoa, J. W. McCray, W. H. Scott, H. M. 
 Spence, S. G. Slyke, C. Foley, E. S. Williamson, W. F. Flynn, R. T. Shaw, 
 J. C. Boyce, R. W. Carroll, W. G. Carroll, D. O'Donnell, J. A. Simonds, C. 
 W. Dennis, E. A. Weart, Clark Hayes, F. H. Willis, F. W. Groves, B. New- 
 comer, John R. Zook, W. G. Mason, Walter Bovaird, J. B. Farrell, C. C. Con- 
 roy, E. L. Adams, M. H. Byles, M. Compton, E. B. Pemberton, D. Marks, S. 
 G. Coffin, C. H. Filkins, James Robinson, F. G. Boyer, C. E. Hequembourg, 
 A. P. Huey, E. Given, W. W. Splane, C. C. Melvin, A. B. Smith, John P. 
 Zane, E. R. Shepard, E. J. Boylston, J. T. Evans, C. P. Byron, J. W. Van- 
 Tine, E. T. Johnson, W. H. Orcutt, C. D. Evans, T. N. Barnsdall, J. B. 
 Chapman, L. A. Brenneman, Henry Wilson, William Hanley, F. P. Atkinson, 
 E. W. Coleman, George B. Morgan, J. H. Healey, J. E. Wolf, F. A. Griffin, 
 George A. Sturgeon, J. F. Wilson. W. E. Pickering, H. G. Morrow, P. P. 
 Wentworth, John B. Brawley, R. B. Johnson, John O'Brien, H. H. Stowe, J. 
 H. Field, F. P. Leonard, A. B. Walker, Frank Chapman, T. J. Powers, John 
 McCrum, W. B. Chapman, B. F. Gushing, J. M. McElroy, J. B. Janes, G. C. 
 Scott, W. C. Kennedy, M. J. Lowe, T. J. Melvin, F. L. Smith, David Kirk, 
 James Flanigan, L. W. Oaks, E. A. Van Scoy, F. T. Coast, A. M. Straight, 
 J. D. Wolf, O. B. Comfort, Charles Samuels, Harry Brinker, R. L. Mason, A. 
 Eraser, J. W. Jeffry, Joseph Albertson. 
 
 The Board of Trade is an important institution in Bradford. An enterpris- 
 ing party of Bradford men organized a stock company for the purpose of estab- 
 lishing and conducting in this city a furniture factory. The project was car- 
 ried into effect. From that organization sprang the Board of Trade. The 
 glass works were started under its patronage, the present shops of the Buffalo, 
 Rochester & Pittsburgh Railroad and several other industrial enterprises. The 
 
204 HISTORY OF MCKEAN COUNTY. 
 
 Board of Trade was allowed to become inactive for a few years, but was reor- 
 ganized for service early in 1887. Since that time its members have been 
 untiring in their efforts to aid Bradford by encouraging manufacturers to 
 locate here. The board is composed of some of Bradford's best citizens. 
 Col. A. I. Wilcox was general agent. C. B. Whitehead, E. B. Stone, W. W. 
 Brown, C. H. Kennedy, A. J. Edgett, D. C. Greenewald, C. J. Lane, A. W. 
 Newell, J. K. Merriam, H. F. Barbour, Loyal Ward, A. M. Mayer, H. S. 
 Southard, F. W. Groves, S. G. Elliott, C. P. Cody were among the first offi- 
 cers of the revived organization. In January, 1888, the Board of Trade 
 elected the following named directors: R. B. Stone, W. W. Brown, A. M. 
 Mayer, A. J. Edgett, L. Emery, Jr., John P. Zane, F. W. Groves, J. K. 
 Merriam, D. C. Greenewald, G. S. Stewart, A. W. Newell, H. S. Southard, 
 G. A. Berry, C. P Cody, C. H. Kennedy, K. A. Dempsey and S. G. Elliott. 
 
 The Bradford Telephone Exchange was opened in April, 1880, with F. A. 
 Newell, manager. Derrick City, Red Rock, Gillmor and Tarport were con- 
 nected on April 6. The system has heen extended in every direction within 
 the last nine years. In June, 1883, the strike of telegraph employes was 
 inaugurated at Bradford, and continued four weeks. During the strike Bar- 
 rett & Harvey constructed a private line between the Producers' Exchange and 
 Bradford Exchange, and transacted business at five cents per message. The 
 postal telegraph line was built through Bradford in January, 1884. 
 
 The Pompelon Club, organized some time ago, is one of the leading liter- 
 ary societies of the district. The officers for 1890 are C. L. Wheeler, presi- 
 dent; Mrs. R. B. Stone, vice-president; L. H. Simons, historian; H. H. North, 
 treasurer; Loyal Ward, Eugene Mullin, Mrs. Ada Cable, O. B. Comfort and 
 John P. Zane, members of committee on literary exercises; W. B. Chapman, 
 Miss McBurney, Miss Biscoe, Ferd Kreiner and W. L. Curtis, members of the 
 executive committee. The topics for discussion are of a philosophical character, 
 such as the "Future of the Republic," by W. J. Milliken; "Free Coinage of 
 Silver," by W. W. Brown; "The Future of the Africo- American, " by P. R. 
 Cotter; "The Congressional Embargo," by H. F. Barbour, and "Trend of 
 Thought Favorable to Republican Forms," by T. F. Mullin. 
 
 The Columbian Club was organized in the fall of 1889, with L. B. Lock- 
 ard, president; A. H. Blomer and C. C. Melvin, vice-presidents; George B. 
 Morgan, secretary, and C. P. Byron, treasurer. In October this circle of social 
 Democrats purchased a two-story building in rear of Whitney & Wheeler's 
 office for club uses. 
 
 The Bradford Driving Park and Fair Association was permanently organ- 
 ized October 11, 1889, with A. C. Hawkins, president; F. H. Chapman, vice- 
 president; C. C. Melvin, treasurer; W. R. Weaver, secretary, and they with 
 L. E. Mallory, L. E. Hamsher, Joseph Klench, C. C. Kimball, H. G. Cutting, 
 James Baylor, C. DuBois, R. A. Dempsey and P. Newell were directors. 
 
 Manufacturing and Other Industries. — In former pages references are made 
 to the pioneer sawmills and shiQgle makers of this section. Late in the "fif- 
 ties" the manufacture of oil from local coal was attempted; in 1861-62 oil 
 explorations were begun, but not until 1878 was a practical effort to discover 
 the oil ocean made. 
 
 In the fall of 1871 Foster built a derrick, and began work on the Henchie 
 farm. He struck a log at a depth of 180 feet and farther down a fifteen-barrel 
 well — the first in the district which paid expenses. This well soon gave out, 
 and in 1873 the Butts & Foster, the Olmsted, William Barnsdall's, on the 
 Hooker farm, and that on the Buchanan farm were the only evidences of oil suc- 
 cesses. Theo. E. Barnsdall pumped the first two producing wells, and states that 
 

HISTORY OF MCKEAN COUNTY. 207 
 
 $21,000 were realized from them before they were abandoned. In 1875 Jack- 
 son, Walker & Co. struck their well on the Kennedy farm, and found it to be 
 a lOO-barrel one, being the only true producer at the time. Jackson & Walker 
 had from ten to twenty wells in operation before work on the Quintuple com- 
 menced. 
 
 The village proper of that day contained about 300 inhabitants, but the 
 stampede which followed this discovery soon swelled the population to thou- 
 sands, and the modern Bradford was commenced. 
 
 The Emery Manufacturing Company' s Eefining Works were established 
 in 1887 by Mr. Haggerty, on the north city line, as a small oil refinery of two 
 cheese-box stills, with a capacity of 150 barrels each. The works became the 
 property of Lewis Emery, Jr. , under whom the little refinery was conducted 
 until the explosion last winter. Early in 1889 two hall-stills, perfected by 
 Mr. Wilbur, were adde'd, enlarging the capacity considerably and changing the 
 whole system materially. The Commercial Gazette, referring to this new in- 
 dustry in August last, says: 
 
 Their entire works will be completed and in full operation by about the middle of Octo- 
 ber, and then they will consume 1,000 barrels of crude per day. They will be operated by 
 an entirely new system, called the Hall improved process. The Hall system gives a con- 
 tinuous distillation, and this industry will be the only one in the country having it in use. 
 When it can be said that Mr. L. Emery, Jr., the proprietor, has a pipe line of his own; a 
 tank line of his own; owns a sufHcient production of crude to supply the works; has a 
 house in Philadelphia supplied with plenty of tankage and distributing wagons with which 
 to speedily deliver his products to dealers; and in fact is provided with everything to per- 
 fect such an enterprise, it can be safely said that the success of the Emery Manufacturing 
 Company is assured, and that Bradford can lay claim to the most modern oil industry of 
 the age. Mr. Emery is one of the " old-timers " in the oil business, having followed it since 
 1865, when he made his debut at Pithole. He came to this city July 28, 1875, and in the 
 following September completed three miles north of here by contract the second well In the 
 Bradford field. His experience in the refining of petroleum is also quite extended, he hav- 
 ing been one of the firm of Logan, Emery & Weaver, of Philadelphia, who disposed of their 
 plant there in 1887. The products of this institution are high-test burning oils, and an 
 article they are now making that Is meeting with much favor wherever introduced is 
 their "petroleum linsine," used in the mixing of paints, taking the place of linseed oil. 
 
 The Kock Glycerine Company, R. A. and C. G. Dempsey and N. Francis, 
 members, established their business in 1881. The factories at Custer City, 
 Penn., and Lima, Ohio, turn out nitro- glycerine, dynamite and torpedo sup- 
 plies in large quantities, supplying the two fields and outside territory. This 
 company also own over thirty oil wells. 
 
 H. G. Cutting, a resident of Bradford since 1876, now operates about 
 fifty wells, the gas from which is used for heating and illuminating purposes in 
 the city. 
 
 The Bradford Oil Company was incorporated in 1876 with J. T. Jones, 
 president, T. J. Powers, treasurer, and H. E. Brown and H. H. Adsit, 
 directors. This company own over 300 wells in this and the adjoining Alle- 
 gany county, N. Y., yielding about 800 barrels per day. For almost fourteen 
 years the members have held a leading place among oil producers. 
 
 Whitney & Wheeler established their house in 1875, and the same year 
 founded the Tuna Valley Bank. The dual business was conducted with uni- 
 form success until the panic of 1884, when by the failure of their New York 
 correspondent — The Metropolitan. National Bank — the firm were obliged to 
 suspend and make an assignment for the benefit of their creditors. The sus- 
 pension occurred in 1884, and through no fault of theirs the firm found them- 
 selves suddenly deprived of the business that they had worked so hard and 
 faithfully to build up. Undaunted by this great disaster, however, they went 
 manfully to work to retrieve their losses; and to their honor and credit be it 
 
208 HISTORY OF MCKEAN COUNTY. 
 
 said that by February, 1886, they had paid their creditors in full with interest, 
 and resumed the control of their property. Since commencing business the firm 
 have confined themselves exclusively to the conduct of their extensive produc- 
 ing interests. Their property in this connection is of the most valuable in the 
 oil regions, and they are among the heaviest producers of petroleum in this 
 section. 
 
 The Oil Well Supply Company, sand-reel and band-v»heel shop, located on 
 Davis street, employs fifteen men, and its product is valued at $40,000 
 annually. The officers of the company are John Eaton, president, Pittsburgh, 
 Penn. ; K. Chickering, secretary. Oil City, Penn. ; E. T. Howes, treasurer,' 
 Bradford, Penn. ; K. Saulnier, assistant treasurer, Bradford, Penn. The 
 Eaton, Cole & Burnham Company, of New York, and Bridgeport, Conn. , are 
 the Eastern correspondents of this company, and are equally well and favora- 
 bly known. This is the only establishment in the world from which can be 
 obtained everything necessary to drill and equip oil, gas or artesian wells. 
 The machine shops are located on North Mechanic street, where fifty men are 
 steadily employed. Labor, iron, steel and other incidentals bring the total 
 expenditures to the sum of $100,000 per annum. 
 
 C. E. Tucker is one of the heavy jobbers in nitro glycerine and torpedoes. 
 C. L. Casterline is also an extensive dealer in this class of goods. R. Jen- 
 nings & Son have been engaged in oil production since 1870, and now hold a 
 leading position among the well proprietors of this field in which they own 
 125 wells. 
 
 The Sucker Eod Factory of Gideon Chapman was established here in 1878. 
 W. G. Chapman' s shop on Dresser avenue employs three men, who turn out 
 $20,000 worth of rods annually. 
 
 The firm of Wheeler & Simonds was organized in 1877, and the office has 
 been in Bradford since 1879. The business of the firm consists in the pro- 
 duction of petroleum, valuable fields being owned in Butler, McKean, and 
 other counties, from which the annual output is of vast magnitude. S. A. 
 Wheeler came to the oil regions from Toledo, Ohio, in 1870, and began oper- 
 ating in Venango county, near Franklin. Later he was interested in Butler 
 county, being manager and part owner of the ' ' Relief Pipe Line Company ' ' 
 for some years previous to forming his present connection. Mr. Wheeler is 
 also a member of the firm of Whitney & Wheeler, and has long been numbered 
 among the representative business men and financiers of this section. J. H. 
 Simonds came to the oil regions in 1864, and has operated in Venango, Butler 
 and McKean counties, his first principal operations having been in the famous 
 "Pithole District." 
 
 The McKee Bull and Sand- wheel Factory was established in 1872 at Frank- 
 lin, and moved to Bradford, in 1878, by J. W. McKee. ^ The bull wheel man- 
 ufactured is what is known as the "patent sectional," its great feature being 
 that it can be detached from the shaft at will. The sand- wheel is made also 
 upon the same principle, and in addition the establishment turns out solid 
 wheels to order, and all parts of all machinery .... The Corbett Reel and Rig 
 Company' s shop is located on Hilton street ; employs eight men and does a busi- 
 ness of 1100,000 annually. 
 
 The Tuna Iron Works of W. C. Walker & Co., produce $50,000 worth of 
 iron ware annually, and give employment to sixteen men. 
 
 The Central Iron Works of Bovaird & Seyfang were established in 1872, 
 and now give employment to 100 men. The product of this establishment 
 embraces engines of from six to 100 horse-power, a noted specialty being a 
 newly improved oil engine. This great utility is manufactured in sizes of 
 
HISTORY OF MCKEAN COUNTY. ' 209 
 
 twelve, fifteen and twenty horse-power, and is especially adapted to drilling in 
 deep territory, under which circumstances its great rapidity and unsurpassed 
 strength are readily perceived. The firm also manufactures special machinery 
 of all kinds, and are, in all probability, the heaviest producers of drilling and 
 fishing tools in the world. They also deal extensively in boilers, steam pumps, 
 tubing, casing, new and second-hand machinery, machinists' supplies, and the 
 output is valued at 1100,000 annually. 
 
 William Eobertson & Son, machinists, works located on Chestnut street, 
 employ six men and do a $25,000 business annually. The business of this 
 concern was originally established at Pithole, Penn. , in 1865, by the head of the 
 firm, who removed to this city in 1880, and two years later admitted his son, 
 D. W. Eobertson .... Brown & Manning do a business at 33 Webster street. 
 They employ four men and do a business of 112,000 annually. They run a 
 machine shop .... Eobert Manning, a native of Pennsylvania, came to Brad- 
 ford in 1880, and established his present business in the early part of 1885 
 . . . .D. Phillips, machinist, transacts an annual business of 155,000; employs 
 ten men .... The Eoss Machine & Eepair Shops were established by G. W. 
 Ross. in 1875, and conducted by him until 1886 when J. H. Ross took charge. 
 
 The Eui'eka Iron Works, operated by S. McCaughtry, H. Harris, W. H. 
 Pepper and R. Ireland, produce all kinds of fishing and drilling tools, sand- 
 pumps, boilers, mud sockets and casing cutters. The shops are on Foreman 
 street, and the annual business is over $20,000. 
 
 The S. R. Dresser's Packer Factory is located near the Quaker Rod Shop. 
 Oil and Gas well packers are specialties .... Connelly Bros, boiler works, 
 located on Hilton street; employ seven men and do a $12,000 business per 
 annum .... Shearer & Hicks, machinists, shop located on Railroad street; 
 employ 10 men and do a $85,000 business per year. . . .H. J. Eose, machinist, 
 shop on Corydon street; employs two men and does a $30,000 business yearly 
 
 Winthrop & Delvin have a small machine shop at No. 35 Webster street; 
 
 they are practical men and do their own work; they do in the neighborhood of 
 $4,500 yearly. . . .John Ley has a large plant, a machine shop, on Corydon 
 street; employs twelve men, his yearly business aggregating $25,000. . . .The 
 Lock Manufacturing Company, located at 25 Webster street, employ two men and 
 do a trade of $5,500 per annum .... Bradford, Bordell & Kendall railroad shops, 
 located up the east branch; employ twenty men and do a $20,000 business 
 yearly .... BufPalo, Rochester & Pittsburgh railroad shops, located on the east 
 branch, employ 156 men and do a $250,000 business per annum. 
 
 B. C. Quigley' s Ash and Hickory Sucker Rod factory was established here 
 in 1885, although he was a resident of the city for six years prior to that time. 
 His factory on East Main street is thoroughly equipped. 
 
 L. Emery, Jr. , & Co' s oil well, machinist and railroad supply house, and 
 general hardware store was established in 1876. The store is one of the largest 
 business places in the city. The premises consist of a double two-story brick 
 structure, with large plate glass windows in front, and the interior is system- 
 atically and conveniently arranged with all the modern facilities for the hand- 
 ling and displaying of goods. The mammoth stock embraces all kinds of silver- 
 ware, cutlery, jewelry, optical goods, hardware, and in short everything in the 
 merchandise line excepting shoes and dry goods. A specialty is made of oil- 
 well, machinist and railway supplies, the stock carried being the largest 
 and most complete in this section of the country. The firm's large warehouse 
 for the accommodation of* the surplus is located near the Union Depot. In addi- 
 tion to the above interests the members of this firm are among the heaviest 
 oil producers in this region, under the title of the Emery Oil Company. This 
 
210 HISTOBY OF MCKEAN COUNTY. 
 
 is a separate branch of their extensive. business, the office being located at No. 
 41 Main street. They employ in the several departments of their enterprise 
 a great number of* people, and their trade extends throughout the oil regions. 
 
 The hardware and oil supply store of H. A. Jamieson and W. H. Pickett 
 was established in 1864 by J. H. Mitchell. The present owners took charge 
 in 1871 . . . .Bodine & Walker's business was founded in 1876 by George Bod- 
 ine .... The Bradford Stone Company was established by C. R. Cosolowsky 
 in May, 1886 .... J. B. McBlwaine founded his oil-well supply house in 1879, 
 and later established branches at Duke«Centre and Kane, Penn. , and Bolivar, 
 N. Y . . . . The Jarecki Manufacturing Company is represented by E. A. Weart. 
 .... Boggs & Curtis machine and oil well supply store dates to 1884 . . . . R. W. 
 Carroll's agency was established in 1884. He handles the goods of the Ameri- 
 can Tube and Iron Company, the Gutta Percha and Rubber Manfactur- 
 ing Company, the Belknap Manufacturing Company, the Hoyt Metal Com- 
 pany, the Crosby Steam Gauge and Valve Company, the Hart Manufacturing 
 Company, the Titusville Iron Works, the Watertown Steam Blower Company, 
 the Standard Boiler Feeder Company and many others .... The Tifft Engine 
 and Boiler Manufacturing Company has been represented by A. McLean since 
 1869. Their office here was established in 1860 .... Dennis & Booth, successors 
 to Jones, Dennis & Booth, established their building business in 1877. 
 
 The Bradford Glass Works were erected in 1884 on the site of Brain's 
 brick-yard, near the Erie Railroad track. A proposition to re-open this indus- 
 try was pending in June, 1889. The proposition materialized, and on Sep- 
 tember 25, 1889, the window-glass factory made the third run or heat. Since 
 the successful opening of the works, A. P. Lewis, manager, with thirty-five 
 glass-blowers, seven flatteners, eight cutters, four pot-makers, three packers 
 add sixteen helpers have formed the working force. The glass-blowers received 
 from $125 to |250 per month. No less than 1,000 persons witnessed this third 
 run. 
 
 Bradford Tooth-pick Factory employs twenty persons and does a 120,000 
 business per year. Factory on Hilton street. 
 
 The Clark Mill, on the island, is the only saw-mill in the city. For twenty- 
 five years Mr. Clark has been connected with the lumber industry; product 
 4,000,000 feet of hemlock annually. . . .H. Tuthill, dealer in sash blinds and 
 dressed lumber, employs three men and does a yearly business amounting to 
 130,000; the plant is located at 54 Chestnut street; the house was founded in 
 1881 by D. Wright . . . . C. F. McAmbly, lumber merchant, yard on Hilton street; 
 employs eighty-five men; his business amounts to $500,000 per annum.... 
 P. A. Kent' s yard was established in 1883 .... The G. Koebly carriage shops, 
 on the island, is one of the largest industries of this class in this section of 
 Pennsylvania. . . .Herman Frank, cigar manufacturer. No. 12 Congress street, 
 employs twenty men, and does a $50,000 business per year . . . . M. L. Pomeroy, 
 harness, etc., employs two men and does a $5,000 business annually; shop 
 located at 6 Pine street . . . . W. H. Walker, manufacturer of harness, etc., whose 
 house was established in 1879 by L. B. Hill, also does considerable business. 
 
 John Meyer' s upper factory and leather shop was established in 1878 .... 
 Sendker Bros.' shoe store was established in 1880, and C. M. Bosworth's 
 in 1885 Drew's furniture factory was founded in 1880-81 The Consoli- 
 dated Bottling Company was incorporated in 1882; it is simply a consolida- 
 tion of the firms of A. F. Kent, Woodbury & Campbell, Mayer Brothers and 
 T. Blakely & Company; the business is well carried on. . . .Campbell Broth- 
 ers' bottling works, on Davis street, is a large industry here .... Brennan & 
 Davis' jewelry store was established in 1883; C. H. Norton's in 1881. 
 
HISTOBY OF MCKEAN COUNTY. 213 
 
 The Bradford office of the Singer Manufacturing Company was established 
 
 with G. F. Anderson, manager J. W. Fritts is also a dealer in sewing 
 
 machines and organs, and Harrington Brothers in pianos and other musical 
 instruments ; also H. E . Morrison. 
 
 The American Steam Laundry was established in 1878 by H. J. Skinner, 
 who was followed by Godfrey & Hunt, the present owners. 
 
 The Pennsylvania Storage Company is an adaptation of the lumber com- 
 pany mentioned in the history of St. Mary's. The yards are located on a ten- 
 acre tract, donated by the city in 1888, to which the company added ten acres 
 subsequently. F. W. Brooks is general superintendent. The lumber is 
 brought to the yard in the rough, from the different sawmills of the county, 
 most of the proprietors being stockholders. A planing-mill is located on the 
 ground, and the lumber is dressed and matched complete for the market. Par- 
 ticular pains are taken in piling the lumber. As soon as a pile is finished it 
 is roofed, and the number of boards booked. Over 11,000,000 feet of lumber 
 are stored on the grounds at present. Nearly all of it is hemlock. The Star, 
 in noticing this great industry, says: " Perhaps our citizens are not aware of 
 the mammoth amount of lumber handled annually by the lumber dealers of 
 this city. The industry has grown to such an extent that it can be classed next 
 to the oil interests in this county." The reason it is called a storage concern 
 is because a mill-owner ships his lumber to this plant, and he is given a certifi- 
 cate of the value of his shipment taken from the inspector's book. It is 
 stored on the grounds until sold, when he receives his price. In addition to 
 the above the business of making wood alcohol is carried on extensively in the 
 vicinity of Bradford, there being no less than four establishments of the kind 
 — commonly called acid works — within a few miles of the city. They are con- 
 ducted respectively by A. B. Smith & Co. , Ph. Nusbaum & Co. , the Alton 
 Chemical Works (limited) and the Lewis Eun Chemical Company. 
 
 The Wagner Opera House was built and opened in 1876. The building is 
 owned by M. W. Wagner and managed in conjunction with the oil region cir- 
 cuit, comprising Erie, W^arren and New Castle, in Pennsylvania, and Elmira, 
 Hornellsville and Olean, in New York, by Wagner & Eeis, their headquarters 
 being in this city. Three to four performances a week are given in the Wag- 
 ner during the season. Among the noteworthy attractions that have appeared 
 at the Opera House may be mentioned Sara Bernhardt, Edwin Booth, Mrs. 
 Langtry, Theodore Thomas' Orchestra, Gilmore's Band and the Emma Abbott 
 Opera Company. In addition to the W^agner Opera House there is a variety 
 theatre and numerous halls for concert and other uses. 
 
 ■ CONCLUSION. 
 
 The humble beginnings of Bradford have been related, and the gradual 
 advances of the settlement to the position of a city traced. Every feature of the 
 building-up process has been painted in documentary languages, true in every 
 particular. Only a few years have passed since the place was a wilderness. To- 
 day it is a busy hive of industry, with many of the vices and all the virtues of a 
 great business center. The pioneers of the Bradford oil field built well indeed, 
 and witnessed the springing up of a great, well-regulated and prosperous 
 community out of the ancient groves of the Tuna Valley. Here is the 
 inventive, enterprising, fearless Yankee; there the Pennsylvanian — man of 
 iron nerves ; here the sons of Vermont and New Hampshire, happy among the 
 great hills; there the children of that Maryland — "the only place in the wide, 
 wide world where religious liberty found a home;" here the shrewd Irishman 
 whose faults almost counterbalance his virtues ; the ruddy, fair-haired German 
 
 1 1 
 
214 HISTOKY OP MCKEAN COUNTY. 
 
 working steadily to win a competence and hold it; the Englishman, generally 
 transatfantic ; the Italian, untrained to labor; the "cannie" Scot, zealously 
 watchful of his interests; the chivalrous Pole, the polite Frenchman, the 
 money-making Jew, the never-tired Swede or Norwegian, and even the China- 
 man all find employment and a home here. In other points the city claims 
 
 distinctive features, such as natural terraces, variety of landscape and wild- 
 wood drives, all retained involuntarily amid the ruin of old-time forests, 
 change of river courses and assaults on the great hills. 
 
 CHAPTER XI. 
 
 FOSTER TOWNSHIP— BOROUGH OF KENDALL— 
 CORYDON TOWNSHIP. 
 
 rosTEE Township roHMATioN — Census — Fires — Township Officers 
 
 Elected in 1890— Villages. 
 
 Bokoti(Jh of Kendall Location— Population— Business— Peg-Leg Line— 
 
 Incidents— Fires, Etc.— Elections — Schools — Churches — Cemetery- 
 Societies. 
 
 CoEYDON Township Topography, Etc.— Population— Seated Tax Payers, 
 
 1836-37— Early Mills— Township Officers Elected in 1890. 
 
 FOSTER TOWNSHIP formed part of Bradford township until 1880, and to- 
 day it is practically a part of the old township in its topographical features 
 and business interests. In March, 1880, the vote on setting off Foster township 
 from Bradford was seventy-two for and thirty-one contra. The name was 
 given in honor of Leonard S. Foster, the oldest continuous white resident of 
 the Tuna Valley, who resided at Foster Brook since 1824, Bernard Pike, the 
 pioneer, moving away years ago. This township in 1880 had a population of 
 5,373. In November, 1888, there were 288 Republican, 154 Democratic^ 48 
 Prohibitionist and 46 Labor Unionist votes cast; and a total of 531 multiplied 
 by six gives the population at the time as 3,186. 
 
 The history of this township is one story of conflagration after conflagra- 
 tion. Red Rock was burned early in 1880, shortly after the destruction of Knox 
 City and of Gillmor. 
 
 The Reyr City fire of May 7, 1880, originated on the Shedd farm, sparks 
 from Fisher & Pickett's engine setting fire to their No. 6 well, and resulting 
 in the four-months old town of Rew City being destroyed within two hours. 
 Beginning on the north boundary on the east side of Bordell avenue, there 
 were destroyed as follows: Dan Kelly's feed stable; Moscho's barn and dwell- 
 ing; Curtis & Hart's building; Seth Jordan's boarding house ; Robert Menziers' 
 restaurant; Chandler Bros.' grocery; J. D. Wolf's building and hardware stock; 
 U. Pox's new boarding house, and Eugene Capron's building and stock. On 
 the north and south sides of Coleville road, west of Bordell avenue, Ireland's 
 machine shop ; the pioneer hotel, known as the Summit House, conducted by 
 Ross & Marr; the Rew City House ; Hale' s drug store; Giles' & Mehany's 
 building ; Bradford shoe store; LaydryDavey's boarding house; Central House; 
 Dailey's hardware; Allington's restaurant; Connelly's hotel. Sniggs & Stick- 
 
HISTORY OF MCKEAN COUNTY. 215 
 
 ney's grocery; Wood.& Bowens' meat market and bakery; Seanlon's Daven- 
 port House; Cook's portable restaurant building; Chandler Bros.' building; 
 G. B. Edmund's livery; Dayton & Jackson's hotel; McGeorge's dwelling; S. 
 S. Francis' dwelling; Sinclair's fruit shop; McDermott's feed store and 
 blacksmith shop; Murray, Morrison & Company's buildings; Thomas' res- 
 taurant ; Lewis' boarding house; Eobinson's building; McNamara's Edinburg 
 House, and C. Webster's tank shop, on the west side of Bordell avenue, south 
 of the Coleville road, were all swept away. D. Rew's farm house and build- 
 ings, then occupied by Middaugh, were destroyed, and five buildings on the 
 west side of the street; Whiting's boarding house, Stoddard's hotel, Mrs. 
 Agger's Central House, Dorey's boarding house, Lewis' Cuba House, and a 
 number of small buildings were destroyed. On the Eew farm the McCalmont 
 Company, McKay & Company, Packard & Company, S. D. Karn & Company, 
 Benedict & Whitnal, Dyer & Ford, lost heavily in oil and rigs. 
 
 The fire of May 6, 1880, at Kendall Creek, a half mile north of Eew City, 
 originated in the premature explosion of a torpedo in Bradley & Co.'s No. 6 
 well on the Taylor tract. It appears the torpedo was lowered to a depth of 
 600 feet, when a sudden flow of oil drove it upward, and, striking the walking 
 beam, it exploded. The rig and a 150-barrel tank were destroyed, and the 
 fire, running to Johnson & Co.'s rig on the Bingham land, destroyed it and the 
 oil in tank, together with their rig on the Mantz farm below the Eew farm. 
 
 On the hillside between LafEerty and Sawyer, the rigs at eight producing 
 wells were burned. The property of Munhall & Smithman, O'Dell & Emerson 
 and Van Vleck was burned over, while the Anchor Petroleum Company lost 
 two rigs on the Whipple farm. 
 
 The Foster Brook tire of May 6, 1880, originated at Porter, Gilmore & 
 Co.'s No. 7 well, at the foot of the hollow leading to Bell's Camp, and extended 
 southeast over the divide through the C. B. & H. tract, thence through a por- 
 tion of the Willets tract to the west line of the Borden tract, destroying 101 
 rigs and a quantity of oil in the Foster brook and Harrisburg run neighbor- 
 hoods. Tram Hollow lost nineteen rigs, six were burned on the east branch 
 and fifty- four at Kendall Creek, aggregating 132 rigs destroyed in a few hours. 
 Near Tarport the fire began in the brush near the Cornen purchase, and at 
 once encircled three 250-barrel oil tanks. 
 
 The Eixford fire of May 9, 1880, originated in Squire Cline's office, and 
 resulted in the destruction of seventy-five buildings, six loaded freighi cars, 
 twelve empty flat cars, forty rigs and 70, 000 barrels of oil — the total loss being 
 placed at |l84,000. The old Eixford dwelling was swept away at this time, 
 but, although the fire surrounded it, John McKeown's well on Main street was 
 left untouched. On the north side, western end of Main street, west of the 
 point of origin, this fire destroyed Cronin's boarding house; Fai-ley's dwelling; 
 the Central House; Cline's of&ce; Mitchell's grocery; the Waterman block; 
 Mrs. Karn's jewelry store; Tuttle's fruit stand; the Seymour building; the 
 NastBros.' building; A. J. North's; Krohn's clothing house; Steven's bowl- 
 ing alley; Otto's dwelling; Scoville's law office; Blue Front grocery; Baker's 
 dwelling; Edmund's dwelling; Tait's photograph gallery; Wass' restaurant; 
 Garvin's blacksmith shop; Gibney's shoe shop; Dana's billiard hall; Brun- 
 dage's Bakery Hotel; Mcintosh's boarding house; Crandall & Alderman's 
 grocery; Goodenough's Scranton House; Shanbacker' s Yeoman House ; Tait's 
 grocery; Farrell's boarding house; Ive's shoe store; Holmes', Porter's and 
 Mrs. Barry's dwellings; Drach's laundry, and Curtis & Drake's Titusville 
 House. On Eailroad street, extending north from Main, there were destroyed 
 Horan's Hotel; Kane's restaurant; Mrs. Eockwell's Central Hotel; the dwell- 
 
216 HISTORY OF MCKEA.N COUNTY. 
 
 ings of Crooker, August and Dean; Mrs. Eobins' saloon; Gorley's Railroad 
 House; railroad depot; Packard & Co.'s office; Youngstown Oil Company's 
 office, and Culbertson's dwelling, while Allen's coal yard, MoAndrew's boiler 
 shop and E. S. Crooker' s tank shop, west of depot, were destroyed. South of 
 Railroad street U. T. No. 429 and No. 452, 25,000-barrel tanks, and McLeod 
 & Morrison's 7,000-barrel tanks burned. On the south side of Main street, 
 beginning on the west, there were destroyed Unger's clothing store; Wagner's 
 meat market; the Rolph House; Wagner & Paught's Opera House; the O'Brien 
 building; Kammacher's building; Royer building; John Faught's dwelling; 
 Crandall's dry goods house; Dickenson's post-office building; Neilen's hotel 
 (Bishop House); Fleming's tank shop; Robinson's glycerine office; William 
 O'Brien's residence; Dibble's drug store; the Gleason House; Edward's livery 
 •stable; O'Brien's old Rixford House; John McKeown's office, and O. Flem- 
 ing's dwelling. The work of rebuilding was begun on May 10 of that year. 
 
 The Dallas City oil fire took place August 19, 1880, 50,000 barrels of oil 
 being on fire. At that time the Tidewater Tank No. 6 stood 350 feet distant 
 from the pump station, while up the brook was United Lines Tank No. 410, 
 and in the vicinity other oil reservoirs. At five o'clock that evening lightning 
 struck two of the 25,000-barrel tanks and one 700-barrel tank, and destroyed 
 the telegraph instruments. James Stephens extinguished the fire at the small 
 tank, the property of W. M. Carner & Co. , but the large tanks and several 
 rigs were destroyed. 
 
 The Eew City fire of October 24, 1881, originated in Bernard's barber 
 shop, on the west side of Bordell street, burning Francis' meat market and 
 dwelling, Googe Bros.' bowling alley, A. J. Dearmont's blacksmith shop on 
 the south side. The fire was checked at Murray's feed store and dwelling, 
 where there was an alley three feet wide. Murray' s store was badly scorched 
 and had a narraw escape. On the north side were burned the Tioga House, 
 the building owned by C. C. Violl and occupied by D. E. Miece as a furniture 
 store, being checked at Blakeley Bros.' drug store, where there was an alley 
 about eight feet wide. On the east side of the street the Fox House, used as 
 a hall, and on the north side Woodbury & Campbell' s building, occupied by 
 Edney Smith as a saloon and bowling alley, and Dearmont's blacksmith and 
 wagon shop were destroyed. The flames were checked at Cornell's dwelling by 
 an alley about eight feet wide. Water was hauled from the Hopking & Packard 
 lease in a 250-barrel tank. Eight teams were employed and furnished an 
 ample supply. The citizens fought the fire bravely. 
 
 The Kansas Branch fire of January 4, 1884, resulted in the burning of 
 the four children of C. N. Garver, an employe of the Keystone Company. 
 
 The glycerine explosion at Sawyer City in September, 1881, resulted in the 
 death of William Bunton, Charles Rust, James Thrashier and Charles Krouse, 
 and serious injury to four others. 
 
 Knox City, which came into existence in 1879, on the Hodge farm (soon after 
 the Sawyer & Boille well was drilled on the the Rew farm), was inaugurated by 
 the opening of Jack Eraser's Knox City House. It was destroyed by fire April 
 21, 1880. This fire originated in a barber shop, and destroyed Hussey's sa- 
 loon, Pfunter's furniture shop, M. T. Holahan's buildings, the Oil Exchange 
 Hotel, the Barnes House, Stone Bros. ' grocery, and Eraser' s Knox City House. 
 
 Gillmor, near Bradford, was wiped out by fire in March, 1879, and Hugh 
 Lafferty burned to death. Rebuilt at once, it is to-day one of the busy ham- 
 lets of this section. The Knights of Honor and other secret and benevo- 
 lent organizations are to be found here, including G. A. R. Post No. 589, and 
 the Women' s Relief Corps. The old villages were rebuilt after the fashion of 
 
HISTORY OF MCKEAN COUNTY. 219 
 
 oil camps, business resumed, and to-day the visitor may converse with some per- 
 sons who never heard of the destructive tires of 1879-84. 
 
 Babcock, a lumbering village, now known as Tuna Creek, is located north 
 of Bradford, near the State line. 
 
 The villages of this township are Foster Brook, Babcock' s Mills, Derrick 
 City, Lafferty, Red Rock, Gillmor, Sawyer City, Hazelwood, Forest, Taylor, 
 and Rew City. Throughout the valleys of the township are several argricult- 
 ural settlements. At Derrick City is a Methodist church building; it is the 
 circuit station and here Rev. William Magovern resides. 
 
 Foster Brook Lodge No. 11, Knights of Pythias, was organized some time 
 ago, and in October, 1889, took an important place among the societies of the 
 district. 
 
 The township officers elected in February, 1890, are as follows: Supervisors, 
 Robert McMurray and J. L. Seager; town clerk, George Wannamaker; col- 
 lector, T. F. Hungerville; school directors, it. T. Morian and S. A. Shannon; 
 auditor, E. B. Sage; assessor, N. Snyder; judge of election. First District, H. 
 B. Day; inspectors, T. W. Powers andM. M. McKay; judge of election, Second 
 District, J. W. Gormley; inspectors, W. J. Boyd and S. M. Henderson. 
 
 TABPORT, OE BOROUGH OF KENDALL. 
 
 Tarport adjoins Bradford city on the north, and is connected therewith 
 by railroad and street car lines. In 1880 it contained 2,689 inhabitants. In 
 1888 there were 181 Republican, 139 Democratic, eleven Prohibitionist and 
 three United Labor votes cast, or a total of 334. This number multiplied by 
 six gives an approximate of the present population, about 2,004. 
 
 Tarport was great when Bradford was a little hamlet. For years the trade 
 of northwestern McKean centered here, and here many of the pioneers of Brad- 
 ford' s business entered on commercial life. Harvey D. Hicks was first postmas- 
 ter at Tarport, keeping the office in the hotel. On entering the anion service 
 in 1862, his wife continued the office during the war. In 1872 Loyal Ward 
 was appointed to the office, and served until William Beers succeeded him in 
 1873. The office has been filled by Mr. Mitchell and Mr. Butler in recent 
 years until J. C. Brenneman was commissioned in Julj', 1889. The discovery of 
 oil in the Tuna Vafley changed the pleasant little village of olden days into a 
 bustling oil camp. In 1876 the name was changed to Kendall Creek; the post- 
 office was then established under that name, with H. G. Mitchell postmaster. 
 In June of that year Mitchell & Sons opened a grocery store and Z. Fisher 
 commenced building his three-story hotel. Later P. N. Taylor opened a store 
 there and the Oil Exchange hall was erected. 
 
 In 1878 the village contained about 900 inhabitants. Here was the junction 
 of the Peg-Leg Line and the Olean, Bradford & Warren Railroads; hundreds 
 of derricks standing all around, and large tanks, telling at once that this was 
 the great tank city of the period. In January, 1878, the Peg-Leg Railroad 
 was completed to Tarport, and the Narrow Gauge was opened February 11, 
 1878, between Bradford and Olean, the train climbing grades of 135 feet per 
 mile. 
 
 In January and February, 1878, the Era was filled with accounts of atroc- 
 ities at Tarport, in the low resort of Ben Hogan, since which time strange 
 changes have taken place. The wicked village of 1878 was destroyed to give 
 place to the new order of houses and inhabitants, and even the notorious Ben 
 has become an evangelist, as elsewhere related. Contemporary with Ben's 
 settlement at Tarport came the era of fires and explosions. Roberts' glycerine 
 
220 HISTORY OF MCKEAN COUNTY. 
 
 factory, a mile from Tarport, exploded October 2, 1877, killing J. F. Smith 
 and injuring Col. Eoberts and his son. The fire of April 25, 1880, destroyed 
 Schmultz's grocery, Kerns' saloon, Stine's Dew Drop Inn, Delmage's tank 
 shop, and Mrs. Eobinson's boarding house. William Houseler was arrested 
 and charged with being the incendiary. The glycerine explosion of May 24, 
 1880, destroyed the Ernest Koester works below Tarport. It appears the for- 
 est fires communicated with the safes (then containing only 200 pounds of the 
 explosive), which were lifted bodily upward and scattered over a wide area. 
 In May, 1880, Book & Rhodes' No. 15 Tank, on Rutherford run, was struck 
 by lightning and 600 barrels of oil burned, and Stettheimer' s engine house, on 
 East branch, destroyed. J. M. Tait lost the rigs and tanks at his wells on 
 Foster brook. The Roger Sherman 10,000-barrel oil tank, near Tarport, was 
 struck by lightning June 10, 1880, and set on fire. Superintendent Seymore 
 turned steam on the burning oil, and this, aided by the application of wet 
 blankets, subdued the flames — the first time an oil tank and contents were thus 
 saved. The fire of June 25, 1880, destroyed thirty-two buildings in two 
 hours. It originated in the Westcott House, which it destroyed as well as the 
 following buildings: Mrs. Melhuish's boarding house, J. W. Winsor's dwell- 
 ing, Heathcote's hotel, Riley & Evans' hotel, Wheaton's meat market, J. S. 
 Fisher's saloon, Mackay & Benson's grocery, Phillips' Oil Exchange Hotel, the 
 Dowdney House, Mulqueen's saloon, Ockerman building, L. R. Barnes' hotel, 
 Flynn Bros.' grocery, Levi's clothing house, Kern's saloon, and another 
 saloon, Calhoun's shoe store, Walsh's building, Kurd's harness shop, and the 
 Fuller House barn. On the opposite side it destroyed the Walsh House, then 
 operated by John Ingersoll ; the double house owned by John Mitchell and 
 Knox Brothers, in which was the postofifice, with H. G. Mitchell, master; his 
 dwelling in the rear; E. R. Sherman's and George Smith's dwellings; the Oil 
 Exchange building; Frank Taylor's building. Judge Craig's dwelling and 
 Cadwallader' s office. The total loss was estimated at 150,000. Mrs. Neff's 
 boarding house, at head of Main street, was saved. The fire of May 5, 1883, 
 destroyed six houses, and burned to death George O'Neil, a fireman. 
 
 Kendall Borough elections were held February 15, 1881, whenEugene Buck 
 received 208 votes and C. E. Everson 103, for burgess. M. A. Haggerty, O. 
 L. Lathrop, Denis Lundergan, C. Benson, Philo Ackley and Joseph Nye were 
 elected members of council; E. F. Converse, constable; A. J. Evans, high 
 onstable; A. M. Kleckner, C. D. Longfellow and Robert Pilkington, school 
 directors; Joe Bensinger, assessor; C. D. Longfellow and W. B. Clark, audit- 
 ors; S. B. Shaffer and E. W. Baker, inspectors, and John Todd, judge of 
 elections. J. H. Butler was elected burgess in 1882. receiving the total vote, 
 216; Philo Ackley, in 1883; L. D. Langmade, in 1884, with W. W. Penhollow, 
 justice; E. J. Fitzsimmons, in 1885-86; Philo Ackley, in 1887, with A. M. 
 Kleckner, justice, and T. T. Mapes, in 1888-89. The officers elected in Feb- 
 ruary, 1890, are as follows: Burgess, W. K. Urquhart; councilmen, J. G. 
 Fisher, S. W. Stilling, P. Mallory; school directors, A. V. Field, J. C. Smith; 
 justice of the peace, Philo Ackley; collector, W. W. Penhollow; constable, M. 
 B. Delmage; auditor, Wilson Rice; judges of election, First District, Philo 
 Ackley; Second District, C. D. Gilbert; inspectors, William Heaps, James 
 Flynn, Wilson Rice, E. H. Parish. 
 
 The early schools of Tarport are noticed in the history of Bradford town- 
 ship, where many of the pioneers of this section are also referred to. So also 
 with the religious organizations. 
 
 The first Presbyterian Church of Kendall was incorporated in June, 1881, 
 with T. W. Williamson, F. S. Reynolds, J. W. Sherman, G. Buchanan, C. 
 
HISTOEY OF MCKEAN COUNTY. 221 
 
 D. Longfellow, C. B. Seymour, Dr. McCarthy, J. Hockley, D. L. Skinner, 
 J. Odell and G. W. Newman, members. 
 
 The first Free Methodist Society of Tuna Creek was organized in 1883, 
 with O. Dodge, A. D. Gaines, Sam. Henderson, L. Sager, Harriet E. Jones, 
 Mrs. M. J. ZelifP, Phil, and Mrs. M. V. Hooker, Mrs. M. G. Beardsley hus- 
 band and William, A. G. McCoy, H. G. Crawford, G. Brightonberger, C. 
 
 B. Stoddard, William Cornelius, I. Walker, George Hasson, H. Hare and 
 George G. Sandford. Eev. John H. Stoody is pastor of the Methodist Episco- 
 pal Church here, the beginnings of which are told in the history of Bradford. 
 
 The Kendall Creek Cemetery Association was incorporated March 3, 1871, 
 with C. C. Melvin, C. H. Foster, A. W. and James Buchanan and P. A. 
 Moore, trustees. 
 
 Kendall Lodge No. 133, A. O. U. W., is one of the oldest benefit organi- 
 zations of the borough. Among its officers may be named J. S. Fisher, V..K. 
 Boyer, L. Keed, A. M. Kleckner and D. Huntley. This lodge built a hall 
 some years ago near the railroad, which hall is still standing. The officers for 
 1890 are F. O. Hane, C. Crary, A. Cole, T. J. Buchanan, James Moseley, 
 G. W. Mitchell, L. S. Eeed, F. H. Burr, James Hood and A. M. Kleckner^ 
 Present membership, 97. 
 
 Washington Legion, S. K. of A. O. IJ. W. , was organized April 8, 1884. 
 Among its members are those named in connection with the lodge, R. B. Gil- 
 lespie, A. J. Martin, O. L. Lathrop, H. H. Berringer, A. J. Cole, T. B. 
 Humes and others. The officers of the legion in 1890 are H. R. Winger, 
 
 C. S. Crarey, James Hood, D. Huntley, D. J. Stewart, A. M. Kleckner, 
 R. B. Gillespie, J. G. Fisher and G. E. Benninghoff. There are twenty-one 
 members. 
 
 Kendall Tent No. 5, K. O. T. M., was organized Jiily 8, 1884. Among 
 its members are T. M. Olmsted, Col. D. Gardner, H. C. Jones, H. K. 
 Boyer, M. P. Wooley and F. M. Bickford. The tent elected the following named 
 officers in December, 1889, in order of tent rank: Moses P. Wooley, James L. 
 Fleming, W. K. Urquhart, H. C. Jones, H. Boyer, M. B. Delmage, D. E. 
 Ash and J. M. Shaw. The membership on March 10 was 136. 
 
 Tuna Lodge No. 1122, Knights and Ladies of Honor, was instituted Jan- 
 uary 20, 1886, by D. G. P., A. N. Heard. Among its members are E. M. 
 McElhaney, J. Q. Field, Mrs. Kate Walter, E. R. Sherman, Frank G. Bemis, 
 
 E. R. Sherman, C. F. Jewell, E. J. Fitzsimmons. The officers for 1890 are 
 L. E. Shaw, Mrs. M. P. Hennage, E. R. Sherman, Rachel Troup, Ella Smiley, 
 Mrs. Retta Phillips, Mrs. Sarah Artley, J. W. Stephens and M. E. Smiley. 
 Medical examiner, D. E. Ash. There are eighty members. 
 
 Local Branch No. 389 of the Order of the Iron Hall was organized September 
 17, 1886; among the official members are H. G. Vankenren, J. Manly, J. R. 
 McCarthy and T. B. Humes. 
 
 Break of Day Division No. 170, Sons of Temperance, was organized Sep- 
 tember, 1886. Its members were William Dobin, Rev. J. G. Hann, Mrs. W. 
 Harris, P. Whittlesey, Mrs. H. Wardell. 
 
 Kendall Section Cadets of Temperance, organized March, 1887; Mrs. M. 
 A. Thomas, Mrs. L. Hann; D. G., William Dobie; W. A., Grace Sandburn; 
 V. A., Annie Greer; P. W. A., Ella Dobie; R. S., Arch Worton; T., George 
 Dobie. 
 
 In 1889 the Kendall Loan and Savings Association was organized with the 
 following officers: President, George W. Mitchell; secretary, E. R. Sherman; 
 treasurer, T. T. Mapes; appraising committee, T. T. Mapes, A. V. Field and 
 J. M. Nye. The board of directors consists of A. V. Field, T. T. Mapes, J. 
 
222 HISTORY OF MCKEAN COUNTY. 
 
 M. Nye, George W. Mitchell and E. R. Sherman. These, officers were re- 
 elected for 1890. 
 
 Kendall Circle No. 74, Protected Home Circle, is presided over by E. E. 
 Sherman, with Ellen Geary, vice-president; Mrs. M. Moseley, chaplain; J. J. 
 Gonter, G. ; Emma J. Gonter, accountant; C. D. Longfellow, secretary; Mrs. 
 Martha Sherman, treasurer; J. T. Graham, porter; Mrs, L. Whitman, watch, 
 and Dr. J. E. McCartey, medical examiner. 
 
 Equitable Aid Union No. 249 was organized December 28, 1885, and is 
 presided over by D. Keibler, with Dora Boyer, vice-president, and Mrs. L. 
 Hathaway, secretary. The remaining offices are filled by H. E. Wigner, D. 
 Huntly, Mrs. C. Withery, Mrs. L. Dorrance, Mrs. Wilda Eice, Mrs. Alice 
 Smith, Myrtle Hathaway, Cora Montrose and O. B. Coleman. There are 158 
 members belonging to this union. 
 
 COEYDON TOWNSHIP. 
 
 Corydon township occupies the northwest corner of McKean county. Here 
 Corydon run flows west by north through the northern sections, while the two 
 branches of Sugar run meander everywhere through the southwest and center, 
 and flow together near the west line, whence the main stream rushes down to join 
 the Allegheny river in Warren county, south of Cornplanter' s run, which also rises 
 here. On the divide between Willow and Quaker creeks (heads of the Corydon, in 
 the northeast corner), an elevation of 2, 210 feet above tide is recorded; while on 
 the Warren county line, where Sugar run enters the Allegheny valley, the ele- 
 vation is only 1,300 feet. Geologist Asburner, speaking of this section in 1878, 
 states that the number of houses and shanties there could be counted on the 
 fingers, and denied the assertion of local geologists in the matter of coal beds, 
 asserting that never could coal be profitably mined here. He further termed 
 it the "Barren Township," but acknowledged the existence of plateaus, to 
 which he ascribed the general character of those in Lafayette township. 
 
 The population of Corydon township in 1880 was 154. In 1888 there were 
 fifty Eepublican and thirteen Democratic votes recorded, on which total — 
 sixty-three — the population was placed at 315. 
 
 The seated tax-payers of Corydon township in 1836-87 were Edwin Adams, 
 James Anderson (a trader), William Brown, John Brown, James L. Baker, 
 Albert and David Cargill, William Care (tavern-keeper), Benjamin Chamber- 
 lain, Chamberlain & Hall (saw-mill owners), Alfred Forbes (merchant), Andrew 
 Flatt, Amos Piatt, E. M. Truman, J. W. Pield (tavern-keeper), Seth W. 
 Green, Walter Guy, William Gibbs, Comfort Hamlin, Orrin Hook, John Hasel- 
 tine, Abel Morrison, Eice Morrison, Jacob McCall, Morrison, Stephens & Co. 
 (saw-mills), Moses Parmlee, Zelotes Parmlee, Juri Perry, B. H. Pike (trades- 
 man), Amos Patterson (merchant), Abiel Eolfe (tavern-keeper), Walter and 
 George Seaman, Perry Shannon (saw-mill owner), Clark Stearns, P. H. Tracy, 
 Jonathan Thompson, Ben. Tome, Isaac Williams, H. N. Wheeler (store-keeper 
 and saw-mill owner), John Wait (store- keeper) and John E. Woodbeck (trader); 
 A. Poster was the assessor .... Brownell, now of Tionesta, worked in Con- 
 over' s saw-mill, at the head of Sugar run, in 1857. This mill was erected 
 in 1854-55, while the mills operated by the Templetons, south of the town- 
 line, were erected much earlier. 
 
 Early in 1843 a colony of German Catholics purchased a large tract of land 
 in Warren county, near the east line of McKean, and established a commercial 
 village, and in 1843 a post-office was existing at Kinzua. 
 
 The Corydon well, on Willow creek, one-half mile up stream from the 
 Allegheny, was in existence in 1850. 
 
%^^' jf ^J^'^'^ 
 
HISTORY OF MCKEAN COUNTY. 225 
 
 The township officers elected in February, 1890, are aa follows: Super- 
 visors, Moses Johnson, James Hinton; school directors, C. D. Seaman, B. D. 
 Tome; collector, H. Schobey; constable, H. Schobey; justice of the peace, E. 
 S. Payne; town clerk, Peter Parsons; auditor, B. D. Tome; judge of election, 
 Philip Tome; inspectors, J. Rogers, Fred Flynn. 
 
 CHAPTER XII. 
 
 ANNIN TOWNSHIP— CERES TOWNSHIP. 
 
 Annin Township Topography and Natural History— Population— Of- 
 ficers OF THE TOAVNSHIP, 1890— TURTLE PoiNT— NeWELL CREEIC— CHUROHES 
 
 AND Cemetery. 
 
 Ceres Township Topography— Oil Wells— Population— Officers of the 
 
 Township, 1890— First Justice of the Peace— Early Settlers— Resi- 
 dent Tax-Payers, 1836-37 — Re-survey of the Northern State Line. 
 
 Ceres Village First Arrivals— Post-office— Merchants — Schools- 
 Churches— Military— Railroads— Industries. 
 
 ANNIN TOWNSHIP, south of Ceres, and north of Liberty, is the home 
 of Annin creek, which rises in the heights north of Annin, and enters 
 the Allegheny river at Turtle point. Two Mile creek rises southeast of Annin, 
 and flowing southwest enters the Allegheny below Port Allegany. Bell run, 
 mentioned in the sketch of Ceres township, rises in the northeast corner; 
 Newell creek flows southwest through the northwest corner, and Rock run 
 parallels Annin creek northwest of the divide. Open Brook flows north 
 through the southwest corner, where it enters the main river, which marks the 
 northeast line of this corner. The high land one mile northwest of Annin is 
 2,345 feet above tide; two miles southwest an elevation of 2,340 exists, and two 
 and one-half miles due south, near the Port road, a plateau 2,300 feet above 
 tide was measured. In fact an average elevation of 2, 200 feet for summits, 
 marks this township, the lowest point being the mouth of Rock run, 1,435 
 feet. Northwest of the Smetbport anticlinal are two small areas of Olean 
 conglomerate, and between Annin and Two Mile creeks two more, but be- 
 yond such evidences of coal, there were no minerals discovered up to 1879. 
 
 The population of Annin township in 1880 was 1,089. The vote in 1888 
 was 109 Republican, 117 Democratic, 10 Prohibitionist and five Labor Union- 
 ist, or 241, multiplied by five, equals 1,205,' the estimated population. 
 
 The officers of this township elected in February, 1890, are as follows: 
 Justice of the peace, S. R. June; school directors, L. E. Bishop and F. K. 
 Winship for three years, and John J. Cawley for one year; constable, Joseph 
 Mullin; judge of election, H. A. June; inspectors of election, Jerome Robin- 
 son, H. M. Harder; supervisors, J. J. McCarey, James Hooley; auditors, H. 
 M. Harder for one year, Thomas McGavisk for two years, and Eugene Mc- 
 Carey for three years; collector, L. J. Phenix; town clerk, Lorenzo Hodges. 
 
 Turtle Point was the name given to the present village in 1836, when 
 Henry Bryant, an Olean lawyer, erected the large saw- mill there. When 
 cleaning out the 'mill-race the workmen found a large turtle buried deep in the 
 
226 HISTORY OF MCKEAN COUNTY. 
 
 mud. A few remnants of the old village were to be seen in 1885, although 
 the new village was transferred to the corners nearer the railroad. Bryant 
 invested $11,000 in this milling concern, but the panic coming on swept it 
 away. Later he took Enoch Fobes as partner and James H. Wright as miller. 
 In 1844 S. A. Backus purchased Bryant's interests, leaving the original 
 owner to begin life anew in California. 
 
 Newell Creek and neighborhood were settled about fifty years ago. Among 
 the names of old families are John and William Crawley, Ed. McMahon, Tim. 
 Mullin, Murty and Patrick Driscoll, George Oliver, Patrick Masterson, Con. 
 Doyle, John O'Connor, Jerry Eiley, Michael McAulifPe, Philip Cooney, 
 Thomas Dunn, Eichard and Dennis Delany, Thomas Bizell, W. M. Londrigan, 
 James Harkin. 
 
 St. Mary's Church was established here in 1847, and Eev. J. J. Burns 
 was resident priest in 1850, when the old church was erected and dedicated by 
 Bishop O'Connor. Fathers Dean and Galligan were missionary priests in 
 1847-48, and Father Smith was resident pastor from October, 1848, to June 
 16, 1850. In 1853 Kev. Coady succeeded Father Burns, who was followed by 
 Father Madigan in September, 1856, and he by Father Murrill in December, 
 1866. Father P. J. Patterson, V. F., came in September, 1868. In 1869 he 
 commenced the present church building, which was dedicated in February, 
 1872, by Bishop Mullen. The congregation comprises 150 families. The 
 church at Newell Creek may be said to have absorbed old St. Mary's above 
 Smethport, leaving the southern members alone to the new parish of Smeth- 
 port. The pastor died December 21, 1889. Father Cosg'rove is successor of 
 the venerable Father Patterson as pastor of St. Mary's parish, including Port 
 Allegany, Austin, Costello, Duke Centre and other places. 
 
 The Annin Creek Humane Society was the name given to a cemetery asso- 
 ciation in June, 1851, of which D. Buckley, I. H. Holcomb, S. Foote, S. D. 
 Cooper, Theron Cooper, J. P. Evans, Jr., Joshua D. Knapp, J. C. Evans, 
 N. B. Foote, Joseph Hodges, C. Graham, J. H. Knapp and J. P. Evans were 
 members. 
 
 The Methodist Church was incorporated in September, 1867, on petition 
 of Joseph Merrick, Niles Kinney, C. H. Bessee, G. F. Tubbs, H. M. Harder, 
 M. S. Hadley, S. H. Kinney and A. H. Bessee. 
 
 The First Baptist Church was incorporated March 21, 1887, on petition of 
 S. L. Holcomb, Eli B. Buckley, L. H. and F. K. Winship and G. O. Buckley. 
 
 The First Eegular Baptist Church of Turtle Point was incorporated June 
 3, 1887. The subscribers were Theron Cooper, D. C. Winship, S. L. Hol- 
 comb, Albertus Cooper and Darius Simpson. 
 
 CEEES TOWNSHIP. 
 
 Ceres township occupies the northeast corner of the county. King's run 
 of the Oswayo runs in a general northern course through the center; Bell's 
 run parallels it in the center of the east half; Oswayo creek enters in the 
 northeast corner, flows northwestwardly to Ceres for two and a quarter miles, 
 then crosses the State line, and eventually loses itself in the Allegheny 
 river. The head-waters of Newell creek are found in the southwest, and of 
 Barden creek in the west center. Taylor's run and several smaller streams 
 feed the creeks named. The highest measured elevation is 2,245 feet, one 
 mile southwest of Glenn, at the head of Eock run, and the lowest point, 1,443, 
 near State Line depot. The divide between King's and Bell's runs shows a 
 general elevation of 2,200 feet, declining to 1,450 south of Ceres. East of Bell's 
 run it ranges from 2,200 feet in north and south extremes to 1,509 in the 
 
HISTOBY OF MCKEAN COUNTY. 227 
 
 Oswayo valley, while the divide at the head of Barden and Newell creeks pre- 
 sented summits of 2,219 and 2,200. The township is minus coal measures 
 and conglomerate; but the summit caps of Pocono are from 250 to 300 feet 
 thick. Near Kussell's house on the Ceres road, at an elevation of 2,075 feet, 
 there was discovered, in 1878, a red limy shale band. In King's run gulch, at 
 Lynch's house, red soil was found at an elevation of 1,675 feet; along Barden 
 run at an elevation of 1,645 feet, as at the old Biggens' place; and toward 
 Ceres, of 1,720 feet, or only thirty feet below the top of the Chemung in that 
 neighborhood. At Ely's house, on Ceres and Turtle Point road, a slightly red 
 soil was seen at an elevation of 1,980 feet, and toward Turtle Point this soil 
 was seen at different elevations; but from Bly's to Ceres, with the exception 
 of one place (Chevalier's farm), the soil as well as sandstone was of the gray 
 variety. About twelve years ago the first oil well was drilled up Bell's brook, 
 N. Y. , by Howard & Magee, which was made dry. About four years ago a 
 well was drilled up Carr's brook by Henry Carter, which is a half-barrel well. 
 This is now owned by V. Perry Carter. Two wells have since been drilled 
 for gas by V. P. Carter, representing the Ceres Gas Company, which wells sup- 
 ply the village and neighborhood. The King's run well was bored five or six 
 years ago by a local company. 
 
 The population of Ceres in 1880, including the 108 inhabitants of Ceres 
 village, was 975. In 1883 there were 123 Republican, 58 Democratic, 27 Pro- 
 hibition and 47 Labor Unionist votes cast, or a total of 255, which, multiplied 
 by five, gives a population of 1,275. 
 
 The officers chosen in February, 1890, are as follows: Supervisors, Win- 
 field Lanphere, James E. Welch; school directors, G. N. Hackett, O. P. Coon;_ 
 constable, G. W. Hackett; collector, G. W. Hackett; auditor, James Big- 
 gins; justice of the peace, W. W. Holley; judge of election, E. W. Kitebsire; 
 inspectors of election, F. H. Raymond, Barton Holley; town clerk, J. J. 
 Robarts. 
 
 Francis King, the agent of John Keating, brought a number of workmen to 
 Ceres in 1798, where King's settlement was founded. Mr. King came from 
 England about that time, and, being a Quaker, his co-religionists in Philadel- 
 phia recommended him to John Keating for the position of agent and surveyor. 
 He was a surveyor, and, like the old-time men of that profession, eccentric, and 
 it is alleged, when clearing the hillside at Ceres, he compelled the imported 
 laborers to roll the logs up hill, and satisfied the ignorant fellows that this 
 course was correct, because the Yankees rolled them down hill. In 1801 he 
 began the survey of the Keating lands, and in 1812 surveyed for the settlers 
 in Farmers valley. Five years later, in 1817, he died, when John Keating 
 continued his son in the agency. His original field book is in possession of 
 Byron D. Hamlin, forming a monument to his precision. 
 
 The commission of justice of the peace of Ceres was issued by Gov. Thomas 
 McKean October 4, 1806, to John Claudius Brevost. What the feelings of the 
 old governor must have been when he authorized this pioneer justice "to have 
 and execute all and singular the powers, jurisdictions and authorities and to 
 receive and enjoy all and singular the lawful emoluments of a justice of the 
 peace," may be imagined. Except John Keating' s agent and his employes 
 there were no settlers in the township to lead the new justice to hope for emol- 
 ument. In November following Squire Brevost did actually qualify before the 
 Coram, J. G. Lowrey, of Centre county. 
 
 Uncle Harry, who came with his father, Thomas Smith, to Ceres in 1803 
 or 1804, died August 27, 1877. Lester Hargrave was also one of the early 
 employes here. Asahel Wright, a soldier of 1812, resided at Glenn up to 
 
228 HISTOEY OF MCKEAN COUNTY. 
 
 1880, but for twenty-seven years prior to 1872 was never as far as Olean, and 
 never saw a railroad train, although then eighty-three years old. His daugh- 
 ter, L. Ellen Wright, was for years corresponding secretary of Grand Lodge 
 of i. O. G. T. in Pennsylvania. Eeuben S. Taylor, who settled at Bell's run 
 in 1836, served in the war of 1812. He died in September, 1877, at Roulette. 
 
 The resident tax-payers of Ceres township in 1836-37 were David Axtell 
 (moved to Wisconsin), G. C. Burnham, H. Bowen, A. Brown, William Bards- 
 ley, John C. Brevost, John O. Bradsby, Daniel Bliven, John Bee and Tom Bee* 
 (who operated a saw-mill). Potter Benson (who owned a second saw-mill), Dan 
 Benson, S. A. Barber*, William Bell*, Valentine Bowen, Cyrus and Ira Cooper* 
 (saw-mill owners, on site of Van Wormer's present mill), A. C. Conklin*, 
 William and J. O. Cutter (moved away years ago), Hosea Cappell, William 
 Cobbett (grist-mill owner), H. Chevalier (Frenchman), Peter and Orrin Cook, 
 Asa Canfield, Oscar* and Timothy Carpenter*, Harvey Carr*, Cynthia Camp- 
 bell, Philip Corwin, John Chase*, Levi Davis (tradesman), Jonathan, John 
 and Thomas Drake (Oswayo), Nathan Dennis*, Rev. J. P. Evans (Annin 
 Creek Baptist), Warren Edson, John Fobes* (saw- mill owner), T. J. Fowler, Mary 
 Gilbert*, Lester Hargraves*, W. Hawley*, C. J. Hurlburt, A., Phil, and Will- 
 iam Hooker*, Absalom Hutchison, Sol. Jordan, Friend S. Kinney*, Niles Kin- 
 ney*, John King*, Robert King*, Abijah, Luke and Jacob Knapp*, William 
 Lester*, George and William Lanphere*, Reverious and Rod. Loop*, Eb- 
 enezer Larrabee*, John Lee, Orsamus Meeray, John and Delos Morris, 
 Michael McEvilly, L. Nelson*, Sam Nicholes, I. Phelps*, Harrison Ruby, 
 Thomas Robbins*. Leonard, Almond (justice), Anson and William Rice*, W. 
 Ray*, Linas P. Stoddart, George A. Smith, William, Henry and John Smith*, 
 W. P. Stillman* (tan-yard owner; left before the war). Perry and Spencer 
 Sweet, Clark Stillman*, Dan. Spencer, Joseph, Abram and John Stull*, 
 William Tupper*, Willard and Norman Taylor (said to reside at Port Allegany), 
 John Thompkins, Ben.* and Uriah Vaudamark, John Wolcott, Asel*, W. P. 
 and Alf. Wright, Samuel and John Whipple, N. and I. N. Winans, Marvel 
 Wheelock, Rev. William Weber (Methodist), R.* and Micajah Wright* and 
 Jacob Young* (owner of saw-mill). William Hooker was assessor. 
 
 In 1877 the re-survey of the northern State line was made, varying but 
 little from the line of 1786. Ceres village was transferred to Pennsylvania, 
 and in 1878 the boundary stones were placed. 
 
 Myrtle, formerly Mapleton Postoffice, was established in 1877, with Silas 
 Cooper as postmaster, who held the office until F. E. Tull was appointed. In 
 1887 Mr. Tull sold his store to J. C. Burt, who carried on the office of deputy 
 until regularly appointed in August, 1887. 
 
 The Myrtle Cheese Factory was established, thirteen or fourteen years ago, 
 by George Chamberlain, his heirs being the present owners. The Hickox Mill, 
 in existence many years, is still in use, east of the village; and at the head of 
 Bell's run is Miller's saw- mill, operated by the Dibble Brothers. Lester Har- 
 grave is said to have been the iirst resident of this settlement. Like others of 
 the pioneers of Ceres, he was connected with Keating' s agency here. 
 
 The Oswayo flood of May 31, and June 1, 1889, filled the valley, being about 
 three feet higher than the flood of 1865. Large saw logs were carried over the 
 main street of Ceres, and boats were used for travel; several trestles on the 
 Bradford, Eldred & Cuba Railroad were carried away, and the track torn up. 
 The only dams on the stream which escaped destruction were F. M. Van 
 Wormer's and Pratt & Bixby's. Among the heavier losers by this disaster 
 
 *Deceased. 
 
HISTOEY OF MCKEAN COUNTY. 229 
 
 were Gr. C. Hickox, F. M. Van Wormer and the Oswayo Tannery Company; 
 many others along the flood-swept valley met with smaller losses. 
 
 CEEES VILLAGE. 
 
 Late in 1837 Samuel Estes came to " Ceres village, where he found a one- 
 half log and one-half plank house standing opposite the present Central Ho- 
 tel. Within a few years (in 1841) he moved south of the creek and erected 
 part of the present Oswayo House, which he conducted until the Western New 
 York & Erie Eailroad was built, when he moved to Olean and built a hotel near 
 the depot. In later years he moved to Minnesota, where he died. 
 
 In 1838 Nelson Peabodycame to the village. He found John Smith's gen- 
 eral store and the Estes tavern. John King kept the post-office where Will- 
 iam K. King now resides; Cooper's old saw-mill, where Franklin Van Worm- 
 er' s large mills are now situated, and the Youngs' mill, where is now the Minor 
 mill, were in operation; the Methodists had a class here, which has beea con- 
 tinued to the present time. Mr. Peabody was clerk in John Smith's store un- 
 til February, 1840, when V. Perry Carter bought the concern and Mr. Pea- 
 body joined Russell Cooper in business and continued four or five 'years. 
 V. Perry Carter opened his store after the death of John Smith, whose daugh- 
 ter he married in 1842. 
 
 In 1841 the residents of the village grew tired of having to walk one and 
 one-half miles to John King's house for their letters, and had V. Perry Car- 
 ter petition the department for an oiSce in the village. This petition was 
 granted, but Mr. King interested John Keating and others in his cause and had 
 the office returned to him. A little later Mr. Carter had a chart of the locality 
 made and a new petition signed. The demand was manifestly so just that the 
 department ordered the removal of the office to the village, where it has been 
 continued to this day. Mr. King kept the post-office on the table in the family 
 sitting-room, and into this each one who expected a letter had to go to seek it. 
 
 Josiah Priest, who, in 1850, wrote sketches of the Oswayo valley, was jus- 
 tice of the peace at Ceres. His papers were never published is the statement 
 of Mrs. Keyser, while Mr. Carter is positive that parts or all of the papers ap- 
 peared in print. 
 
 Eobert Hinds was the only merchant here in 1852. John Eobarts was a 
 trader here for a number of years; also Simpson & Barber, C. H. Smith, John 
 B. Gleason, F. H. Eaymond and Gr. Perry. Joseph Morse was postmaster 
 here before the war, succeeding John King, and had the office in his house, 
 which occupied the site of the Central Hotel, afterward the residence of V. 
 Perry Carter until destroyed by the first fire, in 1869. In 1855 or 1856 Mr. 
 Carter returned from Eichburg, bought the Hinds store and was appointed 
 postmaster, holding the office until his removal to Duke Centre, in 1879, when 
 he was succeeded by Eobarts, who in turn was succeeded by Call. Louis Car- 
 rier was appointed in 1885, but Miss Augusta Call conducted the office for 
 eight years, or until the appointment of John B. Gleason in June, 1889. 
 
 When Nelson Peabody arrived there were two school buildings — one south, 
 where is the present school building on the Pennsylvania side, while the 
 building on the New York side occupied the site of Wellington White's pres- 
 ent home. These buildings continued in use until the present house was 
 erected. In Ceres township in 1846 general stores were kept by P. B. Ded 
 rick and Ealph Adams, and the tavern by Samuel Estes. In 1847 Dedrick & 
 Pardy, Samuel Estes" and C. Peabody were merchants; J. H.Wright and D. 
 Dunham the new tavern-keepers. 
 
 In 1847 the First Methodist Episcopal Church of Ceres was incorporated. 
 
230 HISTOEY OP MCKEAN COUNTY. 
 
 The oldest record in possession of the pastor shows the names of W. T. Lane, 
 Honeoye; Joel Whitney, Lane school-house; Stephen Chapel, South Bolivar; 
 R. D. Garrison, Pikeville (members joined the Nazarites), and B. C. Call of 
 Ceres; Edward Nicholas and Calvin Blood of Shinglehouse were the class 
 leaders. Later H. B. Robarts is named as leader of the Bell's run class, 
 with Elisha B. West local preacher; A. Mallory was recording steward in 
 1867, while Mrs. F. G. Fuller is now recorder. The pastoral record goes 
 back only to 1879, when A. B. Kelly was appointed. In 1882 Rev. W. Post 
 and Rev. A. I. Blanchard came, and in 1886 Rev. W. H. Farnham. There 
 are now seventy-nine members. 
 
 In 1840 Nelson Peabody was commissioned justice of the peace and held 
 the oftice until elected associate judge in 1861. He was again commis- 
 sioned and served until six or seven years ago. During the war he was dep- 
 uty provost marshal for Ceres township. Among the soldiers of the district, 
 many of whom belong to Portville Post, No. 85, G. A. R., are the following 
 named: Frank A. Chapman, Twenty-ninth Ohio Infantry; F. P. Chapman, 
 Eighty-fifth New York; Nat. Hendrix, Company A, Eighty-fifth New York; 
 Henry B. Robarts, Eighty-fifth New York; John Frugan, New York Infant- 
 ry; William Hyde, William Worden, Eighty-fifth New York; Frank Ful- 
 ler, Eighty-fifth New York; John B. Gleason, Clark Wells and Edgar Wells, 
 Forty-second Regiment, Pennsylvania Bucktails; Byron Lanphere and Rob- 
 ert Lanphere, Bucktails; Jacob Brock, Eighty-fifth New York; Adam Bur- 
 dick, Eighty-fifth New York; Daniel and Matthew Burdick, Eighty-fifth 
 New York; Lafayette Maxson, Eighty-fifth New York; James Gobies, Eighty- 
 fifth New York; Martin Stephens, Pennsylvania Infantry; F. Maxson, Eighty- 
 fifth New York; Robert Clark, Fifty- eighth Pennsylvania; Frank Van Wormer, 
 Pennsylvania; A. De North, Fifty-eighth Pennsylvania; Moses Ford, Hiram 
 Grow, Daniel Peabody, James Biggins and Amos Safford, Eighty-fifth New 
 York (drowned in the Oswayo some years ago); Bill North, Bucktails; 
 George North, Fifty-eighth Pennsylvania; George Lanphere, Eighty-fifth 
 
 New York; James Hobbs, New York Infantry; Carpenter (wounded at 
 
 Gettysburg), Pennsylvania Infantry; William North, Fifty- eighth Pennsyl- 
 vania; Volney Mix, Pennsylvania Infantry; Albert Lanphere, Bucktails; 
 Freeman Fuller, Bucktails; Philip Haines and Bennie Haines, Pennsylvania 
 Infantry; F. Hawley, Eighty-fifth New York; Lewis Hawley, Eighty-fifth 
 New York; John Hawley, Eighty-fifth New York; Floyd Hawley, Forty- sec- 
 ond Pennsylvania; C. Melven, Forty- second Infantry; C. Bridge and West 
 Bridge, Forty-second Pennsylvania Regiment; also Nate Foote, Thomas, John, 
 and Alonzo Cushman, and Nathan Hand. • 
 
 Charles B. Bailey, who resided in Ceres township before the war, now of 
 Young Hickory, N. Y., was, in June, 1889, granted a back pensioH of 15,000, 
 and 172 monthly. This large pension was granted on account of his total 
 blindness. 
 
 A. B. Luce was the first agent at Ceres of the Bradford, Eldred & Cuba 
 Railroad in October, 1881. W. D. Chase took charge in February, 1882; E. 
 D. Cummings in May, 1882; L. J. White in February, 1883, and in No- 
 vember, 1883, C. H. Gleason, the present agent, took charge. (Between 
 6,000 and 8,000 cords of bark will be shipped from Ceres this summer. ) 
 
 In 1877 the White & Van Wormer Mill at Ceres was erected. This is one 
 of the immense lumber industries of the county. 
 
HISTOEY or MCKEAN COUNTY. » 231 
 
 CHAPTER XIII. 
 ELDEED TOWNSHIP— BOEOUGH OF BLDEED. 
 
 Eldked Township Topography— Oil Wells — Population — Offioeiss of 
 
 THE Township, 1890— First Settlements— Kesident Tax-Payers, 1843-44— 
 First Shingle-Mill— Villages. Etc. 
 
 Borough of Eldred — Origin of Name— Early History- Growth of the 
 Town— Incorporation— First Council— Officers Chosen in 1890— Hur- 
 ricanes, FiKES, Etc.— Fire Company— Schools and Churches— Societies 
 —Banks— Water- Works— Gas Company— Industries— Miscellaneous. 
 
 ELDEED TOWNSHIP is divided into two ridges by the valley of the 
 Allegheny. The river enters the township near the southeast corner, 
 flows in a tortuous course, generally north, to the bend at the confluence of 
 Indian creek, where it runs east, and thence north, entering New York State 
 near the northeast corner of the township, and seven and one- third miles from 
 the northeast corner of the county, at State Line village. Newell creek enters 
 from the northeast in the southeast corner; Potatoe creek joins the river a mile 
 below Frisbee; Barden creek enters at Eldred, and Knapp's creek a mile below. 
 Several small feeders run down from the high lands: Eice's creek (along which 
 runs the pipe line) courses southeast through the southwest corner, and Indian 
 creek holds a similar position in the northwest corner. The rich valley lands 
 comprise the greater part of the area; but the summits are bold, many attain- 
 ing a height of about 2,200 feet above tide level. At State Line the elevation 
 is only 1,440. The outcrop of Kinzua creek sandstone extends for 800 feet 
 to the Chemung conformation, and up to 1879 the oil field was mainly confined 
 to the Indian creek region. The old Littlefield well, drilled in 1878, was the 
 only producer at Eldred for some time prior to 1879, when the Cummings & 
 Dean well was drilled, only, to be found dry. In August the old Erie Com- 
 pany' s well was shot, and became (it is alleged) a ten-barrel producer. The 
 well on the Benham farm, at the head of Windfall, was abandoned, but be- 
 came a gasser. The Gas Company's new well is bored on this farm. 
 
 In August, 1878, the well on the Welch farm, the Hostetter on the Wolcott 
 farm, the Knott Bros. ' well on Mix creek, and the Lee & Halleck well, as well 
 as Parsons & Co. 's, were in existence. Palmer well No. 1, on Carpenter brook, 
 was drilled in the spring of 1880, but proved dry. In March, 1881, the Morse 
 well, on Windfall, gave a new industry to Eldred. The Sartwell well, five 
 miles south of Eldred, was shot in February, 1882, and threw out the oil and 
 salt water in the hole. The Eldred wells in existence in March, 1884, were the 
 Simcox on the Littlefield farm, completed in May, 1877, but, owing to heavier 
 wells being found at Duke Centre and Indian Creek, it was abandoned until 
 the winter of 1883-84, and it is now a producer. The Cummings & Dean well, 
 on the G. T. Dennis farm, was finished August 2, 1879; Barber's well, in 
 January, 1881; Morse & William's, in March, 1881; White & Lloyd's, in 
 April, 1883; Morse & Allen's, on the Winchell farm, in December, 1883; Al- 
 len, Morse & Jones', on the Hartson farm, in February, 1884; Morse & Co.'s, 
 on the Jerome Curtiss farm, in February, 1884; Douglass & Co.'s, on the Eix- 
 ford, March 1, 1884; Eiley Allen's, on Will Curtiss', March 3, 1884; Bradley 
 
232 HISTORY OF MCKEAN COUNTY. 
 
 & Curtiss' , on the Dean farm, March 5, 1884, while Douglass & Co. were en- 
 gaged in drilling. The Bennett well was shot in March, 1886, also the Chris- 
 man, Brown & Baldwin wells, while the Keyes well, on the E. R. Lamphier 
 farm, was drilled to the Kane sand, 1,605 feet, when it was shot and oil taken, 
 and a new well begun at Turtle Point — Alford & Loops'— on the Rixford farm. 
 In June, 1889, Tarbell, Eice & Shafer finished their well No. 1 on the Perham 
 mill lot, eastward of the older wells. They have their rig for No. 1 on the 
 Bennett farm, near Mitchell Bros.' No. 1, and one for their well on the Rice 
 purchase. Throughout the summer of 1889 Steele & Duncan, the Mitchell 
 Bros, and others were engaged in drilling. Tarbell, Shafer & Rice's well was 
 shot at the close of July, 1889, and yielded twelve "barrels. This was the first 
 well drilled east of the river at Eldred. It shows a difference in the oil-bear- 
 ing rock. In November the same firm shot No. 2, east of the river, obtaining 
 thirty barrels. 
 
 The population of Eldred township in 1880 was 3,243, including 1,165 in 
 Eldred village, 228 in Indian Creek village, 200 in Larrabee village, 200 in 
 State Line and 220 in Haymaker. In 1888 the township recorded 176 Repub- 
 lican, 111 Democratic, 20 Prohibition and 15 Labor Unionist votes, or a total 
 of 322; the respective vote of the borough was 112, 85, 22 and 5, or a total of 
 224. The total vote of the township multiplied by five equals 1,610 as the 
 population, and that of the borough multiplied bv six gives 1, 344, or a total of 
 2,954. 
 
 The officers of the township chosen in February, 1890, are as follows: 
 Supervisors, John Ellis, O. Bell; school directors, Joseph Stull had 213 votes, 
 and R. A. Rice and Mike McAuliff each had 212 votes; collector, Pat McDon- 
 ald; constable, C. J. Carey; auditor, D. Burnham; judge of election, C. M. 
 Slack; inspectors, G. Kelley, Mike McAuliff ; town clerk, J. C. Campbell. 
 
 The first settlements were made in 1808 by the Loops and Hookers, in 1810 by 
 Joseph and Jacob Stull, in 1812 by Rensselaer Wright and a man named Hitt, 
 on the farm which Stephen H. Smith occupies, opposite the Coleman & Wright 
 mill. Wright filled the office of sheriff one term, and that of justice for many 
 years. In 1818 Justice Rice and three brothers arrived and settled near what 
 was known as the Benton mill. Jacob Knapp also came that year and located 
 at the mouth of Knapp' s creek. Ebenezer Larrabee, father of Ransom, came 
 in 1818; the Dennis family arrived in 1822, and shortly after, Timothy Car- 
 penter. In 1835 came William Lamphier, and in 1838 Dr. E. Barden. Tor 
 some years after settlement bear-hunting was a common sport for the pioneers, 
 and stories are related of Nathan Dennis and his brother-in-law, Larrabee, of 
 adventures in the dense alder-brush below and west of the present village. In 
 1838 the country was so wild a party of raltsmen were lost in the woods near 
 Knapp' s creek. 
 
 The resident tax-payers in 1843-44 were Ebenezer* and A. A. Barden*, 
 James Bakerf, Val. Bowen*, Nelson, Josiah and I. C. Burnham*, Selden 
 Blackman, S. D. Brownf , A. D. Brainard*, Orrin Cook*, James and Cynthia* 
 Campbell, David Cooper, John Chase*, Cornelius Culp*, Oscar Carpenter*, 
 Timothy Carpenter*, T. T. Carpenter*, Nathan Dennis*, Asa* and Caleb Can- 
 field, Dave Cornelius*, James Drake, John Fobes* (saw-mill, owner and pro- 
 prietor of a silver watch), Perry and George Frost, Mary Fowler*, Eldredge 
 Goodmanf , John D. Green*, Jesse L. Garey*, Phil. Hooker*, Horace Hooker* 
 (saw-mill owner), Martin G. Samuel*, Abijahf, Jacob* and William Knapp, 
 John* and Norry Loop, Ben. Lumpkin, William*, William, Jr.*, and Benjamin 
 Lamphier, Ransom, Ebenezer* and Eben, Jr.*, Larrabee, John Morris*, C. 
 
 * Deceased, f Moved. 
 
^^-^a 
 
 ^ 
 
 ^^^^ 
 
HISTORY OF MCKEAN COUNTY. 235 
 
 C. Morris, James McCrayf, Michael Mixf, John Mill*, Sam.* and Erastus 
 Nichols, Almon* and Justin* Eice, Thomas Bobbins*, W. S. Bounds*, Sher- 
 man Strong* (on whose land was the Catholic Church ground), Joseph Stull*, 
 Caleb*, Jerome and Abram* B. Stull, S. and John M.* Wright, John Wol- 
 cott* and William Wright, Jr. John Morris, the assessor, estimated the total 
 value of seated lands and personal property at $7,484, and of unseated lands 
 at #^0, t>2i0. 
 
 The first shingle-mill was built at Prentiss Vale in 1847, by Strong, who 
 was the only settler there. There was plenty of pine at that time, and he 
 agreed to give Eeuben Dennis one-half the shingles, on condition that he 
 would supply the timber. This agreement took efPect, and young Dennis, 
 with A. T. Harden and L. L. Dennis, to whom he paid $18 per month, entered 
 the wilderness and began the work of stocking the mill — a work which con- 
 tinued throughout the summer. The following winter B. Dennis hauled the 
 shingles to Portville, where he received 14 shillings per thousand. Close by 
 the mill was Hermann Strong's blacksmith shop, with the earth for a floor, the 
 sky for a roof and the forest for its walls. The proprietor, his partner and the 
 latter' s employes worked hard, but withal were always ready for a joke. On 
 one occasion L. L. Dennis was crossing the creek, on the single log which then 
 filled the place of a bridge, carrying dinner for his two friends. Next to him 
 was Barden, carrying the axes, and last was the heavy joker of the camp, 
 Beuben Dennis. When one-half way across, he called out to Barden, "look 
 out for the log," and the latter, alarmed, caught hold of L. L. Dennis, when 
 both fell into the creek. The men took the affair as a joke, but did not for- 
 get the joker. The same year A. T. Barden bought some meadow land oppo- 
 site Wolcott's mill, and among the men called to aid in hay-making was 
 the joker, Beuben. A party of six crossed the river in a canoe, but on dis- 
 embarking, Barden, who was second last, leaped forward to the Allegheny's 
 bank, tipping the canoe as he jumped ashore, leaving Beuben Dennis strug- 
 gling in the water. He had his revenge when he cried out in turn, ' ' Look out, 
 or you'll fall off that log!" 
 
 Eldred in 1846 claimed one store, kept by John Fobes, but no tavern. J. 
 N. Dennis opened in 1847, and in February, 1848, mention is made of bridges 
 being in bad repair. Oscar Jordan and John Fobes were the merchants of 
 Eldred in 1852 
 
 Larrabee post-office (usually spelled Larabee) was established in August, 
 1852, and Bansom Larrabee appointed master. The settlement became a 
 place of importance in the fall of 1874, when the railroad builders gathered 
 round the junction of the McKean & Buffalo, with the Buffalo, New York & 
 Philadelphia and the B. N. & P. Bailroads. The hotel was carried on by 
 Ransom Larrabee, a restaurant by E. & T. Mullin, two general stores were 
 opened, a blacksmith shop and Williams' barber shop. 
 
 Wainman & Foster's mill, near Larrabee, was destroyed by fire in June, 
 1876, together with about 700,000 feet of sawed lumber. . . .The fire of March, 
 1885, destroyed the Benton House, the Larrabee Hotel and other property. A 
 telegram to the Chicago Tribune, dated Larrabee, October 21, 1889, gives 
 information, relating to the burning of J. J. Newman's saw-mill and 3,000,000 
 feet of lumber, loss $24,000; J. C. French's store, $6,500; Mrs. Smith's 
 boarding house, $800, and two barns and hay, the property of D. C. Young, 
 $2,000. 
 
 In 1878 P. A. Templeton purchased the Annis farm on Mfe; creek, and had 
 it surveyed into town lots, calling the village Templeton. 
 
 * Deceased, t Moved. 
 
 12 
 
236 HISTOEY OF MCKEAN COUNTY. 
 
 Haymaker, a new town, was almost destroyed in August, 1879, when the 
 Weston House and the Gilmore and Haymaker Hotels were burned. The post- 
 office and store of John E. Coleman barely escaped. A mile north of this 
 village are the producing wells of the Bardens; and round the village are some 
 valuable farms. The E. A. U. of Haymaker was organized in March, 1886, 
 with forty- seven members. The officers selected were W. A. Nott, M. A. 
 Sypher, G. T. Weible, Dr. Cass and A. Sinclair. 
 
 In December, 1881, the old Chamberlain mill at State Line was purchased 
 by M. Smith, who introduced new machinery and opened it as a modern mill 
 in July, 1882. The Bullis Brothers, who, in 1875, purchased 552 acres on 
 Two Mile run and established large mills near Port Allegany, bought 947 
 acres near State Line, and in 1880, 1, 200 acres near Turtle Point. Their old 
 mills, with the new mills near State Line, and their large concern at Car- 
 rollton, N. Y. , gave employment to a large force of men and played an im- 
 portant part in the progress of McKean county during the last fifteen years. 
 
 In early days a steam tug-boat was used on the Allegheny, sometimes as 
 far up as Larrabee. In May, 1889, B. Alford' s steamboat was completed, and 
 during the flood of May 31 and June 1, was used on the streets of Eldred. 
 
 BOEOU&H OF ELDRED. 
 
 Eldred is the new name of an old settlement. It is the principal town of 
 the northeast part of the county, and the center of a large trade as well as of 
 a rich agricultural and mineral district. 
 
 In November, 1879, a petition was presented to the postmaster-general to 
 abolish the name of Allegheny Bridge and substitute that of Eldred. , In Feb- 
 ruary, 1880, the petition was granted, and the name which the pioileers selected 
 fifty years before was cast aside. In 1830 Nathan Dennis was appointed post- 
 master, and opened his office in the old log-cabin near the Lattice bridge. .The 
 Nathan Dennis post-office and hotel was above the mouth of Knapp's creek on 
 the east side of the river, but later was moved to the site of E. W. Doane's 
 brick building, where it was carried on for twenty-five years, when it was 
 moved to the Eldred House, where is now the St. Elmo. After a period of ten 
 years in that building or a thirty years' term for Mr. Dennis, W. P. Wright 
 was appointed, and established the office in the house now occupied by S. H. 
 Smith. A. T. Barden succeeded in 1872, and had the office opposite where 
 the St. Elmo stands. A. H. Mayo was appointed in 1882, and held the office 
 until A. B. Rowley was commissioned in 1885. On his resignation, C. Y. 
 White was appointed. 
 
 In the fall of 1878 the old Eldred House was rebuilt by Ed. Dolan; the Oil 
 Well Supply Company' s house was completed ; the store buildings for A. More, 
 A. Davidson, Dornby, V. P. Carter, Hamlin & Co., W. B. Archibald, Speller 
 and others were projected or being built; the E. W. Doane block, Steele's barn 
 and Methodist .church building completed and Ward & Shaner's machine shop 
 erected. A two- story school building marked the days of the oil stampede. 
 Mr. Barden was postmaster and the Eagle and Express were just established. 
 Drs. Guthrie, Wykoff and Winans had located here; the Wright House, R. 
 Dennis of the Central, Anthony's Hotel, L. L. Dennis, White, Moore of the 
 Benton House, the Bennett House and J. S. Hicks of" the Prohibition House, 
 represented the hotel interests; the plank road to Duke Centre was completed; 
 Attorney Dunlaj)' s office was opened; Spiller's cottage and other private houses 
 were finished. The planing-mill and factory and the Green & Hooker tank 
 shop were in operation. 
 
 In October, 1881, the first brick building was begun for Joseph & Dorn- 
 
HISTOEY OF MCKEAN COUNTY. 237 
 
 berg. The Crandall, L. M. Dennis, W. G. Eobaits and E. W. Doane build- 
 ings wei'e all in progress, and by December a number of houses were opened. 
 The Eldred Banking Company opened an office in the Davidson block that 
 month. 
 
 Eldred town was incorporated December 22, 1880, on petition of the fol- 
 lowing named inhabitants: J. S. Hicks, A. Crandall, W. G. Eobarts, Pat- 
 rick Walsh, W. B. Archibald, A. B. Rowley, E. Dennis, A. N. McPall, C. D. 
 Doane, A. Herman, M. E. Eoyce, H. Mapes, L. A. Halbert, E. Spiller, Wales 
 & Varnum, M. S. Davidson, J. P. Cherry, H. J. Corell, E. L. & W. H. Dodd, 
 George W. Colegrove, A. T. Barden, J. M. Addle, C. Y. White, W. L. Hardi- 
 son, J. S. Eowley, E. W. Doane, E. E. Moses, V. E. Shaw, P. D. Alquire, 
 Jerome Sabins, Ezra Marsh, A. Ortman, William Loi'beer, A. E. Bower, N. 
 Edson, M. Finnegan, R. Lightfoot, E. Emerson, G. W. Allen, T. C. \A'ain- 
 man, B. F. Cory, A. Cohoon, J. S. Cotton, L. G. Wright, J. T. Sinnette, E. 
 Rumsey, Mrs. Wolcott, J. R. Fessenden, A. Hotchkiss, E. McCarty, E. D. 
 Billington, J. A. Casey, C. M. Coleman, F. H. De Costin, E. S. Dennis, C, 
 H. Havens, W. A. Howell, S. M. Turner and G. W. Bradley. The proposi- 
 tion was opposed by Seth Eockwell and others. The first burgess was C. Y. 
 White, who served two years; his successors have been W. H. Dodd, one year; 
 James D. Downing, one year; Dr. J. P. Morgan, two years; L. L. Owens, two 
 years, and L. L. Hill, elected in February, 1889. The first council comprised 
 Dr. W. L. Chrisman, W. H. Dodd, Michael Finnegan, J. S. Hicks, I. G. 
 Lesuer and T. C. Wainman. E. E. Mayo served as secretary up to March, 
 1888, when A. H. Mayo was chosen. C. C. Moses and C. H. Kaufman were 
 the first borough justices, succeeded by F. F. Brown and A. T. Bobbins. In 
 1883 Messrs. Archibald, E. Dennis, Greenman, Eowley and Sartwell were 
 chosen councilmen. In 1884 Messrs. Joseph Cotton and Douglass were elected. 
 Messrs. Booth and Walsh were chosen in 1885, the latter serving down to the 
 present time. 
 
 The officers chosen in February, 1890, were as follows: Burgess, C. C. 
 Moses; council, A. C. Douglass, M. V. Hotchkiss (three years), W. G. Eobarts 
 (two years); school directors, T. L. Sartwell, A. N. Squires; constable, H. G. 
 Heath; collector, H. G. Heath; judge of election, A. Ortman; inspectors, G. 
 C. Weidman, F. M. Eockwell; auditor, A. D. Gould. 
 
 The hurricane of May, 1860, did some damage throughout Eldred town- 
 ship, carrying away bodily the Lattice bridge below the Half- Way House, and 
 overturning a small house; large trees were twisted or uprooted .... The burn- 
 ing of Bunker's steam saw and grist-mill, at the mouth of Knapp's creek, took 
 place November 25, 1870, entailing a loss of about $8,000. .. .The Eldred 
 fire of June 7, 1876, destroyed the saw-mill of Wainman & Foster, and 
 600,000 feet of lumber. There was no insurance. . . .The Eldred fire of Oc- 
 tober 7, 1878, originated in the new Hamlin block, which it destroyed, together 
 with Barden and Eobarts' block. The latter lost property valued at $15,000, 
 the former $12,000; the Eagle job-room was wrecked; Dr. Balfour lost his 
 books and instruments, and several buildings in the neighborhood were 
 
 scorched. In April, 1879, fire destroyed Seth Eockwell' s house The J. N. 
 
 Williams planing-mill was burned in May, 1879 In June, 1879, a locomo- 
 tive and thirteen cars were wrecked on the Buffalo, New York & Philadelphia 
 Railroad, two and one-half miles north of Eldred. Engineer Ed. Squibb 
 was killed. Four oil cars, burst and a tank close by caught fire. Amy May 
 
 was killed by lightning a few days before The wreck of March, 1880, two 
 
 and one-half miles north of Eldred, at the scene of the former catastrophe, 
 resulted in the burning of the locomotive and two oil cars. 
 
2S8 HISTOEY OF MCKEAN COUNT y. 
 
 The destruction of the old Central Hotel by fire occurred August 14, 1880. 
 The building was completed in July, 1878, and was one of the finest hotels 
 in this section of the State. Mr. Dennis began the work of rebuilding in 
 September. Barton's steam flouring-mill was burned in November, 1880. . . . 
 The fire of September 30, 1881, destroyed five acres of the business center of 
 Eldred, and entailed a loss of $100,000. The fire originated in the old Opera 
 House, in which was Robarts' store, and destroyed the following buildings 
 and business places: Welsh's blacksmith shop, the Bennett House, Dodd 
 Bros.' new building, the Opera House, J. S. Hicks' building, Sartwell's build- 
 ing, the U. B. Church building, Walsh & McGavis' building, McDonald & 
 Ca's bottling works. Parks' meat store, I. G. Leseur's building, W. A. 
 Young's, H. J. Corell's, Miss Langdon's, E. Spiller's, L. M. Dennis', A. B. 
 Rowley's, Dr. Chrisman's, Bennett Block and Soule's Hotel, Joseph & Dorn- 
 berg's, E. W. Doane's (2), Miss Varnum's, W. B. Archibald's (2), and E. O. 
 Titus'. In each building was stock or household goods, all of which were 
 swept away in one hour and five minutes .... The St. Elmo was burned Sep- 
 tember 17, 1884 — Mr. Rice, the owner, losing about $11,000. In the summer 
 of 1885 the present St. Elmo was erected . . . .Ben Perham's steam grist- and 
 saw-mill was destroyed by fire April 1, 1886. There were 40,000 feet of lum- 
 ber also consumed. . . .The fire of April, 1889, destroyed Coleman's hotel on 
 Railroad street. 
 
 The Eldred Hook, Ladder and Bucket Company was organized in April, 
 1879, with C. C. Moses, president; C. B. Jackson, vice-president; W. G. 
 Robarts, secretary; John Reedy, engineer; William Geist and P. Parsons, 
 foremen; A. T. Barden, C. B. Jackson, E. W. Doane, A. D. Gould and E. 
 R. Mayo, managing committee. In June another company, of which C. M. 
 Wagner was engineer, was organized, and in May, 1883, the Hook and Ladder 
 Company was re-organized in modern form. 
 
 When the Lamphiers came in 1835, there was no church building and but 
 one school-house in the township. The first teacher remembered by Mr. 
 Lamphier, was Martha, daughter of Rens. Wright. Mr. Pratt succeeded her 
 in 1835, presiding in a frame building twenty feet square, opposite the pres- 
 ent school-house at Eldred. Often seventy-five pupils were gathered there. 
 The contract for the new school-building was sold to J. S. Cotton, June 3, 
 1889, for $7,150. Work was begun in September, 1889, by Contractor Cot- 
 ton. It was dedicated November 30, 1889. P. E. Cotter delivered the ad- 
 dress. This building is 66x73 feet. Prof. George is principal ; Anna Siebert, 
 Jessie Canfield, Minnie Cotton, Angle Dunhaver and Maud Baldwin are the 
 teachers in the new school-house. 
 
 The first church building in the village was the Union, of 1869, by Baptists 
 and Methodists, Samuel Dexter Morris being a leader in the enterprise. 
 Prior to this, meetings were held in the school-house. The old Union church 
 was refitted in 1889, and dedicated to the uses of Baptist worship in October, 
 that year. During the week of dedication, $3,000 were subscribed by Eldred 
 citizens to aid the two churches. The re-dedication of the Methodist Episcopal 
 church of Eldred took place October 26, 1889, Rev. E. M. Snodgrass, pre- 
 siding. The First Evangelical Church of Eldred township was dedicated 
 April 3, 1872. 
 
 The question of building a Methodist church on First street was approved 
 in August, 1878. R. Dennis donated the ground and Dr. Chrisman $2,000; 
 work was begun by J. D. Chrisman, the contractor, and December 22 the 
 house was opened. Prior to this, services were held for years in the old 
 Union church. The First Methodist Church of Eldred was incorporated in 
 
-T^--^ 
 
HISTORY OF MCKEAN COUNTY. 241 
 
 April, 1879, with the following named subscribers: J. C. and D. A. White- 
 side, J. T. Shute and wife, Eeuben, L. L. and Tirzah Dennis, C. P. and J. 
 W. Leyde, Ira G. Leseur, E. S. Riddell, A. H. and E. R. Mayo, M. B. Archi- 
 bald, E. E. Brown. E. A. Pinney, T. M. Bunker, J. S. Cotton, Dr. and Mary 
 E. Chrisman, M. E. Eoyee, Henry Mapes, A. E. Fowler and J. J. Thompson. 
 The United Brethren Church was begun in August, 1878, under the super- 
 vision of Elder Bennett, who donated the building to the society. It was 
 completed and dedicated February 9, 1879, but destroyed in the great fire 
 of 1880, and never rebuilt, the little society worshiping in the Methodist and 
 Baptist houses. Elder Bennett received $1,000 insurance and sold the lot to 
 the Opera House company. 
 
 In August, 1878, the purchase of grounds on First street for the Catholic 
 church building was made. In May, 1884, definite steps to build the church 
 were taken, when Father Patterson was chosen president; James Biggins, 
 treasurer; J. C. Walsh, secretary; J. J. Ivers, P. McDonald and P. Ivers, 
 building committee. On September 1, the contractor began work. The build- 
 ing was dedicated October 18, 1885, by Bishop Mallin, of Erie, assisted by 
 Fathers Patterson, Galligan, Madigan and Smith. The late pastor. Father 
 Patterson, died December 21, 1889, and was succeeded by Father Cosgrove. 
 Eldred Lodge, No. 560, A. F. & A. M., was chartered June 8, 1882, and 
 constituted September 6. The past masters of this lodge are W. Dunbar, Will- 
 iam A. Young, C. H. Kaufman, P. O. Heasley, A. B. Eowley, A. H. Mayo. 
 The officers elected for 1890 are: W. A. Young, W. M. ; R. A. Mackie, S. W.; 
 C. W. Dorrion, J. W. ; C. C. Moses, Treas. ; F. D. Wheeler, Sec. Eldred 
 Masonic Hall, in the third story of the Alford or Davidson building, is said to 
 be one of the most complete in this section of the State. 
 
 la June, 1886, S. N. Johnson, Frank Parker, S. Brumberg, D. C. Holcomb, 
 B. F. Hopewell, W. A. Hopewell, W. H. Bradley and Henry Templeton in- 
 augurated a movement for the establishment of an Odd Fellows' lodge. In 
 August Brumberg was elected N. Gr. ; E. W. Snyder, F. S. ; H. G. Heath, Sec, 
 and William Duringer, Treas. 
 
 Eebecca Lodge of Eldred was instituted in January, 1890, with H. G. 
 Heath, N. G. ; Mrs. George Gridley, V. G. ; Mrs. Heath, Sec. ; Frank Havens, 
 Asst. See. ; Mrs. J. W. King, Treas. , with Luella Havens, Mrs. Arnot, Mrs. 
 Doerr, Mrs. J. H. Douglass, Dena Dornberg, Susie Gridley, Mrs. J. Dennis, 
 Robert Templeton and W. N. Llewelyn filling the other offices. 
 
 A tent of the K. O. T. M. was organized at Eldred in August, 1884, with G. 
 B. Booth, F. H. Carter, T. C. Cole, M.V. Hotchkiss, Er A. Mackie, J. M. Addle, 
 W. H. Perdoma, A. A. Fisher, S. E. Hays, William Duringer, M. L. App, S. E. 
 A. Hays and E. O. Hotchkiss, officers, in the order of rank. The officers elected 
 for 1890: Edmund Smith, Com. ; G. C.Wiedman, E. K; M.V. Hotchkiss, P. K., 
 and George E. Smith, Lt.-Com. 
 
 The Knights of Labor established their lodge at Eldred in 1885, with thirty- 
 three members and the following named officers: J. McFrazier, A. A. Fisher, 
 J. E. Lawrence, JJ. Wilson, J. B. Leo, A. Donnelly, N. Browner, S. A. Smith, 
 S. A. Irwin, J. S. Dalton, H. S.'Patton, F. Woodmansee, P. Nitrower, H. M 
 Dale and Jacob Martin. 
 
 The Equitable Aid Union was organized at Eldred, September 23, 1880, with 
 A. W. Nelson, president; Mrs. E. A. Spiller, vice-president; J. P. Morgan, 
 secretary, and Dr. Morris, medical examiner. 
 
 The Mutual Protective Association was organized in June, 1879, with C. B. 
 Jackson, E. R. Howden, F. C. Stillman and O. E. Eowley, principal officers. 
 Northern Council, American Legion of Honor, was organized June 6, 1879, 
 
242 HISTORY OF ]^CKEAN COUNTY. 
 
 with W. H. Hoffman, W. H. Kline, W. P. Russell, E. J. McCurdy, J. E. K. 
 Morris, J. McCurdy, J. W. Yard, B. G. Spiller, J. A. Uncopher, J. W. Church- 
 ill and Dr. Guthrie, officials. 
 
 J. R. Jones Post, G. A. R., No. 156, was mustered in February 3, 1880, with 
 
 C. C. Moses, B. G. Spiller, F. M. Adams, W. H. Richmond, W. A. Howell, L. 
 
 D. Dennis, James Marshall, J. S. Hicks, W. R Hoffman, James Biggins of 
 Second United States Sharp Shooters, Lewis Ralph, George Newland, A. J. 
 Diiryea, George W. Colegrove, G. T. Dennis, E. H. Nichols and Ellis Coder. 
 J. S. Hicks, of Eleventh United States Regiment, was first commander, 
 and G. T. Dennis, of the Eighty-fifth New York Volunteers, adjutant, suc- 
 ceeded in 1882 by A. J. Duryea, Two Hundred and Seventh Pennsylvania In- 
 fantry, who served until succeeded, January 8, 1886, by Adjt. William S. 
 Hazen, of Sturgess' Rifle Regiment. F. M. Adams, of Fifty-eighth Pennsyl- 
 vania Infantry, served as commander in 188'^; J. S. Hicks in 1884; A. H. Mayo, 
 of the United States Engineer Corps, in 1885; C. C. Moses, in 1886; A. C. 
 Douglass, 1887; A. H. Mayo, 1888, with L. D. Hill, of the One Hundred and 
 Eighty-seventh New York Infantry, adjutant, who was re-elected for 1889, 
 when Patrick McDonald, of the Twenty- seventh New York Infantry, was elected 
 commander. There were 153 members enrolled, of whom about 100 remain 
 in the post, although at date of last report there were only seventy-two members 
 reported. The officers for 1890, in order of rank, are: P. McDonald, Com. : 
 M. M. Dalton, S. V. C. ; Ezra Marsh, J. V. C. ; A. H. Mayo, S. M. ; G. T. Den- 
 nis, Chap. ; Norman Wright, Serg. ; Frank Adams, O. of D. ; W. Wilmarth, O. 
 of G. ; A. C. Douglass, I. G. ; Frank Hibbard, O. G. 
 
 Eldred Woman's Relief Corps was instituted November 19, 1886, with 
 Madams B. E. Marsh, L. A. Douglass, F. M. Squires, C. J. Hazen, C. M. Wol- 
 eott, A. Keyes, J. Sterling and S. Howell, officers in the order of rank. Mrs. 
 Chase is president for 1890; Mrs. Mary Cotton, S. V. P. ; Libbie Moses, J. V. P. ; 
 Mrs. A. J. Clark, Sec. ; Mrs. Havens, Treas. ; Mrs. T. A. Douglass, Chap. , with 
 Mrs. Howell, Mrs. King, Mrs. Pepper and Mrs. Ellis, filling the other offices. 
 
 Nichols Camp, .Sons of Veterans, was organized in January, 1887, with C. 
 M. Slack, captain ; N. Zeak, lieutenant, and John Learn, second lieutenant. 
 
 Eldred Lodge, No. 278, K. of P., was organized October 13, 1889, with the 
 following named members: I. N. Stickle, P. C. ; H. A. Johnston, A. M. Palmer, 
 A. N. Squires, W. G. Robarts, E. S. Rogers, K. of R. and S. ; W. B. Rogers, C. 
 W. Franklin, C. Y. White, F. M. Rockwell, H. E. Rockwell, W. W. Grove, C. 
 G. Richardson, W. A. You»g, C. H. Kaufman, W. D. Russell, Fred Julien, C. C. ; 
 A. H. Mayo, C. W. Dorrion, F. P. Beamer, B. W. Doane, J. Lemmler, A. D. 
 Gould, Lewis Balfour, F. Simon, R. Doerr, W. F. Burr and F. A. Carter. The 
 officers for 1890 are: Robert Templeton, C. C. ; W. B. Rogers, V. C. ; A. M. 
 Palmer, M. A. ; L. Balfour, Prelate; R. Doerr, M. of E. ; H. A.Johnston, K. R. S. ; 
 H. E. Rockwell, Trustee. 
 
 The Chess Club, organized in February, 1890, elected H. G. Heath, Pres. ; 
 P. F. Brown, V. P. ; C. W. Franklin, Sec. ; Allen Morse, Treas. ; A. H. Mayo 
 and L. D. Hill, Trustees. 
 
 The Young Men's Catholic Association was organized in 1889.... The 
 officers of the Library Association, chosen in March, 1890, are: Mrs. W. B. 
 Archibald, Pres. ; Mrs. T. L. Sartwell, V. P. ; Mrs. A. T. Barden, Treas. ; 
 Miss Jennie Wolcott, Sec. 
 
 The Eldred Board of Trade was organized in July, 1887, with A. B. Row- 
 ley, president; E. C. Wolcott, vice-president; E. R. Mayo, secretary; E. S. 
 Rogers, treasurer; P. O. Heasley, W. A. Young, W. B. Archibald, F. Simon 
 «tnd R. H. Owens, directors. 
 
HISTOEY OF MCKEAN COUNTY. 243 
 
 The Bank of Eldi-ed was opened in February, 1879, in the Dolan House, 
 ■with P. McGough, president, and S. M. McGough, cashier. In April the office 
 was removed, owing to the owners being engaged in wider fields. The Eldred 
 Bank, chartered in the fall of 1881, completed the present building in 1882. 
 The officers at the time were W. L. Hardison, president; D. D. Moriarty, vice- 
 president; P. O. Heasley, cashier; J. D. Downing, Dr. W. L. Chrisman, M. Fin- 
 negan, W. A. Young, J. V. Eitts, and the president and vice-president, directors. 
 The Eldred Bank robbery was perpetrated September 11, 1884. It appears 
 that Cashier Heasley and Clerk Sloan were placing the cash in the safe, prepar- 
 atory to closing; a bearded burglar appeared, and covering the officials named 
 ■with a revolver, gathered up $2, 500 and disappeared. 
 
 The Eldred Savings and Loan Association -was organized in May, 1889, with 
 D. L. Bobbins, president; B. F. Greenman, vice-president; A. D. Gould, 
 secretary; W. B. Archibald, treasurer; F. F. Brown, attorney; J. C. Welch, 
 B. T. Hopewell and the officials named, directors. 
 
 In May, 1879, W. L. Chrisman and Eeuben Dennis constructed a system of 
 water--works, the latter agreeing to connect the dwelling houses with the main 
 
 pipe and supply water for |1 per month The Eldred Water-Woi*ks, the 
 
 enterprise of E. A. Barden, date back only to November, 1889. The water is 
 obtained from the springs southeast of the town, where a reservoir of 3,000 
 barrels capacity was constructed. Up to March, 1890, pipes were laid on 
 Mechanic street. 
 
 The Eldred Gas Company was organized in January, 1884, with Sam. M. 
 Jones, Joseph R. Morse, Daniel E. Jones, James D. Downing and W. L. Har- 
 dison, members. 
 
 The Eldred Oil Company was organized in November, 1879, with A. B. 
 Eowley, president; M. Finnegan, vice-president; A. D. Gould, secretary, and 
 T. C. Wainman, treasurer. The executive committee comprised A. T. Barden, 
 W. B. Archibald, A. Lemex, W. L. Chrisman, J. Uncopher, J. I. McCarthy, 
 W. G. Eobarts, T. H. Ford, B. Alford, H. H. Mullin, E. E. Mayo and B. E. 
 Cutler. In January, 1880, drilling was commenced on the Stull farm .... In 
 October, 1883, White & Leaven's lamp-black factory on Indian creek was estab- 
 lished .... The Windfall glycerine factory, owned by George H. Dana, of Duke 
 Centre, was blown to atoms in January, 1885; James Simmons and a boy 
 named Charles Thompson were killed. A large hemlock tree forty feet to the 
 east, and the magazine equidistant on the south, were lifted up bodily. 
 
 G. T. Dennis, manufacturer of the Dennis Botanic Eemedies, came to 
 what is now Eldred in 1822 with his parents; in later years traveled exten- 
 sively as far west as Illinois, and in 1873 established the "Great American 
 Panacea, ' ' a medicine which was received with much favor. In later years he 
 has introduced a number of medicines and extracts, all of which are accorded 
 an excellent reputation by his neighbors of McKean county. 
 
 Dr. Bates' Medicine Company was formed in 1886, with Dr. Morgan and 
 A. D. Gould members. The medicines are prepared at Eldred and are adver- 
 tised by a regular traveling company. 
 
 The Carriage Leather Manufactory of James N. Duffy was established in 
 July, 1887. The location of the works is on the old Stull farm, near the 
 junction of the Western New York & Pennsylvania Eailroad and the Nar- 
 row Gauge, on the right bank of the Allegheny river, below the town of 
 Eldred. Mr. Duffy has been connected with this business since 1846, begin- 
 ning at Newark, N. J. , and gives his great industry at this point personal super- 
 vision. In 1889 additions to the original works were made, and the facilities 
 for tanning and finishing all kinds of leather used in the construction of car- 
 
244 HISTOBY OP MCKEAN COUNTY. 
 
 riages, and all kinds of patent and enameled leather used by saddlers and 
 harness-makers, are ample. 
 
 The Woloott Opera House was completed in August, 1884, for B. C. Wol- 
 cott, A. T. Barden, Miles Loop, W. B. Archibald and A. B. Eowley. 
 
 In 1865 there was high water, which came up in the road where Main 
 street is now made, but that memorable flood was placed in the back-ground by 
 that of May 31, 1889, which passed the water-mark of 1865, on the old Barden 
 house at Eldred, by twelve inches. From Archibald's to the St. Elmo, on the 
 west side, not a place escaped a thorough wetting, and from Welch's to Bar- 
 den's, on the east side, the bank, Sartwell's, Owens Brothers' and Hill's were 
 the only places high enough to escape. Carter's furniture store, above the 
 St. Elmo, received its share of wetting. Sidewalks were either afloat or 
 turned up on edge, boats flitted about the streets, through yards and in 
 stores, while a horse and wagon became an object of curiosity. It was a pict- 
 ure of Venice with the rough side out, and was especially brilliant when at night 
 the large open gas lights shown upon the water, and pleasure parties enjoyed 
 a boat ride through the streets. 
 
 CHAPTER XIV. 
 
 HAMILTON TOWNSHIP— HAMLIN TOWNSHIP. 
 
 Hamilton Township Topography — Geology — Population — Eesident 
 
 Tax-Payebs, 1836-37— Officers Elected in 1889— Villages. 
 
 Hamlin Township Boundary- Topography — Oil Wells— Discovery or 
 
 Limestone — Forests — Population— Resident Tax-Payees, 1847-48. 
 
 Mount Jewett— Its Rise and Growth— Natural Gas— Industries-Post- 
 office— Churches AND Cemetery— Society— Kinzua Bridge— Oil Com- 
 panies. 
 
 HAMILTON TOWNSHIP is bounded on the north by Corydon township, 
 on the east by Lafayette township, on the south by Wetmore township 
 and on the west by Warren county. In 1879 the following described terri- 
 tory, taken from Wetmore township, was added to its southwestern corner: 
 Warrants 2514, 2597, 2400, 2394, 2399, 2352, 2338, 2465, 2563, 2395, 2318 
 and 2391. Kinzua creek, which rises in Keating township, flows in a gen- 
 eral westerly course to the confluence with the South branch, five miles due 
 north of Wetmore, thence northwesterly, and passes out of the township near 
 its northwest corner. Chappel fork and its numerous feeders divide the 
 north one-half, and Two Mile run, a branch of the Tionesta, divides the 
 southwest annex, as it runs northwest from Wetmore via Ludlow, leaving the 
 county a point west of Windfall run. Wild Cat run flows southwest into 
 Two Mile, while numerous small streams course down the plateau openings 
 into the streams named. Paine' s summit, in the north, is the highest meas- 
 ured elevation, being about 2,100 feet above tide level; the lowest, 1,240 
 feet, where the Kinzua enters Warren county. At Ludlow depot the sub-Olean 
 conglomerate is exposed, its top being 116 feet above the track. At the Hulings 
 & Davis well, drilled in the fall of 1878, one and one-half miles northeast of 
 this exposure, 48 feet of Olean, 343 feet of Mauch Chunk and Pocono, 60 of 
 

 'f'-'^iAliyjii.^^jiTi^c^S^Sms.Pa' 
 
 jlJ^ on^z? 
 
HISTORY OF MCKEAN COUNTY. 24:7 
 
 Red rock, 160 of shale and slate, and 40 of Eed rock were penetrated before 
 the Chemung formation was reached, at a depth of 651 feet. Through 
 the Chemung the drill penetrated 379 feet of white slate; at a depth of 
 1,950 feet struck fossiliferous shale, and at 1,957 feet the hard slate and shale, 
 or the Bradford oil sand, down to 2,011 feet. The well was cased dry at 360 
 feet. In the hill north of Ludlow detatched sandstone and conglomerate 
 exists and in some places red soil. 
 
 Hamilton township claimed a population of 539 in 1880, including the 215 
 residents of Ludlow. In November, 1888, there were 111 Republican, 84 
 Democratic and 14 Prohibition votes cast, or a total of 209, which number 
 multiplied by five gives a fair estimate of the present population, 1,045. 
 
 The officers elected in 1889 were: Supervisors, Frank Morrison, Otto Law- 
 son; school directors, H. Morlin, A. Logan; town clerk, J. B. Richardson ^ 
 justice of the peace, J. K. Bates; constable, H. J. Parker; collector, J. K. 
 Bates; auditor, E. B. Fisk; judge of election. First District, A. Logan; in- 
 spectors. First District, C. O. Nelson, H. Gofl; judge of election. Second 
 District, M. Strong; inspectors. Mat. Morrison, J. H. Crozier. 
 
 The resident tax-payers of Hamilton township in 1836-37, as certified by 
 George Morrison, assessor, were George Morrison (saw-mill owner), David 
 Sears (saw-mill owner), Caleb Chappel (farmer), William English (who owned 
 two horses), Jonathan and David E. Dunbar, Jonathan Marsh and Thomas- 
 Pound (who had not yet improved their little farms), Morrison & Harrison 
 (saw-mill), Samuel Morrison, Isaiah Morrison and Root & Beeman. 
 
 Ludlow is a thriving village in the extreme western part of the township,, 
 situated on the Philadelphia & Erie Railfoad. Its industries are chiefly the 
 manufacture of lumber, leather and carbon black. J. G. Curtis, who came tO' 
 the village in 1889, erected the Ludlow Tannery and began the manufacture 
 of leather, and in 1886 established the firm of Curtis, Maxwell & Co. Mr. 
 Curtis is also largely interested in the manufacture of lumber, as well as in 
 the mercantile business. A post-office and several general stores are also 
 located at this point. The A. R. Blood Carbon Works are very extensive, and 
 are under the supervision of P. F. Riordan. 
 
 Deputy Supreme President G. W. Brown, of Youngsville, Penn. , organized 
 Ludlow Union, E. A. U., June 28, 1889, at Ludlow, with fifty-one applicants 
 for charter, and with the following ofiicers: Chancellor, J. K. Bates; advocate, 
 A. W. Vantassel; president, John Gibbs; vice-president, Mrs. Jennie Rich- 
 ardson; auxiliaiy, Miss Hanna Nolin; secretary, Mrs. Millie Bates; treasurer, 
 Mrs. J. G. Curtis; accountant, H. H. Curtis; chaplain, Mrs. C. H. Loucks; 
 warden, D. G. Curtis; sentinel, Mrs. A. Cameron; watchman, P. F. Riordan;, 
 conductor, H. M. Swick; assistant conductor, Mrs. H. M. Swick; trustee, J. 
 G. Curtis; examining physician, G. T. Pryor, M. D. ; representative to Grand 
 Union, J. K. Bates; alternate, P. F. Riordan. 
 
 Wetmore is a busy little lumber town on the Philadelphia & Erie Railroad. 
 Here Thomas Keelor has his extensive lumber mills and mercantile estab- 
 lishment. L. D. Wetmore' 8 lumber industries are also located here, as well 
 as a post-oflSce. 
 
 HAMLIN TOWNSHIP. 
 
 Hamlin township, bounded by Wetmore, Sergeant, Lafayette and Keating 
 townships, is divided into three sections, Kinzua creek valley in the north 
 center, and part of the northwest, separated by Big Level, of which Howard 
 Hill is a peak, from Marvin and West Clarion valleys on the east, center and 
 south. The Smethport anticlinal runs southwest between Howard Hill and 
 
■248 HISTOEY OF MCKEAN COUNTY. 
 
 Marvin creek; the Kinzua — Emporium cross anticlinal — through the southwest 
 corner; the southeast corner is near the Clermont (4) bituminous basin; the 
 western and central sections in the sixth bituminous basin, which also crosses 
 the northwest corner. The greatest elevation (Howard Hill) is 2,268 feet 
 above tide, and the lowest (near the old Hulings well No. 1) 1,625 feet. The 
 high lands average 2,200 feet above tide. 
 
 The head-waters of West Clarion form the southwest of Howard Hill, while 
 Kinzua creek, which forms in Lafayette and Keating, receives many feeders 
 along the great bend north of the hill. Windfall run rises in the northwest 
 corner, and the south branch of Kinzua in the southwest corner. Marvin 
 creek may be said to rise in the south center, although a small branch comes 
 down from Seven Mile summit in Sergeant township. Head Brook, Wildcat 
 and Stanton runs, with a hundred rivulets, flow southeast from Big Level to 
 swell the stream, and at Kasson post-office Long run flows northwest from 
 Chappel Hill into it. Warner Brook flows from Clermont Hill through the 
 southeast corner into the Marvin, and Glad run flows northwest in the south- 
 west corner to join the south branch of the Kinzua. 
 
 Early in the " fifties ' ' the McKean & Elk Land Company opened a num- 
 ber of coal mines here. Dalson's principal bed was at the head of Wildcat 
 run, east of Howard Hill, a four-feet deposit of pure, bright bituminous coal, 
 eleven feet of dark and six feet of cannel. Within this township three mem- 
 bers of the coal family are grouped, the Dagus, Clermont and Alton middle. 
 The first occupies but small space, the second inhabits the heights of the 
 Howard Hill divide, and the third is found in almost every place throughout 
 the county. 
 
 The old Owl Well (Hulings No. 1) was drilled in 1878 (opposite the mouth 
 of Town Line run on the south bank of the Kinzua, 1,625 feet above ocean 
 level) to a depth of 1,613 feet, and yielded thirty barrels per day for the year 
 ending in July, 1879. Hulings No. 3 well was completed in March, 1879, to 1,730 
 feet, near the southwest corner of Warrant 3076, and the wells of Wilcox & 
 Schiiltz, Knox Bros. , and the Westmoreland Oil Company on Warrant 3073, 
 found some oil in the top of the sand, but deeper drilling produced salt water 
 in such quantity that they were abandoned and the southeast limit of the field 
 supposed to have been reached. A subsequent well drilled by Wilson in 1881 
 north of the middle of Warrant 2690, and promptly abandoned, confirmed this 
 supposition, but wells drilled by the Union Oil Company, southeast of the 
 Hulings No. 5, have recently demonstrated an extension in that direction. On 
 the western edge of the field a number of wells drilled by the P. C. L. & P. Com- 
 pany were similarly drowned out by salt water and operations in that quarter 
 were abandoned also. These wells all stopped at the Bradford sand, the 
 deeper Kane sand not having been discovered until 1885, at Kane. The 
 Kinzua well, at the confluence of Glad run and the Kinzua, was opened early 
 in 1877 by L. C. Blakeslee for the Producers' Consolidated Land & Petroleum 
 Company of Bradford. Salt water was found in the sand at 1,745 to 1,768 
 feet, or flfty feet below ocean level. 
 
 In 1856 Dalson discovered limestone, but the location is not given nor has 
 the modern explorer found an outcrop, but as the valley of Marvin creek is 
 celebrated for its deposits of this slaty-bluish rock, a dip may bring it under the 
 sub-Olean conglomerate. 
 
 The valley of North Kinzua in this township, as well as those of Windfall, 
 Mead, South Kinzua and Glad run, with the intervening territory (nearly one- 
 half of the township) are still clothed with an unbroken forest in which hem- 
 lock predominates. This is the property of the Union Oil Company and the 
 
HISTORY OP MCKEAN COUNTY. 249 
 
 ■Gen. Kane estate. The Kane estate still owns in Wetmore and Hamlin town- 
 ships, extending into Elk county, about 25,000 acres. 
 
 The resident tax-payers of Hamlin township in 1847-48 were Adin and 
 Aranah Aldrich, William Fields, Freeman Garlick, J. P. King, C. McFall, H. 
 Burlingame (now a resident), Sam. Stanton, Abel Stanton, Jerry Warner, 
 Hiram White, David Woodruff, William Woodruff and Joseph Wilks & Co. 
 The total value of occupied lands and personal property was $2,940, as certi- 
 fied by Assessor McFall. 
 
 Hamlin township, in 1880, had 330 inhabitants. In 1888 there were 165 
 Republican, 57 Democratic and 15 Prohibitionist votes cast, or 237. The 
 total multiplied by five gives the population at the time 1,185. The officers 
 <jhosen in February, 1890, are: Supervisors, D. F. Pattison, Bent Lunberg; 
 school directors, W. H. Neil, M. J. Gallup; auditor, L. J. Swanson; con- 
 stable, G. H. Sparks; collector, G. H. Sparks; judge of election, J. E. B. 
 White; inspectors, S. W. Pattison, Charles Paulson; town clerk, Charles 
 Paulson. 
 
 The post-ofBce at Kasson is in charge of G. O. Garlick. 
 
 MOUNT JEWETT. 
 
 N. D. Battison's basket factory was established in August, 1883, when he 
 leased free from Elisha Kane a three-acre lot for such factory. Mr. Kane 
 gave him fl75 and also a large lot for his dwelling — the only consideration 
 being the establishment of this industry. Earlier that year the town plat was 
 surveyed, and with this industry, employing twenty-five persons, the nucleus 
 of the present village was formed. That year the R. & P. E. E. was com- 
 pleted, but some of the people opposed the location of the factory earnestly. 
 A tire destroyed the buildings soon after, but the owner rebuilt and continued 
 in business some time. The building passed into various hands, and is now 
 occupied by Hitchcock & Davis. 
 
 In 1887 F. W. Andrews began a series of seven test wells on the Kane 
 lands, which led to the development of the field by the Anchor Oil Company. 
 The first of the wells, one and one-half miles northeast, showed gas in small 
 quantity at a depth of 900 feet. This with others reverted to Mr. Kane, and 
 he conceived the idea of supplying Mount Jewett with gas. With some difficulty 
 thirteen consumers were secured, but the gas proving itself worthy of its 
 •claims, the list was increased to over 100. At the beginning Mr. Kane could 
 not obtain one subscriber to a proposed stock company. The system now ex- 
 tends from McAmbley's mill to the village. 
 
 O. B. Mosser & Co. ' s tannery at Mount Jewett was established in 1887, 
 when most of the present buildings were erected. The capacity is 600 hides 
 per week, and the number of men employed in July and August, 1889, fifty. 
 This tannery uses from 4,000 to 5,000 cords of bark annually, the price paid 
 being 14.50 per cord. The hemlock bark is fouad in the woods adjoining, oak 
 bark being imported. 
 
 The McAmbley saw-mill, three miles northeast of Mount Jewett, is an im- 
 portant industry .... Hitchcock & Davis' saw-mill is devoted to the manufact- 
 ure of hardwood Mellander's mill is northeast of the village Camp- 
 bell's saw-mill, a mile south of the village, was a large concern, but in July, 
 1889, the machinery was moved to Kane to make way for Huff's hardwood 
 
 iactory. Southeast of the village are the Roos saw-mills Kinzua mill, six 
 
 miles from Kane, was burned in July, 1887 The McClelland & Kane model 
 
 mill was erected at Mount Jewett in the fall of 1889. M. H. Manning was 
 superintendent of building and machinery. 
 
250 HISTOEY OF MCKEAN COUNTY. 
 
 Mount Jewett post-office was established in February, 1882, with Augustus 
 Mellander postmaster. 
 
 The Presbyterian Society was organized July 13, 1888, and incorporated 
 July 25, with O. B. Mosser, G. V. Thompson, E. W. Hevner, W. W. Brewer, 
 L. A. Groat and Hubert Schultz, trustees, all of whom were members except 
 Brewer, Hevner and Thompson. The list of original members also embraced 
 Calvin Gray and wife, Mrs. W. W. Brewer, B. A. Conn, Mrs. Thompson, Mrs. 
 Groat, Mrs. Schultz and Mrs. Mosser. Work was begun in July on a new 
 church house and completed in October. Bev. W. J. Arney of Kane organ- 
 ized this society, and is its first pastor. 
 
 The Swedish Evangelical Lutheran Nebo Church of Mount Jewett was in- 
 corporated in September, 1888, with B. C. and A. Lundberg, Oscar Wiborg 
 and J. Mellander, subscribers The Church of the Mission Friends was or- 
 ganized in 1887 and a small house for worship erected. 
 
 The Aldrich Cemetery was incorporated in May, 1877, with H. W. Bur- 
 lingame, G. O. Garlick, O. Perry, H. L. Burlingame, J. E. B. White and 
 Hiram W. Burlingame, trustees. 
 
 Fisher Tent of the K. O. T. M. was organized at Mount Jewett in May, 
 1887, with James Doyle, Owen Coyle, L. A. Groat, De T. Parrish, C. W. 
 Obing, W. H. Reese, A. A. Van Slyke, W. J. Jackson, Dan. Shea, M. Syl- 
 vester, N. Marsh, R. Jackson and O. McLoud filling the several positions. 
 
 The Kinzua bridge was completed April 1, 1882. To the observer, as he 
 stands upon the north abutment pier, and, facing southward, gazes down a 
 depth of over 300 feet to the creek's bed, then up the slope of the opposite 
 side to the south end, at a distance of more than 2,000 feet from him, and con- 
 siders that these extreme points are connected by a continuous line of track of 
 uniform grade, over which roll the heavily freighted trains, he can not fail to 
 be impressed with the fact that this is a progressive age. The bridge is con- 
 structed of stone and iron entirely.- It consists of twenty lower spans of 
 thirty-eight and one-half feet each, and twenty-one intermediate spans of sixty- 
 one feet, and contains about four and one-half million pounds of wrought iron. 
 The height is 301 feet, and length 2,051 feet, giving it a title to being the high- 
 est bridge in the world and one of the longest. The stone piers which are to 
 support the towering iron columns are built of massive sandstone blocks, quar- 
 ried on the ground, which nature has provided in abundance, and of an excel- 
 lent quality. These are skillfully jointed, bedded and bonded. 
 
 Stafford, the watchman, climbs over and inspects three of the towers every 
 day. As there are twenty towers altogether he gets over the entire system of 
 piers and braces in a week. Once, in the winter of 1883-84, while making his 
 usual inspection, he fell a distance of sixty-five feet. The cold winter air 
 numbed his hands so that he could cling no longer to the iron braces. Fortu- 
 nately he fell into about ten feet of snow, which broke his fall, else the com- 
 pany might have been compelled to look for a new msin. He said he only 
 missed striking a stump by a few inches. He relates another narrow escape. 
 He said he was climbing over the top girts one day when some one hailed him 
 from above. It startled him, and he sort of forgot where he was. He let go 
 his hold and was going. By a great effort he caught hold of one of the iron 
 braces just in time to save himself. The accident of July, 1889, tested the 
 strength of the structure. Conductor Keily' s train, bound south, separated on 
 the viaduct, the locomotive and attached cars reaching Mount Jewett before 
 fourteen cars were missed. The engineer at once backed down and when 
 near the bridge Brakeman Ryan discovered the conductor's signals. The en- 
 gineer reversed his lever, and at once a coupling snapped and three cars went 
 
HISTORY OF MCKEAN OOUNTy. 251 
 
 thundering down grade. At the bridge there was a terrible crash and three 
 cars were converted into kindling wood, 301 feet above the creek. Had the 
 cars gone over the sides of the viaduct there is little doubt regarding the dam- 
 age which would have been caused to the structure. 
 
 The Anchor Oil Company's lease on the Kane oil reservation or the Swe- 
 dish farms was developed in July, 1889. Up to the 21st the well was guarded, 
 but it is now declared to be a gusher as well as gasser. The location is one 
 and a half miles south of the tannery on Frank Nelson's farm. The Anchor 
 and Forest Oil Company and Taylor & Torrey secured a piece of the Kane 
 estate, consisting of 2,500 acres. P. W. Eoth came to Mount Jewett in July, 
 1889, and located his first well July 29 on the John Mellander farm. Mr. 
 Roth drilled the first producer in the Washington field, and has been con- 
 nected with oil interests in the Bradford field since 1875. The Timbuctoo 
 well at Lafayette was completed July 25, 1889. 
 
 Oil memories cluster round the big bridge. An old weather-beaten der- 
 rick is still visible from the viaduct a short distance up the stream, where Mar- 
 cus Hulings anchored some cash in the autumn of 1879 in searching for a con- 
 tinuation of the Cole creek streak. In the winter of 1883-84 Mumford, a 
 former bookkeeper for Butts, together with Cheeney & Phillips, of Alton, 
 obtained a 200-acre lease from Bowen, of Boston, on Warrant 2,'241. The 
 company drilled a well on the piece. The Barnsdall venture of August, 1884, 
 is located in the southeast corner of Warrant 2,248 — 2,500 f8et north and a 
 trifle east of the Mumford & Cheeney well. In 1879 the Parker Brothers, 
 and, in 1884, Higgins also, drilled on Ormsby lands. 
 
 CHAPTER XV. 
 
 KEATING TOWNSHIP— BOROUGH OF SMETHPORT. 
 
 Keating Township Topography— Geology— Oil Wells — Population- 
 Township Okficees in 1890— Port of Entry— Early Settlers- The For- 
 ESTER— Solomon Sartwell and Others— Resident Tax-Payers, 1836-37 
 —Early Merchants in the Township— Villages. 
 
 Borough of Smethport Population, Etc.- Officers Elected in 1890— 
 
 First Cabin and House— Reminiscences of Asa Sartwell— Early Set- 
 tlers— Some First Things'— Post-office— ResidBnt Property Owners, 
 1856-57— Municipal Affairs— Academies— Churches— Societies— Hotels 
 —Banks— Water and Gas Systems— Floods and Fires— Miscellaneous. 
 
 KEATING TOWNSHIP holds a semi-central position in the county. 
 Nunundah creek enters the township near the southeast corner, flows 
 north by west via Smethport to Farmers Valley, where it turns northeast to 
 join the Allegheny beyond the north town line. Cole creek's south branch 
 flows northeast from the plateau, receives the north branch in the center of the 
 north half of the township, and enters Nunundah creek opposite Farmers 
 Valley. Marvin creek enters the township a point west of the south center, 
 and flowing northeast to Smethport forms a confluence with the. main creek. 
 In the southwestern corner the head-waters of the West Clarion unite with 
 Three Mile run to flow southwest; and within a short distance of this conflu- 
 ence one of the heads of Kinzua creek is found. South of the road from 
 
252 HISTORY OF MCKEAN COUNTY. 
 
 Smethport to Ormsby' s summit a feeder of Marvin creek rises, which enters- 
 that creek south of the borough limits. A little over two miles east of Smeth- 
 port occurs the greatest elevation in the State west of the fifth bituminous 
 basin — Prospect hill, 2,495 feet above tide level. The lowest point, of course, 
 is where Nunundah creek exits at Frisbee, which is 1,460 feet above tide. At 
 Smethport depot the elevation is 1,488 feet, so that the grade from the track 
 for two and a quarter miles east to Prospect peak is 1,007 feet. The altitude- 
 of the plateaus may be placed at 2,100 feet. In the southeast corner the 
 Smethport anticlinal separates the Clermont coal basins. At Smethport the- 
 anticlinal is broken by the elevation of strata, so that the dome center lies one 
 and a half miles east. Small tracts of Clermont exist along the western line, 
 and on Ormsby's summit, 2,140 feet above tide. The Pocono formation at 
 Smethport is 260 feet thick, and at Barnett's, southwest of Haskell's well, 285 
 — sixty feet covered, forty feet coarse-grained ferruginous sandstone, partly 
 covered, ten feet fossiliferous flags, fifty feet covered rock, forty feet gray shal& 
 with bands of fossiliferous, ferruginous lime-rock; twenty feet of green and 
 brown flags and shale, five feet of hard, fossiliferous, gray lime-rock, and sixty 
 feet of olive and gray shales and shaly sandstone. 
 
 The well drilled by Lytle & Vezie in 1875 for the Smethport Oil Company 
 reached a depth of 2,004 feet, its opening being 102 feet higher than the rail- 
 road track. Forty-three records of strata were obtained and the crust on the 
 Taylor farm, where the drilling was done, thoroughly explored. From 330 
 to 378 feet slate and shale, and very hard shells, were taken; from 570 feet 
 sand shells, and so on until oil was struck at 1,127 feet, the Bradford oil sand 
 at 1,360 feet, and the Smethport oil sand at 1,720 feet. This well proved a dry 
 one; the 237 feet of casing were taken up, the hole plugged with five feet of 
 pine below the water courses, and rock filled in above, but within six hours the 
 gas removed such obstructions. The Haskell well, drilled in December, 1876, 
 and April, 1877, for William Haskell, to a depth of 1.861 feet, is located on the 
 east side of Marvin creek, one and one half miles southwest of Smethpoit. 
 Gas was struck at 719 feet and also at 1,620 feet, where oil made a fair show 
 for a short period. Brant & Co. 's well yielded one barrel per day; Lucius 
 Rogers' well on Warrant, 2,058, near the borough; Sherman, Hatch & Co.'s 
 well, and other ventures, mark the oil fever period of this township. The 
 Miner said so much about the Haskell well that a skeptical contemporary,, 
 named Brandon, of the St. Marys Gazette, perpetrated a pun, which was war- 
 ranted by the circumstances: "If the Miner continues much longer to sound 
 the praises of the Haskell well in its peculiar way we will not be surprised to 
 learn that it has-killed somebody." 
 
 Keating township claimed a population of 2,974 in 1880. This included 
 364 residents of Bordell settlement and 986 of Coleville village, but not the- 
 borough of Smethport, which then had only 872 inhabitants. The vote of 
 Keating in 1888, outside Smethport, shows 266 Republicans, 239 Democrats, 
 16 Prohibitionists and 21 Labor Unionists, or a total of 542, which, multiplied by 
 five, gives 2,710 as the present number of inhabitants. 
 
 The officers chosen in February, 3890, are: Supervisors, J. H. Sowers, 
 Richard Grifiin; collector, Thomas Hussey; school directors, William H. Huff, 
 D. B. Zillafro; constable, J. E. Stull; auditor, Allen Oviatt; town clerk, C. 
 M. Capehart; judge of election. First District, C. D. Calkins; inspectors of 
 election, First District, W. A. Mcintosh, M. N. Allen; judge of election. Sec- 
 ond District, R. S. Porterfield; inspectors of election. Second District, C. P. 
 Smith, P. S. Kepler; judge of election. Third District, W. H. Barr; inspect- 
 ors of election. Third District, M. J. Lynch, R. L. Stephens. 
 
HISTOEY OF MCKEAN COUNTY. 253: 
 
 In 1809-10 Benjamin B. Cooper petitioned Congress to establish a port of 
 entry at Smethport. He purchased twenty-one acres of land on the west side 
 of Nunundah creek, near the bridge at East Smethport on which to build a 
 town, and made propositions to men to get out timber for the proposed wharves. 
 This was to be the harbor wherein the ships of the citizens of Instanter might 
 be moored while receiving and discharging cargoes. His plans for hauling 
 freight from the port to his town on the hill are not given. 
 
 Shortly after the disestablishment of Instanter, or in 1811, Arnold Hunter 
 moved to the site of Smethport, and other settlers flocked into Farmers val- 
 ley, as related in the chapter on pioneers. Among the pioneers was Jonathan 
 Colegrove, who died April 11, 1872. He settled in Keating township in 1815,. 
 traveling from Portville to Smethport by canoe, with his wife and two children. 
 From 1817 to 1852 he was one of the Eidgway land agents, P. E. Scull be- 
 ing also agent for another portion of the lands. Uncle Daunty, or Jonathan 
 Dunbar, another pioneer, was certainly a stage Dutchman in general make-up- 
 and manners. His wife made what she was pleased to call "clothes" for her 
 epouse. He built the first saw-rnill in the county at Farmers Valley, bat had 
 so much trouble with it he finally exclaimed : "If the Lord had given Job a 
 saw-mill instead of boils the devil would then have got him sure. ' ' Dunbar- 
 became leader of the first singing school, and, though a strange character in 
 many ways, was a most useful citizen. 
 
 The Forester and Smethport Begister, Volume I, No. 12, was issued by 
 Hiram Payne June 30, 1832. The motto was : ' ' The uncultivated forest 
 shall become a fruitful field." W. E. Wolcott, of Sergeant, advertised cattle 
 for sale; Tobias L. Warner his shoe factory at Smethport, and Isaac Burlin- 
 game advertised for stone masons; Isaac Harvey placed his books in the hands 
 of John E. Niles for collection; Orvil Ketchum, of Farmers Valley, asked his 
 debtors to pay up; the Erie Canal Company advertised their lines, giving as 
 reference J. M. Hughes, of New York, an uncle of the present editor of the 
 Reporter ; P. E. Scull wished his neighbors to have their goods imported to 
 Bushnell's basin; Sartwell & Eice offered ten barrels of pork for sale; the 
 death of Harriet Young, aged twelve years, at Farmers Valley, was noticed, 
 and the marriage of Harman Sprague and Adaline Vredenburgh, of the west 
 branch of Tunuanguant creek was announced. B. B. Cooper advertised 
 60,000 acres of land for sale, and E. A. Smith his stock of goods. 
 
 Solomon Sartwell, one of the leading pioneers, who died August 4, 1876, 
 was born at Littleton, N. H., January 16, 1796; settled in McKean county in 
 1816 (whither the lady to whom he was married in 1822 came in 1818). He 
 served as postmaster twenty years and as associate judge five years, having 
 previously filled the office of high sheriff for two terms and treasurer for one 
 term. The StuUs and Ottos, to whom references are made in other chapters, 
 must also be counted among the pioneers, while the Williamses, Youngs, 
 Crows (of Sinnemahoning), the Hamlins, and fifty other families of whom 
 mention is made in this volume, are connected with the beginnings of the pro- 
 gressive period. Of the Crow family several humorous stories are related. 
 One is entitled "Called to Preach." It appears that along in the "thirties" 
 Moses Crow and his father were engaged in the bottom lands back of the pres- 
 ent Wright House in chopping trees. Work went on fairly well until a dry 
 elm tree was encountered, and to it both men directed their strength. The day 
 was sultry and the workers perspired freely. The younger one, looking round 
 on the sea of trees, grew tired suddenly, and, addressing his father, said: " I 
 think I am called to preach." Soon after he became an exhorter, passed a lit- 
 tle while at the Meadville College, and received a regular appointment. David,, 
 
254 HISTORY OF MCKEAN COUNTY. 
 
 Jr. , followed his brother into the Methodist ministry in 1842, and a few years 
 later the old squire was asked for a donation for church purposes, but as a re- 
 sponse made the suggestion that he had given two sons to the Methodist church, 
 •contribution enough for one man. 
 
 The resident tax-payers of Keating township in 1836-37 were Daniel Acre, 
 Samuel Armstrong, William J. Anderson, Aaron Arnold, Dudley Birge (a sad- 
 dler at Smethport), J. L. Birge (moved west), N. G. Barrus, Joseph Brush 
 {moved to Lafayette corners), Levi Bennett (who sold the site for the poor- 
 farm to Gol. Wilcox), T. Barrett, Willis Barrett, Gardner Barrett (died in 
 1888), Nath. Barrett, Daniel Burbank, Enoch Briggs (who still resides in the 
 township), Aurilas Beman, Dr. Joshua Bascom, Elisha and Uri Bush, Daniel 
 Brown (who cleared the Vincent farm), Harvey Brewer (a shoemaker), D. E. 
 and O. R. Bennett, William Bell (of Ceres), John Brockham, Nicholas Baker, 
 Curtis Bump, Amos Briggs (a mason), H. N. Burgett, P. W. Beach, B. C. 
 Corwin, C. D. Calkins (now at Smethport), Ghordis Corwin (who owned the 
 grist- and saw- mill), Daniel and David Cornelias, Amasa Cowles, Erastus 
 Cowles (saw-mill owner), Henry Chapin,' Thomas Curtis, Eichard Chad- 
 wick (who died in 1866), E. J. Cook, David Crow, Elihu Chadwiok, J. P. 
 Clark (merchant), C. S. Comes (living in Eldred), Daniel Crossmire, Silas 
 Crandall, John and J. D. Dunbar, D. Othneal, Eliza De Golier, L. H. De 
 Aubigny (non-resident), E. E. Fowler, Dr. George Darling, James O' Daily, 
 Levi Davis, Jr., Brewster Freeman, Daniel Foster, Nathan Folsom, D. C. 
 and J. A. O. Gunning, G. W. Griswold, Truman Garlick, Jesse, Hiram 
 and Almon Garey, Wheeler Gallup, James Green, J. W. Howe (a lawyer), 
 Simon Hammon, James Hoop (now of Lafayette), Barnabas Hill, George 
 Hetohelder, Minard Hall, John Holmes & Co. (tan-yard owners, near F. 
 Andrews' house). Holmes & Eichmond (merchants), L. E. Hawkins (of Cha- 
 <!opee, Minn.), O. J. Hamlin (lawyer), Dwight Holcomb (moved to Florida), 
 A. Housler, L. Havens, Gideon Irons, John King, Horace B. and Isaac King, 
 Jared and Jonathan Ketchum, Eev. Abner Lull, Warren Lucore (mer- 
 chant), John and T. Moore, J. McDowell, Dr. William Y. McCoy, T. Mattison, 
 Chester Medbery (now in Dakota), John Nolan (lawyer), John E. Niles, John 
 Needham (merchant), Alvin Owen, Dr. William Otto, James, John, Jemima 
 and Charity Otto, W. D. Owen (merchant), Joseph Otto (saw-mill owner), W. 
 S. Oviatt, Silas D. and Lewis Otto, Eben Parker (who owned a part of the A. 
 H. Cory farm), Hiram Payne (editor), Elisha Eandall (dealer). Dr. Salmon M. 
 Eose (who owned the Freeman property), S. E. Eobbins, William Eice, Allan 
 Eice, Nelson Eichmond, Jonas Eiddle, William Eipley (died in 1888), P. E. 
 Scull (died in 1867), Jonas, Sam. and Arnold Southwick, Cephas Scott, Asa 
 Sartwell (fulling and saw-mill owner), Joel Sartwell (now of Cedar Eapids, 
 Iowa), John Smith, Jesse Spencer, Sol. Stoddard, Charles Smith, and Samuel 
 Smith (tailor, now in Iowa), Sol. Sartwell, Jr., Sartwell & Arnold (traders), 
 Sol. Sartwell, E. H. Stillson, John Taylor (merchant), Nathan Tinney, James 
 Taylor, Enoch Tyler, D. Voorhes, D. S., William C, George W. and Nathan 
 White, WiUiam Williams (trader), L. C. Willard (col.), Clinton and Stephen 
 Young, Hiram Spencer and Henry Bunyan (trader). Abner Lull, the assessor, 
 recommended Jared Ketchum and Ghordis Corwin for collectors. In 1837 
 A. H. Cory and Lawyer L. F. Maynard settled here. 
 
 In Keating township in 1846 were the general stores of C. Steele & Co., 
 Ford & Holmes, O. J. & B. D. Hamlin, W. Y. McCoy and O. E. Bennett; the 
 taverns of O. E. Bennett and Eichmond & Bennett, and the grocery of James 
 Miller. Elijah Bennett had a store in December. The merchants of Keating 
 township in 1852 were B. D. & H. Hamlin, James Taylor & Son, C. K. Sart- 
 

HI8T0BY OF MCKEAN COUNTY. 257 
 
 well & Co., S. & E. G. Eaton, C. Steele and O. R. Bennett. The latter and 
 Sartwell & Co. were also liquor dealers. 
 
 No. 1, Volume VI, of the Citizen, was issued September 3, 1859, with L. 
 Eogers editor. At this time E. B. Eldred, W. A. Williams, William A. Nichols, 
 Warren Gowles and John C. Backus were resident attorneys; W. Y. McCoy, 
 J. Darling and S. D. Freeman, physicians; W. K. King, surveyor, and J. K. 
 HafPey; geologist. The hotels advertised were the Bennett House, by D. R. 
 Bennett, and the Eldred Half-way House, on the Glean road. 
 
 Villages. — Farmers Valley, Coryville and Prisbee may be called synony- 
 mous terms. They all form a part of the old settlement of Farmers Valley, 
 of which so much is written in the general history as well as in this chapter. 
 In 1812 Francis King surveyed the fifty-acre tracts donated by John Keating 
 for the following named settlers in Farmers Valley: George, Joseph and 
 Matthias Otto, Robert Gilbert, Jonathan Moore, Zachariah, Thomas and Will- 
 iam Ashley. 
 
 The old post-office of Farmers Valley dates back to early in the "thirties," 
 when Timothy R. Bobbins was master. Thomas Goodwin, Jackson Otto and 
 F. C. Olds have filled the office. The post-office of Coryville was established 
 in 1872 with Asa H. Cory, master, who has been continued in office since. 
 
 The Union Church of Farmers Valley was built early in the "fifties" 
 through the exertions of A. J. Otto and Arnold Southwick. Dan Lennox was 
 the carpenter and builder. It has been open to all denominations, but the 
 United Brethren may be said to be the principal worshipers. 
 
 The United Brethren Church at Coryville, or Frisbee, was built in 1878-79 
 on land donated by A. H. Cory. The building cost over 12,000. 
 
 The United Brethren Society of Farmers Valley was founded October 19, 
 1867, with William S. Moore, T. R. Robbins, the Southwicks and John 
 Holmes the elder, as organizers. 
 
 The E. A. U. lodge of Farmers Valley was organized in February, 1886, 
 with A. R. Tubbs, Mrs. Otto, J. H. McQuade, Mrs. Tubbs, Mrs. Ellen Otto. 
 J. L. Bean, A. Tyler, F. C. Olds and Dr. R. J. Sharp, officials. 
 
 The tide water pump station was established near A. H. Cory' s house, but 
 owiag to the absence of gas the pumping works were moved to Rixford. On 
 June 19, 1887, a 25,000-barrel tank was burned, 1,000 teams bringing people 
 to witness the fire. The remaining tanks were moved to Ohio in 1888. 
 
 Lucius Rogers built the first steam saw, shingle and planing mill in Nun- 
 undah Creek valley in 1885. Prior to that time saw-mills run by steam and 
 water-power were common along the banks of this stream, and a few are found 
 to-day using up the remnant of pine and hemlock of the valley and hills. 
 
 In 1855-57 a coal oil factory was established up the creek from Smethport. 
 Bordell (Coleville post-office), known in 1879 as the "Banner Frontier 
 Town," was partially burned February 9, 1880, when McCormack's hall and 
 three other buildings were destroyed. In November, thirty-five buildings were 
 reduced to ashes, the Bennett House, the leading hotel, conducted by T. P. 
 Hill, being among the number. . . .The fire of February 16, 1881, resulted in 
 the destruction of the Golden Rule block, and two adjoining buildings .... In 
 February, 1880, the sum of 130,000 was subscribed 'to build a plank road from 
 Bradford to Coleville. The stockholders elected J. J. Carter, president; P. T. 
 Kennedy, vice-president; James Amm, secretary, and F. A. Wheeler, treas- 
 urer. When the town was in its glory the Bordell Bazoo was published here, 
 and altogether the place was considered of much importance. 
 
 Ormsby Junction is the name given to the junction of the narrow gauge 
 I? 
 
258 HISTORY OF MCKEAN COUNTy. 
 
 roads connecting Smethport with Bradford, Mount Jewett and Kane. Sub- 
 sequent to 1842 Mr. W. F. Ormsby settled in this then comparative wilderness, 
 and he continues to reside here on his fine farm. 
 
 Aiken, Davis, Van Vleck and Simpson are small settlements on the Brad- 
 ford, Bor'dell & Kinzua Eailroad. Cyclone post-office is located in the west- 
 ern part of the township. 
 
 In December, 1888, a well was drilled on the Ormsby farm to a depth of 
 2,408 feet, to the fifth sand. This well answered 120 quarts of glycerine with 
 seventy-five barrels of oil within four weeks; but the production fell to one 
 and one-half barrels, when it was abandoned in February, 1889. One and one- 
 half miles west of the Ormsby farm is a well which gives gas and oil, but is 
 undeveloped. 
 
 BOROUGH or SMETHPORT. 
 
 Smethport is located in one of the most beautiful valleys in the mountain 
 country. Its site was selected by John Keating, and this selection confirmed 
 by the commissioners. The latitude and longitude ascertained by Surveyor 
 Chadwick in 1839 are 41° 55' and 78° 33', respectively. 
 
 In 1880 the borough claimed 872 inhabitants. In 1888 there were 148 
 Republican, 116 Democratic, nine Prohibitionist and one Union Labor votes 
 cast, or a total of 274, which number multiplied by six gives an idea of the 
 present population as 1,644. 
 
 In 1811 Capt. Arnold Hunter built the first cabin at Smethport, where 
 the Widow Rifie resided in 1871, now occupied by a Swede. A second house 
 was built in 1812, but both were abandoned in 1814. Capt. Hunter died in 
 Harrison township, Potter county, March 16, 1857, aged seventy-eight years 
 and 364 days. In 1850 he was deputy census marshal for Potter county. 
 
 Asa Sartwell, of Iowa, who revisited his old hunting grounds in 1880, 
 made the visit memorable by relating to the editor of the Miner his reminis- 
 cences of Smethport and vicinity in early times. Over sixty years before, 
 his father, Solomon Sartwell, located within a few miles of the county seat in 
 Farmers Valley, while his brother, Solomon, Jr., settled soon after at Smeth- 
 port, and built the second large log-house, Eastman having built before. 
 Asa, the younger brother, came in 1820, when Smethport contained a few log- 
 huts and a carding-mill. He bought this mill, but at the close of the season 
 saw it destroyed by fire. Going to Utica, N. Y. , he purchased machinery for 
 carding wool and dressing cloth, brought it hither, and in conjunction with 
 these industries entered the lumber trade, and became a real estate dealer. 
 John Applebee's saw- and grist-mill and Conant's cloth -dressing house were 
 among the first industries. 
 
 Joseph Otto came from Mifflin county, Penn., early in 1810, and settled 
 two and one-half miles below Smethport with his young wife. The trip hither 
 from Angelica was through sixty miles of wilderness without one inhabitant, 
 and from the effects of such a journey he fell sick soon after settlement, and 
 he and his wife were almost on the point of starving when he became strong 
 enough to hunt. Stephen Young located in Farmers Valley with others 
 named in the chapter on first settlement. James Taylor moved to McKean 
 county in 1824, and a few years later engaged in mercantile business at 
 Smethport with Hawkins & Ford. A. N. Taylor, who died May 15, 1876, 
 from injuries inflicted by a fall September 25, 1875, came with his father, and 
 in 1843 became a partner in the business, ultimately purchased his father's 
 
HISTOBY OF MCKEAN COUNTY. 259 
 
 interest in the store and built a house, adjoining the Astor House, which was 
 burned in the fire of March 28, 186S. He filled the office of associate judge 
 for one term. In his journey to Smethport in November, 1826, Lawyer Orlo 
 J. Hamlin met the Smethport and Jersey Shore mail carrier, Moses Hanna, 
 at Canoe Place. Both traveled to the county seat over the moiintains and 
 across the terrible corduroy or pole bridges. Crossing Nunundah creek, they 
 were soon at the Eed Tavern, kept by Mrs. Willard. His stay he describes 
 in his reminiscences, thus: "It being long after dark when we arrived, the 
 bar-room was well filled with men. After supper we joined the men in this 
 room. One of them, the leading man, after inquiring whence I came and 
 what I came for, asked me ' What spelling books are in use now ? ' Replying, 
 I said it was long since I was in the elementary schools, but I believed Dills- 
 worth's were going out and Webster's coming in. Retiring for the night, I 
 was shown to a room adjoining the bar-room. It so happened that a married 
 couple occupied a room near by, and about ten o'clock that night the woman 
 was in her accouchement, and I was kept awake by neighboring women passing 
 to and fro every few minutes, while the men in the bar-room kept up a contin- 
 ual cross-fire of conversation and laughter. About rcfidnight I heard the 
 sound of men falling on the bar-room floor, and this intolerable nuisance was 
 kept up until nearly morning, when I arose, irritable and feverish, determined 
 to return to Towanda. ' ' In his reminiscences of the bar, given in connection 
 with the courts, he refers to the manner in which he was received next morn- 
 ing and the establishment of his law office at Smethport. 
 
 Moses Hanna was mail carrier between Jersey Shore and Smethport as 
 early as 1826, making the round trip every two weeks. Byron D. Hamlin 
 carried the mail later on the Eldred route, while Davis Young carried over the 
 Smethport and Olean route in the ' ' thirties. " The latter died in Michigan in 
 January, 1871. Orlo J. Hamlin was postmaster for three years — 1829-31. 
 L. E. Hawkins held the position in 1837; Arthur Burlingame, in 1843; Phi- 
 letus Ford, in 1844; E. Bard, in 1847; W. K. King, in 1851; Sol. Sartwell, Jr., 
 in 1855, followed by C. K. Sartwell, Ira H. Gleason, M. L. Armstrong, and M. 
 A. Sprague, who was appointed in 1884. Mr. Wilson, editor of the Democrat, 
 was appointed in 1888. Mr. E. M. Kerns was appointed in July, 1889, but 
 did not take possession of the office until April, 1890. The office is now located 
 in the Odd Fellows' hall building. 
 
 Smethport borough, in 1856-57, was assessed by William K. King. The 
 resident property owners were: N. W. Abbey (joiner), H. W. Annis, F. A. 
 Allen (printer and school superintendent), Almon Allen, William Bell, J. C. 
 Backus (attorney), S. A. Backus (representative), G. B. Backus, G. Bar- 
 rett. D. R. Bennett, O. R. Bennett (hotel keeper), E. W. Bingham (owner of 
 fifty-two lots), J. L. Beckwith (blacksmith), John Baker, J. Chadwick, R. 
 Chadwick, Warren Cowles (attorney), G. Corwin, Widow Milligan, Amor 
 Chandler (joiner), J. C. Chandler (printer), David Crow (owner of twenty 
 acres and thirty-three lots), G. C. Chapin (joiner), L. H. De Aubigny, 
 G. C. DeGolier (joiner), Dr. George Darling, Jedediah Darling (physician 
 and judge), John Doyle, J. G. Eaton, E. B. Eldred (attorney), B. Freeman 
 (owner of forty lots and thirteen and a half acres), B. H. Freeman, S. D. Free- 
 man (physician), Philetus Ford (merchant), Job Gifford, Jr., O. W. Gallup, 
 S. S. Hackett (shoemaker), B. Harris (cooper), Mary Holmes, Henry Hamlin, 
 0. J. Hamlin, A. D. Hamlin, B. D. Hamlin (attorney), Ed. Hupey (mason), J. 
 C. Hamlin, G. Irons, B. F. Jackson, W.K. King (owner of twenty one lots and 
 six and three-quarter acres), Robert King (draftsman), Patrick King, John K. 
 Lamphier, John Long, Dr. W.Y. McCoy (owner of twelve lots and seven acres). 
 
260 HISTORY OF MCKEAN COUNTY. 
 
 N. Medbery, Joe Morse, J. M. Miller (A.stor House), C. J. Medbery, E. B. Mason 
 (tianpr), W. F. Orm^by (blacksmith), W. S. Oviatt, Hiram Payne, T. P. W. 
 Palmer (watchmaker), W. H. and JE, P. Richmond, Chris. Ritzan (cabinet- 
 maker), G. W. Sartwell, C. K. Sartwell, W. H. Sartwell, Sol. Sartwell, S. B. & 
 R. Sartwell, Stanton & Beokwith (owners of sixty-four lots), J. L. Smith, P. 
 E. Soull, G. M. Smith (joiaer), J. B. Taylor (blacksmith), A. N. Taylor, Aug. 
 Wolters, Ernest Wolters (blacksmith), W. A. Williams (attorney and treasurer), 
 Dr. L. E. Wisner, J. G. Young. There were seven watches discovered and 
 assessed. There were thirty- nine horses and fifty-two cows, and all property 
 was valued at $25,504. 
 
 Municipal Affairs. — The first election held at Smethport, for borough ofii- 
 cers, was that of February 11, 1853. William A. Williams received forty-three 
 votes for burgess; W. Y. McCoy, S. Sartwell and Henry Hamlin, received 
 forty-three; William K, King, forty-two, and Ghordis Corwin, forty-one 
 votes, for council; O. R. Bennett, Jeremiah Chadwick, N. Medbery and N. W. 
 Goodrich, received forty votes; C. B. Curtis, twenty-eight, and P. E. Scull, four 
 votes, for school directors; Byron D. Hamlin, eighteen votes, and Jeremiah 
 Chadwick, seventeen votes, were chosen poormasters; N. W. Goodrich, James 
 Miller and C. B. Curtis, were elected auditors; O. R. Bennett, assessor; George 
 B. Backus, constable, and Hiram Payne, justice. At this time C. K. Sart- 
 well and A. N. Taylor were chosen inspectors, and Philetus Ford, judge of 
 election. 
 
 The names of citizens who have filled the of&ce of burgess down to the 
 present time are as follows: W. A. Williams, 1853; Philetus Ford, 1854; 
 JohnC. Backus, 1855; C. K Sartwell, 1856; S. M. Smith, 1857; G. C. De- 
 Golier, 1858; S. A. Backus, 1859; Byron D. Hamlin, 1860; W. Y. McCoy, 
 1861-62. G. H. Mason was chosen assistant burgess in 1862; L. R. W^isner, 
 1863, with R. Sartwell, assistant; Warren Cowles, 1864, with J. K.Townsend; 
 G. Corwin, 1865-66, with N. W. Abbey; B. D. Hamlin, 1867, with H. Ham- 
 lin; Henry Hamlin, 1868, with M. A. Sprague. The last named was elected 
 burgess in 1869, with R. Sartwell assistant, and re elected in 1870; John C. 
 Backus, 1871, with M. L. Armstrong, assistant; W. Y. McCoy, 1872, with 
 W. D. Gallup, assistant; P. Ford, 1873, witl; N. W. Abbey, assistant; G. M. 
 Smith, 1874-75, with T. J. Gifford, assistant; Thomas King, 1876, with Hugh 
 Glenn, assistant; M. A. Sprague, 1877, with E. F. Richmond; M. L. Arm- 
 strong, 1878, with H. L. McCoy;. S. J. GifPord, 1879, with H. S. Sartwell; 
 B. L. Knapp, 1880, with J. C. Hamlin; J. C. Backus, 1881-85, with S. J. 
 Gifford; M. L. Armstrong, 1882-83; Frank Moses, assistant, in 1884; A. T. 
 Palmer, burgess, in 1886; B. F. Wright, 1887; F. W. Brownell, 1888, and 
 Warley Gifford, 1889. 
 
 The names of the justices are as follows: W. A. Williams, 1854; Jeremiah 
 Chadwick, 1855; G. B. Backus, 1856; Philetus Ford, 1860-65; R. Sartwell, 
 1861; A. B. Armstrong, 1862-67; M. JSf. Powell, 1869; J. G. Eaton, 1870; P. 
 Ford, 1871 (but being collector of internal revenue he did not qualify); S. Sart- 
 well, 1872; C. K. Sartwell, 1872; G. M. Smith, 1876-81-86; P. Ford, 1877- 
 82-87. 
 
 The officers elected in February, 1890, are as follows: Burgess, F. W. 
 Brownell; council, N. D. Ramer, William Haskell ; school directors, Hon. T. A. 
 Morrison, E. R. Mayo; constable, H. L. Burlingame; collector, J. A. Holder; 
 judge of election, E. F. Waller; inspectors of election, J. C. Backus, Wash. 
 Starks; auditor, W. D. Gallup. 
 
 The secretaries of the borough have been Henry Hamlin, 1853; C. K. Sart- 
 well, 1854; G. C. Chapin, 1855; 'S. B. Sartwell, 1856; W. K. King, 1858; 
 

 6L^%^yu/JiX^ 
 
HISTORY OF MCKEAN COUNTY. 263 
 
 A. N. Taylor, 1859-64; B. F. Wright, 1860; W. S. Brownel], 1861; J. C 
 Hamlin, 1862-73-78; P. Ford, 1865; C. K. Sartwell, 1869; EobertKing, 1870; 
 Henry King, 1871; D. R. Hamlin, 1872-74; H. F. Barbour, 1875; R. H. Rose, 
 1877; W. D. Gallup, 1879-81; E. Quackenbush, 1880; A. B. Armstrong, 1882; 
 Lucius Rogers, 1886, and John Forrest, 1889. 
 
 The expenditures for the year ending March 1, 1889, amounted to $2,900.05. 
 The vouchers for this expenditure, in possession of treasurer, M. L. Armstrong, 
 were examined by Auditors J. O. McCarty, F. R. Foster and John Forrest, 
 borough auditors. 
 
 Hose Company. — The Smethport Hose Company was organized in Decem- 
 ber, 1881, with Sheridan Gorton, Pres. ; W. F. Specht, V. P. ; G. R. Brownell, 
 Sec; M. L. Armstrong, Treas. ; W. P. Walshe, foreman; H. L. Wilson and 
 John Russ, Assts. ; Hugh P. Brawley, A. B. Armstrong and John Forrest, 
 trustees. In July of this year 107 votes were recorded for, and eighteen 
 against, the proposed water tax. The question being carried, the work of con- 
 struction commenced, aad when the hose company was organized a full supply 
 of water for all purposes existed. 
 
 The election of the following efificient officers for the ensuing year occurred 
 in December, 1889: President, E. M. Kerns; vice-president, Henry Beiver; 
 foreman, F. W. Brownell; first assistant foreman, F. W. Rumsey; second assist- 
 ant foreman, W. H. De Garmo ; secretary, Clifford Burlingame ; treasurer, M. Ij. 
 Armstrong; trustees, Frank Kerns, John Rooney, Sam. Fry. 
 
 Academies. — The April exhibition of 1839, at the Smethport Academy, was 
 participated in by David Crow, Levi Ketcham, Henry Hamlin, Wallace Saw- 
 yer, William King, Ransom Devereaux, Ithual Humphrey, Elizabeth Chapin, 
 Violetta Sartwell, George Sartwell, Montague Rose, George Birge, Niles Tay- 
 lor, I. N. Sawyer, Ormand A. Holmes, John K. Williams and Byron D. Ham- 
 lin. At this time Luther Humphrey was principal from 1837 to 1840, when 
 Afkins came; George W. Scofield came in 1842, and is now judge of court of 
 claims, at Washington; L. D. Wetmore in 1842-43, later president judge of 
 the Warren District; Franklin Freeman was succeeded by B. D. Hamlin in 
 1844; Henry M. Lane came in 1845, and from 1847 to the temporary closing 
 of the school, ladies presided. In November, 1849, the old academy was re- 
 opened, with Ephriam Mariner (now a leading citizen of Milwaukee), principal. 
 W. Y. McCoy presided at this time over the board with J. Darling, secretary. 
 In the fall of 1850 Miss Miner was principal. On June 30, 1851, the academy 
 trustees organized, with S. Sartwell, president; William Y. McCoy, treasurer; 
 Hiram Payne, secretary; G. Irons, J. Taylor and William AVilliams, directors. 
 This board resolved to collect all debts due the old academy, put the build- 
 ings and grounds in repair and rent the concern to a qualified teacher. In 
 November the academy was re-opened by F. A. and C. H. Allen. In 1854 the 
 Aliens left, but were followed by others until Mr. Train ended the academy 
 days. In March, 1870, the trustees of the academy were authorized by special 
 act to convey the buildings and grounds to the school district, which was 
 done, the old buildings moved and the present large buildings erected on the 
 site. 
 
 The call for the organization of the Smethport Lyceum was made in Octo- 
 ber, 1870, by Dr. W. Y. McCoy, who was chosen president; E. H. Bard, secre- 
 tary; L. Rogers, J. C. Backus, A. B. Armstrong, Henry King, M. A. Sprague, 
 G. Corwin, G. M. Smith, W. J. Milliken and A. N. Taylor. In November, L. 
 Rogers was chosen president, and D. R. Hamlin, secretary. 
 
 Churches. — The history of religious bodies in McKean county dates back 
 to 1809, when a Catholic missionary founded a congregation at Instanter, and 
 
264 HISTOKY OF MCKEAN COUNTY. 
 
 held servicea there regularly until his disappearance in the forest toward the 
 close of 1810. A reference to the history of Cameron county points out Smeth- 
 port as a part of the Sinnemahoning Methodist circuit in the "twenties;" the 
 collapse of the circuit work; the introduction of the Adventists; the return of 
 Methodism and the introduction of Universalism. 
 
 The Methodist Episcopal Chiirch of Smethport is said to have had its begin- 
 ning about 1832. Under date October 9, 1837, a subscription book was opened 
 by the trustees. The subscription contracts were drawn for $500 down, but 
 under the $500 heading a few men write their names for $5.00: Andrew Rifle, 
 David Crow, Jr., Harvej' Brewer, Richard Wooley and Daniel Rifle; Asa 
 Sartwell contributed $300; Brewster Freeman, $200; Richard Chadwick, A. 
 M. Stanton, Nathan White and Nathan Burlingame, $100; Samuel Smith, 
 David Crow, Thornton Barrett, $50 ; John Needham, James O. Gunning, David 
 
 C. and "Warren Lucore, $25: Horace B. King, $20 in nails; David Comes and 
 Lew. R. Hawkins, $25; Hiram Payne, John E. Niles, Salmon M. Rose, A. 
 Burlingame, Harvey Brewer, Cephas Scott, Dudley Birge, J. L. Birge, AV. Y. 
 McCoy, Charles Smith, Leonard Rice, Isaac Thompson (who subscribed $10 
 worth of axes), William C. White, Joel Sartwell, L. F. Maynard, E. C. Chand- 
 ler, Horace and Milo Scott, Anson Rice and Barnabas Graves were also among 
 the subscribers. The society was incorporated with Samuel Smith, Cephas 
 Scott, Willis Barrett, Daniel Rifle and Gardner Barrett, trustees. The 
 petitioners were Sandusky Miller, H. B. King, John Mills, R. Chadwick, 
 
 D. S. White, Daniel Brown, ' W. J. Colegrove and C. Steele. In 1837 a 
 lot was purchased from the commissioners of the county, and the present house 
 was built by Sol. Sartwell and P. Ford. It was completed, in 1839, at a cost 
 of §3,000, repaired in 1865 at an expense of $1,000, and in 1880 at $2,000. 
 The past recording stewards were Richard Chadwick, S. M. Rose. David S. 
 White, I. S. Gleason. H. L. Burlingame and W. J. Colegrove. The present 
 recorder is W. P. Eckels. The roll of preachers from 1832 to 1889 is as fol- 
 lows: 1832, William Butts and Samuel Gregg; 1833, Thomas J. Jennings, 
 Benjamin Preston and Joseph A. Halback; 1834, Ignatius H. Hacket, Amer 
 G. Smith and Bryan S. Hill; 1835, John Demming, Matthew Hanna and Lo- 
 renzo Whipple ; 1836, Auguatin Anderson and J. W. Stryker; 1837, A. Ander- 
 son, F. W. Conable and J. F. Mason; 1838, Alpha Wright and F. W. Conable; 
 1839, Horatio M. Seaver and J. W. Stryker; 1840, H. M. Seaver and Hugh 
 Ely; 1841, A. Haywood and J. Hagar; 1842, J. P. Kent, J. Hagar and John 
 Glass; 1843, _J. F. Mason and John Glass; 1844, J. F. Mason; 1845, J. 
 Pearsall; 184/, F. W. Conable and J. McCleary, Jr. ; 1848, James McClelland; 
 1850, E. B. Pratt; 1851, R. E. Thomas; 1852, Hiram Hood; 1854, Withan 
 H. Kellogg; 1855, H. W. Annis; 1857, J. J. Roberts; 1859, S. D. Lewis; 
 1860, Alonzo Newton; 1862, L. A. Stevens; 1864, Lowell L. Rogers; 1866, 
 William Blake; 1867, Roswell R. Puree; 1868, E. B. Williams; 1870, W. 
 Gordon and F. D. Sargent; 1871, H. Peck; 1873, J. L. Rushidge; 1875, 
 J. C. Whiteside; 1878, W. B. Waggoner; 1881, E. P. Hubbell; 1884, William 
 Bradley, and 1887-89, T. W. Chandler. The presiding elders are named as 
 follows: 1832, J. S. Barris; 1833, H. Kinsley; 1836, A. Abell; 1837, J. Hem- 
 minway; 1841, J. Durham; 1844, Thomas Carlton; 1845, William Hosmer; 
 1846, J. G. Gulick; 1848, Elija Thomas; 1850, A. D. Wilbor; 1852, J. C. 
 Kigsley, 1854, C. D. Burlingham; 1858, E. E. Chambers; 1862, A. P. Riplev; 
 1866, W. S. Tuttle; 1870, E. A. Rice; 1873, L. D. Watson; 1878, L. A. Stevens; 
 1882, O. S. Chamberlayne, and 1886, T. J. Bissell. Carlton, above named, was 
 one of the Methodist Book Concern for twenty years; Hosmer died in June, 
 1889. He was an abolitionist. Thomas was killed in the Modoc war. 
 
HISTOEY OF MCKEAN COUNTY. 265 
 
 The membership of this church is placed at fifty and the value of property 
 at $5,000. 
 
 The Baptist Church of Smethport had its origin in the society formed in 
 Norwich township in 1820. The Baptist revival of May, 1836, was conducted 
 by a Mr. Ketchum. He came to Farmers Valley to convert the people who 
 scofPed at the preachers of the period. During the meetings a baby died at 
 Smethport, and Mrs. Asa Sartwell went up to offer consolation to the parents. 
 At the burial there was no one to say a prayer. Next morning she, with 
 other women, went down to the camp, and arrived there just as Ketchum was 
 reading the text — "Woe unto ye lawyers." After the rough address the 
 women told him the state of affairs at Smethport, and he agreed to move on the 
 village next day, provided the women would support him. He came and 
 opened his batteries in the court-house. There was a Methodist class here 
 composed of Richard Chadwick, Horace King, Mrs. Sol. Sartwell, Mrs. Ghor- 
 dis Corwin and others, but they had no church house. All turned to Ketchum, 
 who conducted the meetings for some days, when he was called away, leaving 
 Mr. Denning, a Methodist preacher, to baptize sixty persons. In 1840 a soci- 
 ety was organized here with the following members: William Williams and 
 wife, James Taylor and wife. Ann Taylor, William L. Oviatt and wife, Abner 
 Lull, Benjamin Oviatt and wife, George Griswold and wife. Job Gifford, Sr. , 
 and wife, Elizabeth Holcomb, Amy Holcomb, Nelson Medbery and wife, Ghordis 
 Corwin and Benjamin Corwin. The pastors have been Eev. S. Messinger, William 
 Sawyer. Abner Lull, J. L. Smith, J. P. Evans, S. D. Morris, Columbus Cornforth, 
 E. H. Gates, W. H. Willahan, C. H. Michelmore, and the secretaries have 
 been George Griswold, William S. Oviatt, C. L. Douglas, Mrs. C. L. Doug- 
 las, P. D Hopkins, J. H. Duntley and L. T. Medbery. In 1847 the church 
 house was erected. This, with lot and other property, is valued at ffi.OOO. 
 The membership is fifty-six. The society was incorporated in June, 1850, on 
 petition of Ghordis Corwin, J. L. Smith, Bester Corwin, William Williams, W. 
 G, Oviatt andE. J. Cook. At the time of organization, in March, 1850, G. Cor- 
 win, William Williams, Wheeler Gallup, James Taylor, Benjamin Corwin and 
 J. L. Smith were the trustees. 
 
 The Catholic Church of Smethport may be said to be a continuation of the 
 ■old mission of Instanter, established in 1809, and of St. Marys, founded in 1842, 
 when the Reilly family came into the Daly settlement on Nunandah creek. A 
 year later the Tracys came. In the fall of 1 842 Father Berthy rode hither from 
 Pittsburgh and held the first services of the church at James Daly' s house. The 
 settlement was subsequently visited by Father Alexander, by the present Bishop 
 Mullin and other priests until Father Smith came, in 1845, to stay a few years. 
 On March 1, 1848, John Keating donated to Bishop O'Connor, of Pittsburgh, 
 in trust for the Catholic congregations in McKean county, a part of Warrant 
 2,050, near the lands of James Daly, Sr. , while at Turtle Point, near William 
 and John Crowley' s lands, a tract of fifty acres was donated. A church build- 
 ing was erected in 1848-49 and dedicated by Bishop O' Connor. It was in use 
 up to the time the church at Smethport was completed. At St. Marys Revs. 
 John Burns and J. D. Cody were stationed, and a few missionary priests came 
 hither until Father Madigan came; P. J. Patterson took charge and remained 
 some years. Father Flood was here in 1869, after Father Patterson moved to 
 Newell creek. Rev. John Smith came in 1881, and remained until Rev. J. J. 
 Galligan was appointed, in 1884. 
 
 St. Elizabeth's Catholic Church was founded at Smethport February 19, 
 1868, and in 1869 part of square 61 was donated for church purposes by Dr. 
 William Keating. The proposition to build was received with favor, and a 
 
266 HISTOEY OF MCKEAN COUNTY. 
 
 subscription book opened, Andrew Eeilly subscribing 1200; Eugene Daly, 
 $125; Bernard McKean, $50; Jaraes Daly, 1124; James W. Griffin, $95; Mar- 
 tin Burns, $70; Charles Hyland, $70; Hugh Glenn, $70; C. McElwee, $87; 
 Timothy McCarthy, $60; Hugh McCabe, $60; Ed. McGill, $55; John Ward, 
 $50; Mrs. McCullough, $50, and Timothy Lane, $35. Later B. D. Hamlin 
 contributed $120; Henry Hamlin, $100, and Dr. Keating, $500. Other sums 
 were subscribed by the Lynches, McCarthys and other members and citizens, 
 subsequently, so that the building fund in August, 1874, was $4,624.48. The 
 present church was dedicated April 25, 1874, by Bishop Mullin, assisted by 
 Fathers Flood, Patterson and Kinsella. 
 
 St Luke's iProtestant Episcopal Church of Smethport. The tirst services 
 of the Episcopal church were held in the county seat in 1842. There were 
 then only three members of the church living in the place. Irregular services 
 were had at long intervals up to 1872, when a mission was organized by Bishop 
 Kerfoot, with an executive committee consisting of Messrs. J. C. Hamlin, P. 
 Ford, J. C. Backus and D. C. Yotmg. At that time there were twenty-four 
 communicants. The progress was rapid, and in 1879 a parish, called "St. 
 Luke's," was organized and incorporated, and in the same year a handsome 
 church building was erected. Rev. H. Q. Miller, the first rector, retired in 
 1880, and was followed by Rev. J. H. McCandless, the present rector. The 
 church continued to grow rapidly year by year, and now, in 1890, it numbers 
 sixty families, 160 communicants, and has a membership of about 300 by bap- 
 tism. Many improvements have been made in the church property, a fine 
 rectory has been built, and other additions are about to be made. The value 
 of the church property, including the chapel at East Smethport, which was 
 opened in 1887, is $8,700. The present vestry is composed of Dr. H. L. Mc- 
 Coy, Messrs. J. C. Hamlin, John Forrest, Henry Hamlin, D. C. Young, E. L. 
 Keenan and W. D. Gallup. 
 
 The Congregational Church of Smethport was chartered in January, 1851, 
 with Dr. W. Y. McCoy, Ezra Bard and Zera R. Tubbs, trustees. The peti- 
 tion was signed by O. J. Hamlin, John E. Niles, A. A. Aldrich, Calvin How- 
 ard, Timothy R. Tubbs, George W. Pelton, Abner Rockwell, Jonah S. Al- 
 drich and S. G. Curtis. 
 
 Societies. — McKean Lodge No. 388, A. F. & A. M., Smethport, was 
 instituted June 5, 1867, with S. C. Hyde, W. M. ; J. C. Backus, S. W. ; 
 Miles Irons, J. W. ; Warren Stark, S. D. ; William GifFord, J. D. ; M. A. 
 Sprague, S. , and S. D. Freeman, treasurer. Lucius Rogers, William Haskell, 
 T. W. Hogarth, J. W. Stark, T. Seems and A. B. Armstrong, unofficial members. 
 The names of past masters are S. C. Hyde, J. C. Backus, T. Seems, G. M. 
 Smith, S. D. Freeman, J. W. Stark, A. B. Armstrong, J. G. Boyer, William 
 Specht, O. D. Gallup, G. N. Barrett, W. T. Callar, H. T. Sawyer, D. Martin, 
 G. M. Smith, M. A. Sprague, I. A. Holder, W. D. Gallup, H. P. Brawley, P. 
 W. Brownell. T. R. Foster is the present master. The past secretaries are 
 M. A. Sprague, L. Rogers, F. King, E. H. Bard and W. D. Gallup. G. M. 
 Smith is the present secretary. 
 
 The Masonic Hall Association of Smethport was incorporated in March, 
 1879, with S. D. Freeman, W. T. Callar, William Specht, M. A. Sprague, O. 
 D. Gallup and H. T. Sawyer, stockholders. The capital stock was divided 
 into 200 shares of $5 each. The hall was erected in 1878-79, and, with other 
 property, is valued at $2,000. At present there are seventy-five members. 
 
 Smethport Lodge No. 389, I. O. O. F. , was organized and the by-laws ap- 
 proved by the grand lodge October 10, 1882. The charter members were 
 
taa 
 
HISTORY OF MCKEAN COUNTY. 269 
 
 H. W. Rubin, J. B. Brawley, Frank Rowlee,* W. B. Wagoner * H. W. Geor- 
 gia, T. A. Morrison, W. H. Wetenhall, John McConaghy* and A. Reynolds.* 
 Among the present members, who are not charter members, are M. N. Allen, 
 W. G. Holder, W. Z. Georgia, T. P. Richmond, G. W. King, C. H. Moore^ 
 
 A. R. Cory, M. A. Lillibridge, H. S. Sartwell, E. J. Hall, C. H. Calkins, B.' 
 F. and E. G. Pelton, B. Badger, A. Deshetler, William Bennett, C. A. Krue- 
 ger, W. A. Young, W. B. Joiner, H. H. Wilson, C. J. McClure, R. McCord, 
 
 F. C. Olds, D. B. Freeman, D. Ramsdell, M. Rosenfield, F. Westerland, John 
 Malin, A. G. Farley, G. A. Hyde, H. Saunders, H. L. McCoy, E. B. McCoy, 
 W. A. King, A. B. Hyde, H. B. Vincent, S. B. Sherwood, M. A. Hall, R. W. 
 Bloodsworth, W. A. Mcintosh, A. D. Bush and F. N. Taylor. A. T. Strana- 
 han is present secretary of the lodge and H. M. Choate, noble grand. Among 
 his predecessors in the chair were H. W. Rubin, J. B. Brawley, H. L. Wilson, 
 Charles Beckwith and A. R. Cory. The officers elected in October, 1889, are' 
 N. G., W. A. Mcintosh; V. G., O. D. Bush; P. S., A. T. Stranahan; A. S., 
 W. G. Holder; Treasurer, H. W. Rubin; Con., A. R. Cory; trustee, J. E. Stull. 
 
 Smethport Encampment No. 273, I. O. O. F., was instituted January 18, 
 1888, with the following named charter members: M. N. Allen, Jacob Amend, 
 R. W. Bloodsworth, W. E. Butts, Samuel Bedford, H. M. Choate, A. R. Cory, 
 W. T. Callar, Julius Dupjon, M. Dunn, William Dunbar, J. Eber'spacker, D. 
 
 B. Freeman, A. G. Farley, Frank R. Foster, W. Z. Georgia, A. W. Hamm, 
 W. G. Holder, G. W. King, W. A. King, G. W. Kunsman, George W. 
 Weaver, D. M. Wright, R. E. Looker, W. A. Mcintosh, Peter Martin, John 
 
 C. Martin, C. H. Moore, H. L. McCoy, T. A. Morrison, Robert McCord, C. 
 J. McClui-e, S. J. McKendrick, F. C. Olds, E. G. Pelton, B. F. Pelton, W. 
 V. Provin, D. Ramsdell, H. W. Rubin, W. A. Russell, M. Rosenfield, J. O. 
 Sonbergh, F. N. Taylor, H. B. Vincent, W. A. Young, J. H. Tate and I. J. 
 McCandless. 
 
 The officers of the encampment in order of rank in October, 1889, were r 
 H. W. Rubin, C. P. ; John 0. Sonbergh, S. W. ; F. C. Olds, J. W. ; A. R. 
 Cory, H. P.; T. A. Morrison, trustee; G. W. King, treasurer. 
 
 The officers in March, 1890, are: A. R. Cory, C. P. ; F. C. Olds, S. W. ; 
 
 G. W. King, J. W. ; J. O. Sonbergh, H. P.; J. Amend, trustee; H. M. 
 Choate, scribe. 
 
 The Smethport Odd Fellows' Hall Association was incorporated in July, 
 1889, on petition of M. N. Allen, H. M. Choate and W. H. Wetenhall, trust- 
 ees of Lodge 389, and M. Dunn, E. G. Pelton and J. O. Sonbergh, trustees 
 of Encampment No. 273. The lodges named, with J. H. Tate,* W. V. Pro- 
 vin, D. P. Ansall, G. W. King,* E. G. Pelton, A. R. Cory,* H. M. Choate,* 
 S. J. McKendrick, J. O. Sonbergh,* M. Dunn, H. W. Rubin,* Frank M. 
 Taylor and Peter Martin, are also named as subscribers to stock. The names 
 marked * and F. C. Olds were chosen directors. J. H. Tate was elected pres- 
 ident; H. M. Choate, secretary, and H. W.. Rubin, treasurer, in December,. 
 1889. This building was completed in April, 1890. This is a three-story 
 brick, with stone facings, just north of M. A. Sprague's store. 
 
 Keystone Encampment No. 77, Knights of St. John and Malta, was 
 founded in January, 1890, and on February 1 the following named officers 
 were installed: Eminent commander, P. A. Thomas; lieutenant-commander, 
 J. W. Baker; captain of guards, A. H. Kidder; prelate, H. S. Rogers; chan- 
 cellor, W. A. Curtiss; assistant chancellor, L. W. Dunn; almoner, William 
 Masser; herald at arms, Fred M. Baker; sword bearer. Prank Green; mar- 
 shal, George Thomas ; first guard, William Bennett ; second guard, B. A. East- 
 
 * Not now members. 
 
270 HISTORY OF MCKEAN COUNTY. 
 
 man; medical examiner, Drt Burg Chadwick; warder, John Cramsie; sentinel, 
 Edward Norman; trustees, Dr. Burg Chadwick, O. S. Greeley and James 
 Dunn. The officers named, and the following named, were charter members: 
 J. B. Laraway, C. E. Sprague and Peler Conley. 
 
 McKean Post No. 347, G. A. E., was mustered in June 21, 1883. At the 
 beo-inning of 1889 the following named were active members, names marked * 
 being charter members: 
 
 B. F. Wrigbt*, First Pennsylvania Rifles, Smethport. William H. Qrumbine* 
 Eighty-seventh "Pennsylvania Volunieers, Smethport. S. D. Freeman* Bucktails, Smeth- 
 port D A. Easterbrook*, Second United States Signal Service, Kendall Creek. A. H. 
 Peirce*, Sixth Ohio Cavalry, Smethport. N. D. Foote*, Fifty-eighth Pennsylvania Vol- 
 unteers, Farmers Valley. J. D. Barnes* Foriy-second Pennsylvania Volunteers, Kas- 
 son. R. Sartwell* Fifty-eighth Pennsylvania Volunteers, Smethport. W. H. Rifle* 
 Forty-second Pennsylvania Volunteers, Norwich. S. G. Bush*, Fifty-eighth Pennsylva- 
 nia Volunteers, Smethport. W. Brockham* One Hundred and Fiftieth Pennsylvania 
 Volunteers, Farmers Valley. W. Ogilvie* First New York Dragoons, Coleville. M. S. 
 Sheldon* Two Hundred and Eleventh Pennsylvania Volunteers, Smethport. A. Reed* 
 One Hundred and Eighty-ninth New York Volunteers, Farmers Valley. E. P. Pratt* 
 One Hundred and Eleventh Pennsylvania Volunteers, Smethport. J. Howard* One 
 Hundred and Forty-first New York Volunteers, Farmers Valley. H. S. Sawyer*, First 
 Volunteer Cavalry, Farmers Valley. Charles S. Sanford* Fourth Pennsylvania Cavalry, 
 Smethport. George Ogilvie*, First New York Dragoons, Farmers Valley. M. Rowan* 
 Thirty-seventh New York Volunteers, Smethport. J. L. Stanton* Fifty-sixth Pennsyl- 
 vania Volunteers, Farmers Valley. N. F. Ferris* Fifty-eighth Pennsylvania Volunteers, 
 Farmers Valley. W. W. Brewer* Forty-second Pennsylvania Volunteers, Mount Jew- 
 ett. Emil Thamm*, Forty-first Missouri, Smetiiport; J. H. McQuaid* Tenth Pennsyl- 
 vania Volunteers, Farmers Valley. M. O'Reilly* Fourth Pennsylvania Cavalry, Smeth- 
 port. R. E. Hooker*, First New York Dragoons, Farmers Valley. M. R. McCauley* 
 One Hundred and Forty-ninth Pennsylvania Volunteers, Farmers Valley. William 
 Smith*, One Hundred and Fifth New York Volunteers, Mount Jewett. J. M. Robinson, 
 One Hundred and Fiftieth Pennsylvania Volunteers, Kasson. A. L. Hughes, Indiana 
 Cavalry, Smethport. P. Rowan, Sixty-fOurth New York Volunteers, Smethport. J. E. 
 Henderson, Eighty-third Pennsylvania Volunteers, Colegrove. S. W. Evans, Fifty- 
 eighth Pennsylvania Volunteers, Norwich. John A. Marsh, Sixth Vermont, Norwich. 
 F. Cox, One Hundred and Thirteenth Pennsylvania Volunteers, Kane. A. Ostrandcr, 
 Two Hundred and Fourth Pennsylvania Volunteers, Port Allegany. W. Ostrander, Two 
 Hundred and Fourth Pennsylvania Volunteers, Port Allegany. J. H. Sowers, Seventh 
 Pennsylvania Volunteers, East Smethport. Thomas Walker, Twenty-first Pennsylvania 
 Cavalry, East Smethport. H. K. Moore, Seventy- sixth Pennsylvania Volunteers, Cole- 
 ville. A. A. Welters, Forty-second Pennsylvg,nla Volunteers, Smethport. D. Smith, One 
 Hundred and Seventy-ninth New York, Coleville. D. Sterrett, One Hundred and Thirty- 
 first Pennsylvania Volunteers, Washington. E. Grover, Two Hundred and Eleventh 
 Pennsylvania Volunteers, Colegrove. S. Martin, Two Hundred and Eleventh Pennsylva- 
 nia Volunteers, Smethport. O. Brink, Thirty-third New York Battery, Smethport. H. 
 L. Burlingame, One Hundred and Fiftieth Pennsylvania Volunteers, Smethport. Jacob 
 Hafner, One Hundred and Seventy-second Pennsylvania Volunteers, Clermont. William 
 Wilkins, Forty-eighth Pennsylvania Volunteers, Kanesholm. F. J. Vickery, One Hun- 
 dred and Nine'tyfourth New York, Smethport, J. H. Ellsworth, One Hundred and Sev- 
 enth New York, Smethport. J. Colegrove, Fifty-seventh Pennsylvania Volunteers, Cole- 
 grove. W. H. Curtis, Fifty-eighth Pennsylvania Volunteers, Smethport. L. Rogers, 
 Fifty-eighth Pennsylvania Volunteers, Smethport. W. C. Dickenson, Second United 
 States Signal Service, Norwich. W. Grigsby, Fifty-eighth Pennsylvania Volunteers, 
 Smethport. H. M. Choate, Twenty-first New York Volunteers, Smethport. R. Kassel- 
 bach. One Hundred and Tenth New York Volunteers, Clean. J. M. McElroy, One Hun- 
 dred and Second Pennsylvania Volunteers, Smethport. J. H. Stull, Fifty-eighth Penn- 
 sylvania Volunteers, East Smethport. H. B. Vincent, Fifty-first New York Volunteers, 
 Smethport. A. Fields. One Hundred and Fifth Pennsylvania Volunteers, Kane. G. W. 
 Talbot, United States Navy, England. L. W. Searfass, Eleventh Pennsylvania Cavalry, 
 Kane. T. A. Morrison, One Hundred and Twenty-first Pennsylvania Volunteers, Smeth- 
 port. G W. King, One Hundred and Fourteenth Pennsylvania Volunteers, East Smeth- 
 port. Herman Young, One Hundred and Fiftieth Pennsylvania Volunteers, Farmers 
 Valley. J. A. Briggs, One Hundred and Ninety-fourth New York Volunteers, Smeth- 
 port. S. E. Quick, One Hundred and Forty-fourth New York Volunteers, Keating. C. 
 F. Holmes, Tenth New York Heavy Artillery, Keating. T. W. Chandler, One Hundred 
 and Fiftieth Pennsylvania Volunteers, Smethport.' D. Y. Lee, Sixth New York Artil- 
 lery, Smethport. Asa Champlin, Thirteenth Artillery, Farmers Valley. William Cas- 
 
HISTOliY OF MCKEAN COUNTY. 271 
 
 ke.y, One Hundred and Forty-lliird Pennsylvania Volnnteers, Smelhport. G. H. Prance, 
 One Hundred and Seventy-seventh Pennsylvania Volunteers, Smethport. D. E. Robbihs, 
 Sixth New Hampshire Artillery, Smethport. P. O'Brien, Third New York Volunteer 
 Excelsior Brigade, Smethport. S. Lewis, One Hundred and Eighty-ninth New York 
 Volunteers, Oolegrove. E. R. Mayo, Third Maine Light Battery, Smethport. T. Kay, 
 One Hundred and TUirty-fourtli Pennsylvania InfantrJ^ H. C. Hammon, Eleventh Illinois 
 Cavalry. J. C. Backus*, J. K. Graham*, E. V. Chadwicli*, .Joseph Hoover*, Patrick 
 McCabe* George Badger* R. E. Tooker*, J. Loudragon*, Henry Herring*, B. H. 
 Farman*. 
 
 B. P. Wright was chosen commander, and J. K. Graham was acting adju- 
 tant until appointed adjutant in July. In 1884 A. L. Hughes succeeded Gra- 
 ham, but H. L. Burlingame filled the office until he was appointed, vice 
 Hughes, in July. J. C. Backus was commander in 1885 and Burlingame adju- 
 tant. William H. Grambine was chosen commander in 1886; Lucius Rogers 
 in 1887, with the adjutant of 1885-86 still in office. In December, 1887; J." 
 M. McElroy was elected commander, and H. M. Choate adjutant, who served 
 until January, 1889, when Adjt. Choate was elected commander, and Lucius 
 Rogers was appointed adjutant. The officers for 1890 are: S. G. Bush, C. ; 
 C. S. Sanford, S. V. C. ; H. L. Burlingame, J. V. 0. ; Emil Thamm, Q. M. ; 
 T. W. Chandler, Chap. ; J. D. Barnes, Surg. ; J. H. Sowers, O. of D. ; J. H. 
 Ellsworth, O. of G.; M. O'Reilly, O. S. 
 
 Women's Relief Corps No. 23, Smethport, was organized September 17, 
 1885, with Madams Kate L. Wright, Helen S. Morrison, Rebecca Kerns, Al- 
 minia Backus, Sarah Grumbine, Hattie P. Colegrove, Julia L. Easterbrook, 
 Rose E. Peirce, Elminia Thamm and Amelia Bush, members. Mrs. Wright 
 was elected first president and Mrs. Morrison secretary. In 1887 Mrs. Cham- 
 bers was elected secretary, and Mrs. Thamm president, succeeded in 1888 by 
 Mrs. Helen Morrison as president, and Miss Ella J. Wright secretary. In July, 
 1888, Miss Lena Wright took the former secretary's place and was appointed 
 in December, 1889, -^fhen Mrs. Morrison was re-elected president. On the 
 latter' s election as president of the department of Pennsylvania, W. R. C, 
 Mrs. Kate Wright was elected president, and Mrs. Bertie Choate vice-presi'- 
 dent. The officers for 1890 are: President, Miss Lena Wright; senior vice- 
 president, Mrs. Nina Rumsey; junior vice-president, Mrs. Amelia Bush; treas- 
 urer, Mrs. Sarah Vickery; chaplain, Mrs. Julia Pratt; conductor, Mrs. Rose 
 Peirce; guard. Miss Maud Stephens. 
 
 The K. O. T. M. is a recent organization at Smethport. I. S. Reynolds 
 presides over the lodge, with M. B. Greer, recorder. 
 
 The Central Home Relief Society was organized at Smethport August 20, 
 1863, with Mrs. P. Eord, president; Mrs. H. Hamlin, vice-president; Mrs. 
 C. Cornforth, treasurer; Mrs. W. Cowles, secretary; Madams A. N. Taylor, 
 W. H. Richmond, L. A. Stevens, A. S. Swift, M. A. Holmes and J. R. Chad- 
 wick, collecting committee. The object was to furnish aid to the families of 
 volunteers. 
 
 The County Prohibitory Constitutional Association was organized at 
 Smethport in February, 1889, with W. W. Brown, president; Byron D. Ham- 
 lin, vice-president; E. E. McElwaine, secretary, and B. F. Hazelton, treas- 
 urer. W. A. Young, Mrs. Young, W. H. Dodd and Reuben Dennis were 
 •chosen delegates. In May of this year the association established The Amend- 
 ment Herald, and by other means essayed to educate the people in temperance 
 affairs, carrying the question so far as to win 3,054 votes for the amendment, 
 against 2,058 recorded for maintaining the evil to which they were opposed. 
 
 The Women's Christian Temperance Association was organized March 13, 
 1883, and reorganized May 2, 1885. The names of original members are 
 Madams L. T. Medbury, F. L. Chadwick, A. Corwin, F. M. Blodgett, R. 
 
272 HISTOKY OP MCKEAN COUNTY. 
 
 Kerns, B. P. Wright, C. L. Douglas, E. J. Bush, J. G. Strong, S. J. Gifford, 
 T. A. Morrison, K. E. Kidder, Charles Leemler, C. A. Burdick, M. L. Georgia,, 
 Emma GifPord, E. P. Hubbell, E. Sterrett and M. D. Bush. Mrs. L. T. 
 Medbury was president of the old society. After reorganization Mrs. H. 
 Hamlin presided, and next Miss S. A. Scull. The present president is Mrs. 
 T. W. Chandler. The first corresponding secretary was Mrs. T. A. Morrison, 
 with Mrs. P. L. Chadwick, recorder. Since reorganization Mrs. Morrison,, 
 Mrs. Bogisch, Mrs. E. Richardson and Mrs. ^ Chadwick have held the secre- 
 tary's position. The officers elected in July, 1889, are Mrs. D. L. Forsyth,, 
 president; Mrs. E. P. Chandler, vice-president; Mrs. M. E. Richmond, 
 recording secretary; Mrs. Esther Keefe, corresponding secretary; Mrs. M. A. 
 Backer, treasurer. Vice-presidents in churches: Mrs. A. T. Palmer^ 
 Methodist; Mrs. B. P. Wright, Baptist; Mrs. A. P. Brown, Episcopal. Su- 
 perintendents: Mrs. Martha Chadwick, literature; Mrs. M. A. Backer, heredity; 
 Mrs. B. P. Wright, soldiers and sailors; Mrs. Esther Keefe, jail and alms- 
 house; Mrs. D. L. Porsyth, Mrs. M. E. Richmond, assistants jail and alms- 
 house. Delegates to county convention: Mrs. Martha Chadwick, Mrs. Esther 
 Keefe. Alternates: Mrs. A. T. Palmer, Mrs. E. P. Chandler. 
 
 The I. O. G. T. was organized in January, 1871, with S. B. Sartwell,, 
 Anna Potter, H. S. Sartwell, M. L. Armstrong, J. C. Bard, L. O. Chadwick,, 
 R. D. Hays, E. V. Chadwick, L. S. Bard, D. C. Young, Mrs. A. E. Taylor, 
 B. Downey and G. Corwin filling the ofiices of the lodge. 
 
 The Young Women's Christian Temperance Union is one of the new addi- 
 tions to the ranks of temperance workers. Mrs. W. P. Burdick is president, 
 with Miss Lydia Burlingame, secretary. 
 
 TheC. M. B. A. elected the following named officers for 1890: Chancellor, J. 
 P. Rooney; president, Morris Mulvehill ; first vice-president, James Lynch; sec- 
 ond vice-president, Peter Conely; recording secretary, Ed. Obertrifter; assistant 
 recording secretary, James A. McKean; financial secretary, Daniel Bacon-, 
 treasurer, Dennis Quinlisk; marshal, Thomas O'Brien; guard, William Cov- 
 ley; representative to Grand Council, John P. Rooney; alternate, T. H. 
 Purtle; trustees (two years), J. P. Rooney, P. Conely. 
 
 On July 18, 1875, the St. Elizabeth's Total Abstinence Association was 
 organized. 
 
 The Knights of St. Martin and the Iron Cross are presided over by Dwight 
 Waller, with Pred Gallup, scribe, and Rev. J. H. McCandless, warden. 
 
 The McKean County Musical Convention held its first session in Pebruary,. 
 1875, with C. S. Diffen, president; J. W. Hilton, Dr. E. A. Van Sooy and T. 
 J. Campbell, vice presidents; Albert DeGolier, secretary; and Loyal Ward, 
 treasurer. 
 
 The Equitable Aid Union is presided over by Lucius Rogers, with W. H. 
 Knight, secretary. 
 
 Smethport Lodge 182, A. O. U. W., was instituted August 19, 1880, with 
 G. Lyman, S. V. Godden, H. L. Burlingame, W. O. Congdon, George R. 
 Brownell, W. P. Specht, Prank Kerns, S. W. Pattison and S. G. Bush, hold- 
 ing the respective offices. At the annual election in December H. L. Burlin- 
 game was chosen master. 
 
 The Wild-Cat Base Ball Club was organized at Smethport in May, 1873, 
 with A. W. Colegrove, president; Henry Biever, vice-president; M. L. Arm- 
 strong, treasurer; B. T. Downey, secretary. The directors were Robert Wel- 
 ters, C. A. Burdick and Patrick' McLea. 
 
 Hotels. — About 1822 the first regular hotel was completed by Willard, 
 whose wife carried on the house in 1826. Some short time after came Squire 
 
HISTORY OF MCKEAN COUNTY. 273 
 
 Crow from the Sinnemahoning country to compete with the Willard Hotel. 
 The house which he erected occupied the site of the Bennett House. This last 
 named hotel was erected in 1851 by O. E. Bennett. This house, and the 
 Haskell store, built in 1857 by B. D. and Henry Hamlin, were destroyed by 
 tire in May, 1882. . > j .) 
 
 In Janiiary, 1847, 0. E. Bennett petitioned the court to open an inn at 
 his house in Smethport. This petition was signed by Edward Hartnett, O. A. 
 Holmes, B. D. Hamlin, Perd. Hamilton, W. F. Ormsby, O. E. Bennett, Nathan 
 Barrett, J. B. Taylor, Gideon Irons, Adam Brockham, W. F. Young and N. 
 W. Goodrich. 
 
 Mr. "Williams, at whose house the judges and officers of the court made 
 their home for years after 1826, came about 1822, when John Keating Williams 
 ■was born as the first white child of the settlement. Squire Williams had many 
 of the pioneer' s experiences. On one occasion he was making lard from a hog 
 killed for the purpose, and left this lard in an iron kettle to render during the 
 night. Later there was heard a terrible racket in the cellar, and the Squire, 
 descending, discovered a huge bear with his head trapped in the kettle. The 
 Squire had little difficulty in killing " bruin. ' ' The late Mrs. Asa H. Cory remem- 
 bered this event. 
 
 Eockwell House was built in 1880-81, by S. J. Eockwell, who conducted it 
 for a few months ; C. W. Dickinson followed, then H. S. Sartwell. John Hussey 
 carried on business here for two or three years, when the property was bought 
 by H. B.Vincent, who changed the title to Chautauqua House, and conducted it 
 for three years, when J. L. Thomas became proprietor. 
 
 The Wright House, built in 1875, is modern in arrangement and manage- 
 ment, and is generally credited with being one of the first-class hotels of this 
 section of the State. 
 
 The Grand Central Hotel building, begun early in 1880 by Andrew Eeilly, 
 was completed in June, 1881. The intention of Mr.. Eeilly was to make it one 
 of the finest hotel buildings in the northern part of the State, and in carrying 
 this intention forward he gave to Smethport a house 67x82 feet, containing 
 sixty-two rooms fitted with all modern improvements and elegantly furnished. 
 The plans were drawn by S. A. Bishop, assisted by Mr. Eeilly. The latter 
 superintended the mason work. The building cost 140,000 and was opened 
 by Mr. Eeilly June 22, 1881. Gen. Hammer, of the Bennett House, leased 
 the building soon after, and after two years H. S. Sartwell conducted the house. 
 In the year 1883 the property passed into the hands of Mrs. A. N. Taylor, 
 from whom the popular Frank N. Taylor leases the house. The lessee and his 
 chief clerk, Ham Hill, conduct this hotel on modern principles. 
 
 Banks. — In the history of Bradford City the story of the old McKean 
 County Bank is told. It was established in 1857, and in opposition to the de- 
 sire of many of the local stockholders Bradford was fixed upon as its head- 
 quarters, which action led to legal proceedings to change headquarters to 
 Smethport. 
 
 The Hamlin Bank may be said to date back to 1862. Since that year Henry 
 Hamlin has been the recognized leader of the banking business at the county 
 seat, if not in the county. His store office was the bank office, and drafts of 
 exchange, a^ well as loans, were negotiated in much the same form as at pres- 
 ent. In 1874 he retired from mercantile life, and established a banking office 
 over the old Hamlin store, later known as the Haskell store. In 1880 S. C. 
 Townsend was employed as cashier. After the fire of May, 1882, the office 
 was in B. D. Hamlin's office, and in 1885-86 in the room now occupied by 
 Wells' drug store until the present building was completed in January, 1887. 
 
274 
 
 HISTORY OF MCKEAN COUNTY. 
 
 It is one of the best finished buildings of its size in the State, and fully 
 equipped for banking purposes. Thecostof this ornamental pile wasllS.OOO. 
 In February, 1889, Moss M. Coleman took the position of assistant cashier and 
 book-keeper. The financial condition of this house July 8, 1889, is shown as 
 follows : 
 
 Dr. 
 
 Due to Banks I 585.63 
 
 Deposits 496,741.60 
 
 Exchange 782.69 
 
 ProfitandLoss 108,891.16 
 
 Interest and Discount 19,380.27 
 
 ,381.35 
 
 Ck. 
 
 Due from Banks and Bankers. .$ 43,647.46. 
 
 Discounts 553,214.44 
 
 Stocks and Bonds 11,750.00- 
 
 County Order 4,590.00 
 
 Cash 13,389.18 
 
 Expense 840.27 
 
 $636,381.35. 
 
 The McKean County Savings Bank was chartered in February, 1872. A. 
 N. Taylor, V. P. Carter, J. 0. Backus, J. E. Butts, Jr. , J. E. Chadwick, J. F. 
 Gallup and D. C. Young being incorporators. This banking company was 
 never organized. 
 
 Water and Gas Systems. — The beginning of Smethport's water system 
 dates back to 1874, when the commissioners purchased a spring lot and con- 
 nected the spring with the jail by means of a small pipe. E. V. Chadwick 
 secured the use of the surplus water for $10 per annum and had a pipe ex- 
 tended from the main pipe to his dwelling, but the supply being limited the 
 contract was rescinded. The Smethport Water Company was incorporated in 
 April, 1881, with thirty-seven stockholders. Henry Hamlin held twenty-four, 
 Byron D. Hamlin ten, W. J. Colegrove and D. R. Hamlin five shares each. 
 The works were completed within the year. 
 
 The Smethport Gas Company was incorporated September 20, 1881, with 
 C. A. Backer, E. L. Keenan, Eobert H. Eose, David Sterrett, Leroy Tabor 
 ■ and L. J. Backer, directors. In January, 1890, the following named ofiicers 
 were chosen: C. P. Byron, president; H. McSweeney, secretary; A. B. Arm- 
 strong, treasurer; and they, with E. H. Eose and W. D. Gallup, directors. 
 The gas well on the Eben Gallup farm was opened in January, 1890. 
 
 Floods and Fires. — The rains of May 31 and June 1, 1889, swelled the 
 tributaries of Marvin and Nunundah creeks and raised these streams far above 
 all high-water marks of previous floods. The citizens of Smethport emerged 
 from their homes Friday morning to find the low lands everywhere covered 
 with several feet of water, while the rain still fell in torrents. Some residents 
 of East Smethport were forced to take refuge in the second stories of their 
 buildings, and anchor their houses to neighboring trees. The only way to- 
 reach the depot was by means of a boat. The railroads were undermined and 
 damaged in many places, and traffic was suspended for several days. The 
 bridge on the poor-farm, which was built at the expense of the county, was 
 swept away, and Gilford's upper dam was damaged, necessitating the suspen- 
 sion of work. 
 
 In the destruction of G. W. White' s house (two miles southwest of Smeth- 
 port) in March, 1852, a three-year-old son was burned to death, and the father 
 severely burned while trying to rescue the boy .... The Smethport fire of 
 March 24, 1868, destroyed the Astor House block, property of William Haskell^ 
 A. N. Taylor's store. Miss Holmes' building, and the barns, all valued at 140,- 
 
 000 and insured for $19,000 The Smethport fire of May, 1882, originated 
 
 in the. Bennett House, destroying Haskell's large store-building on the other 
 side of the street, the banking office of Henry Hamlin in that building, the 
 Bennett House and Sterrett & Eose law office. 
 
HISTOKY OF MCKEAN COUNTY. 275 
 
 Miscellaneous. — The Smethport Cemetery Society was chartered in 1863 on 
 petition of S. C. Hyde, C. K. Sartwell, L. E. Wisner, Miles Innis and W. A. 
 Williams. 
 
 The question of building a plank road from Qlermont to Olean was pre- 
 sented to the people of McKean county in November, 1849, by O. J. Hamlin. 
 He estimated the number of acres of coal land in the county at 10,000, and 
 stated that the selling price ranged from $1.50 to $3 per acre. In less than 
 two years after this proposition was made the Smethport & Olean Plank Eoad 
 Company organized (June 21, 1851), with S. Sartwell, president; Henry Ham- 
 lin, secretary; William K. King, treasurer; R. Phelps Wright, G. Irons, Ran- 
 som Larrabee, Dr. McCoy and J. W. Prentiss, directors. Railroads now follow 
 this route, the McKean & Buffalo Road being (practically completed to Smeth- 
 port in 1875, and pushed thence to the mines. In 1889 the road was contin- 
 ued from Clermont to Johnsonburg in Elk county. 
 
 Smethport has celebrated the anniversary of national independence for 
 fifty years. As if to emphasize this fiftieth celebration, the Fourth of 1889 
 was a day especially prepared for festivity. From a late hour on the evening 
 of July 3 to the dawn of next day rain poured down in torrents to moisten the 
 parched earth. Early on the 4th the streets were rolled smooth, and before 
 noon were in excellent shape for the parade, the sunbeams giving token that 
 old Sol himself was pleased with the intentions of the people. The procession, 
 which was the feature of the day, was composed of the following well-equipped 
 bands, hose companies, etc. : Marshal, J. M. McElroy, and aids ; Smethport 
 Band; McKean Post 347, Gr. A. R., and guests; Dr. Freeman, commanding 
 second division, and aids; Gorton's Gold Band; J. Gorton Hose No. 1. Friend- 
 ship, N. Y. ; Eldred Band; Mountaineer Hose No. 1, Emporium; Forest Band; 
 Citizen Hose No. 2, Emporium; Bolivar Cornet Band; Citizen Hose No. 2, 
 Bolivar, N. Y. ; Smethport Hose No. 1; president of the day and speakers in 
 carriages. 
 
 The exercises in the court-house opened with music by the Smethport Band. 
 E. L. Keenan, president of the day, delivered the address of welcome, and ai^ 
 the suggestion of the sheriff, extended a general invitation to visitors to share 
 the hospitalities offered by the citizens. Rev. T. W. Chandler delivered an 
 excellent prayer; Capt. Rogers read the "Declaration," and W. J. Milliken, 
 of Bradford, delivered the oration — which was eloquent as well as historical. 
 At night the festivities were continued, one of the features being a merry 
 march from East Smethport to the court-house square, lead by the Eldred 
 Band. The hose companies, without an exception, presented a handsome 
 appearance, and the music rendered by the different bands mentioned was of a 
 high standard. 
 
 The history of the Keating, the Bingham and the Ridgway lands in this 
 county is related on other pages. Smethport has been for years the Mecca 
 of land hunters, as there the agents of the great estates ultimately congregated 
 and established their offices. Robert C. Simpson, the general agent of the 
 Bingham estate, resides at Wellsboro, Penn. Robert H. Rose was the first agent; 
 W. B. Clymer had charge of the estate until Mr. Simpson was appointed, dur- 
 ing the war. Robert H. Rose is attorney for the estate and local agent at 
 Smethport. Much of the land is leased, and this, with the unseated lands, 
 aggregates over 40, 000 acres in McKean, and an equal area in Potter county. 
 Smaller areas of lands belonging to the other proprietors are still unsold. 
 
 East Smethport may be said to date back to the establishment of the Ex- 
 tract Works at that point. Shortly after the large buildings were erected the 
 place began to assume the features of a village, and with its railroad commun- 
 
276 HISTORY OF MCKEAN COUNTY. 
 
 ication would be a strong contestant for the business center, had it any one of 
 the physical advantages possessed by the old town. The ground is low and 
 marshy, and in seasons of heavy rain subject to the overflow of Nunundah 
 creek. Opposite the Western New York & Pennsylvania depot is the planing- 
 mill of Bush & Mcintosh, near by the Bottling Works, and in the vicinity the 
 Extract Works. On the corner of Main and Railroad streets is the store and 
 post-office buildjng of James M. Tracy; below is the large store building of 
 Stickney, Bell'& Co. The Exchange Hotel is conducted by John H. Sowers; 
 a few rods westward of this hotel is the Sherwood grocery store, and opposite 
 it the meat market of J. H. StuU. The English Protestant Episcopal Chapel 
 is near the bridge, and across the creek, near the mouth of Marvin creek, the 
 first of a series of saw-mills on the latter stream is found. A number of small 
 dwelling houses, occupied by Swedish workmen and their families, are scat- 
 tered here and there, all forming the nucleus of what enterprise may convert 
 into a large business town. 
 
 There is no history of failure attached to Smethport. The men who came 
 here to build up a prosperous community knew no such word as fail, and con- 
 sequently the story is one of success following perseverance, tolerance and 
 intelligence. To the wisdom and policy of John Keating, who selected this 
 location, much is due, but without the pioneers the place might be still in the 
 wilderness, as it would undoubtedly be still comparatively primitive without 
 the modern pioneers of commercial and professional progress. To the latter 
 the achievement of placing Smethport above all other towns in the district, in 
 beauty and cleanliness, and equal to any in modern conveniences, is due, and 
 to their enterprise and virtues must be credited her substantial business and 
 social life. 
 
 CHAPTEK XVI. 
 
 LAFAYETTE TOWNSHIP. 
 
 Topography— Minerals— Oil Wells— Coal Mines and Companies— Popu- 
 lation— Election IN Februaiiy, 1890— Resident Tax-Pj^yees, 1843-44— 
 State Road— Stores — Disasters and Fires — Miscellaneous. 
 
 LAFAYETTE TOWNSHIP occupies almost the west half of the center of 
 the county. It is distinguished by three great plateaus or table lands: 
 the Lafayette, in the center, extending from the southwest to northeast five 
 miles, and attaining a width of two and a half miles north of Lafayette 
 corners; the Alton, east and southwest of the East branch, extending into 
 Bradford, Keating and Hamilton townships, being eleven miles long in its 
 southwest course, and five miles wide in a line north of Alton, or from Craw- 
 ford's to the east fork of Three Mile run; the Marshburg, west of the east 
 branch of the Tuna, and east of the west branch, extending southwest to the 
 valley of the Kinzua, one branch running into the center of Hamilton township, 
 which forms the divide between Chappal fork on the north, Tarnip run on 
 the east, and the Kinzua on the south. The greatest length is twelve miles, 
 from a point west of Custer, through Marshburg to Union run. At Lafayette 
 ■corners the elevation is 2,143 feet above the ocean; at Marshburg, 2,108 feet; 
 the divide between Winter Green and Turnip runs is 2,165 feet; at Buttsville, 
 
^^^-^^c^;^^:^^^-^ 
 
HISTORY OF MCKEAN COUNTY. 279 
 
 1,998 feet; at Alton, 2,072 feet; on creek at Big Shanty, 1,666 feet; at head 
 of Two Mile run, 2,058 feet, and at Bingham's dry well, 1,673 feet. The dip 
 of the rock in the sixth bituminous basin averages only twenty feet per mile 
 to the southwest. Alton being in the central portion, the greatest dip occurs 
 there, being lifty-eight feet between Bond Vein and that point, a distance 
 of little over a half-mile. The lowest dip averages live feet per mile, between 
 Marshburg and Lafayette. 
 
 King & Co. ' 8 well, the first at Big Shanty, showed oil sand at a depth of 
 1,545 feet, or 127 feet above tide water; while in the Prentiss well, Lewis run, 
 oil sand. was struck at 227 feet above tide, or at a depth of 1,378 feet. 
 
 The Clermont coal deposit underlies the slate, shale and sandstone- capped 
 peaks northeast and southwest of Alton, throughout the Lafayette plateau, 
 and in the summit, southwest of Marshburg, where the cap' rocks are deep, 
 the coal is valuable, as in the old Davis mine, and in the old openings on the 
 Newell, Bullock, Root and "Whitman lands, the bottoms of all of which rest 
 from 2,130 to 2,145 feet above tide level. This deposit is generally separated 
 from the Alton upper coal layers by Johnson run sandstone, the thickness of 
 which ranges from fifty to sixty feet; but near Bond Vein a black and blue 
 slate occupied this position; on the Bullock lands a hard sandstone, and on the 
 Matthews' lands a sandstone, separated by a six-feet deposit of red rock, 
 rests on a twelve-inch bed of coal. The Alton deposit ranges from four to 
 seven feet. It has been worked at Buttsville, Alton and Bond Vein. The 
 latter mine was worked in 1877-78, by James E. Butts, for the Longwood Coal 
 Company, giving three shallow beds above the bottom, third bed 2,084 feet 
 above tide. The Malony mine showed six to eight feet of bony coal near the 
 roof, and Alton coal, in two distinct beds, before reaching the hard, sandy, 
 fire-clay deposit. 
 
 In July, 1863, the Lafayette Coal Company was incorporated, with William 
 Cockroft of New York City, president. The Owen mine, near Buttsville, was 
 opened years ago by Mr. Owen. In April, 1868, the Longwood Company — 
 James E. Butts, E. Sears, I. P. T. Edwards, E. D. Winslow, G. P. Hayward, 
 Lem. Shaw and "W. P. Grubb, directors — began operations, 2,065 feet above 
 tide level, on a solid two and one-half feet bench; but owing to its irregularity, 
 work was abandoned. At James E. Butts' house the lower coal was found 
 twenty-eight feet below the surface. In 1865 the Lafayette Coal Company 
 began operations near Mr. Alton's log house, constructing a 280-feet slope to 
 a point in the oannel and bituminous deposit, seventy feet below the level of 
 of the opening. This and several other shafts were abandoned. On the Haga- 
 dorn and Armstrong lands and at the old Davis mine explorations were made 
 years ago. 
 
 The Seven Foot Knoll, on the Keating township line, was opened 2,053 
 feet above tide level, and won its name on account of the four heavy coal 
 benches discovered in a seventy-two-feet hole, the coal being overlaid by thin 
 beds of carbonate of iron; while in Shaft No. 1, opened 2,088 above tide, 
 270 feet southwest of the mouth of the drift, nodular iron ore takes the place 
 of iron carbonate. In the vicinity several shafts were constructed, and the 
 enterprise was carried so far by Allen Putnam, of Boston, as to explore near the 
 old Butts saw- mill, on Three Mile creek, at an elevation of 2,037 feet. The drill 
 went through 113 feet, meeting only two small seams. 
 
 Lafayette township had a population of 1,266 in 1880. Of this number 
 seventy-three were residents of Buttsville. In 1888 there were 128 Repub- 
 lican, 127 Democrat, 5 Prohibition and 12 United Labor votes recorded, a 
 total of 272, which multiplied by five represents a population of 1,360. Fol- 
 
280 HISTORY OF MCKEAN COUNTY. 
 
 lowing are the returns of the vote cast in Lafayette township in February, 
 1890: For road supervisors, Peter Wagner (D,), 124; James Barnes, Jr. (D.), 
 103 ; Walter Cassidy (E. ), 131 ; Charles Harding (R. ), 95. For school directors, 
 D. Kennedy (D.), 134; J. C. Cannon (D.), 77; P. H. Freel (R.), 140; John 
 Green (R.), 125. For collector, J. H. Fleming (D.), 143; J. C. Haven (R.), 
 101. For town clerk, M. Ryan, Jr. (D.), 124; H. L. Sherwood (R.), 109. 
 For constable, First District, W. W. Lenox (D.), 102; Second District, Frank 
 Sprague, 93. For auditors, James Donovan (D.), 141; M. McCarten (D.), 
 150; J. C. Jones (R.), 116; C. L. Milton (R.), 100. 
 
 The resident tax-payers of Lafayette township in 1843-44, as certified by 
 Jasper Marsh, assessor, were Jane Armstrong, Abram and Mary Anderson, Al- 
 bert and Rufus Beeman, Joe Brush, George W. Brown, Abram Brothwell, 
 Andrew Gush, L. Davis, Allen, David and William Foster, William Grannis, 
 Aaron Hagadorn, James Hoop, William Howard, Washington Higby, J. Iver- 
 son, C. Leach, Jacob Lewis, Henry Luce, Jonathan, J. C. and Jasper Marsh, 
 John Mulligan, Oliver Matthews, David Monteith, John Newton, William G. 
 Presley, Job Poots, Lewis Ransom, John Shepley, Nathan and George Tenney, 
 Zira Tobbs and William C. Webber. The total value of their property as 
 assessed was $4,580, while the unseated lands were assessed at $27,688. 
 
 The east and west State road was laid out by Joel Sartwell, Hiram Payne 
 and Jonathan Marsh through the center of McKean county in 1838, at a time 
 when only four families, Joseph Brush, Nathan Tenney, Hoop and Anderson, 
 resided in Lafayette, and two years before Taintor, Davis and Hagadorn settled 
 there. 
 
 Albert Beeman, who died near Mount Alton, in February, 1880, was cred- 
 ited with being the discoverer of the coal beds about Alton and Lafayette. 
 For years he was king of the hunters of this county, and was also farmer and 
 lumberman. 
 
 Mary Anderson, who died at Anderson Station, on the Kinzua, in Decem- 
 ber, 1889, was in her one hundred and third year. She settled there in 1836, 
 and five years later her husband was frozen to death near Marshburg. Her 
 son James is now seventy-seven years old. 
 
 Mount Alton, the leading village of the township, contains a number of 
 industrial establishments and the usual number of stores found in villages of 
 its size. Chief among its industries are the Mount Alton Chemical Work?, 
 McClain & Co. 's and Weaver & Droney's lumber factories, and J. B. Phillips 
 saw mill, which give employment to many of the inhabitants. 
 
 The Alton Chemical Works were established in October, 1887, at Bond Vein, 
 with twelve retorts, and had contracts for all the acetate of lime and wood alcohol 
 that could be produced up to 1888. The acid works were destroyed by fire in 
 March, 1889. The flames spread through the spacious building — the dimensions 
 of which were 200x175 feet — and in a short time it was reduced to smoulder- 
 ing ruins. The loss on the building and contents is estimated at $15,000; in- 
 surance, $6,000. The Alton Chemical Company is composed of J. C. Greene- 
 wald, A. L. Wyman, Sterns & Milligan of Bradford, and J. W. Beacom and 
 D. Hilton of Alton. No time was lost in re-establishing this important manu- 
 facturing concern. In July, 1889, George Beaumont was appointed post- 
 master at Alton. 
 
 In the fall of 1866 Newcomb & Hagadorn established their store at Alton, 
 and in March, 1867, L. S. Bard and A. N. McFall opened their hotel (which 
 was burned afterward), and a daily mail service to Smethport established. 
 
 Kinzua Lodge No. 442, 1. O. O. F. , the leading secret association of Mount 
 Alton and neighborhood, elected the following named of&cers in December, 
 
HISTOBY OP MCKEAN COUNTY. 281 
 
 1889: N. G., George H. GrafP; V. G., C. D. Tenny; Sec. J. S. C. Gra- 
 ham; Asst. Sec, Simon Crites; Treas., J. M. Park; W., F. Aldrieh; Con., 
 H. L. Sherwin; O. G., P. A. Evarts; I. G., C. Harding; R. S. to N. G m' 
 Quinn; L. S. to N. G., T. Elmore. 
 
 Alton Encampment, Kniglits of St. John and Malta, at.Alton, was orean- 
 ized in 1888. ^ 
 
 The cyclone of September 28, 1884, swept away six houses, as well as the 
 new Methodist church building at Alton. In April, 1886, thirty Italian laborers 
 found themselves imprisoned in the Erie Eailroad Company's burning con- 
 struction shanty at Alton. Twenty-four men escaped only to witness the roast- 
 ing of six companions, whose lives went out with the blaze. 
 
 The Mount Alton tragedy of September 26, 1889, resulted in the death of 
 Mrs. Isabel Quinn. Her husband, J. H. Quinn, a Scotch-Irishman, was the 
 miu-derer, and his insane jealousy the cause. A coroner's jury found in accord- 
 ance with the facts. The murderer was taken to jail at once, but during the 
 evening he wove a rope out of his large silk handkerchief and some time after 
 3 o'clock on the morning of the 27th hanged himself in the cell. 
 
 The post-office of Lafayette was discontinued in November, 1872, owing to 
 the resignation of the postmaster, but was soon after restored. 
 
 CHAPTER XVII. 
 
 LIBERTY TOWNSHIP— BOROUGH OF PORT ALLEGANY. 
 
 Liberty Township Topogkaphy— Geology — Coal Measui!bs and Mines — 
 
 Oil Well — Early Settlers, Etc. — Eesident Tax-Pa y'ers, 1836-37 — 
 Eaely Stores— Population— Offioeus Elected in February, 1890 — 
 Churches— Cemetery— F ikes . 
 
 Borough of Port xIllegany Introductory- Canoe Place— Pioneers, 
 
 Etc. — Population — Fires and Floods — Municipal Matters — Industries 
 —Banks— Cemetery Association— Hotels— Chueches—Public Schools- 
 Societies, Associations. Etc. 
 
 LIBERTY TOWNSHIP stretches along about half of the eastern line of the 
 county. It is the gateway to the Sinnemahoning, as well as to the upper 
 waters of the Allegheny, northwest of Coudersport. This river enters the 
 township at Burtville, five miles above Port Allegany, and flowing northwest 
 exits in the center of the west half of the north town line (the lowest elevation), 
 about three and one-half miles below the town, a mile and one-half below the 
 mouth of Two Mile creek, and three and one-half miles below the confluence- 
 of Lillibridge creek, which flows from the northeast corner, as well as Coleman 
 creek, above Port Allegany. Allegheny Portage creek (which rises across the 
 line, near the head of the Sinnemahoning portage) joins the parent river jusfe 
 above the Port, and this receives several streams from the summits of Norwich, 
 such as Comes creek, as well as a few short streams from the borders of Pot- 
 ter county. For altitudes the township may claim a part of Prospect hill, the 
 peak of which (2,495 feet high) is in Keating township; a mile east of that 
 hill the height is 2,415 feet, gradually falling to 1,800 feet as Skinner creek 
 is approached; near Keating depot the altitude is 2,400, although at the depot 
 
282 HISTORY OP MCKEAN COUNTY. 
 
 oaly 1.876 feet; at Liberty 1,641, at Port Allegany 1,477, and at Sartwell 
 1,447 feet. The rock exposures show 890 feet, of which 190 form coal meas- 
 ures and conglomerate, 250 to 300 Mauch Chunk and Pooono, 300 red Cats- 
 kill, and 100 Chemung. In the center of the Skinner creek coal region the 
 highest stratum is found, Kinzaa creek sandstone, at an altitude of 2,140 feet. 
 In'the year 1855 Seth A. Backus opened two coal beds here, finding eighteen 
 or twenty inch benches forty feet below the surface and below a nine to twelve- 
 inch deposit of iron ore, which showed fifty-six per cent of metal. S. H. 
 Barrett also opened a mine here, finding a twenty-eight-inch seam of good 
 coal six feet below the surface. In the vicinity of the Backus bed Thomas 
 Petturick found a four and one-half feet vein of cannel coal in 1856. From 
 Port Allegany to Comes creek summit the soil is red; also to the head of the 
 Lillibridge and up Two Mile ran. 
 
 The oil well at Sartwell was drilled 723 feet in 1877, but abandoned. In 
 July, 1887, the work of drilling the gas well at Port Allegany was commenced 
 on the DoUey lands. This well was bored 2,400 feet, but without the desired 
 result, although sufficient to supply light and heat to a section of the borough 
 was obtained. 
 
 In 1788 a party of immigrants came up the Susquehanna and Sinnemahon- 
 ing to Emporium in canoes, left their barks there and crossed the portage on 
 foot, making a road hither and camping here beyond the river, on what in later 
 days was known as the W. J. Davis farm. E. Fitch, who contributed much 
 valuable history to the pages of the Reporter, is inclined to believe that this 
 same party made the first settlement at Franklin, Venango county. The first 
 road from Canoe Place to Smethport crossed the river at Red House, thence 
 by the mouths of Skinner and Portage creeks across the flats ; thence up the 
 hill and along the ridge to Nunundah creek, where it crossed another road at 
 Horace King's corners. Samuel C'lrtis is credited with cutting this road. In 
 1844 Gideon Irons was employed to cut a wagon-road from the Port to Larra- 
 bee. Years before this a road was cut through and regular culverts built, but 
 at the period of building the Turtle Point mill it was hid under fallen trees or 
 underbrash, and the culverts disappeared in decay. 
 
 In 1822 the first bridge in this township was erected across the Allegheny 
 by Judge Nathan "White, who resided on Marvin creek, four miles from Smeth- 
 port. This structure was near Davis' Eed House, and up to 1839 some por- 
 tions of it were visible. Daniel Stanton's still-house was near this bridge. 
 
 The mill erected in 1815, where the Daniel Clark mills stood in 1876, was 
 the joint property of Obediah Sartwell, W. W. Whitney, Benjamin Burt and 
 David Burt. In 1820 Maj. Lyman purchased the concern, and sold it to 
 Daniel Brooks in 1823. This Brooks erected the first grist-mill in 1824, but 
 in 1827 he sold the old saw-mill as well as the new mill to William Moore, 
 who in turn sold it to Sartwell & Arnold in 1835. Three years later they sold 
 to Coats & McKee, but, through foreclosure, resumed ownership in 1841, and 
 then sold to Barnaby Brothers, who, after establishing a pail and sap-bucket 
 factory there, had to give up the property. N. L. Dike then purchased from 
 Sartwell & Arnold in 1844, who sold to A. M. Benton in 1845. He continued 
 the industries until 1869, when Daniel Clark became owner. 
 
 The first farmer was David Burt, who cultivated lands where George Mc- 
 Dowell settled in 1833. Obediah Sartwell owned the farm where Seth Hackett 
 settled in 1835, and where he resided until his removal to Emporium, about 
 1869, while Benjamin Burt, one of the pioneers, resided here until his death, 
 February 28, 1876, in his ninety- seventh year. The old barn belonging to W. 
 J. Davis in 1876, near the cheese factory, was built in 1816 by Benjamin Burt 
 
HISTOKY OF MCKEAN COUNTY. 283 
 
 and Daniel Stanton, and the oldest dwelling house, coming down to centennial 
 year, was that in which Owen Coyle resided, William Moore, one of the old ' 
 owners, being accidentally killed at Cincinnati in 1844. 
 
 The lirst mill on the Portage was that built in 1838 by Luke, John and Har- 
 vey Gibson. At that time the family of Horace Barnaby was the only one on the 
 Portage. D. Cornelius and Stephen Eowley operated for some time, untii S. 
 A. Backus purchased it. The old mill was burned, but rebuilt for Jacob Coss 
 in 1852 by Nathan Boylan. In 1853 steam machinery and a circular saw were 
 introduced the first time in this township, but in 1856 Mr. Coss removed to a 
 point below Olean, intending to use the water-power there. The building 
 was burned soon after, but a new mill was erected by Fordyce Lawton, who 
 sold to J. Campbell, who sold to A. L. Wright, the owner in 1876. la 1849 
 David Cornelius and S. S. Lillibridge built the second mill on the Portage, 
 which, in 1873, became the property of L. H. DoUey. J. M. Grimes built 
 the third mill near Liberty depot, which, in 1869, became the property of Ira 
 Weir. 
 
 Horace Barnaby, A. P. Barnaby and one TJptoa were the first settlers on 
 this creek, having opened their farms in 1830. In 1883 Philander Read and 
 Elisha H. Bent were road supervisors. In 1866 John Tallamadge built his 
 mill, later the property of the Goodyears. A. S. Arnold & Co. built the first 
 lath-mill in 1852; A. M. Benton the first shingle-mill in 1855, and John G. 
 Hall the first sash and blind factory in 1866-67. The records of survey around 
 Canoe Place in 1811-12 mention Conrad's mill and Hitt's place, and Eobert 
 Gilbert's and John Bell's lots on the Oswayo. In 1817 John King and E. B. 
 Foster surveyed lots on the Portage branch, above Kingsville, near the Straw- 
 bridge lands, and at other places. In 1818 surveys in the Eensselaer Wright 
 neighborhood were begun; mention is also made of Jonathan Moore's lot and 
 of Isaiah Tyler's lots. 
 
 The resident tax-payers of Liberty township in 1836-37 were Ralph P. 
 Andrews, D. Allard, Henry Bryan, Elisha H. Bent, Dan. Bellows, H. and A. 
 P. Barnaby, J. C. Coleman (now living, saw-mill owner), Horace Coleman, 
 Pete Corsaw, Levi Coats, Hiram Coon, Edward Cummings, John Chase, A. 
 and S. B. Eastwood, John and Horatio Fobes, John R. and Sam Grimes, Eph- 
 raim Green, Seth Hackett, Lod. Lillibridge, Isaac and Harry Lyman, Moses 
 Lucore (saw-mill owner) Andrew Moore, William McKee, George McDowell. 
 Solomon Sartwell, Sartwell & Arnold (saw-mill owners), Jacob Simcox, Hub- 
 bard and Elisha Starkweather, Daniel Wright (a wheelwright) and B. H. Wil- 
 marth (blacksmith); William Moore was the assessor. 
 
 A. M. Benton came into this township in 1846, where he purchased about 
 3,000 acres of pine lands, and also the N. L. Dike mills above Port Allegany 
 at Bartville. where Hubbard's steam mill now stands. In 1852 Mr. Benton 
 found an old hunter on the Summit, living in a shingled house, who gave his 
 leisure hours to making the spring rivulets flow north, south, east or west. For 
 twenty-six years Mr. Benton continued the fine industry, sometimes employing 
 100 men on the rafts and in the mills. After the pine era vanished he built a 
 mill below Eldred (the same which is now operated by the Wolcotts) nineteen 
 years ago, which, after thirteen years' use was destroyed, and a new mill was 
 erected. In that mill he continued the hemlock industry for seventeen years, 
 when he sold to the Wolcotts. 
 
 A. S. Arnold died at Port Allegany April I, 1874, aged sixty-seven years. 
 He came to the county in 1833, opened a store at Smethport, moved to Canoe 
 Place in 1836, and joined Solomon Sartwell in his lumber business. 
 
 In February, 1847, S. A. Backus had a store, and later H. Coleman was 
 
284 HISTORY OF MCKEAN COUNTY. 
 
 granted a tavern license. In February, 1848, A. M. Benton, L. Wells and 
 Marvin were merchants, and later S. M. Eussell. The merchants in 1852 
 •were Arnold, Davis & Medbery, Martin W. Barker (small grocery), A. M. Ben- 
 ton and Johnson Slerozier (small store). 
 
 In February, 1885, Peter Brion, of Liberty township, killed a cranberry 
 bear. This animal had long, thin legs, with a long sharp nose and red fur. 
 la'May H. Beriield and W. Burlingame captured four black bears in Wharton 
 tOAvnship, Potter County. 
 
 Liberty township in 1880 had a population of 2,029, of which number 731 
 were credited to Port Allegaoy village. In 1888 the vote of the township, out- 
 side Port Allegany, was 146 Republican, 186 Democratic, 1 Prohibitionist, and 32 
 United Labor, or a total of 365, which multiplied by five represents a popula- 
 tion of 1,825. The officers elected in February, 1890, are as follows: Super- 
 visors, Mart Simar, Henry Lynch; justice of the peace, R. M. Dunbar; con- 
 stable, W. D. Thomas; collector, John Acre; town clerk, W. R. Franklin; 
 school directors, George Backus, H. R. Meeker; auditor, F. A. Fitch; judge 
 of election, Samuel Grimes; inspectors, John O'Brien, George W. Baxter. 
 
 The Methodist Chiirch of Liberty township was incorporated in February, 
 1854, on petition of Samuel M. Hopkins, James E. Proctor, Nathaniel West, 
 C. B. West, B. M. Pride, S. H. Barrett and J. F. Cone. 
 
 The Grimes District Cemetery was incorporated in February, 1881, with 
 Samuel Grimes, Z. J. Sherwood, A. Ostrander and Lester Grimes, directors. 
 Among the other stockholders were S. L. Strang, Runa Keeler, G. W. Wet- 
 more, H. J. and Abel Eastwood, G. Amidon, D. W. and J. R. Sherwood, C. 
 Ostrander, A. Lewis, L. Burrows and A. D. Freer. 
 " F. H. Goodyear & Co.'s upper mill at Liberty, seven miles southeast of 
 Port Allegany, was destroyed in 1877. The loss was about $9,000 .... The 
 George D. Briggs steam saw-mill at Liberty depot was burned in April, 1886 — 
 the second destroyed on that site. 
 
 The Birch Grove Mills of H. Palmer are located two miles below Port 
 Allegany. There, on August 5, 1889, was organized a branch of the W. C. T. 
 U. , with Mrs. H. Palmer, president; Mrs. N. Palmer, vice-president; Mrs. M. 
 Robinson, corresponding secretary; Mrs. S. Proctor, recording secretary, and 
 Mrs. L. Burleson, treasurer. 
 
 The Allegheny Eiver, Sartwell Creek and Fishing Creek Improvement 
 Company elected the following named officers in November, 1889: C. E. Hub- 
 bard, president; F. E. Rowley, secretary and treasurer; F. H. Arnold, E. P. 
 Dalrymple and C. E. Hubbard, directors, with F. L. Peck and J. H. Steele 
 directors of the Allegheny River Improvement Company. 
 
 BOROUGH OF POET ALLEGANY. 
 
 The phenomenal growth within the past few years of this bustling and thriv- 
 ing place has far surpassed even the most sanguine expectations. And this 
 development is due not alone to the vast lumber districts and magnificent farm- 
 ing country surrounding the place, or to its unlimited water-power privileges, 
 but in a very large measure to the well-known enterprise of its solid business 
 men. 
 
 Until about the year 1840 the point, which is now the site of Port Allegany, 
 was called ' ' Canoe Place, ' ' so named for two different reasons, as handed down 
 by tradition. One is that it was the custom of the aborigines on the Atlantic 
 slope to move up the Susquehanna periodically to what is now Emporium, 
 shelter their canoes there, and march over the divide to the Allegheny river at 
 this point. The other reason advanced is that a number of immigrants came 
 
HISTORY OF MCKEAN COUNTY. 285 
 
 np the Susquehanna river and across the country to this same point, where 
 they erected rude huts and commenced the work of hewing out canoes. In 
 the .following spring there came a flood, and the party had to take to their 
 canoes and hurriedly paddle or float away from the scene of danger. 
 
 About the close of the first decade of this century pioneer Stanton came 
 into this wilderness and settled on the river bank, where the Red House stood 
 on the W. J. Davis farm. The pioneer was soon joined by another. Poster, 
 and the beginnings of Port Allegany were made. 
 
 The first saw-mill was established by Daniel Stanton and Dan. Webber 
 {six rods east of Arnold & Dolley's dam) in 1824. Five years later, Stanton, 
 being sole owner, sold the concern to Gideon Irons, who, in 1832, sold to Solo- 
 mon Sartwell. In 1835 A. S. Arnold purchased an interest, and with Sartwell 
 continued in business until 1849, when W. J. Davis and C. I. Medbery pur- 
 chased Sartwell' s interests and became Arnold's partners. In 1869 this com- 
 pany sold to F. H. Arnold, E. B. DoUey and C. L. Bellows, the latter going 
 out in 1878. 
 
 The first postmaster was Dr. Horace Coleman, who served from 1828 to 
 1838. During the first few years it bore the name of Keating, then changed 
 to Liberty, but on A. S. Arnold being appointed master in 1838 the present 
 name was conferred. In 1841 William Moore was appointed. He was suc- 
 ceeded in 1843 by J. S. Barrett; he by E. Fitch, in 1847, and in 1849 Dr. 
 Coleman, the pioneer postmaster, was appointed, keeping the office at his 
 house. A short time after S. H. Barrett was appointed, but held the office 
 only three months, when Elihu Starkweather became postmaster. William 
 •Wilkin succeeded him in 1853, and served until 1861, when Dr. B. S. Gould 
 was commissioned. Within six months O. D. Coleman was appointed; and 
 shortly afterward Orrin Vosburg, who held the office until succeeded by N. 
 V. Jackson in 1865. In 1869 A. N. Lillibridge was appointed, and in 1873 
 C. A. Larrabee, who served until succeeded in 1885 by W. J. Davis, the pres- 
 ent postmaster. In April, 1888, the office became a presidential appoint- 
 ment. 
 
 The first school teacher at Port Allegany was Miss Eliza Manning, who 
 taught in the Red House. In 1836 the first school-house was built near the site 
 of the old Starkweather store of 1850. 
 
 The old store building which stood near the old tannery was torn down by John 
 Ford in 1875. It was erected about 1850 by Elihu Starkweather, and used 
 by him for store and hotel purposes. Afterward it was successively occupied 
 by Martin Barker, I. W. Bellows & Co., F. W. Tucker & Co., *A. M. Benton, 
 for whom T. McDowell was clerk, T. McDowell & Co., McDowell & Dolley, 
 Arnold & McDowell, A. H. Medbery & Co., J. O. White & Co., A. F. Bard 
 •& Co. , and lastly by the office of the Northern Tier Reporter. On the site is 
 the residence of James Ford. 
 
 The editor of the Reporter, reviewing the business of the town in Decem- 
 ber, 1874, refers to L. H. Dolley's general store building as the oldest mer- 
 cantile house, being established in 1850. The old building was erected by 
 Johnson & Crozier, but in 1855 A. M. Benton purchased the house, completed 
 the building and opened it that year. In 1860 or 1861 he sold the building 
 to Dolley & Co. In 1850 A. S. Arnold, W. J. Davis and C. I. Medbery, 
 opened the house, which was sold to T. McDowell & Co. in 1868. In 1869 
 B. C. Gallup established his hardware house, followed in 1870 by A. F. Bard 
 & Co., in the same line, and C. L. Medbery & Son, general merchants. 
 Davis & Simar opened their dry-goods house in December, 1871; Dr. G. H. 
 Goltry, his drug store in 1873; R. B. Rhodes & Son, their furniture house the 
 
286 HISTORY OP MCKEAN COUNTY. 
 
 same year, while Dr. Hogarth and Charles Dolley's drug store, J. Demarest's 
 tailor shop, J. W. Neefe's clothing store, Dairy mple & Humphries' coal and 
 lumber yard, W. Hooker's grocery, C. W. Bishop's bakery, P. A. McDonald's 
 harness shop, A. C. White's book store, C. A. Larrabee's jewelry store, M. A. 
 Lillibridge's clothing and shoe store, and Mrs. Sue Kenny's millinery store 
 were all in existence in 1874. The Mullin House on Main street, the Sart- 
 well House near the railroad, L. B. Bishop and E. D. Slingerland' s restau- 
 rants, and Lillibridge's and Blackman'a meat markets were also here. 
 
 The Chapin Tannery, built years ago, may be considered the first manu- 
 facturing industry of this district. A. M. Benton purchased the work in 
 1857. He sold to J. O. White & Co. in 1860-61, who operated it until pur- 
 chased by John Ford in 1869, and he conducted it until 1884, when work was 
 discontinued. Barrett, Dolley & Co. 's sash, door and blind factory was estab- 
 lished in 1873, south of the depot; H. J. Barrett, was sleigh manufacturer; 
 J. H. Sherrill operated the carding mill, and A. Crandell, the iron foundry. 
 The Jewett & Keating Tannery was completed in the fall of 1874, after plans 
 by Henry Jewett, and the dwelling houses were built for the company by 
 Barrett & Dolley. The Hub factory was established in the " seventies. ' ' 
 
 The population of Port Allegany in 1880 was 731. In 1888 there were 
 115 Kepublican, 133 Democratic, 19 Prohibitionist, and 11 United Labor 
 votes cast, or a total of 278 representing a population of 1,668. 
 
 Recent fires have destroyed some of the houses named. The fire of June, 
 
 1888, destroyed Bard, Dalrymple & Co.'s store; Attorney Colcord's office and 
 Brandon & Dodd's insxirance office. The tire of July, 1889, swept away the 
 Durfee photograph gallery owned by L. L. Lillibridge, and the latter' s bill' 
 iard hall and barber shop; Weiper Bros.' store, then unoccupied, Dolley & 
 Eoy's billiard hall, and Hallett's household goods and stock. 
 
 The flood of May 31 and June 1, 1889, introduced itself at Port Allegany 
 by rushing down Mill street, tearing up side-walks, destroying gardens, and 
 impeding travel — people living above the Mill street bridge being compelled to 
 go over the hill to reach their homes. About 4 o' clock on the morning of June 
 1, the boom of Arnold & Dolley, near the mouth of the Portage creek, burst 
 asunder, and the logs were hurled with irresistible force through the mill yard 
 of C. E. Grover, and thence among the houses, along the street, and across 
 the Arnold flats to the river below. Several families were driven from their 
 homes by the angry waters, and valuable property was torn up or carried 
 away. 
 
 Municipar Matters. — The charter election for Port Allegany borough was 
 held April 4, 1882. C. N. Barrett was elected burgess without opposition, 
 receiving 129 votes; F. D. Leiner, L. H. Dolley, S.' G. Peters, received almost 
 unanimous votes for councilmen; C. E. Wright was elected justice; S. S. 
 Lillibridge, high constable; W. M. Eoyce, constable; C. E. Bard, auditor; K. 
 Hanlon, poormaster; B. C. Gallup, assessor, with V. E. Vanderhule and A. 
 H. Medbery, assistants; A. J. Hughes, C. A. Larrabee, F. P. Camp, A. R. 
 Barnaby, M. C. Field and O. L. Snyder were elected school directors; E. E. 
 Bellows, judge, and O. Vosburg and E. B. Starkweather, inspectors of elec- 
 tions. N. E. Bard was elected burgess in 1883, over P. E. Cotter; O. L. 
 Snyder, in 1884, with H. D. Helmer, justice; H. J. Burritt, in 1885; B. C. 
 Gallup, in 1886-87-88, with C. A. Larrabee, justice; W. L. Lillibridge, in 
 
 1889, received 128 votes, and O. E. Goldhagen 96 votes for burgess, and J. 
 E. Eounseville 110, and O. Vosburgh 108 votes for justice. In 1885 there 
 were 104 votes for and 90 against the proposed water tax. 
 
 The officers chosen in February, 1890, are as follows: Burgess, George 
 
HISTORY OF MCKEAN COUNTY. 289 
 
 Weber; council, J. Dick, S. C. Sartwell; school directors, J. W. Kershner, W. 
 H. Keeney; justice of the peace, William Eoy; constable, M. T. Shurtz; col- 
 lector, M. T. Shurtz; auditor, E. O. Durfee; judge of election, M. J. Dwyre; 
 inspectors, R. E. Roj', John Carlson. 
 
 Hose Company. — Star Hose Company No. 1 was organized November 16, 
 1885, and, unlike former fire companies, entered at once on a successful career. 
 Since organization a State charter has been secured and Star Hose Company 
 No. 1 now owns the building and equipment, and boasts of thirty-five active 
 members. The president is J. V. Otto, with M. A. Lillibridge, vice-president j 
 W. M. Holm-es, secretary; N. R. Bard, treasurer; P. E. Eowley, foreman; C. 
 W. Wagner and M. E. Hall, assistants, and B. C. Gallup, chief engineer; 
 directors: F. E. Eowley, J. V. Otto, E, P. Dalrymple, W. W. Rinn and N. E. 
 Bard. Star Hose Company No. 1 attended the State convention of- firemen at 
 Carlisle in September, 1889. 
 
 Gas and Water. — The Citizens' Gas Company was incorporated in May, 
 
 1888, with F. H. Arnold, B. C. Gallup and H. E. Sturcke, directors. The 
 company developed the gas reservoirs of the vicinity and gave to the borough 
 the advantages which gas light and heat can alone give .... Gas Well No. 6, 
 at Port Allegany, did not prove profitable, and was abandoned in November, 
 
 1889. No. 7 was drilled in the spring of 1890. 
 
 In 1885 a complete system of water-works was provided for the village 
 by a stock company with a capital of 120,000, of which Thomas McDowell 
 is president, F. P. Camp, secretary, and J. H. Williams, treasurer. The res- 
 ervoir is one mile from the town, on Skinner creek, 200 feet above the 
 borough, and is furnished by a pure mountain stream. The water is con- 
 veyed to the city through a six-inch pipe. In case any damage should occur 
 to this reservoir the company has another on the other side of town, called 
 Smith's addition, which would supply the people's wants. 
 
 Industries. — The Port Allegany Tannery had at the beginning a capacity 
 of 90,000 hides. The grinding house, sixty feet square, had a capacity of fifteen 
 cords of bark per day. Here was the Keystone mill. The leach room was 180x32 
 feet; the three steam pumps were supplied by Blake & Co., of Boston. The 
 boiler house is sixty feet square, supplied with four large Eiter boilers and Hoyt' s 
 tan burning ovens. A brick chimney, twelve feet square at the base, is 116 feet 
 high. The beam house and yard building are 92x180 feet, with an " L " sixty 
 feet square. There are six sweat pits, each with a capacity of 200 hides. The 
 dry house is 60x180 feet, five stories in height, with ten feet basement. During 
 the summer of 1886 a building 54x72 feet was erected for a cooling house. It 
 contains twelve large tanks, holding about 250 barrels each, in which the liquor 
 is allowed to cool before being drawn on to the leather in the lay-away vats, to 
 which it is conveyed through wooden pipes by gravity. Another building was 
 erected during the year 1887, 60x126 feet, northwest of the boiler house, for 
 the storage of hides. Here can be stored from 25,000 to 30,000 dry flint hides, of 
 which large stocks are kept on hand. There are employed usually from ninety 
 to 100 men in the various departments of tanning, and in the piling of the 
 bark during the season. The men employed about the tannery live within a 
 short distance, occupying some thirty houses belonging to the plant, as well 
 as nearly as many more owned by the occupants. Not far from 1,000 acres of 
 hemlock timber are annually denuded of bark to supply the needed product 
 for thoroughly tanning the thousands of sides which are turned out each 
 month during the year. No " bark extract " (so called) is used. Of course, 
 so large an establishment must of necessity be a large patron of the railroads, 
 and it is not unusual for the weekly freight bill to amount to $500, and some- 
 
290 HISTOKY OF MCKEAN COUNTY. 
 
 times to more than double that amount. At the beginning of the year 1878 
 the firm name was changed from Jewett & Keating to that of Root & Keating, 
 which name still remains. Myron H. Paxson was superintendent and John 
 Goodsell foreman till February, 1877, when they resigned and M. C. Field was 
 appointed superintendent and B. Kershner tannery foreman, who still hold 
 the same positions. In the year 1881 Peter Sharp was appointed bark fore- 
 man, aad in ,1885 George H. Kershner was appointed assistant tannery fore- 
 man. Mr. Root, a resident of Buffalo, visits the town every two weeks, but 
 beyond a general observation does not interfere with the management. To this 
 company is credited much of the progress of Port Allegany. The members 
 and managers are very liberal in their dealings; their cheerful methods of 
 business, together with their active, earnest interest in local affairs, give them 
 a high place in public estimation. 
 
 The American Extract Company purchased lands, made many repairs and 
 additions, and increased the working capacity of their manufactory twenty 
 per cent during the fall of 1889. The works are owned by a Chicago com- 
 pany, for whom B. C. Tabor, a stockholder, is manager. 
 
 Arnold & Dolley, F. H. Rowley and A. N. Lillibridge are heavily engaged 
 in the lumber business, as well as V. R. Vanderhule, the latter also having in- 
 terests in stone quarrying, etc. N. R. Bard of the firm of N. R. Bard & Co., 
 successors to A. M. Benton & Co., is extensively engaged in the lumber busi- 
 ness at Roulette, Potter County. 
 
 The Hall & Pelton planing and turning- mill was erected in the fall of 1889, 
 the building being 28x76 feet and two stories in height .... Within the borough 
 and a radius of a few miles are several important lumber manufacturing con- 
 cerns. Portage creek, Keating and Shippen to the south, and Turtle Point, 
 Sartwell and Larrabee to the north, are all tributary to Port Allegany. 
 
 Banks. — The First National Bank was founded in April, 1888, with F. H. 
 Arnold, Henry Hamlin, B. D. Hamlin, A. G. Olmsted, F.. H. Root, B. C. 
 Gallup, J. S. Rowley and A. J. Hughes, stockholders. The capital stock was 
 $50,000. The ofiice of this banking company is an elegant modern structure. 
 The ofiicers of the First National Bank for 1890 are F. H. Arnold, president; 
 Henry Hamlin, vice-president; J. S. Rowley, cashier; A. J. Hughes, F. H. 
 Arnold, B. C. Gallup, C. A. Dolley, Henry Hamlin, B. D. Hamlin and F. H. 
 Root, directors. 
 
 A local board of the National Savings and Loan Association of Rochester, 
 N. Y. , was organized May 27, 1889, with the following named officers: Pres- 
 ident, N. R. Bard; vice-president, J. H. Williams; secretary, A. J. Hughes; 
 treasurer, F. E. Watts; attorney, R. C. Bard. In 1890 C. C. Ward was elected 
 secretary, and M. J. Colcord, attorney, with A. J. Hughes, N. R. Bard and 
 R. C. Bard, directors. 
 
 Cemetery Association. — The Cemetery Association was organized in March, 
 1852. Among the members were Aaron S. Arnold, John J. Abbey. S. H. 
 Barrett, William Wilkins, T. W. Richmond, L. Lillibridge, Merrit Smith, 
 Isaac Viner, R. B. and William Bellows, William Simar, Aaron Smith, Harvey 
 Manning, William Sherwood and P. Fean. On June 10, 1889, the following 
 officers were elected: E. B. Dolley, president; C. A. Dolley, treasurer; C. H. 
 ■Cole, secretary; Andy Black, sexton; F. H. Arnold, trustee. 
 
 Hotels. — The Sartwell House, the leading hotel, with the Port Allegany 
 House and the new hotel of A. J. Connelly on Pearl street, form the principal 
 hostelries of the town. The latter was built in October, 1889. 
 
 C/iwrc^es. —Methodist Episcopal Church. In 1836 a hunter named Foster 
 came to Canoe Place and preached at the house of Lodowick Lillibridge. In 
 
HIHTOllY OF MCKEAN COUNTY. 291 
 
 April, 1838, a class was organized with Levi and Sophronia Coats, Phebe 
 Eastwood, S. S., Nabby and Annie Grimes, Anna and L. Lillibridge, Jacob 
 and Maria Simcox, Betsy Bellows, A. P., Horace and Oretta P. Barnaby, Joel 
 H. Eice, Saloma Cummings, members. Meetings were held in the " Old Bed 
 House" of Levi Coats, subsequently in the school-house, and later in the 
 Union church house. In 1853 the members belonged to the Eldred mission of 
 the Olean district, and in 1871 Port Allegany circuit was established. 
 
 In a letter by I. Steele, dated August 13, 1874, it is stated that at the time 
 a small scattered Methodist class existed here, attended irregularly by Elder 
 Morris, of State Line, but the editor of the Reporter corrected this statement 
 by showing that a church building which cost 13,500 stood here at the time, 
 and was used by all Protestant denominations. 
 
 The First Methodist Episcopal Church of Port Allegany, which is the same 
 as that organized in 1836 with Rev. J. D. Wood, pastor, was incorporated in 
 January, 1880, with Balthasar Kershner, William Grigsby, H. F. Dnnbar, M. 
 C. Field, James K. Moore and Fred and L. Meservey, trustees. The church 
 house was erected in 1880 by Cotton & Sons of Olean. A. M. Benton donated 
 three lots and |650 cash, while Mr. Root donated $1,600. Mr. Benton, with 
 Messrs. Kershner, Field and Freeland, formed the building committee. Not- 
 withstanding the liberal donations, the society owed large sums to Mr. Root 
 and Mr. Benton for some time after the completion of the building. 
 
 The Union Church, Port Allegany, was incorporated December 26, 1867,' 
 on petition of A. S. Arn9ld, J. J. Abbey, E. B. Dolley, C. Dolley, W. J. 
 Davis, J. C. Coleman, A.' Fortner, William Sherwood, T. Mullin, William 
 Simar, L. J. Gallup, J. K. Moore, E. Fitch, Peter Frederick, R. E. Bellows, 
 
 F. H. Arnold, A. H. Medbery, V. H. Benton, B. B. Burt, T. N. Peet, Charles 
 Peet, J. G. Hall, Dennison Woodcock, J. Campbell, J. Tallmadge, Paul Hall, 
 
 G. W. Nichols, J. Ames, A. Acre, J. S. Wert, P. M. Coleman, William Cole- 
 man, L. M. Eastwood, W. A. Wright, N.- N. Metcalf, Samuel Cole, H. Met- 
 calf, A, Eastwood, O. D. and O. Vosburg. A. N. and S. S. Lillibridge, G. W. 
 Manning, J. R. Proctor, W. Grigsby, W. P. and A. I. Wilcox, Horace Cole- 
 man, and L. H. Dolley. The church was dedicated February 15, 1872. The 
 total cost was $3,600, the bell being presented by A. S. Arnold. 
 
 Universalists. — In December, 1874, Rev. B. Brunning came here to organ- 
 ize a Universalist society, but the results did not warrant the building of a 
 church house. 
 
 Catholic Church. — The first regular services of St. Gabriel's Catholic 
 Church were performed by Father Patterson in 1875, and the congregation 
 was formed April 30, 1876. Among the early members were Keron Hanlon, 
 P. Moran, P. Brider, P. Kilday, Maggie Kilday, Sol. Leighton, J. Cook, M. 
 Galligar, Joseph Galligar, A. Laumer, A. Sampur, M. Ward, C. Bishop, 
 J. Conelly, Pat Kilday, John Kilday, Patrick Welch, P. Glenon, M. Mitchel, 
 S. Ebelheir, Julia Ward and Thomas Mack. The secretaries of the church 
 have been Dr. Rinn, James Galligar, R. Mulholland and A. Connelly ; Matthew 
 Snyder is secretary. The work of building was commenced in 1879 by Barrett 
 Brothers, and the church was completed in 1880 at a cost of $3,000. The 
 congregation numbers 300. The present pastor is Rev. Father Cosgrove. 
 
 The First Regular Baptist Church of Port Allegany was incorporated in 
 August, 1881, the signers of the articles being Dr. J. S. Stearns and wife, O. 
 J. Rose and wife, James Steele and wife, Mary Steele and Frfincis M. Robin- 
 son. When the society was organized, on June 2, 1877, the above named, ex- 
 cept the Rose family, were members, with Mrs. Teft and Charles H. Dodd. 
 Rev. S. D. Morris was the first pastor, succeeded by Rev. Rose, Rev. Dodd, 
 
292 HISTOBY OF MCKEAN COUNTY. 
 
 and the present pastor, Rev. E. C. H. Catterall. J. S. Stearns, F. M. Eobin- 
 son and A. A. Matthews have filled the clerk's office successively, the first 
 named being nov? clerk. The society of twenty-foar members worship in 
 the old Union Church building, which has now been transferred to the Pres- 
 byterians. The Baptist Society proposes to erect a house of worship on land 
 donated by A. M. Benton, nearly opposite the Methodist Episcopal Church. 
 The cost is estimated at $3,500. 
 
 The Congregational Society was organized May 7, 1877, by Rev. H. M. 
 Higley, with Mrs. G. C. Barrett, Lettie and Nellie Barrett, Mrs. M. A. Lilli- 
 bridge, Mrs. Eddy, Mrs. W. Hooker and C. W. Wasson,*members. 
 
 The Free- Will Baptist Society of Port Allegany was incorporated in June, 
 1883, with A. N. Lillibridge, William Pelton, John H. Eastwood, J. H. Burr 
 and C. C. Richardson, trustees. The names of J. Richardson, A. L. East- 
 wood and O. C. Griffin also appear as contributing members. 
 
 The Swedish Evangelical Lutheran Society of Port Allegany was incorpor- 
 ated July 13, 1886 — O. Lindberg, N. J. Anderson, Benjamin Anderson and 
 B. M. Johnson being the petitioners. 
 
 St. Joseph's Protestant Episcopal Church was opened July 22, 1888, and 
 now claims twenty -nine members. This church has been attended by Revs. J. 
 H. McCandless, H. Q. Miller, Josephus Tragett, F. W. White and C. L. Bates, 
 present pastor. The property of the society is valued at $2,000. The new 
 ' church house was dedicated November 16, 1889. Work was begun during the 
 pastorate of Rev. F. W. White. The property was transferred free of debt 
 to a committee comprising Rector Bates, Dr. F. E. Watts, F. E. Rowley and 
 S. C. Sartwell. 
 
 The Presbyterian Society was organized at the house of C. E. Hubbard, 
 December 10, 1889, with G. C. Farnsworth, president; George Weber, secre- 
 tary; E. P. Dalrymple, treasurer; C. E. Hubbard, F. Gerwiok, Mrs. Dalrym- 
 ple, Mrs. Farnsworth, Mrs. Hubbard and Mrs. Weber, executive committee. 
 Their first services were held in the Union building January 12, 1890. 
 
 In January, 1890, the new Presbyterian society elected C. C. Ward, C. E. 
 Hubbard and B. Both, elders; S. W. Smith (president), E. P. Dalrymple 
 (treasurer), F. Gerwick, Jr., G. C. Farnsworth and George Weber (clerk), 
 trustees Later in January services were held in the Swedish chiirch, and 
 toward the close of that month a proposition to purchase the Union church 
 house was entertained and the building purchased. 
 
 Public Schools. — The public schools of Port Allegany are under the profes- 
 sorship of A. E. Barnes, who has been at the head of the schools several years. 
 He is assisted by Miss Edith Van Duzen (a graduate of the Genesee Normal 
 School), who teaches the grammar school; Miss Ida Manay, the second inter- 
 mediate; Miss Grace Sweeting, the first intermediate, and Miss Addie Neefe, 
 the primary department. The schools have recently been graded, and a pre- 
 paratory course is now taught. About 275 pupils are enrolled. 
 
 The Port Allegany school board, elected in June, 1889, comprises C. R. 
 Bard, president; Thomas McDowell, treasurer; T. B. Day, secretary; with E. 
 B. Starkweather, C. E. Hubbard and C. H. Bergman. In July A. E. Barnes 
 was employed as principal; Ida V. Manay, Grace M. Sweeting and Addie C. 
 Neefe, assistant teachers. 
 
 Societies, Associations, Etc. — Liberty Lodge, No. 505, A. F. & A. M. , was 
 constituted December 26, 1871, with the following members: George Goltrey, 
 Miles Irons. H. Jay Barrett, F. H. Arnold, Thomas McDowell, C. H. Cole, E. 
 B. Dolley, William Dunbar, A. L. Medbery, C. L. Bellows. The names of 
 the past masters are G. H. Goltrey, H. Jay Barrett, P. A. McDonald, C. H. 
 
HISTORY OF MCKEAN COUNTY. 293 
 
 Cole, E. J. Mott, John Dick and James H. Williams, now acting master. The 
 names of secretaries are Thomas McDowell, H. Jay Barrett, O. L. Snyder and 
 C. \V. Hooker, now acting secretary. The present number of members is 
 fifty-four, and the value of the property 1500. This lodge elected the follow- 
 ing named officers for 1890: O. E. Goldhagen, W. M. ; Frank Eckert, S. W. ; 
 C. H. Cole, J. W. ; T. McDowell, Treasurer; C. W. Hooker, Secretary; E. B.' 
 Dolley, C. H. Cole and B. Kershner, Trustees, and J. A. Williams, Represent- 
 ative. 
 
 R. A. Chapter, 'Hj^o. 254 was instituted May 17, 1877. with the following 
 named members: P. A. McDonald, F. H. Arnold, E. B. Dolley, A. H. Med- 
 bery, E. P. Dalrymple, George M. Smith, Frank D. Simar and Nathan R. 
 Bard. The names of past high priests are P. A. McDonald, G. M. Smith, 
 Charles N. Barrett, C. R. Bard and O. L. Snyder, while the present high 
 priest is E. P. Dalrymple. The secretaries have been E. P. Dalrymple, H. 
 J. Barrett, O. L. Snyder, C. R. Bard, and the present secretary, J. H. Will- 
 iams. There are thirty-two members, and the property is valued at 1800. 
 
 The Knights of Honor Lodge was organized October 25, 1879, under the 
 name of Mountain Lodge. The names of original members are P. A. Mo- 
 Donald, H. J. Barrett, C. A. Larrabee, P. E. Cotter, R. J. Mott, C. W. 
 Hooker, William Hooker, A. Crandal, J. V. Otto, M. D., M. A. Lillibridge, 
 O. E. Coyle. William Dunbar, H. D. Helmer, James Doyle, S. L. Youngs, M.' 
 M. Griffin, J. E. Chandler. P. A. McDonald was first dictator, and the pres- 
 ent dictator is W. C. Downs. C. A. Larrabee was first reporter, the present 
 reporter being C. H. Bergman. There are nineteen members. The officers of 
 the Knights of Honor for 1890, in the order of lodge rank, are C. C. Ward, D. 
 M. Teater, M. A. Lillibridge, C. H. Bergman, Thomas McDowell, William 
 Hooker, J. V. Otto, J. L. Ward, M. L. Shmtz and S. C. Sartwell. 
 
 Lam-el Encampment, No. 61, Knights.of St. John and Malta, was organized 
 April 7, 1887. The names of original members are F. E. Watts, M. E. 
 Manning, F. Schoonover, J. D. Ford, F. Allen, E. M. Fulmer, C. M. Good- 
 win, B. M. Johnson, O. C. Wagner, Reene Wilson, P. J. Fleming, 0. Fulmer, 
 C. H. Bergman, O. E. Goldhagen, O. M. Johnson, H. Coleman, G. Reese, F. 
 W. Weidman, F. H. Hall, E, A. Cole, T. H. Trous, W. L. Lillibridge, C. A. 
 Lambert and W. D. Russell. The names of eminent commanders were W. D. 
 Russell, C. H. Bergman and I. B. Baker. The names of the secretaries are 
 O. M. Johnson, I. B. Baker, W. D. Russell and O. E. Goldhagen. The offi- 
 cers installed April 11, 1890, in encampment order, are as follows: F. H. 
 Hall, C. M. Goodwin, T. H. Burleson, I. B. Baker, W. M. Holmes, C. H. 
 Bergman, A. A. Abbey, S. L. Young, B. M. Johnson, Frank Schoonover, 
 J. G. Hall, M. A. Lillibridge. O. C. Wagner, J. B. Colcord, M. D., M. I. 
 Sawyer, A. G. Irons, Frederick Gerwick. The present number of members 
 is forty. 
 
 In May, 1887, a tent of the K. O. T. M. was organized at Liberty, with 
 Nathan Tronst, president, and Frank Hoover, secretary. The officers of the 
 K. O. T. M., for 1890, in the order of tent, rank, are F. Gerwick, J. W. Kersh- 
 ner, M. Venus, I. E. Johnson, E. D. Sherrill, H. J. Wolcott, J. V. Otto, J. J. 
 Gallagher, W. E. Pelton, S. A. Eastwood, A. Fairbanks, L. L. Hilliker and 
 John Brown. 
 
 Henry H. Metcalfe Post, 431, G. A. E., was organized May 15, 1884, with 
 E. Horton, C. ; C. A. Larrabee, S. V. ; John Dean, J. V. ; C. N. Barrett, Q. M. ; 
 Dr. Hogarth, Surg.; S. S. Steele, Chap.; C. W. Wagner, O. D., and Melvin 
 Hall, O. G. Commander Wright, of McKean Post, presided. Young Metcalfe 
 came with his parents to Port Allegany in 1857, enlisted in the Fifty-eighth 
 
294: HISTORY OF MCKEAN COUNTY. 
 
 Pennsylvania Infantry in August, 1862; was made prisoner at Fair Oaks;, 
 confined in the Confederate prisons at Richmond and Salisbury, and while 
 returning " with his mother died two miles north of Emporium, April 25, 
 1865. The charter members were: C. N. Barrett, Forty- sixth Pennsylvania;. 
 M. E. Hall, Fifty-eighth Pennsylvania; C. A. Larrabee, Eighty-fifth New 
 York; William Van Loon, First New York Dragoons; Chester Baker, Fifty- 
 eighth Pennsylvania; A. S. Ames, One Hundred and Thirty-sixth Pennsylvania;. 
 B. G. Bartle, Twenty-third New York; A. A. Goodwin, Fifty-eighth Pennsyl- 
 vania; I. Studley, Two Hundred and Eleventh Pennsjjlvania; H. D. Hel- 
 mer, Eighty-fifth New York; P. N. Hogarth, First K. R. ; S. Steele, One 
 Hundred and Eighty-seventh Pennsylvania; I. B. Harrup, One Hundred and 
 Ninety eighth Pennsylvania; Yates Anson, Fifty-third Pennsylvania; John 
 Dehn, First Minnesota; L. Burrows, One Hundred and Ninety-ninth Penn- 
 sylvania; E. Horton, First New York Dragoons; R. S. Dexter, Seventy-sixth 
 Pennsylvania; William Rauber, One Hundred and Eighty-eighth New York 
 Volunteers; S. R. Semens, Two Hundred and Eleventh Pennsylvania; C. W. 
 Wagner, First Light Artillery; Rufus Coombs, Seventeenth New York. The 
 position of commander has been filled, since Horton' s time, by C. N. Barrett, 
 B. G. Bartle and R. H. Camp. The two last named have served as adjutants, 
 a position now well filled by E. F. Cornell. There are thirty-five members. 
 The officei-s of Metcalfe Post for 1890 are A. S. Ames, J. M. Matthews, L. 
 Burrows, I. S. Fogle, A. A. Peling and J. F. Sharp, with C. C. Ward and I. S. 
 Fogle, delegates, and C. C. Ward, adjutant. 
 
 ^Vomen's Relief Corps was organized February 15, 1887, with the following 
 named members: Madams Flora Hogarth, Nancy Van Loon, Julia Helmer, 
 Elizabeth Richardson, Jane Hall, Susan Baker, Ada Horton, Mary Steele and 
 Misses Ina Richardson, Nora Fogle, Belle Fogle, Clara Steele, Nellie Clare, 
 Belle Bartle and Lou Bartle. Mrs. Hpgarth and Mrs. Van Loon have presided 
 over this society, of which Mrs. Sarah Hooker is now president. Mrs. Rich- 
 ardson was first secretary, and Mrs. Lou Bartle is present recorder. There 
 are nineteen members. 
 
 The Port Allegany I. O. G. T. was organized September 20, 1867, with J. 
 K. Moore, W. C. T. Mrs. J. F. Shurtz, O. D. Vosburg, Misses Thompson, 
 Wilkin, Dolley and Vosburg, Mrs. Lillibridge, W. D. Bellows, Mason Lilli- 
 bridge, Izates Dolley and G. B. Fitch, were the ofiScers. 
 
 The Port Allegany Library Association was organized in February, 1875, 
 with A. J. Hughes, president; E. P. Dalrymple, secretary; A. B. Humphrey,. 
 Mrs. F. H. Arnold and Mrs. Thomas McDowell, executive committee. 
 
 The High School Literary Society, in March, 1890, elected the following 
 named officers: President, William H. Catterall: vice-president, Grace M. 
 Sweeting; secretary, Alice Rowley; treasurer, Gretta Kinney ; librarian, Edith 
 Van Deusen. 
 
 The International Fraternal Alliance was instituted at Port Allegany in 
 November, 1889, by J. B. Hargrave. It sets forth to pay its members the 
 sum of $700 every seven years. M. J. Headley is speaker, S. J. Carlson, 
 clerk, and W. H. Keeney, treasurer. 
 
 The W. C. T. U. elected the following named officers in December, 1889: 
 Mrs. C. A. Larrabee, president; Mrs. G. C. Farnsworth, secretary, and Mrs. 
 R. C. Bard, treasurer. 
 
 The Young Women' s Christian Temperance Union elected the following 
 named officers June 10, 1889: Mrs. J. S. Shaner, president; Delia Dolley, 
 
 vice-president; Alice Rowley, secretary, and Dora Dolley, treasurer On 
 
 July 18, 1889, the Loyal Temperance Union was organized bv Miss Schoch,, 
 with E. May Bellows, leader. 
 
HISTOEY OP MCKEAN COUNTY. 295 
 
 The Port Allegany Musical Association was organized by S. W. Adams in 
 August, 1876, -with G. A. Larrabee, Mrs. Kate Cowdrey, S. W. Smith, Mrs. T. 
 McDowell and H . J. Barrett, officials. 
 
 The Business Men's Club was organized in November, 1889, with F. E. 
 Eowley, president; B. C. Gallup, vice-president; G. C. Farnsworlh, secretary; 
 R. J. Mott, treasurer; J. H. Williams, J. V. Otto and W. W. Rinn, trustees. 
 The McKean County Agricultural Society. — For some years before the war 
 an agricultural society existed in the county and held fairs annually, Smeth- 
 port being the headquarters. After the war. and up to 1875, the old society 
 showed signs of life, but the oil excitement of 1875 diverted men's attention 
 from farms and farming, and the organization may be said to have ceased. A 
 few years later, when oil prospectors did not succeed so well east of the divide, 
 the prosperous farmers of Liberty, Keating and adjoining townships suggested 
 their willingness to revive their association, and as a result the McKean 
 County Agricultural Society was organized in February, 1880, with A. J. 
 Hughes, N. N. Metcalf and E. B. DoUey, directors. Among the stockholders 
 were the officers named and F. H. Arnold, A. M. Benton, G. L. Blackman, S. 
 R. June, Goltry and Camp and S. W. Smith. In 1881-82 V. R. Vanderhule- 
 was president and A. J. Hughes, secretary. The McKean County Agricultural 
 Society petitioned for incorporation September 24, 1883. F. H. Arnold, W. 
 J. Davis and N. N. Metcalf were elected directors, and the total membership 
 was twenty-five. The following officers were elected for 1890: President, N. 
 R. Bard; vice-president, E. B. DoUey; secretary, A. J. Hughes; treasurer, F. 
 H. Arnold; directors: Henry Smith, B. C. Galhap, L. J. Gallup; auditors: 
 Thomas McDowell, E. P. Dalrymple, W. J. Davis. The shares are 1100 each. 
 Port Allegany is beautifully located in one of the most picturesque parts of 
 the Allegheny Valley. Nestling upon the banks of the river, it forms the gate 
 to the upper Allegheny country, and from it leads the fii-st railroad built in 
 that country. A range of hills bounds the horizon, from the summits of which 
 is spread out, before the observer, a landscape rivaling in beauty and exquisite 
 perfection many of the scenes chosen by master artists for their pencil or 
 brush. The whistle of the locomotive is constantly heard, as hurrying trains 
 come and go; the river gives life and animation to the scene, and all in all the 
 city site was well chosen and her streets surveyed on proper lines. Round th& 
 business section and interspersed with the houses of trade are seen the modern 
 homes and well-kept grounds of the people; school and church buildings, and 
 even the park, the whole completing a picture at once harmonious and attract- 
 ive. This pretty town is a monument to the intelligence of the people and to 
 their enterprise, which will survive when superficial tokens of remembrance, 
 shall have crumbled into dust. 
 
296 HISTORY OP MCKEAN COUNTY. 
 
 CHAPTER XVIII. 
 
 NORWICH TOWNSHIP. 
 
 Topography, Etc.— Geology— Coal Mines— Oil Wells— Population— Offi- 
 cers FOR 1890— Assessment, 1837— Early Settlers— The Old Norwich 
 Church— The Norwich Cemetb:ry Association— Stores in 1847— Mineral 
 Wells— Timber Lands and Saw-mills— Newerf. 
 
 "VrORWICH TOWNSHIP forms the southeast corner of the county in con- 
 -LNI junction with a strip of territory belonging to Liberty township. The 
 divide occupies a central position, reaching an elevation of 2, 348 feet above 
 the ocean. From this height the east branch of Potatoe creek flows south and 
 west, to join the main creek running north by the divide; North creek and 
 Portage creek, southeast to the Sinnemahoning portage, and the head-waters 
 of Allegany portage north into the Allegheny river above Port Allegany. The 
 Salt Works branch of the Sinnemahoning also rises in the southeast corner. 
 The Emporium and Norwich anticlinal valleys traverse this section, while 
 the Norwich and Clermont synclinals or bituminous coal basins parallel the 
 anticlinals. The highest elevation of the bottom of the Olean conglomerate 
 is found three-fourths of a mile northwest of Keating depot, 2,275 feet 
 above ocean, and the lowest at the Hamlin coal opening, 1,890 feet. The low- 
 est measured point in the township is just below Crosby post-of&ce, where the 
 creek bottom is 1, 508 feet above ocean level. The average dip from the Keat- 
 ing summit near the depot to the Lyman Camp mine in the Potatoe creek coal 
 basin is 140 feet per mile, but in sections it ranges from 250 feet per mile to 
 100 feet. Prom the Lyman Camp to the Hamlin mine the dip is only eleven 
 feet, and thence to Burnt Hill eighteen feet. Prom Norwich Hill to Splint 
 mine on the eastern side the dip is 110 feet per mile; the southeastern dip, in 
 the southwest corner, 132 feet per mile, and the dip between Wolcott-Comes 
 creek summit and well No. 1, twenty-two feet per mile. There are many local 
 dips in the coal beds of this township, while the rock outcrop extends verti- 
 cally downward to the upper Chemung shale and sandstone, a distance of 
 1, 240 feet (as at Coal Pit mines, which open 2, 183 feet above tide), from the 
 shale overlying the Dagus coal bed. This stratum shows 290 feet of coal meas- 
 ures, including Olean conglomerate, 450 feet of Mauch Chunk and Pocono, 300 
 leet of red Catskill and from 150 to 250 feet of Chemung. The 290 feet of 
 coal measures show fifteen feet of shale, three of gray slate, five of Dagus coal, 
 one and one-half of fire-clay, forty of shale and sandstone, three and one-half 
 of coal, one and one-half of fire-clay, thirty-three of shale and slate, one and 
 one-half of Clermont coal, one and one-half of fire-clay, fifty of Johnson run 
 sandstone, five of black slate, two and one-half of Alton upper coal, eight of 
 fire-clay and shale, three-fourths of Alton middle coal, four and one- fourth of 
 shale and sandstone, four of Alton lower coal, two of fire-clay, forty-eight of 
 Kinzua creek sandstone, two and one-third of Marshburg upper coal, two and 
 two-thirds of fire-clay and fifty- five of Olean conglomerate and sandstone. The 
 section was made from the survey by P. E. Gleason in 1876. The conforma- 
 tion at the Eock coal mine, 2, 138 feet above tide, varies a little, showing a 
 
'e 
 
 
HISTORY OF MCKEAN COUNTY. 299 
 
 fifteen-feet exposure of flaggy sandstone at the opening, while the Hamlin and 
 Splint coal beds rest on Kinzua creek sandstone. The Blue coal opening is 
 2,028 feet above tide; the Spring, 2,035 feet, and Eochester cannel mines, 
 2, 074 feet. In the test of these coals it was found that Coal Pit coal yielded about 
 56.2 of fixed carbon and 63.6 of coke; Spring, 59.3 and 67.3, respectively 
 Hamlin, 61.6 and 69.2; Blue, 62.1 and 69; Eock, 58 and 70; Lyman Camp 
 57.5 and 68.8; Charley, 49.2 and 64.2; Block coal, 38.8 and 61.5; Burnt Hill 
 (cannel), 48.1 and 66.3, and Eochester (cannel), 37. 7 and 75.9 per cent of fixed 
 carbon and coke. In the gas test, one pound from the Hamlin seam yielded 
 5.10 cubical feet; from the Spring and Blue seams, over four; from the Block, 
 over three aad one-half, and from the Burnt Hill cannel almost three cubical 
 feet. In 1875-76 explorations on the Backus and Chadwiek lands (known as 
 the Butterfield purchase), in the southeast and southwest corners of Sergeant 
 and Norwich townships, were reported by Seth Backus, of Smethport. Well 
 No. 1 opened 2,232 feet above ocean level in five and one-fourth feet of soil, 
 resting on a bed of shale from fourteen to twenty feet in depth. This well 
 reached a depth of about 1,400 feet, striking white, fine, micaceous sand rock 
 at the bottom, passing through thin beds of coal (thirty feet below the mouth) 
 and iron ore. In well No. 2 a heavier coal deposit was found sixty- four feet be- 
 low the surface, and in well No. 4 about forty-seven feet below the top. In the 
 vicinity of No. 4 the Buffalo Coal company opened a well 2, 173 feet above 
 ocean level, and at a depth of almost 127 feet bored through the Marshburg 
 coal. Tip Indian run several four-inch beds have been opened. 
 
 Near Hamlin, an oil well was drilled in 1875-76 to a depth of 2,002 feet, 
 and in June, 1877, the great flagstone quarry was opened by Orlando Gallup, 
 and worked by John Digel. 
 
 The population of Norwich township in 1880 was 431. In 1888 there were 
 96 Eepublican, 63 Democratic and 3 Prohibitionist votes cast, or a total of 162, 
 representing a population of 810. 
 
 The officers for 1890 are as follows: Supervisors, B. D. Colegrove, E. E. 
 Burdick; school directors, J. B. Oviatt, N. C. Gallup; justice of the peace, M. 
 Blodgett; constable, Ellis Griffith; town clerk, J. B. Oviatt; auditors, W. E. 
 Wilson, C. A. Anderson and C. D. Comes for one year; collector, O. D. Gal- 
 lup; judge of election, E. N. Wilson; inspectors, W. O. Gallup, W. B. Eichey. 
 The assessment of residents of Norwich township in 1837 shows the names 
 of John Abbey, Tim Abbey, John Avery, Dave Allard, Joe Apple, I. Burlingame, 
 William Brewer, Wheeler and Henry Brown, George and Daniel A. Easter- 
 brooks, Eowland Burdick, Nathan Brewer, Asa Cotton, Dave Comes, Elias J. 
 Cook, Benjamin and Jonattian Colegrove, Francis J. Chadwiek, Edward Cor- 
 win and son, Amos Coats, Henry Chapin, Edward Dickenson, Levi Davis, Jr., 
 E. Eastwood, John Ellis, Job GifPord, John S. Gunning, O. W. Wheeler, 
 Jabez, N. C. and A. E. Gallup, Luke B. Gibson, J. W. Howe, John 
 Housler, Ben Haxton, L. and Hiram Havens, Horatio and William Hall,* 
 Thomas Hookey, George and H. Jacox, Henry Lasher, Asenath Lawrence, 
 Levi Lathrop, Samuel Messenger, Abner Miller, — Marsh, I. Murphy, Eben 
 Pattison, Daniel Eifle, Nathan Eobbins, Esseck Smith, William Smith, Henry 
 Scott, Levi Thomas, Asa Townes, Ehoda White, Samuel Wiswall (trader), 
 William White, Tim and L. F. Wolcott. Henry Scott was assessor, and he 
 recommended Daniel Eifle and Esseck Smith for collectors. 
 
 The first permanent settlement was made in 1815 by Jonathan Colegrove, the 
 Abbeys and Wolcotts from Norwich, Chenango Co. , N. Y.,with others from various 
 towns, giving the township the name of their old home. William Smith and 
 the Whites and Corwins also settled in Norwich William Gifford, who 
 
 * WUUam Hall was the owner of the grist-mill. 
 15 
 
300 HISTOEY OF MCKEAW COUNTT. 
 
 was born in Norwich townsbip in 1821, died-June 26,1889,atSmetbport; .'. . 
 Edward Oorwin, who served in the Eevolution for six years and a quarter, 
 came with his family to Norwich in 1822, and in 1828 settled at Smethjport. 
 Grhordis Corwin, the son, died in 1876, leaving $800 to the' Baptist church, 
 which he joined here in 1836. 
 
 The old Delmar Church, the first organized in the western part of Tioga 
 county, lost seventeen members in 1820-21, when the old Norwich church of 
 McKean county was founded.. In 1876 James' Steele, of Port Allegany, was 
 said to be the last survivor of the first members. 
 
 The Norwich Cemetery Association was incorporated in November, 1874, 
 with W. J. Colegrove, A. P. Brewer, O. D. Gallup, D. D. Gomes and Orlando 
 Gallup, ttustees. 
 
 Colegrove is a thriving village, located on the Western New York & 
 Pennsylvania Eailroad. The post-office there was presided over. Tip to 1880, 
 by W. J. Colegrove, to whose efforts the establishment of an office at this 
 point was due. Jonathan Colegrove is the present postmaster. In 1883 the 
 general mercantile business of W. J. Colegrove & Son was purchased by C. A. 
 Anderson. The Heinemann lumber industry and other lumber interests in 
 the vicinity contribute principally to the trade of the village. A pumping 
 station of the National Transit Company is located here. 
 
 In May, 1847, the stores of C. R. & B. O. BurdicK and J. F. Gallup were 
 opened in Norwich. 
 
 Gardeau is the new postal name given to the old Elk-lick. 
 
 The Parker Magnetic Mineral well, near the comer of McKean, Potter and 
 Cameron counties, nine miles from Emporium, was analyzed in July, 1888, 
 and found to contain 627.59 grains of mineral matter — Silica, 1.33; Mag. Chi., 
 109.84; Cal. Carb., 11.95; Cal. Chi., 221.92; Sod. Chi., 282.55; Pot. Chi. 
 traces. In 1887 a mineral spring was discovered at Four Mile on Ni P. Min- 
 ard' s lands. The present site of the flowing well has always been known, since 
 the earliest" history of the country, as the great Elk-lick. Although it is not 
 certain that the water flowed from the ground in its present strength, it un- 
 doubtedly possessed saline qualities which attracted deer and elk in great num- 
 bers. In 1865 N. H. Parker drilled a well 640 feet deep in the bed of the old 
 spring, and struck the present vein of mineral water that flows from the top 
 of the well. Mr. Parker drilled the well in the hope of finding oil. The 
 water was allowed to flow uncared fox and unthought of, until about four years 
 ago, when one George Broucham, who was working for Mr. Parker in the saw- 
 inill, was laid up with an attack of calculiis, which had been troubling him for 
 several years. Having a fondness for- this water, he commenced drinking it 
 from the well, and began to recover immediately. The flow of the spring, 
 which never varies perceptibly, is about sixty-five gallons per hour. The 
 spring was purchased by the Parker Mineral Spring Company in 1888. They 
 have built a good hotel and commodious bath-house, which are under efficient 
 management. 
 
 In February, 1890, H. C. Crawford bought 1,400 acres of timber land, on 
 the line of the Western New York & Pennsylvania Railroad, about fifteen miles 
 south of Port Allegany, and engaged in cutting the timber on it. He has built 
 two saw-mills, one at Gardeau, and the other at Sizerville. 
 
 Digel is the name of a post-office in this township. 
 
 Newerf , formerly known as Spearsburg and later as Crosby, is six miles 
 south by east of Smethport. Here at the old Spearsburg mill, lately owned 
 by G. C. Carpenter & Son, people in this vicinity and Smethport, no later than 
 1873, came to have lumber planed. This mill was burned about 1884. Here 
 also were the oil extract works written of in the chapter on the oil fields. 
 
HISTORY OF MCKEAN COUNTY. 301 
 
 The town is pleasantly located on the line of the Western New York & Penn- 
 sylvania Railroad, and contains several frame houses, a billard room, a tonsorial 
 parlor, a building recently erected for a foundry, not yet in operation, a board- 
 ing house which is under the management of Ed. Eldridge, two blacksmith 
 shops, and two saw mills, one owned by the Crosby lumber company and the 
 other by James White. There is also a school-house which was built in the 
 fall of 1882. The school is managed by a Mrs. Gary of Bradford. Besides 
 all these many improvements there are two stores, one owned by the Crosby 
 Lumber Company, and the other by M. Erhart. The last store" contains the 
 post-office and M. Erhart is the postmaster. 
 
 At the rate of the present output of hemlock lumber, it will be but 
 a few years when people around here will be compelled to resort to other in- 
 dustries, in order to gain a livelihood. The forests are being stripped of the 
 hemlock very rapidly and no doubt the present generation will live to see hem- 
 lock as scarce as pine is . After the little hills are stripped of the hemlock 
 the land will be of little use save for grazing, and then the sheep will have to 
 be shod, for the hills are so steep and stony that they can not hold their footing. 
 
 CHAPTER XIX. 
 
 OTTO TOWNSHIP. 
 > 
 
 Otto Township Topogkaphy — Population — Officees Elected in 1890— 
 
 Resident Tax-Payees, 1854-55— Aethue Peentiss' Account— Some Early 
 Settleus — Stobms and Fiees — Ciiueoh— Society at Rixfokd — I^Jiscel- 
 laneous- 
 Duke Centee Some Fiest TntNGS- The Place in 1879— Postmastees— 
 
 Population— Chartee Election. 1881— Gas Company— Bank— Chueches 
 —Societies. 
 
 OTTO TOWNSHIP is situated in the north part of the county. Indian 
 creek rises in the northeast corner near the New York State line; Tram, 
 North and Kansas branches of Knapp' s creek, which flow together above Duke 
 Centre, occupy the three canons of the north, while the heads of the north 
 branch of Cole creek flow south by east from the^ southern divide, leaving the 
 center of the township to be drained by Knapp' s creek, in the valley of which 
 the Kendall & Eldred Eailroad runs. The greatest measured height is the 
 summit of the Tide Water Pipe Line southeast of Rixford, 2,148 feet, but it is 
 ascertained that the summit between Indian creek and North branch is 2,350 
 feet above tide. Up to 1879 there were no discoveries of coal or other min- 
 eral made here, save that of petroleum, and the little territory was second to 
 none of equal extent in the production of this oil. 
 
 Otto township in 1880 claimed 4,277 inhabitants. Of this number 249 
 resided in Kansas Branch village, 145 in Fullerton, 737 in Oil Valley, 1,127 in 
 Eixford, 136 in Prentiss Vale, 231 in Tram Hollow and 16 in Windfall village. 
 In 1888 there were 173 Republican votes cast, 99 Democratic, 50 Prohibition 
 and 50 United Labor, or a total of 372, indicating the population at the time 
 to be 1,860. 
 
 The officers elected for 1890 are as follows : Supervisors, F. W. Sprague, 
 H. T. Breese; school directors, James Fraiser, J. M. Sloan; auditor, J. T. 
 
302 HISTOEY OF MCKEAN COUNTY. 
 
 Irvine; . collector, Z. Wilson; town clerk, E. B. Cronk; constable, C. C. Ama- 
 long; justice of the peace, E. E. Nash; judge of election, First District, E. B. 
 Cronk; inspectors, J. W. McCown, Prank Walsh; judge of election. Second 
 District, J. J. Donley; inspectors, J. E. Martin, F. E. Burton. 
 
 The resident tax-payers of Otto township, in 1854-55, were J. M. Baldwin 
 (who died in Maine), Nahum, Samuel, Sr., James Cyrus, Asa and Sam. 
 Baldwin, Jason W. Blanchard (now in Wisconsin, former owner of Eixford), 
 T. J. Bryant, Cook, Borden & Co. (saw-mill owners), John and Josiah Davis, 
 Gideon Ellis (living near Eldred), L. Ellis, James Pogle, Jesse Garey (Keat- 
 ing), Orisson Grey (moved to Wisconsin), Milton Koons, Col. James Labree, . 
 O. Lovell, William Lovejoy, James McCord, William McCullough (moved 
 to Jamestown), Hiram Moore, Eobert Moore, Arthur Prentiss (still a resident) 
 and H. K. Prentiss G. M. Prentiss, Ed. S. Eeed, Brad. G., Joe and William 
 H. Spiller, George and William Plummer, John Swink (living in Kansas), 
 Eev. M. W. Strickland, J. S. Thompson (now in Eldred), Henry Twambley 
 (living in Minnesota), Coon Wagoner (moved away) and Miami York (moved 
 west). The value of their property was placed at $6,305 by Nahum Baldwin. 
 Deacon Sprague came in January, 1856, and settled that year on his present 
 farm. 
 
 The following from the pen of Mr. Arthur Prentiss, giving some of his 
 reminiscences of Otto township, will be read with much interest: " The valley 
 of Knapp's creek," says Mr. Prentiss, " now forming the greater part of Otto 
 township, was formerly included in the township of Eldred. It was an un- 
 broken wilderness until 1842, in which year Hermon Strong, who had come 
 from Springfield, Penobscot Co., Me., located a farm at what is now called 
 Prentiss Vale, although for three years before settling here he had^been a res- 
 ident of Farmers Valley, same county. Soon after getting fairly to work on 
 his farm he put in operation a Yankee shingle machine, the first in the county. 
 Through the influence of Mr. Strong, who was an old acquaintance of mine, 
 I first came to what is now Otto township in December, 1845, having in view 
 the purchase of the pine timber land (at the head-waters of the creek branches), 
 and also the location of a colony of eastern farmers and lumbermen. I spent 
 several days with Mr. Strong in exploring the pine lands, and then returned 
 home. In the spring of 1846 I again visited the spot and made further ex- 
 amination of the valley, as well as several other locations, but being unable to 
 make any definite agreement for the timber land, owing to the existence of some 
 old speculation contracts, I again returned home. The fall of the same year, 
 however, once more found me out in this land of promise, and I succeeded in 
 arranging with W. B. Clymer (general agent for the Bingham estate) and John 
 King (agent for the Keating estate) for all the land we wanted. In April, 
 1847, I moved my family to Farmers Valley, and occupied the old Sartwell 
 (now Goodwin) farm two years, while locating land preparatory to building 
 a mill, etc. In the spring of 1849 I moved into a log house in the valley and 
 began the erection of a saw-mill, which was put in operation in the fall. The 
 heavy frame of this mill was raised without the use of whisky, probably the 
 first so raised in the county. (No intoxicating drink was ever sold in the val- 
 ley before oil was found.) In 1851 the timber land and mill were sold to W. 
 P. Pope and Cyrus Strong, of Binghamton, N. Y. , who cleared the streams, 
 built dams to reserve the water, and drove the pine logs, Yankee fashion, to 
 Olean, where they built mills and manufactured for the eastern market. In 
 1854 they sold out the remaining timber and the mills to Borden & Co., of Fall 
 Eiver, Mass., since known as the Olean Lumber Company. Almost all this 
 timber land has proven to be the best oil territory in the county. 
 
HISTOBY OF MCKEAN COUNTY. 303 
 
 ' ' A goodly mimbev of settlers from the vicinity of my former residence in 
 Penobscot county, Me., came and located on farms in my vicinity. We soon 
 built a small school-house, in which, for years, were held school. Sabbath- 
 school, religious services, etc. We had only a winter sled road from the 
 river, a distance of about three miles, but it was not long before we made a 
 wagon road, spending about |1,000, $500 of which were appropriated by the 
 county. Soon after starting business we procured the establishment of a 
 special post-office, which continued as such for about fifteen years, when a 
 regular mail route from Eldred to Bradford was put in operation. I. W. 
 Prentiss was appointed postmaster in 1850, and held the office about two 
 years, since which time I have held the office. Since the discovery of oil, two 
 other offices have been established. In 1852 (I think, as all records were 
 destroyed by fire) a Congregational church was organized, with Rev. M. W. 
 Strickland, from Maine, as first pastor. This church at one time had more 
 than thirty members, but through deaths, removals and other causes is now 
 almost extinct. Most of the early settlers were Old Line Democrats, but they 
 were soon converted to anti-slavery Whigs or Republicans, "and at one election, 
 near the commencement of the war of the Rebellion, the eighty or so voters 
 gave a unanimous Republican vote. At the outbreak of that war almost all of 
 oui' men, liable to military duty, volunteered, and I think only two were 
 drafted. We sent nearly fifty soldiers in all, of whom about twenty lost their 
 lives. Probably no other township with the same number of voters furnished 
 and lost an equal number of men during that struggle. ' ' 
 
 Benjamin Bunker came in 1852, and was engaged in lumbering and milling 
 until 1884, when he moved to Minnesota, where he died in 1889. John Duke 
 came here about the time of the Civil war, and built the present mills after 
 that struggle. 
 
 This township, like the adjoining one of Foster, has sufPered considerably 
 from fire, and on one occasion was storm-stricken. The storm of November, 
 1879, destroyed the new church building at Rixford, and a number of derricks 
 there, at Dallas, and at other points. 
 
 The Rixford fire of May 9, 1880, occasioned by a gas explosion, destroyed 
 seventy-five buildings, forming the business center of the town, in less than 
 two hours, and burned up 70,000 barrels of oil and forty rigs. . . .The, United 
 Lines Tank 714, completed in July, 1880, on the McKean farm, one mile south 
 of State Line, burst August 4, 1880, and 20,747 barrels of oil cut a channel down 
 to the creek .... United Lines Tank 738, opened on the McKean farm, 200 
 rods northeast of Babcock depot, August 11, was struck by lightning August 
 28, 1880, and 26, 597 barrels of oil burned up ... . The bush fires around Rix- 
 ford began on August 31, 1881, near Baker's trestle, and spread rapidly, de- 
 stroying twenty-four rigs and consuming large quantities of oil ... . The fires 
 around Bordell in September, 1881, destroyed forty-six rigs and 3,900 barrels 
 of oil. This fire spread over 250 acres .... The fire on the Loop farm on the 
 north branch of Indian creek, resulted in the destruction of oil at Hardison & 
 Kribb's wells. 
 
 In 1826 Joshua Barnes and Barnabas Pike built a fluter saw-mill at State 
 Line. 
 
 The State Line Chapel Association was incorporated March 8, 1887, in 
 order to build a house for Methodist worship. The names of the petitioners 
 are C. Beaton, N. J. Warren, E. H. Crook, D. Bleakslee, A. R. Wagner and S. 
 E. Humphrey. 
 
 The E. A. U. of Rixford was established in March, 1876, with seventy 
 members. The officers chosen were J. Eraser, Mrs. D. Pearsall, John Jack, 
 Mrs. E. E. Brown, Miss L. Love, J. B. Nutting and J. W. Martin. 
 
304 HISTOBY OF MCKEAN COUNTY. 
 
 The accidental shooting of Fred Sprague, a boy aged seventeen years, 
 took place at McAdoo's engine-house, near Duke Centre, in October, 1888. 
 It appears he and Dallas Thomson stepped into the engine house to see the 
 well starting up. Young Sprague grounded his gun, but, slipping through a 
 crack in the floor, it was discharged, the shot entering his liver and causing his 
 death. 
 
 DUKE CENTRE. 
 
 The first house built on the site was Cook, Borden & Co.'s frame boarding 
 house, erected in May, 1856. Peter Haines, another pioneer, died before the 
 oil era, and Chauncey Boot resided on the site of Duke Centre before the war. 
 The settlement of the Bunkers is noticed above, and also the coming of John 
 Duke. In February, 1878. the business houses of Duke Centre were those of 
 Charles Duke, Huffman & Dalrymple, Swan & Bacon, O. D . Bloss & Co. , and 
 Barber Bros. 
 
 When V. P. Carter, who, as president of the Duke Centre Gras Company, 
 built the second gas line known in this county in 1879 (from Rixford to Duke 
 Centre), found at Duke Centre that year John, Thomas and Charles Duke, 
 with Randall, afterward postmaster, the Spragues and Baldwins and others. 
 There were ten store buildings and several hotels, among which was Brown's 
 Empire House and the McDonald House; G. F. Barton conducted his Opera 
 House, while three church buildings existed, Mr. Sprague building the Con- 
 gregational and John Duke the Church of Christ. The lot for the Congre- 
 gational society was secured, and a room over Barton's Opera House was beiijg 
 fitted up for the Good Templars. William H. Bandall was appointed first 
 postmaster, having previously carried a penny-post between Eldred and Duke 
 Centre. He served until 1885, when the late postmaster, P. L. Golden, was 
 appointed. W. H. Eandall was re-appointed in July, 1889. Prior to 1878 
 the office of this section was at Prentiss Vale. 
 
 The population of Duke Centre, in 1880, was 2,068. In 1888 there were 
 eighty-five Eepublican, forty-four Democratic, nine Prohibitionist and fifteen 
 Labor-Union votes cast, or a total of 153. Multiplying by sis, as in the case 
 of Bradford, the population is found to be 918. 
 
 Thel3harter election for the borough of Duke Centre was held February 15, 
 1881. M. M. McElwain received 214 votes, and William Williams 116, for 
 burgess; A. H. Low received 287 votes, and John M. Lyman 38, for justice. 
 Henry Fitzsimmons, Charles Duke, E. M. Eeardon, B. M. Moulton and J. W. 
 Flynn, were elected members of council; John Duke received 302, and A. M. 
 Boyd 198 votes, for auditor, three years' term; and George Fisher was elected 
 for short term; J. 0. B. Stivers, Joseph Norris, W. I. Lewis and Monroe 
 Henderson, were elected school directors; A. N. Heard, assessor; A. A. Coon, 
 overseerof the poor; J. L. Thomas, constable; George Tinto, high constable; 
 John Mills, judge of elections, and C. S. Colt, inspector of elections. R. T. 
 Salvage was elected burgess in 1882, the total vote cast being eighty-two: John 
 Needham, in 1883; W. B. Graves, in 1884-85, when G. F. Barton was elected 
 justice; Robert Shaffer, in 1886, withW. H. Randall, justice; W. D. Singleton, 
 188Y-88, with A. Wheeler, justice, and J. S. Moody, justice in 1888. The 
 charter is not now observed. 
 
 The Duke Centre Gas Company was incorporated in November, 1879, with 
 T. Kemper, V. P. Carter and John J. Robarts, trustees, and Daniel Dodge 
 and J. N. Brown, unofficial subscribers. Mr. Carter is present president. The 
 company operates forty-five wells, of which twenty-seven are their own. 
 
 The first bank at Duke Centre was carried on by H. O. Roberts in 1879. 
 
HISTORY OF MCKEAN COUNTY. 305 
 
 The banking business of the section has been conducted by Charles Duke 
 from 1883 to the present time. 
 
 The First Congregational Society of Diike Centre and Prentiss Vale was 
 incorporated in June, 1879, with the following named stockholders: M. M'. 
 Strickland, M. A. Strickland, L. B. Prentiss, C. L. Allen, L. S. Allen, B. & H. 
 Bunker, F. W. Sprague, Mary Sprague, Joseph Gridley and J. K. Leugemors. 
 A church building was erected in 1879, which was sold in 1884-85, and con. 
 verted into a skating rink. 
 
 The First Church of Christ, Duke Centre, was incorporated in November, 
 1879, with John Duke, Samuel H. Brown, A. A. Trend, A. J. Applebee, 
 Thomas S. T\'oodard and Israel Couroth, members. That year the work of 
 building a house of worship commenced. It was completed in 1880, although 
 services were held within it in 1879. 
 
 The First Methodist Church of Duke Centre was incorporated in December, 
 1879, with A. R. Baker, C. G. Thomas, I. C. Schonerman, Enos Thomas, A. 
 A. Coons, W. A. Simons and James L. Yan Kirk, stockholders. Among the 
 trustees Charles Duke and J. E. Baldwin are named. The church building is 
 still used. 
 
 The Odd Fellows organized March 25, 1881, with the following named 
 members: S.- Frankenstein, W. N. George, John Sharpe, A. A. Averill, Henry 
 L. Raymond, A. N. Heard, J. R. McKinzie, John McGee, A. J. Watkin, 
 Morris Shear, Thomas Buchanan, David Greenberg, Benjamin Kempner, P. 
 Mills, F. J. Fox. The names of past grands are A. J. Watkin, A. N. Heard, 
 J. Sharpe, George Hancock, N. Fair, J. R. McKinzie, R. D. Henderson, John 
 Needham, John McEwen, James Rickerson, A. H. Stuart, J. I. Dunn, E. 
 KooDse, George Williams and J. I. Painter. The names of secretaries are A.. 
 J. Watkin, R. D. Henderson, A. W. Terrill, J. V. Brown, N. Fair, J. 
 McEwen and J. I. Painter. The present number of members is 53; value of 
 property, |450, and date of building is 1884. 
 
 J. H. Mullin Post, No. 356, G. A. R, was organized at Rixford by W. W. 
 Brown July 30, 1883, and participated in the decoration of Lamphier's grave, 
 he being the only soldier of the Revolution buried in McKean county. The 
 charter members were H. G. Allen, Eighty-fifth New York; C. D. Andrus, 
 One Hundred and Twenty-sixth New York; S. C. Andrus, First Okio Artil- 
 lery, D. Adams, Seventy-eighth Pennsylvania; H. T. Breese, Fourteenth Mis- 
 souii; E. J. Baldwin, Second New York Cavalry; J. E. Baldwin, One Hun- 
 dred and Ninety-ninth Pennsylvania Volunteers; W. P. Baldwin, Fifty-eighth 
 Pennsylvania; John V. Brown, One Hundred and Forty-ninth Pennsylvania; 
 Clark Brown, Eighth New York; H. P. Black, Eleventh Pennsylvania Cav- 
 alry; T. R. Burton, Navy; H. K. Burton, Fifty-eighth Pennsylvania Infantry; 
 C. M. Brace, Twenty-first New York Cavalry; W. P. Bair, One Hundred and 
 Third Pennsylvania; Fred Curtis, Seventy-first New York Infantry; M. ,G. 
 
 Dennis, Two Hundred and Eleventh Pennsylvania; James Eraser, ; S. M. 
 
 Fletcher, One Hundred and Twenty- sixth Pennsylvania; H. Trummon, First 
 New York Dragoons; A. Glines, Thirteenth New York Artillery; L. J. Lilly, 
 Second Pennsylvania Artillery; A. N. Loop, Two Hundred and Eleventh 
 Pennsylvania; G. Lancomer, One Hundred and Ninety-fifth Pennsylvania; A. 
 H. Low, Fifty-sixth Pennsylvania; E. W. Mullin, One Hundred and Thirty- 
 seventh New York; J. S. Pittinger, of the Sixty-fourth New York (joined in 
 1886), N. Moore, Fourth New York Artillery; N. L. Moore, Eleventh Penn- 
 sylvania Cavalry; J. Moore, Fifty-first Pennsylvania; F. T. McEvoy, Thir- 
 teenth New Jersey Cavalry; D. Moore, Sixty-seventh Pennsylvania; H. A. 
 McGraw, Twenty-third New York; J. D. McGee, Eleventh I. Battery, Penn- 
 
306 HISTORY OF MCKEAN COUNTY. 
 
 sylvania; J. W. Martin, Tenth Pennsylvania Cavalry; G. W. Potter, Eighth 
 Pennsylvania Cavalry; S. Peterman, Twenty-eighth Pennsylvania; H. Peter- 
 son, Fifth New York Artillery; A. T. Rence, Sixty- third Pennsylvania; 
 Henry Kiley, Eleventh New York Cavalry; E. P. Shields, One Hundred and 
 Fifty-fifth Pennsylvania; Samuel Stives, Twenty-seventh New York Artillery; 
 F. Shrout, Fourteenth Virginia Infantry; G. W. Salmon, One Hundred and 
 Forty-fifth Pennsylvania; W. M. Smith, Eighty-second Pennsylvania; Owen 
 Slayman, One Hundred and Forty- second Pennsylvania. On June 15, 1885, 
 headquarters were moved to Duke Centre. Nelson Moore was first com- 
 mander, with N. L. Moore, adjutant. In 1885 W. P. Black was adjutant and 
 J. E. Baldwin commander, succeeded in 1886 by F. T. McEvoy and M. G. 
 Dennis, respectively; James Eraser was commander in 1887. and H. M. Black 
 in 1888. In the latter year E. B. Cronk was appointed adjutant and served 
 in 1889 with C. E. Hatch, commander. Mr. Cronk served in the Fourth New 
 York Heavy Artillery. The present membership is fifty-nine. 
 
 Northern Star Lodge, F. & A. M. , was organized about nine years ago with 
 the following named members: Charles Bunce, David J. Wilson, John V. Brown, 
 Lucius J. Lilly, Jesse E. Leonard, James Green, Pyrrhus Mills, Samuel M. 
 Jones, George Tinto, Charles C. Anderson, O. P. Irvine, Joseph Norris, Will- 
 iam N. George. The past masters are Charles Bunce, William N. George, 
 John V. Brown, Joseph Norris, Lucius J. Lilly, William H. Eandall, John S. 
 Greer, F. W. Sprague and John E. Baldwin. 
 
 The R. T. and A. O. IT. W. of Duke Centre completed their building in 
 June, 1883. 
 
 In July, 1889, there were no less than thirty- one Equitable Aid Unions in 
 this county, and at that time the county union of McKean was the only 
 county organization of the order in the world. These county meetings are not 
 required by the supreme law, but McKean County Union originated in the 
 fertile brain of John T. Irvine, of Duke Centre, grand secretary and account- 
 ant of the grand union of Pennsylvania. 
 
 CHAPTER XX. 
 
 SEEGEANT TOWNSHIP. 
 
 Topography, Etc. Coal Measures— Oil Wells— Population— The Coopee 
 
 Lands— Town of Instantee— The PLAOii in 1810-13-17— Assessment of See- 
 GEANT Township for 1836-37— Villages. 
 
 Clermont Some First Things— Fire-Gas Wells— Cemetery Association 
 
 —Societies. 
 
 SEEGEANT TOWNSHIP occupies the south center of the county. The 
 west fork of the west branch of Portage creek. Lick run, Brewer' s run, 
 Eed Mill brook, Eobin's brook and Smith's brook rise inside the east line in 
 the gulches between the hills, which here have an altitude of 2,100 feet above 
 ocean level. In the south center are Pour Mile, Buck and Smith runs, flow- 
 ing into the east branch of the Clarion ; also Five Mile, Seven Mile and Rocky 
 runs, forming near Williamsville, while Sicily, Large, Beckwith and Little 
 Buck runs flow into the west branch. The Katrine swamp is west of Ginals- 
 
"^■*^ 
 
 J * 
 
 r 
 
HISTOEY OF MCKEAN COUNTY. 809 
 
 burg, in a basin 2,200 feet above the ocean, -while west of this pond one of the 
 feeders of Marvin creek steals north from Seven Mile summit. Howard's 
 farm, 2,100 feet above ocean level, is on the divide between Smith brook and 
 Five Mile run. The highest measured point in the township is at Chappel 
 Hill, in the extreme northeast section, 2,810 feet above ocean level, but it is 
 said the hill, 7,000 feet north, has a greater elevation. The lowest point is 
 where the West Clarion enters Elk county, the elevation being 1,600 feet. The 
 conglomerate bottom follows the summits, being 2,300 feet at Chappel Hill 
 and 1,950 at Williamsville, while a little northeast, on Instanter creek, it is 
 2,050. From Chappel Hill to Bunker hill, a distance of two and seven-eighth 
 miles, the dip is about 300 feet, or 10-1 feet per mile, and from Wilcox well 
 No. 1 to Williamsville there is no dip. The thickness of the greatest exposure 
 is 710 feet, which shows 285 feet of coal measures, 325 feet of Mauch Chunk 
 and Pocono, and 100 feet of red Catskill; but from well records geologists 
 have ascertained that the carboniferous and devonian structures exist for at 
 least 2,500 feet in this township. The Dagus coal bed exists on the hill be- 
 tween Eed Mill brook, Beaver run and Instanter creek, at a depth of about 
 sixty feet, and twelve feet above the limestone formation. This slaty lime- 
 stone outcrops on the old Wilcox farm, between Clermont and Warner' s brook. 
 The rock is about six feet thick, and quarrying and burning it were for years 
 the industries of the neighborhood. As has been stated the coal bed rests over 
 this immense deposit of lime rock, while under the coal is the white fire-clay 
 bed, from two to three feet in depth. The Johnson run sandstone (a hard 
 white and yellow rock) reaches a thickness of fifty feet, and is prized by build- 
 ers much more than the Kinzua creek sandstone, which falls to pieces under 
 the influence of the weather. 
 
 Wilcox well No. 1, on Warrant 2,676, a mile north of Elk county, was drilled 
 in 1864 to a depth of 1,600 feet by Adams & Babcock, and subsequently drilled 
 to 1,785 feet, when the tools were lost and work abandoned. The well, 
 however, showed signs of life and sent up great columns of gas and water as 
 high as 115 feet, which feat it repeated every seven minutes, until new efforts 
 to develop it were made, when the procedure changed, the intervals of explo- 
 sion being longer and the discharge of water greater in volume. With diffi- 
 culty the well was tubed and oil obtained, but again was abandoned and the 
 :gas allowed to escape, a match applied, the derrick burned, and in 1871 was 
 controlled by a wooden plug. In August, 1876, when well No. 2 was drilled, gas 
 was carried 855 feet to be used as fuel in boring No. 2, while the surplus gas 
 was conducted through a two- inch pipe, and discharged over a water tank, 
 splashing the pipe and, the pressure being thus released, formed a circle of 
 ice around the opening. In January, 1877, an effort to remove the wooden 
 plug resulted in taking up 175 feet of casing, when an eight-minute geyser 
 was brought into existence. In May gas ceased to flow, but on July 14 the old 
 seven-minute explosion was renewed in wells Nos. 1 and 2, and the gas from 
 No. 2 was used as fuel in drilling No. 3 from October, 1876, to June, 1877. In 
 March, 1879, Hamar & Ernhout's well, at the mouth of Head brook, was down 
 2,230 feet, and Hamar's well on Wild-Cat run 2,000 feet. 
 
 Sergeant township, in 1880, claimed 922 inhabitants. In 1888 there were 
 sixty-four Eepublican and fifty Democratic votes cast, or a total of 114, repre- 
 senting about 570 inhabitants. 
 
 The first reference to the Cooper lands in McKean county is contained in 
 an old day-book, dated August 22, 1809. This book is in possession of W. J. 
 Colegrove. Cooper's farm is mentioned (Clermont) and the names of Van 
 Wickle, Freeman and Outgalt appear. There was a saw-mill at Cooper's 
 
310 HISTORY OF MCKEAN COUNTY. 
 
 Grove, but Mr. Colegrove states that there was only a grist-mill on Red Mill 
 creek, near Clermont, in 1815. In 1809 some iron was purchased from Joseph 
 Olds for use in the old saw-mill. 
 
 Alexander Van Peter Mills was the surveyor for Busti & Cooper in 1809- 
 10, and in August, 1810,' he received 1154.25 for his services from Mr. Law- 
 rence. In August, 1810, A. Van Peter Mills surveyed the town of Instanter, 
 and Gooding Packard received $23. 32 for carrying the chain ; Isaac Vantayle 
 and George Vantayle were also chain carriers. David Combs is introduced in 
 August as the purchaser of three qiiarts of whisky. As he was the first man 
 married in the county it is thought that the occasion suggested this extrava- 
 gance. In October the following entry is made: "Busti & Cooper, by a man 
 Mr. Cooper left almost dead;" and in November a road was opened from the 
 mill to Instanter, and William Neilson was allowed a dollar a day for work in 
 the saw-mill, and was allowed f 16 for going down Tobey creek with Wallace. 
 John Harrison was blacksmith as well as Seth Marvin. The names of John 
 Hunter, Thomas Cole and William Gygar (the first blacksmith), appear on the 
 books at this time. Arnold Hunter, the first settler of Smethport, was at 
 Instanter in 1811, and at this time Joel Bishop's name appears. The land 
 office building was completed in 1811. James D. Bemis was added to the 
 settlement, and John Stevens' printing office was established. In 1812 the 
 ofiice was abandaned, and the settlement practically broken up. The legends 
 of the settlement tell of the old Catholic church of 1809, and the sudden dis- 
 appearance of the priest in 1812. He was seen to enter the sugar bush at the 
 end of the main street, but not a vestige of his garments or himself could 
 be found by the searchers. Seth Marvin, John Mullander, Squire Renwick, 
 Surveyor E. Ayers, William Armstrong, Thomas Lazenby, William Higgins, 
 Sylvanus Russell, George Graham, Stephen Waterman, John Burrows are the 
 names mentioned in the records of the period. In February, 1810, E. Van 
 Wickle completed a six months' term of service for Busti & Cooper. In April, 
 1810, a cow- bell was purchased from Ellis Pierce for the use of Instanter, 
 and in May, Dan. Cornell purchased eleven gallons of metheglin at four shill- 
 ings per gallon. The only persons remaining at Instanter in- 1813 were Joel 
 
 Bishop, Sweeten, David Combs, Sr. , Job Gifford, Sr. and Seth Marvin, 
 
 while Arnold Hunter moved to Smethport, and perhaps John Hunter. Those 
 pioneers, with others in the county from Ceres to Instanter, heard the boom of 
 Perry's victorious cannon on Lake Erie, September 10, 1813, and the weaken- 
 ing reply of the British guns. Their patriotism told them the story of victory 
 long before positive news arrived. 
 
 John Wallace was a surveyor in the Instanter neighborhood in 1810. He 
 it was who surveyed the lots for I. Rookens, south of the town; for John 
 Hunter, on Marvin creek; for Seth Marvin, on the Nunundah; also for Will- 
 iam Neilson, Nathaniel B. Bowens, James Travis, George Vantayle, Lorin 
 Phillips, Thomas Lazenby, Daniel Cornell, David Combs, Paul Busti, Henry 
 Dukintash, Reuben Priest, Joseph Phillips, John Robson, Joshua Loree, 
 Solomon Tracy, Robert Armstrong and Louis Bronkart. He surveyed Peter 
 Hankinson's mill lot in October, 1810, on the east side of the creek. 
 
 In May, 1817, Benjamin B. Cooper acknowledged a plat of the lands 
 claimed by him in the fourth east Allegheny district as surveyed that year by 
 Brewster Freeman, over the surveys of 1792. The lands were conveyed in 
 1812 by Paul Busti, attorney for the Holland Land Company, to B. B. Cooper 
 and O. W. Ogden. In 1814 other tracts were conveyed to Joseph McElvaine. 
 On this tract, within Sergeant township. Cooper had the town of Instanter 
 surveyed in 1817, and acknowledged this plat May 30, that year. There are 
 
HISTORY OF MCKEAN COUNTY. 311 
 
 four public squares shown, together with church lots and cemetery, all donated 
 to the people who would settle here. W. J. Colegrove is positive that this is 
 a resurvey and new entry. 
 
 The assessment of Sergeant township for 1836-37, made by William Mc- 
 Allister, gives the following names of resident tax-payers: D. A. Easterbrooks, 
 G. and William Easterbrooks, Joseph Ehodes, William Palmer, Eansom, 
 Simeon and Samuel Beckwith, Jacob Slyoff, Joel Bishop, Joseph Lucas (now 
 living), William P. Wilcox (saw-mill owner), Asa Messinger (the Baptist 
 preacher), J. Barnett, E. G. Wilson, George W. Dix, D. J. M. Howard, Will- 
 iam A. Cl«ugh, E. S. B. Johnston, Simon J. Eobins, Perry Preston, C. P. 
 Johnson, A. J. , William M. and Ann Swift, J. B. Wagor, J. M. Clark, Thomas 
 Stafford, Lewis H. Beadle, EHphalet Covill, Joseph P. King, John Montgom- 
 ery (Jacob Eidgway's Clermont farm of 376 acres was assessed $1,180.50), 
 J. Garlick, Lot Coats, Eichard Wildey, Thomas Hockey, J. W. How, — Marsh, 
 J. F. Gallup and William McAllister" 
 
 Teutonia dates back to March, 1843, when the Society of Industry (Henry 
 Ginal, agent) established the town four miles west of Ginalsburg. The prin- 
 ciples of this society varied a little from the older Fourier system. The capi- 
 tal was $40,000, the acreage 40,000, including the coal hills. In the year 
 named there were 450 inhabitants, a school- building and seventy or eighty log 
 dwellings. This community divided their purchase into several districts, in 
 each of which a town was projected. Clothing and food were distributed 
 from the commercial store, married women were not compelled to work for the 
 community, and all religious forms were tolerated. At Ginalsburg there were 
 then 100 inhabitants. A stone school-house, a steam saw-mill, a pottery and 
 a furnace were projected. The dwellings were frame buildings. In 1875, 
 when Mr. John Forest went to Clermont as paymaster for the Buffalo Coal 
 Company, there were remains of the houses. It was a communial affair, 
 which, like most of that class, fell to pieces. Ginalsburg is also a town of the 
 past. The old Wernwag farm house was at Clermont. 
 
 This township may be considered as still in a primitive condition. A few 
 prosperous settlements exist; but its greater area is still clothed in its native 
 trees. The construction of the Clermont and Johnsonburg branch of the Penn- 
 sylvania Eailroad system now passes through the township and already the 
 effects of its presence are visible. 
 
 CLEEMONT. 
 
 p. E. Scull, who died at Smethport, in 1867, came here early in the "twen- 
 ties," as an agent of Jacob Eidgway, and in 1821 cleared the old Bunker Hill 
 
 farm In 1827 the Bed Mill was built near Clermont by I. Burlingame, who did 
 
 the mason work. On the mill dam J. Green, J. Garlick and J. King worked. 
 Ben Colegrove split rails for fencing the nursery and Orlo J. Hamlin and 
 Kenny were attorneys in the Crooker litigation. The mill was built immedi- 
 ately after Paul E. Scull took the agency. ScuP told Eidgway that it had a 
 capacity of eight bushels, and the proprietor was amazed at such an extensive 
 concern being erected in the wilderness. 
 
 In the year 1827 the Clermont farm and store of Scull & Lee were in ex- 
 istence. Jonathan Colegrove was succeeded in July, 1852, as agent by W. J. 
 Colegrove, the present agent, the former being general agent from 1817 to 
 
 1852 In May, 1847, the taverns of I. D. Dunbar and M. Goodwin were 
 
 opened in Sergeant G. E. Moore & Son's mill at Clermont was burned July 
 
 17, 1887, with 100.000 feet of hemlock lumber, one car of bark and four 
 
312 HISTOllY OF MCKEAN COUNTY. 
 
 empty cars. Their new mill, three miles below, was being built at this time 
 .... the Clermont saw-mill of C. H. Moore was burned in September, 1889. 
 
 Supt. W. C. Henry, of the fuel department of the National Transit Com- 
 pany, furnished some data, in 1885, concerning the gas wells about six miles 
 east of Kane, from which the gas supply is drawn for the city of Bradford, 
 and most of the National Transit Company's pump-stations in the northern 
 field. They have secured through purchase and by drilling ten wells north 
 of the MoKean and Elk county line on warrants 2,675, 2,729, 2,676, 2,723, 
 2,684, 2,695 and 2,685. Seven of the ten wells produce gas, and the other three 
 are either salt water wells or failures for gas or oil. At some of these wells a 
 showing of oil is found in a brown sand having a thickness of from twenty to 
 twenty-four feet, which Mr. Henry has termed the oil sand to distinguish it 
 from the gas sand which is found about ninety feet below. Where this gas 
 sand has been drilled through it has been demonstrated to have a thickness of 
 from five to seven feet. The No. 5 well, on the southeastern corner of 
 Warrant 2,684, reached 1,943 feet where the gas sand was a depth of five feet. 
 Well No. 6 is in the eastern part of 2,676, where a six-feet vein of sand 
 begins at 1,776 feet. At the suggestion of Mr. Schultz, of Wilcox, this well 
 was torpedoed, showing 250 feet of oil and 250 feet of water after standing 
 thirty days. 
 
 The National Transit Company No. 7, known as the Frank Andrews well, 
 is located in the northeastern corner of Warrant 2,675, and is a large gas well. 
 The oil sand was struck at a depth of 1,762 feet and the gas sand at 1,862. 
 
 Clermont Cemetery Association was incorporated July 19, 1879, on peti- 
 tion of L. Steinham, L. Boyer, Jacob Hafner, Caspar Hafner and John 
 Martin. 
 
 Clermont Lodge, 949, I. O. O. F., was organized June 7, 1877, with the 
 following named members: W. E. Butts, Robert Dick, Walter Dick, Robert 
 Jaap, L. J. Lewis, John Lee, James Morgan, George Morgan, J. H. Tate, 
 Andrew Reynolds. The names of past grands are John C. Martin, Robert 
 Dick, J. H. Tate, W. E. Butts, John Lee, James Morgan, Andrew Reynolds, 
 A. M. Schmelz, George G. Windman, Edward Tracy, John Wilson, Alexan- 
 der Muir, George T. Brown, W. A. Russell, James Davidson, A. W. Taylor, 
 John O. Sonbergh, James Hamilton, James Robertson, John T. Cunningham, 
 John W. Steinhauer, I. J. McCandless, Samuel Bedford, Addison Fluent, 
 Jacob Amend, Adam Hafner, George W. Weaver. The names of secretaries 
 are James Morgan (one year), W. E. Butts (one year), and J. H. Tate (nine 
 years). The present number of members is eighty- seven and value of property 
 12,500. Dr. A. K. Corben, N. G. ; Frank Hafner, V. G. ; Jacob Amend, Asst. 
 Sec. ; Addison Fluent, trustee, and J. O. Sonbergh, representative, were 
 elected in October, 1889. 
 
 The Clermont Union Church Society elected the following named officers in 
 October, 1889: John O. Sonbergh, president; J. H. Tait, secretary, and Sam- 
 uel Bedford, treasurer. 
 
 A Sunday-school was organized at Clermont in December, 1889, with. S. 
 Bedford, superintendent; Mrs. Harrington, assistant; Sophia Hafner, organ- 
 ist; Maggie Bedford, assistant; Albert Anderson, treasurer, and Jennie Mc- 
 Kendrick, secretary. 
 
HISTORY OF MCKEAN COUNTY. 313 
 
 CHAPTER XXI. 
 WETMORE TOWNSHIP— BOROUGH OP KANE. 
 
 Wetmoee Township General Topography— Oil Wells and Lands— Lum- 
 ber Company— Oil Fields and Enterprises— Population— Officers 
 Elected in 1890— Gen. Kane— The Seneca Hunters— Forest Fires- 
 Town OF Jo-Jo — Large Sale of Oil Interests. 
 
 Borough of Kane Origin of Name— Col. Kane and David Cornelius— 
 
 Population— The Place in 1869-74— Election— Schools— The Board of 
 Trade— Natural Gas Companies— Water Company— Bank and Indus- 
 teies—Hotels—Churohes— Societies— Miscellaneous. 
 
 WETMORE TOWNSHIP lies wholly within the sixth bituminous coal 
 basin. It is the birthplace of the East branch of the Tionesta, the head- 
 waters of which — West run and Wind run — rise in the Kane neighborhood, 
 enter the East branch southwest of Kane, whence the river flows northwest, 
 into Hamilton township. A feeder of the south branch of the Kinzua (Hubert 
 run) rises within Kane borough, flows by the Sulphur spring, joins the south 
 branch two miles north, whence this branch flows into Hamilton township. 
 Crane creek rises in the extreme southwest. Wilson run, just south of Kane, 
 receives Dalson's run three miles southeast and flows by Sergeant village into 
 Elk county. A few tributaries of West Clarion flow southeast across the east 
 township line, while Fife run flows northwest across the northeast corner of the 
 township. The highest point measured is near the Sergeant township line or 
 divide, between Beckwith and Glad runs, being 2,150 feet above tide level, 
 and the lowest point on the north line, where the south branch enters Hamilton 
 township, 1,400 feet. The depot at Kane is 2,020 feet, at Sergeant 1,716 and 
 at Wetmore 1,808 feet above ocean level. The average thickness of exposures 
 in the township above water level is 575 feet, of which coal measures and con- 
 glomerate show 175, Mauch Chunk and Pocono 325, and red Catskill 75 feet, 
 while the highest stratum is the shale cap near Kane, and the lowest on the 
 south branch, where seventy-live feet of the upper Catekill appears. The 
 shale cap of the Clermont coal forms the summits, and from the drift cover- 
 ing of this cap the rock used in the cellar of the late Gen. Kane's house was 
 excavated. Fifteen years after the building of this house a shaft was put down 
 seventy-five feet near by to explore the Clermont deposit; owing to the escape 
 of gas the cautious laborers retired, but in two or three days they were able 
 to resume work, as the flow was exhausted. 
 
 On the old Kittanning trail, north of this house, the Indians of long ago. 
 used to camp, and to-day there is the tire-clay which formed the rest for beds 
 of Clermont in ages past. Around Kane, however, what remains of this coal 
 deposit was explored and found wanting, in a commercial sense. The Alton 
 coal was opened on the Howard Hill road and in the Swede settlement south- 
 west of the borough at an elevation of 1,980 feet above the ocean, or forty feet 
 below the level of Kane depot. 
 
 The Johnson run sandstone at this point is highly fossiliferous. The cut- 
 tings on Clarion summit at Kane show its pink-yellow hue and regular blocks 
 of forty feet depth. The color is derived from the equal distribution of iron 
 
314 HISTORY OF MCKEAN COUNTY. 
 
 through its parts, as shown in the prismoidal blocks used in the Leiper memo- 
 rial church at Kane. The kindred Kinzua creek sandstone also abounds here. 
 The Olean conglomerate here averages about sixty feet in thickness, but one 
 mile from Wetmore, on the road to Blesses, it is found in detached blocks 
 1,890 feet above ocean level. 
 
 The Ernhout & Taylor well No. 2, in the southeast corner of Warrant 
 3,216, was drilled to a depth of 1,990 feet between March 12 and May 9, 1878, 
 and subsequently lowered ten feet through a fine, dark, oil-impregnated sand. 
 The record kept by M. M. Schultz shows the opening 1,730 feet above tide, 
 through forty feet of loam and sand, followed by gray slate, red shale, sand, 
 shells and soft, gray slate, down 1,980 feet, when ten feet of dark, oil-impreg- 
 nated sand was brought up, and from 1,990 to 2,000 feet, the oil containing 
 coffee grounds. The well was cased down 364 feet, but when it was evident 
 that oil would not yield in commercial quantities this casing was withdrawn, 
 and the phenomena witnessed in the old Wilcox well repeated here by an eleven- 
 minute water- spout, winning for this the title, " Kane Geyser well. ' ' This spout 
 reached various heights, from 75 feet to 138, and in winter, when the ice king 
 would grasp the stream, ice would form so as to show a high, transparent 
 stand-pipe. The Ooburn Dry Hole, one and one-half miles north of Sergeant 
 depot, reached a depth of 2,'2QB feet in August, 1879, and casing inserted for 
 357 feet. At a depth of 148 feet, and again at 212 feet, oil appeared; at 610 
 feet gas; at 1,953 feet oil; at 2,238 feet Bradford sand; at 2,093 gas, and at 
 2,263 slate and sand. The Kane Geyser well was stopped by Dr. Crossmire 
 and others, who day after day made trial to control its wild flow. 
 
 The Kane Blade of February, 1880, notices the purchase of 250 acres of 
 oil land on Warrants 3,760 and 3,786 by H. O. Ellithorpe; the drilling of the 
 Olemenger & Hunt well, on the James Brothers' land, and the Winsor pur- 
 chase of 150 acres on 3,760. 
 
 Wilcox well No. 1, on Warrant 2,723, six miles east of Kane, and one mile 
 north of the line of Elk county, was drilled to a depth of 1,943 feet in June, 
 1881, and filled to a depth of fifty feet with oil in one night. The Adams well, 
 on Warrant 2,676, was put down in this neighborhood in 1865. The Wilcox 
 Company comprised A. I. Wilcox, D. A. Wray, H. W. Williams and others. 
 
 In November, 1883, the Eidgway Lumber Company purchased 2,500 acres 
 of land near Kane for $58,000. The tract was estimated to contain from six 
 to eight millions feet of cherry, with other varieties of hardwood and hemlock. 
 
 In January, 1&86, the Kane Oil field, or New Black Sand field, appeared 
 so worn out that the oil map, hanging in the Thompson House, was turned by 
 the scouts wallwards, and many operators deserted the field. On January 28, 
 however, the foresight of the scouts was rendered unreliable, for on that day 
 the Kane Company's well touched sand at a depth of 2,207 feet, and, penetrat- 
 ing it for six feet, found a 125-barrel well. This well was drilled on Lot 426, 
 a little less than three months after the Craig & Cappeau well was drilled (No- 
 vember 11, 1885), 400 rods south by east. The wells reported finished on Feb- 
 ruary 11, 1886, numbered fifteen. Mr. Murphy's, the Associated Producers', 
 and Chapman & Fickin's wells were dry. Kane Oil Company's well No. 1, on 
 Lot 11, of Griffith's, produced gas, and their well No. 2 seventy- five barrels of 
 oil; P. T. Kennedy's well, on Lot 12, yielded forty-five barrels per day; Simp- 
 son & McMullen's, on Lot 19, did not produce; Bayne, Fuller & Co.'s well, 
 on Lot 20, gave 15 barrels; the Associated Producers' wells No. 1 and 2, 77 
 barrels; Craig & Cappeau' s Nos. 1 and 2, 114 barrels; Eoy, Archer & Clemen- 
 ger's wells yielded gas, also Tennent & Co.'s, while the new well referred to 
 above gave 125 barrels per day, and gave new life to the district, leading to 
 
HISTOEY OF MCKEAN COUNTY. 315 
 
 an increase of ten, by February 11, from the twenty-six wells in existence Jan- 
 uary 28. By April 10, the Kane Oil Company had six wells in the field, No. 
 6 producing 225 barrels, and No. 1, 145 barrels. The Union Oil Company 
 had seven wells of from 70 to 197 barrels per day; Coast & Thyng's No. 1 
 yielded 242 barrels, while Shirley and Hochstetler, Andrews & Co. , and Reed 
 & Brown wells, were all producers. 
 
 In January, 1889, the firms of West & Co. and Davis & Co. drilled for oil 
 on Warrant 3,131, in Wetmore, two and one-half miles north of Kane. At 1,773 
 feet they tapped the oil sand, but not satisfied with the promise of a ten-barrel 
 well, they continued the boring to 1,956 feet, when they struck the heaviest 
 flow of gas known in the Kane region. 
 
 The first gas well in the Kane field was struck in the fall of 1884. To-day 
 the pressure varies from 200 to 1,200 pounds to the square inch. On Novem- 
 ber 11, 1885, this field yielded its first oil. 
 
 Wetmore township, in 1880, had a population of 1,438. In 1888 there 
 were 184 Republican votes, sixty- one Democratic, eighteen Prohibitionist 
 and three Labor-Unionist, or a total of 266, on which figures the population is 
 estimated to be 1, 330. A number of unnaturalized residents, however (Swedes, 
 Italians, Germans), place the true population far above this. 
 
 The township ofiicers elected in February, 1890, are as follows: Super- 
 visors, Charles Hedm^n, Peter Nelson; school directors, P. A. Carlquist, E. 
 W. Campbell; constable, G. N. Jackson; auditor, John Selin; town clerk, C. 
 L. O'Kerlind; justice of the peace, Eric Erickson; collector, William Wilkins; 
 judge of election, J. O. Liddell; inspectors, John McNall, Neil C. McEwen. 
 
 In 1855 Gen. Kane came to the upper Clarion with a number of friends, 
 where his father and the widow of Mr. Leiper owned lands. The party took 
 up their quarters in Williamsville, on the Elk county side of the Wilcox farm. 
 In 1856 Mrs. Kane accompanied her husband into the wilderness, and that 
 year the General instructed Erastus Burlingame in geology, and had him join 
 the explorations of that year. In 1859 he selected the country ,around Kane 
 for his home, and in 1860 began the building of the present Kane home. On 
 the opening of hostilities the place was deserted, and the cut stone, which was 
 intended for the building, was stolen and used in filling the railroad embank- 
 ment. In 1^64, however, the work of building was resumed, but the pioneer 
 saw-mill, built in 1864, burned in 1867, and delayed progress. 
 
 Evidences of prehistoric occupation are not wanting. There are three 
 earthworks or forts, each from two to foar feet high, and about one mile apart. 
 They resemble each other, being all of a true circle and about fifty paces across 
 the center, and are evidently of great age, as large trees have grown up their 
 embankments. One contains from eight to ten small mounds with a deep 
 hole in the center, and all are situated on high land far from water. Two 
 cannon balls or shells were found at Kane when excavating for a round-house. 
 They are supposed to be reminders of the soldiers of the Revolution. 
 
 In May, 1880, the Seneca hunters, with their women and children, camped 
 below Kane in the great pigeon roosts. Their object was to feed on young 
 pigeons, which thfey intended to capture and kill chicken fashion, but owing 
 to some miscalculation, they arrived at the wrong time, and so had to evacuate 
 the location in the face of starvation, as they had no arms to bring down the 
 hitherto despised old birds. 
 
 The forest fires around Kane in May, 1888, originated near Wetmore, de- 
 stroying three houses at Swamp Lodge, the Clinton Oil Company's stock and 
 property; the Boston Oil Company's rigs and tanks; Treat & Mallory's rigs 
 and tanks, while much of the country between Kane and Mount Jewett was 
 
316 HISTORY OF MCKEAN COUNTY. 
 
 burned over. The clothespin factory of Howells, Moffitt & Co., of West Kane, 
 was destroyed that month. 
 
 The town of Jo Jo, which sprang into existence in the winter of 1885-86, 
 was practically deserted in April of the latter year. In October, 1889, the 
 name of the place was changed to Joville, and a post-office established there, 
 with Thomas J. McCann, master. The Kane Oil Field Eailroad, built in 
 
 1886, had the tracks removed, and the James Brothers' milling interest, or 
 Weaver's mill, was moved to Alton. 
 
 About the heaviest deal that has been made here for some time was made 
 between J. T. and W. Griffith and parties who owned a large oil interest near 
 the western limit of Kane. This interest consists of twenty-two producing 
 wells, and was purchased by Ihe Griffiths for 180,000. 
 
 BOHOUGH OF KANE. 
 
 The town was named in honor of Thomas L. Kane. He and David Cor- 
 nelius were the first of the white men to settle here, and Mr. Kane was also 
 the first in Pennsylvania to volunteer his services to the government at fhe 
 commencement of the civil war, he having been colonel of the famous Buck- 
 tail Regiment, dying on Christmas Day, 1883. His sons are Elisha, Evan O. 
 and Thomas L., and with creditable zeal they are carrying out the public- 
 spirited policy adopted by their father, the honorable and distinguished founder 
 of the place, doing their utmost to advance the community in all that is possi- 
 ble for man to accomplish. 
 
 Kane borough, which was included in Wetmore township in 1880, gave, 
 in 1888, 163 Republican, 117 Democratic, 37 Prohibition and three Labor- 
 Unionist votes, or a total of 320. The figures multiplied by six give an ap- 
 proximate of the present number of residents as 1,920, but local authorities 
 place it much higher. In January, 1890, Robert Campbell, city asset sor, 
 reported a population of 1,925. 
 
 In December, 1869, a large hotel (164x122 feet, four stories) was com- 
 pleted; the railroad restaurant was carried on by the Nicholses; the McKean and 
 Elk Land and Improvement Company's park of 600 acres was laid out; the 
 Catholic church building, 40x60 feet, \\as completed prior to this time by 
 Father Voisard. Rev. Goodrich preached to the Methodists in a log house; 
 the school- building was completed, while the Swedes held religious meetings 
 on Fraley street. In 1871 O. D. Coleman, Leonard & Meese, and Robert 
 Lafferty, were the leading merchants. The large saw-mill (Kane's) was 
 burned in July, 1867, entailing a loss of $75,000. The commercial interests 
 of Kane in 1871 were represented by F. W. Meese, J. Davis, O. D. Coleman 
 and M. W. Burk, merchants; R. E. Looker and P. Burns, grocers; D. T. 
 Hall, of the Kane House; J. D. Leonard, postmaster; J. D. Barnes, foreman 
 of steam saw-mill; William Bartholomew, butcher; M. Grotty, shoemaker; 
 James Hyde, machinist, and William Gannon, locomotive engineer. The 
 railroad buildings at Kane were destroyed by fire May 10, 1874. 
 
 Election. — The charter election of Kane borough was held February 15, 
 
 1887, when W. B. Smith received 235 votes for burgess (bSing the total vote 
 cast). George Griffith, J. McDade, O. D. Coleman, J. C. Myers, H. H. Cor- 
 son and E. W. Smith were elected members of council; J. H. Grady, O. B. 
 Lay, P. J. Daly, M. W. Moffitt, J. Davis and R. M. Campbell received each a 
 full vote for school directors; C. V. Gillis was chosen justice; Robert Camp- 
 bell, assessor; Henry McConnell, collector; F. A. Vanorsdall, auditor; Dan 
 Matthews, constable; John Wegley, high constable; William Turby, judge, 
 and A. Peterson, inspector of elections. W. B. Smith was elected burgess in 
 
HISTOBY OF MCKEAN COUNTY. 319 
 
 1888. In February, 1889, Joshua Davis and E. H. Long received each 126 
 votes. The matter was decided by the court declaring the office vacant and 
 appointing M. W. Moffitt, burgess. A. Y. Jones v?as chosen iustice, receiving 
 130 votes, while D. T. Hall received only 117. 
 
 The following is the vote cast in the borough in February, 1890: 
 
 Water Tax— For, 190; against, 44. 
 
 Burgess— M. W. Moffitt, E., 107; George Kinnear, D., 81; N M Orr 
 I., 85. . • > 
 
 Council— W. B. Smith, R., 172; C. E. Brown, E. &P., 128; T. H Eyan 
 E., 99; P. McHale, D., 98; William O'Connor, D., 81; James Cochran, D.' 
 81; Dr. W. J. Armstrong, I., 39; Webb Evans, I., 34; G. W. Neuls, I., 87; 
 O. B. Lay, P., 38; D. Staples, P., 22. 
 
 School Directors— T. S. James, E. & P., 150; Albert Peterson, E. & P., 
 139; Dr. 'J. L. Wright, D., 102; Edward Brooder, D., 88; William Habard, 
 L,35. 
 
 Constable— E. E. Looker, R., 160; James F. Wood, D., 59; Davis Smilev. 
 P. &L,49. 
 
 High Constable — H. N. Cummings, E., 121; John McDonough, D., 80; 
 
 D. M. Longshore, P. & I., 64. 
 
 Auditor— Dennie Davis, E., 134; E. H. Long, D., 88; W. O. Marvin, P., 
 20; Willis Jackson, I., 32. 
 
 Tax Collector— E. E. Looker, E., 96; James F. Wood, D., 38; Davis 
 Smiley, P. & I., 34; C. V. Gillis, I., 103. 
 
 Judge of Election— F. W. Meese, Sr., E., 133; D. H. Hall, D., 86; Will- 
 iam Blew, P. & I. , 55. 
 
 Inspector of Election — W. H. Davis, E., 137; Eichard Kerwin, D., 85; 
 Milton Craven, P. ,24. 
 
 Schools. — The Kane school-building was erected in 1883 at a cost of about 
 f 12,000. In 1885 W. P. Eckles was principal, with Misses Jones and Hodges, 
 assistants. E. Campbell is president of the school board, O. B. Lay, secre- 
 tary, W. J. Armstrong, treasurer, and Charles Eoos, Grady and McKnight 
 unofficial members. The schools are presided over by C. D. Higby. The 
 teachers are Kate Eyan, Irene Davis, Florence Olmsted and May Norris. 
 The Convent school-building was erected in 1882, and has been attended by 
 three sisters of the Benedictine Convent. The enrollment is over 150. 
 
 The Board of Trade. — Of this organization Joshua Davis is president; J. 
 T. Griffith and Eugene J. Miller, vice-presidents; U. M. Orr, secretary, and 
 
 E. Davis, treasurer. This organization gave authority to the treasurer to 
 offer the following inducements: Free building sites. Sites in desirable loca- 
 tions will be sold outright for manufacturing purposes at one-half the current 
 prices of adjacent lots, or, will be furnished on lease, rent free in any year 
 when twenty men (daily average) are employed about the works. Free gas. 
 In cases of manufactures where the number of hands employed is large in 
 proportion to the quantity of fuel consumed, the gas companies will fur- 
 nish gas free for one or more years, according to the number of hands 
 employed. Free lumber. Eough lumber for factory buildings will be donated 
 in special cases. 
 
 Natural Gas Companies. — In October, 1883, Elisha K. Kane commenced 
 the construction of a system of natural gas supply for Kane, and in December, 
 1883, Kane Gas Company (limited), consisting of J. H. Snow, Henry Mc- 
 Sweeney and Charles P. Byron, all of Bradford, and E. K. Kane, of Kane, 
 filed articles of association at the county seat. In August, 1884, the limited 
 partnership was succeeded by the Kane Gas Light and Heating Company, a 
 
 16 
 
320 HISTORY OF MCKEAN COUNTY. 
 
 chartered corporation of the State (capital, 110,000 — 100 shares). In Sep- 
 tember, 1884, Messrs. Byron, McSweeney and Snow successively sold their 
 interests, and J. D. Brooder, Elizabeth D. Kane and Joshua Davis suc- 
 ceeded them. September 29, 1885, the company reorganized under the nat- 
 ural gas act. At first the company purchased its gas from the National 
 Transit Company, but in May, 1884, they drilled a well at the north end of 
 Fraley street, and obtained an abundant supply of gas at the depth of 2,488 
 feet. Before means could be devised for confining the gas, the roar of its 
 escape could be plainly heard at a distance of eight miles, and the company 
 were threatened with suits for damage on account of loss of sleep by the 
 neighbors. To avoid interruption of supply during repairs of well, a second 
 gas well half a mile south of Kane was drilled in 1885. The excellent sand 
 and evidences of oil found in these two wells encouraged Mr. Clemenger 
 to try another " wild-cat," and the discovery of the Kane oil field. The 
 company's mains have been extended with the growth of the town, and now 
 (in August, 1889) they are laid in every street of Kane, and branches extend 
 to the three villages of West Kane, North Kane and East Kane, while the 
 value of the entire plant is estimated at 140,000. 
 
 In 1887 the Citizen's' Gas Company (capital $5,000) was chartered as a 
 competing line. James McDade, president; J. T. Griffith, vice-president, and 
 W. A. Holgate, originated the project and pushed it to success. Mains were 
 laid on the four principal streets of Kane, and a branch to East Kane was 
 constructed. A well was drilled on Fraley street and another on sub. 343, 
 but the latter has since been disposed of. The plant is worth about 112,000, 
 the principal stockholders having procured loans to the company for the excess 
 over the capital. The immediate result of the competition was a reduction in 
 price of gas from $2 per stove, monthly, to 90 cents and $1 per stove. 
 
 Water Company. — Spring Water Company of Kane (capital $40,000) was 
 incorporated in 1887, the principal stockholders being Elizabeth D. Kane, 
 Elisha K. Kane, Joshua Davis, H. J. James and M. W. MofiStt, all of Kane. 
 Water is obtained from Hubert run, one mile north of the town, the entire 
 valley being preserved in timber for its protection. It is propelled by natural 
 gas introduced in lien of steam into the cylinders of a Worthington duplex 
 pump, through a six-inch cast iron main to two 600-barrel wooden tanks, 
 elevated twenty feet above the highest point of ground in the borough. Prom 
 this reservoir distribiiting mains are laid on all the principal streets east of 
 the Philadelphia & Erie Railroad. The value of the plant is (August, 1889) 
 about $20,000, paid in by stockholders, the remaining $20,000 of the capital 
 remaining in the treasury for future extensions. 
 
 Bank and Industries. — In the Kane Bank, conducted by McDade, Davis 
 & Co., the town has a monetary interest of which it is justly proud. It 
 was founded April 27, 1886. James McDade, Joshua Davis, W. P. Weston 
 and Dr. G. H. Preston are the individual proprietors, and they are all men of 
 influence and enterprise. TJie ofSce is in the modern McDade building, com- 
 pleted in 1886. 
 
 A branch of the Security Building & Loan Association was organized Jan- 
 uary 30, 1890, with the following named officers: President, Andrew Larson, 
 ten shares; treasurer, D. B. Keelor, ten shares; secretary, Carl Egelin, five 
 shares; board of advisors, Andrew Skoog, ten shares; Albert Peterson, ten 
 shares; Andrew Skoglund, five shares. 
 
 In the James Brothers, of whom there are seven, although not all of them 
 are residents of Kane, the town has substantial pillars. Their principal busi- 
 ness is the manufacture of lumber, their mills being situated about nine miles 
 
HISTORY OF MCKEAN COUNTY. 321 
 
 south of Kane, in Elk county. There they cut 12,000,000 feet of hemlock, 
 cherry and poplar annually, and have sufficient timber standing to keep 
 them busy for ten years. They cut mostly yard sizes, and are now just com- 
 pleting a lath mill. At Hinton, W. Va., where J. C. James, assisted by his 
 brother, D. W., is located, they have a mill and other interests, the style of 
 ♦the firm being William James & Sons, the father, now deceased, having 
 founded the business in 1865, taking his son into partnership two years later. 
 They cut yearly 2,000,000 feet of pine, poplar and oak, and from both there 
 and Elk county they make shipments to all parts of Eastern Pennsylvania, 
 New Jersey and Delaware. The business in Kane is in charge of H. J. and 
 T. S. James. 
 
 The Griffith Mills were established in 1866, by Thomas Griffith, who con- 
 ducted them until 1884, when J. T. Griffith leased two of them. A year later 
 he and his brother, Webb, purchased the three mills, which produced 7,000,000 
 feet of lumber last year. In 1883 the Griffith Brothers established their large 
 store at Kane, and in 1889 invested $80,000 in local oil lands. They carry 
 almost a half interest in the Citizens' Gas Company, and employ from forty 
 to a hundred men. 
 
 Probably the largest industry in Kane is the brush-block factory, founded 
 here some four years ago by the Holgate Brothers, the oldest and most widely- 
 known firm in this line in the whole country, the business having been handed 
 down to the present generation from a hundred years back. In February, 
 1888, Joshua Davis, his son, W. H., and G. W. Neuls, beeaq^ie'the sole pro- 
 prietors, retaining the old title, but adding to it the word company. Mr. 
 Neuls, who gives every detail of the business his personal attention, was with 
 the Holgates fifteen years ago, becoming thoroughly versed in the manufact- 
 ure of every article made in the factory, including brush heads, brush handles, 
 and white- wash, paste, dust, stove and scrub blocks. They make the finest 
 goods, and their productive capacity is 500,000 to 800,000 gross per annum, 
 the variety of handles made being over 50, 000. 
 
 The Kane clothes-pin factories are operated by David Howells, M. W. 
 Moffitt and Joshua Davis. The works at West Kane were first opened in the 
 fall of 1889. The process of making these is an interesting one. It is done 
 in just six motions. The first one cuts a four-foot chunk off the log, the sec- 
 ond saws a board from the chunk, the third saws the board into square strips, 
 the fourth cuts the strips into clothes-pin lengths, the fifth turns the pin, and 
 the sixth cuts the slot in it. This is done very rapidly, and they are then dried 
 and polished in revolving cylinders, after which they are at once boxed and 
 shipped. The capacity is 300 boxes of 720 pins each per day, or twenty-nine 
 miles in length. In February, 1890, the West & Britton clothes-pin factory 
 was purchased by Howells, Moffitt & Co. 
 
 The Carbon Manufacturing Company's Gas-black factory was established in 
 February, 1889, by A. R. Blood and James McDade. The works give em- 
 ployment to three hands and produce $25,000 worth of gas-black annually. 
 W. S. Haskins is foreman. 
 
 The Sergeant Chemical Works dates back to 1886, when the Chemical 
 Company was incorporated with L. M. Otto, president; N. B. Bubb, secretary 
 and treasurer; J.. B. Coryell, H. C. Bubb, J. F. Tyler, and C. H. Heim 
 (superintendent), members. The works were erected that year and now em- 
 ploy thirty-five hands. The annual product is valued at $75,000. Natural 
 gas" is used in this factory as in nearly all others; part of the product goes to 
 
 Europe. 
 
 The La Mont Chemical Works Company, of which J. C. James is president. 
 
322 HISTORY OF MCKEAN COUNTY. 
 
 H. J. James, treasurer; Joshua Davis, secretary, and J. B. Finch, superin- 
 tendent, manufactare acetate of lime, charcoal and naphtha, operating what 
 is known as a twelve-retort plant and consuming 3,000 cords of beech, maple 
 and birch woods annually, using natural gas fuel. The works are located 
 three miles south of Kane, have been running seven years, and their products 
 are shipped to the Philadelphia and Boston markets. * 
 
 The Brooder Wall-Catching Packer was patented by Mr. Brooder August 
 6 1886, and May 17. 1887. In the use of the Brooder packer no anchor is 
 required, as a screw purchase, instead of the weight of the tubing, is employed 
 in compressing the rubber, causing it to expand, shutting off the flow of gas 
 or oil outside the packer, forcing the same up through the packer and tubmg 
 instead. With this invention Mr. Brooder guarantees the shutting-in of any 
 well, no matter how strong the pressure or at what depth it is to be shut off. 
 The Brooder packers are also used with success in packing oft' salt water where 
 it is necessary to pull the casing, the packer sustaining the weight of water 
 aad the tubing while the casing is being drawn. In January, 1890, John P. 
 Farrell, of the Butler Co-Operative Glass Works, which were burned to the 
 o-round the previous spring, recently made Kane a visit to consult with her cit- 
 fzens in regard to bringing the works here. Flattering offers were made to him 
 which were in substance as follows: Ground rent, free; gas from the Kane Gas 
 Light and Heating Company, at exceedingly low rates; and water from the 
 Spnno- Water Company free. For the site of the works he preferred the land 
 in the "y" 'foyned by the P. & W. and P. & E. Railroads. The gentleman 
 has visited the gas fields in the West and he found no place which pleased 
 him better than Kane. 
 
 Hotels.— The Thompson House was leased by R. M. N. Taylor^ in 1876, 
 when the house was first regularly opened for hotel purposes. In 1877 he was 
 succeeded by C. H. Kemp, formerly of the Washington Hotel, Philadelphia, 
 who gave place in 1880 to George W. Jackson. On the removal of the latter 
 Mr. Kemp leased the house and conducted it from 1884 until 1887, when 
 Martin O' Brien leased it. In the spring of 1888 Mr. Kemp resumed the con- 
 duct of the house, being the only successful lessee. The house is part of the 
 Kane estate. There are eighty bed-rooms, together with large parlors, etc. 
 There are thirty hands generally employed. A. Y. Jones is the genial clerk. 
 
 The Hotel La Mont is conducted by Rick Donovan, who is one of the most 
 popular hosts in the field. The Fleming House is a favorite hostelry, and 
 claims an extensive patronage, while the Kane House is admirably conducted 
 and consequently very popular. There are smaller hotels and boarding houses 
 in the city, which are all doing a fair trade. The St. Elmo was purchased in 
 November, 1889, by John O'Shea. 
 
 Churches. — The Kane Methodist Episcopal Church was formerly connected 
 with the Sheffield work; while a circuit its first pastor was Rev. George F. 
 Reeser. Then followed A. S. Goodrich, S. Holland and Wilder (Rev. Wilder 
 being the one who preached to Gen. Grant when he visited Kane), M. Col- 
 grove, L. P. Merritt, M. V. Stone, H. P. Hicks, S. S. Burton, C. Clark, A. 
 H. Bowers, M. Fording, L. A. Chapin, L. F. Merritt, D. M. Carpenter, L. O. 
 Mead, F. A. Mills, W. A. Merriam, J. A. Parsons, C. W. Foulk and J. Bell 
 Neff. Under J. A. Parsons it was made a station. At present the pastor, J. 
 Bell Neff, is putting up a new brick church, which will cost $12,000.* The 
 society was organized in 1864 with the following members: Neil McEwen, 
 Lydia McEwen, Maggie McEwen, Katie McBwen, Mary A. Repine, Joseph 
 
 *Tliis church building was dedicated March 16, 1890, Rev. Dr. Williams, of Allegheny College, offi- 
 ciating. 
 
HISTOBY OF MCKEAN COUNTY. 323 
 
 Wegley, Eve Wegley, William Hubbard, Charles Everson, Elizabeth Everson, 
 John A. Mell, Hettie Mell, Theodosia Mell, Robert Campbell, Sarah Camp- 
 bell, Elizabeth S. James, Mary A. Blew, Laura Campbell, Lucetta Laft'erty, 
 Hanna Davis, Ebenezer Edwards, Helen Fisher, Orpha Campbell, Almysa Jane 
 Cummings. The first Methodist Episcopal building was dedicated in Decem- 
 ber, 1872, and the second February 28, 1875. Eev. John Hicks was pastor 
 in 1872. 
 
 The Catholic Church dates back to 1866. Eev. G. A. Voisard signed the 
 records of the Catholic church in 1866, when the work of church building was 
 begun. The house was completed in 1867, at a cost of |686. In 1869 Eev. 
 Mr. Mullowney presided here; in 1871, Eev. De la Eocque; in 1878, Eev. B. 
 Klocker, followed by Eev. Hugh Mullen in 1887. Eev. George Winkler, the 
 present pastor, came in 1888. In 1885 the old church was burned and the 
 people worshiped in Temperance Hall until October 13, when the new church 
 was dedicated by Bishop Mullen, of Erie. Eev. George Winkler, immediately 
 upon taking charge of his mission, began the building of Ihe new church; it is 
 of gothic style, 50x100 feet, with a large and handsome foundation to hold 
 the brick work, which is also solid. The spire from foundation wall to peak 
 of the cross has a height of 131 feet. It will, without the furniture, cost 
 $14,000. The number of families attending this church is eighty. The build- 
 ing, if erected under ordinary contract forms, would cost about $32,000. 
 Under the close supervision of Father Winkler the large church, with great 
 high altar, stained- glass windows, modern pews, etc., has been provided for 
 the people at less than half the cost of the highest bid tendered for the work. 
 
 The Presbyterian Church of Kane was organized November 15, 1874, by 
 Eev. J. L. Landis. Egbert Field and William Hubbard were installed elders. 
 Pending the erection of a building, services were held in (he Thomson House, 
 with Rev. J. M. Gillette, pastor. Mrs. Thomas, aunt of Gen. Kane, may 
 be said to be the donor of the church at Kane to the Presbyterian society. It 
 appears that she was anxious that Gen. Kane's children should be educated 
 in Presbyterian religious ideas, and this, in connection with her desire to build 
 a memorial to her father, Mr. Leiper, suggested this building. The stone 
 was taken from A. A. Clay's quarry, with his permission, and with this excep- 
 tion must be considered her grant to the society here. In building, Henry L. 
 Taylor was architect; the layer of the stone, Gen. Kane; all Masons, and 
 Mrs. Thomas were the leaders in the ceremony of corner-stone laying; and the 
 latter being the principal and an anti-Mason in sentiment, varied from the 
 Masonic ritual in one instance and used the words of the church ritual. 
 
 The Congregational Church was organized December 29, 1887, with Joshua 
 Davis, David Howells, A. Y. Jones, John T. GrifiSth, R. T. Starsmeare, O. D. 
 Coleman, W. A. Holgate and their families members. Eev. George Belsey 
 is pastor, and A. Y. Jones, clerk. The church building, which was completed 
 and dedicated December 9, 1888, cost $13,000. Lemuel Davis and E. B. 
 James are named among the trustees in act of incorporation of April, 1888. 
 
 The Baptist Church was organized November 25, 1887, with the following 
 named members: Charles Eoos, Mrs. Ella Roos, Emery Davis, Mrs. Margaret 
 Mentice, Mrs. Sarah Ware. Mrs. C. R. Dickey, Mrs. Parkhurst, Mrs. Dora 
 Norline, Mrs. Martha Young, P. C. West, Mrs. M. E. West. It was incor- 
 porated in May, 1888, the subscribers being C. Roos, P. C. West, E. R. Brit- 
 ton, Emery Davis, Norman Thomas, and their wives, A. D. Clark, A. J. 
 Donachi, O. A. Thomas, Madams Lida Mitchell, Margaret Mentrice, Martha 
 Young, Sarah Ware, Parkhurst, Gillis, Dickie, and Agnes Hanna. Rev. O. 
 R. Thomas is pastor, and Emery Davis clerk. There are .twenty-nine mem- 
 bers, with property valued at $6,000. 
 
324 HISTORY OF MCKEAN COUNTY. 
 
 The Swedish Evangelical Lutheran Society of Kane was incorporated Sep- 
 tember 4, 1888, on a petition signed by August Torstenson, J. A. Carlson, Ole 
 Hanson, J. P. Larson and A. Peterson. 
 
 The Free Lutheran Evangelical Church of Wetmore township was incor- 
 porated October 27, 1885, on petition of H. Norlin, A. Norman, G. Oberg and 
 C, F. Karlson. 
 
 The Kanasholm Swedish Evangelical Lutheran Church of the Augustoria 
 Synod v^as organized in June, 1876, with John Alfred Berling and others 
 trnstees. • 
 
 The Kanasholm Cemetery of Wetmore township was incorporated as the 
 last resting-place of deceased Swedes in September, 1876. 
 
 St. John's Protestant Episcopal Mission Church dates its beginning De- 
 cember 1, 1888, when Mr. and Mrs. Flynn and daughter, Mrs. Eugene Miller, 
 Mrs. Thomas McClellan, Miss Ella Herrick, Mrs. O'Brien, A. Louisa Long 
 and Mrs. Wilkinson, signed the roll of membership. N. M. Long was the 
 lirst secretary and J. Elmer Fluke is the present secretary. The membership 
 numbers ten persons, with Eev. A . W. Eyan, pastor. 
 
 Societies. — Kane Lodge, No. 566, F. & A. M., was organized October 28,' 
 1886, with the following named charter members: Claudius V. Gillis, Thomas 
 H. Ryan, Alexander Y. Jones, Joshua Davis, Eichard W. Smith, John T. 
 Griffith, David Howells, Edward W. Long, William Turbey, Randolph M. 
 Campbell, Walter B. Smith, James Campbell, Francis A. Lyte, William A. 
 Holgate, Ogden B. Lay, Charles W. Stone, William Hearst, Joseph Manzella, 
 Frank W. Brayton, John J. Stenstrom, Richard T. Starsmeare, Arthur H. 
 Holgate, William E. Blew, J. Frank Tyler, Jacob M. Mock. The three first 
 named have served as masters and F. A. Lyte in 1889; R. W. Smith as sec- 
 retary, and Joshua Davis as treasurer, with W. B. Smith, master. There 
 are forty-five members with property valued at $1,500. 
 
 Lodge 209, K. of P., was instituted July 27, 1888, with the following 
 named officers: C. C, M. A. Bingham; V. C, William B. Beamer; P. A., J. 
 Kingsley; M. at A., E. E. Looker; K. of E. & S., A. E. Myers; M. of F., 
 A. B. Thomas; M. of E,, John Fleming; I. G., George N. Jackson; O. G., 
 John Shaner. The names of past and present C. Cs. ai'e M. A. Bingham, 
 A. A. Truxel and William B. Beamer; W. 0. Delph was C. C. in February, 
 1890; John Shaner, A. E. Myers and A. B. Thomas are past chancellors. The 
 names of secretaries are A. D. Swick and A. E. Myers. The present number 
 of members is, sixty-four and the value of property is 1600. 
 
 Kane Lodge, No. 412, I. O. O. F., is presided over by L. Davis, N. G., and 
 Willis Jackson, Sec. This lodge has a well-equipped hall, and is one of the 
 most prosperous of the Kane societies. 
 
 Charles R. Riddle Post, 238, G. A. E., was mustered in March 27, 1888, 
 with R. E. Looker, Com.; George Griffith, S. V. C. ; Michael Galvin, 
 J. V. C. ; B. F. Burgess, Q. M. ; Joshua Davis, Surg. ; David Howells, 
 Chap. ; D. E. Matthews, O. of D. ; R. M. Campbell, O. of G. ; A. Y. Jones, 
 Adjt. ; Michael McEvoy, S. M ; H. McConnell, Q. M. S. ; E. J. Collins 
 and T. H. Ryan, trustees. The membership at date of muster included the 
 above named with S. P. Bray, William "Brennan, Adam Brodt, Omit Brestle, 
 M. A. Bingham, S. W. Brewer, Murty Dowd, C. H. Franklin, G. N. Jackson, 
 J. R. London, James Landragan, L. N. Mosier. W. H. H, Parker, Philip 
 Qiiigley, F. W. Patch, William Rose, Sebastian Searles, Peter C. Tripp and 
 Thomas H. Ryan. 
 
 Col. Charles J. Biddle, Women's Relief Corps, No 100, was organized March 
 27, 1888, with Mrs. Jennie Griffith, president; Mrs. Joshua Davis, vice-presi- 
 
HI8T0EY OF MCKEAN COUNTY. 325 
 
 dent; Mrs. O. Brestle, junior vice-president; Mrs. George Griffiths, treasurer; 
 Mrs. W. J. Arney, chaplain; Mrs. Ed. H. Long, secretary; Mrs. D. E. 
 Matthews, conductor; Mrs. C. E. Brown, assistant conductor; Mrs. B. E. 
 Looker, guard, and Mrs. James Landragan, assistant guard. The charter 
 members included the above named with Madams Rose Brennan, Martha 
 Blood, T. Crosson, M. Dowd, Hannah Davis, Elizabeth Frazier, Mary Galvin, 
 F. E. Griffith, Mattie Griffith, Jennie Griffith, Ann Howells, E. Landragan, 
 Mary Looker, Margaret Long, J. Matthews, H. McConnell, Mary E. Mock, 
 Abbie Maher, Ellen Quigley, Harriet Ryan, Maggie Sherry, Rosa Smith, S. 
 E. Stewart, L. Thomas, Misses L. Brestle and Mary Long. The Women's 
 Relief Corps is presided over by Mrs. Harriet M. Ryan, with Mrs. Ella Kelts, 
 secretary. 
 
 Gen. Thomas L. Kane Camp, S. of V. , No. 237, claims J. L. Mitchell as 
 captain, and Claude B. Gillis, first sergeant. 
 
 Patriotic Order Sons of America, was organized November 12, 1888, with 
 the following named officials: "Willis Jackson, George W. Neuls, John T. 
 Campbell, J. H. Gillis, John B. Fluke, W. H. Morgester, Charles Davis, 
 George Smith, Dennis Davis, F. O. Peterson, G. H. Preston, Webb Evans, 
 Webb Griffith, John W. Griffith. The presidents have been J. T. Campbell 
 and Willis Jackson, while George W. Neuls was serving in 1889. W. H. 
 Morgester, the first secretary, was succeeded in August, 1889, by John W. 
 Griffith. The lodge claims thirty-five members. W. H. Davis was president, 
 and Dennie Davis, secretary, in February, 1890. 
 
 In August, 1872, a military company was organized at Kane, with Joseph 
 D. Barnes, captain; Thomas Crosson, lieutenant, and Charles Everson, second 
 lieutenant. The membership was about fifty. 
 
 The Columbian League was organized at Kane in April, 1888, with A. A. 
 Truxel, P. C. ; T. Diffenderfer, C. ; Arthur Morris, V. C. ; W. W. Morrison, 
 A. C. ; George Wyviel, Sec. ; Dr. J. L. Wright, Treas. ; R. R. Hughes, Col. ; 
 J. McChessney, Chap. ; A. N. Russell, Mar. ; A. Clemenger and J. G. King, 
 Trustees. This society was organized for mutual benefit, and offered a cheap 
 method of life insurance. 
 
 The Loyal Legion claims the following officers: President, Bessie Staples; 
 vice-president, Bessie McDade; recording secretary, Anna Campbell; corre- 
 sponding secretary, Minnie Parsons; treasurer, Flora Lay; organist, Myrtie 
 Vantassel. 
 
 The Kane Catholic Total Abstinence Society was organized in 1873, with 
 
 John H. Butler, president; ■ McKean, treasurer, and James Landragan, 
 
 marshal. 
 
 Kane E. A. U. was organized August 4, 1885, with W. M. Bartlett, chan- 
 cellor; R. L. Earl, advocate; M. W. Moffitt, president; Mrs. S. B. Thomas, 
 vice-president; Mrs. L. M. Meese, auxiliary; Thomas J. Malone, secretary, and 
 W. H. Davis, treasurer. 
 
 Encampment of Knights of Malta at Kane was named in honor or J. T. 
 Griffith. F. B. Booth is E. C, and G. A. Robinson, C. 
 
 Branch No. 13, C. M.. B. A., was organized in November, 1889, with thir- 
 ty-eight members. The officers installed were: President, Peter J. Daly; 
 first vice-president, James T. Kelly; second vice-president, Thomas Dwyer; 
 recording secretary, Thomas J. Dolphin; assistant recording secretary, P. J. 
 Sullivan; financial secretary, M. J. Daly; marshal, Patrick Curran; guard, 
 Peter J. Crosson; trustees, John H. Garry, M. O'Shea, James P. Remond, P 
 Curran, B. Crowley. 
 
 Miscellaneous. — J. D. Leonard was postmaster at Kane until the appoint - 
 ment of O. G. Kelts in 1886. 
 
326 HISTOBY OF MCKEAN COUNTY. 
 
 In the fall of 1889 a number of citizens met in O. B. Lay's office and or- 
 ganized what is known as the Kane Cemetery Association. At the meeting a 
 committee consisting of Messrs. Joshua Davis, C. H. Kemp and M. W. Moffitt 
 was appointed and instructed to procure the ground. This committee at once 
 commenced work and purchased six acres of Erick Erickson at $100 per acre. 
 Mrs. E. D. Kane donated four acres, making in all ten acres. This laud has 
 been fenced in. The services of Alson Rogers, of Warren, were secured, who 
 did the work reasonable, and did it well. A part of the ground has been laid 
 out in lots, and the committee are now ready to dispose of them. The cem- 
 etery is situated about half a mile south of the borough, and a graded road 
 leads to and through the grounds. 
 
 The location of the town in the wilderness, near where the pioneers of 
 Williamsville settled long ago, is excellent. When Gen. Kane came in later 
 years and looked up from the valley of the Clarion he pictured the tree-covered 
 hills, partially cleared of the forest, and in the openings a thousand happy 
 farm homes. In after years, when the railroad sought a way out of the val- 
 ley and its builders determined to cross the high divide, he selected the sum- 
 mit for a town site and dreamed great things of its future, seeing in fancy the 
 porticoed houses of a happy people extending 'over the plateau and stretching 
 away to the valleys. The pioneer dream has been practically fulfilled. Omit- 
 ting its poetic features the location is all that he pictured, and more than that, 
 for conveniences of life which were not knovm a decade ago are found here, 
 and great industries, which provide work for the industrious, take the place of 
 fancy's castles. The town is an example of what enterprise may accomplish 
 in a short space of time. It is very young, but very precocious, and the 
 marker of its progress has work daily, for every day adds either a small or 
 large contingent to the mercantile or manufacturing circle and many persons 
 to the community. What history may say of this progressive town at the close 
 of this century depends much on its residents of the present time. 
 
BIOGKAPHICAL SKETCHES. 327 
 
 CHAPTER XXII. 
 
 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES— BRADFOKD TOWNSHIP AND 
 CITY OF BEADPOED. 
 
 JAMES L. ADAMS, manager of the Bradford Beef Company, Bradford 
 was born in Ossian, Livingston Co., N. Y., October 31, 1847, a son of Leonard 
 and Amy (Crocker) Adams. He left school and served as private in the Union 
 army, Second Army Corps, Third Brigade, Third Division, One Hundred and 
 Twentieth New York State Eegiment, Company I, from September 2, 1864, 
 until the end of the war; was discharged June 15, 1865, at Kingston, N. Y.^ 
 when he returned to school and graduated from the Rushford Academy, Alle- 
 gany county, N. Y., in 1865; then attended Eastman's commercial school of 
 Poughkeepsie, N. Y. , and graduated in March, 1866, and then was employed 
 for a time as bookkeeper, when he began the manufacture of cheese, which he 
 continued until 1871. He then sold out his business and moved to McKean 
 county, Penn., where he was employed as superintendent and manager of the 
 cheese factory at Kendall. In 1874 he accepted a position as bookkeeper at 
 Bradford, which he held until 1886, when he became manager of the Bradford 
 Beef Company, which was established by Swift & Co., of Chicago, 111., in 1883. 
 The business of the company has doubled since Mr. Adams became its man- 
 ager, and they now sell three car loads of beef per week at Bradford. Mr. 
 Adams was married July 4, 1870, to Miss Emma M. Tyler, of Farmersville, N. 
 Y., and they have two children: Myrtie M. and Carrie L. In politics Mr. 
 Adams is independent. He is a member of the Knights of St. John and Malta 
 and the Knights of Pythias. The parents of Mr. Adams are native-born 
 Americana of English descent; those of Mrs. Adams, James and Malona 
 (Clark) Tyler, are also native-born Americans, and reside at Farmersville, N. 
 Y., where the marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Adams was solemnized. Although 
 regular attendants at church, they are not members of any congregation. 
 
 H. H. ADSIT, superintendent of the Bradford Oil Company, Bradford, 
 was born in Chautauqua county, N. Y., January 22, 1841, a son of Albert Gr. 
 and Genette (Montgomery) Adsit, who were natives of Saratoga county, N. Y. 
 The subject of these lines, who is the youngest son in a family of four sons and 
 four daughters, was reared in his native county, and in his boyhood attended 
 the common schools, later becoming a student at Fredonia Academy. In 1858 
 he began to learn the trade of machinist, and served an apprenticeship of three 
 years. At the breaking out of the Rebellion he enlisted in the Forty-fourth 
 New York Volunteer Infantry, known as the ' ' Ellsworth Zouaves, ' ' being se- 
 lected to represent Chautauqua county. The regiment was made up from the 
 entire State, each county and each ward in the cities furnishing one man, who 
 was to be at least five feet ten inches in height, well-built and between the 
 ages of twenty-one and thirty. Mr. Adsit was appointed orderly sergeant of 
 his company. He served faithfully until the expiration of his term of service, 
 and was discharged in 1864 ; he was wounded twice — neither time seriously. 
 After his discharge he returned to Chautauqua county, and worked at his trade 
 a year. In 1865 he entered into the oil business, and in 1872 was employed 
 
328 HISTORY OF MCKEAN COUNTY. 
 
 by an English company to go to the West India Islands, taking with him men 
 and tools. Eeturning to Pennsylvania in 1874, in 1876 he came to Bradford, 
 where he has since been superintendent of the Bradford Oil Company. Mr. 
 Adsit was married in 1878 to Miss Frances Nevens, daughter of William 
 Nevens, of Titusville. This union has been blessed with three children, viz. : 
 Grace, Bessie and Howard. In politics he is a Republican. He is a member 
 of the Veteran League, of which he is lieutenant-colonel. He and his wife 
 are members of the Episcopal Church. 
 
 C. P. ALLING, M. D., Bradford, was born in Norwalk, Huron Co., 
 Ohio, February 19, 1838, a son of P. and Eliza L. (Gibbs) Ailing, former a 
 native of New York and latter of Connecticut. His father was clerk of Huron 
 county ten years. C. P. is the second in a family of eight children, was given 
 good educational advantages, and after leaving the common schools attended 
 the Western Eeserve College, from which he graduated in 1856. He then took 
 a three years' course at Kenyon (Ohio) College, and afterward taught school 
 one year at Milan, Ohio. He began the study of medicine at Norwalk with 
 Dr. John Tifft, completing same with Dr. Charles Merrill, of Cleveland, in the 
 meantime attending lectures at the Western Homoeopathic College, of Cleve- 
 land; received his degree in 1862, and entered upon the practice of his pro- 
 fession at Lima. The following summer the Doctor enlisted in one of the regi- 
 ments formed for the defense of the southern border of the State, serving as 
 assistant surgeon, and was discharged in December following. He practiced 
 at Milan three years, and then, in January, 1867, moved to Dunkirk, N. Y., 
 where he remained ten years. While there he served for a time as city physi- 
 cian, was chairman of the board of health, and an active member of the New 
 York Homoeopathic Medical Society. In 1877 he moved to Bradford, where 
 he remained four years, and in 1881 went to Buffalo, but two years later re 
 turned to Bradford, where he has since lived. While in Buffalo he served as 
 city physician and was also surgeon for a railroad company. For five years he 
 has been chairman of the Bureau of Microscopy and Histology in the National 
 Medical Association. While in Buffalo he perfected the " Triumph Inhaler," 
 which seems destined to revolutionize the treatment of all diseases of the head, 
 throat and lungs. The Doctor now has a large practice, which is mostly con- 
 fined to his office, and has been very successful in his treatment of disease. 
 Dr. Ailing was married in March, 1863, to Miss Ruhamah Wakeman, daugh- 
 ter of W. H. Wakeman, and they have two children: Mary E. (wife of Capt. 
 A. A. Fengar) and H. W. (now a medical student in the office of his father. ) 
 The Doctor and his wife are members of the Episcopal Church. In politics he 
 is a Republican. 
 
 ABRAHAM ANDERSON is a prominent flour and feed dealer in Bradford, 
 formerly of Lafayette, same county, where he was postmaster for thirteen 
 years. He also owns a farm of 200 acres, and is largely interested in the pro- 
 duction of oil, working ten wells and receiving a royalty on a number of others. 
 Mr. Anderson was born in England, and came with his parents to America in 
 1828. They settled in McKean county, being among its first settlers, at a 
 time when it was mostly inhabited by Indians and wild animals. His father 
 died in 1832 ; his mother died at the age of one hundred and three, retaining 
 her mental faculties till the time of her deatTi, December 3, 1889. Of their 
 seven sons, Joseph, James, Thomas, John, Isaac, William and Abraham, three 
 are living: Isaac, in Erie county, Penn., and James and Abraham, ^in McKean 
 county. The mother was a cousin of John C. Calhoun, the eminent states- 
 man. Mr. Anderson has served as justice of the peace and deputy sheriff of 
 his county. By special act of the legislature he was appointed State road 
 
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 329 
 
 • 
 
 commissioner, in which capacity he served six years. He is a member of the 
 Masonic fraternity and of the Equitable Aid "Union. He was married August 
 12, 1852, to Sarah Ann Elizabeth Beeman, and they have had four children: 
 Burton J. (killed in a railroad disaster), Jesse E., Eva (wife of Charles Welch, 
 of Newton, Kas.), and Anna A. Mr. and Mrs. Anderson are prominent mem- 
 bers of the Methodist Episcopal Church. In politics he is a Republican. 
 
 J. L. ANDREWS, proprietor of the Hotel Brunswick, Bradford, was born 
 January 19, 1842. He was reared in Bradford county, Penn., and enlisted in 
 1862 in the One Hundred and Thirty- second Pennsylvannia Volunteer Infan- 
 try, Company D, serving his term of enlistment. He has lived in Bradford 
 since 1875, and has been one of the most active in the promotion of her public 
 interests. He was one of the most prominent movers in the organization of 
 the Bradford Eire Department, and was elected its first chief, serving in that 
 capacity five years, and still enjoys the reputation of having been one of the 
 best chiefs the department has had. He is now serving his third term as a 
 member of the select council of Bradford. In politics Mr. Andrews is a Re- 
 publican, and he is a member of Bradford Post, No. 141, G. A. R. He was 
 married in Jamestown, N.Y., in 1870, 'to Miss Blanche, daughter of Col. James 
 T. Henry, and they have two children: James and Blanche Broder. 
 
 S. AUERHAIM, dealer in dry goods, millinery, etc. , Bradford, is a native 
 of Germany, born November 28, 1838. He was reared in his native country, 
 ■and his father, Moses Auerhaim, being a merchant, he, when but a child, be- 
 gan to learn the business, serving a regular apprenticeship of three years. In 
 1850 he came to America, and in New York learned the cigar-maker's trade. 
 He was obliged to rely on himself for support, and as he had not money enough 
 to start the dry goods business, for some time he gave his attention to the 
 manufacture and sale of cigars. He remained in New York until 1866, when 
 he removed to Petroleum Centre, Penn., and there embarked in the dry goods 
 business; later he went to Erie, and from there to Oil City, where he remained 
 five years. In 1879 he located in Bradford, where he now has one of the best 
 dry goods stores in the place. Mr. Auerhaim married Miss Fannie Kuntz, and 
 they have seven children: Selina, Ida, Bertha, Emma, Clara, Samuel and 
 Moses Martin. In politics Mr. Auerhaim is a Republican. He is a member 
 of the Jewish Reformed Church, of which he is a trustee. He is also a mem- 
 ber of the I. O. O. F. 
 
 HARVEY S. BAKER, M. D., one of the oldest physicians in Bradford, 
 settled in McKean county in an early day, and has lived to see the wonderful 
 changes in the county in the last half century. When he first came to the 
 county, and for many years thereafter, his practice extended for twenty miles 
 from his home, in all directions, and his professional visits were mostly made 
 on horseback, he carrying his own drug store in his saddle-bags. He has had 
 an extensive practice both in Pennsylvania and New York, and is one of the 
 best- known physicians in the county. Dr. Baker is a native of New York, 
 born May 26, 1827, a son of Thomas and Abigail (Shaw) Baker. His grand- 
 father, Abner Baker, was a soldier in the colonial army during the war of the 
 Revolution. Dr. Baker graduated from the Medical Department of the State 
 University of Michigan, March 29, 1855. He was married September 26, 
 1860, to Nancy J. Comstock, who died in 1878, leaving four children: C. L., 
 R. N., Ernestine and Nancy J. February 23. 1881, Dr. Baker married 
 Nellie M.-, daughter of Emanulus O. and Lydia (Starkwether) Dickinson, and 
 they have one child, Leala D. Dr. Baker is a member of the Methodist Epis- 
 ■copal Church. 
 
 J. W. BAKER, one of the prominent business men of Bradford, was born 
 
330 HISTORY OF MCKEAN COUNTY. 
 
 in Allegheny county, Penn., July 13, 1849, son of Daniel and Harriet (Hughes) 
 Baker, natives of Maryland, former of German, and latter of English 
 descent. Mr. Baker remained with his parents in Allegheny City until seventeen 
 years of age, attending school the most of the time, and then went to work in the 
 oil fields, later buying property and working wells for himself until 1875, when 
 he began dealing in torpedoes and nitro-glycerine. In 1878 he removed to 
 Bradford, where he has continued the same business. In politics Mr. Baker 
 is a Eepublican. He is a member of the F. & A. M. , lodge and chapter. 
 
 A. F. BANNON, reading'clerk of the Pennsylvania State senate, is a well- 
 known figure of McKean county, where he has hosts of friends among all par- 
 ties. He is a native of the Keystone State, born in Blossburgh, October 13, 
 1847, and is a son of Patrick and Joanna (Lanergan) Bannon, natives of Ire- 
 land. His parents came to America in 1841, and soon thereafter settled in 
 Blossburgh, Penn. When he was twelve years of age the subject of these 
 lines was put to work with his father in the mines, an occupation he followed 
 ten years. As he was obliged to work at an age when most boys are at school, 
 his educational advantages were necessarily very limited; but being of a stu- 
 dious disposition, and having a natural thirst for knowledge, he attended 
 night-school, thus obtaining a fair education. In the year after reaching his 
 majority, being determined to seek other employment, he secured a situation 
 as clerk in a grocery store in Blossburgh; and so well did he improve his 
 opportunities that, in 1872, he was enabled to start in business for himself. 
 In 1875 he closed out his store, and in 1877 removed to McKean county, where 
 he entered the employ of the Erie Railroad Company at Kendall Creek. A 
 year later he embarked in the coal business, in which he continued five years, 
 when, having purchased valuable oil property, he sold out and devoted his 
 attention to the production of oil, a business he is thoroughly acquainted with. 
 In politics Mr. Bannon has for a long time been a prominent Eepublican, and 
 in 1883 he was chairman of the county committee. In 1880 he was elected 
 coroner of the county; between the years 1885 and 1888 he served as sheriff of 
 the county, and in 1889 he was appointed to his present position of reading- 
 clerk of the Pennsylvania State senate, his services commencing with the 
 session of that year. He has two years to serve, so that his voice will be 
 heard in that distinguished body in 1891. Mr. Bannon was married August 
 25, 1870, at Corning, N. Y., to Mary J., daughter of Samuel Carlyle, and 
 they have three children: Anthony F., William P. and Mary. The family are 
 members of the Catholic Church. Mr. Bannon is a member of Lodge No. 
 183, A. O. U. W., and represented his lodge in the grand lodge in 1883. 
 
 H. F. BAKBOUR, editor of the Bradford Evening Star, Bradford, was 
 born in Chemung county, N. Y. , March 14, 1845, the youngest of five children 
 that lived to maturity of J. N. and Elizabeth (Thompson) Barbour, the former 
 a native of New York, and the latter of Connecticut. His mother died just as 
 he reached manhood. His father, over eighty, is now residing near Elmira, 
 N. Y. The subject of these lines was reared in his native county, and her& 
 obtained his rudimentary education, and at the age of sixteen entered Alfred 
 University. After three years he left college to prepare himself for his life 
 work as publisher and editor, the University, at the commencement in 1889, 
 voluntarily granting him an honorary diploma and degree of Master of Arts. 
 In March, 1869, he received an appointment in the Government printing office 
 at Washington, where for three years he held the Greek cases. In 1872 he 
 came to McKean county and purchased the Smethport Miner. In 1884 he sold 
 the Miner and bought a half interest in the Bradford Evening Star. A year later 
 he purchased his partner's interest and organized The Star Publishing Com- 
 
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 331 
 
 pany, of which he is president, and owner of more than three-fourths of the 
 stock. He is an able writer, aggressive and forcible, but never scurrilous; is an 
 out-and-out Bepublican, and the Star, being conducted in the interests of that 
 party, has proved of great benefit to the Republican cause of McKean county. 
 The Star is published daily, and has the largest circulation in the county, in- 
 deed, remarkably large for a city like Bradford. Mr. Barbour is an indefati- 
 gable worker, and the success the paper has attained is due to his untiring 
 energy and his ability as publisher and editor. He is an active member of the 
 Masonic order, and is a Knight Templar. Mr. Barbour was married at Smeth- 
 port, McKean Co., Penn., September 17, 1873, to Mary E., daughter of Rev. 
 H. and Jane (Smith) Peck, her father having been a minister in the Methodist 
 Church for several years, in McKean county, but now living in the State of 
 New York. Mr. and Mrs. Barbour have one child, Ward W. , a lad of fifteen 
 years. 
 
 J. S. BARLOW, alderman of the First Ward, Bradford, Penn., was born 
 in Rochester, N. Y., November 20, 1849, a son of A. S. and Margaret (Phelps) 
 Barlow, the former of English and German, and the latter of Irish descent. 
 His father was a prominent citizen of Rochester and later moved to Chicago, 
 111. , where he was extensively engaged in the real estate business. J. S. Bar- 
 low attended the schools of Rochester and also the Satterlee Institute, and, 
 when a boy, clerked in a grocery store, a business he carried on for himself for 
 a time in Rochester. In 1869 he moved to Pennsylvania and, for a time, was 
 engaged in refining oil in the lower oil fields; then went to Butler county and 
 embarked in the grocery business. In 1878 he came to Bradford and engaged 
 in the oil business, producing oil in the Bradford fields. He was elected 
 constable in 1878, served nine years, and in 1888 was elected to his present 
 position. He is a Democrat in politics. Mr. Barlow was married in Rochester, 
 in 1871, to Miss Maggie Ward, a native of Rochester, N. Y. , of Irish descent, 
 daughter of Anthony Ward, and they have one child, William. Mrs. Barlow 
 is a member of the Catholic Church. He is a member of the A. O. U. W., 
 and also a member of the Select Knights. 
 
 B. H. BARR, superintendent and general manager for the C. F. McAmbley 
 Lumber Company, Bradford, was born in Bradford, McKean Co. , Penn. , July 
 11, 1852, the eldest of eight children of Henry W. and Statira (Sears) Barr, 
 former a native of New York, and latter of Pennsylvania. The father, who 
 was a lumber dealer, was a pioneer settler of McKean county, being at the 
 head of the Tuna Lumber Company. B. H. Barr was given good educational 
 advantages, and was a clerk for his father for several years. In 1879 he entered 
 the employ of the Ridgway Lumber Company, an extensive concern, operating 
 at Ridgway, Elk county, and elsewhere, remaining with them three years, and 
 has since 1886 been with the C. F. McAmbley Lumber Company at Bradford. 
 Mr. Barr was married in 1886, at Kendall Creek, McKean Co., Penn., to 
 Luella R., born June 29, 1853, a daughter of P. and Clarissa (Owens) Ackley, 
 and they have one child. Lulu. In politics Mr. Barr is a Democrat. He and 
 his wife are members of the Episcopal Church. He is a member of the Knights 
 of the Maccabees. 
 
 J. L. BARRETT (deceased), late manager for the Postal Telegraph Cable 
 Company, at Bradford, Penn. , was born in Steuben county, N. Y. , July 16, 1859, 
 a son of Charles and Margaret (Christler) Barrett, former of English and latter 
 of English-German descent. He began the study of telegraphy before he was 
 twelve years old, and in 1874 was given charge of an office on the Erie Rail-' 
 road. In 1877 he came to Bradford, and was in the employ of the Western 
 Union Telegraph Company until 1883, when the operators had a strike, and 
 
332 HISTOKY OF MCKEAN COUNTY. 
 
 he worked an independent line between the oil exchanges in Bradford until 
 1884, in which year he accepted the position of manager for the Postal Tele- 
 graph Cable Company at Bradford. Mr. Barrett was married October 12, 1881, 
 in Bradford, to Miss Minnie, daughter of Albert DeGolier, and to this union 
 one child, Paul D., was born. Mr. Barrett died August 28, 1889. In politics 
 he was a Republican, and socially he was treasurer of the Royal Arcanum. 
 
 G. "W. BARTLETT, general superintendent of the Buffalo, Rochester & 
 Pittsburgh Railroad Company at Bradford, Penn., was born in Portsmouth, 
 N. H., August 20, 1856, a son of James P. and Frances (Harris) Bartlett, 
 natives of New Hampshire, and of English descent. He graduated from Dart- 
 mouth College in 1877, then went west, and obtained a position in the freight 
 office of the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy Railroad at Council Bluffs, where 
 he remained two years ; then moved to Buffalo, N. Y. , where he was employed 
 as civil engineer by the Erie Railroad Company, and from there went to Port 
 Jervis, same State, where he became chief clerk in the superintendent's ofBce. 
 Here he remained until appointed road master of the Delaware Division of the 
 Erie road, and subsequently was promoted to superintendent of the Rochester 
 Division, with headquarters at Rochester. In 1887 he was again promoted by 
 the Erie Company to the position of superintendent of the Third and Fourth 
 Divisions of the New York, Pennsylvania & Ohio Railroad, with headquarters 
 at Galion, Ohio, but in 1888 he resigned to accept his present position, and 
 located at Bradford. He is a young man of good business ability, and his vari- 
 ous promotions have been the results of his integrity and strict business prin- 
 ciples. He married in 1883, and has two sons: Francis Harris and Robert 
 Duncan. In politics he is a Republican. 
 
 W. W. BELL, cashier of the First National Bank, Bradford, was born in 
 McKean county, Penn. , April 6, 1854, a son of Horatio and Ann Mary (Leon- 
 ard) Bell, who were natives of New York, of English descent. His father was 
 a successful lumberman until after the breaking out of the war of the Rebel- 
 lion, when he enlisted in the One Hundred and Fiftieth Pennsylvania Volun- 
 teer Infantry, was elected captain of Company G, and served in that capacity 
 until he was killed at the battle of the Wilderness. W. W. is the elder of 
 two children. He attended the common school and also a select school in his 
 boyhood and youth; when sixteen years old he obtained a position in a bank in 
 a neighboring town. Here he remained five years. In April, 1876, he was ap- 
 pointed cashier of the bank of Canisteo, N. Y., which position he held four years, 
 and in April, 1880, came to Bradford to accept the position of assistant cashier 
 in the First National Bank, which he filled only nine months, when he was 
 promoted to his present incumbency. He is well qualified for this responsible 
 position, which he has now held over nine years. Mr. Bell was married at 
 Cuba, N. Y. , in August, 1877, to Mary E. , daughter of M. U. Underwood, and 
 they have five children: William Lawrence, Mary, Leonard J., Donald W. and 
 Margaret E. In politics Mr. Bell is a Republican. 
 
 JOHN ALEXANDER BELL, farmer, P. O. Custer City, was born in 
 Scotland about 1840, a son of John and Elizabeth (Steele) Bell, who died in that 
 country. John A. Bell immigrated to America in 1853, and thence to Canada 
 West, where he remained four years with his brother. While there he learned 
 the "machinery moulders' trade, and returned to Buffalo, where he worked at. 
 his trade until 1861, when he enlisted in Company K, Twenty-first Regiment, 
 New York Volunteers, and served two years as corporal of his company. He 
 was wounded at the battle of Fredericksburg, after which he re-enlisted in 
 Company I, New York Heavy Artillery, and served until the close of the war. 
 He was wounded in the knee at the battle of Hatch's run, and again in the- 
 
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 333 
 
 shoulder at Petersburg. He was sent to the hospital in 1864, and remained 
 there until mustered out of service in 1865. After the close of the war he re- 
 sided in Buffalo until 1871, when he moved to Olean and remained until 1877, 
 thence to Fort Smith, Ark., where he engaged in farming for one year; thence 
 to Kansas, and in 1883 came to Bradford township, McKean Co., Penn. 
 where he has since resided. In 1872 he married Miss Emma A., daughter of 
 William S. Morris, of Bradford township, and they have one child, Elmer 
 Julian. Mr. Bell is a Republican in politics, and is a member of the Union 
 Veteran Union of Bradford; also of the Machinery Moulders' Union. His wife 
 is a member of the Free Methodist Church and of the Women' s Christain Tem- 
 perance Union of DeGolier. 
 
 G. G. BENNETT, grocer, Bradford, was born in New Lebanon, N. Y., 
 October 4, 1836, a son of G. K. and Mary E. (King) Bennett, natives of New 
 York. They moved to Crawford county, Penn., when the subject of these 
 lines was a boy, and he made that his home until coming to Bradford in 1878. 
 He keeps a full line of groceries, both foreign and domestic, and his prices are 
 always as low as the lowest. Mr. Bennett was married in Eochester, N. Y. , 
 in 1866, to Miss Mary Aldrich, daughter of Adam Aldrich, and they have had 
 a family of three sons, all of whom are deceased. Mrs. Bennett is a member 
 of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Mr. Bennett is a Democrat in politics; 
 is a member of the F. & A. M. and of the A. O. U. W. 
 
 G. E. BENNINGHOFF, M. D., Bradford, was born in Petroleum Centre, Ve- 
 nango Co., Penn., February 10, 1854, a son of George and Julia (Baney) 
 Benninghoff, natives, also, of Pennsylvania, of German descent. In 1867 his 
 parents moved to Meadville, Penn., where they still live. He was given good 
 educational advantages and after leaving the common schools was sent to Ober- 
 lin College, Ohio. Choosing medicine as his profession he attended the medi- 
 cal department of Wooster College, Cleveland, Ohio, from which he graduated 
 in 1879. He first located at Kendall Creek, where he remained until 1886, 
 when he moved to Bradford. His partner in practice is Dr. James B. Stewart, 
 who is a graduate of Washington College, and also of Ohio Medical College, 
 at Cincinnati, from which he graduated in 1887. Dr. Benninghoff was mar- 
 ried in June, 1880, to Nannie, daughter of James Hogan, and they have one 
 child, Walter Garrett. Mrs. Benninghoff is a member of the Methodist Epis- 
 copal Church. The Doctor has been a Government examining sxirgeon for 
 pensions since 1883. He is a member of the County, State and American 
 Medical Societies. He is a member of the Masonic fraternity, and in politics, 
 is a Republican. In his profession he gives his special attention to surgery, 
 while Dr. Stewart, his partner, gives his attention to the general practice. 
 
 GEORGE A. BERRY, attorney at law, Bradford, was born in Centre 
 county, Penn., November 9, 1848, the youngest of five children of Dr. Benja- 
 min J. and Nancy J. (Irvin) Berry, former a native of Maryland, and latter of 
 Pennsylvania, both of Scotch-Irish descent. His father practiced medicine 
 in Centre county, Penn., about forty years, dying in that county in 1864. 
 George A. Berry was reared near Belief onte. Centre Co., Penn., where he 
 attended the public schools and the old Boalsburg Academy, later becoming a 
 student at Washington and Jefferson College, from which he graduated in 
 1868. He then began the stody of law, and for one year read under the' in- 
 struction 6f James A. Beaver, the present governor of Pennsylvania, at Belle- 
 fonte. Following this he went to Ebensburg, Cambria county, same State, 
 and studied with J. M. Reade, an eminent attorney of that place. He was ad- 
 mitted to the bar of Cambria county in March, 1871, and immediately entered 
 upon the practice of his profession. For two years he was successful, but on 
 
334 HISTORY OF MCKEAN COUNTY. 
 
 account of failing health he was obliged to abandon work, and for a year he 
 devoted his time to travel and sight- seeing. Regaining his health he, in 1874, 
 located in Warren county, Penn., and in December, 1875, removed to Brad- 
 ford, where he has been in active practice, having been admitted to the bar of 
 McKean county in February, 1876. Mr. Berry is a Republican in politics, 
 served one term as chief burgess of Ebensburg, and as a member of the school 
 board of Bradford. He is a member of the Masonic fraternity. He was mar- 
 ried in 1876 to Kate I., daughter of Nelson Parker, a well known lumber 
 dealer of McKean county in his day, who was killed in a railroad accident in 
 1874. Mrs. Berry is a member of the Universalist Church. 
 
 JOHN BIRD, oil producer, Bradford, was born in the State of Maine, 
 August 12, 1842, a son of Francis and Mary (Trainor) Bird, natives of Ire- 
 land, who came from their native country to New Brunswick, and thence to 
 Maine, where the father still lives, now eighty-five years old. John Bird was 
 reared in his native State, remaining there till past his majority, and in 1864 
 came to Pennsylvania, settling at Oil creek, where he was employed at difPerent 
 oil wells, also in teaming, and later contracting for the drilling of wells. 
 Since a year after he first located at Bradford, he has operated on his own 
 account. He is also a partner in a fruit canning company in Michigan. Mr. 
 Bird was married May 25, 1880, in Ohio, to Miss Belle, daughter of John 
 "Williamson, and they have two children: Jay and Cora. Mr. Bird is a mem- 
 ber of the Masonic fraternity, and has taken the thirty-second degree; his 
 wife is a member of the Presbyterian Church. In politics Mr. Bird is inde 
 pendent. 
 
 CAPT. JOHN T. BISHOP, of the American Oil Company, Bradford, was 
 born in England, January 1, 1836, a son of William and Sarah (Coates) 
 Bishop. His parents came to America in 1840, and settled in the county of 
 York, Canada, where the father died in 1844. John T. , the youngest of 
 eleven children, attended school in Canada, also in New York City, and began 
 his business career when quite young, obtaining employment with a railroad 
 company. In 1855 he was sent to Iowa as contractor's paymaster of a 
 Western road, and a year later went to Illinois, with headquarters at Decatur. 
 August 1, 1862, he enlisted in Company I, One Hundred and Sixteenth Illi- 
 nois Volunteer Infantry, and September 6 was commissioned first lieutenant. 
 This regiment was assigned to the First Brigade, Second Division, Fifteenth 
 Army Corps, and so served until mustered out at the close of the war. In 
 1863 he was promoted to captain, and served in- this capacity until compelled 
 to resign on account of ill-health. He returned to Decatur, where he re- 
 mained until 1869, when he again took up the railroad business, and had 
 interests in contracts in the States of Michigan, New Jersey, Maine, New 
 Hampshire and Vermont. In 1877 he came to McKean county and located in 
 Bradford, since which time he has been with the American Oil Company. In 
 1878-79 he was clerk of the borough of Bradford, and also served two years 
 as a member of the school board, and six years as city comptroller. While in 
 Decatur he was deputy circuit clerk, and for two years was police magistrate. 
 In politics Capt. Bishop is a Republican.' He was an active mover in the 
 organization of the first G. A. R. Post in the United States* and was a charter 
 member of Post No. 1 , at Decatur, 111. He is a member of Bradford Post, 
 No. 141, and has served as its commander, quartermaster and adjutant, and 
 is also an aid-de-camp to the commander-in-chief. For twenty-six years he 
 has been identified with the I. O. O. F. , and is a member of the F. & A. M. , 
 the Knights of Honor, and other societies. He was married, in 1860, to Miss 
 
 *See History of the Grant! Army of the lieputihc, by Gen. R. B. Beath. 
 
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 335 
 
 Sarah E. Vermillion, a native of Scott county, 111., daughter of William Ver- 
 million, and they have seven children. 
 
 J. E. BLAIR, merchant and farmer, Bradford, is a native of Worcester 
 couQty, Mass., born March 28, 1818, a son of Artemus and Sally (Easterbrook 
 Blair, who were also natives of Massachusetts, of Scotch-Irish descent. J. E. 
 is the second of nine children. Iq his boyhood his parents moved to the 
 State of New York, where he was reared on a farm and was given good educa- 
 tional advantages. In December, 1840, he came to Bradford, Penn., where 
 there was but one log-house on the present site of the town. He embarked in 
 the lumber business, and later clerked in a store for a time. He invested in 
 land, which he cleared of a heavy growth of timber, and has since devoted the 
 greater part of his attention to farminor. He owns 155 acres, on which are 
 twenty- seven oil wells. In 1861 Mr. Blair was elected by the Republican 
 party sheriff of McKean county, and at the expiration of his term was elected 
 treasurer, being required to give bonds for 1100,000. While serving as 
 sheriff he helped to organize the regiment known as the Peonsylvauia Buck- 
 tails. Mr. Blair was married in Chautauqua county, N. Y., to Miss Caliata 
 Tozer, daughter of Richard and tolly (Fitch) Tozer, natives of Otsego county, 
 N. Y. , of English ancestry. To Mr. and Mrs. Blair have been born nine chil- 
 dren: Albert R. , of Bradford; Laura I., wife of James Broder; Sarah J., wife 
 of Corydon Emerson; Emma, at home; EfiS.e, wife of A. B. Walker; Jose- 
 phine, wife of T. H. Steele, of Findlay, Ohio; Frank P., who died, aged three 
 years; Elmer E., in his father's store at Bradford, and Henry. Mrs. Blair is 
 a member of the Universalist Church. 
 
 A. HENRY BLOMER, assistant postmaster at Bradford, was born in the 
 city of Philadelphia, May 16, 1846, a son of A. H. and Selina (McDowell) 
 Blomer, of German, Welsh and Scotch descent. His father was a cabinet- 
 maker, and was the owner of one of the largest manufacturing interests in the 
 city of Philadelphia, his factory covering an entire block. He died in 1860. 
 A. H. is the seventh in a family of eight children, six of them boys . His 
 mother and five brothers still live in Philadelphia. When he was twenty 
 years of age he embarked in the oil business at Oil City, remaining there and 
 at Rouseville three years. In 1870 he moved to Bradford, where he sunk the 
 pioneer well in the now celebrated Bradford oil fields, and has since made 
 this his principal business, having drilled eighty wells in this region. In 
 politics Mr. Blomer is a Democrat, and takes an active interest in his party. 
 He served as a member of the State committee, also as chairman of the county 
 committee, and at present is treasurer of the latter.- He was appointed to his 
 present position, that of assistant postmaster, in 1886. He is an active mem- 
 ber of the Catholic Mutual Benefit Association, and is a member of the grand 
 council of the State and chairman of the committee on laws. He is also past 
 chancellor and United States supreme deputy of the C. B. L. Mr. Blomer 
 was married in Philadelphia, December 8, 1870, to Nettie M. Martin, daughter 
 of Benjamin L. Martin, a prominent member of the Society of Friends, and 
 they have two children: Harry and Martin. 
 
 H. S. BLOSSOM, of the firm of Madison & Blossom, merchants, Bradford, 
 was born in Cayuga County, N. Y., February 13, 1841, a son of Era,stus and 
 Elizabeth (Gartner) Blossom, natives of New York, former of Scotch-Irish and 
 latter of Dutch descent. He remained at home until eighteen years old, when 
 he bought his time of his father, and, choosing a sea-faring life, obtained a 
 situation as cabin boy, from which, by merit, he rose until he became master 
 of a vessel. He sailed both the ocean and the lakes, and when he left sa,iling 
 he began farming in Linn county, Mo., but on the breaking out of the oil ex- 
 
3H6 HI8T0EY OP MCKEAN COUNTY. 
 
 eitement at Titusville he removed to that section, where he worked at wells 
 and also built oil derricks foi- a company, later becoming its manager. In 
 1880 he was employed by Bennett & Quick to superintend their wells in Mc- 
 Kean county and remained with them until 1888, when he became associated 
 With L. O. Madison in the grocery business at Bradford. Mr. Blossom was 
 married in 1868, at Hawley, Wayne Co., Penn., to Miss Fannie M. Lord, 
 and they have one child, Sarah Ellen. The wife of Mr. Blossom is the daugh- 
 ter of Solomon Zolotus and Sarah (Mulford) Lord, the latter deceased and the 
 former now residing at the home of Mr. Blossom, and ninety-one years of age. 
 Mr. Lord is a native of New York State and Mrs. Lord was born at Southamp- 
 ton, Long Island. Mrs. Blossom is a member of the Presbyterian Church. In 
 politics Mr. Blossom is a Republican. He is a Master Mason. 
 
 A. B. BOOTH, oil producer, Bradford, was born in England, June 5, 1847. 
 His parents, John E. and Mary Ann (Bamber) Booth, emigrated to America in 
 1851, and engaged in farming in Montgomery county, N. Y. They reared six 
 children, one of whom is deceased, the living being as follows : Dorothy (wife 
 of J. W. Perkins, of Amsterdam, N. Y.), Henry A. (partner with A. B. , re- 
 siding at Warren, Penn.), A. B., Elizabeth (wife of I. C. Sheeler, of Amster- 
 dam) and William Alexander (of Missouri). The subject of this sketch was 
 educated at Amsterdam, N. Y., and at the age of twenty-one years went to 
 Chicago, where he lived one year. He acted as superintendent in railroad 
 construction for several years at New Orleans, in Texas, Arkansas, etc., and 
 for two years was engaged in mercantile business at Hot Springs, Ark. In 
 1876 he came to McKean county, and has since produced oil under the firm 
 name of Booth Bros. In 1883 he married Miss Maggie D. , daughter of Da- 
 vid Bovaird, of Bradford, and they have two children: Mary Elizabeth and 
 Albert Edward. Mr. Booth is a member of Star Lodge, No. 162, P. & A. M., 
 of Hot Springs, Ark., and of the Royal Arcanum. He is a Republican in 
 politics. 
 
 DAVID BOVAIRD, of the firm Bovaird & Seyfang, manufacturers of oil 
 tools, Bradford, Penn. , is a native of Scotland, born in July, 1834, a son of 
 William and Dorcas (Walker) Bovaird, who were natives of Ireland. David 
 was the seventh in a family of nine children. He went iilto a factory to learn 
 the trade of a calico printer, at which he served an apprenticeship, and in 
 1854. when twenty years old, came to America, whither his parents had pre- 
 ceded him in 1852. He first located in Allegheny county, Penn. , where he 
 followed farming, subsequently dealing in cattle, and was also for a time in 
 the coal business. He afterward went to Venango county, and engaged in 
 teaming, having for a time work for twenty horses. He went to Titusville 
 during the oil boom, and opened a repair shop with Mr. Seyfang, where he had 
 a large custom repairing the machinery and tools used in the oil wells. .From 
 there he removed to Bradford, and in 1878 entered into partnership with J. 
 L. Seyfang in their present business, which has increased beyond their most 
 sanguine expectations. They have a branch office in Pittsburgh, which is in 
 charge of Mr. Bovaird' s son, Walter. Mr. Bovaird was married in Allegheny 
 City to Mary A. , daughter of John McClanahan, and they have six children : 
 Maggie.(wife of A. B. Booth), Mary, William John, Walter, David and Joseph 
 H. Mr. and Mrs. Bovaird are members of the Presbyterian Church. In 
 politics Mr. Bovaird is a Republican, and is a member of the A. O. U.W. 
 
 WILLIAM J. BOVAIRD, foreman of the blacksmith shops of the Central 
 Iron Works, Bradford, was born in Allegheny county, Penn, , March 25, 1863, 
 a sou of David and Mary A. (McClanahan) Bovaird, former a native of Scot- 
 land, and the latter of Ireland. He was reared and educated in Titusville, 
 
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 337 
 
 Penn., and early learned the blacksmith's trade. In 1878 he came to Brad- 
 ford, where he worked in the shops of Bovaird & Seyfang, proprietors of the 
 Central Iron Works, and since 1885 has held his present position. Mr. Bovaird 
 was married May 20, 1885, to Anna L. Davis, daughter of P. T. and Mary 
 (Douthett) Davis, both natives of Pennsylvania, now residents of Bradford. 
 Mr. and Mrs. Bovaird have two children: Zella A. and Francis David. Mr. 
 and Mrs. Bovaird are members of the Presbyterian Church, and are active 
 workers in both church and Sabbath-school. He is a member of the K. O. T. 
 M. ; has been president of the Bovaird & Seyfang Employes Mutual Benefit 
 Association four years, and is one of the active young business men of 
 Bradford. 
 
 PATRICK C. BOYLE, Bradford, was born in County Donegal, Ireland, 
 in 1846, and was brought to this country by his parents while still an infant 
 in arms. His boyhood days were passed at Brady' s bend, in Armstrong county, 
 Penn. He received a common-school education, and not much of it. He en- 
 listed in January, 1862, in the Fifty-fourth Pennsylvania Volunteers, and re-en- 
 listed in March, '1864, and served to the end of the war as a private soldier. 
 He began life as a laborer in the mines; came to the oil country in 1868; 
 labored in various capacities about wells and pipe lines till 1874, when he began 
 writing for the press. A year later he entered activelj' into newspaper work, 
 which, with few brief interruptions, has been continued up to the present writ- 
 ing. In Martinsburg, Penn., about 1877, he helped to establish the first dis- 
 tinctively labor newspaper in the oil country. It died young, but none too young 
 for its alarmed stockholders. Since then he has been at various times associated 
 with the leading oil country dailies, and at this writing is publisher of the Oil 
 City Derrick, Bradford Era and Toledo Commercial. 
 
 B. A. BOYNE, oil producer, Bradford, is a native of New York City, born 
 January 14, 1839, the fourth son of Patrick and Julia (Corcoran) Boyne, natives 
 of Ireland, who came to America about the year 1830, locating in New York 
 City, where they resided during their lives. At an early age our subject was 
 thrown upon his own resources, for at the age of twelve he was left an orphan. 
 In 1861 he enlisted in Company I, Twenty-seventh Regiment, New York Vol- 
 unteers, under Maj.-Gen. Henry Warren Slocum, serving two years, when he 
 returned to his home, where he remained for six months, and again enlisted 
 for three years, serving until the close of the war. He was in the first and sec- 
 ond battles of Bull's Run, was in the Seven Days' engagement at Gaines' Mill, 
 here receiving a wound in his left arm, and participated in the battle of An- 
 tietam — these embracing the chief engagements covering his first enlistment. 
 On his return to the field he enlisted January 4, 1864, in the Fifth New York 
 Heavy Artillery, and was through the Shenandoah Valley with Ma'j.-Gen. David 
 Hunter on his famous raid. Mr. Boyne was mustered in as a private, and, 
 being twice promoted, returned to his home at the close of the war a sergeant, 
 with honors well earned. In 1865 Mr. Boyne came to Bradford, Penn. At 
 the opening up of the Bradford oil field he became interested as a producer, 
 to which business he has devoted most of his attention since. In 1887 he was 
 elected city treasurer, serving two years, and re-elected in 1889. Mr. Boyne 
 is a member of Union Lodge, 334, F. & A. M., of which he was worship- 
 ful master two consecutive years, Chapter 260, Bradford Council, 43, and Trin- 
 ity Commandery, 58. Our subject was married September 12, 1883, to Miss 
 Rosalie Van Scoy, daughter of John K. and Elizabeth (Lain) Van Scoy; the 
 fruit of this union is two sons and two daughters: Elizabeth Van Scoy, Olive 
 Lain, Edward Corcoran (deceased) and Peter Kennedy. Mrs. Boyne is a mem- 
 ber of the Episcopal Church. Mr. Boyne is treasurer of the Masonic Temple 
 
338 HISTOEY OF MCKEAN COUNTY. 
 
 recently erected on Main street at a cost of $30,000; politically he is a Re- 
 publican, 
 
 C. L. BRADBURN, wholesale and retail dealer in wall paper, draperies, 
 fixtures and curtains, Bradford, is one of the most artistic paper hangers and 
 drapers in the United States. He keeps a full stock of everything in his line, 
 and has a large trade, his reputation for fine work bringing the custom of the 
 best families in town. He served a regular apprenticeship at his trade, and 
 for several years was employed by others, but since 1879 has been in business 
 for himself. Mr. Bradburn is a native of New York, born January 25, 1854 
 a son of John and Elvina (Bailey) Bradburn, who were of Scotch-Irish ances- 
 try. He was married January 1, 1883, to Ella, daughter of C. Heath, of 
 Titusville, Penn. He is now erecting a three-story brick block, 37x90 feet; 
 the first floor he will occupy for his store room and it will be filled with wall 
 •paper, drapery goods, paints, etc. ; the second story is laid out in commodious 
 offices, the third story being fitted up expressly for lodge rooms, including 
 dining-room, cloak and ante-rooms, the interior wood-finish of the whole build- 
 ing being antique oak, and interior decorative work being "the latest arts of 
 the work, embracing lincrusta scratch work, high relief and all bronzed in an- 
 tique and modern bronzes. In politics Mr. Bradburn is a Democrat. He is 
 a member of the Knights of Pythias. 
 
 JAMBS BRODER was born in Ellenburg, Clinton Co., N. Y., January 
 14, 1835, a son of William and Mary (McKee) Broder, former a native of Ver- 
 mont, of German descent and latter of New York, of Scotch-Irish descent. 
 His father died in New York State in 1870. James, who is the fourth of a 
 family of ten children, eight sons and two daughters, early in life learned to 
 depend on his own exertions for his support, and began to work in the lumber 
 districts on the head-waters of the Hudson river, in the Adirondack Moun- 
 tains. In 1856 he went to Canada, and in 1861 to Michigan. In 1865 
 he came to Pennsylvania, where he represented a large lumber company in 
 McKean county, and in 1868 removed to Bradford, where he continued the 
 lumber trade until 1876, having under his supervision two hundred men, and 
 then became agent for an oil well supply company. In 1873 he was elected a 
 commissioner of McKean county, in 1876 a justice of the peace, and in 1879 
 first mayor of Bradford, being re-elected to the same office in 1883. Mr. 
 Broder was married December 28, 1871, to Miss Belle Blair, daughter of 
 James E. Blair, of Bradford, and they have one son, William J. , a clerk in the 
 gas office. Mr. Broder is a member of Union Lodge No. 334, F. & A. M. ; 
 Bradford Chapter No. 260, R. A. M., and Trinity Commandery No. 58, K. 
 T. , being a charter member of chapter and commandery. He is also a stock- 
 holder and director in the "Manufacturers' Gas Company of McKean County. " 
 In politics he is a Democrat. 
 
 F. E. BROOKS, superintendent of the Pennsylvania Lumber Storage Com- 
 pany, Bradford, Penn., was born in Olean, N. Y., March 19, I860, a son of 
 Amos C. and Mary (Miner) Brooks, natives of New York, and of Irish, German 
 and English descent. His father died in 1873, leaving to the widowed mother 
 the care of five children, F. E. being the second son. He was reared on a 
 farm, attending the common schools, and early in life learned the carpenter's 
 trade, at which he worked until 1888, when he became a stockholder in the 
 Pennsylvania Lumber Storage Company and was appointed its superintendent, 
 having about 100 men under his supervision. In politics Mr. Brooks is a 
 Republican. 
 ^ WILLIAM WALLACE BROWN was born at Summer Hill, Cayuga Co., 
 N. Y., April 22, 1836. He is the son of Rasselas W. and Mary (Brownell) 
 
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 339 
 
 Brown, natives of New York, of Scotch and English blood, and, in religion, of 
 the Baptist faith. They emigrated to Pennsylvania in the year 1838, and 
 soon established their home in the then unbroken wilderness of that part of 
 Elk county formerly belonging to McKean, and where is now located Easselas. 
 The land upon which they settled was covered with an immense growth of 
 pine and hemlock. It was remote from a mill, and as the trees could not be 
 manufactured into plumber, they had to be burned to ashes. To this huge 
 task the father and sons addressed themselves with hard and constant labor. 
 A large share of the settlers who undertook a like task in that neighborhood 
 gave up in despair. The Browns came to stay and to conquer, and in a large 
 sense they were successful. The farm was cleared, the children, six in num- 
 ber, three boys and three girls, were comfortably fed and clothed, their educa- 
 tion made sure and their moral and religious culture in no wise neglected. 
 
 William Wallace, named in honor of his Scotch ancestors, was the second 
 son. In such a home, and inured to hardships of such a frontier life, he grew 
 to robust and hardy manhood. The opportunities for a common-school 
 education were few and precarious. His first recollection of going to school 
 was in the winter time, on horse-back, accompanied by his mother and elder 
 brother, the three perched upon a single horse. The first mile of the journey 
 was up a steep hill, through the woods and over a rough road covered with ice 
 and snow. The old mare was "smooth shod," and it was quite as difficult for 
 her to cling to the road as for the three to' cling to her back. Wallace being 
 in front, it became his duty to grip to the horse's mane, and as the hill grew 
 steeper and the road more slippery, his youthful imagination brought him to 
 the easy conclusion that his little arms alone kept the four from going to the 
 bottom of the hill in a heap together! Thereafter, no matter how much his 
 brother was inclined to go to school on horse-back, Wallace insisted that he 
 would rather ' ' climb the hill of science ' ' upon his legs than ' ' pull through ' ' 
 by his arms! By the time young Brown had reached his sixteenth birthday, 
 he had not received more than that number of months of school training. At 
 this time, it was determined that he should go to the Smethport Academy. 
 Arrangements had been made for a home in the family of Solomon Sartwell, 
 where he was to work mornings and evenings for his board and washing, and 
 to remain two winters " if he suited. ' ' It must be assumed that he suited, for 
 he remained the two winters. During a portion of the time he was in attend- 
 ance at this academy it became somewhat difficult to get tuition money. This 
 little hinderance was overcome by his ringing the academy bell and building 
 the fires, which being passed to his credit squared the tuition account. 
 
 Returning in the spring, he took to the plow with a zest that plainly told 
 that, under the tuition of Prof. Fordyce A. Allen, his mind had been filled with 
 an enthusiasm that would be satisfied with nothing short of a college diploma. 
 By teaching school in the winter, and at the same time pursuing his studies, 
 he succeeded by the autumn of 1857 in preparing himself to enter college. 
 While attending a teachers' institute at that time, he listened to a lecture by 
 the president of Alfred College, Prof. W. C. Kenyon, in which many times he 
 i;epeated the injunction: "Young man, do your best." So much pleased was 
 he with the lecture of the pushing and sanguine professor, that he at once 
 determined upon Alfred as the place, and that very fall as the time to enter 
 college. If he could obtain the money to pay his board and tuition for the 
 first term, he would take chances for the future. Knowing as he did that, 
 though he would not ask of his father in vain, the amount could not well be 
 spared by him, he at once called upon Col. A. I. Wilcox; $32 was the sum 
 required. Of course, he secured it; Col. Wilcox was never known to refuse 
 
340 HISTORY OF MCKEAN COUNTY. 
 
 such an appeal. With this sum added to his meager savings, just about 
 enough to pay railroad fare both ways, with grip in hand he undertook, on 
 foot, the journey of fifty-one miles to Olean, then the nearest railroad station. 
 There was a good deal of struggle in his heart wien, reaching the top of the 
 hill, he turned to wave good-bye to the dear ones "still standing at the gate," 
 for it was then that a whole chorus of voices persuasive seemed to say: "Fling 
 to the winds thy ambition; there is no rest or peace whithey thou goest; return 
 to contentment and home." This was no time to parley. A moment, and hesi- 
 tation had fled, the command, "Young man, do your best, " had come clear 
 and unmistakable; he had waved his adieu, and was trudging on with firm, 
 determined step, out into the confiict where men contend and faint and strug- 
 gle and conquer. 
 
 By practicing the most rigid economy, working during vacation, at any 
 labor offered, and teaching and clerking for a year, and sometimes borrowing 
 money of his elder brother, he succeeded in reaching his place in the class of 
 sixty-one. Two months more would bring him to his graduation day. It 
 was then that the thunder of guns in Charleston's harbor disturbed the 
 dreams of many a college student. None responded sooner or more freely 
 than the class of sixty-one, of Alfred University. On the day the Tribune 
 brought full details of the surrender of Sumter, twelve students, mostly of 
 his class, gathered in the room of ' ' Brown and Dexter, ' ' and there, before 
 separation, pledged each the other, to go and be a soldier for the Union. 
 They started next day for Elmira, and at once enlisted to fill the ranks of 
 the Southern Tier Eifles, a well-drilled and fully officered militia company, 
 which, in due time, was incorporated in the Twenty-third New York Regiment. 
 In this regiment, as private in Company K, he served until December, when 
 he was transferred to the famous Pennsylvania Bucktails, serving the balance 
 of his term of enlistment as a member of Company C. He participated in 
 several hard-fought battles, among them being South Mountain, Antietam, 
 the second battle of Bull Run, Shantilla and Fredericksburg. After his return 
 from the war, he came to Smethport, Penn. , and studied law under the in- 
 struction of the Hon. B. D. Hamlin, and while pursuing his legal studies 
 served as register and recorder of McKean county and at the same time as 
 deputy prothonotary. He was admitted to the bar at Smethport in 1866, and 
 the same fall was elected district attorney. He also filled the office of county 
 superintendent of common schools of McKean county by appointment of 
 Gov. Geary. In 1869 he moved to Erie county, Penn., and for nine years 
 was a resident of Corry. -While there he served three years as city attorney, 
 and two years in the city councils. From 1872 to 1876 Mr. Brown was a 
 member of the legislature, serving on the judiciary committee two sessions. 
 He introduced the first bill to establish fish culture west of the Allegheny 
 Mountains, which became a law. He was appointed aid-de-camp to Gov. 
 Hartranft in 1876, and has been connected with the National Guards of Penn- 
 sylvania ever since, serving upon the staff of the major-general. Coming to 
 Bradford in 1878, he has since lived in that city, and has been an active 
 worker in the ranks of the Republican party. He was elected to the United 
 States House of Representatives in 1882, and served in the XL VIII and 
 XLIX Congresses. He took an active part in opposition to the Morrison 
 horizontal tariff bill, and was the first member from Pennsylvania to oppose 
 the bill for the stoppage of the coinage of silver. When President Cleve- 
 land's message was read to Congress, urging the measure, most of the Penn- 
 sylvania members were in favor of the bill, but before it came to a vote, over 
 one-half agreed with Mr. Brown, and voted in opposition to the demonetiza- 
 
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 341 
 
 tion scheme. During his terms in Congress, Mr. Brown procured appropria- 
 tions for the United States court-house and post-oflSce now being constructed in 
 the city of Williamsport, and, besides establishing a very large number of 
 post-offices and mail routes in his district, secured free' delivery of mails for 
 Bradford, that being the youngest city ever securing free delivery of mails in the 
 State of Pennsylvania. At the expiration of his Congressional term, Mr. Brown 
 resumed his law practice and soon became a member of the firm of Stone, 
 Brown & Sturgeon. He has always been active in the promotion of public 
 enterprises; he procured the charter for the city of Bradford, organized and 
 obtained the charter for the Bradford, Bordell & Kinzua Railroad and 
 its branches, and has served as a director of the road since its comple 
 tion. For several years he has been a member of the Board of Trade, 
 and is now its president. Since 1879 he has been interested in the production 
 of oil, owning considerable oil lands in McKean county. He is a member of 
 the Grand Army of the Eepublic; has served several times as post commander, 
 and has been junior vice-commander of the department of Pennsylvania. 
 
 March 16, 1862, while at home from the army on recruiting service, Mr. 
 Brown married Miss Ellen Crandall, of Independence, N. Y., daughter of Nel- 
 son Crandall, and they have one daughter, Jessie Lincoln. Mr. and Mrs. Brown 
 are members of the Baptist Church, and have always been active in church and 
 Sunday-school work, he having been superintendent most of the time for 
 twenty-five years in Smethport, Corry and Bradford. He was graduated at 
 Alfred in 1861, after he had entered the army (receiving, with others of his 
 class, a furlough to return for that purpose) and from the same institution, the 
 degree of LL. D. , ■jyas conferred in 1886. 
 
 T. B. BEOWN, a prominent merchant of Bradford, is a native of the Key- 
 stone State, born in Armstrong county, May 24, 1652, a son of Matthew and 
 Kate (Foster) Brown, natives, also, of Armstrong county, of Scotch-Irish de- 
 scent, former of whom now lives on a farm in East Brady, Clarion Co., 
 Penn. T. B. is the youngest son in a family of four sons and two daughters. 
 He was given good educational advantages, and in 1872 graduated from the 
 Iron City Commercial College. He then clerked for a time in a store at Park- 
 er's Landing, and the same year became established in the dry goods trade 
 at Petrolia, Perm., where he remained until 1881, when he removed to 
 Bradford and opened his present place of business. He is a man of good 
 business ability, whose gentlemanly demeanor and fair dealing have been the 
 means of building up a large trade, and have placed him on a sound financial 
 basis. He gives employment to eight persons, having one of the largest stores 
 in the town and keeping on hand a complete stock of dry goods, notions, etc., 
 which he sells at the lowest market price. Mr. Brown was married in Erie, 
 Penn., January 1, 1877, to Eose F. Eolph, a daughter of Charles Eolph, and 
 they have one child, Mary. Mrs. Brown is a member of the Presbyterian 
 Church. In politics Mr. Brown is a Eepublican. He is a member of the 
 I. O. O. F. , both lodge and encampment. 
 
 JOHN N. BKOWN, farmer, P. O. Custer City, was born in Blandford, 
 Hampden Co., Mass., June 15, 1830, a son of Andrew and Tryphena (Shep- 
 pard) Brown, natives of Massachusetts and Columbia county, N. Y. , respect- 
 ively. William Henry Brown, the grandfather of our subject, was also born 
 in Massachusetts, and was a soldier in the Eevolutionary war. Andrew Brown 
 and family moved to McKean county, Penn. , in 1844, and purchased the farm 
 now owned by John N., in Bradford township; starting in life poor he worked 
 hard and made himself financially well-to-do. In early life he was a Democrat, 
 but afterward joined the Eepublican party. He and his wife were prominent 
 
342 HISTORY OF MCKEAN COUNTY. 
 
 members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. He died August 26, 1880, and 
 his widow December 13, 1882. Their family consisted of seven children, six 
 of whom are living: Amy (widow of William Chose, of Livingston county, 
 N. Y.), J. W. (of Bradford township), Lavina (widow of Hiram D. Turner, of 
 Bradford township), Jane P. (wife of Sylvester Blaavelt, of Nebraska), Henry 
 W. (of Bradford township) and John N. (our subject, who came to McKean 
 county when thirteen years of age and for three years engaged in lumbering). 
 In 1851 he moved onto his present farm, which he has cleared and improved. 
 November 7, 1849. he married Miss Samantha L., daughter of Samael L. and 
 Eoana Davis, of Bradford township, and formerly of Erie county, N. Y. By 
 this union they have four children: Ella (wife of Eoswell Smith, of East 
 Otto, Cattaraugus Co., N. Y. ; has four children: John, Blanche, Leola and an 
 infant); Frank A. (of Bradford township, married Miss Lydia, daughter of 
 Daniel Barr, of Cameron county, Penn., and has three children: Archibald. 
 Clarence C. and Jennie Ada); Eva (wife of Frank H. Kreiner, of Bradford 
 township, has one child, Theo), and Lewis E. E. (of Bradford township, 
 married Miss Haley Barr). For many years Mr. Brown was a member of the 
 Republican party, but now he is a supporter of the Democratic party. He has 
 served as auditor and in various other township oflSces. He and family are 
 members of the United Brethren in Christ. 
 
 I. H. BURTON, farmer and driller, P. O. Bradford, was born in Bradley, 
 Penobscot Co. , Me. , April 27, 1852, a son of Walter and Louisa (Smith) Bur- 
 ton, natives of that State, who went to Olean, N. Y., in 1856, and in 1857 
 moved to Bradford township, McKean Co., Penn., where the father fol- 
 lowed the lumbering business. I. H. Burton received an, ordinary education, 
 and worked at lumbering until the oil excitement, since which time he has 
 been engaged in drilling w^lls. In 1876 he married Miss Addie, daughter of 
 William S. Morris, of Bradford township, and they have had two children: 
 Theo. W. (died October 2, 1888) and Eva Gertrude. Mr. Burton is identi- 
 fied with the Democratic party. He is a member of the Knights of Labor of 
 Ouster City, also of the Master Workmen and Well Drillers Union. 
 
 M. H. BYLES, member of the firm of McSweeney & Byles, attorneys at 
 law, Bradford, was born in Pleasantville, Venango Co., Penn., April 1, 1851, 
 the youngest in the family of ten children of W. D. and Maria (Smith) Byles, 
 natives of Erie county, Penn., and of Scotch -Irish descent, former of whom 
 died in 1883. M. H. Byles was given good educational advantages, graduat- 
 ing from the Western Reserve College, at Cleveland, Ohio, in the classical 
 course, in 1875. He then went to Erie City, Penn., where he studied law in 
 the office of J. Ross Thompson, and was admitted to the bar in 1879. In the 
 winter of 1879 he came to Bradford, and for a time was a partner with Henry 
 McSweeney, and later the present partnership wras formed. The firm is com- 
 posed of energetic young men, destined to stand at the head of their pro- 
 fession. Mr. Byles was married September 20, 1882, to Miss M. Agnes Ax- 
 tell, and they have one child, Ralph. Mr. Byles is a member of the Knights 
 of Honor, Royal Arcanum, and the I. O. O. F. lodge and encampment. In 
 politics he is a Republican. Mrs. Byles is a member of the Episcopal Church. 
 
 HENRY BYROM is a native of Lancashire, England, where he attended 
 school during his boyhood, but finished his education at the commercial schools 
 of Bremen, Germany. He first visited the United States in 1848 on his way to 
 the California gold fields, but sickness prevented the execution of his plans, 
 and he returned home. In 1852 he again arrived in New York and was en- 
 gaged in the importation of Russia goods until 1864, when he went to Penn- 
 sylvania, leasing the celebrated Blood farm on Oil Creek, Venango county, of 
 
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 343 
 
 which he afterward became the owner. In 1870 he went to live at Titusville 
 taking gjreat interest in the municipal affairs of that city, and filling the office 
 of president of the council. Mr. Byrom was prominently identified with all 
 the earlier movements of the producers' councils. He removed to Bradford in 
 1885, and took charge of the interests of the Tide Water Pipe Company in that 
 district. Mr. Byrom is married, and has two children. He is Republican in 
 politics, and the family are members of the Episcopal Church. 
 
 CHARLES P. BYRON, oil producer, Bradford, is a native of Ireland, born 
 in 1844, a son of Thomas O. and Bridget (McGraw) Byron. His mother died 
 m 1849, and in 1850 his father came with his family of seven children to the 
 United States, and settled at Little Falls, N. Y., where he died in 1875. 
 Charles P. commenced working in the paper-mills when a child, going to 
 school a half day and working the other half. When fourteen years old he 
 left home and went to sea, and from 1858 to 1876 he followed the life of a 
 sailor, being both on the ocean and the lakes. In 1861 he enlisted in the 
 United States Navy, and was assigned to the " Penguin," one of the first naval 
 vessels to do duty in the war, and went to Port Royal. In 1862 he was trans- 
 ferred to the United States Ship of War "Oneida," and was at the battles of 
 Vicksburg, New Orleans and Grand Gulf. After the war he returned home for 
 a time, and then once more sailed the lakes; subsequently he became inter- 
 ested in the prod action of oil, and has drilled several wells in the oil fields of 
 Pennsylvania. He also has interests in the gas districts, and is president of 
 the Smethport Gas Company. He was married June 9, 1874, to Miss Anna 
 Buckley, daughter of William Buckley, who was a native of Ireland. In poli- 
 tics Mr. Byron is a Democrat, and was a delegate to the State and national 
 conventions of 1888. He and his wife are members of the Catholic Church 
 
 A. B. CAMPBELL, agent for the Bradford, Bordell & Kinzua Railroad at 
 Bradford, was born in Iowa City, Iowa, January 20, 1862, a son of John D. 
 and Elizabeth (Rutherford) Campbell, former a native of Scotland and latter 
 of Allegany county, N. Y., of Scotch descent. Mr. Campbell's education was 
 mostly received at Angelica, N. Y., and after leaving school he studied teleg- 
 raphy at Derrick City, Penn. ; in 1883 he obtained his present position. He 
 is a young man of good business ability, and as he is industrious and trust 
 worthy, has the promise of a prosperous future. 
 
 HARRIS ANSEL CANFIELD, M. D., Bradford, Penn., was born May 
 1, 1852, in Chautauqua county, N. Y., son of Lewis and Harriet (Huling) Can- 
 field. He early chose the profession of medicine, and after completing a high- 
 school course, began his medical studies. He spent a few months at Sherman, 
 Chautauqua Co., N. Y. , with Drs. Osborne & Ames; then entered the Michi- 
 gan University at Ann Arbor, took one course there, one course at Rush Medi- 
 cal College, Chicago, 111. , returned to Ann Arbor and graduated from the 
 medical department. University of Michigan, in 1877. He then went to Day- 
 ton, Cattaraugus Co., N. Y. , and began practice; staid there a few months, 
 when the oil excitement broke out in McKean county, Penn. , and the Doctor lo- 
 cated in the village of Gillmor, McKean county, where he had an extensive and 
 lucrative practice. He was married March 12, 1879, to Miss Flora C, daugh- 
 ter of Wesley and Lovinia (McArthur) Flint. They have at present two chil- 
 dren: Clyde C. and Clair C, aged nine and seven years. The Doctor's 
 parents were both born in New York State, and as far as known of purely 
 Anglo-Saxon or Yankee extraction. Mrs. Cantield's father was of same, but her 
 mother was of Scotch extraction. The Doctor's family are not members of 
 any church. The parents of both were of the Baptist faith. In 1887 the Doctor 
 took a course of lectures at the College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York 
 
344 HISTOHY OF MCKEAN COUNTY. 
 
 City, and removed to Bradford, McKean Co., Penn., in 1889, where, his record 
 as a successful physician having preceded him, he is now established in a good 
 practice. He is a prominent member of the McKean County Medical Society, 
 and was one of the founders of that society. He is also a member of the 
 Masonic and several other fraternal societies. In politics Dr. Canfield has 
 always been a stanch Republican. 
 
 C. L. CASTERLINE, dealer in torpedoes and oil producer, Bradford, 
 was born in Allegany county, N. Y. , a son of G. S. and Marietta (Moore- 
 house) Casterline, of German and English descent, respectively, and both 
 deceased. He was reared a farmer, but when he started in life for himself he 
 followed teaming. In 1877 he came .to Bradford, embarking in the coal busi- 
 ness, and in 1879 began dealing in torpedoes; he also became an oil producer, 
 and has since had the entire oversight of all his interests. He also, in 1886, 
 became interested in a livery stable at Bradford, Penn., which is superin- 
 tended by his partner, C. S. Corthell; he also engaged in the same business 
 the following spring, at Pindlay, Ohio, having several men in his employ at 
 Findlay, and also at Bradford. Mr. Casterline has made his own way in the 
 world, and from a small beginning has become one of the leading citizens of 
 Bradford. He is a Republican in politics. He is also a member of the 
 Knights of Pythias. 
 
 WILLIAM CHAMBERS, one of the worthy representative citizens of 
 Bradford, was born in Erie county, Penn., November 10, 1839, a son of 
 David and Mabel (Nash) Chambers, natives of Pennsylvania and of Irish 
 descent. His grandfather located in Erie county in an early day, buying, in 
 company with his brother, several hundred acres of land; and his son David 
 (father of the subject of this sketch) became heir to a part of the property. 
 Here David Chambers died in 1878. He had been twice married, and had a 
 family of ten children, William being a son by the first marriage. . William 
 Chambers was reared on his father's farm, where he was taught lessons of 
 thrift and self dependence. When he commenced for himself he embarked in 
 the grocery business, which he continued in until 1868, when he sold but and 
 moved to the lower oil country, where he was employed two years. In 1877 
 he came to McKean county, where he bought property and began drilling 
 wells for himself, in which he has met with good success. On October 20, 
 1872, Mr. Chambers married Harriet E. Burgess, a native of Erie county, 
 Penn., daughter of L. A. and Clemanda (Hitchcock) Burgess. In politics 
 Mr. Chambers is a Prohibitionist, and he and his wife are members of the 
 Methodist Episcopal Church. Mrs. Chambers is an active member of the 
 W. C. T. U., and is president of the county organization; in 1888 she was a 
 delegate to the national convention at New York. 
 
 CAPT. W. B. CHAPMAN, attorney at law, Bradford, is one of the oldest 
 practicing lawyers of the bar of McKean county. He was born in Cleveland, 
 Ohio, October 8, 1826, the second of five children of Daniel S. and Margaret 
 (Burt) Chapman. His ancestors were of English and French origin. His 
 paternal grandfather was in the war of the Revolution, and his father in the 
 war of 1812. The latter was wounded at the battle of Lundy's Lane, but 
 lived to the advanced age of eighty-six years, and died May 22, 1882. W. B. 
 Chapman was reared and educated in Ashtabula county, Ohio, and graduated 
 from the academy at Conneaut in 1846. He began the study of law in the 
 office of Gen. Brewster Randall, at Conneaut, and was admitted to the bar at 
 Columbus, Ohio, in February, 1852, to practice in the supreme courts. He 
 soon won a good clientage, which he held until the breaking out of the Re- 
 bellion, when, in July, 1861, he enlisted in the Second Ohio Light Artillery, 
 
BIOGEAPHICAL SKETCHES. 345 
 
 and whea the battery was organized was elected first lieutenant, being after- 
 ward promoted to captain. He was wounded at the battle of Pea Ridge, 
 which incapacitated him from further service, and caused his resignation and 
 return home. On his recovery he again took up the practice of law, which 
 he continued in Ohio until 1873, when he came to Pennsylvania, and in 1877 
 located in Bradford, where he now has a large practice. Mr. Chapman was 
 married October 14, 1847, to Cynthia Olds, a native of Conneaut, Ohio, 
 daughter of Ezekiel Olds. She is one of a family of eight children, two boys 
 and six girls, all of whom are living, the youngest being fifty-six years old, 
 and in 1888 all met together and had a family picture taken. Mr. and Mrs. 
 Chapman have five children: Sarah M. (wife of Charles Howard, of Conneaut, 
 Ohio), Phoebe, wife of S. A. Holbrook, of Bradford), Henry W. (of New York 
 City), John B. (an attorney, of Bradford) and Will B. (a student in his father's 
 office). Mr. Chapman was reared in the Whig school of politics, but since its 
 organization has affiliated with the Republican party, and has been an active 
 worker in its ranks. He is a strong advocate of temperance, but has always 
 opposed the third party movement. He is a member of the Masonic fraternity, 
 both of lodge and chapter. 
 
 THOMAS CHATTLE, proprietor of the "Hotel Florence," also interested 
 in the production of petroleum at Bradford, Penn., was born in Orange county, 
 N. Y., October 24, 1819, a son of Thomas and Nancy (Pike) Chattle, who were 
 natives of New England. His father was a physician, who practiced many 
 years in the State of New York, and died in 1824, leaving six children, of 
 whom Thomas is the youngest son. Thomas Chattle' s first business venture 
 was as a peddler, traveling with a team and selling goods at wholesale. In 1860 
 he removed to Pennsylvania, and embarked in the lumber business, also con- 
 ducting a grist-mill in McKean county. He sold his milling interests in 1884, 
 and has since given his attention to his oil interests and to carrying on his 
 hotel in Bradford. Mr. Chattle was married in 1844 to Adaline Corwin, who 
 died in 1855, leaving four children: Augusta (wife of Q. Ewen), Garafalia 
 (wife of William A. Harris, of Brooklyn, N. Y.), Amelia R. (wife of W. H. 
 Rogers) and Lulu (since deceased). In 1857 Mr. Chattle married Julia F. 
 Corwin, a sister, of his first wife, and she died in 1887; their only son, Harvey 
 C, is a machinist in Bradford. Mr. Chattle is a member of the Presbyterian 
 Church. In politics he is a Republican. 
 
 DR. H. C. CHESNEY, Custer City, was born in Lawrence county, Penn., in 
 1862, a son of John and Catherine (Stoner) Chesney, natives of that county, 
 where they are still residing, engaged in farming. He received his education 
 at the public schools and Westmoreland College, read medicine with Dr. J. M. 
 Balph, of Rose Point, Lawrence county, and attended lectures at the Medical 
 College of Columbus, Ohio, graduating from Fort Wayne Medical College 
 in 1883. Dr. Chesney first began to practice at North Liberty, Mercer Co., 
 Penn. , and in 1885 came to Custer City, where he has since enjoyed an exten- 
 sive practice. The Doctor is also a professional druggist, and conducts a well- 
 equipped drug store. He is a member of McKean County Medical Association 
 and of the Knights of the Maccabees, Columbian League: is identified with the 
 Republican party, and has served as township clerk two years. 
 
 CAPT. ALFRED W. COBURN, oil producer, Bradford, and a pio- 
 neer in the oil business in Pennsylvania, has operated in several fields and has 
 been extensively engaged in both the production and refining of oil. He has 
 seen the rise and fall of several towns and cities, and has also seen fortunes 
 made and lost. He has experienced all the varied fortunes of an oil specu- 
 lator; has seen the time when his check for 1100,000 would be honored where- 
 
346 HISTORY OP MCKEAN COUNTY. 
 
 ever he was known, and then has had his entire fortune swept away. His 
 early life was spent on the water, and during the war of the Rebellion he was 
 a member of an independent company from Titusville, Penn. From 1870 to 
 1876 he was oil inspector, and in 1876 he became a member of the Oil Ex- 
 change at Titusville. In 1878 he removed to Bradford, where for a time he 
 represented the Parrar & Trefts Manufacturing Company; also served one year 
 as superintendent of the Telephone Company, and three years as tax collect- 
 or. In 1885 he moved to Erie City, Penn., and in 1886 was injured in an ac- 
 cident on the Nickle-Plate Railroad, for which he received $10,000 damages. 
 Capt. Coburn was born in Louisville, Ky. , in January, 1838, a son of Henry 
 R. and Eliza (Posdick) Coburn. He has a family tree that traces his ancestry 
 in the United States to 1636. He was married in 1860 to Huldah Paine, a 
 native of Massachusetts, daughter of Joseph P. Paine, and they have one 
 daughter, Millie C. Mrs. Coburn is a member of the Presbyterian Church. 
 
 ALLAN COCHRAN, oil producer, Bradford, was born in Glasgow, Scot- 
 land, January 1, 1820, a son of John and Grace (Lester) Cochran, former of 
 whom was a physician in Scotland. Allan was the eldest of three children. He 
 learned the boiler-makers' trade after coming to America in 1849, and worked 
 at his trade in New York State until 1865, when he removed to the oil country 
 of Pennsylvania, and lived in Venango county six years. He then bought 
 property, and has been in business for himself, owning at present 200 produc- 
 ing wells. In 1882 he removed to Bradford with the intention of making 
 that his home. He has a neat and substantial residence, is well to do, and 
 his declining years may be spent free from the anxiety and cares of business. 
 He is an unassuming, genial gentleman, and has many friends who deem it a 
 pleasure to spend their'spare time in his company. Mr. Cochran was married in 
 Glasgow, Scotland, in 1847, to Miss Elizabeth Caggie, a native of Scotland, 
 daughter of Allan and Jean (Keir) Caggie, and they have six children: John, 
 Grace (wife of Samuel Kerr), Jean (wife of Edward Holden), Lizzie (wife of 
 E. E. Northup), Allan and William. Mr. and Mrs. Cochran are members of 
 the Presbyterian Church. In politics he is a Republican. He was a crockery 
 merchant in Glasgow, Scotland, until he came to America. 
 
 C. P. CODY, of the firm of C. P. Cody & Bro. , general insurance agents, 
 Bradford, was born in Mount Elgin, Canada West (now Ontario), July 19, 
 1854, a son of Charles G. and Abigail E. Cody. He attended Woodstock 
 Canadian Literary Institute for some time, and after leaving school came to 
 the United States, first going to Virginia, and thence to Michigan, Illi- 
 nois, Indiana, and lastly Pennsylvania. He located in Bradford in 18^8, 
 embarking in his present business in 1882, and in 1886 his brother E. V. 
 became associated with him. They represent eighteen leading companies, 
 foreign and domestic, embracing fire, accident and life insurance. They are 
 also engaged in the real estate business, E. V. Cody being treasurer of the 
 Petroleum Real Estate Company. Mr. C. P. Cody was married in Cleveland, 
 Ohio, in 1882, to Ella, daughter of Elias and Julina Ede. He is a member of 
 the Baptist and his wife of the Episcopal Church. In politics he affiliates 
 with the Prohibition party, his brother being a Republican. He is secretary 
 of the Bradford Board of Trade and treasurer of the Automatic Car Brake 
 Company. 
 
 E. V. CODY was born at Mount Elgin, Ontario, Canada, April 30, 1862, 
 a son of Charles G. and Abigail E. Cody. About 1877 he removed with his 
 parents to London, Ontario, and there attended the London Collegiate Insti- 
 tute. In 1882 he came to the United States, locating in Bradford, Penn. For 
 four years he was librarian of the Bradford Library Association. In January, 
 
BIOGBAPHICAL SKETCHES. 347 
 
 1886, he became associated with his brother, C. P. Cody, in the insurance- 
 business. 
 
 S. Q. COFFIN, one of the successful and enterprising business men of 
 Bradford, was born in New Hampshire October 17, 1847, the only son of J. 
 M. and Dorothy S. (Gale) Coffin, also natives of New Hampshire, of English 
 descent, former of whom died in his native State in 1887. S. G. Coffin was 
 given good educational advantages, and when he embarked in business for 
 himself went to Brady's Kun, Penn., where he opened a flour and feed store, 
 continuing there eighteen months, when he sold out and went to Butler 
 county, where he was in the livery business till 1880, when he again sold out, 
 and, coming to Bradford, engaged in the same business. He is a good busi- 
 ness man, and has been successful in his operations. He owns two livery and 
 sale stables in the city and never has less than twenty-five horses, often fifty. 
 He does a general livery business, and also buys, sells and ships horses on a 
 large scale. He is a] so quite extensively engaged in the oil business. Mr. 
 Coffin was married in Armstrong county, Penn., June 24, 1874, to P. M. 
 Fleming, daughter of A. W. Fleming, and they have three children: Claudie 
 D., George Ralph and Charles J. In politics Mr. Coffin is a Eepublican. He 
 is a member of the A. O. U. W. , the Knights of Honor, and several benevo- 
 lent orders. 
 
 PHILIP W. CEOAK, general foreman in the Buffalo, Rochester & 
 Pittsburgh Railroad shops at Bradford, has held this position since 1888. He 
 learned the machinist's trade in his youth at Eenovo, Penn., and from 1884 to 
 1886 he was, foreman of the Pennsylvania Railroad shops at that place; in the 
 latter year he was transferred to Erie City, and in 1888 came to Bradford. 
 He now has about 130 men under his supervision and there are about forty- 
 five engines to be kept in repair at the shops in Bradford. He is a thorough 
 machinist and understands every detail of his work. Mr. Croak was born in 
 Bradford county, Penn., in March, 1852, a son of Edward and Honora (Mul- 
 queen) Croak, natives- of Ireland. He was married in March, 1877, to Miss 
 Mary Jones, a native of Renovo, Penn., of German descent, daughter of 
 David Jones, and they have eight children: William, Edward, Viola, Bessie, 
 Winlan, Philip, Thomas and Sarah. Mr. Croak and his wife are members of 
 the Catholic Church. In politics he is a Democrat. 
 
 LEVI M. CROSS, P. O. Kendall Creek, was born in CarroUton, Cattar- 
 augus Co., N. Y., August 6, 1841, and is a son of Levi and Eliza (Conklin) 
 Cross, natives of New York and Pennsylvania, respectively. He was reared 
 in Bradford, McKean Co., Penn., from three years of age, and received a 
 common-school education. At the breaking out of the civil war he was en- 
 gaged in farming and lumbering, but in August, 1862, he enlisted in Com- 
 pany H, Fifteenth New York Volunteers, and served nine months, when he 
 was discharged on account of disability. In April, 1864, Mr. Cross re-enlisted 
 in Company E, Fifty- eighth Pennsylvania Volunteers, and was wounded at 
 Chapin Farm, near Richmond, Va. , September 29, 1864. As a result of this 
 wound he lost his left leg at the thigh, and was honorably discharged from the 
 service in March, 1865. Since the war he has made his home in Bradford, 
 this county, and has been engaged in teaming and the oil business. Mr. 
 Cross married, March 21, 1867, Fannie, daughter of David and Amanda (Rey- 
 nolds) Cornelius, of Bradford, and has two children: Leda M. and Autie V. 
 He is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church and G. A. R., and polit- 
 ically is a Republican. 
 
 E. J. CROSS, grocer, Bradford, was born at Sandy Hill, Washington Co. , 
 N. Y., August 2, 1850, a son of Stephen Oscar and Ruby Ann (Conrey) Cross,. 
 
348 HISTORY OF MCKEAN COUNTY. 
 
 natives of New York, and of English and Irish descent. The father was a promi- 
 nent farmer, and during the war was a United States marshal; after the war he 
 was appointed United States revenue collector. The mother was a relative of Gen. 
 Putnam, the hero of Bunker Hill. Mr. Cross prepared for college at Port 
 Edward Institute, and then took a course at Eastman's Business College, Pater- 
 son, N. J. , from which he graduated in 1873. In 1876 he went to Butler county, 
 Penn. , where he carried on a general mercantile business four years, and in 
 1880 removed to Bradford, where for three years he carried on a whole- 
 sale and retail vegetable market. He then embarked in the flour and feed 
 business, to which he has since added groceries. He now owns his place of 
 business, and also a small farm, which is under the supervision of William Ten- 
 ney, a practical gardener, and is cultivated as a vegetable garden. Mr. Cross 
 was married September 26, 1876, to Alice E. Keith, daughter of Alonzo A. 
 and Alvina (Carter) Keith, and they have three children: Oscar K. , Alice E. 
 and Ruby E. Mrs. Cross is a member of the Baptist Church. In politics Mr. 
 Cross is a Eepublican. 
 
 H. G. CUTTING, farmer, fine stock raiser and oil producer, Bradford, 
 was born in St. Lawrence county, N. Y., January 22, 1838, a son of D. H. and 
 Jane H. (Barrows) Cutting, former of whom is still living in New York, and 
 is now eighty-six years old. Mr. Cutting was reared on his father's farm, re- 
 maining in his native county until 1862, when he came to Pennsylvania, and 
 worked about the oil wells. In 1876 he bought and drilled several wells, and 
 in 1883 purchased 135 acres of land, which he has cultivated; is also exten- 
 sively engaged in stock raising, making a specialty of horses and cattle, and 
 dealing only in the finest breeds. He devotes his attention to his farm and 
 stock, hiring an overseer for his wells, of which he owns fourteen. Mr. Cut- 
 ting was married in 1860, to Ellen Blanchard, who died in 1875, leaving three 
 children: Bertha, Blanchard and Algernon. The parents of Mrs. Ellen Cut- 
 ting were named Orville and Almeda (Newman) Blanchard. In 1877 Mr. 
 Cutting married Miss Amy Gunn, daughter of William and Isabella Harriet 
 (Pond) Gunn, the former a Canadian, of Scotch descent, and the latter an 
 American, of English extraction. They have three children: Hawley G., Mal- 
 comb J. and William F. Mrs. Cutting is a member of the Episcopal Church. 
 In politics Mr. Cutting is a Republican. He is a member of the F. & A. M. 
 and the A. O. U. W 
 
 F. W. DAVIS, president of the First National Bank, Bradford, was born 
 near the city of Bradford, Penn., June 8, 1844, the eldest of four children of 
 R. W. and Sarah C. (Moore) Davis, former a native of Vermont, and latter of 
 New York, of English descent. His father was a cabinet-maker by trade, 
 which he followed in Chautauqua county, N. Y. , until his removal to Brad- 
 ford in 1842, where he continued the business until his death in 1876. F. W. 
 Davis attended the common schools until seventeen years of age, at which time 
 the war broke out, and in November, 1861, he enlisted in Company E, Fifty- 
 eighth Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry, and rendered faithful service until 
 the close of the war, at which time he held the rank of first lieutenant. He 
 was with his regiment in all its battles and skirmishes. They were on detailed 
 duty the greater part of the time, fighting bushwhackers, and were present at 
 the capture of Fort Harrison, below Richmond. After his return home Mr. 
 Davis was employed as clerk and bookkeeper, taking a regular course at 
 Eastman' s Business College, and in 1870 he embarked in the drug business, 
 which he continued until 1878. When the First'National Bank of Bradford 
 was organized be became one of the stockholders and a director; in 1887 he 
 was elected vice-president, and in 1888 president. He has been one of the 
 
BIOGBAPHICAL SKETCHES. 349 
 
 leading; citizens of Bradford, and has built one of the best blocks in the city; 
 is owner of considerable real estate, having devoted a portion of his time to 
 that business. Mr. Davis was married in 1868 to Albina T. Sanford, daugh- 
 ter of George Sanford, of Bradford, and they have one child, Sarah G. Mrs. 
 Davis and her daughter are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. In 
 politics Mr. Davis is a Democrat, and he is a member of tjnion Lodge No. 334 
 F. & A, M. 
 
 F. G. DAVIS, of the firm of BrenAan & Davis, jewelers and booksellers, 
 Bradford, is one of the leading business men of the city, where he has spent 
 his life. He became established in his present business in 1883, and as suc- 
 cess came to the firm they have gradually increased their stock until it is now 
 unexcelled in variety and quality in the city. Mr. Davis was born in Bradford, 
 McKean Co., Penn., August 8, 1851, a son of R. W. and Sarah (Moore) Davis. 
 He was the youngest of three children, and is a brother of F. \V. Davis, pres- 
 ident of the Bradford National Bank. He was married at Fredonia, N. Y. , in 
 1876,- to Eva Cowdrey, who died in 1882. Mr. Davis has one son, Clyde H. 
 Davis. 
 
 P. H. DAVITT, proprietor of bottling works, Bradford, is a native of Ire- 
 land, born March 14, 1854, a son of John and Nora (Rush) Davitt. In 1866 
 he came to America with his parents, who settled in Erie county, N. Y. , where 
 the father worked at the stone masons' and plasterers' trades, and later became a 
 contractor and builder. In 1878 the subject of our sketch came to Bradford, 
 soon after opened his bottling works, and has built up a good trade in his line. 
 Mr. Davitt was married in New York in 1889 to Miss Ella J. , daughter of John 
 Considine. Mr. and Mrs. Davitt are members of the Catholic Church and he 
 is a member of the Catholic Benevolent Association. He is a Democrat in poli- 
 tics, and has served as a member of the select council. 
 
 ALBERT DeGOLIER, oil producer, Bradford, was born in Keating town- 
 ship, McKean Co., Penn., June 4, 1831, a son of Abel and Elizabeth (Overhi- 
 ser) DeGolier, natives of Western New York and descendants of the earliest 
 settlers, the former of French ancestry and the latter of English and Mohawk 
 Dutch. The father moved to McKean county in 1830 and died in 1833 at 
 Smethport, when only thirty-one years old. The mother's health failing, she 
 was obliged to give over her children to the care of others. Albert found a 
 home with Warren Edson, who gave him the benefit of the common schools, 
 and as he grew older he assisted in the work of the farm. He started in life 
 for himselt as a farmer, and in 1860 went to Iowa, where he remained six years. 
 In 1866 he returned to McKean county, and embarked in genera,l mercantile 
 trade, which he continued ten years, and in 1876 became interested in the pro- 
 duction of oil. Mr. DeGolier was married October 17, 1853, to Miss Eleanor, 
 daughter of Absalom and Elizabeth (Faloon) Hutchinson, natives of Ireland, 
 who came to McKean county in 1832. Mr. and Mrs. DeGolier have had eleven 
 children, seven of whom are living: Charles Fremont, Elmer A., Spencer M., 
 Elizabeth A., Mary A. (Mrs. J. L. Barrett), Margaret L. and Eleanor J. 
 Emma E., Ella O. and John died in infancy; the second son, Albert E., died 
 March 15, 1886. Politically Mr. DeGolier is a Republican. He has served 
 as a member of the school board and also of the coilimon council of Bradford. 
 
 D. DeGOLIER, gardener, P. O. Bradford, was born in Prattsburgh, 
 Steuben Co., N. Y., July 16, 1820, a son of Samuel and Esther (Olds) De- 
 Golier, natives of Saratoga county, N. Y., and Vermont, respectively. In 1831 
 Samuel, James, Abel and Nathan DeGolier came to McKean county, and took 
 up land in Bradford township, which is now known as DeGolier settlement or 
 station. James was in the War of 1812; Samuel was an active business' man. 
 
350 HISTOEY OF MCKEAN COUNTY. 
 
 and filled various offices in Bradford township, and was a prominent member 
 of the Baptist Church. He died in 1844. His widow married Phineas Hall 
 and died in 1870. Three of the children of Samuel and Esther DeGolier 
 are yet living: E. A., of Northport, Mich. ; Esther, wife of Daniel Dikeman, 
 of Bradford township, and the subject of this sketch. D. DeGolier married, 
 in 1842, Miss Dersy C, daughter of Simeon Morris, of Bradford township. 
 She died in 1881, leaving three children: Sylvester B., living at home; Maur- 
 ice, of Wisconsin; and W. F., of Plprida. Mr. DeGolier was next married 
 to Mrs. Lavinda E. Emery, of Erie county, N. Y. He was engaged in the 
 mercantile business at Bradford for five years, and, with this exception, he has 
 always been engaged in farming and market gardening. He had always been 
 identified with the Eepublican party, and served as justice of the peace of 
 Bradford township for ten years, but since the formation of the Prohibition 
 party has been identified with it. He is a deacon and trustee in the Baptist 
 Church, of which he has been a member fifty-four years. 
 
 C. DeHAET, superintendent of a district for the New York Pipe Line Com- 
 pany, Bradford, was born in Auburn, N. Y., January 2, 1846, a son of Joseph 
 and Margaret DeHart, natives of New York, and of French descent, former 
 of whom died in 1881. 0. DeHart was reared in Titusville, and in his youth 
 began to work at the oil wells. For eighteen years he has worked for pipe line 
 companies, and for sixteen years has been in the employ of the New York com- 
 pany in various capacities, coming to Bradford in 1877. Mr. DeHart was 
 married, in 1871, to Mary, daughter of William Carey, and they have three 
 children: Mabel, Lloyd and Helen. Mrs. DeHart is a member of the Catho- 
 lic Church. In politics Mr. DeHart is a Eepublican. 
 
 E. A. DEMPSEY, ex- mayor of Bradford and capitalist,was born in Venango 
 county, Penn. , April 26, 1837, the eldest of three children of Thomas C. and 
 Mary Ann (Arthur) Dempsey, natives of Pennsylvania, former of Venango 
 county, of Irish and German descent, and latter of Warren county, of Scotch 
 and English descent. The father died in 1884, at an advanced age. E. A. 
 Dempsey was reared a farmer, and followed that vocation until 1862, when he 
 enlisted in Company E, One Hundred and Twenty-first Pennsylvania Volun- 
 teer Infantry, and by promotion finally was commissioned first lieutenant. His 
 regiment participated in many hard fought battles. Near Petersburg, Va., 
 October 1, 1864, he was captured and was held prisoner three months and two 
 weeks at Salisbury. Being detailed to cut wood, he found an opportunity to 
 make his escape, and joined the Union lines in Tennessee. After .the close of 
 the war he returned to Pennsylvania, and for a time was engaged in mercantile 
 business, later in oil producing, and since 1871 has owned and conducted an 
 oil refinery. In 1882 he became a member of a manufacturing company at 
 Custer City that has been extensively engaged in the manufacture of high ex- 
 plosives. He is also interested in the cattle business in Kansas, owning a 
 large tract of land. He has been a successful business man, and is now one of 
 the leading citizens of Bradford. He has served as supervisor of Bradford 
 township, also as school director, and in 1886 was elected mayor of the city. 
 He has served two terms as postmaster, one term in Venango county and one 
 in McKean county. He i8 a member of Bradford Post No. 141, G. A. E., and 
 has held all the important offices in his post. He is a member of the I. O. O. 
 F. lodge and encampment, of the Knights of Labor, and of several beneficiary 
 societies. In politics Mr. Dempsey is a Eepublican. He was married in No- 
 vember, 1859, to Martha E. Campbell, daughter c* Joseph Campbell, and they 
 have four children: Mary (wife of Frank Howard), Lizzie, Nora and Lulu. 
 Mrs. "Dempsey is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. 
 
BIOGEAPHICAL SKETCHES. 351 
 
 C. W. DENNIS, a member of the firm of Spence & Dennis, dealers in tor- 
 pedoes and nitro- glycerine, Bradford, was born in Buffalo, N. Y., October 30. 
 1853, a son of Joseph W. and Delia (ToUes) Dennis, who were also natives of 
 New York, of English descent. Joseph W. Dennis is still a resident of Buf- 
 falo, and is aged sixty-two. Mrs. Delia Dennis died in Detroit in 1858, and in 
 1867 Mr. Dennis married Lucy M. Newman, of Nunda, N. Y. After his 
 mother's death our subject lived with an aunt, sister of his mother, several 
 years, in Albion and Marion, Ohio; then lived on a farm near Kenosha, Wis., 
 for eight years,. and then returned to Buffalo, N. Y., in. 1869; he had good 
 educational advantages, and- after leaving school clerked for his father, who 
 was a government contractor. In 1877 he came to Bradford and engaged in 
 the oil business, adding the torpedo interest in 1878. In 1883 Spence & 
 Dennis obtained the agency for the Torpedo Company of Delaware, and have 
 met with good success in this line. Mr. Dennis was married January 24, 1883, 
 in Buffalo, to Miss Jennie, a daughter of Capt. James W. Moore. In politics 
 he is a Eepublican. He is a member of the Masonic fraternity aod of the 
 Knights of Honor, as well as of the Royal Arcanum. 
 
 WILLIAM H. DENNIS, senior member of the firm of Dennis & Booth, 
 who has been identified with the building up of the city of Bradford from the 
 early days of the oil excitement, was born in England, of English parents, in 
 October, 1852, son of James and Sarah (Stephens) Dennis. Early in life' he 
 was apprenticed to learn the carpenter's trade. In 1872 he came to Pennsvl- 
 vania and settled in Carbondale, Lackawanna county, where in 1875 he was mar- 
 ried to Maggie G. , daughter of David and Charlotte (Farquharson) Andrew, 
 who were natives of Scotland, coming to New York in 1853, and settling in 
 Ontario county, where Maggie C. was born in June, 1854. In 1876 Mr. Den- 
 nis entered into partnership with I. S. Jones, and the firm of Jones & Dennis 
 in 1877 moved to Bradford, where C. S. Booth was added, and the firm of 
 Jones, Dennis & Booth did an extensive business both in Bradford and adjoin- 
 ing cities. Among the buildings erected by them are the Producers' Petroleum 
 Exchange, the Central school-building, the Baptist and Methodist Churches, 
 L. Emery, Jr. , & Co. ' s stores, the residences of George A. Berry, Esq. , Sena- 
 tor Emery and many others. In 1886 Mr. Jones withdrew and Dennis & 
 Booth, in addition to their building business, engaged in the production of 
 petroleum, having purchased some valuable oil lands in Foster township, Mc- 
 Keah county. From the start this firm have held the position of leaders in 
 the building business, and at the present time employ a large number of 
 skilled workmen. Mr. Dennis also does architectural drawing, furnishing 
 plans and •specifications for buildings when desired. Mr. and Mrs. Dennis 
 have six children: Lizzie B., Lottie S., Margie A., Marion H., Charles J. and 
 Edith M. Both are members of the Baptist Church, which, in 1878, they 
 took a prominent part in organizing in Bradford and in A^hich he has for years 
 held the office of deacon and church clerk. He is also president of the Young 
 Men's Christian Association of Bradford, a member of the Royal Templars 
 of Temperance, and in politics votes the Prohibition ticket. 
 
 DAVID A. DENNISON, managing editor of the Era, Bradford, Penn., 
 was born at Cromwell, Conn., in 1856, where his parents had settled after 
 their immigration from Cork, Ireland, about forty-five years ago. The family 
 moved to Pennsylvania before the war of the Rebellion, and in this State the 
 subject of this notice receive,d an elementary education, while assisting on the 
 home farm in Crawford county. In 1878 we find him in the State of Iowa, 
 where he followed agricultural pursuits, but deeming the hills and valleys of 
 the Keystone State a much happier clime, he returned hither, where he was 
 
352 HISTORY OF MCKEAN COUNTY. 
 
 engaged in various industries until 1887, in which year he was appointed to a 
 position on the staff of the Era at Bradford. From the age of fifteen Mr. 
 Deunison had been a contributor to several publications, and after coming 
 here he acted as correspondent of the Elmira Sunday Telegram, and other 
 papers, on oil-field news and other subjects. On July 3, 1889, he was pro- 
 moted to the managing editorship of the Era, vice Mr. C. H. Steiger, trans- 
 ferred to the Toledo Commercial. 
 
 JOHN A. DIETEE, farmer, P. O. Custer City, was born in Livingston 
 county, N. Y., February 28, 1835, a son of John and Annie p. (Kline) Dieter, 
 natives of New York State, who came to McKean county, Penn. , in 1848, and 
 purchased a farm in Bradford township. The father was a stone mason, brick 
 layer and plasterer by trade. In politics he is a Republican, and filled vari- 
 ous township oifices; although not a member of any church, he was a con- 
 scientious Christian man, and his wife was a member of the United Brethren 
 Church for many years. He died in 1857 and his widow in 1881. Ten children 
 were born to them, eight of whom are still living: Barbara J. (wife of William 
 Baker, of Bradford township), Samuel Jackson (of Michigan). Michael K. (of 
 Chautauqua county, N. Y.), John A., Eliza C. (wife of John Mack, of Ohio), 
 Mary C. (wife of Spencer Tibbitts, of Custer City), Martha M. (wife of Henry 
 Hammond, of Colorado) and George W. (of Cattaraugus county, N. Y.) John 
 A. was reared mostly in McKean county, and obtained but a limited education, 
 as he had to assist his father in clearing and improving the farm and attending 
 stone masons. He was married May 2, 1865, to Miss Mary Ann, daughter of 
 Charles Hayter, of Eden, or Marshburg, McKean county, and they have four 
 children: Charles Stanley, John Franklin, Emma Frances and Henry Joseph, 
 all living at home. Mr. Dieter has been identified with both the Eepublican 
 and Democratic parties, and of late years has been a strong supporter of the 
 Prohibition party. He has always been a prominent member of the United ' 
 Brethren Church, and for years has been a licensed exhorter and class leader. 
 
 LORENZO DRAKE, farmer and oil producer, P. O. Custer City, was born 
 in Morris county, N. J., September 20, 1819, a son of Silas C. and Sarah 
 (Hamilton) Drake, natives of that State. In 1840 they came to McKean county, 
 Penn., and entered the tract of land in Bradford township now owned by Lorenzo 
 Drake. Silas C. Drake was a captain of the New Jersey State Militia. He was 
 a Whig, afterward a Republican, and filled various township offices. He died 
 in Bradford township in 1858, and his wife in 1862. They reared seven chil- 
 dren, three of whom are living: Clarissa, widow of John Rutherford, of Erie 
 county, Penn. ; Theodore F. , of Great Valley, Cattaraugus Co. , N. Y. ; and 
 Lorenzo, the eldest, who removed with his parents from New Jergey to Tioga 
 county, N. Y. , when four years of age. He received a common-school educa- 
 tion, and has followed the occupation of farming. In 1846 he married Miss 
 Ehoda, daughter of Sheldon Tuttle, of Tioga county, Penn., and to them have 
 been born nine children, named as follows: Silas, Ralph, Leroy, Russell and 
 Guy, all farmers in Nebraska; Charles, civil engineer, at home; Millie, wife of 
 Frank Smith, of Springville, N. Y. ; Ida and Sarah A., at home. Mr. Drake is 
 an active Republican. 
 
 S. R. DRESSER, manufacturer of oil well and gas well packers, Bradford, 
 was born in Litchfield, Hillsdale Co. , Mich. , February 1, 1842, a son of Parker 
 and Lydia (Cronkhyte) Dresser, former a native of Massachusetts, of English 
 descent, and latter of New York, of Dutch descent. The father died in 1872. 
 Mr. Dresser, when a young man, went to La Fayette, Ind., where he clerked 
 in a dry goods store, and in 1865 moved to West Virginia, and was there em- 
 ployed in the oil fields. In 1872 he changed his location to Butler county and 
 
BIOGEAPHICAL SKETCHES. 353 
 
 for three years continued in the oil business. In 1880, having invented his 
 packer, he began manufacturing, and now has a good business. Mr. Dresser 
 was married in 1864 to Vesta E., daughter of Chauncey Simpson, who died in 
 1883, and they had a family of five children, two of whom are living: lone 
 and Eobert A. In 1885 Mr. Dresser married Caroline, daughter of Carl 
 Kirsch. Mrs. Dresser is a member of the Presbyterian Church. In politics 
 Mr. Dresser is a Republican, and has held various official positions, being a 
 prominent citizen. He is a member of the Masonic lodge of Bradford. 
 
 C. A. DURFEY, State oil inspector, oil producer and dealer in real estate, 
 Bradford, is a native of Connecticut, born April 19, 1838, a son of Benjamin 
 and Harmony (Kingsley) Durfey, also natives of Connecticut. His father was 
 a prominent citizen of that State and served as a member of the legislature from 
 New London county. He died in 187-1, in the seventy-second year of his age. 
 C. A. Durfey was the second in a family of six children. He learned the 
 blacksmith trade in his youth, and during the Civil war was employed on gov- 
 ernment work in the armory at Springfield, Mass. In 1865 he came to Penn- 
 sylvania as superintendent of the Prescott and Seymour Oil Companies, and 
 made his headquarters in Venango county twelve years. He then removed to 
 Bradford county and worked in the oil fields, where he has since been success- 
 ful as an oil producer. In 1877 he was appointed State oil inspector, a posi- 
 tion he has since held. He has bought considerable real estate in the county, 
 and has sold portions at quite an advance on the purchase price. Among his 
 valuable possessions in the county may be mentioned the Durfey block, on Main 
 street, Bradford, which is one of the handsomest buildings in the city. -Mr. 
 Durfey was married in 1864 to Lizzie V. Bowles, who died in 1872, leaving two 
 children: J. W. and Gertrude S. In politics Mr. Durfey is a Democrat, and 
 he has been a member of Bradford city council, and also of the school board 
 EDGETT & McAllister, real estate, 1, 2 and 3 Bradburn block, 95 
 Main street, Bradford. The firm of Edgett & McAllister is composed of Roy 
 W. Edgett and R. McAllister. They have been established in their present 
 business only about one year, and in that time, by close application and careful 
 study of values, have succeeded in steadily increasing the number of their 
 transactions, until to-day they are among the leading real estate firms, and en- 
 gaged in handling some of the very best properties in the country. They have 
 a branch office at 315 Main street, Buffalo, N. Y. , and handle property all over 
 the United States. In addition, they enjoy facilities for placing loans on most 
 reliable securities. They are always willing and anxious to assist in any laud- 
 able effort to build up and maintain enterprises of a useful nature. They hold 
 in the community an enviable position for their liberality and progressive spirit, 
 and are gentlemen of pleasant and courteous manners. 
 
 G. C. EDMUNDS, proprietor of a livery stable, Bradford, was born in Warren 
 county, Penn., April 8, 1849, fifth in a family of nine children of Robert and 
 Elizabeth (Caskey) Edmunds, former of whom came from Scotland to America 
 and settled in Warren county, where he spent the last years of his life. G. C. 
 Edmunds was reared in his native county, attending school when a small boy, 
 but in 1862 he was apprenticed to learn the blacksmith's trade. After com- 
 pleting his apprenticeship he engaged in business for himself, and for some 
 time dealt extensively in horses. He also bought valuable oil land leases and 
 has been successfully engaged in the oil business. Since 1870 he has been a 
 resident of McKean county, and at present devotes the most of his attention to 
 the livery business, having stables at both Bradford and Kendall. In politics 
 Mr. Edmunds is a Republican, and has held the offices of constable and road 
 commissioner of McKean county. He was married in Tennessee, in 1870, to 
 
354 HISTORY OF MCKEAN COUNTY. 
 
 Miss Eva, daughter of D. G. Hayes, and they have live children: Ina, Eliza- 
 beth, George, Prank and Eva. 
 
 LEWIS EMERY, Jk. , Bradford, was born about two miles from the pretty 
 little village of Cherry Creek, Chautauqua Co., N. Y. , August 10, 1839. In 
 184"^ his father had been engaged constructing a railway near Olean, N. Y. , 
 for the old Erie, now the New York, Lake Erie & Western Eailroad, and lost 
 a great deal of money through the failure of that corporation. After severing 
 his connection with the railroad he secared a contract on one of the levels of 
 the Genesee canal, and when that company defaulted he was again a sufferer, 
 financially; and, becoming disgusted with the state of affairs in the East, 
 determined upon going to the West. In January, 1842, he started, vifith his 
 family, to drive overland to Janesville, Wis. He was a thorough general 
 mechanic, and an adept in all the varied details of woolen cloth making. 
 When he reached Jonesville, Mich. , on his westward journey, the loss of some 
 of his live stock compelled him to make a halt, and the people of the surround- 
 ing country, learning of his ability, persuaded him to settle among them, and 
 they agreed to and did build a mill for him, allowing him to pay for it from 
 the profits on his sales. He remained in Jonesville for seven years, during the 
 latter part of which period he built another mill at Hillsdale, the county seat, 
 to which place he moved with his family in 1849. 
 
 Hon. Lewis Emery, Jr., the subject of this sketch, after spending his early 
 youth learning the trade of his father, and acquiring what rudimentary educa- 
 tion the country schools afforded, was sent to Hillsdale College, Hillsdale, 
 Mich. , where he finished his mental training. At the age of nineteen he en- 
 gaged to teach the district school of Wheatland township, and continued to do 
 so for two years; after which he resumed work at his father's flour mill, which 
 he continued until he left the State. During his attendance at the Hillsdale 
 College he met with, and formed an attachment for, Miss Elizabeth A. Cald- 
 well, and on December 29, 1863, he married her at the home of her parents, 
 in Vistula, Elkhart Co., Ind. Four children were the result of their marriage: 
 Delevan Emery, born September 26, 1867 ; Grace Elizabeth Emery, born Jan- 
 uary 27, 1874; Earle Caldwell Emery, born December 12, 1875, and Lewis 
 Emery, born August 27, 1878. In May, 1864, he went to Southern Illinois 
 and engaged in general merchandising, and also built a mill. The war was 
 brought to a close soon after he went there, and, business coming to a stand- 
 still, he concluded to seek other fields, and in August, 1865, started for the oil 
 regions of Pennsylvania. He made his first stop in Pit Hole, Venango county, 
 remaining a short time, and in that memorable year located his first well at 
 Pioneer, that county, and shared the ups and downs of the producers of that 
 period. For the next five years he followed the excitement, so characteristic 
 of the oil country, with all its varied successes and disappointments, until, in 
 1870, he went to Titusville, Crawford Co. , Penn. , and was fairly on the way 
 to wealth. He rapidly rose to the top rank among the well-known producers 
 of that field, and by his determination and enterprise, coupled with a strong 
 sense of honor in all business dealings, he soon commanded the respect and 
 confidence of the whole community. Like hundreds of others of the then 
 prosperous producers, the financial panic, precipitated by the failure of Jay 
 Cooke & Co. , of New York, caught him with the floating obligations that could 
 not be quickly eaough protected to save him from the desolating ruin that fol- 
 lowed, and in the parlance of the country he " went to the wall," almost hope- 
 lessly ruined. With a recorded debt against him that would have driven a less 
 intrepid maa to lanacy or, possibly, to the grave, he, with his characteristic 
 enterprise and confidence in himself, was soon looking about for a way to 
 
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 355 
 
 recover his lost fortunes. He had often viewed the hills and vales of McKean 
 county, Penn. , with a strong suspicion that they held beneath them a vast lake 
 of petroleum, only waiting to yield up its wealth to the pioneer who should tap 
 it. Now, in a spirit of desperation, almost, he determined to test his ideas 
 with the drill. He had leased and purchased about 14,000 acres of territory, 
 without a cent of money. The people had confidence in him, trusted in his 
 ability to pay, and never questioned his honor. He commenced operations in 
 this field July 28, 1875, his first well being at Toad Hollow, on what was 
 known as the Tibbets farm, about two miles south of the city of Bradford. 
 This well opened up at a rate of forty barrels per day, and not only proved of 
 vast financial importance to him, enabling him to wipe out every cent of debt, 
 and accumulate a handsome fortune, but it virtually opened up the greatest 
 oil territory the world has ever seen. His wealth piled up, and each year 
 saw acres of territory falling into his possession, until over 500 wells were 
 pouring their wealth into his store-house. In thus entering such a vast under- 
 taking without money, the firm of Eaton, Cole Burnham Company, of New 
 York, proved great friends to him. Thej' gave him unlimited credit, though 
 he was a bankrupt. They realized that a man who had gone down two or 
 three times, and as often come out of the ordeal with honor unstained, would 
 not long remain down, and so it proved. In 1878 he was elected by the peo- 
 ple of McKean county to represent them in the general assembly, where, in 
 the session of 1879, he took such a warm and untiring interest in the wants of 
 the oil country, that the people returned him to the legislature, in 1880, with 
 credentials of a senatorship. During his sifting in the lower house of the 
 legislature, he manifested an independence of spirit in political labor similar to 
 that which had always characterized his action elsewhere. "While 'he did not 
 object to the party caucus, he would follow no leader whom he suspected of 
 packing the caucus, either by purchase or the paity lash. He ever advocated 
 the most frank and honest dealing where the rights of the people came into 
 the question; and never could reconcile the mandates of packed caucuses with 
 either frankness, honesty or honor. It was for this reason that he refused lo 
 go into the senatorial caucus of 1879. At that time the Kepublican party was 
 being wielded by and for the interests of a few individuals, and the '"gag" 
 rule and caucus packing were two of their favorite instruments to carry on 
 their plans. The continuation of these practices led to the memorable sena- 
 torial dead-lock in the legislature in 1881, when fifty-six Kepublicans remained 
 out of the party caucus, many refusing to be tied to Galusha A. Grow for the 
 United States senatorship, and this action ultimately resulted in the election 
 of Hon. John I. Mitchell, and was followed a year later by the three-cornered 
 fight for the gubernatorial chair, by Hon. John Stewart, Eobert E. Pattison 
 and James A. Beaver. He was re-elected to the State senate from the Twenty- 
 fifth district, in 1884, by a largely increased majority. In the sahae year he 
 was chosen delegate-at large to represent the State of Pennsylvania in the 
 National Eepublican Convention, that convened at Chicago, June 19, and was 
 in attendance during the memorable contest which ended in the nomination of 
 James G. Blaine and John A. Logan. He was a warm advocate of Mr. 
 Blaine's nomination, and an ardent supporter of him in the election that fol- 
 lowed. In 1886 he was a candidate for congress from the Sixteenth district, 
 and again in 1888 from the Twenty-fourth district, but both times was compelled 
 to yield his claim, because of the rotation system so determinedly clung to in 
 that part of the State. During his ten years of public service he was unflag- 
 ging in his opposition to the tendency of corporate monopolies and trusts to 
 prostitute their rights to private purposes, and the crushing out of fair compe- 
 
356 HISTOKY OF MCKEAN COUNTY. 
 
 tition. In this direction he was the recognized leader of the anti-monopolists, 
 and, though tempted to withdraw his opposition to the monopolists, by pros- 
 pects of ample financial returns in the way of business facilities, he consist- 
 ently stuck to his principles, and refused to be cajoled in any manner. In 
 1879 he went to Europe, and made a thorough investigation of the oil fields of 
 the Baku region in Russia, to learn, if possible, what its competition with 
 American oil would ever attain. In 1881 he made a second visit to Europe, 
 this time traveling through France, Germany, Italy, Turkey, Greece, and up 
 the Nile 1,000 miles, as far as the second cataract. He has also traveled ex- 
 tensively in this country, and in the Canadian provinces, and has equipped 
 himself with a vast store of general information as to the needs and capability 
 of the country. While traveling he was always a keen observer and a pains- 
 taking student of the men and things he met. He is a man of broad views, a 
 ready reasoner and most determined in execution. His philanthropic work, 
 while it has been very extensive, has been directed in a modest and unostenta- 
 tious manner, and many are the institutions aad private personages who have 
 felt the influence of his quiet beneficence. In his personal habits, as in his 
 public actions, he is plain and unpretentious. His home life is one of domestic 
 peace and happiness, and furnishes him a harbor from the labors of business 
 and public service, to which he always hies with pleasure unfeigned. His 
 public spirit, coupled with a firm conviction that the rights of the common 
 people must be sustained against the encroachment of individual or corporate 
 gain, has made him an object of admiration among the people, and one to 
 whom they have always shown a readiness to entrust their welfare. He is 
 now engaged in the production and refining of petroleum on a very extensive 
 scale in Bradford, McKean Co., Penn. ; merchant flour-milling in Three Rivers, 
 Mich. ; has large wheat land interests in Northern Dakota, and is lumber mill- 
 ing in Farmers, Rowan Co. , Ky. , and is owner of a large oil well and general 
 supply store in Bradford, McKean Co. , Penn. 
 
 J. B. FARREL, oil producer, Bradford, was born in Erie county, N. Y. , 
 April 8, 1844, a son of Robert and Mary (Wells) Farrel, natives also of the 
 Empire State, and of Scotch-Irish descent. He remained at home until after 
 the breaking out of the Rebellion, when, in 1861, he enlisted in Company A, 
 One Hundred and Sixteenth New York Volunteer Infantry. He was dis- 
 charged in 1863 on account of wounds received in battle, which incapacitated 
 him for active service. Soon after his return home he came to the lower oil 
 fields of Pennsylvania, and drilled wells at Petroleum Centre, remaining in 
 that vicinity until 1876, when he removed to Bradford, where he has since 
 lived, owning a number of wells near the city. He has been a successful 
 business man, is one of the leading citizens of Bradford, and has served as a 
 member of the select council. He is a Republican in polities. 
 
 JOSEPH FISCHER, of the firm of L. A. Fischer & Co., wholesale and re-' 
 tail grocers, Bradford, is a native of Alsace, Germany, born Febniary IS, 
 1857, the youngest of seven children of Anthony and Catherine Fischer, for- 
 mer of whom died in 1869; latter still living on the old homestead in Germany. 
 Joseph was reared in his native country, and there received a good common- 
 school education. After coming to America he took a commercial course at 
 Bryant & Stratton's Commercial College, Buffalo, N. Y. In 1880 he came to 
 Bradford and clerked for his brother in a wholesale and retail grocery busi- 
 ness, continuing in that capacity until 1884, when he was admitted to the firm' 
 as a partner. This firm have a large retail trade, giving employment to thir- 
 teen men and three delivery wagons. Mr. Fischer was married in Buffalo, 
 April 11, 1888, to Miss Lucy A. Diebolt, daughter of George A. Diebolt, a 
 
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 357 
 
 prominent boot and shoe merchant of Buffalo. In politics Mr. Fischer is a Ee- 
 publican. He and his wife are members of the Catholic Church, and he is treas- 
 urer of the Catholic Benevolent Legion. 
 
 JOHN FLANAGAN, dealer in oil well supplies, Bradford, Penn. , was born 
 in Ireland, in 1850, a son of John and Bridget (Kelly) Flanagan. His parents 
 came to the United States in 1851, and settled in Armstrong county, Penn., 
 where the father died April 7, 1864, and where the mother still lives. Left 
 fatherless at an early age, the subject of our sketch was obliged to rely on his 
 own exertions, and began working in the mines, which he continued until 
 1883. He then came to Bradford, where for a few months he worked at 
 plumbing; then opened a junk shop, and has been successful in that line of 
 trade, also handling a full line of oil well supplies. Mr. Flanagan was mar- 
 ried April 24, 1873, at Brady's Bend, Penn., to Anna, daughter of Manasseh 
 Boyle, and they have eight children: Anna, Mary, John, James, M. J., Eosella, 
 Stephen and William. Mr. and Mrs. Flanagan are members of the Catholic 
 Church. In politics he is a Republican. 
 
 LEONARD SAMPSON FOSTER, deceased, was a native of Townsead, 
 Mass., born March 25, 1792. His father was a soldier in the Revolutionary 
 war, and he a soldier in the war of 1812. He was one of a family of twelve 
 children, who were noted for their longevity. His mother lived to be over 
 one hundred years old, and two brothers lived to be ninety, and one sister to 
 the age of eighty-three years. Mr. Foster moved with his family to McKean 
 county, Penn. , in 1827, and settled in what was afterward Foster township, 
 the same having been named in his honor. He first embarked in the lumber 
 business, but afterward devoted his attention to agriculture. He died at his 
 residence at Foster Brook, June 13, 1882, in the ninety-first year of his age. 
 March 27, 1817, he married, at Watertown, N. Y., Miss Betsy Hinds, and 
 they spent together a happy married life of over sixty- five years. They had 
 a family of eleven children, three of whom died in infancy. One son, A. G. , 
 laid down his life for his country during the war of the Rebellion. Seven of 
 their children and over thirty grandchildren are now living. 
 
 HON. C. H. FOSTER, oil producer, Bradford, was born in Cattaraugus 
 county, N. Y., September 5, 1826, a son of L. S. and Betsy (Hinds) Foster, 
 his father a native of Massachusetts and his mother of Vermont, of English de- 
 scent. In 1827 his parents moved to McKean county and made this their home 
 the rest of their lives. The father died June 13, 1882. He was a prominent 
 man in the county, and Foster Brook and Foster township were named in his 
 honor. He was a soldier in the war of 1812. C. H. Foster was the third born 
 in his parents' family. He was reared on his father's farm, attending the dis- 
 , trict school, and early in life embarked in the lumber business on his own ac- 
 count, which he continued until 1872, and since then has been largely engaged 
 'in the oil producing business. In 1845 Mr. Foster married Miss Euphemia Sni- 
 der, daughter of William Snider. She died in 1867, leaving five children: 
 Charles C. , C. M. (of Michigan), C. H. (of Findlay, Ohio), Effie (wife of Otis 
 Kingsbury) and Emma E. (wife of L. A. Smith.) In 1870 he married Evaline 
 A., daughter of John F. Melvin. Mr. Foster is a Republican in politics and 
 has held different positions of trust. He has served his town as school director 
 and treasurer, his county as treasurer one term of three years, and as auditor 
 one term of three years, and in 1877 and 1878 was a member of the State legis- 
 lature. He is also a member of th'e Masonic fraternity. His brother, 
 Capt. A. G. Foster, was a member of the Pennsylvania Bucktail Regiment dur- 
 ing the war of the Rebellion, and after a service of three years and three days 
 was killed at the battle of the Wilderness. 
 
358 HISTORY OF MCKEAN COUNTY. 
 
 A. T. FOSTER, farmer, P. O. Custer City, was born in Bradford township, 
 McKean Co., Penn., February 28, 1841. His father, Ephraim Foster, was a na- 
 tive of Onondaga county, N. Y. , and married Miss Lydia Bliss, who was born 
 in the State of Vermont, Orange county, but moved to New York State with her 
 parents when a child. About 1836 they came to McKean county and purchased 
 a farm in Bradford township and engaged in farming and lumbering. The 
 father and mother are still residing in Bradford township, although retired from 
 active life. Ten children were reared by them, eight of whom are still living: 
 David B. (of California), Mary Etta (wife of Patrick Shady, of Panama, N. Y.), 
 Noah (of Chautauqua county, N. Y.), A. T., Ulissa (wife of A. J. Brooks, of Guf- 
 fey, Penn.), Willard G. (of Bradford township), Augustus (of Michigan) and 
 Eugene (of Bradford township). A. T. Foster received a common-school edu- 
 cation, and has principally followed farming and lumbering. In 1861 he mar- 
 ried Miss Ellen R., daughter of G. W. Watrous, of Lafayette township, and to 
 them have been born eight children: Elvira (wife of G. W. Dieter, of Cat- 
 taraugus county, N. Y.), Alice (wife of Donald Kidd, of Potter county, Penn.), 
 Alida, Elmer, Lulu, Laura, Charles and Olive. Mr. Foster has always been 
 identified with the Republican party. He and family are members of the 
 United Brethren Church; 
 
 NELSON M. FRANCIS, oil producer, Custer City, was born in Chautau- 
 qua county, N. Y., February 8, 1836. His father, Paul Francis, was a native 
 of England and a currier by trade. He immigrated to America in 1830 and 
 married, in Chautauqua county, N. Y., Mrs. Polly Willoughby, formerly Miss 
 Polly Boss; he was married three times. He died in 1887. Nelson was the 
 only child reared to maturity. He was educated in Chautauqua county, N. 
 Y., and remained there until eighteen years of age. In 1854 he went to Belle- 
 vue. Wis., where he taught school during the winter and worked on a farm 
 during the summer, until 1861, when he enlisted in the Eighth Wisconsin, 
 Company H, served thirteen months, and on account of sickness was honorably 
 discharged. He then located near Forestville, Chautauqua Co., N. Y., where 
 he engaged in farming and dairying until 1869, and then for one and one- 
 half years followed the butter and cheese business at the same place. In 1871 
 he went to Petroleum Centre, and in partnership with Mr. J. Hurlbert pur- 
 chased the McClintock House, which they conducted for about two years. 
 Since that time Mr. Francis has been engaged in oil producing in Venango 
 county, Penn. In 1877 he came to McKean county and has since resided at 
 Custer City, operating from tw-elve to thii'ty-five wells most of the time. 
 Since 1882 he has been a member of the Bradford Rock Glycerine Com- 
 pany, is a member of the Ohio Rock Glycerine Company, of Lima, Ohio, 
 and is also a member of the firm known as the Western Drilling Company. 
 In 1858 he married Miss Tyrella M., daughter of Edward and Tyrella (Blair) 
 Durand, of Ohio, and they have four children: Edward Paul, Nelson Thornton, * 
 Egbert Earl and Grace Louise. Mr. Francis is a member of Hanover Lodge, 
 No. 152, F. & A. M., and of the A. O. U. W. of Custer City, also of Post 141, 
 G. A. R., and Iron Hall of Custer City; politically he is a Democrat, and for 
 nine years has been school director of Bradford township. 
 
 D. U. ERASER, watchman for the Erie Railroad at the Elm street cross- 
 ing, Bradford, is the oldest railroad man in the employ of the Erie Road at 
 Bradford. He carried the chain in the survey of the road, then worked on its 
 construction, and when the road was completed was appointed baggage mas- 
 ter at Bradford, holding that position until 1887, when he resigned and was 
 appointed watchman at Elm street. This is a post of great responsibility, and 
 one that few could fill, even if they desired it. Mr. Fraser has been in the 
 
BIOGBAPHICAL SKETCHES. 359 
 
 employ of the Erie Company for over a quarter of a century, and is on,e of 
 their most reliable men. He was born in Scotland in 1832, a son of Alexan- 
 der B. and Margaret Fraser, being the eldest of six children. When twenty- 
 four years old (in 1856) he left his native country, and as the ship that brought 
 them across the ocean was leaving port, the bells were ringing in the town 
 and the people were rejoicing at the glad tidings of the close of the Crimean 
 war, and the proclamation of peace. He landed in New York City, where he re- 
 mained a few months, and in 1857 came to Bradford. Mr. Fraser was married 
 at Forestville, N. Y., in 1858, to Ann McKenzie, a native of Scotland, and 
 they have one child, Margaret. Mr. Fraser is a Republican in his political 
 views. 
 
 F. F. FEENCH, dealer in nitro-glycerine and torpedoes, Bradford, was 
 born in Allegany connty, N. Y. , September 4, 1854, a son of Sanf ord and 
 Usley (Holdridge) French, natives of New York and Vermont, respectively. 
 He remained in his native county until 1876, when he came to Bradford and 
 was here employed in the oil fields. Later he bought a lease and began to op- 
 erate for himself. In 1878 he became associated with Mr. Gormley, and has 
 since been engaged in bis present business. In politics he votes with the 
 Democratic party, but is in no sense a politician, devoting his entire attention 
 to his business interests. 
 
 G. GAEDELLA, restaurateur, Bradford, is the proprieter of a first-class 
 fruit and confectionery establishment. He started in business in Bradford in 
 1878 in a smp,ll way, has been successful and now carries a good stock, and 
 well merits the patronage he receives. Mr. Gardella was born in sunny Italy, 
 March 10, 1849, a son of Stephen Gardella, and on his father's farm he spent 
 his youth. On coming to the United States he located in New York City, and 
 the same year went to Cincinnati, Ohio, but remained there only a short time. 
 Returning to New York City, he was employed for a time on the Brooklyn 
 bridge, and then began business for himself by keeping a fruit stand. In 1873 
 he went to Middletown, Conn., where he continued in the fruit business until 
 his removal to Bradford. Mr. Gardella was married in Italy to Mary Gar- 
 della, and they have five children: Rosa Ella, Amelia, Anna, Andrew and 
 Lewis. In politics Mr. Gardella is a Republican. He and his family are 
 members of the Catholic Church. 
 
 CHAUNCEY W. GARDNER, chief train dispatcher for the Erie Railroad 
 at Bradford, was born in Otsego County, N. Y., March 13, 1838, a son of War- 
 ren and Clarissa (Cooley) Gardner, who were of Scotch and English descent, 
 respectively. His father, who was a contractor and bridge builder, lost his life 
 on the Erie Railroad in 1859, leaving a family of two sons and one daughter. 
 Chauncey W. Gardner was reared in his native county, and was given a good 
 education. Early in life he learned telegraphy, and then went into a railroad 
 •office as telegraph operator and clerk, and by the faithful performance of his 
 duties was steadily promoted until he became superintendent of the Susque- 
 hanna, Buffalo & Rochester Divisions of the Erie Railroad. He later became 
 interested in the oil business, and in 1877 removed to Bradford, where he in- 
 vested in property, to which he devoted his attention until 1888, when he was- 
 appointed to his present position. Mr. Gardner was married in June, 1859, in 
 Delaware county, N. Y., to Miss Thelinda V. Lord, daughter of John Lord, 
 and they have two children, Charles H. and Chauncey W., Jr., both employed 
 by the Erie Railroad Company at Bradford. Mr. Gardner in his political af- 
 filiations is a Democrat. He is a Knight Templar, and Consistory Mason,, 
 and an attendant of the Presbyterian Church, being a member of the choir. 
 His son Chauncey is a member of the Methodist Church. 
 
300 HISTORY OF MCKEAN COUNTY. 
 
 T. M. GRIFFITH, of the firm of T. M. Griffith & Son, dealers in hardware, 
 Bradford, was born in Monroe county, N. Y., May 22, 1841, a son of Eichard 
 and Caroline (Lewis) Griffith, former a native of Wales, and latter of New 
 York, of Dutch and English descent, respectively. He remained at home un- 
 til 1870, when he came to Pennsylvania and located at Petroleum Centre, 
 where he was employed at drilling oil wells for some time, and then removed 
 iio Bradford. In 1878 he embarked in the livery business, which he followed 
 two years, and in 1880 went to Cattaraugus county, N. Y., where for four 
 years he was in the hardware trade, and in 1884 moved his business to Brad- 
 ford, where he also does considerable business as an oil contractor. Mr Grif- 
 fith was married January 14, 1869, at Petroleum Centre, to Alveretta Smawley, 
 born in Peoria, 111, JuTie 7, 1852, and a daughter of Ausbury and Mary L. 
 Smawley, of English and Dutch descent. Mr. and Mrs. Griffith have four 
 children: W. H., E. M., R. A. and C. E. In politics Mr. Griffith is a Repub- 
 lican. He is also a member of the A. O. U. W. 
 
 J. K. HAFFEY, deceased, was born in County Armagh, Ireland, April 
 27, 1830, and moved to Canada with his parents in 1844. He attended the 
 colleges of Ireland, and afterward his own eiforts procured him a fine educa- 
 tion. At an early age he came to the United States, and for a time taught in 
 the public schools of New York State. He afterward was ordained a min- 
 ister, and in 1851 was given charge of the Bradford Baptist Church. He 
 soon resigned the charge, and accepted the agency of the American Bible 
 Union Society, which position he held for many years. In 1852 he was 
 united in marriage with Miss Diantha E. DeGolier, and took up his resi- 
 dence on a farm in Bradford township, following the occupation of a sur- 
 veyor, geologist, clerk, etc. In 1861 he enlisted under Col. Kane in the 
 Forty-second "Bucktail" Regiment, Company I, and held the position of 
 sergeant. After serving two years his health failed, during the Seven Days' 
 fight near Richmond, and he was honorably discharged. He was afterward 
 appointed major by Gov. Hartranft, and later promoted to colonel and aid-de- 
 camp. After the close of the war he spent ten years in Philadelphia and New 
 Jersey. He was a stanch Republican; was a notary for many years. He 
 died November 7, 1881. His widow still survives him and lives on the home- 
 stead farm in Bradford township; also three children, viz.: George M. (of 
 Colorado, Who married Miss Maggie Higgins), John Nathan (brakeman on 
 the Erie Railroad), and Zillah (now teaching). Mrs. HafPey's parents were 
 Nathan DeGolier, who was born near Saratoga, N. Y., March 25, 1801, and 
 Rhoda Ackley, who was born in Addison county, Vt., January 8, 1801. About 
 1831 they came to McKean county, Penn., and took up a tract of land in 
 Bradford township. He was a millwright by trade, and erected the first saw 
 and grist-mill at DeGolier, which was named in honor of him. He was also 
 the first postmaster of the place. He was a supporter of the Republican 
 party, and a prominent member of the Presbyterian Church. He died Decem- 
 ber 2, 1871, and his wife July 11, 1874. Three children were born to their 
 union: Hannah Maria (wife of Truman, Sherman,' of Bradford township), 
 Diantha E. (now Mrs. Haffey), and James Nelson (who died February 14, 
 
 L. E. HAMSHER, oil producer, Bradford, was born in Livingston county, 
 N. Y., near the city of Dansville, December 31, 1843, the eldest of four children 
 of Reuben and Martha (White) Hamsher, former a native of Pennsylvania, of 
 German descent, and latter of New York, of English descent. His mother died 
 in 1880, and his father now lives in Elkhart county, Ind. L. E. Hamsher 
 was reared in Elkhart county, where his parents moved when he was a child, 
 
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 361 
 
 and in his boyhood began clerking for merchants in Bristol. He enlisted, 
 August 9, 1862, in Company I, Eighty-eighth Indiana Volunteers, for three 
 years, but was discharged in about six months. In 1867 he embarked in the 
 hardware business on his own account, which he continued three years, and in 
 1870 came to Pennsylvania, where he worked at the oil wells two years. In 
 1872 he bought property in Clarion county, and began drilling for oil, since 
 when he has had the varying fortune of an oil operator, although in the main 
 he has been successful. In 1876 he located in Bradford, and became a mem- 
 ber of the firm of Hamsher & Weaver, which has merged into the Emery Oil 
 •Company. Mr. Hamsher was married at Bristol, Ind., to Miss Sarah G. Cald- 
 well, daughter of William Caldwell. In politics Mr. Hamsher is a Eepubliean, 
 and is serving the city of Bradford in the common council. He is a F. & A. 
 M. of 32°. 
 
 JOHN M. HAET, contractor and builder, Bradford, was born in Montreal, 
 Canada, April 11, 1846, a son of John and Anorah (Battles) Hart, natives of 
 Ireland, former of whom died in Canada in 1886. John M. Hart learned the 
 carpenter's trade in Canada, and worked as a journeyman several years. He 
 ■came to the United States, making Oil City, Penn., his home until 1880, when 
 he removed to Bradford, where he now has a good business, having from six 
 to ten men in his employ the greater part of the time. Mr. Hart enlisted in 
 the defense of the United States Grovernment in 1862, and was assigned to 
 Company I, Fourteenth Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry. He was soon trans- 
 ferred to the quartermaster's department, where he served until the close of 
 the war. He was married, May 30, 1875, to Miss B. Gallagher, a native of Ire- 
 land, and they have six children : Gertrude E. , Catherine Mary, Charles E. , 
 John M., Bertha J. and Iheodore Thomas. In politics Mr. Hart is a Demo- 
 crat. He and his family are members of the Catholic Church. 
 
 JUDSON E. HASKELL, oil producer, Bradford, was born in Arcade, 
 Wyoming Co., N. Y. , September 22, 1844, a son of Andrew L. and Cath- 
 erine (Stowe) Haskell, former a native of Vermont, latter of New York, and 
 both of English descent. His father is now a farmer in Erie county, Penn. , 
 where he settled in 1852. Judson E. is the eldest in a family of seven chil- 
 di-en. His' youth was spent on a farm in Erie county, where he attended the 
 common schools, and also Waterford Academy. He graduated from Bryant 
 & Stratton's Commercial College, Buffalo, N. Y. , in 1864, and soon after was 
 employed in the freight office of the Philadelphia & Erie Railroad, at Corry, 
 where he remained a year. From 1865 to 1873 he was employed by the firm 
 of Vandergrift & Foreman, oil dealers; in 1873 he became connected with the 
 Titusville Pipe Line Company, and in 1876 was given charge of the purchas- 
 ing agency of the Standard Oil Company, under J. A. Boswick, in Bradford, 
 where he now has his office; he is also owner of several wells in the Bradford 
 oil fields. Mr. Haskell was married in Erie county, April 1, 1871, to Miss 
 Mary E. Kibbe, daughter of Levi Kibbe, and they have four children: 
 Florence, Kate, Jessie and Fred In politics Mr. Haskell is a Republican, 
 and has served in the select council of Bradford. He is a prominent Free- 
 mason, and is past master of Pleasantville Lodge No. 501; a member of Aaron 
 Chapter No. 207, of Titusville; Occidental Council, of Titusville; Trinity 
 Commandery, No. 58, K. T., of Bradford, and Caldwell Consistory, of Blooms- 
 burg. He is a noble of the Mystic Shrine, Syria Temple, of Pittsburgh. Since 
 1887 Mr. Haskell has been president of the Keystone Land Company, which 
 owns 6,000 acres in Dakota, 4,000 acres of which are cultivated in wheat. 
 
 BENJAMIN C. HAVEN, farmer, P. O. Custer City, is a son of Luther 
 and Jemima (Colegrove) Haven, natives of Connecticut. In 1819 they came 
 
362 HISTORY OF MCKEAN COUNTY. 
 
 to McKean county and located on a tract of land in Norwich township, near 
 Smethport, on Potato creek. They lived there thirty-five years, then moved 
 to Illinois, where they both died. Mr. Haven was prominent in politics and 
 filled various township offices, and he and wife were prominent members of the 
 Baptist Church. Benjamin C. Haven was born in Connecticut, January 2, 
 1819, and came to MoKean county with his parents in the same year. He 
 received but a limited education, and engaged in manufacturing lumber, 
 shingles, etc. He has lived at Custer City since he was twenty years of age, 
 with°the exception of ten years spent in Bradford as foreman in a lumber-mill. 
 In 1846 he married Miss Elnora, daughter of Ebenezer Calkins, of Crawford 
 county, Penn., and two of their children are living: William with his father, 
 and Martin, of Bradford township, who married Ida, daughter of Erastus 
 Turner and has two children, Erastus and Benjamin C. Mr. Haven has four 
 oil wells on his farm. He has always been identified with the Republican 
 party, served as constable and collector of Bradford township when a young 
 mao, and has also served as school director and supervisor for five years. He 
 was a member of the Baptist Church of Norwich township. B. C. Haven is 
 one of a family of eight children, five boys and three girls, who are all living 
 at present. 
 
 BENJAMIN F. HAZELTON, lumberman, Bradford. The subject of 
 this sketch was born at Machias, Cattaraugus Co., N. Y., March 26, 1847, 
 being the fourth son of O. J. Hazelton and wife, of that place. When he was 
 six years of age, his parents moved to a farm near Waterford, Erie Co., Penn., 
 where they resided for about nine years, his father keeping a large stock of 
 hordes, cattle and sheep, also being engaged in the lumbering business. Here 
 young Hazelton' 8 time was occupied in caring for the stock, and helping his 
 father and elder brother about the farm and lumbering. At the age of eight 
 years he was given a team to drive, and hauled lumber from the mills to Erie 
 City, a distance of sixteen miles, making a trip daily during the greater part 
 of the summer. Shortly after this the oil excitement on Oil Creek broke out, 
 ani he went to what was then known as the Buchanan farm, but later as 
 Rouseville, where he was engaged in helping to drill oil wells by horse power. 
 He was present when the famous Rouse well was struck, and when it was 
 burned. It was here that Mr. Rouse lost his life. Young Hazelton remained 
 on Oil Creek, drilling wells and driving team, hauling oil from the wells to Ti- 
 tusville, until the winter of 3861-62, when, though not fifteen years old, and 
 too young to enlist, he joined the army. He was in the battle of Shiloh, where 
 his regiment went in eleven hundred strong and came out with less than three 
 hundred men. After this battle he was sent as nurse, with hospital boats, to 
 Pittsburgh, Penn. , which place he left for his home at Waterford, Penn. , and af- 
 terward went back to Oil Creek. The summer of 1863 his parents moved to 
 Oconomowoc, Wis., he himself following the next winter. The succeeding 
 spring he purchased a meat market in the then village of Oconomowoc, giving 
 only his word for the whole purchase price. In this business he succeeded in 
 paying for his shop and fixtures, and accumulated several hundred dollars, but 
 feeling the need of an education, of which, up to this time, he had been de- 
 prived, he decided to go to school, and entered a preparatory school at Hori- 
 con, Wis. , where he remained one year, and then entered the preparatory de- 
 partment of Lawrence University, Appleton, Wis. He was now seventeen 
 years old, and having no help was obliged to teach district school in winter 
 and keep up his studies with his class, and during the summer vacation he 
 worked in the harvest field. At the age of nineteen he entered the University 
 proper, but, from overwork, was taken sick with typhoid fever, and his physi- 
 
BIOGBAPHICAL SKETCHES. B63 
 
 ciaa forbade his going to school again for a year. That spring hie mother 
 died, and he remained at home, taking charge of the farm while his father 
 made a trip to his old home in the East. That fall he went to Madison, Wis. , 
 taking a business course in the Worthington Commercial College. It was here 
 he made the acquaintance of Miss Clarissa Florence Purple, daughter of As- 
 sistant State Treasurer C. H. Purple, and the following year, 1869, she be- 
 came his wife. Although the combined years of the young couple were but 
 thirty-eight, they started out in life to make a success of it, and while they 
 were met by the various disappointments iacident to folk of their years, they 
 overcame every difficulty, and can look back to their small beginning with 
 pride. At twenty-four years of age Mr. Hazelton had charge of heavy grading 
 and rock work on the Madison Division of the Chicago and Northwestern Rail- 
 road, and upon the completion of that division he was given a train, but re- 
 signed to accept a position with the lumber firm of J. W. Woodruff & Co., 
 Green Bay. It was here that he first acquired an insight into the business he 
 chose as his own, and in which he has been so successful. He remained with 
 J. W. WoodrufP & Co. until the summer of 1878, when he moved to Bradford, 
 accepting a position as foreman at the Bradford . Oil Company' s mill on the 
 West Branch, and within a few months he and a brother, A. L. Hazelton, had 
 secured the mill property of said firm, and for several years they enjoyed a large 
 local business. About this time Mr. A. L. Hazelton sold his interest to E. E. 
 Wheeler, and Hazelton & Wheeler were kept busy for the next few years sup- 
 plying the demand for rig lumber in the Bradford field. In January, 1884, Mr. 
 Hazelton purchased Mr. Wheeler' s interest, and at once set about increasing the' 
 business, and acquiring better facilities for handling the stock and placing it 
 in the large markets of the North and East. He purchased large blocks of 
 timber, built another mill on the West Branch, was largely interested in and 
 had charge of the construction and management of the West Branch Railroad, 
 until its purchase by the Erie Railroad Company. Each year his business has 
 increased, and he and his lumber are known in most of the markets of the 
 East. He has lately purchased a large amount of timber lands in Elk county, 
 on the Clarion river, where he has built one of the finest mills in the State, a 
 hotel, shops, etc., for operations in that locality. He has platted out the 
 new village of Glen Hazel, and has built the necessary railroad to connect 
 it with the Erie system, and to convey his logs to the mill, and the product to 
 the market. He has in his employ, at the various seasons of the year, from 
 150 to 300 men, besides contract work, and, as his headquarters have always 
 been at Bradford, which has been largely benefited, his employes all pur- 
 chasing their supplies of the various merchants in that thriving city. In 
 addition to his mills and yards he has lately purchased the Bradford furniture 
 plant, and has converted it into a planing- mill to surface and dress lumber for 
 the various markets. Although these enterprises take up the greater portion 
 of his time, and all requires his personal attention, Mr. Hazelton has still found 
 time to do much for the improvement of draught horses in this section of the 
 country. Using many teams, and knowing the value of first-class draught 
 stock where heavy loads are to be moved, together with a natural love for fine 
 horses, he was led to make purchases of this class of horses both in this coun- 
 try and in Scotland. In 1887 he formed a partnership with Mr. Joseph Gar- 
 field, of Jamestown, N. Y., for the purpose of importing and breeding stock, 
 and already the stock farm of Garfield & Hazelton is favorably known to all 
 lovers of choice high-bred horses. There, and at Mr. Hazelton' s barns in 
 Bradford, may be seen prize winners in the various classes, from the 200- 
 pound Shetland pony to the Clydesdale of a ton weight, one of which. Sir 
 
364 HISTORY OP MCKEAN COUNTY. 
 
 Herbert, has just taken first premium at the New York State Fair. So much 
 for the business energy displayed by Mr. Hazelton. Socially, he is a gentle- 
 man of retiring manners, and, while most of his hours of recreation are en- 
 joyed with his family, he is always willing, by his presence or means, to con- 
 tribute to the enjoyment of others. He and his wife being both members of 
 the Bradford Methodist Church and Sabbath-school, of the latter of which he 
 is superintendent, not a little of their time is devoted to various interests con- 
 nected with these organizations. Their family circle includes a son, Prank, 
 aged seventeen, now in his last year in the high school, another son, Courtney, 
 aged twelve, a little daughter, Bessie, aged eight, and Bennie F., an infant. 
 Lumbermen being noted for large-heartedness and an appreciation of good 
 things, Mr. Hazelton is no exception to the rule. He is a good liver, a liberal 
 giver, and is well liked by those having business or social intercourse with 
 him. He has always voted the Eepublican ticket, believes in protection, fair 
 profits, good wages, and better advantages to the wage workers. Were we asked 
 to point an example of what energy, patience self-denial, honesty and strict 
 attention to business could accomplish, we would not have to look beyond the 
 subject of this sketch, who, hardly at the prime of life, has already accumu- 
 lated a very handsome property in McKean and Elk counties. While not one 
 of the old settlers of the county, he has nevertheless taken a deep interest in 
 its welfare, and has done what he could to develop some of its natural 
 resources. 
 
 A. N. HEARD, insurance agent, Bradford, was born in Mercer county, 
 Penn., November 30, 1834, a son of William and Anna Heard. When 
 he was fourteen years old he worked for a short time in a nail factory, and 
 then began to learn the cabinet-maker's trade, at which he served an appren- 
 ticeship. He soon after went West, where he worked on a railroad a year and 
 a half, and then returned to Mercer county. Five years later he removed ta 
 Petroleum Centre, 'where for a year and a half he was engaged in the grocery 
 trade, which he sold out, and then built a hotel at Eouseville, which was after- 
 ward burned. His next move was to Turkey City, where he followed mercan- 
 tile trade until again burned out, when he came to McKean county and lived 
 in Duke Centre five years, becoming while there a solicitor for a fire insurance 
 company. In 1886 he removed to Bradford, where he continues the insurance 
 business, representing the Providence Fund of New York, and the manufact- 
 urers of Geneva, N. Y. Mr. Heard takes an active interest in the order of the 
 Knights and Ladies of Honor, and has spent considerable time in organizing 
 lodges. He has also passed all the chairs in the I. 0.0. F. and Royal Tem- 
 plars of Temperance. Mr. Heard was a soldier in the defense of his country, 
 during the war of the Rebellion, as a member of Company K, Fifty-fifth 
 Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry, and at the time of his discharge was second 
 sergeant of his company. He is now a comrade of the Grand Army of the 
 Republic, and is sergeant-major of his Post. Mr. Heard was married in 1861 to 
 Adelaide L., daughter of Samuel and Sarah Newkirk, and they have had three 
 children, two of whom are living: C. M. and Lillian; a daughter, Edna, died 
 at the age of seven years. Mr. and Mrs. Heard and their daughter are mem- 
 bers of the Presbyterian Church. 
 
 JACOB HECKEL, proprietor of the meat market, 62 Corydon street, 
 Bradford, was born in Wurtemburg, Germany, November 4, 1857, a son of 
 Jacob and Barbara Heckel, both natives of Germany. He is the youngest of 
 six children, four sons and two daughters. All the brothers came to America, 
 where they now reside, but their two sisters still remain in Germany. Our 
 subject wiis reared in his native country, and there served an apprenticeship to 
 
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 36 5, 
 
 a biitcher. In 1873 he came to America and worked at his trade in Chicago, 
 111., until 1875, when he removed to BufPalo, N. Y., where he remained until 
 1877. Learning of the new oil field he moved to Bradford, then a hamlet 
 but now a thriving city, known all over the world, where he embarked in bus- 
 iness for himself. In 1881 he made a flying visit to his native country. After 
 returning to Bradford he was married, in 1881, in Buffalo, N. Y., to Miss 
 Mary Mollath, daughter of Jacob and Margaret Mollath, and born in Wies- 
 baden, Germany. In 1883 he sold his business here and started west "to 
 g'row up with the country," but, not being contented there, returned in a short 
 time and embarked in the same business at his present location, where he is 
 now carrying on his business successfully. He has three children: Gustav, 
 Mary and Gretchen. In politics he is a Democrat. He is a member of the 
 Knights of the Maccabees of the World, of the order of the Equitable League 
 of America, of the order of the Golden Chain, and is also an active member 
 of the Bradford Fire Department. 
 
 S. D. HEFFNER, coroner of McKean county, Bradford, was born in Hunt- 
 ingdon county, Penn., December 16, 1843, a son of Benjamin and Eliza (Leich- 
 enteller) Heffner, natives of Pennsylvania, of English and German descent, 
 respectively. He was reared on a farm and was given good educational advan- 
 tages. He learned the blacksmith's trade, at which he worked until August 30,, 
 1861, when he enlisted in Company D, Forty-ninth Pennsylvania Volunteer In- 
 fantry, and participated in twenty- two battles, among which were Gettysburg, 
 Antietam, ChanceJlorsville and the Wilderness. His regiment went into the 
 battle of Gettysburg after marching thirty-six miles without stopping for rest,. 
 coming in on the relief. He was wounded at Mine Eun. After the war he re- 
 turned to his native county and learned the miller's trade, working at it until 
 1867, when he took charge of the Franklin Hotel, which he carried on two- 
 years, and since 1869 he has been in the oil business. In 1879 he removed to- 
 Parker's Landing, and later to Bradford. In politics Mr. Heffner is a Kepub- 
 lican. He is a member of the Grand Army of the Republic, being senior vice- 
 commander of his post, No. 141, of the Union Veteran Legion, of which he was. 
 commander, and of the Knights of Pythias. He was married in McConnells- 
 town, Huntingdon Co., Penn., in the spring of 1868 to Mary J., daughter of 
 Henry Peightel, and they have two children: Daisy May and Henry Clay. 
 Mrs. Heffner is a member of the Presbyterian Church. 
 
 WILLIAM HELENBRECHT, farmer, P. O. Custer City, was born in Buf- 
 falo, N. Y. , May 4, 1844. His parents were natives of Germany, his father serv- 
 ing twelve years in the French army and two years in the Mexican war, draw- 
 ing a pension. In 187;^ William married Miss Julia M. Morris, of Bradford 
 township, and they have seven children: Ella, Roy, Ray, Ivy. Ralph, Pauline- 
 and Ruth. 
 
 J. W. HICKOK, liveryman, and dealer in horses, buggies and carriages, 
 Bradford, was born in Sullivan county, N. Y., November 2, 1856, a son of 
 David and Mary J. (Russell) Hickok, now of Bradford, Penn. , but natives of 
 New York, and of Irish and English descent, respectively. He remained in his 
 native county until 1876, when he came to Bradford and became established in 
 the livery business, which he has since continued. He has a large, well-stocked 
 stable, keeping on hand from six to twenty horses and a tine line of buggies 
 and carriages. He also buys and sells horses and carriages, having a good 
 trade in this branch of his business. Mr. Hickok was married in Sullivan 
 county, N. Y., in 1879, to Miss Maggie Hawkins, a native of that county, 
 daughter of James Hawkins. They have two children: Lena Belle and Mag- 
 gie. Mr. Hickok is a Republican, and is a member of the Masonic fraternity.. 
 
366 HISTOltY OF MCKEAN COUNTY. 
 
 LeROY L. HIGGINS, hotel proprietor, Bradford, was born in Beaver 
 county, Penn., June 21, 1849, a son of Eichard L. and Elizabeth J. {Hafa- 
 mond) Higgins, former a native of the Eastern States, and latter of Pennsyl- 
 vania. LeRoy L. was given a business education, attending Duff's College, at 
 Pittsburgh, where he graduated in 1869. His father being a merchant, his 
 spare time had from a boy been spent in the store, and he acquired a practical 
 knowledge of business. After leaving school, he obtained a situation as book- 
 keeper, which he retained until 1872, when he removed to Oil City and worked 
 in the oil fields. The same year he changed his location to Rouseville, where 
 he carried on a hotel until 1879, and then removed to Bradford, where he was 
 again employed as book-keeper and clerk until 1882, in which year he estab- 
 lished the Higgins Hotel. This structure was destroyed by fire November 11, 
 1889, but Mr. Higgins immediately set to work to erect a new building, to be 
 -opened to the public March 1, 1890. Mr. Higgins was married in Ohio, in 
 1871, to Miss Laura" Carrollton, a native of Vermont. She died in 1886, 
 leaving one child, Richard L. In politics Mr. Higgins is a Democrat. He is 
 a member of the Knights of Pythias and Independent Order of Red Men, also 
 of the A. O. U. W. and the Equitable League of America. 
 
 P. P. HOLLEY, proprietor of the Riddell House, Bradford, was 
 born in Monticello, Sullivan Co., N. Y., June 24, 1855, a son of John 0. and 
 Phoebe (Linderman) Holley, natives of New York, of English descent. 
 His father, who was a hotel keeper in early life, and' later a merchant, died in 
 1868. F. P. Holley was reared in his native State, and when a boy clerked in 
 his father' s store. In 1879 he went to Port Jervis, N. Y. , where for five 
 years he was in general mercantile business. In 1884 he sold out and came 
 to Pennsylvania, where he became proprietor of the Hyde House, at Ridgway, 
 Elk county, but in 1885 removed to Bradford, and, in company with W. An- 
 derson, took charge of the well-known Riddell House. In 1887 he bought 
 Mr. Anderson's interest, and has since conducted the hotel alone. The Rid- 
 dell House is first-class in every respect, fitted with all modern conveniences, 
 and under the able management of Mr. Holley is well patronized, being favor- 
 ably known by the traveling public. Mr. Holley was married in June, 1877, 
 at Port Jervis, N. Y., to Ada Geraghty, daughter of Frank Geraghty, and 
 they have two children: George M. and Earl. In politics Mr. Holley is a 
 Democrat. 
 
 J. F. HUBBARD, proprietor of a meat market, Bradford, was born in 
 ■Chautauqua county, N. Y. , August 15, 1847, a son of Nehemiah and Harriet 
 Hubbard, now dead. After reaching maturity he engaged in farming in his 
 native county until 1873, when he began butchering, which he continued until 
 1876, when he came to Bradford, and, with the exception of about two years 
 and a half, when he was engaged in the manufacture and sale of oil well pack- 
 ers, has carried on a meat market in which he has been successful. He is also 
 one of the largest stockholders in the Bradford Paint Company, and was treas- 
 urer of its first organization. He has charge of the Ohio territory, and has 
 appointed his son a salesman. This enterprise promises to be successful. 
 Mr. Hubbard and wife are members of the Knights and Ladies of Honor, 
 and of the Equitable Aid Union. Mr. Hubbard is also a member of the 
 Knights of Honor, and the Southern Tier Masonic Relief Association. He 
 was married in Chautauqua county, N. Y. , in 1868, to Lodeska A. Eggleston, 
 daughter of Rolf and Patty Eggleston, and born in 1845 in Chautauqua 
 county, N. Y. She is a member. of the Ladies' Aid Society, the Woman's 
 Christian Temperance Union, and the Woman' s Relief Corps, No. 13, auxiliary 
 to the G. A. R. , and of the last named she is now the president. They are 
 
BIOGBAPHICAL SKETCHES. 367 
 
 the parents of three children : Levant, Lavern and Sadie Bell. Mr. and Mrs. 
 Hujpbard are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. In politics he is a 
 Republican. 
 
 CAPTAIN J. C. HUG-HES, grocer, Bradford, was born in Northumber- 
 land county, Penn., December 2, 1831, a son of Morgan and Martha (Corey) 
 Hughes, of Welsh and English descent, respectively, former of whom died in 
 1861. Mr. Hughes began business for himself at Scio, Allegany Co., N. 
 Y., as a druggist, continuing there until 1877, when he removed to Bradford^ 
 and became established in the grocery business. He enlisted in the war of the 
 Rebellion in 1862, in the Sixty-seventh New York Volunteer Infantry, and 
 was commissioned second lieutenant of his company. After the battle of Cold 
 Harbor, he was promoted to first lieutenant and later to captain. He was 
 slightly wounded once, but did not leave- the battle-field until the enemy was 
 defeated. He is an active member of the Grand Army of the Republic. In 
 politics he is a Republican. Capt. Hughes was married in 1857 to Miss Maria 
 Louden, daughter of James and Ordella (Jacobs) Louden, natives of New York, 
 of English ancestry, and they have one son, J. C, Jr. 
 
 MAYNARD INGALSBY, farmer, P. O. Custer City, was born in Steu- 
 ben county, N. Y., in 1827, a son of John and Amanda (Chapin) Ingalsby. 
 His father was born at Black River, New York State, his mother in Massa- 
 chusetts. In 1843 they moved to McKean county, Penn. , and located on the 
 present farm of Maynard Ingalsby, in Bradford township, where they lived 
 and died. The father took an active part in politics, and filled various town- 
 ship offices. He was a deacon in the Bradford Congregational Church for 
 many years, and died April 18, 1865 ; his widow died in 1866. 
 
 Maynard Ingalsby moved from Steuben county, N. Y. , to Warren county, 
 Penn., when about two years of age, and since coming to McKean county has 
 lived on his present farm. In 1854 he married Miss Melinda, daughter of 
 Edward Freeman, of Bradford township, and they have one child, Maynard 
 Ingalsby, Jr. , who is living with his father and studying for the ministry. He 
 married Miss Minnie Wright, of Potter county, Penn. Mr. Ingalsby, Sr. , is 
 Republican in politics, with Prohibition proclivities. He has filled the ofiice 
 of assessor, auditor, etc. He is one of the trustees and is superintendent of 
 the Sunday-school in the DeGolier United Brethren Church. In 1861 he en- 
 listed in Battery H, Independent Pennsylvania Light Artillery, and served until 
 the close of the war; is now a member of Bradford Post, No. 141, G. A. R. 
 
 I. G. JACKSON, oil producer, Bradford, was born in the State of Wiscon- 
 sin, Februaiy, 27, 1844, a son of George and Mary (Clark) Jackson, who were 
 natives of Utica, N. Y. His father, who was a commission merchant, became 
 a pioneer of Wisconsin, and afterward moved to Coldwater, Mich., which city 
 he took a prominent part in building up. He was twice married, and had 
 three children by his first wife: S. D. Jackson, superintendent of the Security 
 Trust Company of New York City; L. A. Jackson, cashier of the Coldwater 
 National Bank, and I. G-. Jackson, our subject, who received a high-school ed- 
 ucation at Coldwater, Mich., and for a number of years held a position in the 
 banks of that city. In 1866 he moved to Titusville, Penn., where he was 
 assistant cashier in the First National Bank for some years; later, he held the 
 same position in the City Savings Bank, and after that he was cashier of the 
 Citizen's Bank for some years. In 1876 he came to Bradford, where he has 
 since been engaged in oil producing. He has been a member of the Bradford 
 Oil Exchange for six years. In 1867 he married at Highland, on the Hudson 
 river, Miss Mary E. , daughter of Dr. DeWitt and Phcebe Hosbrook, of Ulster 
 county, N. Y. , and of French Huguenot descent. Mr. and Mrs. Jackson have 
 
368 HISTORY OF MCKEAN COUNTY. 
 
 three children: Frank D. (of Cornell University), Edith and Eugene (of the 
 Bradford high school). Mr. Jackson attends the Presbyterian Church, of \«hich 
 his family are members. He is a member of the Eoyal Arcanum, and in poli- 
 tics is a Republican. 
 
 T. C. JAMES, M. D., Bradford, was born in Wales, March 21, 1852, a son 
 of Rev. Daniel C. and Elizabeth (Lewis) James, natives of England. In 1856 
 they came to America, residing in Pittsburgh, . Penn. , three years, and in 1859 
 moved to Armstrong county. The father was an Episcopal clergyman, 
 and was engaged in ministerial work until his death in 1875. T. C. James 
 attended the schools of Pittsburgh and Dayton, Penn. ; began the study of 
 medicine at Pittsburgh, and completed his course at Bellevue Hospital Medical 
 Collei^e, New York City, in 1876. He began his practice at Pittsburgh, remain- 
 ing there two years, and then for three years was in Butler and Armstrong 
 counties; in 1881 he came to McKean county, but remained only a short time, 
 going to Cattaraugus county, N. Y., where he remained until 1889, when he 
 again located at Bradford. He is examining surgeon of several insurance 
 companies and beneficiary associations. He is a member of Cattaraugus 
 County (N. Y.) Medical Society, and also of McKean County Medical Society. 
 He is a diligent student, devoting his time to his profession, and he has been 
 successful. In politics Dr. James is a Republican. He is a Knight Templar. 
 He was married in June, 1881, to Jennie Louise, daughter of Joseph and Jane 
 (Garner) Dixon, and a native of Canada, of English descent. The doctor and 
 his wife are members of the Episcopal Church. 
 
 SHELDON JEWETT, farmer, P. O. Custer City, is a son of Benja- 
 min Jewett, who was born in the State of Vermont about 1800. Benjamin 
 married in Tioga county, Penn. , Miss Lucinda Tuttle, and moved to McKean 
 county. Penn., about 1826 or 1827. He purchased a farm in Bradford town- 
 ship which is now the present site of Custer City. The farm was covered with 
 a dense forest, and Mr. Jewett cleared and improved the same. He was a mem- 
 ber of the Democratic party, and filled various township offices; also a member 
 of the Baptist Church. He died in Custer City in 1883; his widow died on 
 the homestead July 27, 1889, aged seventy-six years. Eight children were 
 reared by them, four of whom are still living: Sheldon; Hiram, of Ohio; Al- 
 bert, of Wisconsin; and Lydia, wife of Henry Bremen, of Elk county. Sheldon, 
 our subject, the eldest of the living children, was born in Bradford tovmship, 
 McKean Co. , Penn., December 2, 1840. He received a common-school edu- 
 cation, and has been principally engaged in farming, although for eight years 
 he was engaged in the mercantile business in Custer City. The whole of Cus- 
 ter City is built on Mr. Jewett' s farm, and he pays taxes on every building in 
 the town. He also has a good oil production, securing a royalty on twenty- 
 five wells. In 1866 he was united in marriage with Miss Olivia, daughter of 
 John Ingalsby, of Custer City, and they have two children: Blanche and 
 Grace. In 1861 Mr. Jewett enlisted in Company I, First Pennsylvania "Buck- 
 tails," and served three and one- half years. He was taken prisoner at the 
 battle of Bethesda Church, near Cold Harbor, and confined in Andersonville 
 prison for six months. He is a member of Bradford Post, No. 141, G. A. R. , 
 is an active supporter of the Republican party, and is postmaster of Custer 
 City at the present time. 
 
 F. S. JOHNSON, Bradford, was born in Madison County, N. Y., De- 
 cember 5, 1840, a son of Franklin and Marietta (Spencer) Johnson, who 
 were of English and Irish descent, respectively, former of whom died in 1868. 
 Mr. Johnson was reared in Brooklyn, N. Y. , where he received . good educa- 
 tional advantages, and in 1858 graduated from the Hudson River Institute, 
 
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 369 
 
 where he won the prize for scholarship. Early in life he worked in a cotton 
 factory in New York, and in 1860 engaged in business with his father in the 
 manufacture of and dealing in oils. In 1862 he accepted a position with the 
 Pennsylvania Eailroad, to take charge of their oil warehouses, in Brooklyn, 
 N. Y., remaining with the company six years. He then engaged in the 
 lighterage business until 1873, when he removed to Warren county, Penn., 
 and was employed in the oil fields. In 1875 he moved from Warren county to 
 Bradford, and began operating for oil on his own account, and was one of the 
 first to assist in developing McKean county's rich oil basin. From 1877 until 
 1880 he was one of the purchasing agents for the Standard Oil Company in 
 the Bradford oil fields, and since then has bought and shipped oil on his own 
 account. In 1877 Mr. Johnson was elected a member of the town council be- 
 ing a member when Bradford was incorporated as a city, and in 1880 he was 
 re-elected. In 1882 he was elected a county commissioner, and in 1886 was 
 elected by the Eepublican party a member of the State legislature, where he 
 had the honor of introducing the bill which gave the first appropriation to the 
 Bradford Hospital. Mr. Johnson was married in Buffalo, N. Y. , in 1886, to 
 Miss Nettie M. Butler, daughter of John C. Butler, and they have one child, 
 F. S. . Jr. Mr. Johnson is a member of the Presbyterian Church. 
 
 FEANK M. JOHNSTON, oil producer, Bradford, was born in West- 
 field, N. Y., June 25, 1850, a son of Samuel and Margaret (McKee) Johnston, 
 natives of County Down, Ireland, who came to America in 1832 and settled at 
 Westfield, where the father still lives. The subject of these lines graduated 
 from the commercial school at Buffalo, N. Y. , in 1868, and afterward studied 
 telegraphy, at which be worked three years. He then was employed as a book- 
 keeper until 1878, when he came to the oil fields of Pennsylvania, and drilled 
 wells in what is known as the lower fields. In 1881 he came to Bradford, and 
 bought an interest in several producing wells, being associated for a time with 
 J. Kemp Bartlett, of Baltimore, but since 1885 has operated alone. He now 
 owns ninety producing wells, and is still adding to his possessions, having been 
 quite fortunate in all his speculations. Mr. Johnston was married at St. 
 Petersburg, Penn. , in May, 1881, to Josie A. , daughter of Sampson and Maria 
 Kerr, of England. In politics Mr. Johnston is a Eepublican. Mrs. Johnston 
 is a member of the Presbyterian Church. 
 
 CAPTAIN JOSEPH T. JONES, Bradford, one of the largest oil producers 
 in the United States, was born in Philadelphia, Penn., June 11, 1842, a son of 
 Albauns A. and Jane (Thomas) Jones, former a native of Philadelphia, of 
 English descent. The father died early in 1843, leaving the widowed mother 
 with two children, a daughter who now lives in Philadelphia, and Joseph T. , 
 who was reared in his native city, and attended school until after the breaking 
 out of the war of the Eebellion. September 10, 1861, when he was only nine- 
 teen years old, he enlisted, and was assigned to Company H, Ninety-first 
 Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry, in which he served just two weeks over three 
 years. He participated in many battles and skirmishes, thirteen of which were 
 among the most noted battles of the war, prominent among them being Fred- 
 ericksburg, Antietam and Gettysburg. At the last-named battle he had 
 command of the picket guard in front of the summit of Bound Top. On July 
 2, at the battle' of the Wilderness, he received a slight wound; at Cold Harbor 
 he was wounded in both feet, from the effects of which he has never thoroughly 
 recovered. At Alexandria, Va. , he was promoted to quartermaster- sergeant, 
 afterward to second lieutenant, and later to captain. At the time of receiving 
 his last wounds he was in command of two companies. After his discharge he re- 
 turned to Philadelphia, and soon thereafter went to Oil Creek, Venango Co. , 
 
370 HISTOKY OF MCKEAN COUNTY. 
 
 this State, where he began drilling for oil. The first thirteen wells drilled 
 pjjDved worthless, and by this time his funds were gone. Being crippled, as a 
 result of his wounds, and scarcely able to do hard manual labor, he became 
 now very much discouraged. However, he continued to try again, and from 
 that time his fortune changed, his wells having proved successful almost with- 
 out exception. He is now by far the most extensive individual producer in the 
 Bradford oil fields, owning nearly 500 producing wells and having territory for 
 at least 200 more. Capt. Jones ia the owner of the Bradford, the Mitchell & 
 Jones, and the Post & Jones Oil Companies. He moved to Bradford in 1877, 
 and was at that time a stockholder in the Atlantic Pipe Line Company. He 
 was one of the incorporators of the Bradford Oil Company, and has since be-^ 
 come its sole owner. Capt. Jones is a public-spirited man, and a liberal 
 supporter of all measures of benefit to the community. He is a Republican in 
 politics, and in 1888 was appointed one of the Presidential electors from Penn- 
 sylvania. He was married in Venango county, Penn. , October 15, 1876, to 
 Miss Lou E. Blackmarr, daughter of Rev. R. L. Blackmarr, a minister of the 
 M. E. Church, and they have two children: Joseph Albert and Grace. 
 
 R. B. JONES, owner and proprietor of the Eagle Brass foundry, Bradford, 
 was born in Pittsburgh, Penn., April 28, 1850, a son of Robert and Margaret 
 
 E. (Hill) Jones. His father dying in 1866, from that time he was obliged to 
 rely on himself, and, with the exception of a short time he was in the livery 
 business, has worked at the molder's trade. He located at Bradford in 1879, 
 and in 1880 became established in business for himself, being now at the head 
 of one of the important industries of the city. Mr. Jones was married in 
 1873 to Luella Fulkenson, daughter of Cornelius Fulkenson. Mrs. Jones 
 died in 1882, leaving three children: Arthur, Laura and Robert. Mr. Jones 
 is vice-regent of the Royal Arcanum, is also a member of the Knights and 
 Ladies of Honor, and of the O. U. A. M. 
 
 WILL F. JORDAN, of the Harrisburg Telegram, was born in Bed- 
 ford, Bedford Co. , Penn. , June 26, 1848, and is a son of Hon. Francis and 
 Louise (Farquhar) Jordan. His father was a native of Pennsylvania, and his 
 mother a native of Maryland, and they were of Scotch-Irish and English descent, 
 respectively. His mother died in August, 1862. His father was for many 
 years a prominent politician, having served the State in the capacity of sena- 
 tor, secretary of the commonwealth, military agent, paymaster in the army, 
 and chairman of the Republican State central committee for nine years. Will 
 
 F. Jordan was educated in the common schools, graduating at Hyatt's Military 
 Academy, West Chester, Penn. During his term at the latter institution he 
 ran away and joined the military forces at Camp Curtin, near Harrisburg, at 
 the time of the Grettysburg emergency, and the rebel invasion into Pennsyl- 
 vania. After passing several years at St. Louis, Mo., and York, Penn., he 
 accepted a position with George K. Anderson, the then oil king of the world, 
 and located at Pleasantville, Penn. Soon realizing that the oil regions required 
 men to assert their individuality, he resigned his position and went into oil 
 operations and dealing in oil, with Col. A. C. Hawkins. This partnership con- 
 tinued for several years, when Mr. Jordan branched out, went to Parker's 
 Landing, and associated himself with some of the live spirits and oil pioneers in 
 that imperfectly developed country. He took many leases, and speculated 
 heavily and successfully in oil and oil lands. In 1874 he disposed of most of 
 his producing interests, and invested in an agency controlled by the Standard 
 Oil Company, for the manufacture and sale of refined oil, gasoline, benzine 
 and lubricating oil, in the counties of Clarion, Armstrong and Butler, remain- 
 ing in that business until 1877, when he made a sale to the Standard, some of 
 
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 371 
 
 whose agents desired him to devote his entire time to the reorganization and 
 perfecting of a newspaper bureau throughout the oil country. To secure this 
 end, he purchased the Daily Derrick, of Oil City, the Breeze and Era of Brad- 
 ford, all daily papers, also the Sunday Herald of the latter city, and subse- 
 quently he became owner of the Sunday News and Evening Star. The sub- 
 ject of this sketch was too modest to detail his part in the exciting scenes 
 which such purchases involved. Suffice to say that the work he performed 
 was in no sense popular, as the oil regions, en masse, have never taken kindly 
 to corporations, notwithstanding the fact that all the successful and leading 
 business men in that part of the State have made their fortunes by or through 
 combines or corporate investments. On July 14, 1887, Mr. Jordan bade adieu 
 to oil region journalism, selling his entire interest to the Standard Oil Com- 
 pany, who have since that time added the Toledo Commercial to their oil region 
 plant. Mr. Jordan has owned half interest in the Harrisburg Telegram since 
 1885, and purchased the other half January 1, 1890. Politically, Mr. Jordan 
 has taken quite an active part, although always under protest, in the politics 
 of Northwestern Pennsylvania, directly, and indirectly, in those of the State 
 and Nation at large. He is one who has invariably preferred to create, assist 
 and cater to the ambitions of others, to whom he could render, service in a jour- 
 nalistic sense, rather than hold offices himself, although he was, in 1874, per- 
 suaded to run for burgess of Petrolia, and for mayor of Bradford in 1881, to 
 both of which offices he was elected by overwhelming majorities, despite the 
 opposition that was wielded against him, on account of his connection with 
 corporations. In January, 1890, Mr. Jordan associated himself with Mr. J. J. 
 McLaurin, in the management and control of the Harrisburg Telegram, the 
 largest weekly paper in Pennsylvania, outside Philadelphia, having a sworn 
 circulation of over 50, 000. 
 
 C. E. JUDD, attorney at law, Bradford, was born in Russell, Geauga 
 Co., Ohio, March 9, 1856, a son of Lucius and Harriet (Cole) Judd, natives 
 of Ohio and of English descent, their ancestors having been among the early 
 settlers of Eastern Massachusetts. C. E. Judd is the second of four children, 
 but two of whom are living. He was a student at Chester Seminary, from 
 which he graduated in 1877, having taught prior to his graduation. After 
 leaving school, he again was engaged in teaching, and in 1879 came to Brad- 
 ford, where for a time he was engaged in the oil business; also studied law 
 with Henry McSweeney. He was admitted to the bar at Smethport in 1884, 
 and has since built up a good practice. He was married in October, 1887, to 
 Miss Mary L. Haggerty, daughter of John Haggerty, and they have one 
 child, Margaret Louise. In politics Mr. Judd is a Eepublican. 
 
 DAVID KIRK, president of the McCalmont Oil Company, Bradford, has 
 been engaged in the oil business since 1860, when he drilled a well at Frank- 
 lin, and for two years devoted his attention to the production of oil. In 1862 
 he built a refinery, which he conducted eight years, and also in the meantime 
 opened the first yard for the storage of oil. In 1870 his business was mined 
 by the Standard Oil Company, and since then he has been engaged in th? de- 
 velopment of oil wells. In 1880 he organized the company he now represents, 
 which operates extensively in the lower oil fields. Mr. Kirk was born in 
 Scotland, February 18, 1831, a son of Arthur and Marion (Smith) Kirk, who 
 came to America in 1839, and settled in Pittsburgh, Penn., where they reared 
 a family of six sons and six daughters, David being the fourth child. Early 
 in life he was put to work in a cotton factory, and later learned the carpen- 
 ter's trade, but followed it only a short time, when he went to Allegheny City, 
 where he found employment in a grocery. In 1856 he embarked in business 
 
372 HISTORY OF MCKEAN COUNTY. 
 
 for himself, continuing it until 1860. Mr. Kirk has always taken an interest 
 in the community in which he lives, and while in Pittsburgh was nominated 
 for congress by the Greenback party, but was defeated by a small majority, 
 although he ran 5,000 votes ahead of his ticket. In 1880 he was nominated 
 by the Greenback and Democratic parties to represent the Sixteenth Congres- 
 sional District in congress, but was defeated by 500 votes. In politics Mr. Kirk 
 is now a Republican. He was married in 1856 to Miss Ellen Baldwin, a native 
 of Allegheny City, Penn. , and to them were born eight children, four sons and 
 four daughters: W. M. Kirk, Charles Kirk, Mrs. Mary Bell Davidson, Mrs. 
 Ella Bovard, Elizabeth Kirk, David Kirk, Jr., Clara Kirk and Albert E. 
 Kirk. Mrs. Kirk died in 1885. 
 
 W. K. LANEY, oil producer and contractor, Bradford, was born in Ger- 
 many in October, 1844. When he was an infant his father died, and when he 
 was about six years old his mother came to the United States and settled in 
 Venango county, Penn. He remained with his mother until shortly after his thir- 
 teenth birthday, when he left home and has since made his own way in the world. 
 He worked in the oil fields in the summer, saved his earnings and attended 
 school in the winter, and in this way obtained his education. He has lived in 
 Bradford many years, and in addition to owning several wells has also engaged 
 in drilling oil, gas and water wells, having had extensive contracts in different 
 States. In 1862 Mr. Laney enlisted in Company I, One Hundred and Forty- 
 Second PennsylvaniaVolunteer Infantry, and served until the close of the war, 
 participating in many severe battles, among which may be mentioned Chan- 
 cellorsville, Antietam and Gettysburg. He was captured on the first day of the 
 last-named battle, but, being shortly after released, he rejoined his company 
 and was present at the surrender of Gen. Lee. He is now an active member 
 of the United Veteran Legion, and has served as lieutenant-colonel of Brad- 
 ford Post. He is also a member of the Masonic order, lodge, chapter, council 
 and commandery. Mr. Laney was married in Meadville, Penn. , in July, 1 870, 
 to Flora, daughter of Charles Huntley, and they have three children: Ada, 
 Grace and Charles. Mrs. Laney and her daughters are members of the Pres- 
 byterian Church of Bradford. In politics Mr. Laney is a Republican. 
 
 L. B. LOCKARD, oil producer, Bradford, was born in Hanover, Colum- 
 biana Co., Ohio, January 2, 1838, the third of nine children of William and 
 Sarah (McBride) Lockard, former a native of Ireland and latter of Ohio, of 
 Irish descent. He was given good educational advantages, attendiug the com- 
 mon and high schools of his native county, then took up the study of law at 
 New Lisbon, and was admitted to the bar. He had but just commenced his 
 practice when the Civil war broke out, and he immediately enlisted in the serv- 
 ice of the government, and was assigned to daty in the arsenal at Pittsburgh, 
 where he served until the close of the war. He then returned to Ohio and 
 embarked in the dry goods business at Salem, being subsequently interested 
 in various manufacturing enterprises, and while there served five consecutive 
 terms as mayor. In 1875 he moved into the oil regions of Pennsylvania, 
 where he invested in property: in 1879 he came to Bradford, and until 1881 
 operated in the lower fields. He then bought in the Bradford oil fields, and 
 has since made his home in the city of Bradford. Mr. Lockard was married 
 October 25, 1859, to Miss Phoebe, daughter of Rev. I. Archbold, a minister of 
 the Methodist Episcopal Church, and they have six children: Vesta, Charles, 
 Fannie, John, Lorenzo and Edith. Mr. and Mrs. Lockard are members of 
 the Methodist Episcopal Church. In politics Mr. Lockard is a Democrat. 
 He is supreme vice-protector of the Knights and Ladies of Honor, and grand 
 protector of the State; has served the order as grand secretary; represented 
 
BIOGKAPHICAL SKETCHES. 373 
 
 Pennsylvaaia in the Supreme Lodge at Chicago in 1885, and again in 1887, 
 and at Philadelphia was unanimously chosen to his present position, 
 
 DENNIS LUNDERGAN, passenger and freight agent for the Buffalo, 
 Rochester & Pittsburgh Railroad Company, at Bradford, was born in Cat- 
 taraugus county, N. Y. , March 27, 1853, the eldest of five children of 
 Martin and Catherine (Ryan) Lundergan, natives of Ireland, who came to 
 America in 1851, and settled in New York. Dennis, being the eldest son, nat- 
 urally drifted into the railroad business, as his father was for many years em- 
 ployed by different companies. When a small boy he began to learn telegraphy, 
 and when thirteen years old was employed as an operator by the Erie Railroad 
 Company, holding a position with them seven years, and for two years, from 
 1873 to 1875, he was both operator and station agent at Fosterville, N. Y. In 
 1875 he came to Bradford, and was clerk and agent for the Erie Company until 
 1882, when he accepted his present position. Mr. Lundergan was married in 
 New York, in 1875, to Julia, daughter of Thomas Welsh. In politics be is a 
 Democrat. He is a member of the Catholic Church. 
 
 A. MoALPINE, D. D. S., Bradford, was born in Welland county, On- 
 tario, Canada, a son of Volney and Lavinia (Chapman) McAlpine, who were 
 also natives of Canada, and of Scotch and English descent. His father is a 
 dentist, and is still in practice in Cleveland, Ohio. Dr. McAlpine was reared 
 in Ontario, and choosing dentistry as his profession took a course at the Dental 
 College of Baltimore, Md., from which he graduated. He practiced at Oil 
 City and Petrolia, Penn., and in 1879 located at Bradford, where he has met 
 with success, and has built up a good practice. He was married in October, 
 1881, to Luella, daughter of L. Mitchell, and they have four children: John, 
 Ethel, Archie and Evelyn. Mrs. McAlpine is a member of the Presbyterian 
 Church. In politics Dr. McAlpine is a Republican. He was second lieu- 
 tenant of the Sixteenth Regiment, P. N. G. , five years. He is president of 
 the Bradford Bicycle Association. 
 
 GEORGE BYRON McCALMONT, attorney at law, Bradford, was born 
 in Fort Madison, Iowa, September 4, 1845, a son of Robert and Parthena 
 (Sage) McCalmont, natives of Venango county, Penn., and of Scotch and Irish 
 descent, respectively. He was given a good education, graduating in 1864 
 from Westminster College, and then began the stiidy of law in Venango 
 coimty, Penn. ; was admitted to the bar in 1869, and for five years practiced 
 in Butler, Butler Co., Penn. He came to JBradford in 1878, and has here 
 built up a good practice. For eight years he has served as city solicitor, and 
 was admitted to the supreme court of the United States in 1885. He was a 
 Democrat in politics until 1888, when he transferred his allegiance to the Re- 
 publican party. He was sent to New York by the central committee in favor 
 of protective tariff, and for two weeks was in New York City, and two months 
 in the State. He was married March 26, 1886, to Miss Elizabeth M., daugh- 
 ter of John Redmond. 
 
 JOSEPH M. McCLURE, attorney at law, a member of the firm of Mul- 
 lin & McClure, Bradford, was born in Perry county, Penn. , December 28, 1838, 
 the sixth of ten children of James and Rachel Oliver (Patterson) McClure, 
 who were natives of Pennsylvania, of Scotch-Irish descent, former of whom 
 died in 1865. In his boyhood Joseph M. had but limited educational advan- 
 tages, attending in the winter the district schools. He served an apprentice- 
 ship at the tanner's trade, and after mastering the main details served two 
 years in the currier and roller department. Although his time was so much 
 taken up, his thirst for knowledge induced him to study in all his spare mo- 
 ments, and when he was twenty years old he accepted a position to teach, and 
 
374 HISTOBY OF MCKEAN COUNTY. 
 
 successfully taught the higher department of a graded school. The next year 
 he entered Tuscarora Academy, where he prepared for college, and in the 
 autumn of 1862 he was able to enter the freshman class at Yale College, where 
 he graduated in 1866 in a class of ninety-six. He then took up the study of 
 law at Mifilintown, Penn., completing his course in Chambersburg with the 
 Hon. John Stewart, who is now president judge of Franklin county. He was ad- 
 mitted to the bar in Franklin county in 1867, and in 1868 moved to Harris- 
 burg. In 1869 he was appointed assistant State librarian, and in the fall of 
 1869 was appointed deputy attorney-general of the State. In 1873 he went 
 to Doylestown, Bucks county, where he edited and managed English and Ger- 
 man weekly newspapers. In 1875 he again resumed the practice of his pro- 
 fession at Allentown, and in 1879 removed to Bradford. He was admitted to 
 the supreme court in 1869, and also to the United States Court. In politics 
 he is a Democrat. He takes an active interest in the cause of education, and 
 has served as a member of the Bradford school board, of which for a time he 
 was president. He was married in Philadelphia November 27, 1867, to Alice 
 Hamersly, daughter of George .W. Hamersly, and they have five children: 
 Mary L. , Margaretta D. , Eobert, Kenneth and Donald. Mrs. McClure is a 
 member of the Episcopal Church. 
 
 J. W. MoCRAY, of the firm of MoCray Brothers, oil producers, Brad- 
 ford, was born in Crawford county, Penn., February 6, 1840, a son of J. F, 
 and Margaret (Allen) McCray, the former of Scotch-Irish and the latter of 
 Scotch descent. Mr. McCray started in business for himself, in 1865, at Titus- 
 ville, Penn., and has since that time been interested in the production of petro- 
 leum, locating at Bradford in 1880. He has been in the main successful 
 (although in one year he put down nine dry wells), and has been associated 
 with his brother, T. E. McCray, since 1871. They are energetic, industrious 
 men, recognized as being among the leading oil men of the vicinity. Mr. J. 
 W. McCray was married in Clarion county, Penn. , in 1879, to Miss Laura 
 Boland, a native of Rockland township, Venango Co., Penn., and a daughter 
 of Andrew and Mary Boland, and they have one child, Penton A. In politics 
 Mr. McCray is a Republican, and has served as a member of the council of 
 Bradford. He is a member of the Royal Templars of Temperance. Mr. Mc- 
 Cray' s grandfather, James McCray, was a British soldier, but deserted, and 
 came from Canada to the United States, where he afterward made his home. 
 Mr. and Mrs. McCray are regular attendants of the Methodist Church, but 
 are not members of that denomination. 
 
 T. E. McCREA, chief of police, Bradford, was born in Armstrong county, 
 Penn., April 2, 1848, a son of Daniel and Sarah (Coyle) McCrea, natives of 
 Pennsylvania, and of Irish descent. He was reared and educated in Butler 
 county, Penn. , remaining at home until twenty years of age, when he went to 
 Petroleum Centre, and there worked at the oil wells. For two years he was 
 superintendent for an oil company. In 1875 and 1876 he was constable and 
 assessor and collector of taxes in Donegal township, Butler Co. , Penn. In 1877 
 he removed to Bradford, and was here engaged in the oil business for some time, 
 and still retains an interest in that industry. For two years he was in the em- 
 ploy of a gas company as inspector ; for nine years has been on the police force, 
 and for two years has been chief of the department. Mr. McCrea was married 
 at St. John's Church, Clearfield township, Butler Co., Penn., February 17, 
 1874, to Miss Margaret Duff, a native of Butler county, Penn. , and of Irish 
 descent, daughter of Dennis and Mary (Diigan) Duff, and they have three 
 children: Harry, Rose and Albinas. Mr. McCrea and his family are mem- 
 bers of the Catholic Church. In politics he is a Democrat. 
 
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 375 
 
 D. P. H. McDowell, senior member of the firm of McDowell Brothers, 
 merchants, Bradford, was born in Mercer county, Penn., May 10, 1859, a son 
 of W. D. and Sarah (Barnes) McDowell, who were both of Scotch descent. He 
 received his literary education in the common schools, and acquired his busi- 
 ness knowledge in his father' s store at Rouseville, Venango Co. , Penn. In 1880 
 he came to Bradford and entered the employ of a wholesale grocery house. The 
 following year he embarked in the retail grocery business on his own account, 
 in which he retained his interest until 1885, although for two years during this 
 period he was in the employ of the McCalmont Oil Company. In the year 
 named (1885) he bought a half interest in what is now the firm of McDowell 
 Brothers, at present one of the leading grocery firms in the city of Bradford, 
 his associate being C. J. C. McDowell. The firm deals in groceries, provisions, 
 crockery, flour, feed, hay, corn, oats, etc. , and supplies its customers with the 
 best articles to be found in the trade. In politics Mr. McDowell is a Eepub- 
 lican, and in religion a Presbyterian. He is still unmarried. 
 
 J. C. McKENNA, superintendent of the Bradford, Bordell & Kinzua and 
 the Bradford, Eldred & Cuba Railroads, at Bradford, was born in 
 Shelby, Orleans Co., N. Y. , April 23, 1858, a son of John and Adelaide C. 
 (Wheeler) McKenna, former a native of Ireland, and latter of New York, of 
 English descent. For six years Mr. McKenna was employed as a clerk in the 
 freight office of the New York Central Railroad Company at Buffalo, and 
 then for a year was clerk for the Buffalo & Southwestern Railroad. In 1880 
 he was appointed general freight agent for the Bradford, Bordell & Kinzua, 
 and the Bradford, Eldred & Cuba lines, and in 1885 was elected to his present 
 position. Mr. McKenna was piarried in Buffalo, April 23, 1884, to Miss 
 Mary A. Seymour, daughter of John A. Seymour, and they have two children: 
 David Allen and John Wheeler. Mr. McKenna is a Republican in politics. 
 He is a member of the Royal Arcanum and the Regents of Honor. He and 
 his wife are members of the Catholic Church. 
 
 M. McMAHON, contractor, Bradford, was born in Rochester, N. Y., Oc- 
 tober 24. 1834, a son of Michael and Elizabeth (McCarty) McMahon, natives 
 of Ireland. He learned the carriage maker's trade in his youth, and carried 
 on that business fourteen years." In 1864 he enlisted in defense of the Union, 
 was commissioned lieutenant and appointed recruiting officer. He recruited 
 and organized the One Hundred and Eighty- eighth New York Volunteer In- 
 fantry, of which his brother was colonel until promoted to brigadier-general. 
 After the war he and his brother came to Pennsylvania and worked in the oil 
 fields near Pit Hole until 1876, when they began contracting for oil and gas 
 lines. They also took the contracts of putting in water-works, and have been 
 very successful from the start. In 1889 they completed the reservoir and 
 water- works at Ridgway, the county seat of Elk county. In politics Mr. Mc- 
 Mahon is a Democrat, and was the first assessor of Bradford, a position he held 
 sixteen years, and is the present assessor of the county. He has filled all the 
 chairs and is past commander of the C. M. B. A. He was married in Roches- 
 ter, N. Y., to Miss Mary A. Sugru. Mr. and Mrs. McMahon are members of 
 the Catholic Church, and Mrs. McMahon is a member of the Aid Society. 
 
 J. C. McMULLEN, one of the publishers of The Petroleum Age and 
 oiie of the editors and publishers of the Daily Oil News, died at the age 
 of thirty-seven years, January 31, 1888. A. R. Crum calls him one of the 
 famous oil scouts, and writing of him, says: "His conscientious accuracy was 
 frequently noted during the time he lived in the shadows of the towering hem- 
 locks of Cherry Grove, on Cooper Hill and at Balltown. When others 
 telegraphed rumors and guesses, he staid up all night secretly to run the 
 
376 HISTORY OF MCKEAN COUNTY. 
 
 gauge pole in mystery tanks. When no important well was drilled in, his 
 tireless energy was expended in mapping important locations, • compiling 
 statistics and getting geological records. He was not always first in the mad 
 rush to the telegraph office, for he never telegraphed anything until he knew 
 it to be right. The last field work he did illustrated the integrity that actu- 
 ated him. A week before his death he started out to collect the data for the 
 monthly report of operations. There were conflicting reports regarding the 
 Pittsburgh Manufacturers' Gas Company's well at Cannonsburg, and to settle 
 all doubts Mr. McMuUen went to the well to get a gauge. He was sick then. 
 Other fieldmen went out from Pittsburgh with him. When they reached the 
 well, they were told it had just made a flow, and would probably not make 
 another until the afternoon. They were told what the well was doing. 
 This was good ' hearsay, ' evidence, and as the thermometer stood several 
 degrees below zero, the other fieldmen went away satisfied with it. Not 
 so with ' Mac' There had been false reports about the well and he must know 
 the truth. For more than six hours he waited there, chilled to the very mar- 
 row, until the well flowed again and he had gauged the flow. Then he 
 went back to Pittsburgh sick. But he did not give up. He must complete 
 his oil report, and he did, though the pain he suffered was terrible. The 
 data he brought home with him, and dictated to his loving wife from his 
 death-bed, was as accurate and reliable as any ever gathered." 
 
 H. L. MoMULLEN, oil producer, Bradford, was born in Ireland, De- 
 cember, 12, 1846, a son of James and Susan (Sands) McMullen. His parents 
 came to the United States in 1848 and located at Warren, Penn. , where he was 
 reared, and in his youth he learned the blacksmith's trade of his father. His 
 father subsequently became one of the pioneers in the drilling of wells and the 
 production of petroleum. H. L. McMullen was associated with his father at 
 Oil Creek, and later in other oil fields until 1878, when he removed to Bradford. 
 He is now in partnership with C. S. Whitney, and the firm of Whitney & Mc- 
 Mullen do a large business. In addition to their oil interests, they established 
 the Bradford Chemical Works in 1886, where they employ about thirty men. 
 Mr. McMullen was married in February, 1869, to Miss Lucie M. Hall, of Wor- 
 cester, Mass. , daughter of Lowell Hall, and they have five children: Maud Al- 
 ice. James Arthur, Clifton Adair, Hugh Theron and Edith. In politics Mr. 
 McMullen is a Democrat. He is a member of the Royal Arcanum. 
 
 EDWARD McSWEENEY, member of the firm of McSweeney & Byles, 
 attorneys at law, Bradford, was born in Pittsburgh, Penn. , February 24, 1853, a 
 son of John and Elizabeth (Quinn) McSweeney, the former a native of Ireland, 
 the latter a native of Armstrong county, Penn. , of Irish and German descent, 
 and both now reside in Oil City, Penn. Of their family of six children the sub- 
 ject of these lines is the eldest. He was reared in Armstrong county and in Oil 
 City, Penn. , and, his father being a school-teacher, was given good educational 
 advantages. He studied law in Butler, Penn. , in the office of Kennedy & Mar- 
 shall, and was admitted to the bar in 1875. In 1878 he came to McKean 
 county, and has since been engaged in the practice of his profession at Brad- 
 ford. In 1881 he was elected district attorney by the largest majority that was 
 ever given to any Democratic office holder in McKean county, the county being 
 at that time reliably Republican, and served one term. The present partner- 
 ship of McSweeney & Byles was formed in 1885, and the firm are transacting 
 a successful law business. In the spring of 1889 Mr. McSweeney was elected 
 mayor of Bradford for a term of two years, but the terms of all holding city 
 offices were shortened by the passage of an act of the assembly, approved May 
 23, 1889, providing for a new election in the spring of 1890, under which a new 
 
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 377 
 
 set of officials were elected for a term of three years. Mr. McSweeney is la 
 member of Bradford Tent No. 4, K. O. T. M., and also a member of the 
 Knights and Ladies of Honor. 
 
 C. F. MADISON, foreman of A. Watson's manufacturing establishment, 
 Bradford, was born in Chautauqua coanty, N. Y., March 17, 1845, a son of 
 Charles A. and Hannah (Winegar) Madison, natives of Washington county, N. 
 Y. , of Grerman and English descent, respectively. He was reared in his native 
 county and in Warren county, Penn., and in 1860 went to the oil fields at 
 Titusville, where he worked, as well as in Butler county. In 1879 he came to 
 Bradford, and was employed at different oil wells until 1883, when he entered 
 the employ of A. Watson. Mr. Madison was married in Union City, Penn., in 
 1873 to Jennie Gross, a native of Brie county, Penn., and daughter of David 
 and Olive (Hulburt) Gross, and they have three children: Archie, Ernest and 
 OUie. Mr. and Mrs. Madison are members of the United Brethren Church; he 
 is a member of the K. O. T. M. , also of the Junior Order of United American 
 Mechanics, and in politics is a Republican. 
 
 L. O. MADISON, of the firm of Madison & Blossom, grocers, Bradford, 
 was born in Chautauqua county, N. Y., March 22. 1848, a son of C. A. and 
 Hannah A. (Winegar) Madison. Mrs. Hannah A. Madison died September 5, 
 1887, and C. A. Madison January 14, 1890, both deaths occurring in Bradford. 
 When a boy L. O. Madison began working about the oil wells, and as soon as old 
 enough began tating contracts for drilling wells, and has worked in all the 
 principal oil fields in the United States. In 1885 he became established in the 
 grocery business at Bradford, which he has since continued. He was married 
 in Venango county, Penn., May 21, 1872, to Miss Maggie E. Loveless, and 
 they have two children: Clara Pearl and Florence Ethel. Mrs. Maggie E. Mad- 
 ison was born at Deerfield, Warren Co., Penn., August 4, 1855, daughter of 
 Nathan A. and Mary A. Loveless. Nathan A. Loveless died in 1862, at Har- 
 rison's Landing, W. Va. , while serving as sergeant of Company F, Seventy- 
 fourth New York Volunteers; his widow, Mary A. (Walker) Loveless died De- 
 cember 7, 1885. Mrs. Madison is a member of the Methodist Episcopal 
 Church. In politics Mr. Madison is a Republican, and has served as a member 
 of the common council of Bradford. He is a member of the K. O. T. M. , 
 Knights of Pythias and the Knights and Ladies of Honor. 
 
 L. E. MALLORY, one of the representative oil producers of Bradford, was 
 born in Cambridge, Brie Co., Penn., April 6, 1849, the eldest of six children 
 born to Truman and Charlotte (Phelps) Mallory, who still live in Brie county, 
 where the father is a prominent citizen. L. E. was reared on his f ather' s f arm, 
 attending the district schools in his boyhood. When fifteen years old he began 
 working in the oil fields as driller, and was subsequently employed in dift'er- 
 • ent capacities until 1869, when he embarked in business for himself at Oil City. 
 He afterward went to Titusville, and from there came, in 1876, to Bradford, 
 where he has since been operating most of the time. He now owns an interest in 
 about two hundred oil-producing wells, a large number being in the Bradford 
 oil fields. He has been an industrious man, always at work, and his success is 
 the result of his energy and good management. He has, since his residence in 
 Bradford, taken an interest in the prosperity of the town, and has always been 
 ready to give of his means or of his time to the advancement of any enterprise 
 of public benefit. He now owns a neat and substantial residence in the town, 
 where he and his worthy wife dispense hospitality with an open hand. Mr. 
 Mallory was married January 1, 1873, to Miss Emma Crawford, daughter of 
 Eben and Elizabeth (Wilson) Crawford, who are of Scotch descent. Mr. and 
 Mrs. Mallory have two children : Lewis E. and Nellie. Mr. Mallory is a Repub- 
 
378 HISTORY OF MCKEAN COUNTY. 
 
 licaa in politics. He has taken the thirty- second decree in Freemasonry, and 
 is a deputy grand master of Bradford Council. Mrs. Mallory is a member of the 
 Presbyterian Church. 
 
 LOUIS MAROK, oil producer, and lately owner and proprietor of the "Union 
 Hotel," Bradford, is a native of Mulhouse, Alsace, France [now Germany], born 
 October 19, 1849, a son of Francois L. and Eve (Eisenzimer) Marck. His father 
 was in early life a cotton spinner, but during the French war was a soldier 
 serving in Algiers, Africa; while there he studied surgery, and after leaving 
 the army devoted his attention to his profession. He came to America in 
 1880, and is still a resident of Pennsylvania. Louis Marck is the eldest of 
 a family of five children, was given good educational advantages, and after 
 leaving college learned the trade of landscape gardener and florist, serv- 
 ing an apprenticeship of three years, and subsequently became chief gardener 
 for one Albert Taschare, one of the senators of France. In 1870 he came 
 to America, and settled first at Buffalo, N. Y. Being in a strange country 
 and the winter being unusually severe, he was unable to obtain employment 
 at his own trade; consequently he began working at the barber's trade, 
 whi3h he followed three years. He then took employment as a florist until 
 1878, when he removed to Bradford and engaged in the hotel business. 
 He has met with success, also with misfortune, and recently has embarked 
 in the oil-producing industry. Mr. Marck was married in January, 1872, 
 to Maria StuUer, a native of Bavaria, Germany, daughter «f John Stuller, 
 and they have had three children, but one of whom, Louis A., is living. 
 They are members of the Catholic Church. In politics Mr. Marck is a Re- 
 publican, and has served two years as a poormaster. 
 
 A. M. MAYER, senior member of the firm of A. Maf er & Co. , wholesale 
 dealers in wines, liquors, cigars, tobaccos, and wholesale agents of Bartholo- 
 may's Rochester lager beer, at Bradford, is a native of Germany, born Janu- 
 ary 23, 1836, second son of Gabriel and Elizabeth Mayer, both parents being 
 dead, the mother having died in 1876 at the age of sixty-five years, and the 
 father, April 4, 1889, at the mature age of nearly ninety years: both died at 
 Oil City, Penn. A. M. Mayer landed in New York City in the year 1853 at 
 the age of seventeen; he engaged in the dry goods trade, principally, until 
 1872, locating at Oil City; thence moved to Millers'town, Butler county, where 
 he remained until the fall of 1878, when the above firm started in the above- 
 named business at Bradford, McKean Co., Penn., where, under his able man- 
 agement, the firm has attained the highest rank in the business community. 
 Mr. Mayer has held various positions of honor in said city, such as member of 
 the common council, director of the board of trade, and is now a member of 
 the board of school control, also one of the executive board of the Bradford 
 hospital. He also holds the position of president of the Hebrew Reform con- 
 gregation. He was married in New York City April 10, 1871, to Miss Adel- 
 heit Rolland, daughter of Leopold and Babeth Rolland, the parents residing 
 then in Germany, but both now dead. This union is blessed with a family of 
 five daughters — ranging from six to seventeen years of age — namely, Ray, 
 Belle, Flora, Estelle and Selma. 
 
 JOHN F. MELVIN (deceased) was a pioneer of McKean county, Penn., 
 having come here from the State of New York about 1826. He was born in 
 Chester, N. H. , December 2, 1802, the second in a family of three children 
 of John and Susanna (Richardson) Melvin, who were of Scotch-Irish ancestry. 
 His father was a soldier in the war of 1812. Mr. Melvin was a prominent man 
 in the early days of the county, a pioneer merchant, and an extensive lumber 
 dealer. He also was a large land owner, and in connection with his other 
 
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 379 
 
 work carried on farming. Probably no man did more to develop the country 
 about Bradford than Mr. Melvin. He owned extensive landed interests, 
 which, since his death, have developed into the extensive Bradford oil fields. 
 Mr. Melvin was married July 12, 1828, to Lucretia Parr, who was born at 
 Bellows Falls, Vt., October 11, 1810, a daughter of Isaac and Pantha (Clark) 
 Farr, who were also of Scotch-Irish descent, To Mr. and Mrs. Melvin were 
 born ten children, but four of whom are living: C. C. ; Adaline E., wife of 
 Judge Loyal Ward; E valine A., wife of Hon. C. H. Foster, and Thomas J. 
 One son, John S., was killed in the war. of the Rebellion; a daughter, Mary L., 
 was the wife of A. L. Smith, and died in Dunkirk, N. Y. ; four children" died 
 in infancy. Mr. Melvin was a Democrat of the old school. He died in 1858. 
 
 C. C. MELVIN, oil producer, Bradford, is a native of Bradford, Penn. , 
 born April 15, 1833, and is the eldest son of John P. and Lucretia (Farr) 
 Melvin, the former of whom was for many years a prominent citizen of McKean 
 county, whose name is well known in business circles. C C. Melvin was 
 reared and educated in his native city, and has been closely identified with her 
 business prosperity. In 1876 he became interested in the production of oil, 
 and has since been very successful in that line. He has taken an active part 
 in promoting the development of Bradford, especially in the advancement of 
 her educational and religious interests. He was married December 26, 1874, 
 to Miss Lina Loomis, daughter of E. E. Loomis, and they have two children: 
 Lucretia and Carroll. Mr. Melvin is a Democrat in his political views, and is 
 a member of the Masonic fraternity, lodge and chapter. 
 
 THOMAS J. MELVIN, oil producer, Bradford, is a representative of one 
 of the pioneer families of McKean county. He was born in Bradford town- 
 ship August 18, 18^, a son of John F. and Lucretia (Farr) Melvin. He was 
 reared in Bradford, where he had good educational advantages, and later at- 
 tended Bryant & Stratton's Commercial College, at Buflfalo. He then found 
 employment as a clerk, which vocation he filled until 1869, when he embarked 
 in the mercantile business on his own account, continuing in that line until 
 1876, when he became interested in the oil business. Mr. Melvin was mar- 
 ried September 28, 1869, to Miss Marion B. Parker, daughter of Nelson Par- 
 ker, who are of Scotch-Irish and English descent. Mr. and Mrs. Melvin have 
 four children, all boys: John P., Charles C, Milton F. and Thomas J., Jr. 
 In politics Mr. Melvin is a Eepublican. He is a member of the Masonic fra- 
 ternity, and has taken the Knight Templar degree. 
 
 JOHN K. MEEEIAM, a well-known business man, and proprietor of 
 meat market, Bradford, was born in Franklin county, N. Y., January 9, 1840, 
 the second in a family of six children of John and Lurey (Keeler) Merriam, 
 natives of Vermont, but now residents* of New York. He was reared on his 
 father's farm in Franklin county, attending school in his youth, and when a 
 young man began teaching, a vocation he followed six years. In 1868 he 
 moved to Pennsylvania, first locating at Shamburgh three years, then at Titus- 
 ville, all the time in the market and oil business, and in 1877 settled in Bradford, 
 where he opened a meat market, which is now one of the largest in the city. 
 During the time of the oil boom in this section his sales in his market amounted 
 to nearly $200, 000 per year. In the oil trade he has also been successful. 
 He was married in 1873 to Mrs. Mary (Harney) Eeed, widow of Capt. Reed, 
 who lost his life in the war of the Eebellion. Mr. and Mrs. Merriam are 
 members of the Presbyterian Church, and are active workers in all that per- 
 tains to either church or Sunday-school. In politics he is a Eepublican, and 
 a member of the Masonic fraternity. 
 
 C. V. MERRICK, superintendent of the Bradford division of the New York, 
 
380 HISTORY OF MCKEAN COUNTY. 
 
 Lake Erie & Western Railroad, Bradford, was born in Canton, Bradford Co. , 
 Penn., June 17, 1848, a son of J. Q. Merrick, and was reared in Potter county, 
 whither his parents had moved when he was a child. He attended the district 
 schools, and by close application to his studies was able, when a young man, " 
 to obtain a teacher's certificate, and thus earned the money to pay his expenses 
 at the State normal school, from which he graduated in 1871. He then taught 
 a year in the village of Knoxville, Penn., and in 1872 obtained a situation with 
 the company he now represents at Addison, where he remained two years; in 
 the meantime he learned telegraphy, and was promoted to night operator at a 
 small station near Elmira, N. Y. , and a year later was given the same position 
 at Elmira, where he remained four and a half years. In the meantime he 
 studied law and was admitted to the bar. He was next promoted to assistant 
 train dispatcher, and then to train dispatcher at Elmira. January 1, 1888, he 
 was transferred to his present position. Mr. Merrick was married in 1878 to 
 Miss Dell, daughter of T. V. Willow. In politics Mr. Merrick is a Repub- 
 lican. He and his wife are members of the Presbyterian Church. 
 
 JOHN MEYERS, wholesale and retail dealer in leather, and manufact- 
 urer of uppers for shoes, Bradford, was born in Buffalo, N. Y., January 16, 
 1842, a son of John and Anna Barbara (Miller) Meyers, natives of Bavaria, the 
 father coming to America in 1835, and locating in Buffalo. John was reared on. 
 a farm, but in early life learned the shoemaker's trade, at which he worked 
 until 1878, when he removed to Bradford, and soon after became established in 
 his present business. Mr. Meyers was married in New York, in 1872, to Mar- 
 garet Sproul, a native of that city and daughter of Andrew Sproul, who came 
 from Scotland; they have two children: George and Ida. Mrs. Meyers is a 
 member of the Methodist Church. In politics Mr. Meyers is a Republican. 
 He is a member of the I. O. O. F. , lodge and encampment. 
 
 C. G. MILLIGAN, of the firm of Sterns & Milligan, wholesale produce 
 and commission merchants, Bradford, was born in Maryland, Otsego Co., 
 N. Y. , December 23, 1849, a son of David and Rhoda (Strain) Milligan, natives 
 of Massachusetts, of Scotch-Irish descent, who now reside in Georgia, where 
 the father is engaged in farming. C. G. Milligan is the third in a family of 
 four children. He was reared on a farm, but not liking agricultural pursuits, 
 obtained a situation as clerk in a store, which he continued until 1881, when 
 the present firm of Sterns & Milligan was formed. In politics Mr. Milligan 
 is a Republican. 
 
 GEORGE H. MILLS, assistant cashier of the First National Bank, Brad- 
 ford, was born in Buffalo, N. Y. , June 11, 1857, a son of George and Mary 
 (Lee) Mills, natives of England, who came to the United States in 1844, and 
 settled at Buffalo. He was educated in the schools of his native city, and 
 since sixteen years of age has been employed in a bank, commencing as a mes- 
 senger boy, from which he has worked his way up to his present position. He 
 came to Bradford in 1880, and was book-keeper for the First National Bank 
 one year, and in 1881 was appointed teller, and in 1886, assistant cashier. Mr. 
 Mills was married September 22, 1886, to Miss Lena F. Bittles, a native of 
 Newbury, Ohio, of English descent, daughter of C. H. and Flora E. Bittles. 
 Mr. and Mrs. Mills have one son, George Charles. In politics the subject of 
 these lines is a Republican; he is a member of the Royal Arcanum, and of the 
 Independent Order of Heptasophs. He and wife are members of the Presby- 
 terian Church. 
 
 F. A. MOORE, farmer and oil producer, Bradford, was born in Erie 
 county, N. Y. , April 8, 1822, a son of Amos and Cynthia (Gardner) Moore, na- 
 tives of Massachusetts, who moved to McKean county, Penn., in 1889, where 
 
BIOGBAPHICAL SKETCHES. 381 
 
 the mother died ia 1844, and the father in 1845. F. A. remained with his 
 parents until after his father's death, and then succeeded him in the owner- 
 ship of the farm. He owns 236 acres of land on which are several oil wells, 
 which have been the source of considerable revenue. In 1888 Mr. Moore 
 •built a handsome residence in Bradford, which is now his home. In addition 
 to his other interests he has dealt extensively in lumber, and for ten years was 
 manager for a coal company in Bradford and Lafayette. He was married 
 in March, 1844, to Miss Edith, a native of Gates county, N. Y. , and a daugh- 
 ter of Abraham and Dorothy (Vanderhoff) Vandine, the former born in New 
 York, the latter in New Jersey, and both deceased. Mr. and Mrs. Moor& 
 have two children, Amos F. and Anna, former being a prominent merchant of 
 Bradford, married to Amanda Potter, of Friendship, N. Y. They have two 
 children, Charles and Lillian Maiide. In politics Mr. Moore is a Republican. 
 
 J. L. MOREIS, farmer and oil producer, P. O. Custer City, is a son of 
 William S. Morris, and a grandson of Simeon M. Morris, a native of New Eng- 
 land and a settler in Madison county, N. Y. Simeon M. Morris came to Mc-' 
 Kean county when a young man, and first located on a tract of land near Eldred. 
 About 1812 he married Miss Louisa McCrea, second cousin of Jennie McCrea 
 of Revolutionary fame, and about 1828 moved his family to Bradford town- 
 ship, where he purchased a farm at $1 per acre. He participated in the war 
 of 1812, and his father was a Revolutionary soldier. He was a licensed ex- 
 horter in the Methodist Episcopal Church. His family consisted of four chil- 
 dren: William S., deceased; Emeline, wife of Lyman Imus, of Bradford town- 
 ship; Dersy, deceased wife of David DeGolier, and Sarah, who died when 
 young. William S. Morris was born near Ceres township, in McKean county, 
 October 15, 1815, and obtained a good education for that early day. In 1843 
 he married Miss Eliza P., daughter of Jonathan Seaman, of Westfield, Tioga 
 Co. , Penn. He was a farmer and lumberman by occupation, and rafted lumber 
 and shingles down the river. He started in life poor, but by hard labor and 
 frugal habits met with fair success financially. He was identified with the 
 Whig party, and was a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. He died 
 in 1859; his widow still resides on the homestead. Six of their children are 
 still living: Emma, wife of John A. Bell, of Bradford township; J. L. ; Robert, 
 of Stillwater, Mont. ; Julia, wife of William Helenbrook, of Bradford town- 
 ship ; Charles, of Bradford township ; Adeline, wife of I. H. Burton, of Brad- 
 ford township. J. L. Morris was born on his present farm January 1, 1846. 
 He received the advantages of a limited education, and remained with his parents 
 until twenty-six years of age. Since then he has been principally engaged in 
 farming and lumbering, also in producing oil. In 1876 he married Miss Alice, 
 daughter of John Helenbrook, of Clean, N. Y., and to them have been born 
 five children: William, Minnie, George, Earl and Claud. Mr. Morris is an. 
 active member of the Republican party, and has filled various township offices. 
 He is a member of the A. O. U. W., Tununguant Lodge, No. Ill, Bradford. 
 
 EUGENE MULLIN, attorney at law, Bradford, a member of the firm 
 of Mullin & Mullin, is one of the most able criminal lawyers in the county of 
 McKean. He is a native of the Empire State, born in Monroe county, a son 
 of Timothy and Catherine (Wallace) Mullin, natives of Ireland, where they 
 were married. Of their seven children, all save one daughter, were born in 
 America. They came to the United States, and first located in Monroe county, 
 N. Y. ; then in 1846 moved to McKean county, Penn., and settled in Annin 
 township, where they still live. Mr. Eugene Mullin was reared on a farm, 
 receiving his early education in the schools at Turtle Point, in Annin town- 
 ship. His first occupation for his own account was teaching, but having 
 
382 HISTOKY OF MCKEAN COUNTY. 
 
 chosen the profession of law, he entered the office of John C. Backus, at 
 Smethport, and in 1876 was admitted to the bar at that place. He first 
 opened an ofSce at Port Allegany, but removed to Bradford, where he has 
 since lived. He has met with marked success in criminal cases. He makes 
 an able plea before a jury, stating the case with such clearness and force as 
 to generally carry the jury with him. His arguments are convincing, and his 
 own conviction of the justice of his client's claims makes him, for the time, 
 oblivious of all else but the point at issue. Mr. Mullin was married in Cedar 
 Palls, Iowa, in 18t)4, to Mary C. Harding, a native of Canada, of Scotch 
 descent, daughter of John Harding, and they have a family of five children: 
 T. F. Mullin, John, Wallace, Edward and Francis. Mr. Mullin and his 
 family are members of the Catholic Church. In politics he is a Democrat. 
 
 P. MULQUEEN, proprietor of the United States Hotel, Bradford, was 
 born in Ireland in 1848, a son of Thomas and Jane (Hennessy) Mulqueen, 
 also natives of Erin. In 1865 he came to America, learning and working at 
 the boiler maker's trade at Titusville, Penn. He subsequently went to New 
 York State and opened a hotel at Hornellsville, where he remained until 1875, 
 when he came to McKean county and carried on a hotel at Tarport, six years, 
 and in 1877 removed to Bradford, where he has since conducted the United 
 States Hotel, and is, besides, the owner of thirteen producing oil wells. Mr. 
 Mulqueen was married, November 18, 1873, to Miss Rose A. Biggins, and 
 they have had nine children, two of whom are dead. Mr. Mulqueen and his 
 family are members of the Catholic Church. 
 
 S. A. MUNDY, of the firm of W. S. Weed & Co., dealers in lumber, Brad- 
 ford, was born in Bradford county, Penn., May 3, 1858, a son of H. F. and 
 Adelaide (Curtis) Mundy, former a native of Broome county, N. Y. , and latter 
 of Connecticut. He was reared and educated at Williamsport, and when eight- 
 een years old entered the employ of an extensive lumber firm at Buffalo, N. 
 Y., being their purchasing agent until 1884, when he became associated with 
 the firm of W. S. Weed & Co., in Broome county, N. Y. Having large inter- 
 ests in McKean county, it became necessary to establish an office in Bradford, 
 and in 1888 Mr. Mundy was appointed to represent the firm. They own 18,- 
 000 acres of land in McKean county, and give employment to 400 men the year 
 round. Mr. Mundy was married, in 1878, to Elizabeth, daughter of John F. 
 Swartz, and they have two children : Willie A. and Bessie S. Mrs. Mundy 
 is a member of the German Eeformed Church. In politics Mr. Mundy is a 
 Republican. 
 
 FRANK H. MURDOCH, M. D., Bradford, is a native of Ontario, Canada, 
 born March 5, 1846, a son of John A. and Jean (Hall) Murdoch, natives of 
 Scotland. His father was a graduate of the University of Edinburgh, Scot- 
 land, and came to Canada in the employ of the government, becoming ulti- 
 mately superintendent of public instruction- in Lanark county. He died in 
 Canada in 1868. Frank H. Murdoch was reared in Canada, and for a time, 
 after the usual common- school training, attended the collegiate institute at 
 Woodstock, Ontario, then taught school four years. In 1871 he entered the 
 State University at Ann Arbor, Mich., and in 1873 graduated from the medi- 
 cal department of same, .when he at once entered upon the practice of his pro- 
 fession at Parker City, Penn. In 1878 he removed to Bradford, where he has 
 become established in a lucrative practice. In 1884 he took a post-graduate 
 course at Post Graduate School, New York City, and then spent several 
 months in Europe, visiting the London, Glasgow and Edinburgh hospitals. 
 Dr. Murdoch is a member of the State, County and American Medical Associa- 
 tions, and is president of the county medical society. He is medical examiner 
 
BIOGEAPHICAL SKETCHES. 383 
 
 for several insurance companies, and also for the Eoyal Arcanum, of which be 
 is a member. In politics he is a supporter of the Eepublican party. He is a 
 member of the Presbyterian Church. 
 
 JAMES MUKTY, proprietor of the Capital restaurant, Bradford, was born 
 in Union county, Penn., in 1853, a son of Owen and Harriet (Conrad) Murty, 
 of German ancestry, former of whom died in Union county in 1878. Mr.' 
 Murty came to Bradford in 1878, and from that time until 1884 was employed 
 as clerk in a restaurant; in the latter year he commenced business for himself, 
 locating at No. 42 Main street, where he has met with good success. Mr! 
 Miirty was married in 1879 to Nellie Shields, and they have one child, Charles. 
 Mr. Murty is a member of the A. O. U. W. His wife is a member of the 
 Catholic Church. 
 
 W. O. NEELY, druggist, Bradford, was born November 2, 1858, in 
 Columbiana county, Ohio, a son of Dr. William and Eliza (Black) Neely,'the 
 former of Irish and the latter of Scotch descent. Mr. Neely's father, who is a 
 physician, now lives in Kansas. W. O. Neely, who was given a good education, 
 graduated from the high school of Stark county, Ohio, in 1877, and in the 
 regular classical course from Mount Union College, in 1880. He then began the 
 study of medicine, and took one course at the College of Physicians and Sur- 
 geons at Baltimore, and coming to Bradford in 1888, he here, in 1886, em- 
 barked in the drug business, and at the same time continued his medical 
 studies. He keeps a full line of drugs, giving especial attention to filling 
 physicians' prescriptions. 
 
 AUGUSTUS WILLIAM NEWELL was born at Newton, Mass., October 9, 
 1832, the eldest of the nine children of Artemus and Martha (Mcintosh) New- 
 ell, former of whom died, in 1873, in Massachusetts, where he had spent his 
 life. His ancestors in this country were among the first settlers of Massachu- 
 setts, coming from England in 1642. They have for generations been farm- 
 ers, never having aspired to political distinction, but in an early day one was 
 appointed magistrate under George III, and for five generations this office 
 has been held by some member of the family. Both great-grandfathers of 
 Mr. Newell were soldiers in the war of the Revolution. A. W. Newell at- 
 tended school at Brookline, Mass., until thirteen years of age, when he began 
 to learn civil engineering, and from that time he has made his own way in the 
 world. While studying his profession he clerked for two years in the office 
 of his father (who was a magistrate), and while there acquired the habit of ex- 
 actness. He had from a child a thirst for knowledge and decided literary 
 tastes, and here he had some opportunity to gratify them. After leaving hia 
 father's office he was employed four years as clerk for different railroad com- 
 panies, among others being the Boston & Maine, the Erie, and the Atlantic & 
 Great Western. His uncle, Daniel Kingsbury, had bought the property of 
 the United States Land Company, which embraced 200,000 acres of land in 
 McKean and adjoining counties, and when he was twenty years old Mr. New- 
 ell gave the money he had saved to his uncle to invest in land in McKean county, 
 and two years later took up his residence in Bradford. He was for thirty-five 
 years a civil engineer, and was in the employ of the Buffalo, Bradford & Pitts- 
 burgh Railroad Company, when the line was built through Bradford. His 
 uncle, Daniel Kingsbury, already referred to, was president of and a large stock- 
 holder in this company. When the company went into bankruptcy, and stopped 
 running their cars, he could not get his pay, and he finally conceived the idea 
 of hiring an engine and running a train himself. Having obtained permission 
 to do this, he hired a man, and together they mov^ed the track, with old- 
 fashioned scythes, from Bradford to Carrollton, a distance of twelve miles. He 
 
 20 
 
384 HISTORY OF MCKEAN COUNTY. 
 
 then hired an engine and commenced railroading. He was fireman, engineer, 
 conductor and brakeman, doing all the work himself. He soon made enough 
 to pay the company's indebtedness to him, and here was laid the foundation 
 of his own fortune. The enterprise was also very beneficial to the -prosperity 
 of Bradford. What money he had accumulated he invested in lands, and 
 thus began his extensive real-estate business. Since Bradford has become the 
 great oil town and railroad center, he has sold his land, which was laid out in 
 town lots, at a great advance on the purchase price. He still owns 200 town 
 lots, and fifty or sixty dwelling houses in the city, besides other valuable real- 
 estate. Mr. Newell was married February 17, 1861, to Anna M. Haynes, who 
 died in 1864, leaving one child, Frederick Haynes Newell, who is now a prom- 
 ising young man in the employ of the United States Government as mining 
 engineer. In 1877 Mr. Newell married Miss Phoebe Lewis, and they have 
 three children: Lewis, Henry Foster and Augustus William. Mr. Newell, 
 though not an aspirant for political honors, has served the public in various 
 relations. Hie knowledge of engineering enabled him to render important 
 services to the city in organizing a system of water-works, and for eight years 
 he has been a member of the board of water commissioners. He has also filled 
 the office of school director, and was postmaster at Bradford under Lincoln's 
 administration. He was a commissioner from the State of Pennsylvania, by 
 appointment of Gov. Beaver, to the late International Exposition at Paris. 
 He is a member of the American Association of Engineers, and accompanied 
 its excursion to Europe in 1889, where the party was received under the aus- 
 pices of the English and French engineers, and banqueted in Guildhall, Lon- 
 don, and on the Eiffel Tower, Paris. Upon his return home, the Pompelon 
 CIuId, a permanent intellectual association of Bradford, afforded an opportu- 
 nity for social welcome by giving a formal reception and banquet in his honor. 
 Mr. Newell has been a member and director of the Bradford board of trade 
 from the date of its organization, and scarcely any public enterprise of impor- 
 tance has been undertaken without his assistance. In measures for fostering 
 the growth of the city his policy has, as in private life, been generous, but 
 discriminating and quite independent of popular clamor. He is a member of 
 the Masonic fraternity, and was the first member initiated in the oldest lodge 
 of Bradford, No. 334. For eleven years he has served as a trustee in the 
 Methodist Episcopal Church. 
 
 L. W. OAKES, in the real estate business at Bradford, was born in Cat- 
 taraugus county, N. Y. , May 5, 1848, a son of, Nichols and Mary (Eich) Oakes, 
 natives of Massachusetts, former of German and latter of English descent. 
 His father settled in Western New York in 1824, residing there until his death 
 in 1884, after a married life of sixty years. Of his family of ten children, 
 eight grew to maturity. L. W. Oakes obtained a good education, attending 
 Griffith Institute, Erie county, N. Y. His first occupation was that of school- 
 teacher, which he continued two years, when he began to learn the printer's 
 trade at Little Valley, N. Y. , and after completing his apprenticeship worked 
 at same, either as compositor or editor, seven years. In 1876 he came to Brad- 
 ford in the employ of Ferrin & Weber, and assisted in establishing the Brad- 
 ford Era. He subsequently went to Salamanca, N. Y., and acted as local 
 editor of the Cattaraugus County Republican for one year, and then engaged in 
 mercantile business until coming to Bradford. In 1879 Mr. Oakes was married 
 at Jamestown, N. Y., to Miss Georgina C. Newell, a daughter of A. T. and 
 Caroline (Rogers) Newell, early settlers of McKean county. Mr. and Mrs. 
 Oakes have three children: Bertha Newell, Jessie Nelson and Ida Beatrice. In 
 politics Mr. Oakes is a Republican. He is a member of the Royal Arcanum. 
 
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 385 
 
 P. O'BEIEN, repairer of steam-boilers etc., Bradford, ia a native of Can- 
 ada, born January 7, 1854, a son of Martin and Kate (Leary) O'Brien, former 
 a native of Canada, of Irish parentage, latter a native of Ireland. The subject 
 of these lines learned the trade of a machinist in Canada, although he never 
 served an apprenticeship. Being a natural mechanic, he gradually acquired a 
 knowledge of the business. In 1876 he came to the United States, and worked 
 in repair shops until 1884, when he began business for himself in Bradford, 
 and now has a good trade, making a specialty of repairing steam-boilers. He 
 is a self made man, and has by hard work and energy been successful in busi- 
 ness. He is not allied to any church or any political party, but is an inde- 
 pendent thinker on all subjects. 
 
 THOMAS OSBORNE, constable and tax collector, Bradford, was born in 
 Newark, N. J., May 3, 1852, a son of John and Mary (Smith) Osborne, natives 
 of Ireland, who came to this country in 1841. Thomas learned the trade of 
 lathing and plastering in his native city, and followed that occupation until 
 1880, when he became interested in the production of oil in the Bradford field. 
 In 1881 he was elected city assessor of Bradford, and in 1883 was elected 
 constable and collector of State and county taxes, which position he holds to 
 this day; in 1885 he was elected county auditor, and served McKean county 
 in that position for three years. He is a prominent member of the Bradford 
 fire department, and has been, from its organization, holding several offices in 
 the department from time to time; he is now director and first assistant fore- 
 man of the Exempt Fireman's Association of Bradford. In politics he is a 
 Democrat, and was chairman of the Democratic county committee during the 
 years 1887 and 1888. In 1887 he was married to Miss Sophie H. Reilly, 
 daughter of Patrick and Sophie Eeilly, both now dead. Mr. and Mrs. Osborne 
 have one child, Florence, three years old. They are members of the Catholic 
 Church. 
 
 ENOS PARSONS, dealer in real estate, one of Bradford's early settlers, 
 was born in Cortland county, N. Y., April 22, 1818, the fifth of ten children 
 of Reuben and Matilda (Morton) Parsons. His early life was spent on his 
 father' s farm, and in attending the district school, later becoming a student at 
 Homer College. After leaving school he invested a little money in clocks, 
 which he sold in the country districts, being employed in this way during the 
 Harrison campaign of 1840. In 1846 he came to McKean county, and in 1847 
 to Bradford, where for eight years he carried on the ' ' Bradford Hotel. ' ' He 
 then engaged in mercantile business, also in real estate, and was one of the 
 prime movers in the building of the street car line from Bradford to Tarport, 
 of which he now owns the most of the stock, his son, Newell B. , being super- 
 intendent. He is one of the largest real estate owners in the city, and now de- 
 votes the most of his attention to that business. Mr. Parsons was married in 
 1849 to Mary Blair, and they have three children: Newell B., Charles and 
 Grace. Mrs. Parsons is a member of the Presbyterian Church. In politics 
 Mr. Parsons is a Republican, and in 1858 he served McKean county as 
 treasurer. ^ 
 
 B. D. PATE, painter and paper-hanger, Bradford, was born in Stark 
 county, Ohio, November 22, 1842, a son of William and Maria (He:len) Pate, 
 natives of Ohio, of Irish and English descent, respectively. He was reared 
 in his native county, remaining with his mother (his father having died in 
 1859) till 1863, when he>enlisted, in the defense of his country, in Company F, 
 One Hundred and Fifteenth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and was afterward 
 transferred to Company F, One Hundred and Eighty-eighth Ohio Volunteer 
 Infantry, in which he served until the close of the war. He then returned to 
 
386 HISTORY OF MCKEAN COUNTY. 
 
 Ohio, and soon after went to Cleveland, where he learned the trade of a painter 
 and paper-hanger. In 1877 he moved to Pittsburgh, and same year to the 
 lower oil fields, thence, in 1879, to Bradford, where he has built up a good 
 business. Mr. Pate was married in 1867 to Miss Maria Henderson, and they 
 have three children: Hattie, Florence and Lulu. Mr. Pate is a Republican in 
 politics. He is a member of Bradford Post, G. A. E. The family are members 
 of the Baptist church. 
 
 GEOEGE AV. PIKE, farmer, P. O. Bradford, was born in Bradford 
 township, this county, April 13, 1840,- a son of Barnabas and Mary Ann 
 (Colegrove) Pike, natives of Massachusetts, who came to McKean county, about 
 1828, and located on a farm in Bradford township, where they resided until 
 their death. Barnabas Pike was a supporter of the Democratic party; he was 
 a prominent member of the Universalist Gharch, helping to build the same. 
 George W. Pike received a common-school education, and remained at home 
 until twenty years of age. He then engaged in lumbering, and for a number 
 of years rafted lumber down the river. In 1874 he married Miss Emma, 
 daughter of Peter Fox, of Cattaraugus county, N. Y. , and they have one child. 
 May Virginia. In 1875 they settled on their present farm of 100 acres, and 
 also have a fine oil production. Mr. Pike is a Democrat. 
 
 HAELOW B. PIKE, farmer and oil producer, Bradford, was born in 
 Bradford township, McKean Co., Penn., May 12, 1843, a son of Barnabas 
 and Mary Ann (Colgrove) Pike. The father came to McKean county from 
 Massachusetts in 1829, and settled on the farm now owned by his son, Harlow 
 B. , where he died in 1880, aged eighty-five years. Harlow B. Pike was reared 
 a farmer, attending school until the breaking out of the war of the Eebellion, 
 when, in 1861, he enlisted in Company I, Seventy-first New York Volunteer 
 Infantry, in which he served three months; then enlisted in the three-years' 
 service, and participated in some of the most severe battles of the war, in- 
 cluding Gettysburg, Chancellorsville and the Wilderness. Since the war he 
 has lived in Bradford, with the exception of six years spent in the West. He 
 was married in 1878 to Miss E. E. Beckwith, daughter of Simon and Eliza- 
 beth (Palmer) Beckwith, and they have three children: Daisy, Bertha and 
 Olive. Mr. and Mrs. Pike are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. 
 In politics he is a Eepublican, and is a member of the Union Veteran Legion 
 and of the Knights of the Maccabees. 
 
 T. J. POWEES, treasurer of the Bradford Oil Company, Bradford, was 
 born in Erie county, N. Y., November 2, 1835, a son of P. W. and Esther 
 (Huntley) Powers, former of whom died in 1887, at the age of seventy-three 
 years. Our subject is the younger of two children, his brother (R. F.) being 
 a farmer of Erie county. T. J. Powers was given a good education, and 
 taught school in his early days, for six years serving as superintendent of 
 public instruction in Erie county. In 1876 he came to Bradford, but in 1887 
 he removed his family to the homiestead farm in Erie county. He has been 
 treasurer of the Bradford Oil Company since 1881, and has served six years 
 as a member of the select council of Bradford, being president of the board. 
 He is a member of the A. O. U. W. ; was a member of the Ninety- eighth 
 New York National Guards, and was in active service five months at Elmira, 
 N. Y. In politics Mr. Powers is a Eepublican. He was married in Fredonia, 
 N. Y. , in 1858, to Miss Frances M. , daughter of A. F. Taylor, and they have 
 four children: Willis H., Robert E., Helen E. and Fitch T. Mr. Powers and 
 his family are members of the Baptist Church. 
 
 EDWAED QUIGLEY, of the firm of Connors, Quigley & Granger, 
 plumbers, Bradford, was born in Chili, Monroe Co., N. Y. , July 8, 1857, 
 
BIOGEAPHICAL SKETCHES. 387 
 
 a son of Edward and Bridget (McVey) Quigley, natives of Ireland, who 
 came to the United States in their childhood, and were married in the State of 
 New York. Edward is the second of a family of nine children, and, his father 
 being in limited circumstances, he was obliged when quite young to work for 
 his own support. He was employed as a farm hand until 1878, when he came 
 to Bradford and worked about the oil wells. ^ For a time he was foreman of 
 men employed by Wheeler & Whitney, oil producers, remaining with them 
 until 1888, when the lirm of Connors, Quigley & Granger, plumbers, was 
 formed. They contract for all styles of plumbing and gas fitting, and also 
 general repairing. Mr. Quigley was married in Wayne county, N. Y. , to 
 Mary McVey, daughter of John McVey, and they have two children: Edward 
 and William. Mr. Quigley and his wife are members of the Catholic Church. 
 In politics he is a Democrat. He is a member of the Catholic Mutual Benefit 
 Association, and is vice-president of the order in Bradford. 
 
 CHARLES H. EEED, M. D. , Bradford, was born in Clarendon, Orleans 
 Co., N. Y., January 17, 1851, a son of Ebenezer and Mabel (Snyder) Reed, the 
 former a native of Vermont, of French descent, and the latter of New York, 
 of German descent. He was desirous of obtaining a good, solid education, 
 and when fifteen years old taught a term of school in order to obtain money to 
 defray his expenses for further education, finally graduating from the Lock- 
 port high school. He then taught nearly five years, and in the meantime 
 began the study of medicine. In 1873 he took a course of lectures at Buffalo, 
 and in 1876 graduated from Bellevue Hospital Medical College, New York. 
 He began his practice at Wilson, Niagara Co., N. Y. , remaining there three 
 years, and in 1879 he moved to McKean county, Penn., first locating at Eldred, 
 where he remained five years. In 1884 he took a special course on the eye 
 and ear at Wills Eye and Ear College and Philadelphia Dispensary, since 
 when he has made a specialty of the treatment of the diseases of those organs, 
 and stands at the head of his profession in that branch of the practice. His 
 headquarters are now at Bradford, but his fame extends to all the surrounding 
 towns, and even counties. Dr. Reed was married in Niagara county, N. Y., 
 January 9, 1878, to Ada M., daughter of Sylvester and D. M. (Wilson) 
 Parsons, the former of whom is a prominent attorney of Rochester, N. Y. 
 Mrs. Reed died in 1887, a member of the Presbyterian Church. Dr. Reed is 
 a Democrat in politics, and is past master of Eldred Lodge, No. 560, P. & A. 
 M. He is a member of McKean County (Penn. ) Medical Society, and also of 
 Niagara County (N. Y.) Medical Society. 
 
 MOSES REIS, of the firm of Wagner & Reis, theatrical managers, Brad- 
 ford, was born in New York City, June 20, 1851, a son of Samuel and Caro- 
 line (Bear) Reis, who were natives of Germany. Mr. Reis removed with his 
 parents to Titusville, Penn., in 1863, remaining there until 1876, when he 
 came to Bradford. He was engaged in the grocery business, both in Titus- 
 ville and Bradford, until 1877, in which year he and Mr. Martin W. Wagner 
 became associated in theatrical management. In politics Mr. Reis is a Repub- 
 lican. He is a thirty-second degree Freemason, also a member of the Knights 
 of Pythias. 
 
 T. W. ROBERTS, manufacturer of wooden oil tanks at Bradford, was 
 born in Leyden, Lewis Co., N. Y., Jube 6, 1847, a son of William and Jane 
 (Evans) Roberts, natives of Wales, former of whom came to this country in 1889, 
 locating in Lewis county, N. Y., June 2 of that year. Mr. Roberts' mother 
 died when he was but an infant, and from that time until he was eleven years 
 old he had his home with Robert Morris. In 1871 he came to the oil fields 
 of Pennsylvania, and drove a team for his brother, who was in business at 
 
388 HISTOKY OF MCKEAN COUNTY. 
 
 Parker' s Landing, subsequently becoming a partner. In 1878 he removed to 
 Bradford, where he has since been engaged in his present business. He was 
 married in his native county in 1877 to Miss Winnie Jones, a native of Lewis 
 county, N. Y., daughter of John E. and Mary (Perry) Jones, who were na- 
 tives of Wales. Mrs. Roberts is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. 
 Mr. Roberts is a member of the I. O. O. F., lodge and encampment. In poli- 
 tics he is a Republican. 
 
 WILLIAM ROBERTSON, of the firm of Robertson & Son, manufacturers of 
 oil-well tools, Bradford, was born near Aberf eldy, Perthshire, Scotland, Septem- 
 ber 29, 1822, a son of William and Isabella (Fergusson) Robertson, both born 
 within two miles of the town named. He was reared and educated in his native 
 county, and there learned the blacksmith's trade. When twenty years of age 
 he went to England, where for eleven years he worked at his trade, being in 
 the employ of railroad companies or contractors for the same. His first railroad 
 wprk was on the Lancaster & Carlisle, at Kendall, Westmoreland, for Brassey, 
 McKenzie & Stevenson ; he next went to ShifPnal, Shropshire, where he had charge 
 of the shops on the Shrewsbury & Birmingham Railroad; then went to Grant- 
 ham, Lincolnshire, and took charge of the shops on the London & York Rail- 
 road ; thence moved to Bacup, and was engaged on the East Lancashire Rail- 
 road; from there he went to the Canada Works, Birkenhead, and for some time 
 worked for Jackson, Peto, Brassey & Betts, and was by them engaged in 1^2 
 to go' to Canada to take charge of the shops on the Grand Trunk Railroad. 
 Thither he went in 1853, and was manager of the Grand Trunk Railroad shops 
 there for a few years, then left on his own account and was in business for 
 himself in Stratford, county of Perth, Ontario, for some years, remaining in 
 Canada a period of about ten years. In about the last year of the war of the 
 Rebellion he came to the United States, and has been in the oil region of Penn- 
 sylvania ever since the Pithole excitement began until the present time. For 
 the first six years after his arrival in the States, he was engaged in the manu- 
 facture of oil-well tools at Pithole City and Petrolia, and in 1880 came to Brad- 
 ford, where he has since carried on the same business most successfully in 
 partnership with his son, Daniel W. The marriage of Mr. Robertson took 
 place in Grantham, Lincolnshire, England, in 1848, to Miss Harriet Guy, who 
 was born near Wellington, Shropshire, England, and six children were born to 
 the union, of whom only two are living: Maggie and Dan W. Mrs. Robert- 
 son and the youngest child died in Petrolia in 1880, and are interred side by 
 side at that place; two of the children died at birth. Mr. Robertson is a mem- 
 ber of the Masonic fraternity, and his son, Dan W. , is a Knight Templar. In 
 politics Mr. Robertson is a Republican, and while at Petrolia served as a mem- 
 ber of the town council. 
 
 E. W. ROLPE, oil producer, Bradford, was born in Concord, N. H., August 
 12, 1849, a son of H. M. Rolfe, an iron manufacturer of Pittsburgh, Penn., 
 where E. W. was reared. The first business experience of our subject was as 
 clerk in his father's office, and in 1869 he was elected secretary and treasurer 
 of the Pittsburgh & Castle Shannon Railroad, being the first to fill that posi- 
 tion. He continued with the railroad company two years, and in 1872 located 
 in Elk county, Penn. , where he embarked in the lumber trade, and for eleven 
 years conducted an extensive business, having in his employ from 300 to 400 
 men. A town was established near the place of his operations, which still 
 bears his name. In 1883 he sold his lumber interests, moved to Bradford and 
 began operating in oil. His first experience in that line of business was while 
 clerking for his father, at which time he bought land near Parker' s Landing, 
 Penn., and had several wells drilled. He now has interests in the oil fields of 
 
BIOGBAPHICAL SKETCHES. 389 
 
 Washington, Allegheny and Butler counties, and also in the lower oil fields. 
 He is an active business man, and is a member of the oil exchange. He has 
 served as a member of the board of health of Bradford, four years, from 1884 
 to 1888. In politics he is a Republican. Mr. Rolfe was married in 1870 to 
 Elizabeth Davis, and they have four children: Herman, Margaret, Emma and 
 Mary. Mrs. Rolfe is a member of the Presbyterian Church. 
 
 D. H. ROOK, funeral director and undertaker, Bradford, was born in 
 Centre county, Penn., October 31, 1842, a son of William and Sophia 
 (Woomer) Rook. William Rook was born in the town of Chambersburg, Md. , 
 January 4, 1816, and Sophia Woomer, his wife, was born near Bald Eagle, 
 Penn., January 1, 1816. They were both of German origin, and were married 
 July 13, 1837. William Rook was a forgeman by trade, which he followed 
 until 1840, when he abandoned it and engaged in lumbering and various other 
 pui-suits until his death in June, 1874, his wife having died some years pre- 
 viously.. The children born to the marriage of William and Sophia Rook were 
 nine in number, and named, respectively: Susan, Decatur, Martin G., David 
 H., Caroline E., Eliza, George W., William G. and Mariah J. The eldest of 
 these, Susan Rook, born April 14, 1838, was married to Richard Phillips, of 
 English origin, and became the mother of two sons and four daughters; she 
 died in October, 1865, and her husband a few years later. Decatur Rook, 
 bofrn October 7, 1839, died at the age of about two years. Martin G. Rook, 
 born November 1, 1840, married Miss Nettie Gearhart, a native of Pennsyl- 
 vania and of German descent, and to this union have been born six children, 
 all living but one; the family reside in Clearfield, Penn., where Martin G. is 
 engaged in the clothing business. Caroline E. Rook, born October 25, 1844, 
 was married to Abednego Woomer, of German extraction, and has borne four 
 children, all girls; the parents and children are still living. Eliza Rook was 
 born April 14, 1846, and died April 3, 1852, aged five years, eleven months 
 and nineteen days. George W. Rook was born April 12, 1848, and died April 
 5, 1852, at the age of three years, eleven months and twenty-three days. 
 William G. Rook was born September 27, 1850, and married Miss Anna E. 
 Erb, of German extraction, and to this union have fceen born three sons and 
 one daughter, but the eldest child, a son, died in August, 1889: the remainder 
 of the family now live in Berwick, Penn. , where Mr. Rook is conducting an 
 extensive livery business. Mariah J. Rook, born March 25, 1853, was but a 
 few months old when her mother died; she was reared and cared for by her 
 aunt, Mrs. Betsey Goss, until her marriage with Jacob Moyer, of German 
 origin, and settlement near Kylertown, Penn. 
 
 David H. Rook, the fourth child and third son of his parents, was born at 
 the date and in the county named at the opening of this sketch, at Allegheny 
 Forge, located on the Phillipsburg and Bellefonte turnpike, Rush townsbip, 
 in which forge his father was employed. The family soon moved to Phillips- 
 burg, and a year later, when about six years of age, our subject was placed in 
 charge of Henry Baughman, a- cousin, residing on a farm in Samburn settle- 
 ment, Clearfield county, with whom he remained until sixteen years of age, 
 assisting on the farm for his board and clothes. He then returned to his 
 father, who at that time lived about two miles from Phillipsburg on the old 
 Erie Pike (the mother being then deceased), and went to work with him and an 
 elder brother at lumbering, to the almost entire neglect of his education, the 
 advantages for which were very limited. In the spring of 1860 he went to 
 Phillipsburg and engaged at small wages with John Morgan, a cabinet-maker 
 and undertaker as well as carpenter; a year and a half later he went to work 
 for William McClelland, who was then riinning a muley saw-mill, but afterward 
 
390 HISTORY OF MCKEAN OOUNTY. 
 
 put up the first and largest steam-mill in Centre county, on what was then 
 known as Bear Run, and here Mr. Eook gained a fair knowledge of the mill- 
 wright trade, which, in conjunction with carpenter work, he followed for some 
 years. In the spring of 1864 he went to Port Matilda, Centre county, where 
 he went to work for John I. Thompson, in the lumber business. Here, in a 
 short time, he made the acquaintance of Miss Margaret Griffiths Jones, young- 
 est daughter of John H. Jones, a native of Wales, who came to America when 
 a boy, and about 1816 married Mrs. Mary Tombelson, by whom he became the 
 father of twelve children, viz. : John G., Eliza G. (deceased), Marshall W. 
 (deceased), Edward P., Ann P., Levie, Elizabeth (deceased), Edie E., Johnston 
 (deceased), Margaret G. , George T. and Ellen (the last-named also deceased). 
 September 10, 1864, Mr. Rook took to wife Miss M. G. Jones aforesaid, the 
 ceremony taking place in the Methodist Episcopal parsonage, and the officiat- 
 ing clergyman being Rev. H. M. Ash, who then had charge of the denom- 
 ination at Port Matilda. April 11, 1865, the young couple began house-keep- 
 ing, and in October they found themselves in a snug little home of their own, 
 with workshop and wareroom attached, ready for the undertaking business, 
 which Mr. Rook then began and has continued ever since, a period of about 
 iwenty-eight years. In October, 1865, Mr. Eook united with the Methodist 
 Episcopal Church, and his wife a few years later; subsequently, in 1868, he 
 donated |150 toward the erection of a new church edifice, the former one hav- 
 ing been destroyed by fire. In 1873 he bought a site, and built an extensive 
 planing-mill, with new machinery, and in 1876 purchased the Jones farm, on 
 which his wife had been born and reared, and on which he erected a handsome 
 new building and an extensive new barn, and other necessary outbuildings. In 
 1878 he sold his then prosperous planing-mill to Hoover, Hughes & Company, 
 but for two years was retained by that firm as its manager, when, finding his 
 shop and farm demands increasing, he resigned and devoted his entire atten- 
 tion to these interests. In 1884 failing strength caused him to relinquish his 
 farm and shop at Port Matilda, both of which he sold, together with his dwell- 
 ing, and then took his family to Curwensville, Clearfield county, where he 
 bought a new home, engaged in mercantile business, and continued undertak- 
 ing until November 1, 1885. when he came to Bradford, his present place 
 of residence, and bought out the Webster Undertaking Company, which he 
 still continues to manage. To the marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Rook have been 
 born nine children as follows: Harry H. (married to Emma E. Evey, and the 
 father of one son), George M. (deceased), Benner T. (deceased), Mary E. (mar- 
 ried to Merritt E. Starr, and the mother of one son and one daughter, the 
 daughter now deceased), Eliza T. (deceased), Edith A. (deceased), Chauncey 
 B. , David P. and Cambridge G. Mr. Rook is a member in good standing of 
 the the following secret societies: A. O. U. W., Knights of St. John and 
 Malta, Royal Templars of Temperance, E. A.U., Iron Hall, S. K. of A. O.U. W., 
 Improved Order of Red Men, P. & A. M. and the S. T. M. R. A. 
 
 HENRY SAALPIELD, proprietor of the ." Arlington Hotel," Bradford, 
 was born in Germany, December 8, 1854, a son of John C. and Margaret S. 
 (Plogfhoft) Saalfield, also natives of Germany. He left his native country for 
 the United States in 1870, landing in New York City, and soon after removed 
 to Titusville, Penn. , where for a time he clerked in the "American House." 
 He then went to Petrolia, Butler county, where he engaged in business for 
 himself. In 1872 he moved to Lancaster, Penn., thence to Armstrong 
 county, same State, and then again to Petrolia, where he conducted the 
 "Griffin House" a time. In 1878 he formed a partnership with George R. 
 Griffin in the production of oil, which he has since continued, and they are 
 
BIOGEAPHIOAL SKETCHES. 391 
 
 also partoers in the hotel business, Mr. Grif&n having charge of the oil inter- 
 ests and Mr. Saalfield of the hotel. Mr. Saalfield was married, in 1883, to 
 Mary, daughter of James H. Lewis of Meadville, and they had three children : 
 John S., Florence M., and Charles H. (who died at the age of one year). Mrs. 
 Saalfield is a member of the Presbyterian Church. Mr. Saalfield in politics is 
 a Republican. He is a member of the Masonic fraternity, and has taken the 
 thirty-second degree. 
 
 CHARLES SAMUELS, dry goods merchant, Bradford, is a native of Ger- 
 many, where he lived till manhood, receiving a collegiate education. In 1868 
 he came to America, and soon after located at Union City, Penn. , where he 
 engaged in the dry goods business. He has moved several times, but finally, 
 in 1879, located in Bradford, where he has since lived, and is now carrying on 
 an extensive dry goods, carpet, and millinery trade. He aims to keep a com- 
 plete and varied stock of goods to please all tastes, and his store, which is well 
 fitted up, is one of the best in its line of trade in the city. Mr. Samuels was 
 married in 1881 to Miss Clara Rosenstein, and they have two children: Lillie 
 and Rosa. He has three sons by a former marriage: Israel, Moses and Abra- 
 ham. In religious faith Mr. and Mrs. Samuels are Israelites. In politics he 
 is a Democrat. 
 
 GEORGE SANFORD, retired, Bradford, is one of the few men now living in 
 that city who have watched the development of McKean county from a wilderness 
 to its present state of thriving villages and towns. In the early days he cut 
 logs, rolled them into the creek at Bradford, and took them thence to the river, 
 and so on to Cincinnati, Ohio, having made thirty trips to and from that city 
 on such business. He was born in Columbia county, N. Y. , January 23, 1810, 
 a son of John and Hannah (Hicks) Sanford, natives of New York, of English de- 
 scent. He was reared a farmer, but after he attained his majority learned the 
 carpenter's trade, at which he worked in addition to farming. He came to 
 McKean county in 1838, and here bought considerable land (a part of which 
 was afterward within the corporation limits of Bradford), which, at the time of 
 the oil boom, he leased for several years, and several good producing wells 
 were drilled on his land. He has sold a number of lots, but still owns twelve 
 acres within the city limits. Mr. Sanford was married July 21, 1841, to La- 
 vantia Whitaker, a native of Rochester, N. Y., daughter of Jonathan and 
 Betsy (LafiFerty) Whitaker. They have two children: Albina T. (wife of 
 F. W. Davis) and Emily R. (wife of Frank P. Wentworth). In politics Mr. 
 Sanford is a Republican. 
 
 CHARLES E. SCHEANCK, wholesale produce merchant, Bradford, 
 was born in Allegany county, N. Y., March 31, 1864, a son of W. C. and 
 Polly M. (Ellsworth) Scheanck, natives of that county, and who still reside 
 there. His father is a mechanic by profession, and politically a strong sup- 
 porter of the Prohibition party. Charles E. was educated at the public 
 schools, and learned the trade of a paper maker, which he followed for five 
 years. In 1886 he came to Bradford, and engaged in his present business, the 
 firm being then Russell & Scheanck, formerly Madison, Russell & Co., and 
 daring last year Mr. Scheanck purchased the entire business which he now 
 conducts at 19 Kennedy street. In 1887 he married Miss Nellie, daugh- 
 ter of William Davidson, of Allegany county, N. Y. Mr. Scheanck is a member 
 of Angelica Lodge, A. O. U. W., and the Bradford Tribe of the Maccabees 
 He is a strong supporter of the Prohibition party. 
 
 O. P. SCHONBLOM, president of the Bradford National Bank, Brad- 
 ford, is a native of Prussia, born September 26, 1838, a son of John P. 
 and Elizabeth (Schutz) Schonblom. He is the eldest of a family of six 
 
392 HISTORY OF MCKEAN COUNTY. 
 
 children. His parents came to the United States when he was a child, and 
 settled in Buffalo, N. Y. , where he was reared. He has lived in Bradford 
 since 1879, and is one of the leading business men of the place. Mr. Schon- 
 blom was married in Erie county, N. Y., in 1864, to Miss Christine Burkhal- 
 ter, a native of New York, of French descent, and they halve three children: 
 Anna (wife of Thomas H. Kennedy), Clara and Harry. In politics Mr. 
 Schonblom is a Republican. He is a Knight Templar. 
 
 J. L. SEYPANG, of the firm of Bovaird & Seyfang, manufacturers, Brad- 
 ford, was born -in Germany May 3, 1844, a son of George and Mary B. 
 (Heim) Seyfang. His father died in Germany in 1849, and in 1850 his 
 mother came to America with her three children, J. L. being the eldest, and 
 settled in Buffalo, N. Y. Mr. Seyfang was reared in Buffalo, where for a 
 time he attended the graded schools, but in his youth learned the jnachinist's 
 trade, at which he served an apprenticeship of four years. He then worked 
 at his trade in Buffalo two years, and in 1868 moved to Petroleum Centre, 
 where he was employed at the oil wells five months, and then returned to Buffalo, 
 and worked at his trade a year. Early in 1869 he came to Shamburg, Ve- 
 nango county; in 1875 he removed to Titusville, Crawford county, and in 
 1879 established his present business on a small scale. His trade has con- 
 stantly increased from the start, and is now the largest manufacturing estab- 
 lishment in the city, giving employment to 200 men. In 1875 he admitted 
 David Bovaird as a partner, who has charge of the outside work, Mr. Sey- 
 fang being manager and general superintendent of the factory. They manu- 
 facture steam-engines, boilers, drilling tools, and all kinds of special machin- 
 ery. Mr. Seyfang was married in July, 1869, to Miss C. T. Montgomery, a 
 native of Franklin, Venango Co., Penn. , a descendant of the old Dutch colon- 
 ists. They have six children: Kittie A., M. M., John E., Charles F., Clarence 
 L. and Herbert C. Mr. and Mrs. Seyfang are members of the Presbyterian 
 Church. In politics he is a Republican, and was president of the commoa 
 council of Bradford. 
 
 P. M. SHANNON, oil producer, Bradford, was born September 2, 1846, in 
 Shannondale, Clarion Co., Penn., a son of C. S. and Martha (McFarland) 
 Shannon, natives of Pennsylvania, of Scotch-Irish and English descent. He 
 was reared in his native town, and had just entered on his college course, when, 
 January 1, 1862, in response to the President's call for more men to assist in 
 suppressing the Rebellion, he enlisted, and being of manly appearance was 
 able to deceive the enrolling officer as to his age. He was assigned to Com- 
 pany C, Sixty-second Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry, under Col. Samuel W. 
 Black, of Pittsburgh. He served with his regiment in the army of the Potomac, 
 until the battle of Gaines' Mills, Va. , where he was wounded in his right foot, 
 and thus being disabled for further service he was discharged and returned 
 home, and after his recovery was employed in Pittsburgh, Penn. , as a traveling 
 salesman. While visiting Parker City, Armstrong Co., Penn., in 1870, he be- 
 came interested in the workings of ar( oil well, and immediately turned his at- 
 tention to that business which he has since followed. He was one of the 
 pioneers of Millerstown, Butler county, operating extensively in that section, as 
 well as in most of the lower oil fields. He removed to Bradford in 1879, where 
 he has since made his home, and has here been associated with some of the 
 largest operators. Mr. Shannon has taken an active interest in politics in the 
 ranks of the Republican party. In 1873 he 'was elected burgess of Millers- 
 town, and in 1876 he was nominated on the Republican ticket to represent his 
 district in the Legislature, but on account of a strong feeling against the oil 
 men the vote of the oil portion of the county was thrown out of the convention. 
 
BIOGEAPHIOAL SKETOHES. 393 
 
 thereby defeating him. In 1885 he was elected mayor of Bradford, and being 
 firm in his convictions in favor of morality and in enforcing the law, he gained 
 considerable popularity and credit for such successful administration. His 
 brother, ex sheriff Irwin M. Shannon, of Clarion county, is as strongly Demo- 
 cratic as he is Republican. Mr. Shannon married June 18, 1881, Miss Hattie 
 M. Mcintosh, daughter of George W. and Anna (Evans) Mcintosh, and they 
 have one child, Hazel M., born May 28, 1884. Mr. and Mrs. Shannon are 
 members of the Episcopal Church congregation, of which church he has been a 
 vestryman seven years at Bradford. Mr. Shannon is a prominent Mason, hav- 
 ing attained the thirty-second degree. He is member of Union Lodge No. 
 334, F. & A. M. ; past high priest of Chapter, No. 260, E. A. M. ; member of 
 Bradford Council, No. 43; past eminent commander of Trinity Commandery, 
 No. 58, K. T., all of these bodies located at Bradford; he is also a member of 
 the Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite, thirty- second degree, sitting in the Val- 
 ley of Pittsburgh, Penn. , of the N. M. J. , U. S. A. 
 
 S. R. SHEAKLEY, superintendent of the Forest Oil Company, Bradford, 
 was born in Butler county, Penn., July 14, 1846, a son of John and Catherine 
 (Keep) Sheakley, natives of Pennsylvania and of German descent. His father 
 died in 1852, leaving a family of seven children, of whom S. R. was the fourth. 
 He was reared on a farm and was given good educational advantages, attend- 
 ing Dayton College in Armstrong county, and Union Academy, from which he 
 graduated in 1866. He then went to Kentucky, where he was engaged in the 
 oil business. From there he proceeded to West Virginia, thence to Ohio, and 
 from there to McKean county, Penn. , in 1877. Mr. Sheakley was married in 
 November, 1882, to Nellie C. Cameron, daughter of John Cameron, and they 
 have two children: John C. and Fannie. Mrs. Sheakley is a member of the 
 Presbyterian Church. In politics Mr. Sheakley is a Republican, and he is a 
 Knight Templar in the Masonic fraternity. 
 
 W. P. SHOEMAKER, M. D. (deceased), was born in Armstrong county, 
 Penn. , June 6, 1848, a son of Jesse and Susan (Brubaker) Shoemaker, both 
 natives of Pennsylvania, and of German descent, former of whom died, in 1856, 
 in Armstrong county, where he spent his entire life. Dr. Shoemaker was the 
 seventh in a family of nine children, of whom the three youngest were phy- 
 sicians. He was given fair educational advantages, attending for a time the 
 State normal school at Millersville, Penn. Choosing the profession of medi- 
 cine, he began its study, and finally graduated in 1874 from the Michigan Uni- 
 versity (Department of Medicine) at Ann Arbor. He first located in Ontario, 
 Canada, where he remained three years, when he returned to his native State, 
 settling in the oil regions. In 1880 he came to Bradford, McKean county, 
 where he soon had a good practice. He afterward took a post-graduate course at 
 Bellevue Hospital Medical College, New York City, and in 1884 went to Eng- 
 land, wher5 for a year he practiced in the London hospitals. Returning to 
 Bradford in 1885, he was for some time surgeon for the Erie, the New York & 
 Pittsburgh, and the Bradford, Bordell & Kinzua Railroads. He was a mem- 
 ber of the State and County Medical Societies (being president at one time of 
 the latter), and also of the American and International Association. He was 
 a Knight Templar. Dr. Shoemaker was generous in the bestowal of his chari- 
 ties, and left at his death a large circle of friends to mourn his loss. 
 
 HENRY J. SIEGFRIED,- druggist, Bradford, was born in Mercer county, 
 Penn. , March 5, 1853, the eldest son of Daniel M. and Anna (Myers) Sieg- 
 fried, natives of Berks county, Penn., of German and English ancestry, who 
 now live in Dakota. After leaving school Mr. Siegfried began clerking in a 
 drug store at Franklin, Penn., and later took up the study of pharmacy. In 
 
394: HISTORY OF MCKEAN COUNTY. 
 
 1880 he removed to Bradford, where he became established in business for 
 himself, and has built up a large trade. He makes a specialty of compound- 
 ing physicians' prescriptions, and has a goodly share of that branch in the drug 
 business in the city. He is recognized as a careful and reliable pharmacist, 
 and his honorable and upright dealings with his customers have gained the 
 confidence of the community. Mr. Siegfried was married August 11, 1885, to 
 Miss Marion Baker, daughter of Daniel Baker, of Allegheny City, Penn. Mr. 
 Siegfried is a member of the German Reformed Church ; his wife of the Meth- 
 odist Episcopal Church. In politics Mr. Siegfried is a Democrat. He is a 
 member of the Masonic fraternity. 
 
 Vf. E. SLOCUM, agent for the United States Express Company, Bradford, 
 was born in Troy, N. Y., October 5, 1847, a son of H. C. and Mary (Hyde) 
 Slocum. He was well educated, having attended school in Washington county, 
 N. Y. , and also in Chautauqua county, N. Y. When a young man he was 
 cashier for his father, who controlled the stock yards in Tioga county, N. Y. , 
 near Owego, the present home of his parents; later he went south, and finally to 
 Chicago, where he remained until 1871, carrying on a farm and dairy near the 
 city until about the time of the great fire. He then obtained a situation with 
 the United States Express Company as messenger on the night line of the 
 Erie Railroad, between Dunkirk and Elmira, N. Y. In 1884 he was appointed 
 agent at Owego, and in 1886 was transferred to Bradford, Penn. Mr. Slocum 
 was married in Owego, N. Y., February 4, 1873, to Miss Viola A. Goodrich, 
 a native of Delaware county, N. Y. , of Holland-Dutch ancestry, daughter of 
 David Goodrich, and they have one child, May E. Mr. and Mrs. Slocum are 
 prominent members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Mrs. Slocum is a 
 member of the W. C. T. U., and takes a great interest in the workings of that 
 association. In politics Mr. Slocum is a Republican. 
 
 B. P. SMITH, carriage manufacturer, Bradford, was born in Chautauqua 
 county, N. Y., February 26, 1854, the youngest son of Pliny and Fannie 
 (Rhinehart) Smith, and is a member of the fifth generation from Henry Smith, 
 one of the Puritan fathers. He was given a good education, attending the 
 normal school at Fredonia, N. Y. , and then taught two years. He afterward 
 began to learn the carriage maker's trade, which he has since followed. 
 He came to Bradford in 1882, and in 1887 embarked in business for himself. 
 He is a prominent citizen of the city, and is serving his third term as a mem- 
 ber of the council, representing the third ward. In politics he is a Republican. 
 Mr. Smith was married at Brockton, N. Y., in 1875, to Miss Sophia N. Fay, 
 and they have one child, Viola F. The parents of Mrs . Sophia N. Smith are 
 O. N. and Emeline Fay, the latter deceased. Pliny and Fannie Smith were 
 both born in New York State, and are residents of Fredonia. Mrs. Sophia 
 N. Smith is a member of the Presbyterian Church. 
 
 S. H. SMITH, a member of the firm of Smith & Bro., grocers, Bradford, 
 was born in Northeast, Erie Co., Penn., June 18, 1856, a son of S. C. and J. 
 A. (Valentine) Smith, former a native of Erie county, Penn., and latter of 
 Michigan, both of English descent. Mr. Smith was given good educational 
 advantages, and for a time taught in the schools of his native county. He 
 then came to Bradford and became a member of the firm of Willis & Smith, 
 and three years later bought his partner's interest, continuing the business 
 alone until 1884, when he admitted his brother as a partner. The firm does 
 an extensive business, both wholesale and retail, giving employment to six 
 men, and keeping two delivery wagons busy all the time. The Smith Bros, are 
 young men of good business ability, and their fair prices and accommodating 
 ways have built them up a large custom. S. H. Smith is also associated with 
 
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 395 
 
 B. F. Williams in the oil business. Mr. Smith was married in 1883 to 
 Mary Hagerty, a native of Hornellsville, N. Y. In politics he is a Eepub- 
 lican. He is a member of Union Lodge, No. 334, F. & A. M. ; Bradford Chap- 
 ter, No. 260, R. A. M. ; Trinity Commandery, No. 58, K. T., and of Council, 
 No. 43; he is also a member of the Eoyal Arcanum. He and his wife are 
 members of the Presbyterian Church, Bradford. 
 
 ALFRED L. SNELL, editor and associate manager of the Bradford 
 Era, was born at St. Johnsville, Montgomery Co., N. Y., October 20, 1854. 
 His parents were natives of that county, of which their ancestors were pio- 
 neers. Mr. Snell received a liberal education in the public schools, and passed 
 three years at Cornell University, Ithaca, N. Y. From 1877 to 1880 he was 
 engaged in mercantile business in his native town, but university life and the 
 great oil stampede suggested to him a different vocation, and on July 1, 1880, 
 we find him enrolled on the list of the true Bohemians of the Pennsylvania oil 
 fields as reporter and oil statistician for the Derrick. He, assisted by J. C. 
 McMullen, compiled the elaborate report of wells and well owners in McKean 
 county in 1881, and later reports of production for the producers' committee 
 from July, 1881, to March, 1882. Afterward he became reporter for the Even- 
 ing Star, but during the summer and fall of 1882 he was among the oil scouts 
 at Cherry Grove, Balltown and the Cooper tract. Subsequently he served as a 
 broker's clerk in the Bradford Oil Exchange; in 1882-83 he was clerk in the 
 clearing house and member of Producers' Oil Exchange, and in August, 
 1883, with J. C. McMullen and W. C. Armor, he purchased the Petroleum 
 Age, with which he was connected until December, 1887, when he was ap- 
 pointed editor and associate manager of the Era. On June 20, 1883, Mr. 
 Snell married Mary L. Horn, of St. Johnsville, N. Y. 
 
 HENRY SONDHEIM, one of the well-known merchants of Bradford, is a 
 native of Germany, born July 22, 1832. When he was four years old his 
 parents came to America and settled in New York City, where, when he was a 
 boy, he obtained a situation as clerk in a dry-goods house. In 1852 he went 
 to California, returning to New York in 1859. In 1863 he began business for 
 himself in Rochester, N. H. , and in 1868 removed to Buffalo, N. Y. , where he 
 remained until 1878, when he moved his stock to Bradford, Penn. He carries 
 a large and well-assorted stock of dry goods, carpets, etc. , his being one of the 
 best stores in the city. Mr. Sondheim is a public-spirited citizen, and one of 
 the leading business men of Bradford. He was married November 10, 1861, in 
 the city of New York, to Miss Alice Kahn, and has four children: Solomon, Philip, 
 Ray and Sophia. In politics Mr. Sondheim is a Democrat. He is a member 
 of the Knights of Pythias, and is a past worthy chancellor; has also passed all 
 the chairs of the I. O. B. B. ; he is also a member of the K. S. B., the L O. F. S. 
 of I., and of the Iron Hall fraternities. He and his family are members of 
 the Hebrew Reformed Temple, Beth Zion. His parents, Simon and Rachel 
 Sondheim, are both deceased. 
 
 H. S. SOUTHARD, Bradford, Penn. , was born in St. Louis, January 9, 
 1841, a son of Allen and Jane (Hughes) Southard, the former a native of 
 Brooklyn, N. Y. , of English descent, the latter a native of Wales. His father 
 was a sea captain who spent most of his life on the ocean and the great lakes. 
 Mr. Southard was reared in Pennsylvania, was married in the spring of 1865 
 to Sarah Rose Mizener, of Mifflinburg, Penn. , daughter of Rev. D. Mizener, a 
 minister of the Methodist Episcopal Church. They have one son, H. S. , Jr. 
 While quite a young man, not yet of age, Mr. Southard became one of the 
 pioneers in the oil business, putting down his first well on the Blood farm on 
 Oil Creek, and from this on was an active operator in oil stocks in New York, 
 
396 HISTOKY OF MCKEAN COUNTY. 
 
 and at the same time a producer of oil, shipping the oil at that early date, in 
 flat boats to Pittsburgh, down the Allegheny river, in all of which enterprises 
 he met with good success. During the years from 1867 to 1870 he was en- 
 gaged in the wholesale dry goods and notion business, under the firm name of 
 Southard, Crawford & McCord, in the city of Erie. His health failing, he was 
 obliged to leave the lake shore for a time and go west. While in Minneapolis 
 he organized the Minneapolis Gas Light Company, and gave his attention to 
 real-estate, making some valuable investments. Eeturning to Pennsylvania 
 he engaged again in the oil business, and he is now largely identified also in 
 the lumbering interests of McKean county. He laid out the town of Bordell, 
 the post-office of which bears his name, and organized the Bordell & Eew 
 City Plank Road Company. As a resident of Bradford he is a member of the 
 common council, and president of the Bradford Building and Loan Association. 
 
 C. SPANGLBR, proprietor of a meat market, Bradford, was born in Ger- 
 many, January 15, 1835, a son of George and Rachel Spangler. His parents 
 came to America in 1838, and settled in Pittsburgh, Penn., where the father 
 died in 1878, and the mother in 1874. Mr. C. Spangler began clerking in a 
 meat market in his youth, and has made that his business thus far through life. 
 In 1865 he located at Oil City, Penn. , and established a market, removing 
 thence to Bradford in 1880. Mr. Spangler was married in Allegheny City, 
 Penn., in 1859, to Dora Dune, a daughter of George Dune, who is of German 
 descent, and they have nine children: Charles, Emma, Ida, Caroline, George 
 W., Alfred, Arthur, Howard and Edna. Mr. and Mrs. Spangler are members 
 of the Methodist Episcopal Church. He is a member of the Royal Arcanum, 
 of the E. A. U., also of the Protected Home Circle, and is president of both 
 the latter organizations. 
 
 H. M. SPBNCE, of the firm of Spence & Dennis, dealers in torpedoes and 
 nitro glycerine, Bradford, was born in Paterson, N. J., June 24, 1852, a son 
 of Archibald and Mary Spence, former of whom was a native of Scotland, and 
 latter of New York, of German descent. He remained at home with his 
 parents, who had removed to Michigan, until twenty-two years of age, when 
 he went to Chicago and worked for the Chicago City Street Railway Company 
 for two years. In 1876 he became interested in the account of the Pennsyl- 
 vania oil fields, and accordingly moved to Bradford, where he engaged in the 
 oil producing business two years, and in 1878 became established in his present 
 business. Mr. Spence was married October 4, 1886, to Miss Dora Davis, 
 daughter of Col. IT. L. Davis. In politics Mr. Spence is a Republican, and is 
 a member of the county central committee. He has served one term on the 
 city school board, and is at present a member of the select council of Bradford 
 City. He is a member of the Royal Arcanum, of which he is past regent. 
 Mrs. Spence' s father. Col. Davis, is a resident of his native State, New York. 
 He was born October 27, 1812, a son of Stephen and Sally (Prisbee) Davis, 
 who were of Welsh and English descent, respectively, and a grandson of Capt. 
 John Davis of the Revolutionary war. Col. Davis has in his possession three 
 commissions granted to his grandfather, the oldest bearing the date of 1762. 
 Imbued with true military spirit, and inheriting the patriotism of his grandsire, 
 when the war of the Rebellion was declared Col. Davis raised the Eighty-fifth 
 New York Volunteer Infantry, and served as its colonel until obliged to resign 
 on account of ill health in 1862. He has recently received the old sword he 
 carried while in the service, and which was captured by the Confederates. He has 
 been a prominent citizen of his county (Allegany), and has served as sherifP of 
 the same. Politically he is a Republican. He has been married three times, 
 and has three children, two by the first and one by the second marriage, viz. : 
 
BIOGBAPHIOAL SKETCHES. 397 
 
 Helen R. ; E. F., who was lieutenant in the Eighty- fifth New York Volunteer 
 Infantry, and died in the service in 1862, and Dora S., now Mrs. H. M. 
 Spenoe. 
 
 L. M. STERNS, of the firm of Sterns & Milligan, wholesale produce and 
 commission merchants, Bradford, was born in Lake county, Ohio, Novem- 
 ber 3, 1844, a son of Ziba and Eliza (Emerson) Sterns, also natives of Ohio, 
 of English descent. His parents still live on the farm near Madison, where 
 he spent his childhood. After leaving the common schools of his native 
 county Mr. Sterns started in life for himself, his first business ventiire being 
 in the produce line. In 1878 he moved to Bradford and became established 
 in his present business, conducting it alone until 1881, when Mr. Milligan was 
 admitted as a partner, and their business increased. Mr. Sterns was married 
 May 29, 1866, to Elma D. Hodges, daughter of S. S. Hodges, and they have 
 three children: Mattie, Harry and Eva. Mrs. Sterns is a member of the 
 Methodist Episcopal Church. In politics Mr. Sterns is a Republican; he is a 
 member of the Masonic fraternity. 
 
 RUFUS BARRETT STONE, counselor at law, Bradford, was born in 
 the town of Groton, Mass., November 24, 1847. He is the son of Warren 
 Fay and Mary (Williams) Stone, the former of English and the latter of Welsh 
 descent. His maternal great-grandfather, Jacob Williams, was a Revolution- 
 ary soldier, and his first American ancestor, Thomas Williams, was one of the 
 original proprietors of the town of Groton, which was settled in 1655, and a 
 reputed relative of Roger Williams, founder of the Rhode Island colony. 
 Mr. Stone's paternal ancestry was intermarried with the families of Warren, 
 Prescott and Green, of heroic Revolutionary fame, and is traced directly to 
 Simon Stone, who came to this country in the ship "Increase," in 1635, and 
 settled at Watertown, Mass. His early descendants were engaged in the In- 
 dian wars, a garrison having been established at the house of Deacon John 
 Stone, in Groton, in the year 1691, known in the early records as "Stone's 
 Garrispn." Just a hundred years later, and yet as early as 1790, a school kept 
 at his house took the name of a lineal descendant, Jonas Stone. Of the same 
 lineage was Rev. Thomas T. Stone, the oldest living Unitarian minister, the 
 friend of Emerson and Alcott, and a contributor to the Dial. Mr Stone's 
 father followed the trade of a carpenter. He was an inti-slavery Republican, 
 and at the presidential election of 1856 was chosen to the lower house of the 
 Massachusetts legislatiire. He had three children now living: Charles War- 
 ren Stone, of Warren, ex-lieutenant-governor of Pennsylvania, and at present 
 secretary of the commonwealth ; George Fisher Stone, late city superintendent 
 of public instruction of Bradford, now engaged in the practice of law at South- 
 port, N. C, and Rufus Barrett Stone, the subject of this sketch, of inter- 
 mediate age. The latter, who was but ten years old at his father's death, 
 was reared on his grandfather's farm, which the three sons cultivated during 
 their minority. At the outbreak of the Civil war the lad applied for the posi- 
 tion of powder-boy on a man-of-war, but was rejected. He has had the honor 
 since the war to become a member of the famous Massachusetts Sixth Regi- 
 ment. He attended the district school, high school and Lawrence Academy, 
 where he graduated in the classical department. Subsequently he took a 
 special course at Williams College in the junior year of the class of 1869, 
 from which he was recalled by domestic bereavement. In the latter year he 
 entered the United States Internal Revenue service as chief clerk of the as- 
 sessor of the third district of Mississippi; and later as assistant assessor and 
 deputy collector, he passed through the experiences incident to the perform- 
 ance of such official duties, including the capture of illicit border distilleries 
 
398 HISTORY OF MCKEAN COUNTY. 
 
 during the days of Southern reconstruction. While so engaged he took up 
 the study of law, and was admitted to practice in 1872 at Hernando, De Soto 
 Co. , Miss. , before the courts of that district, and later in the supreme court of 
 the State. Having resigned from the revenue service he entered upon the 
 practice of law at Okolona, Miss., in copartnership with F. S. Pate, Esq., a 
 native of the State and formerly district attorney for the county. In the en- 
 suing year Mr. Stone held the appointment of United States commissioner for 
 the northern district of Mississippi. In 1873 he was appointed chancellor of 
 the seventeenth chancery district, composed of the counties of Scott, Simp- 
 son, Smith and Covington, and six months later was unanimously confirmed by 
 the senate, including Democratic senators representing the district. Of his 
 decisions only one was reversed, although several were mooted in the news- 
 papers and published at length, especially one relating to Confederate money 
 as a contract consideration, and another relating to the statute of limitations 
 as affected by the Civil war. In 1876 he resigned and removed to Bradford, 
 Penn. During his residence in Mississippi Mr. Stone was deeply interested 
 in the progress of reconstruction, and his active espousal of the policy of the 
 Republican party rendered him obnoxious to the lawless element of the oppo- 
 sition. He was repeatedly assaulted, shot at, hung in effigy and made the 
 recipient of death notices. He went to the State while it was a department of 
 the fourth military district, and accepted an appointment under Gen. Ames 
 as one of the registrars of the ensuing election in' Chickasaw county. He 
 was subsequently made chairman of the Republican county committee, and 
 repeatedly sent as a delegate to political conventions. He not only took part 
 in public speaking during several campaigns, and often before riotous assem- 
 blies with one hand resting upon his revolver, but also contributed editorial 
 articles to the Mississippi Pilot, the State Republican organ published at 
 the capita], and temporarily edited the Prairie News, published at Okolona. 
 The constitutionality of a State revenue act, separating the offices of sheriff 
 and tax collector, having been denied in a legal opinion published editorially 
 by ex- Representative Watson, of the Confederate congress, and accepted with 
 much demonstration by the Dem^ocratic press of the State, Mr. Stone con- 
 troverted the position in a series of articles which, published over an initial 
 signature, were commolly attributed to ex-Attorney Gen. Morris. 
 
 While a resident of Mississippi Mr. Stone became acquainted with Marga- 
 ret Sarah Baldwin, a native of Ashfield, Mass., but then a resident of Mon- 
 trose, Susquehanna Co. , Penn. , to whom he was married at the home of her 
 uncle, P. H. Porter, in Newark, N. J., April 18, 1872, her father, Rev. Burr 
 Baldwin, officiating, assisted by Rev. Jonathan Stearns, D. D. , a brother-in- 
 law of Sargent S. Prentiss, of Mississippi, the favorite orator and famous 
 Southern statesman. 
 
 Life in the South, with its vigils and dangers, had not been without attrac- 
 tion hitherto. But a bullet-hole over the mantel, a shattered shutter, the 
 head-gear of A Ku-Klux, and an array of deadly weapons, were rather grim 
 relics to constitute the bric-a-brac of a honeymoon. Right bravely the gentle 
 wife bore the sight of an armed mob, the occasional news of neighborhood 
 assassination, the duty of midnight entertainment to a vigilance committee. 
 And Mr. Stone, with the quiet sympathy of the best people of the community, 
 still sought among his neighbors to revive the broken confidence of the people 
 in our national form of government, to encourage faith in its administration, 
 and to commend the Republican policy as a just basis of mutual trust between 
 the races. But public opinion seemed rigid, the future of the South locked up 
 in sullen hatred, and the time far off when it could become a congenial and in- 
 
BIOGEAPHICAL SKETCHES. 399 
 
 spiring home for people of Northern birth. Upon his removal to Bradford Mr. 
 Stone lost no degree of interest in the cause of his political party. Upon the 
 organization of a Republican club he became its president, and was twice re- 
 elected. In 1878 he was made chairman of the county committee, and subse- 
 quently a member of the State committee. In 1882 he received a unanimous 
 Eepublican nomination for mayor of Bradford, and was barely defeated by 
 the intervention of an independent candidate. He has taken part in every 
 campaign, speaking in his own coimty and occasionally in other neighboring 
 counties. The Evening Star, a daily Eepublican newspaper published at 
 Bradford, was founded with his aid in 1879, and soon after he became its sole 
 proprietor and publisher. Having conducted it at an average loss for several 
 years, he at length disposed of it. The paper passed through subsequent 
 stages of ownership until finally it reached the Star Publishing Company, its 
 present corporate proprietor, of which Mr. Stone is a director. While engaged 
 in its publication he conducted its editorial department, and in periods of es- 
 pecial public interest wrote its leading articles. Thus, during the controversy 
 between Conkling and Garfield, he sustained the position of the New York 
 senators throughout, as in accord with the ideas of Franklin and Madison, and 
 justified by custom and by the clearest views of public policy. Certain of these 
 articles, having fallen under the eye of Mr. Conkling, received his graceful ac- 
 knowledgment. In the New York campaign which followed the senatorial 
 election the Star took earnest ground against the re-election of State Senator 
 Sessions from the counties of Chautauqua and Cattaraugus, and its editorials 
 were reprinted and posted on the dead walls and fences throughout the dis- 
 trict. Sessions was defeated. The Star resisted the Independent movement 
 in Pennsylvania under Wolfe and Stewart, against strong local influence and 
 loss of patronage. It made successful opposition to the adherents of the 
 Greenback theory when, under the remarkable leadership of David Kirk, they 
 sought for him a seat in congress. Notwithstanding a threatened suit for libel 
 in a season of great excitement among oil producers, it opposed the right of 
 "mystery" owners to play with the fortunes of small producers by the publi- 
 cation or tacit sanction of false reports. In respect to municipal affairs, its 
 criticism of the administration of Treasurer Critchlow for disbursing indis- 
 criminately from distinct funds resulted in his defeat as a candidate for 
 re-election. Its influence was exerted against the adoption of the Holly system 
 of water-works, and in favor of the present gravity system, which it supported 
 with diagrams and engineers' reports prepared under its direction. In 1879 
 Mr. Stone made an elaborate but ineffectual argument before the common coun 
 cil in favor of the seating of F. S. Johnson, a contestant, and in 1885 success- 
 fully conducted an investigation and trial before the same body, which resulted 
 in unseating one of its members. Soon after his arrival in Bradford Mr. Stone 
 became interested in the petroleum business, and served for a number of years 
 as chairman of a limited co-partnership, which operated successfully as a pioneer 
 company of Knapp's creek. He has since been continuously engaged in oil 
 operations, with varying success, and his interests have extended to th« coun- 
 ties of Washington and Allegheny, in Pennsylvania, and into the fields of Ohio, 
 West Virginia and New York. In 1879, at a mass meeting of oil producers 
 held at Bradford, he was chosen as a member of a committee to oppose the 
 taxation of oil before a legislative revenue commission, and at the request of 
 the committee prepared an argument which was submitted to the commission 
 and supplied to members of the legislature. The measure was not afterward 
 pressed. He subsequently drafted a bill, which in modified form became a 
 law, requiring abandoned oil wells to be plugged. Mr. Stone is a corporator 
 
 21 
 
400 HISTOBY OF MCKEAN COUNTY. 
 
 and officer in several natural gas companies, and in like manner engaged in 
 certain railroad enterprises. In 1884 he went to Leadville, Colo. , as the presi- 
 dent of the Muncie Mining Company, and the year previous visited the Pacific 
 coast. At home Mr. Stone has exhibited marked interest in the growth and 
 prosperity of Bradford. He drafted the charter and by-laws of the board of 
 trade, aided conspicuously in its organization, and, as its vice-president and 
 member of the board of directors, helped to shape its policy of encouragement 
 to manufacturers, and conducted the negotiations which resulted in the location 
 and erection at Bradford of the repair shops of the Eochester & Pittsburgh 
 Railroad Company. He was a member and afterward treasurer of the Brad- 
 ford Hotel Company, limited, which erected the St. James Hotel ; a corporator 
 and afterward president of the Bradford Manufacturing Company, which 
 erected the furniture factory now occupied by B. F. Hazelton, and a corporator 
 and treasurer of the Bradford Glass Works, which erected the works now con- 
 ducted by the Bradford Glass Company, limited. He was a coi-porator and 
 director of the Bradford, Smethport & DeGolier Railroad Company, which was 
 merged in the Bradford, Bordell & Kinzua Railroad Company, under an agree- 
 ment that the line should be extended to Smethport ; and a corporator and trustee 
 of the Bradford Hospital, whose charter and by-laws he prepared. At the 
 organization, in 1880, of the State Hospital for the Insane for the northwestern 
 district, comprising the counties of Cameron, Clarion, Crawford, Elk, Erie, 
 Forest, McKean, Mercer, Venango and Warren, he was appointed a member of 
 the board of trustees, and in 1888 he was elected president of the board. 
 Upon various public occasions he has not infrequently been called upon to pre- 
 side or to respond. He has made reported remarks at a celebration of the 
 Irish Land League; at the dedication of the Bradford City Hospital; at a stated 
 meeting of the Temperance Rescue Corps ; at the dedication of the McKean 
 county court-house, on the event of the death of Garfield, and upon numerous 
 other occasions, but these are sufficient to show the breadth of his sympathies 
 and public spirit. His published addresses include one delivered at the dedi- 
 cation of Armory Hall; a speech under the title "The Republican Idea," de- 
 livered at Rixford, in 1884; Memorial Day addresses delivered at Eldred, at 
 Olean, N. Y., and at Bradford; an address of welcome to the survivors of the 
 " Bucktail Regiment, " and a lecture on political economy before the Brad- 
 ford Business College. Comprehending the future growth of Bradford, and 
 regarding it as his permanent home, he purchased at an early date desirable 
 sites for his dwelling and office. The former is an attractive cottage in the 
 foot-hills, and the latter a brick building of pleasing architectural design, which 
 he christened ' ' Pompelon Hall,' ' adopting the name of a noted Spanish city 
 because it was borne by the tract or warrant, as originally granted, on which 
 the city of Bradford is situated. A society known as the Pompelon Club, 
 comprising a membership of about 200, meets in this building weekly, and 
 has attained celebrity in this section for its discussions of important public 
 topics. "Upon his arrival in Bradford Mr. Stone at once resumed the practice 
 of his profession, and at length formed a partnership with A. Leo Weil, Esq. , 
 with whom he subsequently opened a branch office in Pittsburgh, when that 
 city had become an oil metropolis, attracting their clientage, and there Mr. 
 Weil is now separately engaged in practice. Mr. Stone discovering that his 
 professional business at Bradford demanded more exclusive attention than he 
 could give to it without hazarding other business, which he had undertaken, 
 the partnership with Mr. Weil was succeeded by the association of Hon. Wal- 
 lace W. Brown (lately representing the district in congress) and George A. 
 Sturgeon, Esq. (since elected district attorney for the county), under the firm 
 
BIOGEAPHICAL SKETCHES. 401 
 
 name of Stone, Brown & Sturgeon. Mr. Brown having temporarily retired 
 from practice in 1889, the association with Mr. Sturgeon still continues. Mr. 
 Stone is admitted to practice in the district and supreme courts of the State 
 the circuit and district and supreme courts of the United States, and his prac- 
 tice has extended to each of these courts. 
 
 R. J. STKAIGHT, one of the most extensive oil producers in the Bradford 
 oil fields, has lived in Bradford since 1876. He began working in the oil fields 
 when sixteen years old, being first employed in Venango county. He had 
 chai-ge of the famous Noble well on the Ferris farm, the output of which, from 
 its beginning to its close, was over 442, 000 barrels. He also worked for a 
 time at the oil refining business, and while at this began drilling wells for him- 
 self. He went to Tidioute, Warren county, where he operated until he came to 
 Bradford, and since coming here has been one of the heaviest producers in this 
 section. Since beginning his career as an oil producer Mr. Straight has drilled 
 over 1,000 wells, the output of which has been enormous. He is an active 
 member of the Producers' Protective Association, which was organized in 1887. 
 Mr. Straight is a native of Crawford county, Penn., a son of Eandall and 
 Maria C. (Clark) Straight, and a brother of Dr. A. M. Straight. He was mar- 
 ried iu 1870 to Miss Augusta Shirley, daughter of Alfred Shirley, of Niagara 
 county, N. Y. Mrs. Straight died, a member of the Presbyterian Church, in 
 1876, leaving two children : Edith and Herbert. Mr. Straight is a Democrat. 
 
 A. M. STRAIGHT, M. D., one of the most successful physicians of Brad- 
 ford, was born in Crawford county, Penn., August 5, 1847, the third of five 
 children of Eandall and Maria C. (Clark) Straight, who were natives of New 
 York, the father of Madison county and the mother of Cattaraugus county, and 
 both of English descent. The father died in 1879, in Warren coimty, Penn. , 
 where he had lived a number of years. A. M. Straight was reared and received 
 his rudimentary education in his native county, later taking a course at Oberlin 
 College. Choosing medicine as his profession he entered the Western Reserve 
 Medical College, from which he graduated in 1870. Wishing to be still more 
 thoroughly versed in his profession he then attended Bellevue Hospital Medical 
 College, at New York City, from which he graduated in 1875. He then located 
 at Wilcox, Elk Co., Penn., where he remained until 1885, when he moved to 
 Bradford. His oflSce is in the Berry block. Dr. Straight is an untiring student 
 of his profession, and keeps himself well informed on all subjects of interest 
 and benefit to the fraternity. He has met with remarkable success in his prac- 
 tice, which is large and constantly increasing. He is an active member of the 
 county medical society, which he has served as president, and is also a member 
 of the State, American and International organization. For sixteen years Dr. 
 Straight was surgeon for the Pennsylvania Railroad Company; since 1885 he 
 has been surgeon for the Buffalo, Pittsburgh & Rochester Railroad Company. 
 He is also secretary of the United States Examining Board for Pensions. Dr. 
 Straight was married in September, 1873, to Miss Minnie Preston, daughter of 
 A. B. Preston, and they have four children: Preston, Grace, Anna and Persis. 
 Mrs. Straight is a member of the Presbyterian Church. The Doctor, in poli- 
 tics, affiliates with the Democratic party. 
 
 GEORGE A. STURGEON, lawyer, and district attorney for the county of 
 McKean,was bom near Girard, in the county of Erie, Penn., June 1, 1852. He 
 is a son of Andrew and Eliza J. (Caughey) Sturgeon, the former being a na- 
 tive of Erie county, N. Y. , and the latter a native of Erie county, Penn. , both 
 of Scotch-Irish lineage. .The family name is distinguished in the history of 
 the State by Daniel Sturgeon, who, as a colleague of Simon Cameron and his 
 successor, James Buchanan, held the office of United States senator from 1839 
 
402 HISTORY OF MCKEAN COUNTY. 
 
 to 1851. Greorge A. Sturgeoa was reared upon his father's farm near Girard, 
 which was quite extensive, and took his part in its caltivation. He attended 
 Girard Academy and completed his education under private tuition. He sought 
 employment as a teacher, and while so engaged began the study of law, and 
 finished his course under the instruction of Tl. C. Sturgeon, Esq., an older 
 brother, who had been the district attorney for the county of Erie. From 
 1876 to 1878 Mr. Sturgeon served as deputy United States marshal for the 
 Western District of Pennsylvania. He came to Bradford in January, 1878, 
 and there completed his studies, and in the following year was admitted to the 
 bar of McKean county, where he has since continued in active practice. He is 
 also admitted to practice in the supreme court of the State, and in the circuit 
 and district courts of the United States. He has been associated with Hon. 
 W. W. Brown, who represented the district in congress, and R. B. Stone, and 
 is now the junior member of the law firm of Stone & Sturgeon. In 1887, as the 
 candidate of the Republican party, to which he belongs, Mr. Sturgeon was 
 elected by a large popular majority to the office of district attorney for the 
 term of three years. In the practice of his profession Mr. Sturgeon is distin- 
 guished for care and unswerving fidelity, which have won for him a reliable 
 clientage, as well as the esteem of the bar and the court. His services are 
 frequently sought in the execution of trusts and administration of estates. 
 His quick comprehension of mechanical devices, and aptitude in their explana- 
 tion, are appreciated by inventors and patentees. It is not unlikely that this 
 gift of genius is shared as a family heritage, since William Sturgeon, of Lan- 
 cashire, England, is noted as one of the earlier inventors in electro-magnetism, 
 and as a lecturer on science in the Royal Victoria Gallery at Manchester. Mr. 
 Sturgeon was married November 10, 1881, to Miss Mary L. Davis, daughter of 
 Charles Davis, a prominent citizen of Friendship, N. Y. , and they have two 
 children: Clara C, and Bertha L. The family attend the services of the Pres- 
 byterian Church, of which Mrs. Sturgeon is a member. Their home, in a de- 
 sirable quarter of the city, is spacious and attractive. 
 
 MOSES SULLIVAN, attorney at law, Bradford and Butler, Penn., is a law- 
 yer of superior ability, and has a large practice both in McKean and Butler 
 counties. He is well educated, being a graduate in a regular classical course 
 from Westchester University; class of 1866, and prior to his attendance there 
 he was a student at the Moravian Boarding School at Nazareth, Penn. After 
 leaving college he studied law with the Hon. E. Mc Junkin, of Butler, Penn. , 
 was admitted to the bar, and began his practice in that city. He opened his 
 office in Bradford in 1880. Mr. Sullivan was born in Butler, Penn. , March 28, 
 1848, the second of five children of Charles C. and Susan C. (Seltzer) Sullivan, 
 who were of German and Irish descent, respectively. His father died in 1860. 
 Mr. Sullivan is a Republican in politics. He is a member of Butler Lodge, F. 
 & A. M. He is also an active member of the Presbyterian Church. 
 
 J. C. SWAIN, agent for the New York, Lake Erie & Western Railroad 
 at Bradford, was born in Wellsville, Ohio, April 23, 1855, a son of Silas and 
 Martha (Coffin) Swain, natives of Nantucket Island, Mass. He was educated 
 at Ravenna, Ohio, and there learned the art of telegraphy. He came to Brad- 
 ford in 1876, and in 1884 he was there employed as train dispatcher, serving 
 in that position four years. He then went to Salamanca, N. Y. , where he was 
 clerk in the freight office until 1888, when he was transferred to his present 
 position at Bradford. Mr. Swain was married in 1883, at Bradford, to Miss 
 Mary A. Ringle, daughter of John Ringle, who was of Swiss descent, and they 
 have one child, William E. Mrs. Swain is a member of the Catholic Church. 
 In politics Mr. Swain is independent. 
 
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 403 
 
 H. H. TAGGART, conductor on a passenger train of the Western New 
 York & Pennsylvania Eailroad, was born in Livingston county, N. Y., April 
 14, 1842, a son of "Washington and Mary Ann (Havens) Taggart, former a 
 native of Pennsylvania, and latter of New York, of English descent. His father 
 dying when he was in his childhood, he was reared by relatives, living in his 
 native State until the breaking out of the war of the Rebellion. He enlisted 
 in April, 1861, in the First Pennsylvania Regiment, Volunteer Infantry, known 
 as the First Pennsylvania " Bucktails, " as a drummer, and participated in 
 many hard- fought battles, among others Antietam, Chancellorsville, Gettys- 
 burg and the Wilderness. At the close of his term of service he went to Law- 
 renceville, Tioga Co., Penn., where he remained but a short time, going from 
 there to Erie, Penn., where ho was employed by the Lake Shore & Michigan 
 Southern Eailroad until 1872, when he accepted a position as conductor on the 
 B., N. Y. & P. E. E., now known as the Western New York & Pennsylvania 
 Eailroad, and in 1881 he was appointed to his present position. Mr. Taggart 
 was married in Buffalo, N. Y., in 1869, to Fannie Clark, daughter of George 
 E. and Caroline E. (Howard) Clark, and they have one daughter, Emma Hen- 
 rietta. Mrs. Taggart is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. In 
 politics Mr. Taggart is a Eepublican. He is a member of the Masonic frater- 
 nity and the Union Veteran Legion, and was the first chaplain of the Brad- 
 ford Legion. He is also a member of Excelsior Lodge, No. 4, E. O. M. A., 
 of Buffalo, N. Y. 
 
 JOHN A. THEETGE, of the firm of Mclntyre & Theetge, proprietors of a 
 meat market, Bradford, was born in Chemung, Chemung Co., N. Y. , in October, 
 1844, a son of Oliver and Polly (Eobberts) Theetge, former a native of New 
 Hampshire, and latter of Maine. He remained in his native county until he 
 was twenty-four years old, and when thirteen years of age began the carpenter's 
 trade, working at same seven years and six months before reaching his majority. 
 He came to McKean county in 1868, and commenced working for the Lafay- 
 ette Coal Company as foreman under Gen. N. J. Jackson; was superintendent 
 for the same company until 1872, and then lived in Elmira, N-. Y., until 1876, 
 when he located in Bradford, where he worked at his trade four years, or until 
 1880, when he went to Custer City, same county, where he kept the Custer 
 City Hotel seven years. Eeturning to Bradford in 1887, he became associated 
 with Mr. Mclntyre in the meat market business, and they have built up a good 
 trade, having one of the best markets in the city. Mr. Theetge was married 
 in Cattaraugus county, N. Y. , in 1872, to Ellen, a native of East Ran- 
 dolph, that county, and daughter of M. and Mary (Curns) Callahan, and they 
 have two children: S. L. and Gracie G. In politics Mr. Theetge is a Demo- 
 crat. He is a past noble grand in the I. O. O. F. His parents are still living 
 in Chemung county, N. Y., at the ages of seventy -seven and seventy-nine years, 
 respectively, but the parents of Mrs. Theetge are both deceased. 
 
 MYEON ALLEN TODD, M. D., was born at Ovid, Seneca Co., N. Y., 
 February 11, 1847. His parents moved to Angelica, N. Y., in the year 1848, 
 where he received his academic education. At an early age he ably filled the 
 position as manager in his father's store, consisting of drugs and general mer- 
 chandise. In May, 1873, he commenced the study of medicine under his 
 father, attended lectures at the university of Buffalo, N. Y. , and the Homoeo- 
 pathic Hospital College at Cleveland, Ohio, graduating from the latter 
 February 16, 1876. He was associated afterward with his father in general 
 practice at Angelica, N. Y., until May 1, 1878, when he located at Bradford, 
 Penn. January 3, 1879, he was elected health officer and city physician of 
 Bradford, Penn., was re-elected May 22, 1880, and June 14, 1881, and served 
 
404 HISTORY OF MCKEAN COUNTY. 
 
 continuously till August 8, 1882. The Doctor is a member of the board of 
 surgeons of the Bradford City Hospital, and medical examiner for the follow- 
 ing secret orders: K. of P., K. of H., I. O. H., K. & L. of H., O. G. C, 
 A. O. U. W., R. T. of T., S. K. of A. O. U. W., I. O. S. of B., I. O. E. 
 M. , I. O. F. S. of I. , besides several regular and accidental insurance com- 
 panies. He has confined himself exclusively to homcBopathy and is considered 
 one of the representative men of the city. The Doctor was united in mar- 
 riage to Miss Anna Helena, daughter of J. O. Akerlind, of Trade Lake, Wis., 
 January 6, 1873. His father, who successfully practiced medicine at Angelica, 
 N. Y., thirty-seven years, was born at Hyde Park, Dutchess Co., N. Y., July 
 12, 1819. His only brother. Dr. W. S. Todd, Jr., located at Belfast, N. Y., is 
 a practitioner of the same medical school. In politics the Doctor is a strong 
 believer in the Democratic principles as far as they pertain to the government 
 of the country. 
 
 CHARLES E. TUCKER, oil producer and manufacturer of ladies' and 
 misses' fine shoes, Bradford, was born at Bath, Me., December 26, 1848, a 
 son of George W. and Mary (Read) Tucker, descendants of early settlers of 
 Maine. He was educated for the Universalist ministry, attending the St. 
 Lawrence Theological "University, and after completing his course entered the 
 ministry, for thirteen years following his calling in Maine, Massachusetts, 
 Pennsylvania and Illinois. He received a call to the church of Titusville 
 in 1875, and four years later was called to Aurora, 111., where he remained 
 two years, and in 1881 he retired from the ministry to attend to his old inter- 
 ests. He then moved to Bradford, Penn., where he has ever since been 
 actively engaged in business; he is also a member of the firm of Tucker 
 & Marvin, Jamestown, N. Y. He was married in 1874 to Mary D. Drullard, 
 daughter of Solomon Drullard, a wealthy iron manufacturer, of BufPalo, and 
 now have four children : Charles M., Edwin D., Alice M. and Solomon D. In 
 politics Mr. Tucker is a Prohibitionist. 
 
 W. N. VALENTINE, agent for the American Express Company at Brad- 
 ford, was born in Fort Plain, Montgomery Co., N. Y. , January 5, 1854, a son 
 of Peter and Eliza (Van Slyke) Valentine, natives of New York, and of Ger- 
 man descent. When W. N. Valentine was a child his parents moved to Erie 
 City, Penn., where he lived till manhood. His first work was as clerk in a 
 grocery store, and then he went west, and for two years clerked in a hotel. He 
 has been in the employ of the American Express Company since 1879, first as 
 porter, and by promotion has finally reached his present position. He is a 
 member of the Knights of Pythias. 
 
 MARTIN W. WAGNER, owner and manager of the Wagner Opera House, 
 Bradford, and also a member of the firm of Wagner & Reis, who have the 
 management of eleven theaters in towns in Pennsylvania, New York and Ohio, 
 was born in Allegany county, N. Y. , November 28, 1844, a son of H. and 
 Eleanor (Sears) Wagner. Early in life he learned the carriage-makers' trade, 
 at which he worked until 1862, when he went to Venango county, Penn., and 
 became interested in the production of oil. Later he opened a hotel in Pit- 
 hole, Penn. , and also dealt in coal and lumber. In 1866 he removed to Brad- 
 ford, where he built the Wagner Opera House in 1876, which he enlarged in 
 1879, making it one of the best houses for dramatic, operatic and other enter- 
 tuintnents in the State. He became associated in 1879 with Mr. Moses Reis, 
 and they have made a success of their business above mentioned. Mr. Reis 
 gives his entire time to procuring talent for and managing their various thea- 
 ters, while Mr. Wagner gives part of his attention to his farm, on which he 
 now lives, near Limestone, N. Y. Mr. Wagner was married in 1868 to Miss 
 
BIOGEAPHIOAL SKETCHES. 405 
 
 Mary D. Frank, and they have three children : Prank M. (who is local manager 
 of the theater at Olean, N. Y. ), Fred W. and Charles A. In politics Mr. Wag- 
 ner is a Republican. He is a member of the F. & A. M., Knights of Pythias 
 and of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks. 
 
 T. L. V. WAGNER, farmer, P. O. Bradford, was born in Oneida county, 
 N. Y. , April 19, 1822, a son of John and Sarah (Van Alstine) Wagner, who 
 moved to Steuben county, N. Y. , in 1827, and engaged in farming there until 
 their death. T. L. V. Wagner remained on the homestead until 1843, when 
 he married Miss Eliza, daughter of James Slocum, of the town of Pultney, 
 Steuben Co. , N. Y. In 1844 they came to McKean county, Penn. , overland, 
 bringing all their goods and chattels on a sled drawn by two teams of horses. 
 They purchased a farm in Bradford township, and after living on it for some 
 years and clearing and improving it, they traded for their present farm, where 
 they have since resided. They were among the early settlers of Bradford town- 
 ship, there being but three houses in the present city of Bradford on their 
 arrival in the township. Eleven children were born to their union, seven of 
 whom are living: John, in Cattaraugus coonty, N. Y. ; Diantha, wife of Joseph 
 Story, in Bradford township; Albert, Arthur, Frank, in Bradford; Isabella 
 and Delia, at home. The family are members of the Presbyterian Church. 
 
 J. A. WALDO, wholesale and retail dealer in flour and feed, hay, straw, 
 oats, corn meal, etc., Bradford, was born in Portage county, Ohio, May 17, 
 1843, a son of H. A. and Christiana (Kilpatrick) Waldo, former a native of 
 New York, and latter of Vermont, of Irish and Welsh descent, respectively. 
 J. A. Waldo learned the carpenter' s trade with his father, working at it until 
 the breaking out of the war of the Rebellion, when, June 13, 1861, he enlisted 
 and was assigned to the First Ohio Artillery. He participated in many hard- 
 fought battles, among the more important being Fort Donelson and Pittsburgh 
 Landing. He was discharged in 1863 on account of disability, and returned 
 home. He soon after came to Pennsylvania, first to Corry and then to Brad- 
 ford, of which place he has been one of the leading citizens, and has served as 
 a member of the select council. He is a member of the I. O. O. F. and the 
 Knights of Malta. In politics he is a Republican. When a boy at home in 
 Ohio, his Sunday-school teacher was James A. Grartield, afterward president of 
 the United States. Mr. Waldo was married January 3, 1864, to Eunice 
 Johnson, daughter of Anson Johnson, and they have two children: Anson S. 
 and Delia. 
 
 A. B. WALKER, oil producer, Bradford, was born in Harrisville, Butler 
 Co., Penn., February 28,1847, a son of R. R. and Jane H. (Wallace) Walker, 
 natives and still residents of that county. A. B. Walker received his educa- 
 tion at the common and high schools of Harrisville, leaving his home perma- 
 nently at about twenty years of age, and after going through all the practical 
 work — drilling and contracting for wells, etc. — he tried his first venture as a 
 producer near Petrolia, in 1873, and in 1875 came with three others to Brad- 
 ford, where they drilled their first well on a leased piece of ground, taken 
 from P. T. Kennedy, and this well really started the Bradford oil excitement; 
 later he became a member of the firm of Melvin, Walker & Co., who devel- 
 oped and held an interest in 7,000 acres of land, called the Moody tract. Mr. 
 Walker also assisted in organizing the Bradford Oil Exchange, and was then 
 and still is one of its directors; he is also a member of Union Lodge, No. 334, 
 F. & A. M., of Bradford Chapter, R. A. M., and of Trinity Commandery, K. 
 T., No. 50; he was also one of the original stockholders of the First National 
 Bank of Bradford, and has always been one of its board of directors. In 1877 
 he married Miss Efifie, daughter of James E. Blair, of Bradford, and to this 
 
406 HISTOEY OF MCKEAN COUNTY. 
 
 union have been born three children: Gertni4e, Nellie and Euth. In politics 
 Mr. Walker is a Republican. 
 
 JAMES A. WALKER, of the firm of Bodine & Walker, hardware mer- 
 chants, Bradford, is a native of Butler county, Penn., born in Harrisville, June 
 11, 1854, a son of Robert R. and Jane H. (Wallace) Walker, natives of Penn- 
 sylvania, of Scotch and German descent, respectively. He was reared in his 
 native town, attending school until fifteen years of age, when he began clerk- 
 ing in the store of J. N. Culbison, remaining with him until his majority. He 
 then came to Bradford, and was employed at the oil wells until the present 
 partnership of Bodine & Walker was formed. Mr. Walker was married in 
 1881 to Miss Lizzie Elrick, daughter of Dr. J. H. Elrick, and they have two 
 children: Charles and Bessie. In politics Mr. Walker is a Republican; he is 
 a Knight Templar. Mrs. Walker is a member of the United Presbyterian 
 Church. 
 
 LOYAL WARD, attorney at law and collector, Bradford, was born in 
 Great Valley, Cattaraugus Co., N. Y., January 4, 1827, the fourth in the fam- 
 ily of eight children of Charles and Lydia A. (King) Ward, natives of Rut- 
 land county, Vt., and of English descent, the former of whom died in Great 
 Valley in 1848. The subject of these lines was reared on his father's farm, 
 and in his youth attended the common schools and the seminary at Spring- 
 ville, Erie Co. , N. Y. , after returning from Racine county. Wis. , where he vis- 
 ited three years during his father's residence in the West. In early life we 
 find the youthful aspirant teaching school at Tarport, Littleton, Limestone and 
 Salamanca, being principal of the high school at the latter place for a time. 
 In 1850 he came to Bradford, Penn., where he taught for two years in the acad- 
 emy, and in the meantime he read law. In 1871 he was elected associate judge 
 of his county, serving a full term, and it may be remarked that during his 
 incumbency much care was exercised in granting licenses. The Judge has 
 given his attention mainly to the settlement of estates, and to the abstract and 
 collecting businesses. He was married in 1853 to Adaline E., daughter of 
 John P. and Lucretia (Farr) Melvin, who were of English descent, and pio- 
 neers of McKean county, settling here in 1826. Mr. Melvin became one of the 
 wealthy men of the county, and at his death, which occurred in 1857, was the 
 owner of 472 acres of valuable land. He was also proprietor, for many years, 
 of the only store at Tarport. Mr. and Mrs. Ward have had seven children, four 
 of whom are living: Bernice E., wife of Brewer Button; Wilber, in Lima, Ohio; 
 Edna M. and Charles M. ; one daughter, Edith (wife of S. D. Weaver), and 
 two infants are deceased. Mrs. Ward is a member of the Methodist Church, 
 the Judge of the United Brethren in Christ. In politics he is a Republican, and 
 has been a member of the school board of Bradford several years. He is an 
 earnest advocate of temperance, but not a third party man. In 1873 Judge 
 Ward purchased the Porter farm, in Bradford, and in 1879 he became posses- 
 sor of a few oil wells on the Babcock & Hulings Foster -Brook tract, by pay- 
 ing a nominal price. In 1878-79 he sold the oil privileges on his farm to the 
 Enterprise Transit Company, who opened six producing wells, clearing heavy 
 profits, and in 1884 he retired from the oil business. In 1875 the Judge was 
 appointed agent of the Newell estate, subsequently, in 1880, of the Edson 
 estate, and later was trustee of the Kingsbury estate, for four years. In Feb- 
 ruary, 1890, the popularity of Judge Loyal Ward was made manifest by his 
 election to the office of mayor of Bradford. 
 
 ALEX WATSON, one of the prominent oil producers of Bradford, and 
 also proprietor of one of the manufacturing industries of the city, was born in 
 Elgin, Morayshire, Scotland, October 23, 1842, the eldest of five children of 
 
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 407 
 
 James and Ann Watson, who canje to America when he was a young child set- 
 tling in Canada, where the father died in 1882. The subject of our sketch was 
 reared m Gowansville, Canada East, coming to the United States in ]865, and in 
 August of that year to the oil districts of Pennsylvania, where, being a carpen- 
 ter, he found employment making derricks. He bought property which proved 
 to be rich with oil, and he has been one of the successful men in the field, be- 
 ing now a member of three companies. In 1879 he began the manufacture of 
 wooden tanks and bull wheels for oil wells, and now employs twenty men, his 
 foreman being C. F. Madison, at Bradford. He also employs about twenty 
 men m Washington, Penn., where his brother, R. D. Watson, superintends the 
 works. Mr. Watson was married August 15, 1871, to Mary A. Madison, a na- 
 tive of Pennsylvania. The parents of Mrs. Watson are Charles A. and Han- 
 nah A. (Winegar) Madison, both born and reared in Washington county, N. Y. , . 
 the former family coming from Rhode Island, and the latter being of' Dutch 
 descent. Mr. and Mrs. Watson have four children: Berdie, Earl, Clara and 
 Clifford. Mrs. Watson is a member of the United Brethren Church. In pol- 
 itics Mr. Watson is a Republican. He is a member of the Knights of Honor, 
 and also of the Improved Order of Heptasophs. 
 
 W. R. WEAVER, hardware merchant and oil producer, Bradford, was 
 born in Hillsdale county, Mich., March 24, 1840, a son of William and Mercy 
 (Willetts) Weaver, former a native of Vermont, and latter of New York, both 
 of English ancestry. His father died in Michigan in 1886, at the advanced" 
 age of eighty-six years. W. R. Weaver was the sixth of seven children, and 
 was reared in his native county, attending in his boyhood the district schools. 
 As soon as competent he began teaching in order to acquire means to further 
 pursue his studies. In this way he attended for a time Hillsdale College, and 
 then the State University at Ann Arbor, teaching alternately with attending 
 school, to defray his expenses. After leaving school he again taught for a 
 time, devoting in all about four years to this vocation. Preferring a business 
 life to the school room, however, he accepted a position in the store of Lewis 
 Emery, Jr., at Hudson, Mich., which he managed from 1867 to 1870. In 1870 
 Mr. Emery sold out and discontinued the business. Mr. Weaver then joined 
 Emery at Titusville, and took charge of his financial interests there until 1876, 
 when he became a partner with him at Bradford, Penn., in the hardware and 
 oil supply business, conducted under the firm name of L. Emery, Jr., & Co., 
 and that of oil producing under the name of the Emery Oil Company. 
 Mr. Weaver is the financial manager of this vast business, and his qualifica- 
 tions in this coimection are well established by the marked success which is the 
 result of his management, and also by the fact that from an employe he has 
 risen to a partnership in the business. In addition to attending to the manage- 
 ment of his business Mr. Weaver is secretary, and treasurer of the Citizens' 
 Light and Heat Company, which succeeded to the plant of the old Light and 
 Heat Company of Bradford in 1888. He is a Republican in politics, in 1888 
 and 1889 was chairman of the McKean county central committee, and the 
 county gave the largest Republican majority at the November (1888) election 
 ever given since its organization. He is a prominent member of the I. O. O. E., 
 and has passed all the chairs of bothi lodge and encampment. He is also a rep- 
 resentative member of the P. & A. M., member of lodge, chapter, council 
 and eommandery, is past high priest of Bradford Chapter, No. 260, R. A. M. , 
 and captain- general of Trinity Commandery, No. 58, K. T. He is also a mem- 
 ber of the thirty-second degree, Pennsylvania Consistory, at Pittsburgh, A. & 
 A. Scottish Rite; a member of Syria Temple A. A. O. U. M. S., as well as 
 member of thirty-third degree, ninetieth degree and ninety-fifth degree Sov- 
 
408 HISTORY OF MCKEAN COUNTY. 
 
 ■ereign Sanctuary of U. S. Eoyal Masonic Eite. Besides these he is president 
 of the board of school control, and secretary of the Bradford Driving Park 
 •and Fair Association. He was married April 19, 1865, to Helen A. Gilson, and 
 they have three children: Genevieve, Clarence B. and Mabel. Mr. and Mrs. 
 "Weaver are members of the Episcopal Church, of which he is a vestryman. 
 
 P. L. WEBSTER, surveyor, Bradford, was born in Lebanon, N. H., Au- 
 gust 6, 1830, a son of Philip H. and Lucy J. (Dix) Webster. His father was 
 a nephew of Daniel Webster, and his mother was a sister of Gen. John A. Dix, 
 who 'was famous for having said " Whoever attempts to tear down the Ameri- 
 can flag, shoot him on the spot." His father died in October, 1830, leaving 
 two sons, Charles D. and P. L., and in 1837 his mother married Col. L. C. 
 Little. The Colonel was employed as their agent by the United States Land 
 Company, who o<vned 140,000 acres of land, considerable of it lying in Mc- 
 Kean county, and soon after his marriage started for Pennsylvania, where he 
 established headquarters at Bradford, which town was called Littleton until 
 about 1859. This country at that time was a wilderness, and the trip from 
 New Hampshire was made with a team. Col. Little was a good father to his 
 stepsons, and the subject of this sketch was given good educational advantages, 
 taking an academic course at Springville, N. Y. The Colonel died in 1854, 
 and his wife in 1858. After his stepfather's death, Mr. Webster was em- 
 ployed by the land company, and spent some time settling up the business. He 
 learned the carpenter' s trade, at which he worked for a time. For twenty-five 
 3'ears he was engaged in the undertaking business, and has few superiors as a 
 funeral director. In all his enterprises Mr. Webster has met with success, 
 and is now one of the leading business men of Bradford. He has a fine orange 
 grove in Florida, where with his family he spends his winters. He was mar- 
 ried in 1871 to Mrs. Ellen (Johnson) Morrison, and they have one son, Frank 
 Morrison. Mr. Webster is a Republican in politics, and has held most of the 
 offices in the city of Bradford, among others those of treasurer and burgess. 
 In 1862 he was appointed military storekeeper at Fortress Monroe, and had 
 charge of twenty assistants, serving in that position until 1865. His brother, 
 Charles D. Webster, was captain of Company E, Fifty-eighth Regiment of 
 Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry, serving throughout the war, and now lives 
 at Tarpon Springs, Fla. Mr. and Mrs. Webster are among the prominent 
 citizens of Bradford, both in social and religious circles, Mrs. Webster being a 
 member of the Baptist Church. 
 
 W. L. WELLS, ticket agent for the Western New York & Pennsylvania 
 Railroad at Bradford, was born in Dunkirk, N. Y. , January 7, 1855, a son 
 of W. R. and Ann (Lippencott) Wells, former of whom died in 1880. W. L. 
 Wells, who is the only surviving member of his father's family, when a boy 
 began learning telegraphy, and in 1872 he entered the employ of the Atlantic 
 & Pacific Telegraph Company at Dunkirk, N. Y. , remaining with them four 
 years, and since 1877 has been in the employ of the Erie Railroad Company, 
 with the exception of one year, during which he was a clerk in the Bradford 
 post-office. He was married in Summit, N. J., in 1882, to Nina Effie, daugh- 
 ter of Rev. J. W. Loane, but she died March 30, 1884. Their only child, 
 William Snow, died February 29, 1884. *In December, 1885, Mr. Wells mar- 
 ried Frankie Holt, daughter of J. T. Holt, and to this union have been born 
 one girl and one boy. Coral Vane and Hugh Eugene. Mr. and Mrs. Wells are 
 members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. He is a member of the Masonic 
 fraternity, and in politics is a Prohibitionist. 
 
 C. B. WHITEHEAD, postmaster, Bradford, was born in Lawrenceville, 
 Tioga Co. , Penn. , January 8, 1840, a son of Isaac and Sarah (Lugg) White- 
 
BIOGEAPHICAL SKETCHES. 409 
 
 head, former a native of Massachusetts, of Swedish ancestry, and latter a 
 native of England. His father moved to Tioga county in 1830, and made that 
 his home until his death, in 1848. He was twice married, and had a family 
 of three children, C. B. being a son by his second marriage. C. B. Whitehead 
 was reared in his native county, where he attended the common schools, and 
 afterward became a student at the high school at Spriag Mills, N. Y. In 1860 
 he went to Titusville, where he was employed by Brewer, Watson & Co. , oil 
 producers, two years, and then for four years was in the employ of Fisher 
 Brothers at Oil City. He then returned to Tioga couiity, and with his uncle, 
 A. W. Lugg, was engaged in mercantile business at Nelson, four years. He 
 sold his interest in 1870, and went to Blossburg, Penn. , where he carried on a 
 hotel four years ; but not liking that business he opened a drug store in Wells- 
 boro, Penn., which he conducted until 1878, when he removed to Bradford, 
 and has since been engaged mainly in oil producing. He is a Democrat in 
 politics, and has served three terms as a member of the select council, a part 
 of the time as chairman of the board. He is a member of the Masonic fra- 
 ternity. In 1875 he married Miss Mary Ferris, daughter of H. W. Ferris, 
 and they have two children: Sarah and Waldo M. 
 
 E. E. WHITELEY, manager of the Star Publishing Company, Bradford, 
 was born May 5, 1838, at Hyde Park, Dutchess Co., N. Y., whither his 
 parents (who came to the United States in 1823) had removed from Philadel- 
 phia about 1837. Mr. Whitele}"^ was educated in the last-named city, to which 
 the family returned in 1843, and in 1859, when twenty-one years of age, he 
 moved to the lumber woods of Maine, where he followed lumbering until Sep- 
 tember 28, 1861, at which date he enlisted in the First Maine Cavalry. During 
 Banks' retreat from the Shenandoah Valley he was captured at Middletown, 
 Va. , and, imprisoned at Lynchburg and Belle Isle from May 24 to October, 
 1862, when he was paroled. In December of same year, being exchanged, he 
 rejoined his old corps at Frederick, Md. , and served with it until mustered out 
 in November, 1864. During the three years following his discharge from the 
 army he was in the employ of the C. & A. R. R., and then embarked in busi- 
 ness in Jersey City. Mr. Whiteley was married in 1866 to Allie E., daughter 
 of Joshua King, of Smethport, and nine years thereafter moved with his fam- 
 ily to Port Allegany, McKean county, taking up his residence in 1876 at Brad- 
 ford. Later Mr. Whiteley became paymaster during the construction of the 
 Tide Water Pipe Company's line, and in 1880 he was engaged in a similar 
 position during the construction of the Buffalo Company's pipe line. From 
 1881 to 1885 we find him filling the position of deputy sheriff of McKean county 
 under Col. A. I. Wilcox, and in June, 1885, he assisted in organizing the Star 
 Publishing Company, in Bradford, of which he is manager. 
 
 WHITNEY & WHEELER, Bradford. Among the representative oil pro- 
 ducers in the city of Bradford mention should here be made of the well-known 
 firm of Whitney & Wheeler. This firm is composed of Charles S. Whitney 
 and Samuel A. Wheeler, both of whom have been identified with the oil- 
 producing interest at Bradford from its infancy, and are among the largest 
 producers at the present time. Mr. Whitney, who has been in the oil country 
 since the " sixties," at present resides at Belmont, N. Y. Mr. Wheeler came 
 to the oil country in 1871; he was formerly a wholesale dealer in dry goods in 
 Toledo, Ohio, and his present residence is in Buffalo, N. Y. 
 
 C. A. WILBUR, merchant, Custer City, was born in Chautauqua county, 
 N.Y., December 6, 1850, a son of Simeon and Christina (Griifith) Wilbur, natives 
 of Otsego and Chautauqua counties, N. Y., respectively. His father, who 
 was a farmer by occupation, was one of the early settlers of Chautauqua 
 
410 HISTORY OF MCKEAN COUNTY. 
 
 county; he was a supporter of the Eepublican party, and filled various town- 
 ship offices; was a prominent member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and 
 died in Chautauqua county ; his widow is still living on the homestead. C. A. 
 Wilbur and his brother and partner in business, were the only children born to 
 their parents. They were reared on the homestead farm, and received a com- 
 mon-school education. C. A. Wilbur engaged in mercantile business in Chau- 
 tauqua county for a number of years, and in 1876 came to McKean county, es- 
 tablishing a general store at DeGoIier. In 1883 Mr. Wilbur moved to Custer 
 City, where he has. since conducted a general store — oil well supplies, etc. In 
 1871 Mr. Wilbur married Miss A. Damon, of Chautauqua county, N. Y., who 
 died in 1873, leaving one child, Florence E. He was again married, on this 
 occasion, in 1883, to Miss Adell Carrier, daughter of Timothy Carrier of Cat- 
 taraugus county, N.Y., and to them have been born two children: Ralph and an 
 infant unnamed. Mr. Wilbur is a supporter of the Republican party. 
 
 FRANK S. WILBUR, was born in Chautauquacounty,N.Y., July 20,1862. 
 In 1878 he came to McKean county, where he engaged in mercantile business 
 with his brother C. A. This partnership still exists, under the firm name of 
 Wilbur Bros. They are also oil producers, owning at the present time fifteen 
 wells. In 1880 Mr. Wilbur married Miss Jessie, daughter of John Cobb, of 
 Chautauqua county, N. Y. , and they have two children : Daisy and Lillian. 
 Our subject is a member of Columbia League of Custer City, E. A. U., and is 
 an active supporter of the Republican party. 
 
 COL. A. I. WILCOX, vice-president of the Bradford, Bordell & Kinzua 
 Railroad, Bradford, was born in Herkimer county, N.Y., March 22, 1819, the 
 only son of William P. and • Betsey (Paine) Wilcox, who were natives of the 
 New England States, of Irish and English descent. His father was a mer- 
 chant in Connecticut when a young man, and thence moved to Nunda, N. 
 Y.. where he lived until 1832, when he came to McKean county, Penn., and 
 settled in Williamsville, but removed to Port Allegany, where he died. He 
 was a prominent Democrat, was speaker of the State senate during the 
 administration of Gov. Porter, and for many years took an active part in 
 State politics. The subject of this biographical record was reared under 
 Democratic doctrine, and adhered to the faith of his father until the break- 
 ing out of the war of the Rebellion, when he became a strong Union man, 
 and has since voted the Republican ticket. He was given good educational 
 advantages, first attending the common schools, and then the academy at 
 Lima, N. Y. After reaching his majority, he embarked in the lumber trade, 
 in which he was very successful until the flood of 1861, when, in one night, 
 $100,000 worth of his lumber was swept away. He had built a neat and 
 substantial residence at Wilcox (a place which had its origin in his lumber 
 interests, and was named in his honor), at that time the best private resi- 
 dence in the county. After his loss by the flood, Mr. Wilcox began con- 
 tracting and building railroads, becoming superintendent of the construction 
 of a large part of these roads. He next embarked in the oil interests, as 
 a producer, and he has carried on an extensive business in this line. Col. 
 Wilcox has experienced many ups and downs in his business career, having 
 seen fortunes vanish in a few hours, then made fortunate investments, and 
 thereby retrieved his losses. He has not been soured by misfortune, but 
 through all the varied vicissitudes of life, his manliness and integrity have 
 been manifest. He has taken an active interest in the prosperity of Brad- 
 ford, and it was largely through his influence that the Board of Trade, of 
 which he is now general manager, succeeded in establishing many new indus- 
 tries in Bradford. He earned his title of colonel by serving on the staff of Gov. 
 
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 411 
 
 William F. Packer, and Gov. John W.Geary. In 1847 he represent*! Warren, 
 Elk and McKean counties in the legislature as a Democrat, and was re-elected, 
 serving two terms; and in 1871 he represented Jefferson, Elk and Cameron 
 couuties as a Republican, although at that time those counties were strongly 
 Democratic. In 1881 he was elected and served one term as sheriff of McKean 
 coiinty. He was married in June, 1845, to Miss Louisa Horton, daughter of 
 Judge Isaac Hortou, of Elk county, Penn. She died in 1880. Their only 
 child, Ida, is the wife of Ernest Koester, an attorney of McKean county. 
 
 D. J. WILDER, proprietor of the Pierce House, Bradford, was born in 
 Franklin county, Mass., September 18, 1837, a son of Josephus and Louisa 
 (Hastings) Wilder. In 1851 his parents moved to South Cleveland, Ohio, 
 where he remained until after the breaking out of the war of the Rebellion, 
 and in 1862 he enlisted in the Forty-second Ohio Volunteer Infantry, his 
 commander being James A. Garheld. Prior to this enlistment he had served 
 three months in the Seventh Ohio Volunteer Infantry. While in the service 
 he had seven holes shot in his clothes, and one bullet-hole in his hat, but was 
 never seriously wounded. After the war he returned to Ohio, and for seven 
 years was engaged in the flour and feed business, and then for six years was 
 in the ice business at Cleveland, Ohio. In 1878 he came to Bradford, and in 
 1888 embarked in his present business. He was married, in Ohio, to Miss 
 Lilian Yeager. They have no children. Mr. Wilder is a Republican in poli- 
 tics, and is a member of the Grand Army of the Republic. 
 
 E. S. WILLIAMSON, proprietor of Williamson's restaurant, Bradford, 
 was born ia Buffalo, N. Y., March 12, 1847, a son of Ely and Elizabeth 
 (Riding) Williamson, natives of England. His father was a mechanical en- 
 gineer, and established the Buffalo Steam Engine Works in Buffalo, N. Y. , 
 known now as Tiff's Engine Works. He still lives in Buffalo, and is now 
 eighty-one years old. E. S. Williamson was given a good business education, 
 graduating from Bryant & Stratton's Business College at Buffalo. In 1864 
 he removed to the oil regions and worked in the oil fields, buying an interest 
 in some wells. He then became manager of the hardware store of D. C. 
 Backus, and in 1877 established three stores for Kerr, Geider & Co. , in Brad- 
 ford, and superintended their business till 1879, when he again turned his 
 attention to the oil industry. In 1882 he went to Richburg, Allegany Co. , 
 N. Y., and established the Central Machine Shop which afterward burned, 
 and in 1883 he returned to Bradford and opened the restaurant which 
 he is still conducting. He was married in 1878 in Buffalo, N. Y. , to 
 Miss Lottie A. Keeler, and they have two children: Pearl and Hazel. Tru- 
 man Keeler, father of Lottie A. , is now deceased; Nancy A. (Hoard) Keeler, 
 her mother, still survives. Mrs. Williamson is a member of the Methodist 
 Episcopal Church. Mr. Williamson is a Master Mason, and in politics is a 
 Democrat. 
 
 THOMAS WILSON, farmer, P. O. Bradford, was born in Pittsburgh, 
 Penn., July 5, 1825, a son of Thomas and Margaret (Rogers) Wilson, former 
 a native of Ireland, latter of Pennsylvania. The father was a stone-mason by 
 trade, and moved with his family to Ohio in 1828, where he remained until his 
 death. Thomas Wilson received an ordinary education, and came to McKean 
 county in 1845, and purchased his present farm, where he has since resided. 
 In 1854 he married Miss Amanda J., daughter of Dyer Cranmer, who moved 
 from Steuben county, N. Y., to McKean county in 1844. Five children were 
 born to this union, two of whom are living: John E. (farmer of Bradford town- 
 ship, married to Miss Lina Black, and has three children: Fred E., Alice and an 
 infant), Rose B. (wife of Hill Buroughs, of Bradford township, also has three 
 
412 HISTORY OF MCKEAN COUNTY. 
 
 children: Laura, Harry and Nellie). Mr. Wilson has always been identified 
 with the Republican party. 
 
 F. J. YOUNGS, oil producer and dealer in boots and shoes, Bradford, 
 was born in Normal, N. Y., June 8, 1859, a son of Charles and Caroline (Tator) 
 Youngs, natives of New York, and of English descent, who moved to Brad- 
 ford, Penn. , in 1860, and are still residents of the place. They have three 
 children: James, F. J. and Charles. F. J. Youngs has spent the most of his 
 life in Bradford, and since 1876 has been engaged in the production of petro- 
 leum, owning several good wells. In 1888 he embarked in the boot and shoe 
 business, and now carries an extensive and well-assorted stock. He is a young 
 man of good business ability, and is one of the prosperous and active men of 
 Bradford. He is a prominent Freemason, and has taken the thirty-second 
 degree in that fraternity. In politics he is a Democrat. 
 
 JOHN P. ZANE, oil producer, Bradford, was born in Bridgeport, N. J. , 
 February 15, 1826. He was the only child born to James and Catherine 
 (Bender) Zane, natives of New Jersey, former of Danish and latter of 
 German descent. His ancestors were among the poineers of New Jersey who 
 figured in the Revolutionary war. They came to America from the Old World 
 in search of a country where liberty prevailed, and where men' a rights were 
 not due to birth, but where every one succeeded according to his own merits. 
 The mother of the subject of these lines dying when he was eighteen months 
 old, his father married again, but died in 1834. When John P. was but eight 
 years old he went to live with a farmer, and when fourteen went to Camden, 
 where he was bound to a saddler and harness maker, understanding that he 
 was to have three-months' schooling. This contract was not kept, as Mr. Zane 
 never attended school a week in his life. Having an innate desire for knowl- 
 edge, however, his spare moments were given to study, and he is now, purely 
 by his own efforts, one of the best-informed men in the county. He has been 
 a frequent contributor to the papers, writing extensively on political subjects, 
 and as his position has given him the opportunity of knowing the needs of 
 business men, his articles are read by many, and have been the means of doing 
 much toward helping men in the ordinary walks of life. He was a personal 
 friend of President Lincoln, and was a delegate to the convention that nomi- 
 nated him for the presidencj'. Mr. Zane was engaged learning his trade until 
 eighteen years of age, when he concluded to start in life for himself. He 
 went to Philadelphia, and served a further apprenticeship of two years at the 
 harness maker's trade; in 1846 he proceeded to New Orleans, where he worked 
 as a journeyman for a time, and then embarked in business for himself. In 
 1851 he sold out and went via the isthmus to California, where he engaged in 
 various speculations and business enterprises, and became the owner of large 
 landed interests. He was an active member of the vigilance committee, and 
 prominent in political circles. In 1861 he was appointed, by President 
 Lincoln, United States appraiser for the port of San Francisco, and was con- 
 firmed by the senate July 29, 1861. He held that office until 1863 when he 
 concluded to resign, on account of business speculations, and was permitted to 
 name his own successor. Mr. Zane built a street railroad in San Francisco, 
 but before doing so was obliged to get a bill through the legislature, granting 
 the charter. The road cost $400,000 ; Mr. Zane put in 1100,000 cash and 
 borrowed $47,000 to bear interest at 2 per cent a month, compounded monthly. 
 He found the interest growing so rapidly that he concluded to go to New York 
 and borrow the money to pay the indebtedness. He, however, found that he 
 would have to borrow nearly three times that amount as it was to be paid in 
 gold, and owing to the expansion of currency during the war, gold was at a 
 
BIOGEAPHIOAL SKETCHES. 413 
 
 high premium. Hearing of the oil excitement at Titusville, he concluded to- 
 try and make the money instead of borrowing it. He accordingly went to the 
 oil fields, where he took in the situation and bought and leased land. H& 
 soon after sold one half of his land for 1200,000 to a Hartford company, but 
 six days before the papers were made out panic came and the price of oil went 
 down, and the company backed out. Mr. Zane lost his all, and was obliged 
 again to commence at the foot of the ladder. He remained in the oil fields, 
 and September 10, 1877, came to Bradford, bought land and took leases. 
 Since coming to Bradford he has been successful, and is now the owner of a 
 large number of producing oil wells. He has a pleasant home on Congress 
 street, and is counted among the leading business men of Bradford. He was 
 married in San Francisco, November 9, 1854, to Miss Jane Herrington, 
 daughter of John Herrington, and they have one child, Anna Jane, who is 
 now the wife of J. W. Vantine, and has five children. 
 
 JOHN R. ZOOK, dealer in wall paper, etc. , Bradford, is a native of the 
 State of New York. He was born in Williamsville, Erie county, in 1831, the 
 son of David and Anna Zook, natives of Lancaster, Penn. Joseph Zook, the 
 youngest of the family of seven sons and two daughters, was born in Canada 
 in 1833. John E. Zook married Jennie A. Youngs, of Williamsville, Erie 
 Co., N. Y. , daughter of Hon. Jasper B. Youngs, who was elected member 
 of assembly of the State of New York in 1854, was also elected several terms 
 as supervisor of the town of Amherst, and was appointed one of the commis- 
 sioners for the building of the city and county buildings, erected in Buffalo, 
 N. Y., and was one of the founders of the "Republican party. He died in 
 1886, at the age of seventy-one years. John E. Zook moved, in 1858, to 
 Kansas, was appointed station agent for the Pike's Peak Express Company,, 
 and settled seventy-five miles from Denver City, then a small town. The 
 family, which then consisted of Mr. and Mrs. Zook and one son, moved 
 back to BufPalo in 1861, and in company with his brother, Joseph, opened a 
 store on Commercial street, where they carried on business until 1877, when 
 they removed to Bradford, Penn. , and began a business, dealing principally 
 in wall paper, at No. 68 Main street, where they may still be found. The firm 
 name is Zook & Co. In politics Mr. Zook is a Republican; he is a member and. 
 trustee of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and one of the directors of the 
 new Commercial National Bank of Bradford; his family consists of Jasper F., 
 Florence E., Clara B., Minnie V. and Gertrude G. 
 
 CHAPTER XXIII. 
 
 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES -KEATING TOWNSHIP AND 
 BOROUGH OF SMETHPORT. 
 
 N. W. ABBEY, merchant, Smethport, son of Timothy and Betsy (Jaycox)- 
 Abbey, was born at New Berlin, Chenango Co., N. Y., in 1819, and with his 
 parents removed to Norwich township, McKean county, where his father be- 
 came a farmer. Their family consisted of four sons and four daughters, ot 
 whom three are deceased. N. W., the second son, received a common-school, 
 education, and learned the carpenter's trade, which he followed until 1886,. 
 
414 HISTORY OF MCKEAN COUNTY. 
 
 when he started a grocery, flour and feed store in Smethport. He married 
 Emily P. Patterson in 1850, and they have two sons: J. B. and Pitt E. Mr. 
 Abbey is an active Republican, and was elected county commissioner in 1881, 
 serving a term of three years. 
 
 M. N. ALLEN, justice of the peace and insurance agent, East Smeth- 
 port, was born in Steuben county, N. Y. , January 21, 1854, a son of Alfred 
 and Jane (Davis) Allen, natives of New York State. He received a practical 
 business education in Watkins, N. Y., and when only thirteen years of age 
 began working in a foundry and machine shop, where he remained five years; 
 then engaged with Matteson Brothers, of Watkins, N. Y. , to learn the mill- 
 wright trade ; he worked there for six years, when he came to East Smethport 
 with the same iirm for the purpose of building the extract works. Since that 
 time he has rebuilt the works throughout, and has also been engaged in con- 
 structing bridges, etc. He married July 3, 1878, Miss Emma, daughter of 
 William S. and Belinda (Hall) Oviatt. William S. Oviatt published the first 
 newspaper in this section of the country. Mr. and Mrs. Allen are the parents 
 of four children, named as follows: Barber D., Bessie O., Rena E. and Frank, 
 all at home. Mr. Allen worked at his trade until 1884, when he was elected 
 justice of the peace at East Smethport, since which time he has been en- 
 gaged in the duties of his office and in the insurance business. Mr. Allen 
 has erected a handsome residence in East Smethport, and is one of the wide- 
 awake men of the town. 
 
 JAMES F. ANGLUN, county commissioner, Smethport, was born in County 
 Clare, Ireland, in 1846, and with his parents, Thomas and Bridget Anglnn, 
 came to Steuben county, N . Y. , in 1849, where he remained until 1860, when 
 he removed to Scranton, Penn. In 1861 he enlisted in Company K, Se^nteenth 
 Pennsylvania Volunteer Cavalry. He was twice wounded, first at the battle of 
 Gettysburg, and again at Five Porks. He was promoted to first lieutenant, 
 was discharged at the close of the war, and removed to Bradford, Penn. , where 
 he was engaged in hotel keeping and the oil-producing business, and was 
 for eight years member of the council and of the school board. There he 
 remained until July, 1888, when he came to Smethport, having been elected as 
 one of the county commissioners in 1887. He married May 16, 1887, Catherine 
 Cannavan, and they had ten children, six of whom are still Hying: John F., 
 aged twenty years; Nellie, fifteen years; Thomas C, thirteen years; Mary, 
 nine years; Charles, six years, and William, three years. Mr. Anglun is a 
 member of the Union Veteran Legion and of the Catholic Church. In politics 
 he is a Democrat. 
 
 A. B. ARMSTRONG, druggist, Smethport, is a son of Alexander and Julia 
 Armstrong, and was born at Cuba, Allegany Co. , N. Y. , in 1838. His parents were 
 originally from Seneca county, N. Y. , but removed to Allegany county about 1880, 
 being among the pioneers of that county. They were married at Nunda, Living- 
 ston Co., N. Y. Alexander Armstrong was a cabinet maker by trade, and for many 
 years resided at Cuba, N. Y. ; he was also a contractor, engaged upon the con- 
 struction of the Erie Canal, but moved to Rushiord, Allegany county, in 
 1849, and went west in 1860, locating in Iowa. They reared a family of eight 
 children, of whom but three are living: A. B. ,M. ,L. (a merchant in Smeth- 
 port) and Alice (now Mrs. J. L. Anderson, of Kansas). A. B. Armstrong 
 completed his education at Rushf ord Academy, Allegany Co. , N. Y. , and in 
 1854 became an employe of Joseph Hyde, of Ridgway, Penn. , with whom he 
 remained about a year; then was clerk in a store and hotel for James M. Miller 
 at Smethport, and later with Ford & Smith, merchants. In 1857 he became 
 associated with Gideon Irons in the purchase of the grocery store of H. F. 
 
BIOGEAPHICAL SKETCHES. 415 
 
 Williams, and the general store of Ford & Smith, the firm name being Irons 
 & Armstrong. He continued in business for about two years, when he sold 
 his interest to his partner and began the study of law with John C. Backus, of 
 Smethport, being admitted to the bar in 1861. He, however, never became a 
 practitioner, and that year found him in the grocery trade as the senior member 
 of the firm of A. B. Armstrong & Co. In this he was engaged until 1866. In 
 that year he, with H. L. McCoy, purchased the drug store of Seems & Hogarth, 
 corner of Main and State streets— it being the only drug store in the county at 
 that date. In 1869 he was elected a member of the legislature, representing the 
 counties of Clinton,- Cameron and McKean, which necessitated a dissolution of 
 partnership, and since his return to private life he has been in business alone. 
 In 1860 Mr. Armstrong married Carrie, daughter of David E. Bennett, and 
 they have one child, Ethel. Mr. Armstrong is a member of McKean Lodge, 
 No. 334, F. & A. M. , and of the Chapter at Olean. Politically he is a Demo'- 
 crat. Mr. Armstrong is practically a self-made man, and in the evening of his 
 years enjoys the fruits of a successful business career, having the esteem and 
 confidence of the community generally. Domestic in his tastes, he has never, 
 with but one exception, accepted positions of a political nature which tended 
 to separate him from the home circle, although he served as justice of the peace 
 for ten years, and was a member of the borough council many terms ; an active 
 member in the Eose Hill Cemetery Association, holding the position of treas- 
 urer for the last twenty years; was also among the first to organize the Smeth- 
 port Water Company — securing to Smethport one of the best systems in the 
 State — being the treasurer and manager and director from its first meeting; he 
 was also among the first citizens of Smethport to secure and make successful 
 the Smethport Gas Company, which supplies the borough with fuel — being its 
 treasurer and managing director; also any enterprise with which Smethport 
 was to be benefited found in Mr. Armstrong a champion and an earnest sup- 
 porter. He is contented with his lot, and is the owner of the oldest drug store 
 in McKean county. 
 
 M. L. AEMSTEONG, jeweler, express agent and telegraph operator, 
 Smethport, son of Alexander Armstrong, was born in Cuba, N. Y. , in 1845. 
 In early years he attended school at Cuba, and when thirteen years old 
 his parents removed to Denmark, Iowa, where he completed his studies, 
 remaining there until he was nineteen years of age. In 1865 he came to 
 Smethport and engaged in the jewelry trade, which he still continues. He is 
 also agent for the American Express, Company and has charge of the telegraph 
 office; he was also postmaster for many years. Mr. Armstrong married Alice, 
 daughter of John E. Chadwick, but she did not long survive her marriage, dy- 
 ing in November, 1877, and he afterward married Miss Nettie Eipley, daughter 
 of William Eipley. She died in November, 1887, leaving two children — one 
 son and one daughter. Mr. Armstrong is a member of the Select Knights of 
 the A. O. U. W. Ho has been burgess of the borough, and for the past three 
 years has been a member of the council and trustee of the borough. 
 
 L. J. BACKEE, one of the proprietors of the Smethport Extract Works, 
 East Smethport, son of Peter and Lovisa Backer, was born in Tioga county, 
 Penn. , in 1836, where he was reared and educated and began his business career. 
 For several years he was in the employ of a large hemlock extract company, 
 and as their traveling agent and salesman visited nearly all the territories of 
 the United States, also Europe. While in their employ he contemplated the 
 establishing of a company, and the erection of works for the manufacture of 
 an extract for tanner's that would be in every way serviceable and reliable. 
 With that purpose in view he devoted a year's time, and expended over $1,000 
 
416 HISTORY OP MCKEAN COUNTY. 
 
 in traveling throiigh tho hemlock districts in search of a location. Finally his 
 attention was called to Smethport, which is located in one of the finest white 
 hemlock districts in the world, and he decided to make this the place of his opera- 
 tions. He accordingly had the necessary buildings erected, supplying them with 
 the latest improved machinery, and in 1877 began the manufacture of the ex- 
 tract. In 1883 the buildings were destroyed by fire, but were immediately re- 
 built, and greatly enlarged, having now a capacity of 300 barrels weekly, being 
 the largest works of the kind in the United States, and affording employment 
 to a large number of men. The factory is now under the superintendence of 
 Mr. Backer's son, Clarence A., Mr. Backer and his family residing in Boston, 
 Mass. Mr. Backer was married in 1860 to Miss H. E. Peters, and they have 
 three children, two daughters and one son: Minnie E., EflSe L. and Clarence 
 A. In religion Mr. Backer is a Methodist, and in politics a Republican. 
 
 MAJOR JOHN 0. BACKUS (deceased). Among the leading and representa- 
 tive men of Smethport, no one has held a higher place in the affections and es- 
 teem of its people than the late Maj. John C. Backus, who for nearly half a cen- 
 tury was closely connected with all their efforts for its welfare and improvement. 
 Maj. Backus was generous almost to a fault, no one needing help ever applying 
 to him in vain; naturally positive and energetic, he pursued with untiring zeal 
 every cause he championed, and every work he undertook. He was born in 
 1817, at Lee, Berkshire Co., Mass., and had seven brothers and two sisters, of 
 whom Cornelia (the eldest, born in 1801), William and Seth survive him. In 
 his fourth year his parents, Thomas and Rebecka Backus, removed to Lansing, 
 N. Y., where his childhood and youth were spent. He was a graduate of 
 Oberlin College, Ohio. After attaining his majority, he with his older brother, 
 Seth, engaged in the lumbering business at Wellsville, N. Y., and in 1845 they 
 came to Turtle Point, McKean Co., Penn., where they purchased a saw-mill 
 (the remains of which are still to be seen), and continued their lumbering opera- 
 tions at that point, until 1848, when, becoming tired of the business, John C. 
 removed to Smethport, and commenced the study of law with N. W. Good- 
 rich, a then prominent lawyer of the county. Mr. Backus was admitted to the 
 bar in 1851, and to practice in the supreme court in 1 856. For over twenty- 
 five years he was engaged in nearly every important case tried in the county, 
 and at the time of his death, which occurred October 26, 1888, he had prac- 
 ticed law for a longer time than any other attorney in McKean county, except 
 Hon. B. D. Hamlin. In politics Mr. Backus took an active part, being a life- 
 long Democrat, and in 1851 was elected register and recorder of McKean 
 county; was burgess of Smethport borough about ten years, and was a member 
 of the legislature in 1875 and 1876. He was one of the first to answer the 
 nation's call to arms in 1861, and in December of that year was commis- 
 sioned captain of Company E, Fifty-eighth Regiment, P. V. I., afterward 
 rising to the rank of major; he participated in all the engagements of his regi- 
 ment until he was compelled to resign on account of ill health, in 1863. In 
 1877 Sheridan Gorton, of Friendship, N. Y., became his law partner, continu- 
 ing with him until the major's decease, and succeeded to his extensive law 
 practice. He was a charter member of McKean Post. No. 347, G. A. R. , and 
 its second commander. In 1857 he married Mary, the only daughter of Solo- 
 mon Sartwell, one of the oldest residents of the county, and to them were born 
 two children: Frank, who died in infancy, and Cora, who died in 1880. This 
 wife died in 1860, and in 1861 Major Backus married Mary A. Windsor, 
 daughter of Ebed and Mary A. Windsor, who, with eight children — six sons and 
 two daughters — was left to mourn his loss. His funeral obsequies were con- 
 ducted by the Mason.a, of which order he was a prominent member. No more 
 
BIOGBAPHICAL SKETCHES. 417 
 
 fitting tribute can be paid his memory than that said of him by his brethren of 
 the bar. "In him his country has lost one who proved, by his acts, that he 
 fully appreciated the duty of a good citizen and true patriot. In him his wife 
 has lost a kind husband, children an indulgent father, and kin of every degree 
 a generous friend. ' ' 
 
 JOHN BAKER, proprietor of planing-mill, Smethport, son of Ezra and 
 Sarah (Sweet) Baker, was born at Stanbridge, Canada, in 1821. With his par- 
 ents he removed to Malone, Franklin Co. , N. Y. , and thence to Eed Eock, 
 and in 1847 he became an employe on a railroad. In 1873 Mr. Baker came 
 to Smethport, where he bought a planing-mill of Sheridan Gorton, and is still 
 engaged in planing and manufacturing moulding, sash, doors and blinds. In 
 1854 he married Miss Betsy P. Barnum, and they have had eight children: 
 Charley, Frank S., FredM., John W., Josie E., George W. and two who 
 died in infancy. Mr. and Mrs. Baker are members of the Methodist Church. 
 In politics he is a Eepublican. 
 
 GEOEGE N. BAEEETT, farmer, P. O. Smethport, is a son of Gard- 
 ner and Elizabeth Barrett, was born in Keating Township, McKean Co. , Penn. , 
 in 1849. His father was one of the pioneers of the county, coming here in 
 1825, and engaging in farming. He had a family of four children, of whom 
 three are living, viz: John C, George N. and Cyrus E. The father died in 
 March, 1887; the mother still survives. George N. Barrett attended the 
 schools of McKean county, also ftther educational institutions abroad, and 
 after the completion of his studies married, in 1872, Ellmerett, daughter of J. 
 W. Stark, of Keating township, after which they located on the farm he now 
 owns in that township, and where he has since been engaged in farming. They 
 have one child, Frances E. Mr. Barrett is an active and prominent worker for 
 the Eepublican party, having been for three years auditor of the county. He 
 has also been supervisor, overseer of the poor, and has filled various political 
 positions in his township. He is a member of McKean Lodge, No. 388, 
 F. & A. M. ; Arnold Chapter, No. 254, E. A. M. ; Bradford Council, No. 43, 
 E. & S. M., and Trinity Commandery, No. 58, K. T. 
 
 E. M. BELL, merchant, East Smethport, was born in Susquehanna county, 
 Penn., in 1846, where he attended school until 1859, when his parents. 
 Worthy and Julianna Bell, removed to Cattaraugiis county, N. Y., where 
 he completed his education. He then accepted a clerkship with a commercial 
 house in Clean, N. Y. , remaining there until the disastrous fire of 1865 threw 
 him out of employment; then he entered a wholesale dry goods house in New 
 York City, remaining till December, 1867, and then became one of the firm 
 of Beli Bros, at Limestone, N. Y. , still retaining an interest there. He, 
 however, became associated as partner with Messrs. Stickney & Co., the firm 
 now being Stickney, Bell & Co., of East Smethport, dealers in general mer- 
 chandise, and they are now doing an immense business. He is a member of 
 Henry Eenner Lodge, No. 780, F. & A. M. He affiliates with the Democratic 
 party, and is a member of the Methodist Church. In 1869 he married Nellie 
 C. Beardslev, and they have two children: May and Carl. 
 
 E. W. BLOODSWOETH, merchant, East Smethport, is a son of John and 
 Elizabeth (Pew) Bloodsworth, natives of Hamilton, Canada, who came to Penn- 
 sylvania in 1867. He was born in Hamilton, Canada, in August, 1863, and 
 came to Erie county with his parents when four years of age. When twelve 
 years of age he entered a store in Oil City, Penn., where he remained until 
 1881, when he went to Olean, N. Y., and was employed in the stbre of N. S. 
 Butler, dry goods merchant, for one year, at the close of which time he went 
 to Philadelphia, and engaged with the dry goods firm of Sharpless & Sons. 
 
418 HISTORY OF MCKEAN COUNTY. 
 
 Here he remained for one year, at the close of which time he came to Carlton, 
 Penn. , and took charge of a store for Stickney, Bell & Co. In December, 1886, 
 he came to East Smethport, where he is now employed by Stickney, Bell & 
 Co. as overseer. Mr. Bloodsworth married in November, 1883, Miss Minnie, 
 daughter of Rufus Page, of Clean, N. Y., and they have two children: Robert 
 and Charles. He is a member of Smethport Lodge, No. 389, 1. O. O. F. Mr. 
 and Mrs. Bloodsworth are members of the Baptist Church of Smethport. 
 
 ALFRED J. BOND, farmer and lumberman, P. O. Smethport, is a son 
 of James A. and Elizabeth P. Bond, and was born on Marvin creek, Keating 
 township, McKean Co., Penn., in 1860. James A. Bond purchased what is 
 known as the Bond coal vein, a tract of land containing about 400 acres, the 
 occupation of which necessitated the opening of a railroad. After making the 
 purchase, James Bond, grandfather of Alfred J., removed to this locality, and 
 they were the means of developing the coal mines here, which have been 
 extensively operated. They sold that tract, however, and located on Marvin 
 creek on the old Marvin farm, the first settled farm on the creek. Here they 
 passed the remainder of their lives engaged in agriculture. The family of 
 James A. and Elizabeth P. Bond consisted of two sons and two daughters, viz. : 
 Laura A., now Mrs. Harley Sawyer; Emma, now Mrs. Strong Hayden, of 
 Wyoming county, N. Y.; Alfred J. and Erastus, the latter attending college 
 in Eastern Pennsylvania. Alfred J. Bond completed his education at the 
 Smethport Academy, and in 1886 married"' Miss Christine, daughter of Casper 
 Hafner, of Sergeant township, this county. After his marriage he located on 
 the old homestead, and has since been engaged in farming, and also extensively 
 in the lumber business. His father was one of the representative men of this 
 portion of the county, liberal in dispensing charity to the needy, and respected 
 by all. He died in 1881, having lost his wife, Elizabeth P., about eight years 
 previously, and, after remaining a widower about five years, married Miss 
 Amy K. Lackey, who still survives. A. J. Bond is a member of McKean 
 Lodge, No. 388, F. & A. M. He is in politics a Republican, and for two terms 
 has been supervisor of his tovmship. 
 
 JOSEPH W. BOUTON, attorney at law, Smethport, son of Enoch E. 
 and Mary L. (Crandall) Bouton, was born in Cattaraugus county, N. Y. , in 
 1856. When a child of twelve years of age he began life's struggle, and al- 
 though young in years, seeing the value of an education, secured the best his 
 limited means afPorded. He was engaged in the hardware business about two 
 years in Port Allegany, McKean county; then accepted a position as book- 
 keeper, which he held for five years. He was also deputy clerk of courts and 
 recorder of deeds of McKean county, during which time he read law with the 
 Hon. Judge Morrison, and was admitted to the bar in 1885. He began the 
 practice of law in Smethport, and in October, 1887, became associated in the 
 practice with J. N. Apple, the firm name being Apple & Bouton, and they en- 
 joy a large and remunerative practice. Mr. Bouton was candidate for" district 
 attorney, but was defeated by a small majority. In 1877 he married Julia A., 
 daughter of Luther Eastman, of Ceres township, McKean Co., and they 
 have one child, "Victor B., nine years of age. Mr. Bouton votes with the Dem- 
 ocratic party. 
 
 W. S. BROWNELL, retired merchant, Smethport, was born October 27, 
 1818, and is a native of Cicero, Onondaga Co., N. Y. , whence he removed in 
 the spring of 1857, to Smethport, Penn., where he became a merchant, and 
 carried on business until 1882, having previous to latter year admitted his sons 
 as partners. He married, on August 22, 1852, Miss Octavia Howard, born 
 October 13, 1822, and became the father of three children: G. R., F. W. and 
 
biogeaphicaOj sketches. 419 
 
 Addie, the last of whom was married to William F. Specht, May 15, 1889. 
 Brownell Bros. (G. R. and F. W.) is now the style of the firm, which upon 
 the retirement of W. S. Brownell became successor to Brownell & Sons, and 
 they are now doing a prosperous business in general merchandise. Of these 
 brothers at Smethport, Fred. W. is a member of McKean Lodge, No. 388, F. & 
 A. M. , of Bradford Chapter, No. 260, R. A. M. , and of Trinity Commandery, 
 No. 58, K. T. , and has been master of McKean Lodge for three years. He 
 was elected burgess of the borough of Smethport in 1888. G. R. Brownell is 
 a member of the Select Knights, A. O. U. W. Both brothers are identified 
 with the Democratic party. 
 
 JOHN T. BURKHOLDER, general merchant, P. O. Cyclone, was born 
 June 19, 1841, and was reared and educated in Lycoming county, Penn. 
 He served an apprenticeship of three and one-half years in the Illuminary 
 office, one of the oldest papers in the State. On December 20, 1860, 
 the day South Carolina passed a secession ordinance, he was married to 
 Margaret A. Rook. They located at Hughesville, where he carried on black- 
 smithing until 'he enlisted in Company F, One Hundred and Sixth Pennsyl- 
 vania Volunteer Infantry. At the close of the war he returned to the same 
 place, resumed his former business which he continued until 1873, and 
 then removed to Williamsport, same State, where he was in the lumber trade, 
 remaining until the close of the Centennial, when he came to State Line, 
 McKean county, and was in the employ of the Forest Oil Company. Later 
 he became a merchant at Davis City, whence he removed to Kinzua Junction, 
 and went into the hotel business. Afterward he was on the ill-fated train 
 that burned with such a fearful loss of life. Removing to Simpson, also in 
 McKean county, he here commenced his present business as dealer in general 
 merchandise. He has suffered severe losses by fire, but has rebuilt, and is still 
 in trade. Mr. Burkholder is a member of the I. O. O. F., K. of P., G. A. R., 
 A. 0. U. W., Order of the Iron Hall, and Knights of St. John and Malta. In 
 politics he is an active Democrat. 
 
 JOHN W. BUSH, farmer, P. O. East Smethport, is the third son of 
 Elisha and Hannah Bush, and was born on the farm he now owns in Keating 
 township, McKean Co., Penn., in 1837. His father was a native of Oneida 
 county, N.Y., where he married, and in 1828 located on the farm now owned 
 by his son, John W. When Elisha Bush settled on his purchase, McKean 
 county was an unbroken wilderness. Dense forests of pine, hemlock, cherry, 
 maple and almost every species of timber stood in majestic grandeur; slop- 
 ing hills and fertile valleys spread out before them, and little streams of pure 
 soft wa\er flowed in great abundance through these grand old forests, winding 
 their way to the Allegheny river. Land was cheap, and his keen eye fore- 
 saw that with industry and economy he could soon possess a comfortable inde- 
 pendence, for McKean was soon to develop mines of wealth and stand as one 
 of the first counties for health and industries in the State. True, it must be a 
 life of toil and privation, with land to clear before he could raise food for him- 
 self, wife and little ones; during this time of waiting he must work wherever 
 opportunity offered, and has worked all day from sunrise till sunset for the 
 small sum of 50 cents, or eight pounds of flour, and was thankful for even 
 that. To-day you hire a man, and he will work nine hours and charge $1.50 
 or $2. At that time there were no mills where grain could be ground nearer 
 than twenty miles, but for the convenience of himself and the little settlement 
 where he lived, Mr. Bush invented a small hand-mill for grinding com, and 
 this convenience supplied many a want. But if they had privations, they had 
 blessings also, and, when want pressed hard, each neighbor felt his friend's 
 
420 HISTORY OF MCKEAN COUNTY. 
 
 trouble was his also. If a family had sickness it was not necessary to ask help, 
 for friends or neighbors came miles to assist. There were no schoolhouses 
 or churches, but mothers taught their little ones what they could, and the in- 
 habitants would assemble in some neighbor's house and unite in prayer, feeling 
 even in their rude homes they were sure of the same blessing from their Heav- 
 enly Father that they received in the prosperous far-away home they had left. 
 The woods abounded in wild game, and if meat were needed it was not neces- 
 sary to go far from home to fetch down a fine deer or go to the brook and catch 
 as many speckled trout as might be desired. But there were animals that 
 were not so harmless as deer, for bears were plenty and often tore down the ripen- 
 ing corn or committed depredations on the sheep-fold; and Mrs. Bush states 
 that in this lonely place, without a neighbor within a mile of her, she has stayed 
 alone with her little ones for a week at a time when their necessities kept her 
 husband away to work, and all night long the hoarse bark of the wolf in an ad- 
 joining thicket, or the scream of the panther, kept her company. Woman is said 
 to be weak and dependent, and in many things it may be true, but in times of 
 trial she is strong, and when a man would despair and die, she is hopeful, ever 
 assisting, ever cheering him on, so that difficulties may be overcome. As the 
 settlers had not yet cleared land for grazing purposes, their cattle were obliged 
 to seek food in the forest, and the cows were brought at night and secured in 
 a yard till after they were milked in the morning, when they were driven away 
 again. One night Mr. Bush returned home rather late, and hastened in search 
 of his cow; having found her and started her homeward, imagine his horror when 
 the terrific scream of a panther in a tree near by sounded on his ears. The 
 cow did not need farther urging to start at full speed down the irregular foot- 
 path for the clearing, and Mr. Bush, preferring the company of the fast- fleeing 
 cow to that of the panther, seized hold of her tail, and in a remarkably short 
 space of time the two arrived at home. In due time his children were able to 
 assist him, and at length he got control of the United States mail route from 
 Smethport to Wellsborough, a distance of seventy miles, but, carrying the mail 
 part way the most of the time, and a Mr. Barnaby carrying the other end of 
 the route, the services of his son, John W. Bush, were called into requisition, 
 and he (being a boy about fourteen years of age) was intrusted with the mail, 
 and, there being hardly an apology for a road, he was obliged to carry it on 
 horseback, making two trips a week. For nearly six years he performed this 
 duty through mud and storm with the utmost promptness and fidelity. He had 
 the benefit of an academic course at school, and to-day is an honored citizen of 
 McKean county. Mr. and Mrs. Elisha Bush, however, in course of time, re- 
 tired from active life, and removed to the town of Smethport, where the mother 
 died in 1883, and the father followed her November 22, 1885. Their children 
 were Hiram (deceased), Charles, John.W., Mary (wife of Homer Howe), Silas, 
 Andrew, Saloma (wife of William Stanton, of Keating), Melinda (wife of Walter 
 Evans, of Smethport) and Wallace (deceased). John W. Bush bought the 
 farm adjoining the old homestead, and after his marriage located on his pur- 
 chase and engaged in farming, until now he is a large land holder, also owning 
 the old homestead, to which he removed, April 20, 1875, and which is still his 
 residence. He was married in 1856 to Mary, daughter of John and Maria 
 Dexter, of Port Allegany, and they have three children: O. D. , Jane (wife of 
 J. L. Smith) and Desdemona (wife of O. B. Cooper). Mrs. Bush is a member 
 of the Baptist Church. In politics he is a Republican. 
 
 W. T. OALLAR, druggist, Smethport, son of William and Alvira (Lewis) 
 Callar, was born in Sharon township. Potter Co., Penn., in 1841. His father 
 was a native of England, where he was reared and educated. He emigrated 
 
BIOGBAPHICAL SKETCHES. 421 
 
 to America and located in Allegany county, N. Y. , where he married; soon 
 after he went to Potter county, Penn., and from there to what is now the 
 county seat of Cameron county, where he was engaged in the lumber and mill- 
 ing business. He died in 1848, and his widow in January, 1885. W. T. Cal- 
 lar, tljeir only son, began life as a farmer, but removed to Kane, where he 
 started the first drug store, and in 1876 came to Smethport and opened a drug 
 store, which he still carries on. He is a thirty-second degree Freemason, and 
 a member of the consistory at Bloomsburg; also a member of the I. O. O. F., 
 lodge and encampment. Mr. Callar is identified with the Democratic party, 
 but is no politician, as he devotes his entire time to business. He and his wife 
 are members of the Presbyterian Church. 
 
 J. R. CHADWICK, Smethport, son of Richard Chadwick, was born at 
 Williamsport, Penn., in 1825. His father, who was a native of Monmouth 
 county, N. J., came, with his parents, to what is now Cameron county, and in 
 1811 settled at the mouth of North creek. Richard Chadwick there married 
 Prudence Freeman and reared a family of three children: Freeman and Tem- 
 perance (both deceased) and J. R. March 9, 1826, his wife died, and the fol- 
 lowing year he removed to Smethport, entered the prothonotary ofiice as deputy, 
 and afterward taught school ; eventually he returned to Cameron county and 
 made his home with his daughter, Temperance, until his death in 1866. J. R. 
 Chadwick was his father's assistant in the various positions he held. In 1846 
 he married Miss Nettie Wright (now deceased), by whom he had two sons. In 
 politics he is a Republican, and in 1887 he was elected superintendent of poor. 
 
 HOMER M. CHOATE, deputy register, recorder and clerk of the court of 
 McKean county, with residence at Smethport, was born August 22, 1843, at 
 Portage, Genesee Co., N. Y., where his father carried on a lumbering busi- 
 ness, saw-mills, etc. The record of the ancestry of Homer M. Choate in 
 America is as follows : John Choate, born in 1624, in Groton, Suffolk, England, 
 came to Ipswich, Mass. , about 1645, and settled in that part of Ipswich which 
 is now the town of Essex; Thomas Choate was born in l670; Francis Choate 
 was born in 1701 ; Isaac Choate was born in 1733 ; Joshua Choate was born in 
 1768; Isaac W. Choate, the father of Homer M. Choate, was born in 1794 at 
 Lansingburgh, N. Y. About 1690 John Choate gave his son, Thomas, all his 
 land on an island on the coast of Massachusetts, known as "Hog Island," and 
 the house that was built there by Francis, son of Thomas, about 1725, is still 
 occupied by his descendants. In this house Isaac Choate, Sr. , was born, also 
 Isaac's son Joshua. The farm is still in possession of the descendants of John 
 Choate, and has never been out of the family, a period of more than 200 
 years. Ruf us Choate, the lawyer and orator, was born in this house about 
 thirty years after Joshua Choate was born. William Choate, who bought 
 from Isaac Choate (his brother) his half of the farm in 1770, was the grand- 
 father of RuTus, the lawyer. While yet young Homer M. Choate was brought 
 by his parents from Portage to Clarence, Erie county, same State, and there he 
 attended the common schools and the academy until the outbreak of the Re- 
 bellion, when, in 1861, at the age of eighteen years, he enlisted in the Twenty- 
 first New York Volunteers for two years, served out his term and was honorably 
 discharged. He was then appointed a United States inspector in the custom- 
 house at Buffalo, N. Y. , which office he relinquished in the fall of 1865 to 
 accept the position of book-keeper in the First National Bank of Oil City, 
 Penn. Here he remained, part of the time as cashier, till the fall of 1875, 
 when he resigned in order to go into business in the Oil Exchange, same city. 
 Mr. Choate continued in this and in the brokerage business until 1883, in 
 which year he accepted the position of paying teller in the Seaboard Bank, 
 
422 HISTORY OF MCKEAN COUNTY. 
 
 New York, but having the misfortune to shoot and kill a burglar in his wife's room 
 at Newark, N. J., on November 10, 1883, the shock to her, which no doubt 
 precipitated her early death, was so great that he had to resign his position 
 and move his wife and family back to her home in the oil country, where he 
 received the appointment to his present "position. Mr. Choate was married 
 September 11, 1867, to Helen E., daughter of Stephen McCoy, of Ellicottsville, 
 Cattaraugus Co., N. Y., and niece of Dr. William Y. McCoy, of Smethport, 
 Penn. She died January 22, 1886, from cancer of the stomach. Mr. Choate 
 is commander of the G. A. R. Post at Smethport, and is a member of the F. & 
 A. M. and of the I. O. O. P. 
 
 WILLIAM B. CLARKE, sheriff of McKean county, Smethport, was 
 born in Westbrook, Conn. , in 1845, and when he was two years of age his 
 father moved to New York City. He was educated in the high schools of 
 that city, from which he subsequently graduated. When about eighteen 
 years of age he entered the employ of Jacob Lorillard, the celebrated tobac- 
 conist, for whom he worked for four years. The Lorillard establishment 
 employed over 600 men at that time, and Mr. Clarke was the principal book- 
 keeper, having also entire charge of the internal revenue branch of the busi- 
 ness. There was a heavy tax on tobacco in those war times, and thousands of 
 dollars of internal revenue tax was paid monthly by this one establishment. 
 Mr. Clarke had the confidence of his employer to such an extent that very 
 few men possess before the age of twenty-one years, and he has in his pos- 
 session a letter of recommendation from Jacob Lorillard which he values very 
 highly. In 1866, at the instance of a brother-in-law, who owned a majority of 
 the stock of the Home Petroleum Company, he visited Oil creek, the valley of 
 which was then booming as an oil territory. This company owned the Blood 
 farm, which was then a fine producing territory, and Mr. Clarke was induced to 
 take the position of assistant superintendent, and was given considerable charge 
 of the property. He remained in the employ of the company nearly nine years, 
 during five of which he lived at Titusville. He came to McKean county in 
 1875, locating at Tarport, and for four years had charge of the oil properties 
 of Col. A. I. Wilcox. For a long time he was in the employ of his father-in- 
 law, Frederick Crocker, whose producing interests were very large, and dur- 
 ing a portion of the time he superintended the extensive coal business of 
 Sheriff Bannon. In January, 1884, he was appointed the principal deputy 
 sheriff under Sheriff Bannon, and in 1887 was elected to the office of sheriff, 
 proving himself one of the most popular officials of the county. He was 
 married in 1876 to Edna Crocker, daughter of Frederick Crocker, and they 
 have one son. Mr. Clarke has taken the thirty-second degree in Freemasonry 
 and is a member of the consistory at Bloomsburg; is also a member of the 
 Knights of Pythias. 
 
 W. J. COLEGROVE, Smethport, was born in what is now Norwich town- 
 ship, McKean Co., Penn. His father, Jonathan Colegrove, late of McKean 
 county, was one of the pioneers of said county, having removed hither from 
 Chenango county, N. Y., in 1815, and was one of three brothers (the others 
 being Park and Benjamin), all of whom resided for many years in what was 
 then Sergeant township, but is now Norwich township. They were born in the 
 town of Sterling, Windham Co., Conn. Jonathan Colegrove was educated at 
 the district school of his native town, and at Plainfield Academy, Windham 
 county, after which he taught at the Catskill Academy. He was married to Miss 
 Eliza Gallup, a native of Griswold, Conn. , and removed to Chenango county. 
 After serving in the army at Sackett's Harbor in the war of 1812, he lived on 
 a farm which he worked summers, and taught school, winters, for some years, 
 
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 423 
 
 after which they came to McKean county, where he followed farming and teach- 
 ing, also had charge of the large Ridgway landed property until 1852. He 
 was twice county commissioner, being the first at its organization, and when 
 it was connected with Potter county; he was also treasurer one term; served one 
 term as representative of his district in 1824-25; was the first postmaster of 
 Norwich, when the mail was carried from Smethport to Lock Haven once in 
 two weeks on horseback, the rider carrying a "tin horn" to give warning of 
 his approach. The children born of this union were Eliza F. (the late Mrs. 
 Daniel Rifle), William W. (who died when five years old), Horace (who 
 married Emily Burlingame, and whose death occurred in Norwich township in 
 1888), William J., Laura Ann and Laura Ette (twins). The only survivors of 
 these children are William J. and Laura Ann. Mrs. Colegrove died in 1859 in 
 her seventy-fourth year. Jonathan Colegrove was respected by all who knew 
 him for his sterling integrity and his business qualifications. He was an old- 
 line Whig fi'om their organization, and on the dissolution of that party became 
 a zealous Republican, and so continued to his death. Through his influence, 
 while in the legislature, he obtained an appropriation from the State for the 
 Smethport Academy, which was subsequently built and opened to the public. 
 He died in 1872 in his ninetieth year. W. J. Colegrove, the subject proper of 
 this sketch, was born in 1821, and was educated at the common schools of 
 Norwich township, and Smethport Academy, after which he married, in 1841, 
 Miss Eunice H. Wright, of Kanona, Steuben Co. , N. Y. , and they began their 
 married life on the old homestead farm in Norwich township, McKean Co. , 
 Penn., he teaching school, winters, for some years. There they remained until 
 1880, when they removed to Smethport, he having since 1852 had charge of the 
 Ridgway estates, which were located in McKean and Elk counties, embracing two 
 tracts of land, each containing 40,000 acres, situated in said counties, and of 
 which he had exclusive control, being authorized to sell, collect and make titles 
 without restriction. This continued until the decease of the principal, when 
 the executor wished Mr. Colegrove to continue as before, which position he 
 still occupies. A portion of the estate had been sold when Mr. Colegrove as- 
 sumed its management, but he has now disposed .of all, except about 16,430 
 acres in McKean county. Mr. Colegrove was elected justice of the peace, in 
 1842, while residing in Norwich township; has also served two terms as com- 
 missioner of McKean county, and was a member of the board during the erec- ' 
 tion of the present fine court house, which was begun and completed during 
 his term from 1879 to 1881, inclusive. Mr. Colegrove was instrumental in the 
 creating of a new post-office at Colegrove, of which he was postmaster until 
 1880; he was also appointed by Gov. *W. F. Johnston as sheriff of McKean 
 county, in 1851, to fill the unexpired term of E. Bard. He is a prominent and 
 active worker in the Republican party, his first vote, however, having been 
 cast for Clay and Frelinghuysen, Whigs; but he has voted for every Republi- 
 can candidate since the organization of the party, and he was the elector of his 
 district at Grant's last election. He is a Prohibitionist in principle, but not a 
 third-party man. Mr. and Mrs. Colegrove have four children: Harriet 
 Amelia, who married Thomas Saunders, of Westfield, Tioga Co. , Penn. ; Alpha 
 William, now on the old homestead; Lydia Sophia, widow of the late John S. 
 Ross, of Coudersport, Penn. , and Clarence Melville. 
 
 DAVID D. COMES, farmer and lumberman, P. O. Smethport, is a son 
 of David and Hannah (Marvin) Comes, and was born in Norwich township, 
 McKean Co., Penn., in 1824. His mother was a daughter of Seth Marvin, 
 one of the first settlers of McKean county, from whom Marvin creek derived 
 its name. David Comes, the father of our subject, was a native of Cheshire 
 
424 HISTORY OF MCKEAN COUNTY. 
 
 county, N. H. , and Hannah, his wife, was a native of New York State. David 
 removed to McKean county in 1810, locating at what is now Clermont, Ser- 
 geant township, where he purchased and partially cleared a farm, and then 
 removed to near the head of Potato creek. They reared a family of nine 
 children, viz: Calvin S.,who bore the proud distinction of being the first white 
 child born in McKean county; Eoxy, the late Mrs. Edward H. Dickinson, of 
 Norwich township, same county ; David D. ; Lucy, now Mrs. Chauncey Holden; 
 of Liberty township, same county; Florilla and Floretta (twins), the former 
 Mrs. William Rumsey, of New York, and the latter Mrs. Orlando Gallup, of 
 Norwich, McKean county; Jane, the late Mrs. Bishop Lucas; Herrick T., and 
 Mary, the late Mrs. Daniel Forsyth. David D. Comes early purchased the 
 farm he now owns in Keating township, and has since been extensively en- 
 gaged in the lumber business. He built a steam saw -mill on Eed Mill brook, 
 Norwich township, having a capacity of 30,000 feet of lumber daily. He is 
 one of the prominent and self-made men of McKean county, and by good 
 financiering and increasing effort, has secured a handsome competency. He 
 was married March 11, 1847, to Miss Polly V. Smith, and they have had ten 
 children, viz.: Jane, wife of J. B. Kelly; Almina, wife of D. M. Wright; Clin- 
 ton D. ; Charles; M. S. ; Hattie; Millie, wife of Amos Smith; Eseck D. ; Har- 
 riet and Benjamin F. Mr. Comes is identified with the Democratic party, 
 though not an active politician, as he wisely devotes his entire time and 
 ■energy to the supervision of his large business interests. 
 
 AISA H. CORY, farmer and postmaster at Coryville, is a son of Thomas 
 R. and Litta (Howe) Cory, and was born in Sullivan, Tioga Co., Penn., in 
 1814. His father died when he was a boy, and he began his business life at 
 Wellsboro, Tioga county, where he published the Phoenix for a period of two 
 years, and September 13, 1887, he purchased the McKean county Journal, 
 changing its name to the Beacon. He remained its publisher nearly three 
 years, and was identified with the McKean county press for many years. He 
 eventually removed to his present residence at Coryville, where he purchased 
 a farm, and is recognized as one of its most enterprising men. In 1861 he 
 raised Company H, Fifty-eighth Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry, and became 
 its captain, but, becoming disabled through exposure, he returned home in 
 1862. Mr. Cory was married in 1838 to Lucy, daughter of the Hon. John 
 Holmes, and their children are A. Orson and Ella C. , now Mrs. F. S. Holmes, 
 of Keating township. Mr. Cory is a member of the Sons of Temperance. He 
 and his wife are members of the United Brethren Church. He has been post^ 
 master at Coryville since 1872. Politically he is a Prohibitionist. 
 
 ASA R. CORY, lumberman and proprietor of saw-mill, P. O. Farmers 
 Valley, is a son of A. B. Cory, and was born inSmethport, McKean Co., Penn., 
 in 1845. His father was a native of Tioga county, Penn., and came to Mc- 
 Kean county at an early time, locating at Smethport, but soon removed to Potter 
 county, where he married Hannah Maria Rees, and finally removed to Arkansas, 
 ■where he now lives. Their children were Asa R., Lytta E. (the late Mrs. 
 Lyman Clinton), Benjamin F. and Mary A. (wife of Frank Caldwell). The 
 mother died in 1879, and in Missouri the father married, for his second wife, 
 a Miss "West, and to them have been born four children: Lillian (wife of J. J. 
 Johnson), Lucy (wife of Alexander Hull), Thomas M. and Azro. Asa R. Cory 
 lived with his mother until her death, and he then became associated with the 
 Messrs. Pelton in the lumber trade and in operating a steam saw-mill; also 
 operated a mill in Keating township, which was burned in 1888, but was rebuilt 
 the same year, and he is now quite heavily engaged in the lumber trade. In 
 1872 he married Emogene Smith, and they have had three children: Ella M., 
 
BIOGKAPHICAL SKETCHES. 425 
 
 Orlo D. (yet living) and Lytta A. (deceased). Mrs. Cory was the daughter of 
 Riley A. and Eliza J. Smith, both of Smethport, Penn. Mr. Smith served in 
 the Union army during the Civil war, and died from disease contracted while 
 in the army about two years after the close of the war. Mrs. Smith still lives 
 in Smethport. Mr. Cory is a member of the I. O. O. F., lodge and encamp- 
 ment, and of the A. O. U. W. He has been supervisor and school director, 
 and in politics is a Democrat. 
 
 ERASTUS CURTIS, farmer, P. 0. East Smethport, was born in Plain- 
 field, Mass., in 1809. His parents removed from Massachusetts to Tioga county, 
 Penn., where they remained until 1814, and then migrated to Madison county, 
 , N. Y., where he grew to manhood. He remained there until 1847, when he 
 removed to Keating township, MoKean Co. , Penn. , where he cleared a farm. 
 He is still leading an active life, engaged in agricultural pursuits. He was 
 married in 1834 to Miss Mary Ette Starr, and they have had four children, of 
 whom but one is living, Mary E., now Mrs. Frank Richmond, of Smethport. 
 Mr. Curtis is identified with the Republican party, and has filled most of the 
 township offices. 
 
 JOHN O. DODGE, lumberman. East Smethport, was born in Kennebec 
 county, Me., January 14, 1846, a son of John P. and Rosannah (Richardson) 
 Dodge, natives of Maine. He received his education in the common schools, 
 and his early boyhood days were spent with his father upon the home farm. He 
 enlisted in the United States service in September, 1864, and was assigned to 
 Company K, Ninth Maine Regiment of Infantry, but his service was compara- 
 tively brief, being discharged the following May on account of disability. 
 Returning home, he purchased a farm in Kennebec county, Me. , and was mar- 
 ried in May, 1868, to Miss Miranda, a daughter of J. M. and Olive Scammon 
 Lane, of Penobscot county, Me., and they are the parents of one child, Jennie, 
 wife of F. L. Sherburn, of Mount Alton, Penn. Mr. Dodge sold his farm in 
 1869, and went to Old Town, Me. , where he began lumbering, remaining there 
 •two years. He followed the same business in Bartlett, N. H., until 1879; then 
 came to McKean county, Penn. , where he is still engaged in the lumber busi- 
 ness. In 1888 he purchased the farm where he now resides. He is a member 
 ■of the A. O. U. W., No. 182. In politics he is a Republican, and in religion 
 is a Methodist. 
 
 MICHAEL DUNN, lumberman, Smethport, son of Thomas and Mary 
 (Phalin) Dunn, was born in Cuba, Allegany Co.,N. Y., in 1849. When he 
 was three years of age his parents removed to Ceres township, McKean 
 Oo. , Penn. , where they engaged in farming. They had a family of six chil- 
 dren, viz. : Michael, John, Mary (Mrs. Henry McMann), James, Anna and 
 Patrick, all in this county but John, who lives at Austin, Potter Co. , Penn. 
 The parents are still Hying on the old homestead. Michael received his educa- 
 tion in the old log schoolhouse, on Newell creek, and afterward engaged in 
 farming and lumbering. In 1882 he married Flora A., daughter of Capt. 
 Chauncey and Lucy (Comes) Holden, of Port Allegany, McKean county, after 
 which they located at Larrabee, remaining until 1888, when they removed to 
 Smethport. He is, and has been for the last eight years, engaged in the lum- 
 ber trade. He is a member of the I. O. O. F., lodge and encampment, at 
 Smethport. In politics he affiliates with the Republican party. 
 
 JOHN FORREST, attorney at law, Smethport, was born in Brooklyn, N. 
 Y., February 8, 1851, a son of John and Ann (Wright) Forrest, natives of 
 Scotland, who came to Brooklyn, N. Y., in 1845. They reared a family of 
 six children, John being the eldest son. He received a practical business 
 education in the schools of Brooklyn, and when sixteen years of age entered 
 
42Q HISTORY OF MCKEAN COUNTY. 
 
 the law office of Edwin C. Delevan, where he remained until 1868. He then 
 went to Fall Brook, Penn. , where he was employed as clerk in the office of the 
 Fall Brook Coal Company, nntil 1875; then he went to Clermont. McKean 
 county, as paymaster for the Buffalo Coal Company; after remaining there 
 about one year he went to Buffalo, N. Y., as book-keeper for the same com- 
 pany. In January, 1877, he came to Smethport, McKean county, and entered 
 the law and land office of B. D. Hamlin. Mr. Forrest married in August, 
 1878, Miss Mary, daughter of B. D. and Harriet (Holmes) Hamlin, and to 
 them have been born two children: Helen and Euth. Mr. and Mrs. Forrest 
 are members of the Episcopal Church. Mr. Forrest has always been a Demo- 
 crat in politics. 
 
 DR. S. D. FREEMAN, Smethport, son of Edmund and Elizabeth (Chad- 
 wick) Freeman, natives, respectively, of Connecticut and New Jersey, was born 
 in Potter county, Penn., January 29, 1829; his ancestors came over in the 
 "Mayflower" in 1620 and 1623, his father having been a lineal descendant of 
 Elder William Brewster, of "Mayflower" fame, and the name Edmund has been 
 given to the eldest son from generations back. His parents after marriage re- 
 moved to Potter county, thence to McKean county in 1832. To them nine chil- 
 dren were born, five now living and four deceased. The deceased are Edmund 
 Allen (named after Ethan Allen, his grandmother being a niece of the general), 
 Sabra Calista, Mary JefFery, and a son still-bom. Those living are William 
 Chadwiek, Sylvanus Dwelley, Malinda Corbett, Francis Halleck and Mary 
 Elizabeth. The subject of this biography received his early education in Mc- 
 Kean county, eventually graduating from the University of Buffalo in 1856, 
 and first began the practice of medicine at Smethport. In this he continued 
 until the beginning of the Civil war, when he was made surgeon of the Penn- 
 sylvania Bucktails, and in October, 1862, he was promoted to surgeon of the 
 United States Volunteers, a position he retained until after the close of the 
 war, when he was breveted lieutenant- colonel and resumed his professional 
 practice, continuing therein until the Mexican disturbance of 1876, when he 
 proceeded to that country as correspondent for the committee on foreign rela- 
 tions. On his return home he again commenced active practice at Smethport. 
 On June 1, 1855, the Doctor married Lucretia A. Reisdorph, the union being 
 blessed with three children, of whom two are yet living: Kate (now Mrs. F. 
 N. Taylor) and Ella (now Mrs. H. C. Wells); their second daughter, Bessie 
 Kane, is deceased. Dr. Freeman is a prominent member of the G. A. R., a 
 thirty-second degree Freemason, and a member of the consistory at Blooming- 
 ton; ex-president of the McKean County Medical Society, member of the State 
 Medical Society and of the American Medical Association. 
 
 BIRS. L. A. FREEMAN, Smethport, is a daughter of John G. and Marilla 
 (Johns) Reisdorph, and was born at Java, Livingston Co., N. Y., in 1836. 
 Her parents removed to Ischua, Cattaraugus Co., N. Y., and thence to Minne- 
 sota. Her mother died in 1838, and her father afterward married Mrs. Mabel 
 Adams, widow of a Dr. Adams, and this lady also died, when the subject of 
 our sketch was quite young. The father of Mrs. Freeman died in 1886, aged 
 eighty-eight years. Her mother was a lineal descendant of a family in England 
 named Johns, of which family two bachelor brothers, very wealthy, at one 
 time presented the Quaker Society at Philadelphia with 140,000, and died 
 leaving an immense estate in Europe to be divided among the heirs. 
 
 P. M. FULLER, commissioner of McKean county, P. O. Smethport, was 
 born in Erie county, N. Y., May 4, 1823, a son of Chase and Nancy (Kenyon) 
 Fuller. In 1840 his father moved to Cattaraugus county, N. Y. , and the young 
 man completed his school days in the common schools of that section and in 
 
BIOGEAPHIOAL SKETCHES. 427 
 
 the seminary at Arcade, Wyoming county. In 1843 he left the seminary and 
 traveled on foot to the Tuna valley for the purpose of teaching school, vrhere 
 the town of Limestone now stands. In 1845 he married Cornelia Kinsman, and 
 in 1850, with his family of wife and three children, moved to McKean county, 
 where he has since resided. In October, 1861, he enlisted in Company E, Fifty- 
 eighth P. V. I., under Capt. John C. Backus, and in 1863 re-enlisted, serving 
 until January, 1865, when he was honorably mustered out of the service. He 
 was promoted from time to time until he was, in October, 1864, made captain 
 of his company, and at onetime he was the ranking officer, and for six weeks had 
 command of the regiment. He was in several engagements and battles in which 
 the regiment participated, commencing with the driving of the forces of the 
 rebel Gen. Magruder out of Norfolk, Va. He participated in the battles at 
 Blackwater and Suffolk, Va. , Sandy Ridge, Gum Swamp and Batchelder' s creek, 
 N. C. , where Col. Jones of the Fifty-eighth was killed. He was with the reg- 
 iment while it lay for a long time in front of Petersburg, and participated in 
 the battles of Cold Harbor, Chapin's Farm and in the capture of Fort Har- 
 rison, south of Richmond. He had command of the regiment when it marched 
 into Richmond, which was the day Jefferson Davis vacated his premises in that 
 city. After Capt. Fuller's return from the army he was elected to several 
 local offices in Bradford township, McKean county, including that of justice of 
 the peace, and was subsequently elected an alderman of Bradford. He has 
 served iive years as associate judge of McKean county, has twice been elected 
 county commissioner, the last time in 1887, and is now serving in that position. 
 Capt. Fuller has a very extensive acquaintance in McKean county, and his popu- 
 larity is co-extensive with his acquaintance. He is a member of Post No. 141, 
 G. A. R. , of Bradford, and of the Masonic fraternity, lodge, chapter and com- 
 mandery. His first wife died in 1868, and he was again married this time, in 
 1870, to Mrs. Elizabeth A. (Heyter) Drake, widow of Joshua J. Drake. She 
 died in October, 1881, and in 1883 Capt. Fuller was married to his present 
 wife, whose maiden name was Anna Sparks. He has three children: Ophelia 
 (wife of "William Monroe), Emma E. (wife of Webster K. Knye), and Royd E. 
 (in Nebraska.) • 
 
 REV. J. J. GALLIGAN, pastor of the Church of St. Elizabeth, Smeth- 
 port, is a sou of James and Catherine Galligan, and was born in Ireland in 
 1848. He received his early education in the parish schools of his native 
 county (Cavan), and his training in classics at St. Patrick's College in County 
 Cavan, Ireland, from which he graduated June 21, 1871, coming to America 
 August 19, 1872. September 1, 1872, he entered Allegany Seminary, on the 
 Erie Railroad, west of Olean, N. Y., and was ordained a priest July 6, 1877. 
 Father Galligan was first sent to Erie, Penn., thence to Titusville, same State, 
 where he remained three years; then, on November 11, 1880, he came to 
 Smethport, and has here since most worthily filled his present incumbency. 
 
 ■ MRS. LAURA ANN GALLUP, Smethport, is a daughter of Jonathan and 
 Eliza Colegrove, and was born January 28, 1823, in Norwich township, Mc- 
 Kean Co., Penn. Her father was a native of Sterling, Windham Co., Conn., 
 but was chiefly reared in Griswold, Conn., and educated at Penfield Academy. 
 On completing his studies he married Eliza Gallup, of same place, and removed 
 to Norwich, Chenango Co., N. Y., where he followed agricultural pursuits and 
 school -teaching until his removal, in 1875, to Sergeant (now Norwich) town- 
 ship, McKean Co., Penn., and to what is now known as Colegrove, where he 
 was engaged in farming throughout his active life. He, however, was specially 
 employed for a considerable time in the Bingham land pffice. Mr. and Mrs. 
 Jonathan Colegrova reared a family of five children: Florilla (the late Mrs. 
 
428 HISTORY OF MCKEAN COUNTY. 
 
 Daniel Rifle, of Norwich township, McKean county), Horace (who died in Nor- 
 wich township January 16, 1888), W. J. (the present agent for the Ridgway 
 estate in Smethport) and Laura Ette and Laura Ann (twins). The mother of 
 this family died February 27, 1859, and the father April 11, 1872. Laura Ann 
 Gallup, the subject proper of this biographical record, married, December 29, 
 1844, in Norwich township, Philetus Gallup, who was born October 12, 1822, 
 a son of Cagswell and Dinah (Edwards) Gallup. Philetus located in Keating 
 township, McKean Co. , Penn. , where he became engaged in farming and lumber- 
 ing, and was also owner and proprietor of a saw- mill. Mr. and Mrs. Philetus Gal- 
 lup had a family of six children: Eliza, Dollie, Ella, J. G., Albert and Lincoln. 
 Mr. Gallup died September 30, 1878. He was one of the prominent and represent- 
 ative men of this portion of the county. Politically he was a Republican. Mrs. 
 Gallup is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. 
 
 EBEN GALLUP, farmer, P. O. Smethport, son of Nathaniel C. and 
 Dinah (Edmunds) Gallup, was born in Norwich township, McKean Co., Penn., 
 in 1821. Nathaniel C. Gallup was among the first settlers of the county. 
 He was a native of Connecticut, where he married, and where three of his 
 children were born, viz. : Jabez, Andrew (deceased) and Orrin (deceased). He 
 located in Norwich township, bought a tract of land and built the first saw- 
 and grist-mill on Potato creek. When he came to this county it was in the 
 green woods, and the country was infested with wild amimals. At one time, 
 when on his way to this part of the country with a load of mill-iron and a 
 quantity of pork, he was fiercely attacked by a pack of ravenous wolves. 
 Being far from any assistance he was compelled, in self-preservation, to build 
 fires around his team to keep the wolves from devouring the whole outfit. 
 The children born to Nathaniel C. Gallup in McKean county were Nathaniel 
 C. , Jr. (deceased), California, Daniel, Eben, Philetus (deceased), Orlando 
 (deceased), and Alfred. The mother died, and the father' married, for his sec- 
 ond wife, Indiana Arnold, by whom he had one child, Arnold. The father 
 died in 1833. Eben Gallup was twelve years old when his father died, and he 
 made his home with his brother, Jabez, until 1849, when he married Phebe 
 Windsor, and located in Keating township, on the farm he now owns. He 
 has been engaged all his life in farming, and is one of the successful men of 
 the township. Mr. and Mrs. Gallup have two children: Emma (now Mrs. 
 Warley Gifford) and Carrie (now Mrs. Fred Smith), and two grandchildren: 
 Roy and Ethel Gifford. Mr. Gallup, in politics, is a Democrat. He received 
 the nomination for county commissioner, though defeated at the polls, but has 
 occupied various official positions in his township. Mrs. Gallup is a Seventh- 
 Day Baptist, while her daughters are Episcopalians. 
 
 W. D. GALLUP, merchant, Smethport, is a son of Daniel and Lucina 
 Gallup, and was born in Norwich, McKean Co., Penn., in 1846. His grand- 
 father, Nathaniel C. Gallup, was a native of Connecticut, and removed to 
 Norwich at a very early day, where he lived and died. He reared a family of 
 ten children, five of whom still survive: Gabez F. , of Hamlin township, 
 McKean county; Daniel, of Norwich; Eben and Alfred D., of Keating; and 
 Mrs. Philetus Corwin, of Foster township. Daniel, father of W. D. , was born 
 in Norwich. He has devoted his attention to agriculture, and still lives in his 
 native place. His wife died in 1848. They had two children: Nathaniel C, 
 of Norwich, and W. D. W. D. Gallup began his business life as an employe 
 of the Hon. Henry Hamlin, with whom he remained four years, when he ac- 
 cepted a position at Emporium, where he also remained four years ; he then 
 returned to Smethport, and was with A. N. Taylor until his decease, and con- 
 tinued about a year after with Frank N. Taylor. In 1877 he engaged in busi- 
 
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 429' 
 
 ness at the old Sartwell §tore, on Main street, as dealer in general merchan- 
 dise, and in 1881 removed to the one he now occupies. He is a member of 
 . McKean Lodge, No. 388, F. & A. M. ; Bradford Chapter, No. 260, R. A. M., 
 and Trinity Commandery, No. 58, K. T. He is a Republican in politics, and 
 in the fall of 1877 was elected treasurer of McKean county; in 1885 he was 
 elected county commissioner. He married, in 1871, Miss Elizabeth Shepard, 
 daughter of David V. Shepard, and their union has been blessed with two 
 children— one son and one daughter — Fred D. and Rena May. 
 
 SETH J. GIFFORD, lumber manufacturer, Smethport, son of William 
 and Fanney L. (Hackett) GifPord, was born in Keating township, two miles 
 east of Smethport, in 1847. His grandfather. Job GifPord, was a native of 
 New Jersey, where he married Nancy Woodruff, and then removed to Nor- 
 wich township, McKean Co., Penn. Here they reared a family of twelve 
 children, namely: Jonathan, David, Sarah, William, Henry, Eliza, Job, Alex- 
 ander, Rejoice, Leander, Jane and Alonzo. The parents of these children 
 died a few years ago, having lived to a ripe old age. They were among the 
 early settlers of the county, and endured all the privations and hardships of 
 pioneer life. William, father of Seth J., was born in Norwich township, 
 McKean county, in 1820, and eventually married and located in Keating 
 township, and became a farmer. He has been a member of the Baptist 
 Church for many years. He was the father of six children : Zavalia D. , Seth 
 J., Wasley, Leander D., Jennie E. and Will S. The father has sold the old 
 homestead, and is now a resident of Smethport. He has served his township 
 in various official capacities. Seth J., his second son, received his educa- 
 tion in the public schools of Smethport. He began his business career in 1866, 
 when he removed to Corry and became engaged in the construction of a rail- 
 road. He next became a contractor and builder at Smethport, and among 
 other buildings erected Wright's hotel and the first extract works here. He 
 also purchased a saw-mill, and for a couple of years manufactured hemlock 
 lumber. He built a new mill, and entered into a contract with H. F. Good- 
 year, and in three years sawed 16,000,000 feet of lumber for him; he has since 
 made an agreement with the Allegheny Lumber Company, sawing from twelve 
 to fifteen million feet annually for them, and has now purchased a property 
 of the Allegheny Lumber Company, which gives him the controlling interest 
 in the plant at this point. He received the appointment of inspector-general 
 of the Pennsylvania Storage Company, but owing to his large interest was 
 compelled to resign. He was also urged by his friends to accept the nomina- 
 tion of State senator, but business cares prevented his acceptance. He is 
 identified with the Democratic party, has been burgess of the borough, school 
 director, etc. , and also a member of the fire department. Mr. GifFord is oae 
 of the live business men of Smethport, and is one of the heavy operators in 
 hemlock lumber in Northern Pennsylvania. 
 
 I. S. GLEASON, harness maker, Smethport, is a son of Amos and Polly 
 (Sias) Gleason, and was born in Livingston county, N. Y., in 1828. His parents 
 removed to Warsaw, Wyoming county, same State, where his mother died in 
 1843, after which his father made his home with a daughter in Livingston 
 county until his death. I. S. Gleason received but a limited education, labor- 
 ing under difliculties common to many, and in 1844, when but sixteen years of 
 age, he became an apprentice in a harness shop in Warsaw, N. Y., where he 
 remained until January, 1851. He removed to Smethport January 11, 1851, 
 where he was an employe of Steele & Johnson for three years ; then went into 
 the harness business for himself, abd has occupied his present store since 1855. 
 He married Emily A. Corwin in 1854, and they have had two children: Dora 
 
480 HISTOEY OF MCKEAN COUNTY. 
 
 M. (deceased) and Ra]ph C. Mr. Gleason is a Republican in politics. He 
 appreciates the desirability of affording proper educational advantages to chil- 
 dren, and was a member of the school board in the borough during the erection 
 of its very elegant school building, in -which he justly takes great pride. The 
 family attend the Methodist Episcopal Church. 
 
 , IRA M. GODFREY, Farmers Valley, son of David P. and Amanda M. 
 Godfrey, v^as born at Olean, N. Y. , in 1857, where he was reared and educated. 
 He began his business life at Farmers Valley, McKean Co. , Penn. , as clerk in 
 the employ of F. C. Olds, a dealer in general merchandise at that place, a 
 position he still holds. He married in 1885 Miss Maud, daughter of Daniel E. 
 Williams, of Black Creek, Allegany Co., N. Y., after which they located in 
 Farmers Valley, their present residence. They have two children: Mabel and 
 Elmer Lee. Mr. Godfrey is a member of the Sons of Temperance, and a Re- 
 publican in politics. Mr. D. P. Godfrey, with his wife, was among the early 
 settlers of Olean, N. Y. , where he is a prosperous farmer. Mrs. Ira M. God- 
 frey' s father was a soldier in the Civil war, but returned broken down in health, 
 and died while his daughter, Maud, was yet a child. Mrs. L. S. Williams, 
 mother of Mrs. Ira M. Godfrey, still lives at Black Creek, and is highly 
 respected by all who know her. 
 
 SHERIDAN GORTON, attorney at law, Smethport, was born at Phillips- 
 burg (now known as Belmont), Allegany Co. , N. Y. , in October, 1848 After 
 finishing his studies he taught school in his native county and in Oakland 
 county, Mich. He began the study of law with the Hon. Wilkes Angel, of 
 Belmont, but about 1870 accepted a position which necessitated his traveling 
 for about four years; he afterward completed the study of law with S. M. 
 Norton, of Friendship, N. Y. , and June 5, 1877, was admitted to the bar of 
 the State of New York. He became associated in the practice of law with 
 J. C. Backus. B. A. , which continued until the death of Mr. Backus, October 
 26, 1888, since which time Mr. Gorton has retained the old office, and is 
 engaged in business as before. In June, 1878, he married Lucy C, daughter 
 of Judson G. Eaton, of Smethport, and they have three children — boys — now 
 ten, eight and one years of age, respectively. Mr. Gorton is a prominent 
 member of the A. O. U. W. , and an officer in the grand lodge. Politically he 
 is a Republican. His father, Sheridan Gorton, died in May, 1848, and his 
 mother afterward married W. D. Renwick, of Allegany county, N. Y., a 
 prominent teacher, who was school commissioner of that county for a period of 
 six years, and they now have their home at Friendship. The mother of 
 Sheridan Gorton bore the maiden name of Abigail Norton, and was the eldest 
 daughter of Joseph B. Norton, one of the pioneers of Allegany county, N. Y. , 
 who died in 1882, at the age of eighty-two years. 
 
 ORLO J. HAMLIN, whose name is identified with the old bar of this dis- 
 trict as the pioneer and leading lawyer of that bar in this county, came to 
 Smethport in December, 1826. He was born at Sharon, Conn., December 2, 
 1803, but at the age of eleven years moved to Pennsylvania with his parents, 
 where, in Wayne and Bradford counties, he resided until the date of his settle- 
 ment in McKean county. Sometime during the year 1824 he was appointed 
 teacher of the pioneer school at Towanda, Bradford county. While holding 
 that position, he read law in the office of Simon Kinney, and there was ad- 
 mitted to the bar two years later. In the fall of 1826, determining to seek his 
 fortune in a newer country, he set out for Warren, Penn. From his pencil notes 
 of this trip, the description of the country from Galeton to Coadersport, given 
 in the local chapters of Potter county, is taken; while his reminiscences of his 
 first twenty-four hours at Smethport are given in the chapters on the courts 
 
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 431 
 
 and bar, and in the one on Smethport. Shortly after his arrival at Smethport, 
 he was called upon by John King (the agent of the Keatings), Jonathan Cole- 
 grove (the agent of the Eidgways) and Solomon Sartwell (the lumberman and 
 merchant), who received him cordially, and prevailed upon him to make his 
 home among them. He came a little too late to participate in the proceedings 
 of the first court (September, 1826), but was in time for the December term, when 
 he and John W. Howe were admitted ex gratia members of the bar of McKean 
 county. In the summer of 1828 Miss Orra L. Cogswell arrived from Con- 
 necticut on a visit to her uncle, Jonathan Colegrove. By this time the young 
 lawyer had won the esteem of the pioneers, and it is not a matter for wonder 
 to learn that his suit for Miss Cogswell's heart and hand was favorably received 
 by the grim old soldier of 1812, who was de facto guardian of the young lady's 
 interests during her absence from Connecticut. The marriage of the pioneer 
 lawyer and Miss Cogswell was solemnized that year, and for over half a century 
 they resided here together, the center of a large circle of friends and of a happy 
 family. In 1831 and 1832 Mr. Hamlin wrote the historical sketch published in 
 Hazzard's Gazetteer of that year, the first history ever written of any section of 
 the district. His political life may be said to have begun in 1828, when he took a 
 leading part in the campaign. Four years later he represented his district in the 
 legislature, and in the winter of 1832-33 he urged the bill appropriating 
 $20,000 for the improvement of the east aad west State road through McKean 
 county. His speech on this occasion continued for two hours, and won the 
 attention of all readers throughout the commonwealth, owing to the excellence 
 of the language, style and logical conclusion employed by the speaker. The 
 bill, however, failed to receive a majority vote, as did also one for the extension 
 of the canal up the north branch of the Susquehanna, which he earnestly 
 espoused. Undeterred by the defeat of two such measures, he introduced a 
 bill to organize the Eighteenth judicial district — Potter, McKean, Warren and 
 Jefferson counties. He placed this measure before the house in such a strong 
 light, that a legislature, which opposed everything necessitating further State 
 or county taxes, was compelled to coincide with his views, so that, though the 
 opposition was strong in numbers and influence, this bill was carried, and the 
 perseverance of the young legislator rewarded. In the fall of 1833 he was 
 nominated for re-election, but his name not being placed on the legislative 
 ticket in Lycoming county, he withdrew, and in 1835 refused a third nomina- 
 tion unconditionally. 
 
 In July, 1836, he was admitted to the bar of the supreme court at Sunbury, 
 and in 1837 practiced before the United States District Court at Williamsport, 
 Penn., representing the defendant in the ejectment suit for possession of all 
 the Trimble lands in McKean county. The constitutional convention of 1836 
 and 1838, which framed the constitution of Pennsylvania, claimed him as a 
 representative of this northern district, with Hiram Payne, alternate. The 
 poor state of Mr. Hamlin's health compelled him to retire from the convention, 
 leaving his views of the subjects he had presented and discussed to Mr. Payne, 
 who voted in accordance with them. At this convention his proposition to 
 give each county a separate representative was negatived. In 1874 a similar 
 proposition was adopted. In 1839 Judge Eldred resigned, and a meeting 
 was held to consider the choice of his successor as president judge. Solomon 
 Sartwell presided, with J. E. Niles, secretary. This meeting resolved that 
 Mr. Hamlin should be appointed, and the resolutions were forwarded to the 
 governor, to be presented by Senators S. Hays and A. V. Parsons and Rep- 
 resentatives W. P. Wilcox and L. B. Cole. Other influences, supported by a 
 more persistent candidate, militated against the wish of the people in this 
 
 23 
 
432 HISTORY OF MCKEAN COUNTY. 
 
 instance. In 1841 and 1842 his name was prominent among the candidates 
 for congressional honors. The Democrat Analyzer, of Troy, in February, 
 1842, speaking on the subject of his nomination, quotes John Sergeant, pres- 
 ident of the constitutional convention, as follows: "I am very much impressed 
 with the force of Mr. Hamlin's arguments, and would take this opportunity of 
 saying that MoKean county is ably represented." Writing in 1852, he states 
 that he filled the ofiSces of township collector; deputy postmaster; deputy 
 prothonotary ; recorder and register; treasurer of the township road funds for 
 two years; postmaster, three years; deputy United States marshal, to take the 
 census of 1830; deputy attorney-general for McKean and Potter counties; 
 and, in 1832, member of the legislature. He makes the further statement: 
 • ' Complaint has never reached my ear of mismanagement in any of the 
 offices, and I could have held them longer had I chosen to do so. I have 
 learned to consider office rather as a matter of accident and peculiar fortune 
 than the result of talent and management, and I have observed that those who 
 seem most desirous of office are least fortunate in obtaining it. Consistency 
 in politics should never be lost sight of. ' ' After resigning his seat in the 
 convention in 1887, Mr. Hamlin partially recovered from the effects of the 
 fatigue and study to which he was subjected during his service in that body, 
 and at intervals gave some attention to political affairs and to his legal busi- 
 ness. Though physically weak, he was fortunate in the possession of rare 
 mental power. An analyst by nature, he was logical in all things, and each 
 proposition submitted for his opinion or action was subjected to this process 
 of logical dissection, so that when the conclusion was reached it was an 
 eminently just and proper one. His successful law practice, up to 1851, is a 
 testimonial to his high reasoning powers. In 1849 he engaged in his last 
 criminal case, when he aided the district attorney in the trial of Uzza Robbins, 
 who was convicted of murder. He also made the dedicatory address at the 
 opening of the old court-house, or second public building, which gave place to 
 the present temple of justice. For over twenty years prior to his death, he 
 had surrendered all hope of ever again appearing in court. To fill out the 
 blank which this involuntary retirement from the courts created, he en- 
 tered on new studies, taking up successfully the French and German lan- 
 guages, astronomy, geology and zoology, in which studies he was accus- 
 tomed to consult and procure the physical assistance of members of his 
 family. About 1870, Dr. Keating of Philadelphia, a grandson of John Keat- 
 ing, and a life-long friend of the lawyer, was called to his bedside. The 
 doctor naturally expected to be interrogated in the matter of the patient's 
 condition, but professional surprise may be imagined when Mr. Hamlin 
 said: "Well, doctor, I have been reading the Marseillaise Hymn; I know 
 you are a French scholar; I have it in the original as well as the trans- 
 lation; now I want you to take it in the French and translate it slowly; 
 while I compare the translation, to see whether the translator is right or 
 whether I am. ' ' The doctor assented, and when he came to the verse which 
 gave the patient special anxiety, the latter said: "Now please be accurate." 
 At the conclusion of the reading, a smile gladdened the invalid's face and he 
 said: "I thought I was right, now I've proved it; you can tell me now what 
 you can do to make a sick man well. ' ' 
 
 In his early years, Mr. Hamlin was somewhat skeptical with regard to the 
 immortality of the soul, but in the year 1845 he became a member of the 
 Presbyterian Church of Smethport, having received baptism at the hands of 
 Rev. B. T. Babbitt of that communion. From that time to the close his faith 
 grew stronger and more firm, as will be seen in the following lines written by 
 himself, called: 
 
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 433 
 
 Thoughts and Reflections. 
 
 For a sick man whose sands of life are nearly run, when all experiments to reeain 
 health have failed, when even all possible hope is extinguished and Fate has put on him 
 the seal of despair, and there is naught to look to' as the future of Earth of all consola- 
 tions the ever busy imagination can unfold, the thought that he knows that God exists 
 that there is. a God, and believes in Christ as his Mediator and Savior, and hopes for im- 
 mortality, and believes that when life has once begun, we live forever ; that death in- 
 stead of being a cessation of life, is but a change. It may be a fanciful one from mortal 
 to immortal that when we die we shall sleep, not so, but sleep with our fathers; and when 
 we awaken from that sleep, be it long or short, we shall awaken to everlasting life with 
 our bodily infirmities,, our diseases, our cares, our sorrows, our weaknesses both of body 
 and mind gone, all gone forever, being born again into a new, holy and perfect state of 
 being. This is the most glorious, joyful, happy and, to find the fullest expression most 
 grandand sublime thought that can be conceived by mortals, and the one of all others 
 that gives me most happiness. 
 
 October 3, 1870. O. J. H 
 
 Mr. Hamlin's death took place, February, 13, 1880, the result of total 
 exhaustion of the physical system. It was the end of an invalid condition 
 of almost thirty years' duration, and consequently was painless and peace- 
 ful. His widow died April 17, 1881, in her seventy-sixth year, within that 
 home in which she dwelt for fifty-three years. The fact of Mr. Hamlin's 
 death was presented to the court in February, 1880, by Hon. C. B. Curtis, 
 then residing in Erie, but practicing in this court, when the official action, re- 
 ported as follows, resulted. Mr. Curtis said: "If the court please, I wish to 
 announce to the court and bar that Orlo J. Hamlin breathed his last in this 
 town on the 13th day of the present month. The oldest practitioner which I 
 know, and one of the oldest members of the bar which I know in Western 
 Pennsylvania; I know of but one person now occupying that position. And I 
 can not pass over the announcement of this fact, without some reference to the 
 character of the deceased. Having been admitted here as early as 1826 — 
 almost fifty-four years ago, he must necessarily have formed some character 
 for good or for evil in this community, as well as in the surrounding counties, 
 where he was well known. And it is but just to his memory to say of the de- 
 ceased, that no man ever practiced before this bar, who had a more unimpeach- 
 able record than the deceased. There are but few men whose whole life for 
 integrity was so unquestioned, so white and pure as Orlo J. Hamlin's. While 
 he bore that high character fully among his professional associates, he was 
 held in the same high estimation by all classes who had intercourse with him. 
 He also had this commendable merit besides: he was a lawyer in the true ac- 
 ceptance of the term, high-minded, conciliatory and honorable, not only in 
 all of his relations with his professional brethren and the bench, but also in 
 his intercourse with all classes of our citizens, who will long remember him 
 with the highest respect for his high character as a good lawyer and citizen. 
 Orlo J. Hamlin was a thorough student, devoted to his books. As a practitioner, 
 there was no member of this bar who came into court more thoroughly pre- 
 pared, and master of the subject involved in the controversy than the deceased. 
 He was, therefore, always prepared to make an able and learned presentation 
 of his cause. Although Mr. Hamlin for many years had retired from the act- 
 ive labors of his profession, he nevertheless pursued his studies to the last, 
 which seemed to relieve him somewhat from his pain and suffering, during so 
 many years of sickness. Bright and promising as were his prospects in early 
 life, yet they were somewhat clouded by delicate health, which finally settled 
 down for a period of nearly thirty years into a sickness, making him a con- , 
 firmed invalid during all these dreary years, and confined to his house, seeing 
 but a few persons and conversing with but a few. But still, with all his afflic- 
 tions, he bore them with Christian fortitude and grace, never forgetting the 
 
434 HISTOKY OF MCKEAN COUNTY. 
 
 profession to which he belonged, never forgetting to hold aloft the high stand- 
 ard of that profession. And so he lived as to make his memory revered, not 
 only in the county of McKean, which ought to be proud of his career, but in 
 the counties surrounding wherever he was known; and wherever his character 
 was known he will be regretted. And while his character may be held up as 
 a model for the profession, it may also be alleged that he had a model charac- 
 ter as a good citizen. And that is saying a great deal for the deceased. I 
 have, in view of the character of Mr. Hamlin, and the occasion, drawn a reso- 
 lution, asking for the appointment of a committee by this court to express the 
 sentiments of this court and bar, in relation to the character of Orlo J. Hamlin, 
 which I will now present to your honor. ' ' 
 
 Judge Williams said: "Your idea, Mr. Cartis, is that this committee 
 should report at a subsequent sitting of the court upon its action." 
 
 Mr. Curtis : ' ' Yes sir ; and that the resolutions be filed among the records 
 of the court." 
 
 Judge Williams : ' ' Has any other gentleman, at this time, anything to 
 urge upon this subject?" 
 
 Mr. Backus: "Your Honor; I have been a member of the McKean county 
 bar some twenty- eight or thirty years. I knew O. J. Hamlin for some time 
 previous to his being confined in consequence of ill health, and his retirement 
 from the bar — probably some two years. I have known of his reputation pretty 
 thoroughly; I have known of the man. Although he has been, as it were, 
 buried for the last twenty-eight years, yet I have learned from the records of 
 this county, from the transactions that have transpired in consequence of his 
 connection with the growth and political existence of this county, sufficient to 
 enable me to know that he was a man of extraordinary character; that he was 
 a, man of large ability. He was not only considered one of the first attorneys 
 in Western Pennsylvania, but he was trusted also with the keeping and main- 
 taining of the honors of the State. He was a member of the legislature; he 
 was a member of the constitutional convention of 1838, and of whom it has 
 been said by very able men that there were none more capable, or none who 
 rendered more service in the formation of the constitution, than Orlo J. Ham- 
 lin. In the constitutional convention of 1873, one of its most distinguished 
 members, ex- Chief- Justice Woodward, in his address to this body on the prop- 
 osition to give to each county at least one representative in the lower branch 
 of the legislature, said of the deceased: 'Mr. President, in the convention of 
 1837, there was a young man by the name of Hamlin, who discussed this sub- 
 ject in such a manner as to wring from Mr. Sergeant, the president of the con- 
 vention, a very high compliment, and I undertake to say, that from the begin- 
 ning to the end of the session of that body there was no subject so scientifically 
 and thoroughly discussed as this subject of county representation by that 
 young man. Since this debate has come up in this body, I have referred to 
 the debates of the convention of 1837, and have read his speech, and I wish 
 every gentleman here had done so.' The people who have known him for years 
 have known him as a man of great ability. They have known him as a man 
 of great honesty and integrity; one who was at any and at Stll times, not only 
 when in full life, but often he was confined to his room, when he was unable 
 to exercise his full powers of thought by reason of suffering and pain, ready to 
 ' adjust differences and quiet law suits between neighbors, he was one who was 
 looked up to. He was consulted as to the settlement of difficulties arising 
 among neighbors. He was a man who did h<jnors to the profession, who never 
 urged a law suit, but invariably took all trouble and pains possible to make 
 neighbors respect each other as men. Therefore, he has stood high in the 
 
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 435 
 
 community. All who spoke of him gave him credit as being a man of worth, 
 and a man, who, when he went out of society, was very much missed. His 
 departure will be regretted so long as the old citizens of this county remain on 
 this side of the dark and turbulent river over which Orlo J. Hamlin has tri- 
 umphantly passed." 
 
 Judge Williams said: "It was not our good fortune to have a personal 
 acquaintance with Mr. Hamlin. His active connection with the profession had 
 closed before our connection with the courts of McKean county began. But 
 through all the years of our attendance upon these courts we have heard but 
 one opinion expressed of him. Whether he was spoken of as a citizen or as a 
 lawyer, it has uniformly been in terms of high praise. Prom those who knew 
 him when in his full strength, and met him in the contests of the court-room, 
 we have gotten the opinion that he was recognized as a lawyer of more than 
 ordinary painstaking, and of more than ordinary attainments; while as an 
 advocate he was earnest, eloquent, and, before a jury who knew hia own char- 
 acter, almost irresistible. During the long years of his retirement in a sick 
 room he is reputed to have kept up his acquaintance with the literature of the 
 age, to have been a careful student of the sciences, and indeed to have watched 
 with interest even the recent changes and developments in progress about him. 
 His long and successful professional career, his public services, his high 
 personal character, and his recognized ability make this motion eminently 
 proper, notwithstanding the fact that many years have elapsed since Mr. Ham- 
 lin's professional career closed. We entertain it with pleasure, and in compli- 
 ance with it appoint the following committee, viz.: Hons. C. B. Curtis, 
 A. G. Olmsted, J. C. Backus, W. W. Brown and P. Ford, Esq. And it is further 
 ordered that as a mark of respect for the memory of the deceased these courts 
 do now adjourn, and that this order be entered at length upon the minutes. ' ' 
 The committee appointed by the court to prepare resolutions of the sense of 
 this bar presents the following resolutions, February 18, 1880, in open court: 
 
 Resolved, That the Court and Bar of this County sincerely mourn the death of our 
 esteemed deceased brother, O. J. Hiimlin, a member of this bar for more than fifty years. 
 
 Resolved, That we entertain the profoundest respect for the unsullied character of 
 the deceased as a good citizen and a lawyer of sterling integrity, and of more than ordi- 
 nary professional learning and ability. 
 
 Resolved, That we tender to the family of the deceased our sincerest condolence in 
 their bereavement for their irreparable loss. 
 
 And now, February 19, 1880, it is ordered that the resolutions, reported by the com- 
 mittee appointed on the 16th day of February inst., be entered at length upon the minutes 
 of this Court as a part of the proceedings of the day, and that the prothonotary make and 
 deliver to the committee a copy hereof certified under his oflBcial seal for presentation to 
 the family of the said O. J. Hamlin, deceased. 
 
 The eulogies bestowed on the pioneer lawyer on that 18th day of February, 
 1880, only five days after he was called to the bar of the Supreme Court of the 
 Universe, were not utterances of fashion or custom. The pioneer more than 
 deserved this praise, for every act of his, during over half a century's residence 
 in McKean county, was one bringing benefits to the community, county or 
 district. ^ 
 
 Mr. Hamlin was the father of three children: Henry, JohnC. and Pauline 
 (wife of Robert King), who all live in Smethport. 
 
 BYRON D. HAMLIN. When the average young man of the present day 
 is disposed to grumble at the fate that compels him to earn his living, and to 
 complain of his "luck," it may be profitable to him to study the lives of tlfe 
 older men around him who are enjoying wealth and honorable position. He 
 will discover that almost without exception their earlier days were fraught 
 with struggling toil, and that their success is the result of earnest and perse- 
 
436 HISTORY OF MCKEAN COUNTY. 
 
 vering application of the hand and brain, and the prompt improvement of 
 every opportunity offered. The gentleman whose name heads this sketch 
 holds a most enviable position socially and financially. In the declining years 
 of his life he is surrounded with all the comforts of a competence and the as- 
 surance of the respect and honor of his fellows, and the love of a large circle 
 of friends and family connections. This is not the result of chance, but the 
 reward of patient toil and persevering endeavor. Equal success is in the 
 power of any young man. Hon. Byron D. Hamlin, the senior resident -member 
 of the McKean county bar, was born on May 7, 1824, at Sheshequin, Bradford 
 Co! , Penn. , the youngest of seven children. His father, Dr. Asa Hamlin, was 
 of English descent, while his mother, whose maiden name was Delano, came of 
 French ancestry. His parents and ancestors had resided for many generations 
 in Litchfield county. Conn., his father removing to Pennsylvania in 1816. Dr. 
 Asa Hamlin, who was one of a family of twenty-one children, was bred on a 
 farm, and brought up under the old Puritanical regime as practiced by the 
 New England Presbyterians. Amusements were rare, and Sunday was a day 
 to be dreaded. He had scanty opportunities for education or culture in his 
 youth, yet he improved them so well that he secured a profession in which he 
 held a respectable rank. In those days, however, doctors' fees were small and 
 hard to get. In June, 1833, he removed to Smethport with his wife and two 
 younger children — the subject of this sketch and his sister, Jenette — and died 
 in 1835, leaving his family without financial means for their support. In this 
 condition of things young Byron, then but a slight lad of eleven years, set 
 about to find some self-supporting employment. The first that offered was an 
 opportunity to peel and gather bark from old hemlock trees that had fallen. 
 This he sold for fuel at $1 per cord, payable in store trade. In this occupa- 
 tion he succeeded in maintaining and clothing himself for some time, and even 
 had sufficient surplus to purchase a handsome cream pitcher as a present to 
 his mother. It cost 5 shillings and 6 pence, and is still preserved and highly 
 prized as a relic of the struggles of his youth. After a time he was offered 
 the position of mail-carrier between Smethport and Olean, N. T., then the 
 principal communication with the outside world, and he accepted it gratefully. 
 He had to make two round trips a week, going to Olean and returning each 
 Sunday, making a ride of fifty-six miles, and going Wednesday and returning 
 on Thursday. The salary was 75 cents a trip, or 11.50 a week. The Sunday 
 trip commenced at 4 a. m., and was generally concluded between 8 and 11 
 p. M. , in all kinds of weather and at all seasons of the year. Young Byron 
 began this occupation when thirteen years old, and continued it two years, 
 during which time the mail rarely failed to be on time. His mode of convey- 
 ance was on. the back of a mule, and Mr. Hamlin enjoys nothing better than 
 to relate the comical, though often unpleasant, experiences of those days. By 
 the improvement of odd hours with his books at the fireside, and an occasional 
 few weeks at school, he had gained sufficient education to undertake teaching 
 school at the age of sixteen on Marvin creek, about four miles from home, at 
 $10 a month and "board around." The term lasted three months, and from 
 the proceeds he was able to purchase a suit of clothes and a few books. 
 
 His sister, Jenette, having married Rev. Moses Crow, a professor in 
 Allegheny College, at Meadville, Penn., he accepted an invitation to make 
 his home with them, and enter the college. After about a year and a half, 
 his brother-in-law's health failing, so that he was obliged to resign his pro- 
 fessorship, young Byron, having no means to pay his expenses and continue 
 his studies, returned to Smethport. He then accepted an offer of partnership 
 in a little store owned by his brother, Orlo J. Hamlin, the whole stock of which 
 
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 437 
 
 would not inventory over 1500. After about a year thus engaged, his brother- 
 in-law, who had in the meantime united with the Conference of the Methodist 
 Episcopal Church, and been stationed at Geneva, N.Y., again invited him to 
 live with him, and attend the college in that beautiful town. The long hoped- 
 for opportunity to complete a college course seemed to have arrived, and he 
 hastily closed his interest in the store, and prepared to accept the offer. 
 His profits in the year' s business comprised a respectable wardrobe, and about 
 1100 in bills receivable. He had in preparation for his trip a wooden trunk 
 made by a carpenter and joiner (which is still preserved in the attic of his 
 residence), in which all of his worldly wealth was stowed, when a few days before 
 starting he received a letter stating that both Mr. and Mrs. Crow were lying 
 at the point of death, from typhoid fever. He went there at once, on horse- 
 back, but found that his sister was dead and buried, and his brother-in-law 
 almost at the point of death, so he was obliged to return to Smethport with his 
 hopes disappointed, and his spirits crushed. By the advice of his brother, 
 Orlo J. , who was then practicing law in Smethport, he gave up the idea of 
 completing a collegiate education, and entered his office as a student and 
 clerk. This was in 1843, and in 1846 he was admitted to the bar of McKean 
 county. His brother had the care of a number of landed estates, for various 
 owners, and the attention to the details of this part of the business falling 
 largely upon the young student, he early acquired a taste for it, and having 
 given the subject his principal attention during his long professional career, 
 he is an accepted authority upon legal as well as practical business questions 
 relating to lands and land titles. In 1855 he accepted the agency of the lands 
 of Keating & Co. , then comprising nearly two hundred thousand acres of the 
 two hundred and ninety-seven thousand they had purchased from William 
 Bingham, in the year 1796, in McKean, Potter, Cameron, Clinton and Clear- 
 field counties. He had their care and management to the year 1884, when 
 he became the purchaser of what remained of this estate, and interested 
 some of his family relatives with himself in its ownership — the business being 
 conducted in the names of Byron D. Hamlin, Henry Hamlin and John 
 Forrest. 
 
 In politics Mr. Hamlin is a Democrat. When a young man he was active 
 and prominent as a local leader, and his party, then largely in the majority in 
 the county and district, recognized his abilities and usefulness. In 1848, at 
 the age of twenty-four, he was recommended by his county as a candidate for 
 the legislature, but declined at the district convention in favor of G. W. 
 Scofield, of Warren county, who was elected; in 1850 he was elected treasurer 
 of McKean county; in 1852 he was sent to the State senate, in which body, 
 •although one of the youngest members, he took a leading and prominent 
 position, and was elected as its presiding officer at the close of the session 
 of 1854. He was re-nominated by the convention of his district at the close 
 of his term, in 1855, but was defeated by Henry Souther, of Elk county, the 
 candidate of the American and Free- Soil parties. Having a good clientage 
 and extensive land estates under his care, he considered it his duty to those 
 interests, and to his family, to withdraw from active political life to more con- 
 genial and profitable pursuits. He was tendered the nomination (which, in 
 that district, was equivalent to an election) for president judge of the counties 
 of Clearfield, Clinton and Centre, in 1868, but declined it. Since that time 
 he has been urged by the people of uhis own district, without regard to party, 
 to stand as a candidate for judicial honors in it, but adhered to his often 
 expressed determination to spend his life in domestic pursuits, without the 
 slavery of public office. In 1882, however, he was induced, after repeated 
 
438 HISTOBY OF MCKEAN COUNTY. 
 
 solicitations, to allow his name to be presented as the candidate of his party 
 for the legislature. Although the county was Eepublican by a considerable 
 majority, and he was opposed by the strongest candidate who could at that 
 time have been nominated against him, he was defeated by less than a score of 
 votes. , In the dark period of our Nation's history (1861-65) Mr. Hamlin stood 
 on the ground that the only way to correct the fallacies of those who sought 
 to break the bond of union of the States was the physical one; all arguments ap- 
 pealing to the patriotism and reasoning faculties having failed. He was ex- 
 amined, and pronounced physically unfit for service in the field, but, immediately 
 following the news of the first shot on Sumter, he applied himself to the work 
 of encouraging and aiding the valorous young men of his region to enlist, for 
 the defense of their country and their homes. He rendered efficient aid to 
 Gen. Thomas L. Kane, to whom he was much devoted, in selecting the 
 valiant fellows who formed the famous Bucktail Eegiment, and no compliment 
 ever bestowed on him afforded him and his family more gratification than his 
 election as an honorary comrade in that regiment, at the re-union of its 
 survivors in 1888. Mr. Hamlin is now at the age of sixty-five years, a well- 
 preserved gentleman, in the prime of his maturity and usefulness. Although 
 his life has been full of toil and business cares, he has always been temperate 
 in his habits, and has not wasted his energies or his health. 
 
 In 1846 he married Miss Harriet, daughter of John Holmes, of Smethport, 
 who has by her faithful devotion, constant sympathy and good counsel, con- 
 tributed largely to his success. They were blessed with children, one boy 
 and two girls. The son, Delano E. , died May 30, 1884, leaving a widow and 
 two children. The eldest daughter, Jenette, married H. V. Eedfield, the 
 well-known Washington correspondent of the Cincinnati Commercial, who 
 died November 17, 1881, leaving his wife and three lovely children. Mrs. 
 Eedfield was next married September 24, 1889, to William E. McCoy, an en- 
 terprising and substantial cotton manufacturer of Augusta, Ga., and with her 
 children now resides in that healthful and attractive Southern city. The 
 youngest daughter, Mary, married John Forrest, who is a lawyer and a part- 
 ner with his father-in-law in the law and land business, and the main reliance for 
 the details of the business of the firm. Mr. and Mrs. Forrest have two young 
 . daughters, who are the pride of their parents and grandparents. Mr. Hamlin 
 is very domestic in his tastes, and is happiest when surrounded by his family, 
 children and grandchildren. He lives in a comfortable mansion in Smethport, 
 and enjoys with his family the competence and ease earned by his hand and 
 brain throughout a busy and useful life. 
 
 HENEY HAMLIN, eldest son of Orlo J. and Orra L. (Cogswell) Hamlin, 
 was born at Smethport, McKean Co., Penn. , April 9, 1830. At this time hi-s 
 father, Orlo J. Hamlin, a man of rare scholarly attainments, and, until obliged 
 by physical weakness to give up his profession, the leader of the bar of his dis- 
 trict, was an active practitioner, and his son, who had inherited in a marked de- 
 gree his father's love of books and research, and whose mind fitted him to fol- 
 low in his footsteps, naturally at an early age commenced the study of law. 
 Finding, however, that his health demanded a more active life, he concluded 
 to take up the mercantile business, and entered as a clerk the store of O. J. & 
 B. D. Hamlin, of which firm, at the age of nineteen, he was admitted as a part- 
 ner. From this time on until the year 1878, when he sold out his interest in 
 the business to Mr. Haskill, he was successful in all his ventures; strict in- 
 tegrity, close attention to business, and his wonderful faculty of acquiring a 
 knowledge of the minutiae of everything he undertook, being the secret of his 
 success, and the latter trait has followed him through life, not only in busi- 
 
BIOGKAPHIOAL SKETCHES. 439 
 
 ness matters, but even in out-door and other amusements, in which he has 
 always taken a lively interest, ever ready to take a hand in them during 
 his leisure moments, and never satisfied until he has mastered every feature. 
 As a financier Mr. Hamlin has been wonderfully successful, making invest- 
 ments only after thorough investigation ; and while he has been and is at pres- 
 ent largely interested in timber lands in his own and other States, in the pro- 
 duction of oil and in other commercial ventures, he rarely makes a mistake or 
 suffers a loss, his present banking establishment, known as the banking house 
 of Henry Hamlin, being one of the solid institutions of Western Pennsylvania. 
 A marked characteristic of Mr. Hamlin's business life has been his leniency 
 toward the deserving poor among his debtors, as many a man in McKean 
 county can attest, for while he has always worked under strict business rules 
 and principles, he has never been an oppressor of the poor. Mr. Hamlin has 
 done much for the prosperity of his native town : notably his connection with 
 the present successful water-works system, the erection of his handsome bank 
 building, which would be an ornament to a much larger place, his own hand- 
 some grounds, and his interest in all matters of public improvement. In 1854 
 Mr. Hamlin married Hannah L., daughter of Dr. W. Y. McCoy, a lady who 
 by reason of her many virtues has endeared herself to all classes of people. 
 They have four children: Laena D. (now Mrs. Robert H. Kose), Emma M. 
 (now Mrs. J. H. McCandless), Eugenie M. and Orlo. To Mrs. Henry Hamlin 
 and her sister, Mrs. John C. Hamlin, Smethport mainly owes its present l^pis- 
 copal Church system. Mr. and Mrs. Hamlin and their children are all mem- 
 bers of St. Luke' s Church, Mr. Hamlin contributing largely toward the erection 
 of the church edifice. In politics Mr. Hamlin was formerly identified with the 
 Democratic party, but is at present an active Republican, coming into the Re- 
 publican ranks by his support of Abraham Lincoln. In 1881 he was elected 
 associate judge, and he performed the duties of that office with great credit to 
 himself and in the interest of his constituents until the abolishment of the office 
 by reason of the county becoming a separate judicial district, under the con- 
 stitution of 1874, it then having a population of over 40,000. Mr. Hamlin is 
 widely known and universally respected, and his career as a business man and as 
 a citizen has been such as to be an example to young men, showing what can be 
 done by application and a conscientious performance of business and other, 
 duties. 
 
 JOHN C. HAMLIN, hardware merchant, Smethport, son of Orlo J. Ham- 
 lin, was born March 4, 1836, at Smethport, McKean Co., Penn., where he was 
 educated and where, in 1 865, he opened the first store exclusively for hard- 
 ware, a business he is still engaged in. In 1857 he married Charlotte M. , 
 daughter of Dr. W. Y. McCoy, one of the first practicing physicians of 
 Smethport, which union was blessed with three children: William O., C. 
 Aline (now Mrs. Dr. Lewis H. Robinson, of Brooklyn, N. Y.) and Mary E. 
 (now Mrs. Charles Bosworth, also of Brooklyn, N. Y.). William O. married 
 Miss Julia Lightbody, and is also a resident of Brooklyn. Mr. Hamlin is a 
 member of McKean Lodge, F. & A. M., No. 388; of Bradford Chapter, R. 
 A. M. , and Trinity Commandery, K. T. He is a Democrat, but not a politi- 
 cian, devoting his time and energies to business cares. He and his family are 
 members of St. Luke's Episcopal Church. The foundation and prosperity of 
 the church afford an example of the reward of twenty years of untiring labor 
 by Mr. and Mrs. Hamlin, who maintained the Sunday-school and church 
 affairs in general, from 1857 to about 1880, when St. Luke's had grown to be 
 a strong parish, and since then it has become one of the largest and most flour- 
 ishing in the county. 
 
440 HISTORY OF MCKEAN COUNTY. 
 
 DELANO E. HAMLIN was born at Smethporfc, McKean Co., Penn., 
 August 10, 1847. He was the only son of Byron D. and Harriet Hamlin, 
 and was the eldest of their family of three children. After having attended 
 the public schools of his native borough until he was thirteen years old, he 
 was sent to a public school at Flushing, L. I. , and two years later entered 
 Flushing Institute, conducted by that prince of educators, Prof. B. A. Fair- 
 child. The damp sea-air at that place disagreeing with his health, he was 
 removed to Allegheny College, at Meadville, Penn., where he made excellent 
 studies, and remained until 1868, when he returned to his home, and entered 
 upon the study of law in his father' s office. He was admitted to the bar, and on 
 January 1, 1871, became a partner in his father's law and land business, under 
 the firm name of Hamlin & Son, and continued as such until his death. In 
 1871 Mr. Hamlin married Miss Eugenia McCoy, a daughter of Dr. William 
 Y. McCoy, of Smethport. This union was a happy one, the parties to it being 
 congenial, each striving for the welfare and rational enjoyment of the other. 
 They were blessed with two promising children: Paul and Jenette, the son 
 being now a student in St. Paul's school at Concord, N. H., and the daughter 
 at home with her mother, who keeps house in the beautiful family mansion 
 erected for her by her husband a short time before his death. At an early 
 age the subject of this sketch became a victim to attacks of inflammatory 
 rheumatism, which continued at intervals, producing hypertrophy of the 
 hejrt, and finally causing his death, which occurred May 30, 1884. His 
 remains were buried in Rose Hill Cemetery, at Smethport, the funeral services 
 being witnessed by a large concourse of sorrowing friends, assembled from all 
 parts of the county. As a young man he started in life with bright prospects 
 and high resolves, and, had his health and life been spared, no man in this 
 region would have attained a higher station of honor and usefulness. His 
 characteristics, habits and ambitions all tended toward the true and the right. 
 He had not in his nature an impure, mean or ungenerous impulse. His sym- 
 pathies were ever active, and his heart and purse always open to the demands 
 of charity and the public good. He was eminently public spirited, and always 
 ready to advance every enterprise for the benefit of the community. In poli- 
 tics he was of the Democratic faith, ardent in the support of his views, labor- 
 ing earnestly for the candidates of his political party, but never seeking office 
 for himself. He was sincerely and actively interested in the prosperity of his 
 native borough and county, and his loss was deeply felt and deplored by all. 
 He was a faithful member of St. Luke's Protestant Episcopal Church, was a 
 member of Trinity Commandery, No. 58, K. T.,of Bradford; Bradford 
 Chapter, No. 260, R. A. M., and McKean Lodge, No. 388, A. Y. M., and an 
 honorary member of the Smethport Hose Company, No. 1, many of the mem- 
 bers of these organizations being present to sympathize with his bereaved 
 family, and aid in the performance of the last sad rites. Following his death, 
 action was taken as showu in the following resolutions of respect and condol- 
 ence. At a meeting of the McKean county bar, the following resolutions were ■ 
 adopted : 
 
 The members of the bar of McKean county desire to express their deep sorrow over 
 the death of Brother D. R. Hamlin. His amiable disposition, his gentlemanliness, his 
 uniform conduct to all, and his hospitality, won the affections of his brethren of the bar 
 as his ability, modesty, honesty, and truthfulness won their respect. The members of the 
 bar desire further to express tlieir sympathy with the parents and widow of the deceased 
 in the loss of son and husband so richly endowed with qualities which make the relation- 
 ship of parents and children one of unalloyed satisfaction, and the association of husband 
 and wife uninterrupted happiness: .John C. Backus, N. B. Smiley, J. M. McClure, com- 
 mittee. It was ordered that the resolutions be spread upon the minutes of the court, and 
 a certified copy be sent to B. D. Hamlin and family. Appropriate and feeling remarks 
 
BIOGKAPHIOAL SKETCHES. 441 
 
 were made by tl^ following gentlemen: Judge Olmsted, and Messrs. Backus, Gorton, 
 Keenan, Smiley, IVIilliken, King, Smith, Cotter, McSweeney, Weil, Chapman, McClure 
 and Rose. 
 
 At a regular meeting of the Smethport Hose Company, No. 1, the followiDg 
 resolutions were adopted: 
 
 Whereas, The final roll has been called and one whose name appeared at the head 
 of our list as the first honorary member of our association has courageously and even 
 cheerfully answered its imperative summons, whereby we have lost a genial companion, a 
 well-loved friend, a ready helper, and a generous benefactor; and. Whereas, For the first 
 time the darkened chambers of the silent city have been opened to receive one of our 
 members, we, the officers and members of the Smelhport Hose Company, No. 1, express 
 our sincere sorrow for the loss of one whose aid and advice have been invaluable to our 
 success, and whose patience and cheerfulness under great affiiction were proverbial; and 
 we desire hereby to express our heartfelt sympathy with the parents and family of our de- 
 ceased brother, Delano R. Hamlin, in their great bereavement. Resolved, That a copy of 
 these resolutions be presented to the widow of the deceased brother, ami a copy furnished 
 the McKean Miner and the McKean Democrat for publication: F. W. Brownell, S. Gor- 
 ton, T. F. Richmond, committee. 
 
 At a regular meeting of McKean Lodge, No. 388, A. Y. M., the following 
 preamble and resolutions were adopted: 
 
 Whkrbas, It has pleased the Great Master of the universe, who doeth all things well, 
 to call from this world of labor, sorrow and pain our beloved Brother, Delano R. Hamlin, 
 whose life has ever been an exponent of the beneficent principles taught within the lodge 
 and who by the constant exercise of charity, patience and resignation under sufiEering. and 
 the faithful discharge of every duty, had endeared him to his fellows. Resolved,'TV.&i 
 while we mourn the loss of a friend and brother, we bow submissively to the decree of the 
 great and all- wise Master, and tender to the bereaved family of our departed brother our 
 deepest sympathy in this their great affliction. Resolved, That these resolutions be en- 
 grossed upon the minutes of the lodge, a copy presented to the family of our deceased 
 brother, and that they be published in the Miner and Democrat: H. F. Barbour, L. O. 
 Chadwick, G. M. Smith, committee. 
 
 OREEN E. HAVEN, farmer, P. 0. Smethport, is a son of Luther and 
 Jemima (Colegrove) Haven, and was born in Norwich township, McKean Co. , 
 Penn., December 1, 1820. His father came from Chenango county, N. Y. , 
 about 1820, and located at Colegrove, where he engaged in farming, remain- 
 ing there until 1847, in which year he removed to McHenry county, 111., where 
 he died March 1, 1855, and his wife November 11, 1861. Their children were 
 Lorinda P., Jasper J., Benjamin C, Orren E., Helen O., Edson Gr.and Ed- 
 mund P. (twins), and Fidelia C, eight children, all living, the eldest now 
 seventy- three years old and the youngest sixty- one. Their father took an 
 active interest in educational matters, and during his residence in Norwich 
 township paid one-third of the entire sum raised for educational purposes. 
 Orren E. Haven made his home with his parents until twenty years of age, and 
 having received a practical education became a teacher; for some time was also 
 engaged in searing timber. In 1851 he married Eunice, daughter of Henry 
 Lasher, of Norwich township, McKean county, and located in Keating town- 
 ship, on a farm he had previously purchased and where he has since resided. 
 Mr. and Mrs. Haven have three children: D. L., Clyde P. and Mittie L. 
 They are members of the Old Norwich Church. In politics he is a Republi- 
 can, has filled nearly all of the local township offices, and was urged to accept 
 the nomination for county commissioner, but declined. 
 
 F. S. HOLMES, proprietor of planing-mill, Coryville, was born in Gen- 
 eseo, Livingston Co., N. Y., in 1850. He learned the trade of a carpenter 
 and joiner, and located at Coryville, Penn., in 1874, where he had a planing- 
 mill, which was destroyed by fire in 1885, after which he built what is known 
 as the Iron Mill, of which he is at present proprietor. In 1874 he married 
 Ella C, daughter of A. H. Cory, of Coryville, and they have a family of four 
 
442 HISTOEY OF MCKEAN COUNTY. 
 
 children. Mr. Holmes is a member of Eldred Lodge, No. 5, F. & A. M., and 
 in politics is identified with the Eepublican party. He and his wife are mem- 
 bers of the United Brethren Church. 
 
 P. D. HOPKINS, merchant, Smethport, son of P. C. and Anice (Franklin) 
 Hopkins, was born at Lenox, Susquehanna Co., Penn., in 1848. With his 
 parents he removed to Lafayette township, McKean county, where his father 
 engaged in farming, and in 1863 the latter proceeded to Michigan, where he 
 died in the fall of 1887. His widow makes her home with P. D. Their chil- 
 dren were Clark B. , Mary E. (now Mrs. William Foster), Patience C. , Sarah 
 L., Clarissa, Edwin I., Alonzo F., Caroline A. (now Mrs. Stephen Pattison) 
 and P. D. P. D. Hopkins was reared and educated in McKean county, and 
 after his school days engaged in business at Smethport as a dealer in general 
 merchandise, in the building he still occupies. In 1884 he married Annie E. , 
 daughter of William and Mary Wilkinson, and they have one child, Bessie. 
 Mr. Hopkins devotes his entire time to business, and although a stanch sup- 
 porter of the Republican party is no politician. He and his wife attend the 
 services of the Baptist Church. 
 
 OLIVER IRONS, farmer, stock raiser, and proprietor of cheese factory, P. 
 O. Smethport, is a son of Gideon and Miami Irons, and was born in Keating 
 township, McKean Co., Penn., in 1823. Gideon Irons was a native of Rhode 
 Island, and removed to Keating township at a very early day, where he mar- 
 ried Miami Stark, and engaged in farming. They were the parents of the 
 following-named children : Oliver, Clark, Otis, William, Stephen, George, Olive, 
 Sirena and Lydia. Oliver Irons made his home with his parents until 1851, 
 when he married Ann HouSler, and to them were born six children: Wilbur O. , 
 Malissa A., Florence A, George C, Willis W. and Isadore A. He has devoted 
 his attention to farming and stock raising, and has also erected a cheese fac- 
 tory on his farm, with a capacity of four tons annually. The milk is supplied 
 from his own cows, and his cheese have more than a local reputation. Mr. 
 Irons is a worker in the Democratic party. 
 
 OTIS IRONS, farmer, P. O. Smethport, son of Gideon and Miami Irons, 
 was born in Port Allegany, McKean Co. , Penn. , in 1830. Gideon Irons, who was 
 a native of Rhode Island, came to McKean county at an early day, and located 
 on Potato creek where he engaged in business as a farmer and lumberman, and 
 where both he and his wife died. Otis Irons made his home with his parents 
 until twenty-two years of age, when he bought the farm he now owns in Keat- 
 ing township, to which he removed after his marriage, and where he has since 
 been engaged in farming. He was married in 1870 to Sarah Hand. In poli- 
 tics he is a Democrat. 
 
 STEPHEN IRONS, farmer, lumberman and oil producer, P. O. Smeth- 
 port, is a son of Gideon and Miami Irons, and was born in Smethport, McKean 
 Co., Penn., in 1834. Gideon Irons was born in Rhode Island and was one of 
 the oldest settlers of McKean county, Penn. Stephen made his home with his 
 parents until 1855, when he married Julia, daughter of Joel Cross, of Chau- 
 tauqua county, N. Y. The mother of Mrs. Julia Irons, before marriage, was 
 Miss Julianna Medberry, a native of Connecticut, born in 1812, and daughter 
 of Joseph Medberry. They then located on Marvin creek, and from there 
 removed to Minnesota, in 1864, but on account of the ill health of Mrs. Irons 
 returned to Keating township^ McKean Co. , Penn. , and in 1868 he pur- 
 chased the old homestead in Irons Hollow, where he has since been engaged 
 in farming, as well as in the oil and lumber business. Their children are Eu- 
 gene, Gideon, Jeptha and Mrs. Emma Chadwick. Mr. Irons has been honored 
 in having been supervisor of his township two terms. He is a Democrat in pol- 
 
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 443 
 
 itics. Mrs. Irons, although belonging to no church, is a believer in baptism 
 and the Church of God. 
 
 JOHN KEATING was born at Adare, near Limerick, Ireland, in 1760. 
 The family was of Norman stock, emigrating to Ireland under Henry II. 
 They were dispossessed of their lands by Cromwell. John Keating' s grand- 
 father, Byron Geoffrey, fought at the battle of Limerick, and was banished 
 to France at the capitulation; subsequently he returned and married the daugh- 
 ter of Thadeus Quin, the progenitor of the lord of Adare, to whose title was 
 afterward added that of Dunraven. When John Keating was five years of 
 age, his father moved to France in order to escape religious persecution. 
 There he was granted letters patent of nobility by Louis XV in recognition of 
 the title held by the family in Ireland, previous to the forfeiture of their 
 estates. Of his six sons, five entered the French army, one of whom attained 
 the rank of general of division, and died from the eifects of imprisonment dur- 
 ing the "reign of terror." Geoffrey Keating, the Irish historian, was the 
 brother of John Keating' s great-great-grandfather. John attained the rank of 
 captain in the Irish Brigade, Walsh Serrant Regiment, and was awarded the 
 cross of St. Louis in recognition of his meritorious service, a rare distinction. 
 After the execution of the king, John, who was stationed in the West Indies, 
 in 1795, refused command of the forces stationed in San Domingo, proposed 
 by the government, resigned from the French service because of his disap- 
 proval of the attrocities of the revolution, and came to this country, bearing 
 letters to Washington and others. He was immediately sought after by cap- 
 italists abroad to represent their interests here, and became the agent of large 
 landed estates in Pennsylvania. The part of his life of especial interest to the 
 people of the counties, for whom this volume is compiled, relates to his connec- 
 tion with the large body of lands acquired near the close of the last century, 
 and known as the lands of John Keating & Company. The entire manage- 
 ment of this property devolved on him. This region was then a dense wilder- 
 ness, with not a white man dwelling in or near it. Mr. Keating at once set 
 out to " settle " it in the interest of the owners, and for the benefit of such as 
 he could induce to become pioneers, and come to it with their families to make 
 homes. The labor, privation and peril attending such an endeavor are shown 
 in other parts of this volume. He came early and frequently on the grounds. 
 The trip then cost much more thought and exertion than are now required to 
 circumnavigate the globe. The skill exercised to make the settlements he 
 founded self-supporting, and at the same time render some revenue to the 
 owners of the estate, though of a different sort, was hardly less than that neces- 
 sary to conduct a campaign in the wars in which he had been engaged. He 
 at once adopted. a policy of great generosity; granting land in limited quanti- 
 ties to heads of families, without other considerations than its occupancy and 
 improvement; giving contracts for sales at low prices and on long terms of 
 payment; contributing money to build roads and to establish schools and 
 places of religious worship. No settler who desired to remain was ever ejected 
 because of his inability to pay for land he had contracted to purchase. Mr. 
 Keating, was known to many of the settlers as the ' ' Squire,' ' and his coming 
 among them was an epoch in their isolated lives, they calling him so for ad- 
 vice in all their affairs, both business and domestic. His decisions were regarded 
 by them as wise and just, and were generally accepted. He had a sympathetic 
 and endearing word for all. These visits we*e continued for well nigh fifty 
 years, and until he saw unmistakable evidence of the comparative comfort of 
 the inhabitants he had placed here. When great age came upon him and these 
 visits ceased, his people continued to inquire after him in terms of affection. 
 
444 HISTOllY OP MCKEAN COUNTY. 
 
 At the news of his death, some of the old men who knew him as their patron 
 saint, and were indebted to him for all they possessed, shed tears. He was 
 an intimate, social friend of Horace Binney, John Sergeant and others equally 
 eminent in the professions, literature and business, and resided in a handsome 
 old-style mansion on Fourth street, below Walnut, in the city of Philadelphia, 
 this then being the locality of the homes of its most cultured residents. The 
 management of such estates, together with the financial and charitable institu- 
 tions, with which he became connected in Philadelphia, occupied the balance 
 of his days. He died in 1856, at the advanced age of ninety-five years, but 
 still in the midst of active work, having scarcely ever known a day's sickness. 
 In religion he was a devout Roman Catholic, and left an example of piety and 
 good deeds, which his children and children's children cherish as their richest 
 inheritance. Mr. Keating married Eulalia Des Chappelles, daughter of a 
 rich sugar planter of San Domingo, who was forced to fly from that island 
 during the negro uprising, and take refuge in Wilmington, Del. Mr. and 
 Mrs. Keating had two sons — John Julius and William H. — who became eminent 
 in their chosen professions, were both members of the legislature, but died in 
 their early manhood. They had one daughter who married her cousin, Jerome 
 Keating, and became the mother of Dr. William V. Keating, the eminent 
 physician and surgeon of Philadelphia, who at his grandfather's death, in* 
 1856, took charge of the landed estates his grandfather had so successfully eon- 
 ducted. Dr. Keating possessed the same noble and generous qualities of his 
 grandfather, and while he was distinguished in the medical world, he became 
 equally endeared to the people where the lands were situated. Dr. Keating 
 has two sons residing in Philadelphia, both of whom have already made a 
 mark in their respective professions: John M. Keating (a physician and med- 
 ical director of a prominent insurance company in Philadelphia, and lately 
 elected president of a society composed of all the principal medical directors 
 of the United States) and J. Percy Keating, a lawyer of excellent attain- 
 ments. Dr. Keating has four accomplished daughters, two of whom are well 
 married, and all reside in Philadelphia. 
 
 E. L. KEENAN, attorney at law, Smethport, son of John and Eliza 
 (Lloyd) Keenan, was born in the city of Philadelphia in 1844. There he 
 pursued his studies, read law, was admitted to the bar on his twenty-first 
 birthday, and first began the practice of law in that city. In 1870 he mar- 
 ried Miss Mary S. Feitig. and removed to Venango county, same State, re- 
 maining until 1879, when he located at Smethport, McKean Co., Penn., where 
 he has built up a good practice. He had always voted the Democratic ticket 
 until 1888, when the issue on the tariff compelled him to suspend his connec- 
 tion with his old party, and become a supporter of Harrison. In 1884 he was 
 delegate to the National Democratic convention held at Chicago, which nom- 
 inated Cleveland for president; and in 1886 was the Democratic candidate for 
 member of congress from the Sixteenth Congressional District of Pennsyl- 
 vania, but was defeated by the Eepublican candidate, Henry C. McCormick, 
 of Williamsport; in 1877 he was the candidate of the Democratic and Union 
 Labor parties for additional law judge for counties of McKean and Potter. 
 Mr. Keenan is one of the self-made men of the day, and has won an eminent 
 reputation at the bar; by application he has secured a fine property and enjoys 
 the respect and confidence of the community in which he lives. Mr. and Mrs. 
 Keenan are the parents of three daughters: Mary E., Lulu E. and Dora V. 
 He is a vestryman of St. Luke's Episcopal Church, of which his family are 
 also members. 
 
 J. T. KENT, farmer and lumberman, P. O. Coryville, is a son of R. C. 
 
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 445 
 
 and Prudence (Wood) Kent, and was born in Allegany county, N. Y., in 
 1844. In 1853 K. C. Kent removed from New York State to Liberty town- 
 ship, McKean Co., Penn., and thence to Keating township, same county, and 
 located on the farm J. T. Kent now owns. He had a family of twelve 
 children, six of whom are living, viz.: Cordelia, wife of Manville Tuttle; 
 Louise, wife of S. Tuttle; Laura, wife of P. Moody; Alvina, wife of H. R. 
 Frisbee; America, wife of Asa Champlin, and J. T. Our subject was reared 
 in Keating township, and after his marriage located on the home farm which 
 he now owns, and has since been engaged in farming and in the lumber trade. 
 He was married in 1866 to Charity Otto, and they have a family of four chil- 
 dren: Frank, Winnie, May and Fred. Mr. Kent is a Prohibitionist in politics. 
 
 G. W. KING, farmer. East Smethport, was born in Smethport, Penn., 
 August 8, 1844, a son of H. B. and Jerusha (Rice) King, both natives of 
 Rhode Island. H. B. King came to Smethport about the year 1818, and here 
 met and married Miss Rice, who bore him nine children, of whom G. W. is 
 the only one now living. The father died in June, 1880, the mother in June, 
 1862. H. B. King was a leading member of the Methodist Episcopal Church 
 of Smethport for over half a century, and in his death the church met with a 
 great loss. G. W. King, the subject proper of this sketch, received his edu- 
 cation in the public schools of Smethport, and in 1861 he enlisted in the 
 United States service, in Company E, Fifty- eighth Regiment, P. V. I., served 
 five months, and was discharged on account of disability. In December, 1863, 
 he married Miss Henrietta, daughter of Andrew and Amelia (Dart) Rifle, of 
 Hamlin township, McKean county, who bore him one son, Wilford A. In 
 1881 G. W. King embarked in the mercantile business in Mount Jewett, Mc- 
 Kean county, and there remained two years, at the end of which time he came 
 to Smethport, where he was engaged in the same line of business for a short 
 time. In December, 1881, he married Miss Clara E. Hauer, of Pine Grove, 
 Schuylkill Co., Perm., and by her has had three children: Horace B., Roxie 
 and Lloyd L. Mr. King and family live on the old homestead, which he 
 farms. He is a member of Smethport Lodge, No. 889, I. O. O. F. , and has 
 held various township offices. In politics he is a Republican. 
 
 MRS. C. A. McCOY, Smethport, daughter of Dr. George and Lavinia 
 (Cannon) Darling, was born in Massachusetts in 1813, and with her parents 
 removed to Bunker Hill, Penn., or what is now known as Clermont, in 1822, 
 where her father engaged in the practice of medicine, which he continued un- 
 til his removal to Jefferson county, Penn., where he died November 16, 1869. 
 His wife died in 1831, after which he married, for his second wife, Julia 
 Clark, and she died in Jefferson county. He was the father of seven children, 
 three sons and three daughters by his first marriage, and one daughter by his 
 second. Miss C. A. Darling was married to Dr. W. Y. McCoy, December 13, 
 1832, and located at Smethport, where she had lived since fourteen years of 
 age, and where Dr. McCoy first began the practice of medicine, which he con- 
 tinued until failing health necessitated his retirement. By close application 
 to his profession, although beginning poor, he acquired a handsome compe- 
 tency. He died January 5, 1886. This union was blessed in the birth of ten 
 children, six of whom are now living: Hannah L., wife of the Hon. Henry 
 Hamlin; Charlotte M., wife of J. C. Hamlin; Ellen M., wife of Adelbert 
 Bishop, an architect of Buffalo; Henry L., a practicing physician of Smeth- 
 port; Alice E., widow of D. R. Hamlin; Edgar B., a druggist of Mount 
 Jewett. Mrs. McCoy is still living on the old homestead, where for forty 
 years she has resided, and in her declining years is surrounded by her chil- 
 dren, grandchildren and great-grandchildren, who are never so. happy as when 
 
446 HISTORY OF MCKEAN COUNTY. 
 
 HsteniDg to Grandma's interesting recitals of events relating to the long ago. 
 Mrs. McCoy had three brothers and two sisters, also a half-sister, the record of 
 whom is as follows: Jedediah was at an early day one of the noted practi- 
 tioners, and was very prominent in the medical profession, died in 1871, at 
 Smethport; Paul E. was a banker at Brookville, Jefferson Co., Penn. ; George, 
 Jane and Mary died comparatively yonng; Mary, the half-sister, married 
 Henry Gray, a merchant of Brookville, Penn. 
 
 HENBY L. McCOY, M. D., Smethport, son of Dr. William Y. and Char 
 lotte A. (Darling) McCoy, was born in Smethport, McKean Co., Penn., in 1846. 
 His maternal grandfather, Dr. George Darling, was the first medical practi- 
 tioner of McKean county. Henry L. was educated in Smethport, and read 
 medicine with his father, who was a noted physician of his day, also with Prof. 
 Sanford Eastman, of Buffalo; he then attended two courses of medical lectures, 
 and graduated from the University of Buffalo in 1868, commencing the prac- 
 tice of medicine in Smethport. In the winter of 1870-71 he attended a course 
 of lectures at the College of Physicians and Surgeons in New York City; 
 thence returned and resumed practice at Smethport. In September, 1869, he 
 married Clara, OQly child of P. Ford, and to them four children have been 
 born: Alice, Grace, Agnes and Charles. Dr. McCoy is a member of McKean 
 iodge. No. 388, F. & A. M. ; Bradford Chapter, No. 258, R. A. M., and Trinity 
 Gommandery, No. 58, K. T. He is also a member of the I. O. O. F., lodge 
 and encampment. He is senior warden of St. Luke's Episcopal Church, of 
 which his family are members. In politics the Doctor is a Democrat. 
 
 MRS. LOUISA McCLURE, Smethport, was born in Lockport, N. Y., in 
 1846, and was educated at Lockport, Oberlin and Buffalo. She was married 
 in 1867 to John Francis McOlure, who was employed in the telegraph office at East 
 Buffalo (Stock Yards) until the consolidation of the Western Union and Atlantic 
 & Pacific Telegraph Companies. He then received an appointment at Larra- 
 bee, Penn., to which place he removed and there remained four years. On B. 
 A. McClure's removal to Coudersport, John F. McClure became his successor 
 at Smethport, a position he occupied until his death, which occurred Septem- 
 ber 20, 1887. He was a gentleman possessed of exceptionally good abilities, 
 of sterling integrity and of moral worth. He was a member of the K. O. T. 
 M. Mrs. McClure is a member of St. Luke's Episcopal Church. 
 
 JOSEPH M. McELROY, prothonotary, Smethport, son of William and 
 Catharine (McClintock) McElroy, was bom in Allegheny county, Penn., in 
 1842. He attended the common schools and took part of an academic course, 
 but was compelled to leave school before completing his studies. When four- 
 teen years of age he began supporting himself, and for' three years was em- 
 ployed as salesman for a mercantile firm in Pittsburgh. When the war broke 
 out in 1861 he enlisted in the first call for volunteers for three months, but a 
 severe attack of diphtheria prevented his serving. Under the call for three 
 years he enlisted in Company A, One Hundred and Second Pennsylvania Vol- 
 unteer Infantry, and joined his regiment at Washington in November, 1861. 
 He participated in the battles of Williamsburg, Fair Oaks, the Seven-Days' fight 
 in front of Richmond, Malvern Hill, Antietam, Fredericksburg and Chan- 
 cellorsville, where he was slightly wounded and was captured; he was con- 
 fined at Belle Isle, but was paroled after fourteen days, and being ex- 
 changed afterward took part in the Wilderness campaign and in front of 
 Petersburg; was also with Sheridan in the valley, when his term of service ex- 
 pired. November 2, 1864, he was honorably discharged from the service," and 
 arrived at Pittsburgh in time to cast his first presidential vote for Abraham 
 Lincoln. After remaining home a month he went to Franklin, Venango Co., 
 
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 447 
 
 Penn., where he was engaged in the coal business, and upon the opening of the 
 Allegheny Valley Railroad in 1869 he went to Oil City, where he lived ten 
 years and was prominent in the organization of the city government, was a 
 member of the council, and also mayor one term. In March, 1879, he removed 
 to Bradford, where he has also been prominent in public afPairs and served one 
 term as president of the city council. He was in the coal trade in Bradford 
 until 1884, when he was elected prothonotary of the county, which necessitated 
 his removal to Smethport, and in 1887 he was re-elected. Mr. McEIroy is an 
 able man, and has taken a lively interest in all that pertains to the county's 
 welfare. Although so prominently identified with public affairs, he still finds 
 time to attend to an extensive business, and his friends find him always court- 
 eous and genial and ready to extend to them the hospitality of his home. Mr. 
 McElroy was married in 1868 to Martha J. Woodburn", daughter of John 
 Woodburn, and they have had three children, two of whom, Fred and Howard, 
 are living. He takes an active interest in Freemasonry, and is a past eminent 
 commander of Trinity Commandery, K. T. He is also a past commander of 
 Post No. 347, Gr. A. E. , and is a member of the A. O. U. W. 
 
 BERNARD McKEAN, farmer, P. O. Smethport, is a son of Patrick and 
 Mary (Kiernan) McKean, and was born in County Cavan, Ireland, in 1811, and 
 in 1840 emigrated to America, locating in Long Island, where he married, in 
 1843, Bridget Graham, a lady of Scotch-Irish descent. He removed from 
 there, in 1847, to Franklinville, Cattaraugus Co., N. Y., and from there to 
 Keating township, McKean Co., Penn., in 1849, and purchased a tract of 
 wild land which he improved, and engaged in farming, and here he still has his 
 residence. Mr. and Mrs. McKean' s children were Thomas and Phcebe 
 (twins), the latter the wife of George Garlick; James A., Maiy and Willie 
 (twins), the latter deceased; Charles; Edward; Mary is now Mrs. Henry Gallup, 
 of Smethport. Mrs. McKean died July 18, 1888. Mr. McKean is a member 
 of the Catholic Church, and in politics a Democrat. 
 
 JAMES A. McKEAN, farmer and lumberman, P. O. Smethport, was born 
 at Glen Cove, Long Island, N. Y., August 11, 1845, a son of Bernard and 
 Bridget (Graham) McKean. In 1848 his father moved to McKean county, 
 Penn., and located on what is known as the "Bond farm," on Marvin creek. 
 This he afterward sold, and then settled on the adjoining farm to the south, 
 where he still lives. The mother died in the year 1888. They had a fam- 
 ily of seven children: Thomas and Phcebe (twins), James A., Mary A. and 
 William (twins), Charle| and Edward B. James A. McKean had the advan- 
 tage of only a common-school education, but improved every opportunity to 
 obtain a knowledge of the English branches. During the summer his services 
 were required on the farm, and in the winter months he attended the district 
 school, there being but one in a district of ten miles, and a tramp of miles 
 through the snow of the valley was necessary each day. But it was this experi- 
 ence in his youth that helped to form the character of young McKean, and 
 that has made him the successful business man of later years. When eighteen 
 years old he entered the employ of James E. Butts, at Buttsville, for whom 
 he worked two years, in the meantime having charge of the building of the 
 high dam across Three-mile Run. Later, he worked at the carpenter's trade, 
 and then went to Kane, where he was employed in the car shops of the Penn- 
 sylvania & Erie Railroad, five years. In 1874 he bought the farm where he 
 now lives, which adjoins his father's on the south, and since then has been 
 extensively engaged in the lumber and bark business, employing during the 
 bark and timber season from fifty to one hundred men. Mr. McKean has 
 always been a stanch Republican, and cast his first presidential vote for Gen. 
 
 24 
 
448 HISTORY OF MCKEAN COU.NTY. 
 
 Grant, in 1868. He has served two terms as supervisor of his township, and, 
 in 1887, was elected a member of the county board of commissioners. In Jan- 
 uary, 1869, he married Mrs. Julia S. Hubbard, and they have two children: 
 William Hubbard and Maggie. Mr. and Mrs. McKean are members of the 
 Catholic Church. 
 
 LINN W. MASON, hardware merchant, Smethport, is a son of Lewis J. and 
 Nancy Mason, and was born in Franklinville, Cattaraugus Co., N. Y., in 1843, 
 and at an early age he removed to Smethport, where he attended the academy, 
 after the completion of his studies he learned the hardware trade, and in 1859 
 became proprietor of a working interest in a wholesale flour and feed store 
 at Emporium. He, however, returned to Smethport, and engaged in the 
 hardware trade. In 1861 he went into the army with a sutler, remaining two 
 years. He then purchased a hardware store of Mr. Nurse, but the Western 
 fever had a strong hold upon him, and he is next found at Des Moines, Iowa, 
 where he remained two years. He then removed to Tioga county, Penn. , 
 where he remained four years in a hardware store, and in 1879 he returned to 
 Smethport, where he erected the very fine building he now occupies, and fitted 
 it purposely for the hardware trade. Having started six hardware stores, it is 
 not to be wondered at that the last was the crowning effort of all, and that his 
 place of business is conveniently and elegantly arranged with everything acces- 
 sible, and that he is enjoying a fine trade. He married Frances, daughter of 
 David K. Bennett, and tbey have two daughters: Mary Louise (now Mrs. 
 C. H. Kerns, of Smethport) and Cora. Mr. Mason is an active worker in 
 the Democratic party. He and his family are members of St. Luke's Episco- 
 pal Church. 
 
 MRS. G. E. MOORE, daughter of Mander and Elizabeth A. Farnsworth, 
 was born in Erie county, Penn., in 1830, and in 1848 married George E. 
 Moore, son of William and Elmira (Eice) Moore, after which they located in 
 Liberty township, McKean Co. , Penn. , where he was engaged in the lumber 
 business, which was his life-work, with the exception of a brief time he was 
 engaged in speculating in oil. He was at one time associated with A. M. Ben- 
 ton, of Port Allegany, this county, and also with E. S. Johnson, and sent the 
 largest raft ever run down the Allegheny river. In 1878, during the coal ex 
 citement, when the railroad was built to Clermont, he put up the first mill 
 there for the railroad company. It, however, was burned, and having become 
 associated with his son, they together erected another on the same site, and 
 eventually a second mill, operating both successfully, i Mr. Moore was com- 
 pelled, however, by ill health to abandon active pursuits, and died October 
 24, 1888. Mrs. Elmira Moore, his mother, is still living. His son still con- 
 tinues the business at Clermont. Mrs. Moore is residing at their old home in 
 Smethport. They had four children, three of whom are living: Jennie E., 
 wife of John Eberspacher, of Texas; Ella E., wife of Henry Lehman, of Mount 
 Jewett, McKean county, and Charles H. Mr. George R. Moore was brought 
 up in the Methodist Church, and in politics was a Democrat. 
 
 C. H. MOOEE, lumberman, Smethport, is a native of Smethport, McKean 
 Co. , Penn. , born March 1 0, 1849. He was reared in his native city, and was edu- 
 cated there and at Lima, N. Y. In 1876 he went to Clermont, Sergeant township, 
 McKean county, and opened a hotel, which he conducted eighteen months, when 
 he moved to Larrabee, same county, and there carried on a hotel until May 8, 
 ] 882. He then moved to Smethport, where he engaged in the livery business,, 
 and in 1883 he moved to a farm at Farmers Valley, but in addition to super- 
 intending his farm continued his livery business at Smethport until August, 
 1884, when he sold out and bought a tract of timber land and a saw-mill at 
 
BIOeBAPHIOAL SKETCHES. 449 
 
 Clermont, and he now carries on an extensive business, cutting 40,000 feet of 
 lumber a day. Mr. Moore was married October 9, 1878, to Miss Mary A. 
 Goodwin, daughter of Thomas Goodwin, of Farmers Valley, and they have 
 two children: Lloyd M. and Leatha M. Mr. Moore is a member of McKean 
 Lodge, No. 388, F. & A. M., Chapter, No. 251, E. A. M., and Smethport Lodee, 
 L O. O. F. 
 
 THOMAS D. NASH, merchant, Smethport, was born in Vermont. He re- 
 ceived a practical* business education in the schools of his native State, and in 
 1863 came to Crawford county, Penn. , where he was engaged as a clerk, and 
 also worked in a printing ofBce. In 1880 he came to Smethport, and same 
 year married Miss Mary A. Tracy, a daiighter of Edward and Bridget (Riley) 
 Tracy, of Smethport, Penn. In May, 1883, he went to Harrisburg, Penn., 
 under Hon. J. Simpson Africa, in the office of internal affairs, where he re- 
 mained until May, 1887, when he returned to Smethport, and has here since 
 remained, engaged in mercantile business. Mr. and Mrs. Nash are members 
 of the Catholic Church. 
 
 JOHN E. OLDS, retired, P. O. Farmers Valley, is a son of E. C. and 
 Jane (DeGolia) Olds, and was born in Prattsburg, Steuben Co., N. Y. , in 
 1828. In 1840 his parents removed to what is now Bradford, McKean Co., 
 Penn., where the father engaged in farming, also starting a tannery and shoe- 
 shop. In 1876 the parents came to Keating township, and made their home 
 with their son, John E., the balance of their lives; the father's death occurring 
 in 1878 and the mother's in March, 1880. Their children were Robert D. ; Sibyl, 
 the late Mrs. Edwin Colegrove, of Bradford; Marilla T., the wife of William 
 McKean, of Nebraska; James, who was married, was a resident of Marshburg, 
 in McKean county, and in blasting a well was killed; John E. ; Rachel T. , wife 
 of Edwin Storms, of Michigan, and Abel W. , of Nebraska, deceased. John E. 
 Olds began his business life in the tan-yard and shoe shop of his father. He 
 remained in Bradford until 1856, when he removed to Keating township and 
 purchased a farm, which he cultivated in connection with his work in the tan- 
 yard and shoe shop, for a period of ten or twelve years. In 1862 he purchased 
 the farm where he now resides and erected a new and commodious residence, 
 and now, in the evening of his life, is living at leisure, surrounded by his chil- 
 dren and in the enjoyment of the results of his earlier labors. Mr. Olds was 
 married March 7, 1847, to Elizabeth, daughter of Charles Tubbs, of Farmers 
 Valley, and their children were Frederick C. , married to Miranda C. Arnold ; 
 Hannah F. , wife of Orren W. Godfrey, of Olean, N. Y. ; Abner R. (deceased) ; 
 John A. , who married Jennie Heinline, and is now a resident of Olean, N. Y. , 
 and Charles C, who married L. E. Cooper, also a resident of Olean, N. Y. In 
 politics Mr. Olds is a Republican. Part of his family are members of the 
 Methodist Episcopal Church, and part of the United Brethren Church. 
 
 F. C. OLDS, merchant and lumberman, Farmers Valley, is a son of J. E. 
 and Elizabeth Olds, and was born in Bradford, McKean Co., Penn., in 1848. 
 J. E. Olds was a native of Steuben county, N. Y. , and with his father located 
 at Bradford. F. C. Olds removed with his father to Farmers Valley in 1857, 
 where he was reared. He purchased a steam saw-mill, and is extensively en- 
 gaged in the lumber trade, in addition to which he is a dealer in general mer- 
 chandise at Farmers Valley. He is a member of the I. O. O. F., and in pol- 
 itics is a-Eepublican. He is one of the enterprising men of this portion of 
 McKean county, and has been postmaster at Farmers Valley for the past 
 twelve years. Mr. Olds was married December 18, 1872, to Miranda C. 
 Arnold, of Cuba, N. Y., daughter of Gilbert and M. S. Arnold, and born in 
 Stark county. 111. They have one child, Ethel M. , born in November, 1874. 
 
450 HISTORY OF MCKEAN COUNTY. 
 
 FRANK E. ORMSBY, farmer and lumberman, P. O. Smethporfc, is a son 
 of ^V. F. and Loretta Ormsby, and was born in Smethport, McKean Co., 
 Penn., in 1844. His father, who is a native of Vermont and a blacksmith by 
 trade, located at Smethport, Penn., in October, 1842, where he carried on a 
 blacksmith shop, but he is now a resident and farmer of Ormsby Junction, 
 which place derives its name from him. His children are Mrs. Ella Newton, 
 Mrs. Emma Hel^el, Gideon I. and Frank E. The last named, who is the sub- 
 ject proper of this sketch, was reared and educated in his native town, and, in 
 1866, married Helen, daughter of Pardon Wright, and they have two children: 
 Mrs. Clara Neeley and Mrs. Lottie Lamont. In 1887 Mr. Ormsby purchased 
 the farm he now owns on Marvin creek, Keating township, McKean county, 
 where, in addition to his agricultural interests, he is engaged in lumbering. 
 In politics he is a Democrat. 
 
 A. H. PIERCE, Jr. , hotel keeper, Smethport, was born in Troy, N. Y. , 
 June 14, 1844, a son of A. H. and Esther (Oatman) Pierce, the former a native 
 of Albany, N. Y. , and the latter a native of Vermont. A. H. Pierce, the sub- 
 ject proper of these lines, left his home at the age of ten years, and worked on 
 a farm for $25 a year, clothing himself, until 1861, when he enlisted in Com- 
 pany D, Sixth Ohio Cavalry, and served faithfully until 1865, when he re- 
 ceived an honorable discharge. In 1869 he married Miss Rosa A. , daughter 
 of Johnson and Fannie Glase, of Lymansville, Penn., and to this union were 
 born four children, of whom two are living: A. H. and Hattie G. Mr. Pierce 
 located in Coudersport, Penn., in 1867, rented a building and kept a restau- 
 rant several years; in 1879 he came to Smethport, where he rented again and 
 kept a restaurant two years, when he built for himself his present hotel, which 
 he very successfully conducts. Mr. Pierce is a member of Tent No. 9, K. O. 
 T. M., and of McKean Post, No. 347, G. A. R., at Smethport. In politics he 
 is a Republican, and his family all attend church. 
 
 T. H. PURTLE, blacksmith, Smethport, was born in Susquehanna county, 
 Penn., in 1854. He made his home with his parents until 1877, when he re- 
 moved to Bradford, McKean Co. , Penn. , where he was in the oil business for 
 five or six years; then removed to Jamestown, N. Y., and thence to Smethport, 
 where he is now engaged in blacksmithing. In 1879 he married Lizzie Mc- 
 Nelly, and they have two children. They are members of the Catholic Church, 
 and he is a member of the Catholic Mutual Benefit Association. In politics he 
 is a Democrat. 
 
 WILLIAM RAMER, farmer and stock raiser, P. O. Smethport, was born 
 in Schuylkill county, Penn., in 1823. He learned the wagon maker's trade, 
 at which he worked in his native county until 1856, when he removed to 
 Smethport. In 1858 he purchased the farm he now owns, in Keating town- 
 ship, where he has been engaged in farming and stock raising, selling the pro- 
 ductions of his dairy in the borough of Smethport. Mr. Ramer married 
 Matilda Fry, and they have had six children, four of whom are living: Louis, 
 Nathaniel, Samuel and Alice (Mrs. Samuel McClure). Mr. Ramer is a sup- 
 porter of the Republican party. 
 
 A. REILLY, Smethport, was born in 1825, in County Cavan, Ireland. 
 The Reilly family, consisting of father, mother, four sons (including our sub- 
 ject) and two daughters, moved from Philadelphia to McKean county in 1842, 
 arriving, after a tedious journey with horses and wagons, in the then wilder- 
 ness, locating three miles east of Smethport. Here they built a log-house, and 
 began work to make themselves a home in the woods. The following recollec- 
 tions of those times, as narrated by Mr. Reilly, will be found interesting: 
 "Deer, which were numerous, would come to browse upon the -fallen 
 
BIOGBAPHICAL SKETCHES. 451 
 
 brush, where they were killed for their skins, and a hunter who visited us 
 killed seven in one day, taking their skins and leaving their carcasses in the 
 woods. I was the first to buy and ship venison to New York and Philadel- 
 phia, and one winter, in company with Judge Arnold, I shipped fifteen tons, 
 the saddles selling at 4 cents and the rest at 2 cents per pound. In 1 842, the 
 year we came here, a drove of seven elk was driven past our home by Joseph 
 Coleman, an4 at another time a full-grown elk was captured by two Indians 
 and led through the town. A half-grown panther was trapped by Mr. Hugh 
 Starkweather, bound with withes and taken to Smethport. Wolves and bears 
 were so ravenous that the sheep had to be housed at night, at one time six- 
 teen in my flock being killed by animals in one night. In the spring pigeons 
 would come in immense flocks, at one time the nesting being ten miles long 
 and five miles wide, every tree and limb in the forest being covered. Their 
 last appearance was in 1870. Many made a business of catching them, and on 
 Potato creek there were placed nets about one hundred yards apart for a 
 distance of fifteen miles, each net capturing from ten to one hundred dozen 
 per^ day. I was one of the first to buy them for shipping, and have shipped 
 twenty to thirty barrels per day, each barrel holding twenty-five dozen, and 
 selling at from 25 to 50 cents per dozen, but discontinued shipping when ad- 
 vised to do so by the commission men, who would no longer pay freight charges, 
 as the market was glutted. In 1843 I walked all the way to Philadelphia, a 
 distance of about 300 miles, sixty miles of the distance being through Potter 
 county, a wilderness, with but one house in the sixty miles, and returned in 
 1844, also on foot." 
 
 Mr. Eeilly was married in Philadelphia to Miss Ann Bryen, and became 
 the father of six sons and four daughters: Joseph W., Emmet E. , James M., 
 Andrew E. M., Grattan and John M., being the sons; the daughters were 
 Mary, Ann Celia, Maggie and Emma B. The family belong to the Catholic 
 Church, and in politics Mr. Eeilly is a Democrat. He was elected county 
 commissioner in 1878, and re-elected in 1881. As a contractor and builder 
 Mr. Eeilly built the county poor buildings, on the cottage plan, a style being 
 now largely copied by other counties. He also built the Grand Central Hotel 
 at Smethport, at a cost of $30,000, a large brick store and other edifices in 
 Smethport, at a cost of $8,000 each. He cleared a farm of 150 acres from the 
 wilderness, planting 300 fruit trees, and has always proved himself to be a 
 worthy, industrious and useful citizen. 
 
 F. O. EICHMOND, conductor on the Bradford, Bordell & Kinzua Eailroad, 
 Smethport, was born in Smethport, McKean Co., Penn., July 27, 1840, a son 
 of Nelson and Amanda (Chapin) Eichmond, natives of New York State, who 
 came to Smethport about 1812. They were the parents of six children, of 
 whom F. O. is the fourth son. His father died in 1846. He has followed va- 
 rious occupations, having been in a hotel in Smethport more or less for eleven 
 years. He married September 4, 1861, Miss Mary E., daughter of Erastus 
 and Mary (Star) Curtis, of Smethport, Penn. Since the completion of the 
 Bradford, Bordell & Kinzua Eailroad, at Smethport, he has been employed 
 on it for nearly six years, and over four years as conductor. Mr. Eichmond 
 served at different times under Col. Wilcox as deputy sheriff. 
 
 LUCIUS EOGEES, proprietor of the McKean County Miner, Smeth- 
 port borough, was born in Geneseo, Livingston Co. , N. Y. When he was less 
 than a year olfl his father moved his family to Jamestown, N. Y. , where they 
 lived until two or three years after the father's death, which occurred in 
 August, 1847. The subject of these lines received a comparatively limited ed- 
 ucation, the public schools and Jamestown Academy being the extent of his 
 
452 HISTORY OF MCKEAN COUNTY. 
 
 school training, and at the age of sixteen years he entered the Journal office 
 at that place to learn the printing business. After serving about two and a 
 half years he moved to Warren, Penn., where he worked in the il/ai7 office for 
 about a year; then went to Syracuse, N. Y., and worked in the Journal office 
 of that city about six months. From there he proceeded to New York City, 
 where he set type on the New York City directory, and afterward in the book 
 and job office of Baker & Goodwin, in the old Tribune building, remaining in 
 that city about fifteen months. Sulasequently he worked about eighteen months 
 in the city of New Haven, and the towns of Litchfield and Waterbury, in Con- 
 necticut, also a few months in Dansville, N. Y. Eeturning to Warren, Penn. , 
 about the year 1851, Mr. Kogers soon after entered into partnership with Hon. 
 E. Cowan in the publication of the Warren Mail. In the summer of 1854, he 
 was nominated by the Whigs as a candidate for county treasurer of Warren 
 county, and at the October election was elected by a majority of about 150 At 
 the session of the legislature in 1857 he was elected transcribing clerk of the 
 senate of Pennsylvania, a position he retained, however, only one session, the 
 Democrats having resumed control of that body at the following session. Late 
 in that year he entered into negotiations for the purchase of the Citizen, of 
 Smethport, which was owned by Prof. F. A. Allen. The purchase was finally 
 coneltfded, and Mr. Rogers took possession of the office February 27, 1858. 
 At the session of the legislature in 1860, the county of Cameron was formed 
 partly from McKean county, and in the fall of that year he moved the Citizen 
 office to Shippen (now Emporium), which would be the county seat, believing 
 that the Philadelphia & Erie Railroad Company would locate their shops there 
 when the road was completed at that point. The first number of the paper 
 was issued on December 28, 1860, and was the first paper ever published within 
 the limits of that county. In a few months the war broke out, and the editor 
 and printers shut up the office and enlisted. Under a commission issued by 
 Gov. Curtin, Mr. Rogers recruited Company F, of the Fifty- eighth Regiment, 
 in July, 1861, with which regiment he served until the spring of 1863, when 
 he returned to this county and purchased the McKean County Miner, which 
 was moved from Bradford to the county seat a year or two before. About the 
 year 1870 he sold the paper and in January, 1884, repurchased it and returned 
 to his first love. In 1864 he was a candidate for representative, and carried 
 his own county by a handsome majorit}-, but was defeated by Clinton county, 
 which was strongly Democratic. In 1869 he was elected prothonotary, and in 
 1871 to the assembly in the district composed of McKean and Potter counties, 
 defeating F. W. Knox, of Potter county. He was a secretary of the State con- 
 stitutional convention of 1873, and was several years secretary of the Republi- 
 can State committee. Four years, from 1879 to 1883, he was deputy secretary 
 of internal afPairs, and for some eleven years was journal and reading clerk of 
 the State senate. In the summer of 1889 he was nominated for county treas- 
 urer by the unanimous vote of the convention, and was elected. Years before 
 the discovery of oil in McKean county Mr. Rogers had great faith in the exist- 
 ence of extensive coal beds in the eastern portion of the county, and spent a 
 small fortune in seeking to develop this theory. He was wedded to the belief 
 that there was a great future in store for the county, and was ever ready to de- 
 vote his energies in furthering its development in any direction that appeared 
 in the least feasible. In the face of repeated discouragements he never lost 
 hope. For a number of years he was president of the school board of Smeth- 
 port borough, and it was through his persistency, with the support of other 
 members of the board, that the present fine building was erected and the found- 
 ing of Smethport' s excellent schools laid. He built and operated the first steam 
 
BIOGBAPHIOAL SKETCHES. 453 
 
 saw-mill ever erected in the Potato creek valley, and has been identified with 
 every effort for the development of the resources of the county. All earnest, 
 aggressive men have their enemies, but though Mr. Rogers is a man very 
 mach in earnest in all that he undertakes, and has through life been an aggres- 
 sive Republican, there is no bitterness in his warfare, and few men have come 
 out of so many hard-fought political battles with so few personal enemies. In 
 May, 1860, Mr. Rogers married Levia M. Goodwin, of Seneca county, N. Y. ; 
 this lady died July 27, 1889, at the age of fifty-two years. The result of that 
 union was three daughters and one son, all of whom are living, excepting the 
 first born, a daughter, who died in infancy. The family of Mr. Rogers attend 
 the Presbyterian Church, but he is not himself a member of any denomination. 
 
 JOHN F. ROONEY, dealer in meats, fruits, etc., Smethport, was born in 
 Portageville, Wyoming Co., N. Y., February 14, 1854, son of James and 
 Ann (Lavelle) Rooney, both of whom died when John F. was comparatively 
 young. The subject of our sketch received a common-school education in his 
 native town, and since commencing life has been engaged in various occupa- 
 tions. He first went into partnership in the hotel business, but six months 
 later sold his interest in the hotel and opened a grocery, which he carried on 
 two years ; then sold his grocery business and moved to Bradford, Penn. , where 
 the following winter he found employment with the Standard Oil Company, at 
 Custer City. When the "shut-down" came in the succeeding spring, Mr. 
 Rooney, with the other new men, was laid off with promise of first vacancy. 
 Becoming impatient, however, waiting for an opening, he went to Coleville, 
 Penn., where he entered into a partnership in the meat business, and when 
 the oil excitement was over at that place he took an interest in a 500-acre 
 'lease and wild-cat well, located three miles from Shongo, Allegany Co., 
 N.Y., near the Allegany county oil belt. This well proving to be dry, the 
 venture reduced Mr. Rooney' s capital to $150, with which he came to Smeth- 
 port, where he invested $132 in the meat business, which he has since suc- 
 cessfully carried on. Mr. Rooney is a member of the Catholic Church, and 
 of the C. M. B. A. ; in politics he is a Democrat. 
 
 ROBERT H. ROSE, attorney at law, Smethport borough, was born at Silver 
 Lake, Susquehanna county, Penn., December 7, 1847. His grandfather, Dr. 
 Robert H. Rose, of Philadelphia, was very prominently identified with the early 
 history of Susquehanna county, buying from the Francis estate 100,000 
 acres of land, and building a beautiful residence on the banks of Silver Lake, 
 where he finally took up his abode, Silver Lake still remaining the property of 
 the family. Edward W. Rose, father of the subject of this sketch, moved from 
 Silver Lake to Montrose, same county, where he was in the mercantile business 
 for years, and here, at the academy, young Robert H. comm,enced his classical 
 education. In 1868 he graduated from Cortland Academy, at Homer, N. Y., 
 after which he became a student in the law office of Fitch & Watson, promi- 
 nent attorneys of Montrose, Penn., and in 3873, he was admitted to the bar 
 in Susquehanna county. In December of that year Mr. Rose came to Mc- 
 Kean county, and to Smethport, as attorney and agent for the Bingham estate. 
 The Binghams were the original owners of nearly all McKean county, as well 
 as Potter and adjoining counties, and the largest owners of oil territory in this 
 field. Mr. Rose is still attorney for the Bingham estate and acts for Robert 
 C. Simpson, attorney in fact for the trustees. The first law partners of Mr. 
 Rose were Hon. David Sterrett, now of Washington, Penn., and Hon. W. W. 
 Brown, now of Bradford, Penn., the firm subsequently changing to Sterrett & 
 Rose, and now, by the retirement of Mr. Sterrett, after ten years' copartner- 
 ship, Mr. Rose is alone, his office being in the Hamlin Bank building. In 
 
454 HISTORY OF MCKEAN COUNTY. 
 
 addition to his other interests, Mr. Eose is attorney for the county commission- 
 ers; and in this connection, at the time of his appointment, a local paper paid 
 him the following just tribute to his ability as an attorney and his integrity as 
 a citizen: "The Appointees. The new board of commissioners appointed, as 
 their legal counsel, Hon. Eobert H. Eose. Mr. Eose is one of the younger, 
 yet one of the ablest, members of the bar of McKean county. He represented 
 this county in the legislature of 1885 with great credit, and as a member of the 
 law firm of Sterrett & Eose he has had very considerable legal experience. 
 Other attorneys sought the position who were backed by strong friends, but 
 the commissioners finally decided in favor of Mr. Eose, and no one can deny 
 but that the selection is a singularly meritorious one." Mr. Eose has been 
 actively engaged in the oil trade since 1878, and is a member of the Bradford 
 Exchange; has operated in the Bradford, Allegany and Washington fields 
 largely, and is recognized as a thorough, able and successful business man and 
 financier. On September 5, 1877, he was married to Laena D., daughter of 
 Hon. Henry Hamlin, and their union, a most happy one, has been blessed in 
 the birth of two children: Eobert Craig and Marion. Mr. Eose has repre- 
 sented his district in the State legislature, where he made an enviable record. 
 He takes a just pride in being a thirty-second degree Freemason, a Knight 
 Templar, and a member of the consistory at Pittsburgh; as also a member of 
 the Mystic Shrine. In his political vieWs Mr. Eose has always been a Eepub- 
 lican. His home is one of the fine residences of the borough, and he is rec- 
 ognized as one of the leading representative citizens. Mr. Eose is of a re- 
 markably genial and kindly nature, and his home is the center of a refined 
 social life, to which his own personality gives much of the zest. Here he has 
 also given free scope to his love of the fine arts, notably pictures by modern 
 artists, of which he is an enthusiastic admirer and intelligent judge. 
 
 MOSES ROSENFIELD, dealer in clothing and jewelry, Smethport, son 
 of S. A. and Sarah Eosenfield, was born in Germany, near the Russian line, 
 March 15, 1862, and was educated in the Hebrew school in his native country. 
 His father, who was a merchant and dealer in produce, employed about 150 
 men, and Moses assisted him, making his home with his parents until he emi- 
 grated to America. His parents are still living in Germany. Their children 
 were Joseph, Eebecca (who died in 1879, at the age of twenty-two, having 
 been married only eighteen months), Levi, Barney, Jacob and Moses. The 
 first two sons are in Germany, Barney is a merchant at Bradford, Penn., and 
 Jacob is with Moses. Moses came to America in 1878, and located in New 
 York City, where he remained a little over two years. He began his business 
 career as a merchant in a small way, and, as funds increased, enlarged his 
 stock, until by hard work, economy and strict attention to business, he has 
 secured a sum which enables him to do a trade on a large scale. He located 
 at Smethport in the fall of 1880, and in 1888 he erected the building he now 
 occupies (having previously purchased the lot), where he is now extensively 
 engaged in the clothing and jewelry trade. Mr. Eosenfield is a member of the 
 I. O. O. P., lodge and encampment. He is a member of the Hebrew Church. 
 
 H. W. 'EUBIN, merchant tailor and dealer in clothing, Smethport, was 
 born in Germany, February 23, 1855, receiving his education in his native 
 country. When fourteen years of age he came to Syracuse, N. Y. , and com- 
 menced business for himself by selling goods upon the road, coming in 1879 
 to Smethport, where he engaged in his present business. He married Sep- 
 tember 28, 1879, Miss Sarah Eosenson, of Brooklyn, N. Y., and they are the 
 parents of four children : Eachel, Harry, Ida and Bstella. Mr. Eubin is now 
 one of the largest and most successful business men in Smethport. He is a 
 
BIOGEAPHICAL SKETCHES. 455 
 
 member of McKean Lodge, No. 388, F. & A. M. ; also of Smethport Lodge 
 No. 389, I. O. O. F., and encampment I^fo. 273. 
 
 ROSWELL SARTWELL, retired, Smethport. The first of the Sartwell 
 family in America was Simon Sartwell, who located at Charlestown, N. H. , 
 and was killed by the Indians while he was plowing on his farm. He had two 
 sons, Obediah and John. Obediah lived in the town of Langdon, N.H., and 
 had a family of six sons: Solomon, Phineas, Joel, Obediah, Thomas and Ros- 
 well. John had a family of nineteen sons and one daughter. Solomon, the 
 eldest son of Obediah, was reared in Langdon, N. H., and was there married 
 and later settled on Sartwell creek, in Potter county, Penn., and about 1815 
 moved to Farmers Valley, McKean county, where he died. He was twice 
 niarried, and had a family of eight children: Betsey, born May 20, 1794; 
 Solomon, January 16, 1796; Joel, April 16, 1798; Asa, August 19, 1800; 
 Sally, February 13, 1803; Almond, November 14, 1806; Armena, July 11, 
 1808, and Cordelia, September 11, 1817. Solomon Sartwell, the eldest son of 
 this family, removed when a young man to Rochester, N.Y., where he worked 
 at the carpenter's trade, and thence came to Smethport, Penn., where he 
 engaged extensively in the lumber and mercantile businesses. He was a 
 prominent man in his ^ day. He was sheriff of the county, was appointed 
 associate judge, and at the time of his death was a justice of the peace. 
 January 1, 1822, he married Sally, daughter of Isaac and Phoebe King, and 
 they had six children: Alfred Mortimer, born December 30, 1822, died June 
 12, 1831; Chester King, born May 12, 1824; George Washington, born 
 February 22, 1826; Roswell, born November 7, 1827; Mary, born February 
 28, 1830, died May 16, 1860, and Samuel Babcock, born April 8, 1833, died 
 June 8, 1882. The father died August 24, 1876, and the mother October 28, 
 1877. Of these, Roswell, the fourth son, and whose name heads this sketch, 
 enlisted in 1861 in Company H, Fifty-eighth Regiment P. V. I., but was 
 discharged after a short service on account of disability. He has been 
 extensively engaged in the lumber and mercantile -businesses, but is now living 
 retired from active life. In 1878 he was elected sheriff of the county, and 
 made an efficient officer. Mr. Sartwell married Mary A., daughter of Henry 
 Chapin, and they have two sons, T. L. and F. C. T. L. is married and has one 
 son, Roswell C. Mr. Roswell Sartwell is a member of the G. A. R. In poli- 
 tics he is a Democrat. 
 
 JOHN R. SHOEMAKER, late county treasurer, Smethport, son of Jacob 
 Shoemaker, was born in Monroe county, Penn., in 1841, and received his 
 education in the common schools. In 1865, for a couple of months, he filled a 
 clerkship at Port Jervis, N. Y. , and in May of that year he removed to Man- 
 kato, Minn., where he was engaged in a dry goods store, and in the winter of 
 1865-66 he had charge of a store at Winnebago City, same State. I]j May, 
 1866, he married Miss Sarah A. Wood, of Mankato, Minn., and returned east 
 to Monroe county, Penn., the following winter. In 1867 and 1868 Mr. Shoe- 
 maker was engaged in the wholesale notion trade; in 1869 he was a traveling 
 salesman for the house of H. C. Leet & Co., of New York City, and in 1870 
 he similarly represented the house of Huntington & Darn, wholesale grocers; 
 also in 1871, owing to the death of a brother, he took charge of his store in 
 Northampton county, Penn., and settled his estate; in 1873-74, he had charge 
 of a store for Monroe Howell, at Troy, Morris Co., N. J., and in October, 
 1874, he removed to McKean county, Penn., locating in Clermont in Novem- 
 ber, 1875, where he filled a position as book-keeper and cashier for the Buf- 
 falo Coal Company for a period of five years. In July, 1880, he became clerk 
 in the commissioners' office, of McKean county, where he remained until Jan- 
 
456 HISTOEY OP MCKEAN COUNTY. 
 
 uary 1, 1887, when, haviag at the preceding election been made treasurer of 
 the county, he took possession of that responsible office, which, as au affable, 
 courteous gentleman, he filled with honor to the county and credit to himself 
 until his retirement, January 1, 1890. Mr. Shoemaker is an active Eepubli- 
 can. He is a member of McKean Lodge, No. 388, F. & A. M. 
 
 CASPAR SMITH, farmer, P. O. Farmers Valley, son of George and 
 Katrina Smith, was bom in Germany in 1839, being one of a family of seven 
 ■children, viz. : George 0. , John, Andrew, Margaret E. , Dorotha, Lenora and 
 Caspar. Caspar Smith immigrated to America in 1849, and located in Pitts- 
 burgh, Penn., where he was engaged at his trade as a tailor for a period of 
 seven years. In 1852 he married Miss Anna D. , daughter of Conrad Dean, of 
 that city, and in 1856 came to McKean county, locating at Clermont, where 
 he was engaged in farming until 1874, when he removed to Keating township 
 to the farm he now owns near Farmers Valley. He erected a grist-mill there 
 of three run of stone, of which he is a one-half owner. Mr. and Mrs. Smith 
 have six children, viz. : Margaret (now Mrs. George Boyer), John, Mary, Regina 
 (now Mrs. Eugene Day), August and Ella. They are members of the Lutheran 
 Church, and Mr. Smith is a member of McKean Lodge, No. 388, F. & A. M., 
 of Smethport. He is a Republican in politics, was elected justice of the peace 
 in 1869, and in 1877 was elected commissioner of the county. 
 
 WILLIAM SPECHT, dealer in furniture, Smethport, was born in Han- 
 over, Germany, in 1825, son of Eingenhouse and Louisa Specht. After the 
 death of Eingenhouse, Louisa Specht was married to Jacob Sasse, and became 
 the mother of Carl Sasse, mentioned below. William Specht was educated in 
 his native country, immigrated to America in 1851, and the same year located 
 at Smethport, where he worked at the cabinet maker's trade. He married, 
 December 3, 1854, Elizabeth Heineman (who died February 25, 1881), and 
 they had two children: Carrie (who died December 23, 1886), and William 
 F. In 1879 he, with Carl Sasse, erected a fine, commodious building in 
 Smethport, and engaged in the furniture business, which they still continue. 
 He is a member of McKean Lodge, No. 388, F. & A. M. He and his wife are 
 members of the Catholic Church, and he is a Republican in politics. 
 
 Carl Sasse, his partner in business, was born in Duderstadt, Hanover, 
 Prussia, in 1838, and immigrated to America in 1863. He located in Smeth- 
 port, and engaged in cabinet making until he became associated with Mr. 
 Specht in business. He married, in 1867, Margaret Koenig, also a native of 
 Duderstadt, and they have had five children: Leonard (deceased), Amanda, 
 Herman, Rudolph and Waldo. Mr. Sasse is a member of the A. O. U. W. 
 
 DR. M. A. SPRAGUE, merchant, Smethport, son of Parris A. and 
 Elizabeth Sprague, is a native of Erie county, N. Y., born in 1833. He was 
 educaied at what is now Griffith Institute. He began his professional life as 
 a dentist in Erie county, N. Y., and in February, 1860, removed to Smeth- 
 port, McKean county, where he designed to remain only over night, but, find- 
 ing a desirable field here for th^ practice of dentistry, located here and 
 practiced until 1872. He then purchased a half-square, and erected on the 
 corner of Main and Fulton streets one of the first brick blocks built in Smeth- 
 port, and engaged in the hardware trade, in which he has since done a pleas- 
 ant and remunerative business, and where he is still to be found. The Doctor 
 has been made the recipient of nearly all the honors the borough can confer 
 upon an individual — having been its burgess, member of council, school di- 
 rector, and having filled all the minor official positions in the borough. In 1866 
 he was appointed assessor of internal revenue for Cameron and McKean coun- 
 ties, a position he held for three years, when he was made deputy prothono- 
 
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 457 
 
 tary, register and recorder of McKean county; upon the resignation of Mr. 
 Eogers he was appointed prothonotary, and at the ensuing election was 
 elected to that office. In 1882 he was appointed by President Arthur post- 
 master at Smethport, and after repeated requests to have a successor appointed, 
 and his many refusals to retain the office, he succeeded in June, 1888, of being 
 relieved of the cares of a public trust. He is a member of the Republican 
 party, but never was an office seeker, and honors came without an effort on his 
 part to secure them. He is a member of Smethport Lodge, No. 388, F. & 
 A. M., and of Trinity Gommandery of Bradford. In 1862 he married Emma 
 J., daughter of Nelson Richmond, one of the prominent citizens of Smeth- 
 port, having been judge of the county, and was one of the largest landholders 
 in the county. Dr. and Mrs. Sprague have two children : Carlton R. and Rose A. 
 
 G-EORGE A. STICKLES, farmer, P. 0. East Smethport, the second son of 
 Stephen and Elizabeth (Teal) Stickles, was born in Columbia county, N. Y. , in 
 1827. He moved to Seneca county, N. Y., thence to Yates county, same State, 
 and then, in 1841, to McKean county, Penn., remaining with his parents until 
 manhood. His grandfather, Adam Stickles, lived on the place he now owns, 
 and there he died. George A. Stickles married, in July, 1855, Caroline Grimes, 
 daughter of John Grimes, of Liberty township, McKean Co., Penn., and 
 their children are : Adelbert, Jay and Ella. Mr. Stickles is a supporter of the 
 principles of the Republican party. 
 
 MILLER C. STICKLES, farmer and lumberman, P. O. Smethport, is 
 a son of Stephen and Elizabeth Stickles, and was born in Claverack, Colum- 
 bia Co., N. Y., on December 22, 1830. In 1836 the family moved to Waterloo, 
 Seneca county, and thence, in 1838, to Yates county, N. Y., and, in 1841, to 
 Keating township, McKean Co. , Penn. , where they located on a farm adjoining 
 the one now occupied by Miller C. Here the parents reared their family of 
 six children, named as follows: Jacob P., Catherine M. , George A., Miller C, 
 Hiram S. and Lydia E. The father died in August, 1864, and his widow then 
 made her Residence with our subject until her death, in February, 1880. 
 Miller C. returned to Columbia county, N. Y. , in 1855, and in May of that year 
 married Miss Catherine E., daughter of W. H. Hurd. He remained the fol- 
 lowing summer in Columbia county, working for his uncle, Jacob Teal, at 
 $12 per month, until November 1, when, with his wife, he returned to Mc- 
 Kean county, Penn., and settled on the farm he still lives on, and en- 
 gaged in lumbering and clearing up his place. His first purchase was a 
 contract for twenty-four acres, then in the hands of a third party, with about 
 two acres improved. As fast as he acquired means he bought of his neigh- 
 bors who wanted to go west, and in this manner secured five different lots, 
 which comprise his present homestead. He has now one of the largest 
 barns in the county, it being 100x50 feet, with outside posts twenty-four 
 feet long; it has forty windows and a mow for hay 100 feet long. In ad- 
 dition to the homestead he owns several pther farms, some timber land, and 
 considerable village property. In politics Mr. Stickles is a Republican, and 
 has filled many official positions in the township, in fact he is one of the most 
 substantial and influential citizens. To revert to the pioneer days, a recital 
 of the following circumstances may not prove uninteresting: When Stephen 
 Stickles arrived in Keating township he had but |2. 50 left, and had but one 
 acquaintance in his neighborhood, P. B. Fuller. "Work was scarce and wages 
 very low, and the father and boys went to making shingles, which brought 
 75 cents per thousand, and "store pay" at that; having little or no hay they 
 chopped browse for the cow and yearling once a day, and fhus worried through 
 the winter of 1841-42. In the spring of 1842, the father, having a net, caught 
 
458 HISTORY OF MCKEAN COUNTY. 
 
 thousands of wild pigeons, but, as there was no market for them, he hired him- 
 self and his net to his neighbors at 12 per day, capturing 500 to 2,000 per 
 diem. In 1844 Miller C. Stickles began carrying the mail for Capt. A. H. 
 Cory from Smethport to Great Valley, N. Y., via the Timuanguant, a distance 
 of thirty- six miles, going on horseback one day and returning the next day^ 
 for this service he received 25 cents per day. John F. Melvin was the post- 
 master at Kendall Creek, and A. K. Johnson, deputy. The next post-office 
 was at Rice's, two or three miles south of the mouth of Tunuanguant creek, 
 but there was no bridge, and the Allegany river had to be forded. The next post- 
 office was at Kill Buck, with John Green in charge, and the next ofifice was at 
 Great Valley, of which Daniel Farrington was postmaster, and there Mr. Stickles 
 passed the night. At times the trip would reach far into the night, as late, very 
 often, as 11 o'clock. This contract ended in July, 1848, when Mr. Stickles ea- 
 tered into a new one with Lemuel South wick, to carry the mail from Smethport 
 to Bellefonte, a distance of 126 miles. At that time the turnpike went over 
 Bunker Hill and through Williamsville and Montmorency to Ridgway; the 
 next office was at Hyetta, seven miles from Ridgway; the next at Caledonia, on 
 Bennett's Branch; then, from Caledonia through the Twenty-four-Mile woods to 
 the Dutch settlement or Karthaus; thence to Snow Shoe; thence down Four-mile 
 Mountain to Milesburg; thence to Bellefonte, the round trip consuming six 
 days, and the recompense being 35 cents per day. In 1849 Mr. Stickles carried 
 the mail for John G. Young from Smethport to Coudersport; then from Couders- 
 port on to Wellsborough, and then back to Smethport, the trip consuming four 
 days, for which he received 11.50 per round trip. Mr. Stickles was one of the 
 most successful pigeon trappers in McKean county. In 1854 W. S. Oviatt 
 agreed to pay him 31 cents per dozen for all he could catch between April 4 
 until May 4. Mr. Stickles trapped, April 4, 5 and 6, and in three days earned 
 $76.25; he could easily have made $2,000 had he trapped until May 4, but 
 after netting during the three days mentioned, the market dropped to 10 cents 
 per dozen. In 1868, however, prices were good, reaching $1 per dozen, and 
 Mr. Stickles caught over 1,200 dozens, in one forenoon capturing l05 dozens. 
 JAMES H. STULL, proprietor of meat market. East Smethport, is the 
 eldest son of John and Phebe Stull, and was born at Eldred, McKean Co. , 
 Penn., in 1839. John Stull was born in Reading, Steuben Co., N. Y., in 
 December, 1808, and his father, Joseph Stull, settled in what is now Eldred 
 township, McKean county, in 1808, during the winter, reaching his destination 
 by traveling on the ice, Jacob, brother of Joseph, accompanying him. They 
 each cleared a ten-acre lot, when they discovered they were on a 600-acre 
 tract owned by others and were compelled to remove. Joseph came to what 
 is now Stull Town, McKean county, cleared a farm, and remained there 
 throughout his life, dying at the age of ninety-one years and ten months. 
 His children were Alma, Abram, John, Abbey, Camilla, Baker, Lorinda, Mary, 
 Jerome, George and Joseph. John, the second son of Joseph Stull, married 
 Phebe Windsor, in 1831, located in Pennsylvania, and afterward in New 
 York, remaining seventeen years, when he returned to Eldred and worked at 
 his trade, that of carpenter and joiner. In 1884 he removed to Smethport, and 
 has his home with his son, James H. His wife died September 17, 1883. 
 Their children were James H. , Phebe M. , Almeda, John E. and D. L. James 
 H. Stull married, in 1870, M. E. Keyes, and after their marriage they located 
 on a farm in Eldred township, where they remained until 1883, when they 
 removed to East Smethport, where Mr. Stull has since been engaged in his 
 present business. They have four children: Myrtie, Cora, Grace and Hattie. 
 Mr. Stull enlisted October 21, 1861, in Company H, One Hundred and Tenth 
 
BIOGEAPHIOAL SKETCHES. 459 
 
 Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry, which was afterward consolidated with the 
 Fifty- eighth Eegiment, and he was transferred to Company D, Fourth United 
 States Light Artillery, in which he served, until February, 1867. He is a 
 member of the Grand Army of the Republic, Knights of the Maccabees, and 
 in politics is a Republican. 
 
 A. N. TAYLOR (deceased) was a native of Madison county, N. Y. , and was 
 born June 11, 1822, of English descent, and died May 15, 1876, the result of 
 a fall, on September 25, 1875. Some time in the last century Robert and 
 James Taylor came from England, and April 10, 1785, the first named married 
 Sally Bailey, at Groton, Conn. , but was lost at sea about six months before his 
 son, James, came into the world. Sally Taylor then married John Bailey, 
 May 31, 1796, and by him was the mother of several children; again becoming 
 a widow, she next intermarried, June 5, 1810, with Daniel Goth. Deacon James 
 Taylor, son of Robert and Sally (Bailey) Taylor, was born at New London, 
 Conn., December 28, 1788, and January 14, 1811, he married at Franklin, 
 Delaware Co., N. Y., Lois Niles, who was born August 28, 1787, at Colchester, 
 Conn., and they had a family of seven children, thesubject.of this sketch being 
 the fifth child in order of birth. June 13, 1824, the family moved to McKean 
 county, and settled on a backwoods farm. The father, James Taylor, was 
 elected the second sheriff of McKean county. A. N. Taylor very early gave 
 evidence of the untiring and indomitable energy that was so prominent a char- 
 acteristic of his life, and, having a taste for mercantile business, at about the 
 age of nineteen he entered, as a clerk, the store of Hawkins, Ford & Taylor, 
 his father being one of the partners in the firm. Two years later he formed a 
 partnership with his father, and commenced business in the old Astor building. 
 A few ygars later he bought out his father' s interest in the business, and built 
 a store adjoining the Astor House, which he occupied until it was burned down 
 in the fire of March 28, 1868. He afterward moved his store to the Sartwell 
 block. When he first commenced business he had but 1400 in the world. 
 Although it is impossible to give a correct estimate, it is believed by those best 
 acquainted with his afPairs, that he was worth at the time of his death not less 
 than $300,000. March 1, 1849, he became united in marriage with Ann E. , 
 daughter of William E. and Betsy A. (Bard) Fuller, and born December 28, 
 1828, at Unadilla, Otsego Co. , N. Y. Five years after her birth her parents 
 moved to Mexico, Oswego county, where her father carried on farming, and 
 where he died May 4, 1854; her mother died at the age of twenty-six, Decem- 
 ber 28, 1831. Mrs. Ann E. Taylor comes of "Mayflower" ancestry, her great- 
 grandfather having been one of the Lutheran ministers who crossed the ocean 
 on that historic vessel. Her grandfather, Isaac Fuller, was a lieutenant under 
 Washington, and was promoted on the field of Bunker Hill, where he was 
 wounded; he was a native of New Hampshire, where he married a German lady, 
 their children being William E. , father of Mrs. Taylor, and Christopher, for- 
 merly a Presbyterian clergyman of Rochester, N. Y. , now deceased. By the 
 marriage of William E. Fuller and Betsy A. Bard three children were borp, 
 viz.: Ann E., Charlotte T. (now deceased, who married the late Hon. L. T. 
 Moore, of Emporium, Penn. , who in his lifetime had been made the recipient 
 of various political honors) and M. C. (of Bedford, Iowa). To the union of 
 A. N. Tayloiiand Ann E. Fuller were born three children: Ada M. (now Mrs. 
 D, G. Young), Frank N. and Flora C. (now Mrs. J. J. Newman). A. N. Tay- 
 lor was a man of remarkable business capacity, and should be classed among the 
 most successful men of our day and time. His entire heart and mind was in 
 his business during his earlier days. He was keen and shrewd, quick to detect 
 the weakness of an opponent, and improve an opportunity of favorable invest- 
 
460 HISTOKY OF MCKEAN COUNTY. 
 
 ment. Many men may have complained that he was a hard man to deal with, 
 yet the assertion can be ventured, without fear of successful contradiction, that 
 no man whom he believed to be dealing honestly and fairly by him was ever 
 oppressed or wronged by his authority, and that no man in McKean county 
 was found to be more sympathetic and tender hearted when approached in a 
 proper manner. He was a business man in every sense. He expected men 
 to live up to their obligations. He took all manner of chances, and gave accom- 
 modation and time to men whom no other merchants would trust, in hundreds 
 of cases. The loss that McKean county, and the borough of Smethport espe- 
 cially, sustains in the death of A. N. Taylor can not at once be estimated. When 
 a town loses one of its ablest, most energetic, successful and wealthiest busi- 
 ness men, the loss is not fully repaired in years. At the time of his fetal fall 
 he had in contemplation the use of a portion of his ample means for the build- 
 ing up and improvement of the borough, and had already taken energetic steps 
 in that direction. He left a widow and three children, one son and two daughters; 
 and though well provided for as to the things of this world, nothing can fully 
 compensate the loss of a kind and wisely indulgent father and husband. Mr. 
 Taylor, always a Republican in politics from the organization of the party, was 
 once elected associate judge by an overwhelming majority. During the days 
 of the Civil war he had the fullest faith in the ultimate success of the Union 
 arms, and he had lost since that time none of his love for the principles of his 
 party or his zeal for their success. 
 
 EDWARD H. TAYLOR, merchant, Smethport, is a son of John B. and 
 Elizabeth (Holcomb) Taylor, and was born in Smethport, McKean Co., Penn., 
 in 1858. His father was a native of Burlington, Otsego Co., N. Y., and his 
 mother of Granby, Conn. They each came to Smethport with their parents, 
 and were here married. They had a family of twelve children, seven of whom 
 are living: James V., JohnL., Myrtilla E.,MaryE., Maria A., Edward H. 
 and Ezra V. Edward H. Taylor was reared and received his education at 
 Smethport, and at Randolph, N. Y. After the completion of his studies he en- 
 gaged in jobbing, and eventually became one of the merchants of Smethport, 
 dealing in boots, shoes and groceries. He married, in 1886, Laura M. , daugh- 
 ter of H. M. Reynolds, of Mansfield, Tioga Co., Penn., and they have two sons, 
 John .H. and George R. (latter born April 4, 1889). James Taylor, grand- 
 father of Edward H. , was among the pioneers of the countj', locating here in 
 1824, when the country was a wilderness. Mr. E. H. Taylor is a Republican 
 in his political views. 
 
 JAMBS M. TRACY, postmaster and merchant. East Smethport, was born 
 in Philadelphia, Penn. , in April, 1844, a son of Edward and Bridget (Riley) 
 Tracy, natives of County Cavan, Ireland. They came to Philadelphia from their 
 native land, but, thinking a newer country better adapted to their needs, came 
 to Keating township, McKean county, in 1842, and purchased a tract of land 
 for a farm. They were the parents of seven children, James M. being the 
 third son, who during his youth attended the common schools and worked 
 upon the farm. After his marriage, Mr. Tracy remained upon the farm with 
 his parents until September, 1876, when he came to East Smethport, where 
 he erected the building he now occupies, and engaged in mercantile business. 
 Mr. Tracy married in June, 1863, Miss Ann, daughter of Bernard and Ann 
 (Gallagher) Burns, natives of Ireland, who came to Union Cily, Erie Co., 
 Penn., in 1845. Five children have blessed this union, viz. : Thomas A., Mary 
 E., Lillie E., Annie E. and Paul E. In July, J.885, Mr. Tracy was appointed 
 postmaster at East Smethport, which office he still retains. In politics Mr. 
 Tracy is a Democrat, and he and his family belong to the Catholic Church. 
 
BIOGBAPHICAL SKETCHES. 461 
 
 P. E. TULL, merchant, Smethport, was born in Bath, N. Y., August 25, 
 1846, the only son of three children born to E. D. and Harriet (Golegrove) 
 Tull, natives of New York State, who came to Ceres township, McKean Co., 
 Penn., in 1860. He was educated at Portville, N. Y., and his boyhood days 
 were spent with his parents upon the home farm. He married, in February, 
 1873, Miss Almira, daughter of Luther and Sophia (Maxon) Eastman, of Port- 
 ville, N. Y., and they are the parents of two children, Herman and Ethel, both 
 of whom reside at home. Mr. Tull, in 1875, engaged in mercantile business 
 and became postmaster at Myrtle, Penn., which he continued until June, 1887, 
 when he sold his business out to J. C. Burt, and went to Ceres, Penn., en- 
 gaging as a drug clerk. From there he moved to Eldred, Penn. , where he 
 embarked in the clothing trade. Here he remained until March, 1889, when 
 he came to Smethport and engaged in his present business. Mr. Tull served 
 for six years as justice of the peace in Ceres township, and has held various 
 township offices. He is a member of the I. O. O. F. of Eldred, Penn. , and of 
 theK. O. T. M. In politics he is a Republican. 
 
 MANVILLE TUTTLE, farmer and lumberman, P. O. Coryville, a son of 
 Daniel and Lucina Tuttle, was born in Freetown, Cortland Co., N. Y., in 
 1815, and with his father removed to Wellsville, N. Y., in 1837, where the 
 father died in 1842, the mother havujig died in Freetown, N. Y., in 1828. 
 Manville Tuttle came to Pennsylvani* about 1845, locating at Turtle Point, 
 McKean county, eventually he purchased the farm he now owns in Keating 
 township, McKean county, where he is interested in business as a lumberman 
 and farmer. In 1838 he married Cordelia Kent, daughter of E. C. and Pru 
 dence Kent, and they have had a family of seven children, of whom but two 
 are living: Prudence L., now Mrs. Orson Cory, and F. S., on a farm opposite 
 the old homestead. Mr. Tuttle is a Republican in politics, and is a prominent 
 man in this portion of the county. 
 
 JOHN K. WILLIAMS, born August 22, 1822, died April 4, 1880, was the 
 first white child born in Smethport. He read law under W. A. Williams, and 
 was admitted to the bar of his native county, June 6, 1846. For two years be- 
 fore his admission he was Prothonotary Hamlin's deputy. In the summer of 
 1846, he moved to Wisconsin, where he died. He was named by John Keat- 
 ing after himself, and received from the great land owner a silver dollar, which 
 his mother invested in the purchase of a sheep, and this investment yielded 
 $200 by 1846, which sum was forwarded to Wisconsin. 
 
 G. W. WILLIAMS, merchant, Smethport, was born in Canton, St. Law- 
 rence Co. , N. Y. , August 7, 1842, and began his studies there, completing them 
 in Franklin county. He commenced business life as a grocer, in Burlington, 
 Vt. , and afterward removed to Franklin county, where he went into the cattle 
 business, from that to mercantile business, remaining until 1877, when he went 
 to Bradford, Penn. , and engaged in the livery business, and later removed to 
 Red Rock, eventually locating in Smethport, where he is now dealing in gro- 
 ceries and meats. Mr. Williams married Candace C. Lyon, in 1866, and they 
 have two sons : Ezra L. and Joseph G. He is a member of the Select Knights 
 of the Ancient Order of United Workmen, and North Star Lodge, F. & A. M. , 
 of New York. Politically he is a Republican. 
 
 CLAEK W ILSON, the present editor and publisher of the McKean Democrat, 
 is now a few months over sixty -two years of age, and has perhaps devoted as 
 much time as editor and publisher as any man living in the State. He is of 
 Irish descent, his parents having^emigrated at an early day from a part of Ire 
 land, adjacent to Scotland, his father leaving Ireland when about nineteen 
 years old, and his mother at the age of nine. They were strict Presbyterians 
 
462 HISTORY OF MCKEAN COUNTY. 
 
 during all their lives and raised their family in the same faith. Clark Wilson 
 went as an apprentice to the printing business when twelve years of age, and 
 served no less than seven years before he graduated as a journeyman printer. 
 A few years after finishing his trade, he commenced business as one of the 
 editors and publishers of the Jeffersonian, published at Brookville, Jefferson 
 Co. , Penn. He afterward established and published for some time the Ma- 
 honing Register, at Punxsutawney, same county, then became one of the editors 
 and proprietors of the Clearfield Republican, a radical Democratic sheet pub- 
 lished in the town of Clearfield, Penn. Next Mr. Wilson appears as editor, 
 publisher and proprietor of the Democratic Messenger, a paper which he es- 
 tablished and published for over five years, in the town of Indiana, Indiana 
 Co. , Penn. He then served five years as editor of the Union Herald, a Demo- 
 cratic paper published in Butler, Butler Co. , Penn. , after which he was for a 
 time editor and publisher of the Democrat and Sentinel, at Ebensburg, Cam- 
 bria Co., Penn. He next established and for ten years edited and published, 
 as an independent paper, the Oilman's Journal, at Parker's Landing, Arm- 
 strong Co. , Penn. Last, and perhaps least, the past ten or eleven years of 
 Mr. Wilson's life have been spent in publishing the McKean Dem,ocrat, estab- 
 lished by him at Smethport, McKean Co., Penn., May 20, 1879. He claims 
 to have labored under many disadvanl^es during his career as a journalist 
 here, and if favored with life and healm will probably make a better showing 
 hereafter. Mr. Wilson was married when about twenty-three years of age, to 
 Miss Cornelia A. Magee, of Clearfield, Clearfield Co., Penn., and five children 
 were born to them, four of whom are still living, one son and three daugh- 
 ters. The son, like his father, took to the printing business, and has been for 
 some years engaged as editor and publisher of the Public Spirit, an inde- 
 pendent Democratic paper, published in the town of Clearfield, Penn. In 
 1860 the subject of this notice was appointed deputy marshal, and took the 
 census of the northern part, about one-half, of Indiana county. In 1888 he 
 was appointed by President Cleveland postmaster at Smethport, Penn. , and 
 on June 11, same year, he took charge of the office and continued, assisted by 
 two of his daughters, to discharge the duties pertaining thereto up to April, 
 1890. His successor, E. M. Kerns, was appointed in July, 1889. 
 
 CHARLES C. WRIGHT, lumberman, P. O. Coleville, is a son of Rens- 
 selaer and Sally (Moore) Wright, and was born at Smethport, McKean Co. , 
 Penn. , in 1829. His father came from Delaware county, N. Y. , and located 
 at Eldred, Penn., where he was engaged in farming; was also the proprietor of 
 a hotel and quite extensively engaged in the lumber business. His family con- 
 sisted of eleven children, six of whom are living, viz. : Charles C. , James, Mar- 
 tha, Sally, Maria and Junius. Mr. Rensselaer Wright was one of the first 
 commissioners of McKean county, and in 1829 was elected sheriff of the county. 
 During his official career he went to Philadelphia on horseback, and returning 
 brought with him funds necessary for the erection of the first court-house 
 of McKean county. He was emphatically a self-made man, and held a deserv- 
 edly high place among the representative men of his day. He died in 1884 
 and his wife in J,881. Charles C. Wright was reared and educated in Eldred, 
 and on starting in life for himself located on Cole creek, in Keating township, 
 on the place he still owns, where he erected a steam saw-mill, and is now known 
 as one of the extensive lumbermen of McKean county. Mr. Wright married 
 Jerusha Dennis, and to them were born six children: Victor C, J. B., William, 
 Delbert, Lillie J. and Milton. Mrs. Wright.died in 1877, and in 1879 Mr. 
 Wright married Miss Madison. Mr. Wright takes an active interest in the 
 questions of the day, and is a supporter of the principles of the Republican 
 party, of which he is a prominent member. 
 
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 468 
 
 B. F. WRIGHT, proprietor of Wright's Hotel, Smethport, was born in 
 Madison county, N. Y. , in 1835. He removed to Oneida county, thence to 
 Lima, Livingston Co., N. Y., and completed his education at the seminary 
 there, after which he visited the West. In 1859 he removed to Smethport, 
 and at the beginning of the war enlisted in Company C, First P. R. V. C. He 
 was wounded at the battle of South Mountain, Md. , and received a second 
 wound at Spottsylvania Court House in 1864. On July 3, 1865, he was mus- 
 tered out of the service, and returning to Smethport accepted a position with 
 the Lafayette Coal Company at Lafayette. In the fall of 1866 he was elected 
 sheriff of McKean county, serving one term of three years. In 1875 he built 
 the hotel named after himself, becoming its proprietor, and being one of the 
 representative men of the county, social and courteous with his guests, and hav- 
 ing a large and favorable acquaintance, Wright's Hotel is well and favorably 
 known. He is a member of McKean Lodge, F. & A. M. , No. 388, of Lodge 
 No. 183, A. O. U. W., and of the G. A. R. He is a worker in the Republi- 
 can party. In 1859 he married Miss Catharine L., daughter of O. L. Bennett, 
 and they have live children: F. O. (an only son), Ella, Lena, and Lucy and 
 Elida (twins). 
 
 HENRY WRIGHT, farmer, P. O. Smethport, son of Pardon and Clarissa 
 Wright, was born in Cattaraugus county, N. Y. , in 1849. With his parents 
 he removed to Keating township, McKean Go. , Penn. , where they engaged in 
 farming. They had a family of four children, viz. : Helen A., June, Mandana 
 and Henry. Pardon Wright died October 23, 1885, and his widow has her 
 home with her son, Henry. Henry Wright, in 1875, married Mary, daughter 
 of Charles Guenther, formerly of Smethport, and they are the parents of four 
 children: Mollie G., William H. , W. Leo and Sarah Alice. Mr Wright is a 
 supporter of the principles of the Republican party, and was elected auditor 
 in 1889. He owns and operates a farm on Marvin creek, in Keating township. 
 Mrs. Mary Wright, for several years before her marriage, was a school-teacher 
 of some note. 
 
 D. C. YOUNG, merchant, Smethport, son of Arthur and Laurinda (Stull) 
 Young, was born May 5, 1843, at Farmers Valley, McKean Co., Penn. His 
 parents were among the early settlers of that county, and his paternal great- 
 grandfather, William Young, was a native of Providence, R. I., where he 
 married and became the father of a numerous family of children, and where 
 he lived and died. Stephen, a son of William Young, removed to Norwich, 
 Chenango Co. , N. Y. , when that county was comparatively in a state of nature, 
 and then married Betsy Green, and reared a family of ten children. Remov- 
 ing with his family to Norwich township, McKean Co. , Penn. , he purchased 
 lands and followed farming until his decease in 1841, Betsy, his widow, sur- 
 viving him until 1858. Their children were as follows: Clinton, Edward, 
 Anna, Hannah, Arthur, Betsy, Harriet, Stephen, Malvina and William. The 
 parents of Lucinda Stull, mother of D. C. Young, were also among the pio- 
 neers of McKean county, her father having located in Eldred township in 
 1811. Arthur, the third' son of Stephen and Betsy Young, was born at Nor- 
 wich, Chenango Co., N. Y., in 1813, and with his parents removed to McKean 
 county, Norwich township, settling in 1821. When a boy of fourteen years of 
 age he engaged in trapping for mink and otter, and after making a sale of his 
 furs he found himself in possession of a sufiBcient sum of money to enable him 
 to purchase a gun. Later he became one of the noted hunters of his day, and 
 had the reputation of having killed a greater number of deer, bears, panthers 
 and wildcats, than any other individual in the county. This gun, his fij'st 
 purchase, which he always used in his expeditions in search of game, he be- 
 as 
 
464 HISTOEY OF MCKEAN COUNTY. 
 
 • 
 
 queathed to his son, D. C, who cherishes it as a most valuable heirloom. 
 Educational advantages were not as great then as now, and Arthur Young's 
 experience in that connection was of a practical nature. After his marriage 
 he engaged in farming, and became one of the successful agriculturists of 
 McKean county. He was a member of the Democratic party until 1858, when 
 he enlisted in the ranks of the supporters of Fremont, and ever after was iden- 
 tified with the Republican' party. He never sought political preferment, 
 choosing the enjoyment of the home circle rather than the more exciting field 
 of politics. His death occurred in 1879; his widow still has her residence 
 upijn the old homestead farm. D. C. Young, the subject of these lines, after 
 attending the common schools at home, completed his education at Alfred 
 University, Alfred Centre, Allegany Co. , N. Y. , after which he, in 1865, began 
 his mercantile career as an employe of A. N. Taylor,, at Smethport, Penn. , with 
 whom he remained three years, when he accepted a similar position with 
 Henry Hamlin, of same place, serving him for a like period of time; then, in 
 1871, he became associated with his former employer, A. N. Taylor, as dealers 
 in general merchandise. This partnership, however, was dissolved in 1875, 
 and Mr. Young removed to Larrabee, McKean Co. , Penn. , where he carried 
 on business for six years, and where he also owned (and yet owns) a large 
 stock farm. In 1881 he returned to Smethport, where he has since been en- 
 gaged in business, and is now one of the representative men and leading suc- 
 cessful merchants of the place. In 1871 Mr. Young married Ada M., daughter 
 of the late Hon. A. N. Taylor, of Smethport, and has three children: Kay- 
 mond, Louis and Ada. He is a member of Smethport Lodge, No. 388, F. & 
 A. M., Arnold Chapter, No. 254, E. A. M., of Port Allegany, and of Trinity 
 Commandery, No. 58, K. T., of Bradford. In politics he is a Eepublioan. 
 
 H. A. YOUNG, farmer and lumberman, P. O. Farmers Valley, is a son 
 of Arthur and Laurmda H. (Stull) Young, and was born in Keating township, 
 McKean Co., Penn., in 1845. Here he was reared and educated, and in July, 
 1862, he enlisted in Company G, One Hundred and Fiftieth P. V. I. At the 
 battle of Gettysburg he received a wound which disabled him, but neverthe- 
 less he continued in the service until August, 1865. After the close of the 
 war he was mustered out, returned to his home in Keating township, and in 
 1869 married Miss Ocelia N. Howell. The young couple located on the farm 
 he now owns in Keating township, where he has since been extensively en- 
 gaged in the lumber trade and in farming. To Mr. and Mrs. Young six 
 children have been born: Arthur L., Mettie E., Eunice, Floyd A., Ada E. 
 and Clinton B., all at home. Mr. Young is a member of the G. A. E. For 
 three terms he has served as supervisor of the township, a position he now 
 holds. He is a supporter of the Republican party, is active in politics, and is a 
 prominent and representative man of his township. 
 
 WILLIAM A. YOUNG, farmer and lumberer, P. O. Farmers Valley, is the 
 third son of Arthur and Laurind^ H. (Stull) Young, and was born in Keating 
 township, June 28, 1856, on the farm he now owns. His mother was the 
 daughter of Joseph and Delinda (Brewer) Stull, and was born in Stull Town, 
 McKean Co., Penn., in April, 1818. Her father was a native of Sussex county, 
 N. J., and his parents removed toElmira, N. Y., when he was a child of seven 
 years of age. There he was married, and later he removed to Steuben county, 
 N. Y., and thence to Sartwell, McKean Co., Penn., and a little later lo- 
 cated in Stull Town. Their children were Alma (who married Lyons Dodge, 
 and removed to Ohio, where she died), Abram (who died in Stull Town), John 
 (now a resident of East Smethport), Abbey (now a resident of Port Allegany, 
 McKean county, and who married Joseph DeLong), Camilla (now Mrs. John 
 
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 465 
 
 L. Dauiels, of Scioto county, Ohio), Caleb B. (deceased), Laurinda H., Mary 
 (widow of the late John Nolan, of Emporium, Cameron county), Jerome (of 
 Keating township), George (deceased) and Joseph (of StuU Town). The ma- 
 ternal grandmother of W. A. Young, Belinda Stull, died in 1862, and the 
 grandfather, Joseph Stull, died in 1866. Laurinda H. Stull was educated in 
 the common schools, and attended the academy at Smethport one term. In 
 1842 she was married to Arthur Young, and located on the farm now owned 
 by William A. Young, in Keating township, where they reared a family of 
 seven children, viz.: Violetta, Flora E., Alma (deceased), D. C, H. A., Will- 
 iam A. and Gardner. Stephen Young, paternal grandfather of Williaq^ A., 
 was born Jane 25, 1779, and married Betsy Green, July 16, 1803. Their 
 children were Clinton, Edward G. , Anna T., Hannah, Arthur, Betsy, Har- 
 riet, Stephen D., Amanda M. and William, of whom Edward G. is the sole 
 survivor. Stephen, their father, died July 16, 1840, and Betsy, their mother, 
 in March, 1858. William A. Young was reared and educated in his native 
 township. October 30, 1878, he married Jane, daughter of Augustus Day, 
 formerly of Farmers Valley, Penn., and they located at the old Young home- 
 stead, where he has since been extensively engaged in lumbering and farming. 
 Mr. and Mrs. Young have five children, viz. : Ella, Edith, Euth, Frank and 
 Lena. Mr. Young is a member of the L O. O. F., lodge and encampment, at 
 Smethport. He is identified with the Eepubliean party, and has been super- 
 visor of Keating township for two terms. 
 
 CHAPTER XXIV. 
 
 BIOGEAPHICAL SKETCHES— FOSTEE TOWNSHIP AND 
 BOEOUGH OF KENDALL. 
 
 PHILO ACKLBY, farmer and oil producer, Kendall Creek, was born in 
 Cayuga county, N. Y., in 1821, a son of Ahiel and Clarissa (Olmstead) Ackley, 
 natives of Connecticut, and farmers by occupation. At the age of six years 
 Philo was sent to Prattsburg, Steuben Co. , N. Y. , to live with his uncle and 
 aunt. He remained there three years and attended the district schools. In 
 October, 1830, he came to McKean county, Penn.. with his uncle, James De- 
 Golier. They drove cattle and hogs from Steuben county, and located on 
 what is now known as the Jewett farm, in Bradford township. Philo remained 
 with them for nearly five years after coming to this county, and then hired to 
 his cousin, with whom he worked from March till August, for which he received 
 $2. 50. With this amount of money he started on foot for Cortland county, 
 N. Y., and arrived there in due course of time. He remained there about eight 
 years, and added to his education by attending the winter schools. In 1844 
 he started on his return to McKean county, walking from Blmira to Bradford, 
 where he obtained his living by day's' work for some time. In 1846 he erected 
 a blacksmith shop, and conducted a general blacksmithing business until 1879, 
 having his shop in Kendall Creek for three years during that time. At the 
 breaking out of the oil excitement, he leased 400 acres of land in Toad Hollow 
 at $1 per acre for ten years. This lease ran out without being operated on. 
 He afterward leased other land and succeeded in getting several good wells. 
 
466 HISTORY OF MCKEAN COUNTY. 
 
 In 1882 he purchased the Hollenbeck farm of 182 acres, at Sawyer City, on 
 which he has produced a number of good wells. In 1846 Mr. Ackley was 
 united in marriage with Miss Clarissa, daughter of Alvin Owens, of Smethport, 
 Penn. , and six children have been born to their union, two of whom are living : 
 Charles L. , of Bradford, married to Miss Alice, daughter of William E. Fisher, 
 and has two children, Clara and Maud; and Luella E., married to Charles 
 Bailey, who died leaving one child. Lulu, and she afterward married Bradley 
 H. Barr, and is now living with her parents. Mr. Ackley has always been an 
 active supporter of the Democratic party. In 1869 he was elected justice of 
 the peace in Bradford, and served ten years. He also filled that office in Ken- 
 dall Creek ten years, and the office of burgess also ten years. In 1874 he 
 was elected supervisor of Bradford township, serving four terms, and for 
 eleven years was constable of Bradford. 
 
 H. H. AEGUE, oil producer. Derrick City, was born near Ottawa, 
 province of Ontario, July 22, 1843, a son of John W. and Esther (Wilson) 
 Argue. His father was born in County Cavan, Ireland, and his mother in 
 CanadSi. Her father, Hugh Wilson, served twenty- one years in the English 
 army. John W. Argue moved to Canada when six years of age with his 
 parents, and later followed farming as an occupation. He died in that coun- 
 try. His widow now resides in Derrick City. Their family consisted of nine 
 children, six of whom are living: H. H., our subject; E. W., of Derrick 
 City; A. Gr. and Thomas, 'of Gillmor; Esther Jane, wife of George W. Bet- 
 tis, of Buffalo, and Sarah. H. H. Argue was reared in Canada, and there 
 remained uutil 1863, when he came to the United States and first located at 
 Portland. He started in life single-handed, and worked at various kinds of 
 labor. In 1865 he went to Titusville, Penn., where he took contracts as a 
 well driller, and has since followed the oil business. He and his brother, E. 
 W. , now operate under the firm name of the Watson Oil Company. They 
 also have a large quantity of gas, and supply Derrick City and Gillmor with 
 gas for fuel and light. In 1871 Mr. Argue married Miss Ellen C. , daughter 
 of Daniel and Bridget (McCoully) McNeal, of Canada, and they have three 
 children; Lizzie, Edwin Harry and Albert J. Mr. Argue is active in politics, 
 and is identified with the Eepublican party. He is a member of the Masonic 
 fraternity, in Titusville. He and family attend the Methodist Episcopal Church. 
 
 E. W. AEGUE, oil producer. Derrick City, was born in Ottawa, Canada, 
 March 1, 1845. He received a common-school education, and came to the 
 United States in 1865, where he began life in Titusville, Penn., as a day 
 laborer. He then associated himself with his brother, H. H. , as contractor, 
 aad they have since been in business together. March 16, 1880, he married 
 Miss Eva, daughter of Norman Allport, of Shamburg, Penn. They have 
 three children: Edith, May and Ethel. Mr. Argue is an active worker of the 
 Eepublican party. He is a member of Union Lodge, No. 334, of Bradford, 
 P, & A. M., Bradford Chapter, No. 260, E. A. M., and of Trinity Com- 
 mandery. No. 58, K. T. 
 
 JONAS AETLEY, proprietor of the American House, Kendall Creek, was 
 born in Liberty, Tioga Co. , Penn. , June 20, 1830. His parents, Abraham and 
 Elizabeth (Long) Artley, were natives of that county and farmers by occupa- 
 tion. Our subject was reared on the iTomestead, and remained there until 
 1859, when he married Miss Sarah E. Shaffer. They then moved ,to Ly- 
 coming county, Penn., where they kept a hotel at Linden for six years, 
 and also another hotel near there for two years. They then moved to Jersey 
 Shore, where they kept hotel for eleven years. In 1877 Mr. Artley came to 
 Kendall Creek, where he has since been proprietor of the American House, 
 
BIOGEAPHICAL SKETCHES. 467 
 
 and has also engaged in oil producing. He is the father of three children: 
 Philip (in partnership with his father), Carrie and John. Mr. Artley is a 
 member of Labelle Valley Lodge, No. 232, F. & A. M., of the E. A. U., of 
 Kendall Creek, and of the Columbia League. He and family attend the Pres- 
 byterian Church. 
 
 F. E. BAKEE, of the firm of Gillespie & Baker, Summit City, was born 
 in Erie, Penn., January 7, 1856. His father, B. F. Baker, was born in War- 
 ren county, N. Y. , and his mother, Sarah A. (Hurst) Baker, was born in Erie 
 county, Penn. His father was a ship carpenter by occupation. The family 
 are prominent members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Five of their 
 children are .still living: Thomas C, of Foxburg, Penn. ; Estella, wife of W. 
 O. Smith, of Oil City; F. E. ; William A., of Washington, Penn., and Wallace 
 B., of Pittsburgh, Penn. The subject of these lines was educated at Erie, 
 Penn., and in 1875 went to Foxburg. where he engaged in refining oil. In 
 1880 he came to McKean county, and for three years acted as commercial trav- 
 eler, handling petroleum, oil well supplies, etc. April 28, 1887, he engaged 
 in his present business. In 1879 he married Miss Naomi, daughter of John 
 Gillespie, and they have three children: Charles Floyd, Frank Howard and 
 Sarah Hazel. Mr. Baker is a supporter of the Eepublican party. He belongs 
 to Lodge No. 211, E. A. U., of Summit City, Assembly No. 6561, K. of L., 
 and he and wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. 
 
 F. X. BIDAUX, butcher, Kendall Creek, was born in France, October 10, 
 1846, a son of P. X. and Mary (Chappin) Bidaux. His mother died in France, 
 and the father and his family came to America in 1867, locating at Titusville, 
 Penn., where the father is now engaged in the milk business. Our subject 
 worked in a foundry for two years, and then engaged in the butcher business, 
 which he conducted there for eleven years. In 1880 he came to MoKean 
 county, and has since conducted a meat market at Kendall Creek. He has also 
 carried on a market in Bradford for several years. He was the first man to 
 introduce Chicago beef into McKean county. In 1870 he married Miss Felicie 
 Gigogne, a native of France, who came to America when five years of age, 
 and they have six children : Mary, Louise, Rosa, Sylvin, Goldie and Genevieve. 
 Mr. Bidaux is a supporter of the Democratic party, and is a member of the ■ 
 borough council. He is a member of the Knights of the Maccabees, and he 
 and family are members of the Roman Catholic Church. Mr. Bidaux owns 
 several valuable city lots, and a fine farm at Saegerstown, Penn. 
 
 JAMES BISETT (deceased) was born in Dublin, Ireland, his parents, who 
 were farm tenants, dying in that country. In 1850 he emigrated to America, 
 and married in the same year Miss Mary, daughter of William Clark, also a 
 native of Dublin, Ireland. Mr. Bisett was a stone mason by trade, and worked 
 in New York a few months, then went to Massachusetts, where he remained 
 five years. From there he moved to Ellicottsville, Cattaraugus Co., N. Y., and 
 engaged in farming. In 1857 he first came to McKean county, and in 1862 
 located on the present Bisett farm in Foster township. Mr. Bisett started in 
 life single handed, and by his own efforts became a successful man. He was 
 identified with the Democratic party, and was one of the representative and 
 highly respected men of the township. He was a devout Catholic, and one of 
 the original builders of the church of that denomination at Bradford. He died 
 August 1, 1880. His widow, who still resides on the homestead farm, is a 
 devout Christian, and a very hospitable lady. Fourteen of their children grew 
 to maturity, twelve of whom are still living: Mary (wife of Joseph Henigan, 
 of Clean, N. Y.), Jennie (wife of George Ferris, of Farmers Valley), Richard 
 L., Edward W., Christopher C, Thomas J., Charles F., Annie Belle, John J., 
 
468 HISTORY OP MCKEAN COUNTY. 
 
 Rose J. , James Henry and Walter W. The Bisett Brothers are among the 
 representative oil producers of Foster township. 
 
 RICHAED L. BISETT, oil producer, Dallas City, a son of James and 
 Mary (Clark) Bisett, was born in Cattaraugus county, N. Y., July 29, 1855. 
 He received a common-school education, and for several years followed lum- 
 bering and farming. In 1885 he and his brother formed a partnership in pro- 
 ducing oil, under the firm name of R. L. & C. C. Bisett. In 1882 he married 
 Miss Mary, daughter of James McHale, of McKean county, and they have one 
 child, John H. Mr. Bisett is a supporter of the Democratic party, and is a 
 member of the Catholic Church. 
 
 A. W. BOYD, oil producer, Sawyer City, is a son of John Boyd, a native 
 of Mercer county, Ohio, who came to McKean county when a young man, and 
 followed farming and lumbering; he married Miss Annie Hutchinson, a native 
 of McKean county, of Irish parentage. Mr. Boyd was a Democrat and a prom- 
 inent member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. He died in 1867, his wife 
 in 1861. They reared nine children, five of whom are living: Elizabeth, wife 
 of Andrew Swarthart, in Michigan; Martha, wife of Roswell Hale, in Tarport, 
 Penn.; Jane, wife of Jesse Pumphrey, in Kansas; A. W., and William, a farmer, 
 in Poster township, McKean county. A. W. Boyd was born in Foster town- 
 ship, McKean Co., Penn., June 20, 1846, and attended the township schools, 
 also Rochester Commercial College. For ten years he engaged in lumber- 
 ing, and since 1877 he has been producing oil, controlling from fifty to sixty 
 wells. In 1866 he married Miss Amelia, daughter of J. S. Seaward, of Ken- 
 dall Creek, and has five children: Clinton G., Annie M., Leonard C, Frank G. 
 and Clement C. Mr. Boyd is identified with the Republican party. He is a 
 member of Union Lodge, No. 334, F. & A. M., Bradford Chapter, No. 160, 
 R. A. M. , and Trinity Commandery, No. 58, K. T. 
 
 JONES BUCHANAN, farmer, P. O. Kendall Creek, a son of Andrew L. 
 Buchanan, was born in Warren county, Penn., March 28, 1811. He received 
 a limited education and came to McKean county when seventeen years of age. 
 He has principally been engaged in lumbering, and has made many trips to 
 Pittsburgh down the Allegheny river. In 1841 he was united in marriage 
 with Miss Sophronia A. Foster, daughter of L. S. Foster, of Bradford town- 
 ship, and nine children were born to their union, five of whom are living: 
 Mary Elizabeth, wife of John H. Corll of New York, in Tarport; Rebecca and 
 Ella, at home; Thomas Jefferson in Tarport, married to Miss Mary Morse, of 
 Jamestown, N. Y. , and has one child, Harry; Russell, in Washington county, 
 Penn., married to Miss Annie Brooks, of Philadelphia, and has four' children, 
 Grace, Estella, Lulu and an infant. Mr. Buchanan voted for Jackson in 1832, 
 but since 1852 he has been a Republican, and has filled various township offices. 
 
 A. W. BUCHANAN, farmer, P. O. Kendall Creek, was born in what is now 
 Warren county, Penn., September 25, 1819. His father, Andrew L. Buchan- 
 an, who was a native of Mifflin county, Penn. , was born August 16, 1775, married 
 February 26, 1801, Miss Rebecca Jones, also a native of Mifflin county, Penn. 
 He was a blacksmith by trade, and moved into McKean county, Penn., in 1829, 
 locating on the farm now owned by our subject in Foster township. They 
 were among the early and representative families of the township. Mr. Bu- 
 chanan was a Jeffersonian Democrat, and filled various township offices. He 
 was drafted in the war of 1812, but furnished a substitute. He died February 
 28, 1841, and his widow in 1861. Their children were Susan, who was born 
 December 25, 1801, but is now deceased; Lucinda, born April 3, 1803, died 
 October 25, 1833; Daniel, born August 9, 1805, also deceased; Robert, born 
 September 9, 1807, and now dead; Isaiah, born April 18, 1809, died August 
 
BIOGEAPHICAL SKEyOHES. 469 
 
 15, 1834; Jones, bom March 28, 1811; Andrew and Eebecca (twins), born 
 December 30, 1812; Polly Ann, born September 26, 1814, and A. W. 
 
 A. W. Buchanan came to McKean county with his parents. He was given 
 but limited educational advantages and early engaged in lumbering, and acted 
 as pilot on the Allegheny river for many years. For the past twenty-five 
 years he has been engaged in farming. The first flowing oil well in the county 
 was found upon his farm. In 1847 he married Miss Adeline, daughter of L. 
 S. Foster, of Bradford township, and twelve children were born to them, six 
 of whom are living: Irene, wife of John Whipple, in Omaha, Neb. ; Jeanette, 
 wife of T. W. Hunt, in Hyde county, Dak. ; Florence, widow of George May; 
 Delia, wife of Eugene Holcomb, in Omaha, Neb. ; Minnie and Elwin, at home. 
 Mr. Buchanan was a member of the Democratic party from 1840 to 1856, but 
 since then has been a supporter of the Eepublican party. He has filled about 
 all of the township offices, and is prominent in school work. 
 
 JOHN T. CALHOUN, druggist, Kendall Creek, is a son of John Calhoun, 
 who was born in County Sligo, Ireland, June 21, 1839; there learned the shoe- 
 maker's trade, emigrated to America in 1857, and for several years worked at 
 his trade in New York City, Jersey City, Scranton, Port Jervis and Middle- 
 town. In 1867 he followed the oil excitement to Petroleum Centre, and in 
 1875 located at Eldred, McKean county, coming to Kendall Creek in 1876, 
 where he first engaged in baling hay. He is now conducting a shoe shop. In 
 1865 he married Miss Mary Kenney, who was born in Ireland and brought to 
 America when one year of age. They have six children: John T., Mary M., 
 Margaret, Charles P. , Anna E. and George D. John Calhoun has held sev- 
 eral public ofiices, having been three times elected overseer of the poor, three 
 times constable, and five times collector of taxes; he is also secretary of the 
 Democratic County Committee, and is a member of the A. O. U. W. , K. of L. , 
 and of the Catholic Church. John T. Calhoun was born August 13, 1866, in 
 Forestville, Chautauqua Co., N. Y. , and received a common- school education. 
 In 1882 he entered a (irug store at Bradford, as clerk, and afterward went to 
 Olean, N. Y. , where he remained for one year. In 1886 he assumed the man- 
 agement of the drug business of McCarty & Calhoun, which our subject con- 
 ducted until 1888, when he established his present business, under the firm 
 name of John Calhoun & Son. He is a member of the Columbia League, of 
 the Catholic Church, and in politics is a Democrat. 
 
 W. B. COR WIN, farmer, postoffice Sawyer City, is a son of P. P. Corwin, 
 and a "grandson of Edward Corwin, a native of Connecticut and a Revolution- 
 ary soldier. He was one of the early settlers of McKean coulnty, taking up 
 Government land. P. P. Corwin, who was a native of Madison county, mar- 
 ried Miss California Gallup, a native of McKean county, and settled on a farm 
 in Foster township, McKean county, now known as Corwin Centre. Mr. Cor- 
 win was a member of the Whig and Republican parties and of the Baptist 
 Church. He died in 1857; his widow still resides on the homestead. They 
 reared a family of nine children, eight of whom are living: Huldah, wife of 
 Bishop Coston, in Missouri; Malvina, wife of Thomas Farnsworth; Jestina, 
 wife of James Farnsworth, of Sheffield, Warren Co. , Penn. ; Lucina, wife of 
 Salmon Keesler, of Corwin; W. B. ; Edwin A. ; Andrew P., and Nancy, wife 
 of Harry T. Abby, of Port Allegany, McKean county. W. B. Corwin was 
 born in Norwich township, McKean Co., Penn., February 10, 1840, and moved 
 to Foster township when four years of age, where he has followed farm- 
 ing. In 1868 he married Miss Louisa, daughter of Peter H. Storms, of Foster 
 township, and they have three children: Cynthia, wife of Sydney Smith, of 
 Butler; Wallace and Elsie. Mr. Corwin is a member of the Democratic party, 
 
470 HISTOKY OP MCKEAN COUNTY. 
 
 and has filled various township offices. He and family are members of the 
 Baptist Church. 
 
 A. P. COKWIN, farmer, P. O. Sawyer City, son of P. P. and California 
 (Gallup) Corwin, was born in Foster township, McKean Co. , Penn. , February 
 7, 1848. He received a common-schooJ education, and since starting in life 
 for himself has followed farming. In 1881 he married Miss Gelia, daughter 
 of Albert Burdick, of Cattaraugus county, N. Y., and by this union they have 
 four children: Eubie M., Gordis P., Mira B. and Eaymond Earl. Mr. Cor- 
 win is a supporter of the Democratic party and has served as assessor of his 
 township. 
 
 JOHN DENMAN, oil producer, P. O. Kendall Creek, was born in Somer- 
 setshire, England, July 26, 1848. His parents were John and Harriet (Sharpe) 
 Denman. In 1868 Mr. Denman emigrated to America and went direct to 
 Pit Hole, Venango county, where he soon began to produce oil, in which he 
 has since been engaged in Ohio and Pennsylvania, having sixths wells in Ohio 
 and about thirty in McKean county. In 1867 he married Miss Elizabeth 
 Eason, a native of England, and they have eight children: Heber (studying 
 for a mining engineer at Lehigh), John, Arthur, Edgar, Maud, Clyde, Allen 
 and Jessie. Mr. Denman is a member of the Knights of the Maccabees. His 
 wife is a member of the Episcopal Church. 
 
 JAMES P. EATON, oil producer, Sawyer City, was born in Enterprise, 
 Warren Co., Penn., March 4, 1849, a son of Corrydon P. and Caroline 
 (Phelps) Eaton, natives of Chautauqua county, N. Y. His grandfather, Eben- 
 ezer Eaton, who was a native of Madison county, N. Y., took up government 
 land on the present site of Laona, in Chautauqua county, erected one of the 
 first dwellings in the village of Pomfret, and in 1815 erected a cloth-dressing 
 factory, which he operated for many years. He was a soldier in the war of 
 1812. Corrydon, the father of our subject, was also a cloth-dresser by trade, 
 and was one of the pioneer oil men of Venango county, drilling the third oil 
 well in Oil Creek and the first well at f^leasantville. He was the originator of 
 the steel line "jars," and was the first to use casing to case out the water in drill- 
 ing wet holes. He was an ardent Republican. He died in Warren county, 
 Penn. , Decem.ber 14, 1884. His widow is still living. Mr. and Mrs. Eaton 
 reared five children, three of whom are living: Orlando P., at Corry; James 
 P., in Sawyer City, and Callie (wife of Barker Chadwick), at Corry. James 
 P. Eaton was taken to Chautauqua county, N. Y., when three years of age, 
 and at the age of eighteen years he began in the oil business at Pleasant- 
 ville, whence he went to Titusville, where he rejnained five years. In 1876 
 he came to McKean county, and has since been engaged in producing oil. 
 In 1 870 he married Miss Ada, daughter of Thomas Padden, of Chautauqua 
 county, N. Y. , and they have two children: Hattie B. and Harry James. Mr. 
 Eaton is a member of Forest Lodge, No. 166, P. & A. M. , of Chautauqua 
 county, N. Y. ; Sawyer City Lodge, No. 215, A. O. U. W., and Eureka As- 
 sembly, Knights of Labor, No. 9873. 
 
 DR. R. A. EGBERT, Foster Brook, was born in Mercer county, Penn., 
 February 4, 1849. His parents, Edwin and Milky (Grace) Egbert, were 
 natives of that county, and farmers by occupation. Our subject received a 
 common-school education, and at the age of twenty-two years began the study 
 of medicine with Dr. T. W. Egbert, of Oil City, Penn. He graduated from 
 the University of Michigan at Ann Arbor, in June, 1875, and began the prac- 
 tice of his profession at Oil City. In 1878 he came to McKean county, where 
 he has since had an extensive practice. April 14, 1880, he married Miss Eva- 
 line, daughter of the late H. F. Howe. He is a member of the McKean 
 
BIOGEAPHICAL SKETCHES. 471 
 
 County Medical Society, and has held the office of secretary and treasurer of 
 the same. He is a member of the United Workmen of Eed Rock, the Knights 
 of the Maccabees, of Derrick City, and of the Knights of Pythias, of Poster 
 Brook. He is identified with the Eepublican party, and is a member of the 
 school board. 
 
 E. D. FOSTER, farmer, P. O. Kendall Creek, is a son of Leonard S. 
 and Betsey H. (Hinds) Foster, and was born on his present farm December 3, 
 1835. He received an ordinary education at the township schools, and has 
 principally been engaged in lumbering and oil producing, now having oil 
 interests in Washington county, Penn. In 1861 he married Miss Helen, 
 daughter of James McMurray, of Derrick City, Penn., and they have five 
 children: Ola, wife of V. H. Ellsworth; Nettie, wife of A. C. Marsh, of 
 Washington, Penn. ; Frank Foster, tool dresser, who married Miss May Fer- 
 guson, and has two children (Fred and Clarence) ; Jessie and Effie, at home. 
 Mr. Foster is a member of the Republican party, and has filled various town- 
 ship offices. 
 
 HARRY FOX, farmer and oil producer, Bradford, was born in England, 
 April 15, 1849, a son of Thomas and Sarah (Pool) Fox. Our subject immi- 
 grated to America in 1872, first locating in Allegany county, N. Y. , and eight 
 months later came to McKean county, where he engaged with the lumbering 
 firm of Clark & Babcock, and remained two and one-half years. He then 
 went to Ellsworth county, Kas., where he was in the hotel business, thence 
 moved to and resided in Michigan and Illinois for twQ years. In 1876 he 
 returned to McKean county, and in 1877 began to operate for oil. He now 
 has nineteen wells, and a farm of thirty-five acres under cultivation. In July, 
 1877, he married Miss Jane A., daughter of Thomas and Elizabeth Tate, of 
 Foster township, McKean county, and they have six children: Thomas, Fran- 
 cis, Estella, Alice, Howard and Agnes. Mr. Fox is a member of the Royal 
 Templars of Temperance; his wife is a member of the Methodist Episcopal 
 Church. 
 
 C. W. GILLESPIE, merchant, a member of the firnj of Gillespie & Baker, 
 Summit City, was born in Armstrong county, Penn., Noveniber 7, 1858. His 
 parents, J. B. and Elizabeth (Hartman) Gillespie, were natives of that county. 
 In 1865 they moved to Oil City, where our subject received his education. 
 He has worked in the oil fields since starting in life for himself, and in 1881 
 located in Summit City, McKean county. In 1887 he engaged in his present 
 general • mercantile business, and same year he was united in marriage with 
 Miss Bertha, daughter of Daniel Walker, of Erie county, Penn. Mr. Gillespie 
 is identified with the Republican party, and is a member of the Knights of the 
 Maccabees. Mrs. Gillespie was a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, 
 and died October 2, 1889. Mr. Gillespie's mother died in Armstrong county 
 in 1864, and h^is father died in Oil City in 1879. 
 
 M. A. HAGGERTY, hardware merchant, Kendall Creek, was born in 
 Sussex county, N. J., September 14, 1844, a son of Alfred and Susan (Harden) 
 Haggerty, both natives of that county. The father died in 1854; the mother 
 is still living. They reared four children, three of whom are living: M. A., 
 Samuel H. (in Sussex county, N. J.), and George A. (in Clinton county, Penn.) 
 M. A. Haggerty was reared in Sussex county, N. J. , and received a common- 
 school education. At the age of twenty-two he began work for the Philadel- 
 phia & Erie Railroad as brakeman, worked up to be engineer, and ran an en- 
 gine for eight years. In 1878 he came to McKean county, where he first 
 engaged in the livery business at Kendall Creek, and for a number of years 
 he has conducted a general hardware store. In 1875 he married Miss Han- 
 
472 HISTORY OF MCKEAN COUNTY. 
 
 nah M., daughter of Nicholas and Margaret (Carnie) Westcott, of Schoharie 
 county, N. Y. 
 
 W. N. HANNA, owner of Hanna's Lumber Yard, Kendall Creek, was born 
 in Geneseo, Livingston Co., N. Y., June 4, 1838, a son of George W. and 
 Nancy (Wynn) Hanna. George W. moved from Cortland county to Livingston 
 county, N. Y. , before marriage, and still resides there, a widower. W. N. 
 Hanna was reared in Livingston county, and received a good education. He 
 graduated from the University of Syracuse and also Geneseo College. After 
 leaving school he engaged in teaching at Fillmore Academy, Missouri, and 
 also taught in the public schools of Texas, being principal of the schools at 
 Corpus Christi, and other places in Texas; he also taught at Mayfield, Ky., and 
 Dresden, Tenn. In 1878 he came to McKean county, Penn. , and located at 
 Tarport, where he has since been engaged in handling hemlock and pine lum- 
 ber, and manufacturing wheels, reels, etc., for oil wells. In 1874 he was 
 united in marriage with Miss Ellen Clarissa, daughter of Joseph P. Clark, one 
 of the early settlers of Bradford, and they have two children: Genevieve and 
 Jamius. Mr. Hanna is identified with the Republican party, and has been a 
 member of the borough council. He is a member of Lodge No. 133, A. O. U. 
 W., of Tarport, and a member of the Episcopal Church. 
 
 R. HANNAHS, dealer in junk, rags, etc., Kendall Creek, was born in Pike 
 county, Penn. , March 7, 1844, a son of Isaac and Elizabeth (Moore) Hannahs. 
 He was given a common- school education, followed farming for some years, 
 and learned the trad^ of tinsmith and copper- wire worker. In 1883 he came 
 to McKean county, and established his present business at Kendall Creek, 
 keeping constantly on the road^ three wagons or carts. In 1871 he married 
 Miss Christina, daughter of M. Taylor, of Elmira, N. Y. , and they have seven 
 children: Delia, Libbie, Hattie, Fannie, William, Isaac and Harry. Mr. 
 Hannahs is liberal in politics, but usually supports the Republican party. 
 
 PHILIP HOOKER, farmer, P. O. Tuna Creek, was born in Allegany 
 county, N. Y., February 22, 1827. His father, Philand Hooker, a native of 
 Vermont, was brought to Allegany county, N. Y. , when a child, and event- 
 ually married Margaret Wilson, a native of Ireland. They were farmers by 
 occupation, and always lived in Allegany county. Philand Hooker was a Dem- 
 ocrat, and filled various township offices ; he and his wife were members of the 
 Episcopal Church; he died in 1864, his widow in 1883. They reared seven 
 children, five of whom are still living: James, in Allegany county, N. Y. ; Har- 
 riet, widow of James Wells, in Dunkirk, N. Y. ; Calvin T., in Dakota;* Philip, 
 and Jane Ann, wife of Willard Lyon, in Dunkirk, N. Y. Philip Hooker came 
 to McKean county in 1863, and purchased his present farm. In 1852 he mar- 
 ried Miss Deblah S. Lyon, daughter of Allen Lyon, of Allegany county, N. Y. 
 She died September 21, 1867, leaving four children: Fred Johu, who married 
 Miss Eva Whittaker, of Carlton, N. Y., and has three children (Ellen May, 
 Benjamin C. and an infant) ; Willard H. , of Rochester, N. Y. (married to Miss 
 Harriet Lyon, of Dunkirk, N. Y. ) ; Charles C. , of Foster township (married to 
 Miss Effie Case, and has one child, Harrold G. ), and George W. of Rochester, 
 N. Y. (married to Miss Fannie Loudin, of Canada). Mr. Hooker was again 
 married, this time in 1868, to Miss Sarah Ann Hazzard, a native of New York 
 State, who died in October, 1886. His present wife was Mrs. Jennie Brown, 
 daughter of John Eastman, of Warren county, Penn. Mr. Hooker is a mem- 
 ber of the Democratic party, and has filled various township offices. 
 
 WILLIAM M. HOWARD, merchant. Derrick City, was born in Catta- 
 raugus county, N. Y., July 16, 1858, a son of Alexander and Laura (Bacon) 
 Howard, natives of that county, but both dead. Mr. Howard received a com- 
 
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 473 
 
 mon-8chool education, and in 1877 came to McKean county, where he worked 
 as a laborer. He then entered a store as clerk, and in 1882 established his 
 present general store. September 26, 1882, he married Miss Edith Vincent, 
 daaghj;er of Hiram and Wealthy Vincent, of Cattaraugus county, N. Y. Mr. 
 Howard is a member of the Republican party, and is one of the representative 
 merchants of Derrick City. 
 
 MILES S. HOWE, oil producer, P. O. Foster Brook, was born in Frank- 
 lin, Venango Co., Penn., October 4, 1850. He received the benefit of an aca- 
 demic education, and has been principally engaged in the oil business. He 
 married, January 29, 1889, Miss Bertha A. Washburn, of New York City. 
 He is a member of Myrtle Lodge, No. 1 16, F. & A. M. , of Franklin, Penn. , 
 the Sons of Temperance, the Knights of Labor, and the A. O. U. W. , and 
 also the Producers' Association. Mr. Howe is an enthusiastic worker in the 
 Temperance cause, and a supporter of the Prohibition party. His father, 
 Henry F. Howe, who was a native of Perry county, Penn., married Miss 
 Sophia L. Shaw, of Titusville, Penn. He was a carpenter by trade, and 
 built the first derrick erected on Oil creek. He afterward became an exten- 
 sive producer on Oil creek and at Pit Hole. In 1865 he sold his interests 
 and moved to Yates county, N. Y. , where he carried on an extensive farm un- 
 til 1874. He then moved to Elmira, where he remained until 1882. He fur- 
 nished two substitutes for the war of the Rebellion. He was a supporter of 
 the Republican and Prohibition parties, and a prominent member of the 
 Methodist Episcopal Church, tilling various important offices. He died in 
 1883; his widow now resides in Florida. Ten children were born to them, 
 eight of whom are living: Lizzie (wife of H. C. Conner), Eva (wife of Dr. R. 
 A. Egbert), T. E., W. C, E. E., J. W., Minnie and Miles S. 
 
 CAPTAIN CYRUS E. KNIGHT, druggist, Derrick City, was born in 
 Waterford, Oxford Co., Me., Nov. 22, 1833, and is a son of John and Mary 
 (Bangs) Knight. John Knight was born in Oxford county. Me. , and followed 
 farming throughout life. In 1845 he moved into Aroostook county, in the 
 northeastern part of the State, then a dense wilderness, and settled in what is 
 now the town of Presque Isle, where he died. His widow, now aged eighty- 
 six years, still resides on the old farm at Presque Isle. Their family con- 
 sisted of seven children, five of whom are living, viz. : Cyrus E. (our subject), 
 Betsy J. (wife of Jacob Bridges, residing at Presque Isle), Rachel (wife of 
 Almon Bridges, residing at Presque Isle), Mary F. (widow of H. A. Haines, 
 residing at Port Fairfield, Me. ) and Elmira (widow of J. W. Moore, residing 
 in Warren, Penn.). Cyras E. Knight was reared in Aroostook county. Me., 
 attending the district school in winter, and working on his father's farm dur- 
 ing the summer, till he was twenty-one years of age, after which he attended 
 Houlton (Me.) Academy, two years, teaching school during the winter. In 
 1859 he entered the law office of H. R. Downes, and there remained until 
 August, 1861, when he enlisted in Company F, Fifteenth Regiment (Me.) 
 Volunteer Infantry, in which he served during the war, being mustered out 
 July 3, 1866. In April, 1862, his regiment went to Ship Island with the But- 
 ler expedition, and it was also at the taking of New Orleans. Mr. Knight 
 was with the regiment in every engagement in which it participated; was pro- 
 moted from private to lieutenant, and from that rank to captain. He com- 
 manded his company in the battles of Sabine Cross Roads, Pleasant Hill, Cane 
 Crossing and on " The Plains Mansura," in the Red River campaign, and 
 was with Sheridan in the Shenandoah Valley in 1864. After Lee's surrender 
 he was ordered to South Carolina, where he remained until July, 1866, the 
 time of his muster out of the service. During his nearly five years' service 
 
474 HISTORY OF MCKEAN COUNTY. 
 
 Capt. Knight was never absent from his company a day unless by the orders 
 of his commanding officer, nor was he sick, during the entire time, sufficient to 
 cause him to be absent. After leaving the army Capt. Knight returned to 
 Fort Fairfield, Aroostook county, Me., and engaged in the manufacture of 
 lumber for two years. In the summer of 1869 he moved to Titusville, Penn. , 
 and here followed the oil business nine years. In 1879 he came to Derrick 
 City, and embarked in his present drug business, in which he has been success- 
 ful. In 1873 Capt. Knight married Miss L. J. Walker, daughter of Benjamin 
 and Mary Walker, of Exeter, Penobscot Co., Me., and they have two children: 
 Ida Pearl and Allie Eugenia. Capt . Knight is a member of the Masonic fra- 
 ternity, the A. O. U. W. , K. of P. and of the G. A. E., in all of which he is 
 an earnest worker. In politics he is active, and is identified with the Demo- 
 crat party. 
 
 LOUIS LEOPOLD, oil producer. Derrick City, Penn., was born in Ger- 
 many, January 15, 1845, and immigrated to America with his parents in 1847. 
 He was reared in Erie county, Penn., and received an ordinary education.. He 
 has been associated with his brother Ernest in Venango and Clarion counties, 
 and also in producing oil in McKean county. In 1874 he married Miss Caro- 
 line Belses, of Venango county, Penn, and they have three children: George 
 L. , Farah S. and Annie G. In 1865 he enlisted in Company H, One Hundred 
 and Ninety- eighth Regiment, Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry, and sei-ved un- 
 til the close of the war. He is a Republican in politics, and is a member of 
 Gillmor Post. No. 539, G. A. R. 
 
 ERNEST LEOPOLD, oil producer. Derrick City, was born in Erie county, 
 Penn., October 17, 1851. His parents, Jacob and Barbara Leopold, who were 
 natives of Germany, followed farming in Erie county, Penn., where they died. 
 They reared nine children, eight of whom are living: Frederick, in Erie county, 
 Penn.; Louis and H. J., in Derrick City; August, in Custer City, McKean 
 county; Ernest; John and Jacob, in Erie, Penn., and Caroline, wife of John 
 Sheiler, also in Erie county. Ernest Leopold was reared in Erie county, 
 receiving a common-school education, and followed farming until 1869, when 
 he went to Venango county and engaged in drilling wells; he remained there 
 four years, and then went to Clarion county, where he stayed three years. In 
 1878 he came to McKean county, and has since been engaged in oil producing. 
 In 1873 he married Miss Elizabeth, daughter of Thomas Stover, of Venango 
 county. She died in 1888, leaving one child. Bertha A. Mr. Leopold then 
 married Miss Eliza, daughter of Daniel Koon, of Pine Valley", N. Y. He is a 
 supporter of the Republican party, and is a member of the K. O. T. M. 
 
 G. W. LeEOY, merchant, Gillmor, P. O. Derrick City, was born in Jeffer- 
 son county, N. Y., December 24, 1839, a son of P. S. and Abigail (Carpenter) 
 LeRoy, natives of that county. The father, an ordained minister of the Method- 
 ist Episcopal Church, died in Oswego county, the mother in Syracuse, N. Y. 
 G. W. LeRoy received a common- school education, and moved to Syracuse 
 when fifteen years of age. For about five years he was engaged in the grocery 
 business at that place, and also in the manufacture of salt. In 1878 he came 
 to McKean county, and for four years was employed by the United Pipe Line 
 Company. In 1882 he established his present business at Gillmor. In 1868 
 he married Miss Dora M., daughter of Henry Warner, of Syracuse, N. Y., 
 and they have seven children: Libbie, Fred, Kate, Hattie, Ella, Charles and 
 Harris. Mr. LeRoy is a supporter of the Republican party. He is a member 
 of the Knights of Honor and of the Knights of Pythias at Gillmor. His wife 
 is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. 
 
 W. L. McCULLOUGH, merchant. Derrick City, was born in Canada, 
 
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 475 
 
 February 6, 1859. He was reared in Titusville, Penn., and attended the high 
 school of that place. He early entered mercantile business as clerk, and in 
 1879 came to McKean county, where he clerked at Red Eock and Knapp's 
 creek.' In 1886 he established his present business, conducting also a branch 
 store at Eed Rock. October 7, 1883, he married Miss Marian, daughter of 
 John Winans of Crawford county, Penn., and they have three children: Ger- 
 trude, William Luther and Rose. Mr. McCullough is identified with the Re- 
 publican party, and is a member of the Knights of the Maccabees. His parents, 
 James and Catherine (Slavem) McCullough, were natives of Philadelphia, Penn. 
 His father was a manufacturer of cotton and woolen goods, but is now retired 
 from business and lives at Red Rock, McKean Co. , Penn. 
 
 M. McKAY, merchant, Gillmor, P.O. Derrick City, was born in Monroe coun- 
 ty, N. Y., October 31, 1846, a son of Thomas H. and Elizabeth B. (Mead) McKay, 
 natives of Scotland. His father died in Cattaraugus county, N. Y. ; his mother 
 now resides at Olean, N. Y. Four of their children are now living: Mart, Thomas 
 H. , Louisa B. and E. J. M. McKay, the eldest, was educated at the Olean 
 Academy, and for some years was engaged in mercantile business at Olean. 
 In 1862 he went to Dunkirk, N. Y. , where he had charge of a large crockery 
 store for some years.' In 1877 he came to McKean county, and has since con- 
 ducted his present business at Derrick City and Gillmor. He is also interested 
 in oil production. In 1875 he married Miss Adele E. Huntington, of Lime- 
 stone, N. Y., and they have three children: Lolah B., Harry G. and Homer T. 
 Mr. McKay is a member of the Republican party and of the A. O. U. W. 
 
 ROBERT McMURRAY, Se., oil producer, P. O. Derrick City, was born 
 in Scotland October 5, 1835. His father, James McMurray, was born in 
 Scotland in 1809, and in 1834 he married Ellen Johnston, who was born in 
 1811. They immigrated to America in 1851. James McMurray, who was a 
 stone mason by trade, located at Dunkirk, N. Y. , but only remained there 
 four months, and then came to McKean county, locating on the Ward farm, 
 which he improved, and lived upon several years; thence he removed to Fos- 
 ter Brook, to the present farm of our subject, where he died December 26, 
 1878. He was a prominent citizen, identified with the Republican party, and 
 a member of the Presbyterian Church. His widow still resides on the home- 
 stead. Eleven children were born to their union, nine of whom are living: 
 Robert; John, in Cattaraugus county, N. Y. ; Ellen, wife of E. D. Foster, in 
 Foster township, McKean county; Elizabeth, wife of B. F. McClure, in Gene- 
 see county, N. Y. ; Mary, wife of S. T. Hatfield, in Derrick City; Maggie, 
 wife of S. T. McManus, in Findlay, Ohio; Samuel W. and James C, in Der- 
 rick City, and Andrew, in Olean, N. Y. Robert McMurray was educated in 
 Scotland, came to America with his parents, and for several years followed 
 lumbering. In 1876 he leased a half interest in fifty acres of oil property, 
 later purchased the whole interest, and now operates fourteen wells. In 
 1854 he married Miss Margaret Morrison, a native of Scotland, and they have 
 reared six children; Robert, driller and oil producer, of Derrick City 
 Andrew, driller, of Bradford; James, producer and driller, of Tarport 
 Jeanette, at home; Helen, wife of M. W. Kiernan, of Ellicottsville, N. Y. 
 and Jane, wife of C. S. McKenna, veterinary surgeon, of Mount Morris, N. Y. 
 Mr. McMurray is a Republican, and is now serving as supervisor of Foster 
 township, and is also a member of the school board. He is a member of 
 Union Lodge, No. 334, F. & A. M., of Bradford, Olean Chapter, No. 150, R. 
 A. M., St. John's Commandery, No. 24, K. T., of Olean, N. Y., and is com- 
 mander of the K. O. T. M, , of Derrick City. 
 
 S. W. MoMURRAY, oil producer, Derrick City, son of James and Ellen 
 
476 HISTORY OF MCKEAN COUNTY. 
 
 (Johnston) McMurray, was born at Tarport (now Kendall Greek), McKean Co., 
 Penn., January 21, 1852. He attended the township schools, and Chamber- 
 lain Institute, at Eandolph, N. Y., and has, since leaving school, been engaged 
 in lumbering and oil producing. In 1884 he married Miss Nora, daughier of 
 Eoger McDermont, of Cattaraugus county, N. Y., and they have two chil- 
 dren: Roger James and John. Mr. McMurray is a member of Union Lodge, 
 No. 334, F. & A. M., of Bradford Chapter, No. 260, R. A. M., and of Trin- 
 ity Commandery, No. 58, K. T. Politically, he is identified with the Repub- 
 lican party. 
 
 J. C. MoMURRAY, oil producer. Derrick City, son of James and Ellen 
 (Johnston) McMurray, was born in Tarport (now Kendall Creek), McKean Co., 
 Penn., November, 26, 1853. He received a common-school education, for a 
 number of years followed farming, lumbering, etc., and since 1877 has been 
 engaged in producing oil. In June, 1884, he married Miss Annie, daughter of 
 William Smith, of Derrick City, and they have one child, Olive Ellen. Mr. 
 McMurray is identified with the Republican party. He is a member of the 
 Knights of the Maccabees, and of the Bradford Presbyterian Church. 
 
 J. K. MITCHELL, of the firm of Mitchell Brothers, merchants and 
 producers, Kendall Creek, was born in Chautauqua county, N. Y., April 1, 
 1852. His parents, H. G. and Lucy (Kidder) Mitchell, were natives of that 
 county, and for a number of years engaged in farming, the father also op- 
 erating a grist- and saw-mill. In 1876 they moved to McKean county, Penn., 
 and located at Kendall Creek, where the wife and mother died in June, 1877. 
 H. G. Mitchell engaged in the grocery business, on the present site of the 
 American House, and associated his sons with him, under the firm name of 
 H. G. Mitchell & Sons. Their trade increased from $5 to $500 per day in- 
 side of two years. He is a member of the Baptist Church, and an active 
 worker in the Republican party. He was appointed the first postmaster of 
 Kendall Creek, in May, 1876, and served until 1886. In 1887 he moved 
 to Richburgh, N. Y., where he is now engaged in mercantile business. Three 
 children were born to Mr. and Mrs. H. G. Mitchell: J. K., G. "W. and Minnie. 
 Our subject was reared in Chautauqua county, N. Y., and educated at the 
 Jamestown Union School and Collegiate Institute. Since the retirement of his 
 father, he and his brother, G. W. , have conducted their general mercantile 
 business under the firm name of Mitchell Brothers. They also operate several 
 oil wells. In 1873 J. K. Mitchell married Miss Cora, daughter of J. C. Smith, 
 formerly of Chautauqua county, N. Y., now a merchant of Kendall Creek, and 
 they have one child, Jeanie. Mr. Mitchell is identified with the Republican 
 party; is a member of Union Lodge, No. 334, P. & A. M., of Bradford, and 
 the E. A. U. He and his family attend the Presbyterian Church. 
 
 R. W. MONROE, farmer and oil producer, Sawyer City, is a son of G. W. 
 Monroe, a native of Erie county, N. Y. , and Mary (Hutchinson) Monroe, a 
 native of England. About 1840 the father came to McKean county and pur- 
 chased a farm ia Foster township, where he lived until 1885, when he moved 
 to Randolph, N. Y. , where he now resides. He is a prominent member of the 
 Methodist Episcopal Church, and has been class leader and steward for many 
 years. He has three children : H. S. , of Prentiss Vale, McKean county ; Al- 
 vina, wife of Nathaniel Etheridge, of Foster township, and R. W. E. W. 
 Monroe was born on his present farm in McKean county, Penn., April 21, 1854. 
 He was educated at the township schools, also Rochester Commercial College, 
 and has always lived on the farm on which he was born. He also operates four 
 oil wells. In 1881 he married Miss Margaret E., daughter of James Freeman, 
 of Meadville, Penn., and they have two children: Rhoda and Lottie, Mr. 
 
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 477 
 
 Monroe is a member of Unioa Lodge, No. 334, F. & A. M., of Bradford, also 
 of the Producers' Association, of Sa^ yer Gity. In politics he casts his suf- 
 frage with the Republican party. 
 
 MOSHER BROTHERS, oil producers, Derrick City. Elijah L. Mosher 
 was born in Wayne county, Penn. , October 4, 1854. His parents, James and 
 Elizabeth (Startwart) Mosher, were natives of Putnam county, N. Y., and are 
 now living in Wayne county, Penn. Mr. Mosher married, in 1884, Miss Libbie, 
 daughter of Charles Myers, of Mercer county, Penn., and has two children, 
 Lillie and Rose. He is a member of the Knights of the Maccabees. In poli- 
 tics he votes with the Republican party. 
 
 Jesse E. Moshee was born in Wayne county, Penn., in 1857. In 1882 he 
 married Miss Emma, daughter of Martin Wasson, of Erie county, N. Y. He 
 is a supporter of the Republican party. The Mosher Brothers came to McKean 
 county in 1877, and first began business here by drilling oil wells. In 1881 
 they commenced to produce oil for themselves, and they now operate thirty- 
 five wells. 
 
 JASPER NEATH, oil producer, Foster Brook, was born in StafFordshire, 
 England, November 17, 1838, a son of Jasper and Mary Ann (Bailey) Neath. 
 His father died in that country, and his mother again married and emigrated 
 to America. Our subject came to America in 1862, but revisited England the 
 same year. In 1866 he returned to America, and went direct to Oil City, Ve- 
 nango Co., Penn., where he procured work as a driller. In 1876 he came to 
 McKean county, locating at his present home in Foster township, and has 
 since been engaged in producing oil, operating sixteen wells. He married, in 
 England, Miss Martha Vaughn, and they have four children: Arthur W. (an 
 oil producer in Poster township, McKean county), Emeline, Jasper, Jr., and 
 Annie. Mr. Neath and family are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. 
 
 W. H. NEILL (deceased) was born in Venango county, Penn., January 13, 
 1837. His father, Isaac Neill, was a native of Centre county, Penn. , and his 
 mother, Mary (McCasline) Neill, was a native of Westmoreland county, Penn. 
 They were farmers, and among the early settlers of Venango county. Mr. 
 Neill received an academic education, and remained at home until the oil ex- 
 citement, in 1860, when he engaged in drilling for oil and became one of the 
 pioneer oil men of Venango county. May 2, 1879, he began operations on his 
 farm in McKean county, and operated eight wells. In 1866 he married Miss 
 Hannah Newlon, of Clarion county, Penn., and they had two children: Edna 
 and Mattie. Mr. Neill was a supporter of the Democratic party and a mem- 
 ber of the Knights of the Maccabees. His wife is a member of the Meth- 
 odist Episcopal Church. Mr. Neill died of pneumonia May 16, 1889, after an 
 illness of one week, and his remains were conveyed to Neilltown, the little 
 town where he was born and reared, and were there interred. About two years 
 before his death he became a stanch Prohibitionist, and used every effort in his 
 power during the last campaign to further the success of that party. He held 
 a life insurance policy in the order of the Knights of the Maccabees for $2,000, 
 of which $1,000 was in favor of his wife and $500 in favor of each of his two 
 daughters. The community in which he had lived sincerely mourn the loss of 
 one who was the promoter of all that was true and noble, and his family still 
 more deeply grieve for the kind and indulgent father. 
 
 E. E. NORTHRXJP, proprietor of machine shops, Rew, was born in St. 
 Lawrence county, N. Y., September 10, 1849. His father, Bushrod North- 
 rup, also a native of tMat county, married Miss Sarah Darling, a native of Ver- 
 mont. In 1864 they moved to Venango county, Penn., where the father en- 
 gaged in refining oil thence went to Butler county, and in 1882 they came to 
 
4(8 HISTORY OF MCKEAN COUNTY. 
 
 McCalmont, McKeaii county, where they now reside. They have six children : 
 Alice, Emma (wife of John W. Mates, in McCalmont), E. E., D. D. (in Wash- 
 ington county, Penn. ), Eliza (wife of William Cochran, in Bradford), and J. D. 
 (in Butler, Penn.) E. E. Northrup left St. Lawrence county when fourteen 
 years of age. He learned the machinist's trade, and came to McKean county 
 in 1878, locating at Summit City, and in 1880 he moved to Eew City, where 
 he has since conducted his present business in connection with oil-producing. 
 In 1882 he married Miss Lizzie, daughter of Allen Cochran, of Bradford, and 
 they have two children: Thomas A. and John E. Mr. Northrup is identified 
 with the Republican party, and is a member of the K. O. T. M. 
 
 J. H. NORTON, superintendent of the Hazelwood Oil Company, Foster 
 Brook, was born in Fayette county, Penn., October 15, 1855, a son of Philo 
 and Martha H. (Herbert) Norton, also natives of that county, former of whom 
 was a farmer and coal operator. They reared a family of eight children, six 
 of whom are living: Margaret C. (at home), Carlos A. (book-keeper for 
 the Hazelwood Oil Company in Bradford, Penn.), J. H., Abraham B. (a jeweler 
 in Altoona, Penn.), Clarence L. (with the Hazelwood Oil Company) and Eu- 
 gene T. (assistant cashier in the First National Bank of Connellsville, Penn.). 
 J. H. Norton remained at home until 1877. when he went into the oil fields, 
 and began work for his present company in Butler county. In 1881 he came 
 to McKean county, and has since held his present position. He is also one of 
 the firm of Norton & Neath, oil producers. August 6, 1878, he married Miss 
 MaryH., daughter of Lewis P. Boothe, of Petrolia, Butler Co., Penn., and 
 they have four children: Edna M. , Blanche M. H. , Florence B. and Lewis B. 
 Mr. Norton was formerly a member of the Democratic party, but is now a sup- 
 porter of the Prohibitionists. He was a member of the Foster township school 
 board from June, 1886, to June, 1889. In February, 1887, he was appointed 
 postmaster at Foster Brook, and still holds that position. He also conducts a 
 general store at Red Rock. Mr. Norton belongs to the A. O. U. W. and K. 
 O. T. M. , the Sons of Temperance and the Producers' Protective Association. 
 He and his wife are members of the Christian Church. 
 
 JAMES NUGENT, oil producer. Sawyer City, was born in Chautauqua 
 county, N. Y., October 18, 1847. His father, Nicholas Nugent, a native of Ire- 
 land, emigrated to America in 1830, and settled in Chautauqua county, N. Y., 
 where he married Miss Charlotte Wicking, a native of England. They were farm- 
 ers, and members of the Roman Catholic Church. The father died in that county, 
 the mother still resides there. Nine children were born to them, five of whom 
 are living: Elizabeth (wife of A. J. Rice, of Bolivar, N. Y.), Sarah Ann, Belle, 
 James and Albert. James Nugent remained on the homestead until nineteen 
 years of age, and in 1866 went to Triumph, Warren Co. , Penn. , and has 
 since been engaged in the oil business, producing in Scrub Grass and Butler 
 county, Penn. In 1880 he came to McKean county, and now operates ten wells. 
 In 1876 he married Miss MyraM., daughter of George W. Crandall, of Alle- 
 gany county, N. Y. He was formerly a member of the Greenback party, but 
 since 1880 has been a Prohibitionist. He is a member of the A. O. U. W. , 
 the Equitable Aid Union, Knights of Labor, Sons of Temperance, and the 
 Producers' Protective Association. His wife is a member of the Methodist 
 Episcopal Church. 
 
 GEORGE H. OTIS, merchant, Sawyer City, was born in Randolph, Cat- 
 taraugus Co., N. Y., July 31, 1857. His parents, Marion G. and Eliza (Heath) 
 Otis, were natives of Wyoming county, N. Y., and farmets by occupation. His 
 father was a major in the war of the Rebellion. • Our subject received his ed- 
 ucation at the Chamberlain Institute, and in 1878 came to McKean county. 
 
BIOGKAPHICAL SKETCHES. 479 
 
 where he established at Sawyer City his present business, under the firm name 
 of J- C Hurd & Co. Under the able management of Mr. Otis the firm does 
 an extensive trade in groceries, dry goods, etc. 
 
 GEORGE POTTS, oil producer. Sawyer City, was born in Ireland, June 
 '27, 1849, and immigrated to America in lS68. He engaged in the coal busi- 
 ness in the State of Maryland for three years, and then went to Washington 
 county, Penn., where he worked at mining coal for five years. He then began 
 producing oil in Armstrong county, and about 1879 came to McKean county, 
 where he how operates fifty wells, in connection with his brother, James Potts, 
 under the firm name of Potts Brothers. Mr. Potts is a member of the Method- 
 ist Episcopal Church, and in politics supports the Prohibition party. 
 
 JAMES POTTS was born in England in 1858, and came to America in 
 1879. He married Miss Louise, daughter of George Robinson, of Summit 
 City, and they have two children: Annie Lanra and George Frederick. Mr. 
 and Mrs. Potts are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. He gives his 
 suffrage to the Prohibition party. 
 
 D. L. ROSS, proprietor of the Ross House, and oil producer, Derrick City, 
 was born in Cattaraugus county, N. Y. , June 5, 1831. His father, Ahimon 
 Ross, was born near Rochester, Genesee Co., N. Y. , and his mother, Emeline 
 (Town) Ross, was born in Ogden, N. Y. They are farmers by occupation, and 
 are now living in Cattaraugus county, N. Y. They reared a family of nine 
 children : Foster (who was a member of Company B, One Hundred and Sixty- 
 fourth New York Volunteer Infantry, and died from the effects of wounds re- 
 ceived in the service), Reuben (who was a member of Company K, One Hun- 
 dred and Sixty-fourth New York Volunteer Infantry, and died at Fortress 
 Monroe), those living being D. L. (our subject), Philander (with his parents), 
 Sarah (wife of William Murdock, of Cattaraugus county, N. Y.), Lydia E. 
 (wife of Amos Keyser, of Cherry Vale, Montgomery Co., Kas.), Rebecca (wife 
 of N. D. Williams), Mercy Amelia (wife of John F. Mosher, both of Catta- 
 raugus county, N. Y.) and Ahimon J. (of Derrick City). D. L. Ross learned 
 the shoemaker's trade, which he followed for seventeen years, and then engaged 
 in farming until 1869, when he moved to Little Valley and kept hotel for two 
 years; thence went to Randolph, and kept hotel there for six years. In 1877 
 he came to McKean county, and was proprietor of the Derrick City House 
 for ten months. He then built his present hotel, of which he has since been the 
 genial and popular landlord. He also operates several oil wells. In 1857 he 
 married Miss Mary R., daughter of Samuel and Elizabeth (Hubbard) Shannon. 
 Mr. Ross has always been identified with the Republican party. 
 
 E. B. SAGE, oil producer, Foster Brook P. O., Red Rock, Penn., was born 
 in Windsor, Broome Co., N. Y., a son of Capt. W. N. and Edith (Brainerd) 
 Sage, now residents of Red Rock. Mr. Sage was reared in Broome county, 
 and received an ordinary education, after which he learned the carpenter's 
 trade, which he followed until April, 1876, when he came to McKean county, 
 and worked at building oil rigs, or derricks, also at tool dressing and drilling. 
 For three or four years he was employed as brakeman on the Erie Railroad. 
 In 1881 he moved to Red Rock, and has since been producing oil, operating 
 twenty four wells. In 1886 he married Miss Josephine E., daughter of John 
 Harrington, of Bradford, and they have one child, Josephine Edith. Mr. Sage 
 is a Republican in politics, and has served as township auditor three terms. 
 He is a member of Cuba Lodge, No. 306, F. & A. M. ; Valley Point Chapter, 
 No. 232, R. A. M. ; St. John's Commandery, No. 24. K. T., of Clean, N. Y. ; 
 Bradford Council, R. & S. M. ; Syria Temple, of Pittsburgh, Penn., and of 
 Rochester Consistory. 
 
 26 
 
480 HISTORY OF MCKEAN COUNTY. 
 
 A. A.. SEA.MA.NS, merchant and oil producer, Bell's Camp, was born in 
 Oswego county, N. Y., January 21, 1849. a son of Irving and Nancy (Garber) 
 Seamans, natives of New York State. The father was a prominent merchant 
 in Amboy, and there A. A. Seamans was reared. He was educated at Whites- 
 town Seminary, N. Y. , and afterward engaged in teaching. He learned the 
 carpenter's trade, which he followed for some time. In 1878 he came to Mc- 
 Kean county, locating at Bell's Camp, and first worked at rig building. In 
 1881 he established his present general store at Bell's Camp, and since 1884 
 has been a member of the firm of Hughes, Seamans, Syphers & Co., oil pro- 
 ducers. In 1870 he married Miss Susan, daughter of Valentine Worthy, of 
 Oswep-o county, N. Y. , and they have two children: Neva and Josie. Mr. 
 Seamans is identified with the Democratic party. He is a member of the A. O. 
 U. W. , of Derrick City, and of the Knights of the Maccabees, of State Line. 
 His wife is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. 
 
 JOSEPH S. SEAWARD, farmer, P.O. Kendall Creek, was born in Almond, 
 Allegany Co., N. Y. , August 7, 1818. His father, Enos Seaward, was born in 
 Massachusetts, and moved with his parents to Luzerne county, Penn., when 
 about twelve years of age; his father was a soldier in the war of 1756, and 
 also in the Revolutionary war. Enos, the father of our subject, went to 
 Allegany county, N. Y. , and purchased a farm. He married Miss Lydia, 
 daughter of Joseph Stevens, an early settler of Steuben county, N. Y. Enos 
 died in 1841, his wife in 1852. Their family consisted of four sons and two 
 daughters, viz.: Enos, of Wisconsin; Orrin, of Steuben county, N. Y. ; Naomi, 
 wife of George M. Clason, of California; Joseph S. ; Amos, also of Steuben 
 county; and Sarah, wife of Clement Curtis, of Hornellsville, N. Y. J. S. 
 Seaward was reared in Allegany county, N. Y., where he received a fair educa- 
 tion, and afterward he taught school in New York and Pennsylvania. In 1839 
 he came to McKean county, and engaged in lumbering for a number of years. 
 He then purchased his present farm, where he has since ' resided. He has 
 several oil wells on his farm, in which he has a one-eighth interest. In 1841 
 he married Miss Dalpha Dorleska, daughter of Isaac and Ponthy (Clark) Parr, 
 natives of Vermont, and early settlers of McKean county. Mrs. Seaward died 
 in February, 1878. Twelve children were born to their union, nine of whom 
 are living: Levi, a farmer in Poster township, McKean county; Adeline Amelia, 
 wife of A. W. Boyd, in Sawyer City, Foster township; William H. , living at 
 home; Melvin, in Kendall Creek; Clementine, wife of H. E. Allen, also in 
 Kendall Creek; Evaline, wife of N. H. Hastings, in Potter county, Penn.; 
 Sydney W., in Foster township; Albert J. and Fremont, living at home. Mr. 
 Seaward has always been an active worker in the Republican party, and has 
 served the township as collector. For twelve years he has been a member of 
 the school board, and has served as president and treasurer of the same. He 
 was reared in the Presbyterian Church, but now attends the Methodist Episco- 
 pal Church. 
 
 CHAUNCEY SHARPE, oil producer, Derrick City, was born in Wyoming 
 county, N. Y., April 19, 1845. His parents, C. W. and Lois (Bush) Sharpe, 
 who were natives of that county, afterward moved to Cattaraugus county, N. 
 Y., where they died. They reared a family of four children: Clara, wife of 
 Martin White; Susan, wife of C. W. Bosworth; John and Chauncey, the three 
 first named being residents of Red House, N. Y. Chauncey Sharpe received a 
 common-school education in Livingston county, N. Y. He engaged in the lum- 
 ber business in Cattaraugus county, N. Y. , and became an extensive operator, 
 owning mills and mfinuf acturing lumber, shingles and lath. In 1876 he came 
 to McKean county, and here first engaged in the hotel business at Gillmor. 
 
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 481 
 
 Since 1880 he has been producing oil on a large scale. In July, 1868, he 
 married Miss Helen, daughter of Lyman Giles, who was born in Herkimer 
 county, N. Y., and married Miss Lueina Fuller, of Oneida county, N. Y. They 
 moved to Cattaraugus county, where Mr. Giles engaged in mercantile business 
 and lumbering. Mr. and Mrs. Sharpe have three children: May Belle, Gene- 
 vieve and Chauncey Warren. 
 
 EDWAED R. SHEEMAN, merchant, Kendall Creek, was born in Saratoga 
 county, N. Y. , March 28, 1840. His father, Edmond J. , was a native of that 
 county, and his mother, Susaa (Wilcox) Sherman, was a native of Warren 
 county, N. Y. They were farmers by occupation, and died in Saratoga county, 
 N. Y. Edmond J. Sherman was an influential member of the Abolition party 
 and a strong advocate of temperance, also a prominent member of the Methodist 
 Episcopal Church. They reared a family of fourteen children. The living 
 ones are Harry, in Canada; Lydia, wife of W. H. Kilby, ex- member of the 
 Maine legislature, and now agent for the International line of steamers running 
 between Boston and St. John, New Brunswick; J. W., in Warren, Penn. , owner 
 of the famous " Sherman well," on Oil creek, in the early days of "the oil ex- 
 citement; Sarah, wife of George H. Davis, in Port Edward, N. Y., and E. R. 
 The subject of these lines was reared in Saratoga county, N. Y., received a 
 common-school education, and graduated from Eastman's Business College. 
 April 13, 1861, he enlisted in Company P, Twenty-second New York Volunteer 
 Infantry, in which he served over two years. He was recommended for a com- 
 mission, but, being wounded, never received it. He then went to Washington, 
 D. C, and applied for a position in a colored regiment under Gen. Casey. 
 He received the appointment of first lieutenant by President Lincoln, and was 
 ordered to report to Col. Woodward, of the One Hundred and Sixteenth United 
 States Colored Troops, at Lexington, Ky. Before reporting, however, he 
 had to pass a very severe physical examination, and, owing to a shortness in 
 one limb, he was disqualified, but was appointed to a clerkship in the provost - 
 marshal's office at Washington. In the spring of 1865 he came to Pennsylva- 
 nia, where he began operating in oil, and has been a producer at Pit Hole, 
 Titusville and Pleasantville. In 1880 he came to McKean county and located 
 at Tarport, where he has since resided, and has been engaged in producing oil. 
 In 1889 he purchased his present business. In 1868 he was united in mar- 
 riage with Miss Martha, daughter of David B. and Susan (White) Norton, of 
 New York State, and they have three childi-en: Winifred L., Charles N. and 
 Susan. Mr. Sherman was commander of Bradford Post, No. 141, G. A. R., is 
 a member of the Knights of the Maccabees, of Kendall Creek, of the Knights 
 and Ladies of Honor and of the Royal Templars of Temperance, Bradford, also 
 of the Protective Home Circle. He has always taken an active part in the 
 interests of the Republican party, and was secretary of the Republican county 
 committee in 1888. He was a member of the school board, and has served as 
 secretary and treasurer of the same. He and family attend the Methodist 
 Episcopal Church, of which Mr. Sherman is a member of the board of trus- 
 tees. His wife is president of the Ladies' Aid Society of Kendall Creek. 
 
 W. P. SINCLAIR, merchant and oil producer, Rew City, was born in 
 the State of Maine, January 4, 1855. His parents, Richard and Lucy (Shay) 
 Sinclair, were natives of that State. Pive of their children are still living: 
 Richard (of Lima, Ohio), W. P. , Ernest E. , Gertrude and Geraldine (in Maine). 
 Our subject, at the age of twenty-one, engaged as steward on the steamer 
 "City of Prederickton, " plying on St. John river, between Frederickton and 
 Grand Falls. He then went to New York City, where for one year he drove a 
 Broadway stage. For one season he acted as property-man for P. T. Barnum's 
 
482 HISTORY OF MCKEAN COUNTY. 
 
 circus, and for two years drove a stage from Boston to Charlestown, and also 
 was a street-car driver in Boston. In 1879 he came to McKean county, looat- 
 3 ng at Gillmor, and worked at tool dressing. He then embarked in the oyster 
 and fruit business, finally moving his business to Rew City, and he now has a 
 general store, and also owns nine oil wells at Duke Centre. He is an active 
 member of the Republican party, and has served as postmaster at Rew City 
 since 1881. 
 
 O. P. SPENCER, merchant, Kendall Creek, was born in Steuben county, 
 N. Y., October 8, 1844. His father, Allen Spencer, was a native of the East- 
 ern States, and his mother, Elizabeth (Strickland) Spencer, was of English de- 
 scent. They were farmers by occupation, and prominent members of the Bap- 
 tist Church, in which Mr. Spencer was a deacon for many years. The father 
 died June 15, 1882, and the mother June 13, 1885. Six of their children 
 grew to maturity. Daniel, the eldest, died in Rock county. Wis. The living 
 are Adoniram (residing on the homestead), Hannah (wife of Isaac Squires, of 
 WoodhuU, Steuben Co., N. Y.), Mary (wife of George Miller, also of Wood- 
 hull), Charlotte (wife of Simon Hardy, of Jasper, Steuben Co., N. Y.) and O. 
 F. The subject of this sketch was reared in Steuben county, N. Y. , and re- 
 ceived a common-school education. He remained on the homestead until 
 twenty- five years of age, and then went to Addison, where he learned the trade 
 of door and sash maker. He then moved to Montgomery, sixteen miles below 
 Williamsport, Penn. , where he took charge of a shop. In 1873 he engaged 
 in general mercantile business at Williamsport, and remained there until 1876. 
 In 1879 he came to Kendall Creek, McKean county, and has since conducted 
 his produce and confectionery business, being also engaged in producing oil. 
 In 1871 he married Miss Catherine, daughter of John and Lydia (Farwell) 
 Tucker, of Boston, Mass., and they have two children: Mabel and Howard. 
 Mr. Spencer is a member of Lodge No. 133, A. O. U. W., of Kendall Creek. 
 His wife is a member of the First Baptist Church of Bradford. Mr. Spen- 
 cer is an active Republican. He has been a member of the borough coun- 
 cil, and of the school board for five years, acting as president of the latter for 
 two years. 
 
 E. H. STOBVER, oil producer, Sawyer City, was born in Lebanon County, 
 Penn., July 7, 1842, a son of John and Blizab^h (Young) Stoever, also 
 natives of that county, former of whom, a farmer and lumberman by occu- 
 pation, now lives in Lebanon City, latter died in 1845. Two of their children 
 are living: Susan (wife of C. Brandt, in Lebanon, Penn.) and E. H. Our 
 subject was reared in his native county, and in 1865 moved to Franklin, Ve- 
 nango county, where he first engaged in the coal business and afterward in oil 
 producing. In 1880 he came to McKean county, and has since operated oil 
 wells. In 1870 he married Miss Annie Dodds, of Butler county, Penn., and 
 they have six children: Carrie, Joletta, Dillie, Guy, John and Humphrey H. 
 In 1861 Mr. Stoever enlisted in Company C, Forty-eighth P. V. I., and 
 served three months. He is a supporter of the Republican party, and has 
 filled the offices of school director, assessor and collector, for his township. 
 He is a member of Fraternal Lodge, No. 483, F. & A. M., of Rouseville, Penn., 
 and also Lodge No. 7, A. O. U. W., Petroleum Centre. Mrs. Stoever is a 
 member of the Presbyterian Church. John Stoever, the grandfather of our 
 subject, was born in Philadelphia, and was a soldier in the war of 1812. 
 He was among the early settlers of Lebanon county, Penn. His father, John 
 Stoever, was born in Germany, and was a Lutheran preacher. 
 
 S. A. WHIPPLE, oil producer, Kendall Creek, was born in Sawyer City. 
 McKean Co., Penn., November 20, 1853. His father, Alfred Whipple, who 
 
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 483 
 
 was a native of Vermont, was married to Esther A. Lilly, a native of Steuben 
 county, N. Y. Alfred Whipple came to McKean county, in 1840, with his 
 father, John Whipple, and located at Sawyer City, where he engaged in lum- 
 beriog. In 1877 he moved to Friendship, Allegany Co., N. Y. , where he 
 still resides. He was a prominent Republican, was county commissioner, and 
 tilled various township offices. S. A. Whipple engaged in the production of 
 oil in 1876, and is now among the prominent producers of Foster township. 
 In 1880 he married Miss Minnie D. , daughter of William Upright, of Wayne 
 county, Penn. He is a member of the A. O. U. W. , of Kendall Creek. 
 
 M. R. WILLIAMS, oil producer, P. O. Derrick City, is a son of John 
 Wesley Williams, a native of Tompkins county, N. Y. , and Aurilla (Ran- 
 dall) Williams, a native of Wyoming county, same State. His father, who 
 was a millwright and mechanic by occupation, moved his family to Aurora, Erie 
 Co. , N. Y. in 1834. There his first wife died in 1845, and he then married 
 Mrs. Sarah Warren, daughter of Erasmus Adams, and widow of William War- 
 ren, of Erie county. Three children are living by Mr. Williams' first union, 
 viz. : Clarinda, wife of Capt. W. H. Mayo, in Springville, N. Y. ; John R., in 
 Kansas City, Mo. , and M. E. The children by his second marriage yet living 
 are Charles H. , in Kansas City, Mo.; B. F., in Derrick City; Silas W. , in 
 Aurora, N. Y. ; Jennie L. , wife of Dewitt C. Page, in Brockport, N. Y. ; and 
 S. A., in Aurora, N. Y. M. R. Williams was born at Aurora, Erie Co., N. Y. , 
 November 10, 1844. He was reared in his native county, and received a com- 
 mon-school education. In 1865 he went to Oil Creek, where he was among 
 the pioneer operators, and has since passed through the oil excitement at Pit 
 Hole, Tidioute and Clarion. In 1880 he came to McKean county, and has 
 since lived near Bell's Camp. He now operates thirty wells. In 1871 Mr. 
 Williams was united in marriage with Miss Mary F. , daughter of James M. 
 Paine, of Aurora, Erie Co., N. Y., and they have three children: Alice May, 
 Arthur N. and Emma Augusta. Mr. Williams became a charter member of 
 Pleasantville (Penn.) Council, R. A., in 1878; he is a member of Henry 
 Reemer Lodge, No. 780, F. & A. M., of Limestone, N. Y.; of Salamanca 
 Chapter, No. 266, R. A. M. ; of Clean Council, No. 33, and of St. John's Com- 
 mandery, No. 24, K. T., of Clean, N. Y. He is a supporter of the Democratic 
 party, and was one of the county committee in the campaign of 1888. He and 
 family attend the Presbyterian Church. 
 
 B. F. WILLIAMS, oil producer. Derrick City, was born at East Aurora, 
 Erie Co., N. Y., February 24, 1848, a son of John Wesley and Sally B. 
 Williams. Mr. Williams was reared in Erie county, and educated in the 
 public schools. He learned the carpenter' s trade, and in 1868 went to Sham- 
 burg, Perm., where he engaged in building oil rigs. In 1879 he came to Mc- 
 Kean county, and has since been engaged in oil producing. In 1875 he mar- 
 ried Miss Ida J. , daughter of Norman Allport, of Shamburg. They have three 
 children: Harry, Maud and Silas. 
 
 WILLIAM WILLIAMSON, oil producer, P. O. Derrick City, was born in 
 St. Louis, Mo., June 12^, 1858. His father, John Williamson, was a native of 
 Ireland, and his mother, Cordelia (Wheeler) Williamson, was a native of 
 England. Our subject was reared at Brady's Bend, Penn., received a 
 common- school education, and graduated at Iron City College. In 1880 he 
 came to McKean county, where he has since acted as superintendent for John 
 Bird, of Bradford, and is also interested in several producing wells, being a 
 member of the firm of Hughes and Williamson. April 13, 1886, he married 
 Miss Aida, daughter of Joseph and Mary Garvan, of Derrick city, and they 
 have one child, George, born April 4, 1887. Mr. Williamson is a member of 
 the A. O. U. W, , of Derrick City. 
 
484 HISTORY OP MCKEAN COUNTY. 
 
 DR. F. W. WINGER, Eew, was bom in Venango county, Penn., June 23, 
 1855. His parents, David and Catherine (Smith) Winger, were natives of 
 Westmoreland county, Penn. His father was a mechanic by occupation, and 
 died in Oil City in 1862. His mother died at Rew in 1888. Their family 
 consisted of eleven children, seven of whom are living: Jane, wife of Samuel 
 Winger, of Oil City; William, of Warren, Penn.; Henry, of Bradford, Penn.; 
 Joseph, of Grand Valley, Warren Co., Penn.; Matilda, widow of S. B. 
 Dewey, of Rew; Samuel E., a minister of the Methodist Episcopal Church, 
 and member of Erie Conference, and P. W. The subject of these lines 
 was educated at the high schools of Oil City. He read medicine with Dr. 
 G. W. Rae, of Bradford, and graduated from Bellevue Hospital Medical Col- 
 lege, New York City, March 15, 1886, and has since practiced in Rew and 
 vicinity. In 1888 he married Miss Nellie, daughter of Robert and Mary 
 Dean, of Keating township, McKean county. He is a member of the McKean 
 County Medical Society, the Knights of the Maccabees, and was a member of 
 the Ninth International Medical Congress which convened at Washington, D. 
 C. , in September, 1887. He and his wife are members of the Methodist Epis- 
 copal Church. Politically he is a Republican, with Prohibition proclivities. 
 
 CHAPTEE XXV. 
 
 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES— ELDRED TOWNSHIP AND 
 BOROUGH OF ELDRED— OTTO TOWNSHIP. 
 
 ELDKED TOWNSHIP AND BOEOUGH OF ELDBED. 
 
 BYRON ALFORD, oil producer and manufacturer of explosives, Eldred, 
 was born in Ridgeville township, Lorain Co., Ohio, March 25, 1842, a son of 
 Milo C. and Emily (Lathrop) Alford. When he was three years of age his 
 parents settled in Crawford county, Penn.,' where they lived for six years; 
 then removed to Allegany county, N. Y., where he was reared and received a 
 common-school education. He started in life for himself when sixteen years 
 of age as a stationary engineer, which he followed seven years. He then fol- 
 lowed the business of a sawyer for one year, and afterward, in 1865, started 
 as a jobber in manufacturing lumber by the thousand feet, at which he con- 
 tinued three years. In the fall of 1866 he located at State Line Mills, Mc- 
 Kean Co., Penn., and was postmaster while there. Prom the spring of 1867 
 to the fall of 1869 he operated the State Line Lumber-Mill for Calvin T. 
 Chamberlin, of Cuba, N. Y., with credit to himself and to the satisfaction of 
 his employer. In the fall of 1869 he bought a lumber-mill in Eldred town- 
 ship, and began the manufacture of lumber on his own account. The follow- 
 ing year he erected another mill within forty rods of the first. In 1871 he 
 formed a partnership with E. F. Johnson, of Oramel, N. Y., which included 
 the above business, and which existed until tke fall of 1874. In the fall of 
 1877 he embarked in the oil business as a producer in the Bradford field, with 
 which he has since been connected; has been interested in twenty producing 
 wells in the Bradford field, and is now sole owner of seven producing wells. 
 Late in the fall of 1879 he began the construction of a large saw-mill at Bar- 
 num, Cattaraugus Co! , N. Y. , on a contract with Weston Bros. , of Weston' s 
 Mills, Cattaraugus Co. , N. Y. , and subsequently entered into partnership with 
 
BIOGKAPHICAL SKETCHES. 485 
 
 A. R. Cnrtiss, under the firm name of Alford & Cnrtiss, and conducted an ex- 
 tensive lumber and mercantile business for about three years. In 1883 he 
 engaged in the manufacture of explosives used for all kinds of blasting pur- 
 poses, with J. W. Dean, under the firm name of Alford & Dean, vvhieh part- 
 nership existed until July, 1888, -when Mr. Alford purchased his partner's 
 interest, and is still conducting a successful business in that line. Mr. Alford 
 is a prominent and representative citizen of Eldred. He is a member of the 
 Masonic fraternity, lodge, chapter, council and commandery, and of the A. A. 
 O., Nobles of the Mystic Shrine of Ismailia Temple, Buffalo, N. Y. Politic- 
 ally he is a Republican. He has been married twice. First, in 1863. to 
 Nancy M., daughter of Peter and Annis (Wilson) Mcintosh, of near Oramel, 
 N. Y. She died in April, 1882, and in June, 1884, he married Mary E. Irish, 
 daughter of George Irish, of the town of Genesee, N. Y. Her father was a 
 surveyor and an early settler on Dodge's creek, Allegany county, N. Y. 
 
 MATTHEW C. ARNOT, lumberman, P. O. Eldred, was born in South - 
 port, Chemung Co., N. Y., June 19, 1841, and is a son of James H. and Jane 
 (Longwell) Arnot. He was reared and educatfd in his native county, and on 
 attaining his majority he engaged in lumbering as foreman and superintend- 
 ent of lumber mills and lumber contracts. He located in Eldred in 1876, 
 where he has been employed as superintendent and foreman of Benton' s Mills, 
 which were operated under the direction of the late E. C. Wolcott after 1886. 
 Mr. Arnot married, December 25, 1865, Sarah, daughter of Jacob and Serena 
 (Stark) Lehman, of Roulette township, Potter Co. , Penn. , and has four chil- 
 dren : George, Jennie, La Moyne and Sadie. He is a member of the I. O. 0. P. 
 and of the K. O. T. M. , and in politics is a Democrat. 
 
 LEWIS BALFOUR, physician, Eldred, was born in Colinton, near Edin- 
 burgh, Scotland, July 1, 1850, a son of John and Josephine M. (Smith) Bal- 
 four. John Balfour was in the Hon. East India Company's service, and for 
 twenty-five years was in constant and active seivice, from which he retired 
 in 1863, with rank of inspector general. He served all through the Bur- 
 mese war of 1851-53, and the Indian mutiny in 1857, rendering valuable 
 assistance at the siege of Delhi; was also at Lucknow and Cawnpore, where 
 he served in the capacity of surgeon. Lewis Balfour was reared in Edin- 
 burgh, and educated in the academy and high school of that city. He entered 
 the medical class of 1866-67, in the University of Edinburgh, and was there 
 graduated. He was appointed surgeon on the ship " Ravenscraig," which 
 sailed from Dundee (Scotland) on a nine months' cruise in the Arctic regions. 
 In 1871 he immigrated to America and settled in Emporium, Penn., where he 
 practiced his profession nearly three years, and in 1874 he came to Eldred, 
 where he has since been in the active practice. Dr. Balfour was married in 
 October, 1879, to Elizabeth Josephine, daughter of John Hunt, of Angelica, 
 N. Y. Mr. Hunt was killed in battle during the war of the Rebellion. Mr. 
 and Mrs. Balfour have been blessed with two bright and promising children: 
 John and Josephine M. The Doctor is a member of the Episcopal Church, of 
 the F. & A. M. and of the I. O. O. F. Politically he is a Democrat. 
 
 A. T. BARDEN, dealer in general merchandise, Eldred borough, was born 
 in Broome county, N. Y., April 16, 1826, a son of Dr. Ebenezer and Deborah 
 (Dean) Barden, and is of old Puritan stock. Ebenezer Barden was a botanical 
 physician, and is said to have been the first physician to locate in Eldred town- 
 ship, where he settled January 16, 1837, practicing his profession there until 
 his death, which occurred September 25. 1885, being then in his eighty-sixth 
 year. His family consisted of eight children, viz. : Alexander, Ruth (Mrs. 
 Reuben Dennis), Abram T., Jason A., Abigail (Mrs. Charles Wolcott), Solo- 
 
4 SB HISTORY OF MCKEAN COUNTY. 
 
 * 
 
 mon, Amanda (Mrs. Asher Hinds) and Andrew J. A. T. Barden was eleven 
 years old when his parents located in Eldred township, and here he received a 
 limited education in the common schools, after which he was, for a number of 
 years, engaged in the lumber business. In 1853 he embarked in general mer- 
 chandise business, which' he successfully conducted until February, 1883, when 
 his eldest son, Ernest A., was admitted as a partner, since which time the busi- 
 ness has been carried on under the firm name of A. T. Barden & Son. Mr. 
 Barden was united in marriage, September 3, 1859, with Miss Mary E , daugh- 
 ter of Milo and Rosetta (Wright) Baldwin, of Allegany county, N. Y. Mr. 
 and Mrs. Barden have been blessed with three children: Ernest A., Fred E. 
 and Herbert E. Mr. Barden is the oldest established merchant now doing 
 business in Eldred. He was postmaster at Allegany Bridge (now Eldred) from 
 1872 to 1882; served as associate judge of MoKean county one term; was 
 elected justice of the peace two terms, resigning during his second term to 
 assume the duties of associate judge, and has also held niany of the minor 
 offices of his township. Mr. Barden is a prominent and worthy citizen. In 
 politics he is a stanch Republican. 
 
 THOMAS BARKAS, farmer, P. O. Eldred, was born in Newcastle-on-Tyne, 
 England, March 18, 1827, a son of Gabriel and Mary (Lawson) Barkas. He 
 was reared in the Parish of St. John, Northumberland, and in June, 1847, 
 married Jane, daughter of Thomas and Hannah Loan, of Haltwhistle, Eng- 
 land, by whom he had eleven children, four of whom are living: William, 
 Hannah (Mrs. David Wood), Thomas and Jane (Mrs. Frank Elliott). Mr. 
 Barkas, with his family, came to America in 1853, locating in Erie county, N. 
 Y., and remained in the vicinity of Buffalo four years, working at anything 
 he could get to do. In February, 1857, he settled in Eldred, this county, and 
 pui'chased 100 acres of land (to which he has since added twenty- five acres by 
 purchases), eighty acres of which he has cleared and improved himself, and 
 where he has since resided. He was in the war of the Rebellion, enlisting, in 
 1864, in Company K, Seventh New York Heavy Artillery, and was honorably 
 discharged from the service in June, 1865. Mr. Barkas may be considered 
 one of the pioneer farmers of Eldred, as well as a respected citizen. Polit- 
 ically he is a Republican. 
 
 CHARLES BELL, farmer, post-ofiSce Eldred, is a native of Ulster county, 
 N. Y., and a son of Peter and Maria (Kimball) Bell. He was reared in his 
 native county, and came to McKean county, Penn. , in 1867, settling in Eldred 
 township, where he is the owner of a farm of 110 acres, seventy five of which 
 he has cleared and improved from the wilderness in which he located. He 
 has been twice married. His first wife was Mariam, daughter of Uriah N. 
 and Arminda (Barringer) Avery, of Ulster county, N. Y., by whom he had six 
 children: Orvell B., Alvina (Mrs. Eugene Prosser), Arminda (Mrs. Leslie 
 Humphrey), Annis B., Frank and Charles. Mrs. Mariam Bell died January 
 7, 1882, and May 10, 1884, Mr. Bell married Mrs. Annie (Kewley) Bradshaw. 
 Mr. Bell is a prominent farmer of Eldred township. He is a member of the 
 Knights of the Maccabees; in politics he is a Democrat. 
 
 REV. T. S. BENNETT, farmer and oil producer, Eldred, was born near 
 Knoxville, Tioga Co., Penn., March 28, 1826, a son of Joseph and Lucinda 
 (Bonney) Bennett. He was reared near Whitesville, N. Y., until sixteen years 
 of age, and received a common school education. In 1842 he located in 
 Bradford, Penn., and after attaining his majority embarked in the lumber 
 business, which he continued fifteen years. He then followed farming; after- 
 ward, in 1876, sold his farm for oil purposes, it being the first farm in Brad- 
 ford sold on that account. The same year he located in Eldred, and purchased 
 
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 487 
 
 a farm he still owns, and where oil was found in considerable quantities in 
 18S7, on which are now three producing wells, and two more derricks in oper- 
 ation. In 1868 Mr. Bennett united with the United Brethren Church, and in 
 1871 was ordained a minister, since when he has preached in McKean and ad- 
 joining counties up to the present time. He has been twice married. His 
 first wife was Huldah, daughter of Nathaniel and Dolly (Ingalls) Bdson, of 
 Bradford, by whom he had five children: Walter A., Eveline V. (Mrs. S. Tur- 
 ner), Wellman G., Dolly (Mrs. McClellan Olmsted) and Lowell. His second 
 wife was Mrs. Mary F. (Allen) Hudson, of Wales, Erie Co. , N. Y. Mr. Ben- 
 nett is, to quite an extent, interested in real estate in Eldred and vicinity, and 
 has erected a large number of dwellings. Politically he was formerly a Re- 
 publican, but is now a stanch advocate of Prohibition. 
 
 FRANCIS N. BURNHAM (deceased) was born in Eldred township, McKean 
 Co., Penn., November 14, 1838, a son of Josiah C. and Phebe (Moses) Burn- 
 ham. He was reared in his native township, and cleared and improved the 
 farm now occupied by his widow, where he died July 26, 1881. He was in 
 the Civil war, enlisting in Company H, Fifty-eighth Pennsylvania Volunteers; 
 was promoted to second lieutenant August 22, 1 862, and to first lieutenant 
 November 25, 1862; he was in command of his company seventeen months, 
 owing to his captain having been made prisoner, and was honorably discharged 
 at the expiration of his term of service, December 28, 1864. Mr. Burnham 
 married, December 2, 1868, Eunice A., daughter of Samuel S. and Lucetta 
 (Taylor) Moses, of Cuba, N. Y. , and by her had three children: Cecil, Reuben 
 and George. Mr. Burnham was a prominent and representative citizen of 
 Eldred. In politics he was a Republican, and was elected associate judge of 
 McKean county in 1877, holding the ofiice nearly five years, up to the time 
 of his death. He was a member of the G. A. R. 
 
 DWIGHT H. BURNHAM, farmer, P. O. Portville, N. Y., was born in 
 Eldred township, McKean Co., Penn., January 19, 1841, a son of Josiah Clark 
 and Phebe (Moses) Burnham, early settlers of Eldred township, who cleared 
 and improved the farm now occupied by Dwight H., as well as the one adjoin- 
 ing. Their children were Henry C., Francis N., Dwight H. and Helen M. (Mrs. 
 Emory Skiver). D. H. Burnham was reared in Eldred township, where he has 
 always resided, now owning and occupying the old homestead. He married, 
 October 10, 1867, Cordelia, daughter of Joseph and Sallie A. (Hulbert) Magee, 
 of Olean, N. Y., by whom he has two children: Fannie and Frank. Mr. Burn- 
 ham is a Master Mason. He has held the offices of supervisor and collector of 
 the township, and was superintendent of the county poor-farm for three years. 
 In politics he is a Republican. 
 
 WILLIAM G. BUTLER, farmer and carpenter, P. O. Eldred, was born 
 in Broome county, N. Y., June 4, 1836, and is a son of Elijah and Patty 
 (Foote) Butler, natives of Massachusetts. His mother married, for her second 
 husband, Caleb Canfield, and settled in Eldred in 1840, on the farm now owned 
 by William Wilmarth. William G. Butler was reared and educated in the 
 township of Eldred, and after attaining his majority, located in Warren county, 
 Penn., where he resided twelve years, engaged in lumbering. In 1865 he re- 
 turned to Eldred township, and settled on the farm he now occupies, which he 
 cleared and improved, and where he has since resided ; up to 1883 he fol- 
 lowed the carpenter's trade. In 1870 he married Eliza, daughter of Lyman 
 Harris, of Eldred township, and they have one son, Childrick. During the 
 Civil war Mr. Butler was eighteen months in the employ of the United States 
 government as a carpenter, at Nashville, Tenn. He is a well-known and re- 
 spected citizen. In politics he is a Republican. 
 
488 HISTORY OF MCKEAN COUNTY. 
 
 « 
 
 JAMES CAMPBELL, farmer, P. O. Indian Creek, was born in Eldred 
 township, MoKean Co., Penn., in May, 1820, a son of Jotham and Cyn- 
 thia (Hooker) Campbell, pioneers of that township. The subject of these lines 
 has always lived m what is now Eldred township, locating in 1859 on the farm 
 he now owns and occupies, and most of which he cleared and improved. He 
 married Olive Hooker, daughter of Eudolph us Hooker, of Jamestown, N. Y., 
 and they have three children: Mortimer W., Monsier B. and Laura (Mrs. C. 
 
 B. Rounds). Mr. Campbell is a representative farmer and citizen of Eldred 
 township. In politics he is a Democrat. 
 
 OZRO S. CARPENTER, farmer, P. O. Eldred, was born in Chenango 
 county, N. Y., town of Coventry, September 8, 1825, a son of Timothy and 
 Bethenia (Trumbull) Carpenter, who settled in Eldred township, McKeau Co. , 
 Peun., in 1830, locating on the land now owned by Ozro S., which they 
 cleared and improved, and here resided until their death. The father died 
 Jime 28, 1865, and the mother January 17, 1882. Their children were Orlin 
 (deceased), Louisa (deceased), Almira (Mrs. Almon Rice), Oscar (deceased), 
 Thompson T. (deceased), Abiah Lovira T. (deceased), Almon (deceased), 
 Ozro S., Cynthia L. (Mrs. Benjamin Lamphier), Oliver T. S., Mary (Mrs. 
 Dr. W. L. Chrisman) and Daniel. O. S. Carpenter was reared in Eldred 
 township from five years of age, has always been a farmer, and has followed 
 lumbering to some extent. June 6, 1852, he married Celestina R. , daugh- 
 ter of Luther and Elizabeth (Broas) Davis, of Lafayette township, this county, 
 and they have four children: Emma M. (Mrs. T. C. Wainman), Prank, Grant 
 and Tinia E. Mr. Carpenter is one of the few old residents left in Eldred 
 township. Politically he is a Republican. 
 
 EDWARD S. CARPENTER, justice of the peace, Larrabee, was born in 
 Eldred township July 8, 1846, a son of Oscar and Mary E. (Lamphier) Car- 
 penter. His paternal grandfather was Timothy Carpenter, formerly of Che- 
 nango county, N. Y., who settled in Eldred township, about 1829, and was a 
 farmer by occupation; he reared the following named children: Orlin, Louisa, 
 Almira (Mrs. Almon Rice), Oscar, Abiah (Mrs. Joseph Rork), Ozro, Almon, 
 Thompson T., Cynthia (Mrs. Benjamm Lamphier), Lovira, Seymore T., Mary 
 
 C. (Mrs. Dr. W. L. Chrisman) and Daniel F. His maternal grandfather was 
 William Lamphier, who settled in Eldred township in 1835, son of Benjamin 
 Lamphier, who settled there in 1837. Oscar Carpenter was a carpenter by 
 trade, and also carried on a small farm, and was justice of the peace of Eldred 
 twenty-nine years. He had five children: Edward S., Calista B., William O., 
 Zenas H. and Jessie E. Edward S. Carpenter was reared and educated in El- 
 dred township, where he has always resided. He married, March 17, 1872, 
 Adeline V., daughter of Benjamin and Lucinda (Giles) Scott, and they have 
 four children: Ida M. (married to Edwin A. Hibbard, August 24, 1889), Edith 
 L., Grace A. and Charles O. Mr. Carpenter has held several of the minor offi- 
 ces of the township, and has been justice of the'peace since 1886. Politically 
 he is a Republican. 
 
 W. L. CHRISMAN, M. D., Eldred, was born in Warwick township, 
 Chester Co., Penn., December 9, 1834, a son of John and Sarah (Evans) 
 Chrisman. He was reared in his native county, and educated at the Tremont 
 Academy, Chester county, and at the Morgantown Academy, Berks county, 
 Penn. , and in 1854 began the study of medicine with Drs. Robert and Benja- 
 min Bunn, of Churchtown, Lancaster Co., Penn. He entered Jefferson 
 Medical College, Philadelphia, in the fall of 1855, and was graduated in the 
 spring of 1857. He then began the practice of his profession in Virginia, 
 and in 1860 located in Eldred, this county, where he was in active practice 
 
BIOGBAPHICAL SKETCHES. 489 
 
 until 1876. He then embarked in the oil business as an owner of oil lands 
 and royalty, and in 1884 as a producer, in which he is still largely interested. 
 He is also engaged in farming, and is a breeder of Jersey and Shorthorn 
 stock, registered in the A. J. C. C. and Canadian stock herd books. He built 
 the first silo in McKean county, and is denominated one of the leading and 
 most progressive farmers in the county. Dr. Chrisman married, in 1863, 
 Mary, daughter of Timothy and Bethenia (Trumbull) Carpenter, of Eldred 
 township, and they have one daughter, Mary E. Dr. Chrisman has been iden- 
 tified with the Eldred Bank since its organization, and is now its vice-president. 
 He was a surgeon in the United States service at Washington, D. C, during 
 the war of the Eebellion. Politically he is a stanch advocate of prohibition. 
 
 CHAKLES M. COLEMAN, proprietor of the European Hotel, Eldred, was 
 born in Penn Yan, N. Y., November 18, 1833. He was reared and educated 
 in his native town, and after reaching maturity started in life as a farmer, an 
 occupation he followed for two years. He then, in 1854, located at Driftwood, 
 Cameron Co. , Penn. , and there carried on the lumbering, mercantile and hotel 
 business for several years ; he also held the office of justice of the peace seven 
 years. In 1877 he located at Gillmor, Penn. , and erected the first hotel in 
 that place. This he conducted four months, then removed to Eldred, where 
 he has been engaged, more or less, in the hotel business, and has conducted 
 his present house since April, 1883. His hotel is well and favorably known 
 for its cuisine, and "to stop there once is to stop again." Mr. Coleman is a 
 member of the I. O. O. P., Columbia League and the K. O. T. M. ; politically 
 he is a Democrat. 
 
 CHAELES COLLINS, oil producer, Eldred, is a native of Caribou, Me.. , 
 where he was reared and educated. In 1868 he removed to Wisconsin, and 
 worked in the lumber woods of that State in the winter of 1868-69. In 
 the latter year he came to Pennsylvania, locating at Chambersburg, where 
 he worked at drilling wells; soon afterward he removed to the Armstrong field, 
 wher0 he acted in the same capacity, and later he was connected with the But- 
 ler and Clarion fields as a producer and contractor. In 1878 he located in the 
 Bradford field, and has been a resident of Eldred since 1884. He is at pres- 
 ent interested in seventy producing wells in Warren and Butler counties, this 
 State, and in Lima, Ohio. Mr. Collins has been a director in the Eldred bank 
 since 1885. He is a Knight Templar; politically, a Republican. 
 
 V. H. COOK, oil producer, Eldred, was born in Eldred township, MoKean 
 Co., Penn., October 29, 1855, a son of John J., Jr., and Martha J. (Bowen) 
 Cook. His paternal grandfather was John J. Cook, a native of Luzerne county, 
 Penn. , and among the pioneer lumbermen of Eldred township, who took up a 
 large tract of land, remaining thereuntil his death. His maternal grandfather 
 was Valentine Bowen, formerly of Oswego county, N. Y. , and also a pioneer of 
 Eldred, having removed here about the year 1883. John J. Cook, Jr., has re- 
 sided in Eldred nearly all his life, and since attaining manhood has followed lum- 
 bering as a business. His children were Lucy A., V. Herbert, Lilly M. M., 
 Ella M. (Mrs. C. F. McVagh) and Nellie F. V. H. and Ella M. are the only 
 ones living. V. H. Cook was reared and educated in Eldred and began life 
 as a lumberman, and since 1881 has been engaged in business as an oil pro- 
 ducer. In October, 1887, he married Ida L., daughter of William and Ella 
 D. (Mowatt) Petrie, and they have one child, Edna M. Mr. Cook has held the 
 office of school director, and is at present auditor and town clerk of Eldred. 
 He is a member of the Masonic fraternity; in politics he is a Republican. 
 
 H. J. CORELL, photographer, Eldred, is a native of Athens township, Craw- 
 ford Co., Penn. He was born in 1847, was reared in his native town and be- 
 
490 HISTORY OF MCKEAN COUNTY. 
 
 gan tbe study of photography m Sherman, N. Y., and later studied in James- 
 town, where he finished bis trade. He embarked in business for himself in 
 1871 at Eipley, N. Y., located at Eldred in 1880, and opened a photograph 
 gallery and art studio, where be has since done a large and successful business. 
 He is a first-class artist and has the reputation of doing as fine work as can be 
 obtained anywhere in his line. 
 
 BENJAMIN F. CORY, merchant and lumberman, Eldred, was born in 
 Keating township, McKean Co. , Penn. , and is a son of Azro B. and Hannah 
 M. (Rees) Cory. His maternal grandparents were among the pioneers of Pot- 
 ter county, Penn. His father was a native of Vermont, and an early settler of 
 Keating township, where he taught school and for a number of years edited a 
 paper at Smethport. He reared a family of four children: Asa R., Lytta E. 
 (Mrs. Lyman Clinton), Benjamin F. and Mary A. (Mrs. Frank Caldwell). 
 Benjamin F. Cory was reared in Potter county, and began life as a farmer. 
 In 1870 he located in Coryville, this county, where he farmed one year, then 
 for three years taught school, after which he again engaged in farming, and 
 in 1878 located at Eldred. He has been more or less engaged in lumbering 
 since 1881, has had a store at Eldred since 1882, and is now conducting a 
 mill and store at Prisbee station. He married, March 26, 1872, Ada L., 
 daughter of Augustus and Judith (Otto) Day, of Keating township, and they 
 have had five children: Dudley A. (deceased), Celia M., Lillie M., Elizabeth 
 D- and Myra A, Mr. and Mrs. Cory are members of the United Brethren 
 Church He is a meinber of the Masonic fraternity, and in politics he is a 
 Republican. 
 
 P. R. COTTER, attorney at law, Eldred, is a native of County Cork, 
 Ireland, where he was reared and educated. In 1855 he came to America, 
 locating in Troy, N. Y., afterward in Philadelphia, Penn. Mr. Cotter, en- 
 listed in October. 1862, in the Fifth Pennsylvania Volunteer Cavalry, serving 
 until the close of the war, when he was honorably discharged. In 1871 he 
 located in Tioga county, Penn. , where he began the strtdy of law under James 
 B. Leach. He was admitted to the bar in 1874, and the same year settled in 
 McKean county, Penn. In 1875 Mr. Cotter was elected district attorney of 
 McKean county. 
 
 JOHN S. COTTON, farmer and carpenter, P. O. Eldred, was born in 
 Tompkins county, N. Y. , April 17, 1838, a son of Simeon and Mary (Snyder) 
 Cotton. His paternal grandfather was Samuel Cotton, a native of England, by 
 occupation formerly a sea captain, and later a farmer of Tompkins county, N. Y. 
 The maternal grandfather of John S. was William Snyder, of German descent, 
 and a pioneer farmer of Tompkins county, N. Y. Both grandfathers were in 
 the war of 1812, William Snyder being a captain. Our subject was reared and 
 educated in his native county, and learned the carpenter' s trade with his father. 
 He was a participant in the war of the Rebellion, enlisting December 30, 1863, 
 in Company M, Fiftieth New York Engineers, and was honorably discharged 
 from the service. May 13, 1865- In the fall of 1866 he settled in Eldred town- 
 ship, this county, where he has since resided, and been engaged in farming 
 and working to some extent at his trade. At present he has a contract for 
 erecting a school edifice, at a cost of $10,000, which he will have completed in 
 a few days. In April, 1867, he married Mary, daughter of Daniel J. and Al- 
 mina (Potter) Keyes, of Eldred, and they have two children : Minnie and Mary. 
 Mr. Cotton has held the office of assessor and councilman of Eldred. He is a 
 member of the G. A. R. , and in politics is a Republican. 
 
 WILLARD CUMMINGS, farmer and lumberman, P. O. Eldred, was born 
 dn New York, November 8, 1838, a son of Allen and Lydia (Farrington) Cum- 
 
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 491 
 
 mings, who settled in Eldred township, McKean Co., Penn. , in 1840. His- 
 father, who was a farmer and lumberman by occupation, cleared several farms 
 in Eldred township, where he died.- His children who grew to maturity were : 
 Almira (Mrs. William Pendleton). George, Willard, Chester and Albion. Wil- 
 lard Cummings was reared in Eldred township, where he has resided since 
 infancy; and after attaining his majority followed farming and lumbering as 
 an occupation. He has cleared two farms in Eldred township, one of which he 
 now occupies. He was in the war of the Rebellion, enlisting August 18, 1862, 
 in Company G, One Hundred and Fiftieth P. V. I. ; was captured at Gettys- 
 burg, and was confined in Libby and Belle Isle prisons thirty- three days; was 
 honorably discharged from the service June 25, 1865. He married, in 1874, 
 Mrs. Mary J. (Payne) Wright, daughter of Isaac Payne, of Eldred. Mr. Cum- 
 mings is a member of the G. A. E. ; politically he is a Republican. 
 
 GEORGE T. DENNIS, proprietor of botanical laboratory, and manufact- 
 urer of botanical remedies, Eldred, Penn. , was born in Masonville, Delaware 
 Co., N. Y., September 22, 1819, a son of Nathan and Tirzah (Knapp) Dennis, 
 who settled in this township (then Ceres) in 1822. George T. Dennis was reared 
 and educated in Eldred, and at eighteen years of age taught school, during the 
 succeeding winter term, and followed that business summer and winter more or 
 less after he had finished his education at Smethport Academy in 1840, under the 
 tuition of Martin V. Adkins. March 13, 1844, he married Mary Ann, daughter of 
 Matthew M. and Prudence (Maxon) Crandall, of Ceres, N. Y. She was born at 
 Truxton, Cortland Co., N. Y.. May 12, 1821, and became the mother of seven 
 children: Mason G., Matthew N., Clark W., William B., Joseph B., Rosa P. 
 (Mrs. H. J. Doolittle) and Matie (Mrs. William Boone). After his marriage 
 Mr. Dennis settled, cleared and improved a farm in the wilderness of Eldred 
 township which he still owns. He was in the Rebellion, enlisting in the fall 
 of 1864, in Company A, Eighty-fifth New York Volunteer Infantry, partici- 
 pated in the battle of Wise Forks, N. C. , and was honorably discharged at El- 
 mira, N. Y. , in July, 1865. In his twentieth year Mr. Dennis united with the 
 Methodist Episcopal Church. In 1846 he went to Iowa, where he resided three 
 years; taught school and received a license to preach, and is now an ordained,, 
 licensed, local preacher, residing at Eldred, where he has lived since 1886. Mr. 
 Dennis began the manufacture of his botanical remedies in a small way in 
 1874, and since 1879 he has given his sole attention to the business, and as his 
 remedies have the rare merit of being all they claim to be, he has succeeded 
 in building up a lucrative business that is increasing daily. August 16, 1889, 
 Mrs. Mary A. Dennis passed from earth, and January 1, 1890, Mr. Dennis 
 married Mrs. H. Eliza Barrett, of Eldred, at the home of the bride on Edson 
 street, the ceremony being performed by Rev. T. J. Bissell, presiding elder of 
 Clean District, General Conference, N. Y. For a number of years Mr. Dennis 
 was connected with the reportorial staff of the Bradford daily Era, as well as 
 being correspondent for several leading papers of this county and section. He 
 is an active member of the Grand Army of the Republic, and in politics is a. 
 temperance Republican. 
 
 REUBEN DENNIS, proprietor of the "Central House," Eldred, was born 
 in Eldred, McKean Co., Penn., August 27, 1826, a son of Nathan and Theresa 
 (Knapp) Dennis. His paternal grandfather, James Dennis, was a soldier in 
 the Revolution. He was captured by the Indians, but in three months' time 
 effected his escape, the opportunity of doing so being given him by the Indians 
 holding a pow-wow, and indulging too freely in "fire-water," thus forgetting- 
 all about their prisoner, who, taking with him about a quart of pop-corn, 
 silently stole away in the darkness, and started on his long and tedious jour- 
 
492 HISTOBY OF MCKEAN COUNTY. 
 
 ney homeward. During his three months' tramp homeward he had nothing 
 to subsist on but the pop corn he had taken from the Indians, and such roots 
 and herbs as he could find. He suffered so severely from wounds received at 
 the hands of the English, and from want of food, that he lived but a short 
 time' after his arrival home. Jacob Knapp, who was one of the three original 
 settlers of Eldred township, came from Delaware county, N. Y. , with a team of 
 horses, which he turned out to browse the following winter, but the snow be- 
 coming too deep, he had to take the straw out of his bed ticks wherewith to 
 feed them and keep them from starving; but his efforts to save his horses were 
 in vain, for both perished. He cleared and improved a farm in Eldred town- 
 ship, on which he lived until his death. He was the father of twenty children, 
 a,ll but one of whom grew to maturity, and of whom Jacob Knapp, Jr., was one 
 of the most renowned Baptist revival preachers of his day. Nathan Dennis was 
 a soldier in the war of 1812, and settled in Eldred township in 1822, where he 
 cleared and improved two farms; was also engaged in the mercantile and hotel 
 businesses, and was postmaster at Allegany Bridge (now Eldred) for thirty 
 years. He came from Delaware county, N. Y., to Eldred, with his family, 
 team and household goods, and the last night of their journey they stopped 
 with a family consisting of husband and two wives in Potter county, Penn. , 
 who, having but one bed, gave that up to their guests, while they made them- 
 selves as comfortable as they could on the floor. Nathan Dennis was the fa- 
 ther of eleven children: George T., Lucinda (Mrs. M. G. Knapp), Susan (Mrs. 
 Daniel Crandall), James N., Eeuben, Lewis L., Jerusha (Mrs. G. C. Wright), 
 Jane (Mrs. Daniel Blanchard), Washington, Martha (Mrs. Thaddeus Eoyce) 
 and virtue Dennis (deceased at six years). Reuben Dennis was reared on his 
 father's farm, in Eldred township, and began life as a farmer and lumberman. 
 He has been married three times, his first wife having been Ruth, daughter of 
 Ebenezer and Deborah (Dean) Barden, of Eldred, by whom he had four chil- 
 dren, two of whom are living: May (Mrs David A. Parsells) and James P. His 
 second wife was Helen Boardsley, by whom he had one daughter, still living, 
 Helen (Mrs. D. Hastings), and one son, deceased. His present wife, Emma J., 
 is a daughter of Eleazer Belknap, of Havana, N. Y. This last marriage has 
 been blessed with two children: Charles R. and Lulu E. (Mrs. D. T. Horton). 
 Mr. Dennis has been in the hotel business twelve years. In 1879 he erected 
 the "Central Hotel," of which he has since been the successful and popular 
 landlord. He served one term as commissioner of McKean county. Polit- 
 ically he was a Democrat until the election of James Buchanan, when he voted 
 with the Republican party, and continued with same until 1884, since which 
 time he has been a strong advocate of the Prohibition party. 
 
 MICHAEL DOYLE, merchant, lumberman and postmaster, Sartwell, was 
 bom in County Cork, Ireland, October 28, 1835, a son of Cornelius and Ellen 
 (Callaghan) Doyle, who settled in what is now Annin township, McKean 
 Co., Penn., in 1846, where his father cleared and improved a farm, on 
 which he lived and died. They had seven children: Michael, Ellen (Mrs. 
 James Mahoney), James, Margaret (Mrs. Thomas McMann), Hannah (Mrs. 
 John Rice), Rose A. (Mrs. Robert Magner) and William. The subject of this 
 sketch was reared in McKean county from eleven years of age, began life as a 
 farmer, and cleared and improved the farm in Eldred township he now owns 
 and occupies. He has been engaged in mercantile business at Sartwell twelve 
 years, and fourteen years in lumbering. His wife was Helen, daughter of 
 Dennis and Mary (Dunn) Keefe, of Steuben county, N. Y. They have six 
 children: John, William, Minnie, Augustin, Arthur and Leonard. Mr. Doyle 
 is a prominent and representative citizen of Eldred. He is a member of St. 
 
BIOGKAPHICAL SKETCHES. 493 
 
 Mary' s Catholic Church ; has held the office of school director two terms, and 
 has been postmaster at Sartwell fourteen years. Politically he is a Democrat. 
 WILLIAM DUNBAR, lumberman, Larrabee, was born in Keating town- 
 ship, this county, January 24, 1832, a son of Jonathan D. and Catherine 
 (Potter) Dunbar (formerly of near Utica, Tompkins Co., N. Y.), who set- 
 tled in Farmers Valley, Keating township, in 1819. His father, who was one 
 of the pioneer lumbermen of McKean county, followed lumbering nearly all 
 his life. Amos Dunbar, the paternal grandfather of the subject of these lines, 
 a native of New York State, and of Scotch parentage, built at Farmers Val- 
 ley, along with his son, Jonathan D. , the iirst gristmill erected in McKean 
 county. Amos Dunbar had seven children: Israel, David, Jonathan D., Bet- 
 sey (Mrs. Joseph Dunbar), Peggy (Mrs. Henry Kingsley), Anna (Mrs. William 
 Cornelius) and Sally (deceased). Of these Jonathan D. carried on the lumber 
 business at Farmers Valley for many years. His children were Sally (Mrs. 
 Hiram Ault), William and Catherine (Mrs. John E. Hall). By his second wife, 
 nee Alfa Hatch, he had one son, Amos. William Dunbar was reared in his na- 
 tive town and educated in the common schools. He began life as a lumberman 
 when fifteen years of age, and was a partner with his father as lumberman and 
 contractor up to 1857, from which time up to 1880 he was in business alone. 
 He then engaged with J. J. Newman, of Buffalo, as contractor and superin- 
 ■ tendent of his milling business in McKean county. Mr. Dunbar is one of the 
 oldest lumbermen in the district, having been in the business forty-two years, 
 and has done more than any other to systematize the manufacture of lumber, 
 by his invention of the ' ' Dunbar Automatic Lumber Trimmer, ' ' for equalizing 
 lengths of lumber, the first of the kind ever introduced into the Pennsylvania 
 lumber districts. Mr. Dunbar has resided in Larrabee since 1880, and was 
 postmaster three years, 1886-87-88. He is a member of the F. & A. M. 
 and I. O. O. F. ; in politics he is a Democrat. He was married July 10, 1856, 
 to Olive M., daughter of Elisha and Fanny (Potter) Bishop, of Ceres town- 
 ship, McKean Co., Penn. , and they have had two children: Florence (de- 
 ceased) and George F. 
 
 A. R. FOWLER, farmer, P. O. Eldred, was born in Cortland county, N. 
 Y., July 16, 1828, a son of Jefferson and Maryette (Rice) Fowler. They settled 
 in Eldred township about the year 1837, locating on the land now occupied by 
 A R. Fowler, where, after a few years, the father died, leaving a family of six 
 children: A. R., Clara (now Mrs. George W. Lowe), Mary J. (Mrs. Thomas K. 
 Wilcox), William P. (who died of wounds received at Point of Rocks, in the Re- 
 bellion), Harriet E. (Mrs. A. K. Riant) and Angelina A. (deceased.) A. R. 
 Fowler was reared in Eldred from nine years of age, and after the death of his 
 father became the main support of the family. His mother married, for her 
 second husband, C. P. Humphrey, by whom she had four children: Corel P. 
 (who died of disease contracted in the Civil war), Edwin D., Eveline J. (Mrs 
 S Welland) and Thomas H. Mr. Fowler cleared and improved the farm he 
 now occupies, and for many years was in the employ of Buffalo people as agent 
 and buyer of lumber and timber lands. In April, 1859, he married Sarah A., 
 daughter of Smith and Jerusha (Aldrich) Beers, who settled in Farmers Valley, 
 this county, in 1848, and to this union were born three children: Rosabel J. 
 (deceased), Rice J. and Maud E. (Mrs. Pelton Crosby.) For seven years Mr. 
 Fowler worked in the interest of McKean county by inducing Buffalo capitalists 
 to build the Western New York & Pennsylvania Railroad. He is an active 
 member of the Methodist Episcopal Church; politically he is a Democrat. 
 
 JOHN M. GETJDER, farmer, P. O. Eldred, was born in Bavaria, Ger- 
 many, September 29, 1825, a son of George M. and Margaret (Eberline) 
 
494 HISTOKY OF MCKEAN COUNTY. 
 
 Geuder. He was reared in his native land, and came to America in 1847, lo- 
 cating in Mercer county, Penn., where he worked in the coal mines two years. 
 In 1851 he revisited Germany, remaining one year, then returned to America, 
 in 1852, and settled in Bldred township, on the farm he now owns and occu- 
 pies, comprising 181 acres, about eighty of which he cleared and improved. 
 Mr. Geuder married, in 1849, in the State of Ohio, Mary, daughter of Jacob 
 and Katrina (Wagner) Miller, of Bavaria, Germany, who came to America 
 with J. M. Geuder in 1852, and died in Eldred in 1866 and 1868, respectively. 
 The issue of Mr. Gender's marriage was twelve children: Elizabeth (Mrs. 
 John Koeblin), Margaret (Mrs. Henry Cordes), Caroline, Maria (deceased), 
 George, John, Mary B. (Mrs. Dan Miller), Jacob M. , Catherine (Mrs. Gott- 
 leib Eeitz), Godfried G., Anna and Michael C. Of the sons, George, John and 
 Jacob M. are married, and they, with their five married sisters, reside in 
 Olean, N. Y,, and have among them twenty- four children. During the first 
 ten years of his residence in Bldred township, Mr. Geuder was the only Ger- 
 man living there. Mr. Geuder has had all his children educated to read aiid 
 write both the English and German languages. He is a progressive farmer, 
 and enterprising citizen. He is a member of the German Lutheran Church 
 of Olean, N. T. , and in politics a Democrat. Mr. Geuder was elected road 
 commissioner once, and supervisor twice. Being a musician he has had a 
 melodeon, since the year 1861, in the iiouse. It was the only one in Eldred 
 township for ten years. 
 
 A. D. GOULD, editor and proprietor of the Eldred Eagle, was born at 
 Utica, N. Y., July 15, 1856, a sod of C. B. and Mary (Scranton) Gould. His 
 maternal grandfather, Lyman Scranton, was a native of Utica, an architect 
 and builder, and with John Devereaux built the original St. Bonaventure Col- 
 lege in Allegany, Cattaraugas Co., N. Y. A. D. Gould was reared in Utica, 
 Homer and Binghamton, N. Y. , and Emporium, Penn., and was educated at 
 the academies of Homer and Eranklinville, N. Y. In the spring of 1876 he 
 began the study of law with Newton & Green, of Emporium, Penn. , at which 
 he continued until the fall of 1877. Prior to that he learned the printer's 
 trade with his father, and on account of the latter being burned out he was 
 compelled to resume the printing business. He started a job-office in Tarport 
 in the spring of 1878. The same year Eldred came into prominence as an oil 
 center, and in the summer of that year he removed to that point, and estab- 
 lished the Eldred Eagle, which he has since successfully conducted. He mar- 
 ried, September 4, 1883, Emma, daughter of John D. Schwab, of Utica, N. 
 Y. , and they have one son, Carl D. Mr. Gould is a member of the Masonic 
 fraternity and Knights of Pythias. Politically he is a Eepublican. 
 
 DANIEL J. KEYES, farmer, lumberman and oil producer, Eldred, was 
 born in Eagle township, Allegany (now Wyoming) county, N. Y., January 17, 
 1821, a son of Peter and Abigail (Beede) Keyes, natives of Vermont, and pio- 
 neers of Allegany county, N. Y. His father, who died in Eldred township, 
 reared a family named as follows: Adeline (Mrs. Piatt Gage), Peter, Abigail 
 (Mrs. George Stevens), Jane (Mrs. William Foster), Betsey (Mrs. Calvin 
 Combs), Daniel J., Aurilla (Mrs. George Stevens), Rhoda and Augustus F. 
 Daniel J. Keyes was reared in Allegany county, N. Y., and settled in Eldred 
 township, McKean Co. , Penn. , in 1847, locating on the farm he now occupies, 
 most of which he cleared. He has also been extensively engaged in the lum- 
 ber business, and has worn out two saw-mills on his premises. He has also 
 been in the oil producing business, and now has six producing wells on his 
 farm. In February, 1842, he married Almina, daughter of Huldah (Steele) 
 Potter, of Allegany county, N. Y., and to them were born four children: Mar- 
 
BIOGBAPHICAL SKETCHES. 495 
 
 tha (Mrs. A. B. Loop), Mary (Mrs. John S. Cotton), Almina (deceased), and 
 Eva (Mrs. J. B. Dennis). Mr. Keyes was elected twice to the office of county 
 commissioner of McKean county, and during his second term enlisted in the 
 war of the Rebellion in the fall of 1862, was mustered into the service as first- 
 lieutenant in the One Hundred and Fiftieth Pennsylvania (Bucktails), and 
 was honorably discharged on account of disability in June, 1863. He has 
 served as justice of the peace of Eldred township several terms. Politically 
 he is a Republican. 
 
 BENJAMIN H. LAMPHIER, farmer, P. O. Eldred, was born in 
 Chenango county, N. Y., November 18, 1819, a son of William and Calista 
 (Hazen) Lamphier. His paternal grandfather, Benjamin Lamphier, was a 
 native of New England, and a pioneer of Chenango county, N. Y., and of 
 Eldred, this county, settling at the latter place in 1837, where he resided until 
 his death. He was a soldier in the Revolutionary war. He was the father of 
 two children: Manama (Mrs. Liberty White) and William. The latter with 
 his family settled in Eldred in February, 1835, and improved the farm now 
 known as the Lamphier estate, and died there. In the early days of Che- 
 nango county, N. Y., he was a captain of a rifle company belonging to the 
 New York State Militia. His children were six in number: Benjamin, Lucy 
 (Mrs. G. B. Booth), William, Mary (Mrs. Oscar Carpenter), Calista (Mrs. R. 
 A. Rice) and Sylvester G. B. H. Lamphier was reared in Chenango county, 
 N. Y. , until fifteen years and three months of age, when he removed to Eldred 
 with his parents. He began life as a lumberman, which he has always more 
 or less followed. October 11, 1845, he married Cynthia L. , daughter of Tim- 
 othy and Bethenia (Trumbull) Carpenter, of Eldred, by whom he has seven 
 children: Egbert R., Albert, Daniel, Lucy E., Edward H., A. Timothy and 
 Mary B. (Mrs. John Robson.) Mr. Lamphier has served one term of three 
 years as auditor of McKean county, and has held several local offices in Eldred. 
 He is a Republican in politics, and is a member of the Masonic fraternity. 
 
 RANSOM LARRABEE, hotel keeper, Larrabee, was born in Eldred town- 
 ship, McKean Co., Penn., March 28, 1822, and is a son of Ebenezer and Lu- 
 cinda (Knapp) Larrabee, the latter a daughter of Jacob Knapp, who had been 
 twice married and was the father of twenty-one. children. Ebenezer Larrabee 
 was a native of Vermont, of French descent, who settled in Eldred in 1819, 
 where he followed farming for a time. In 1859 he removed to Wisconsin, 
 where he died. His children were Ebenezer, William, Ransom, Jacob, Abijah, 
 Chester, Edward, Asa, Jackson, Jane, Addelia and Milliasa. The maternal 
 grandfather of our subject was Jacob Knapp, one of the three original settlers 
 of Eldred township. Ransom Larrabee was reared in Eldred, where he has 
 always resided, and has been more or less engaged in farming, lumbering and 
 hotel keeping. His wife, Clarissa, was a daughter of Robert Barten, a pioneer 
 of Eldred. They have one daughter, Anna Vernett Larrabee (wife of Erven 
 Carpenter); also had one son, Alreck Ransom Larrabee (son of Ransom and 
 Clarissa Larrabee, died at the age of twenty-three years). Mr. Larrabee is one 
 of the oldest native-born citizens of the county. He was postmaster of the 
 office now known as Larrabee, twenty years. In politics he is a Democrat. 
 
 FRANCIS LOOP, farmer, P. O. Eldred, was born in Eldred July 13, 1856, a 
 son of Lewis and Nancy (Cook) Loop. His paternal grandfather, John Loop, for- 
 merly of Chautauqua county, N. Y. , settled in Eldred prior to 1840, and cleared 
 and improved a farm on which he resided until his death, which occurred in 
 1887. Mr. Loop's maternal grandparents, John J. and Mary (Hamilton) Cook, 
 settled in Eldred prior to 1850, and Mr. Cook gave the name ' ' Indian Creek ' ' 
 to the stream which bears that name. Lewis Loop was a farmer and lumberman 
 
 27 
 
496 HISTOKY OF MCKEAN COUNTY. 
 
 on Indian creek, and reared a family of four children: Frank (now deceased), 
 Francis, Warren M. and Ezra B. Francis Loop was reared and educated in 
 Eldred township, where he has always resided. He married, in August, 1880, 
 Harriet M. , daughter of John Bradt, of Haldemand county, Canada, by whom 
 he has three children: Edith M., Rollie and Luverna. 
 
 E. BENJAMIN LOOP was born May 25, 1862, at Indian Creek, McKean 
 Co. , Penn. , a son of Lewis and 'Nancy Loop, both Yankees, former of whom 
 was born July 4, 1825, and died December 23, 1885, latter born November 15, 
 1824. The subject of these lines was educated at Ten Brook's Academy, 
 Franklin ville, Cattaraugus Co., N. Y., from which he graduated in 1879; also 
 took a course at Westbrook's Business College, Mansfield, Tioga Co., Penn., 
 graduating from same in 1883. Mr. Loop was married October 31, 1884, to 
 Cora D. Earnest, of Wayne, Steuben Co., N. Y., born December 25, 1866, 
 daughter of Clinton D. and Isabella W. Earnest, both Yankees by birth, for- 
 mer born June 12, 1843, latter October 20, same year. Mr. and Mrs. Loop 
 have no children. Mr. Loop kept the Grand Central Hotel at Mansfield, 
 Tioga Co., Penn., taking possession October 20, 1886. This hotel burned 
 March 10, 1889, since which time Mr. Loop has been out of business. He 
 and his wife attend the Baptist Church ; in politics he is a Democrat. 
 
 ELISHA J. MOODY, farmer and lumberman, P. O. Coryvjlle, was born 
 in Broome county, N. Y. , August 31, 1825, a son of Nehemiah and Nancy 
 (Rockwell) Moody, who came to Keating township, McKean Co., Penn., in 
 1839, four years later locating on the farm now occupied by Capt. Cory, and 
 in 1855 settling in Eldred township, where the father died in 1875; the mother 
 still survives at the age of eighty years. E. J. Moody was in his fourteenth 
 year when he came with his parents to McKean county. He took up the farm 
 he now occupies, in 1847, on which he settled in 1855, all of which he 
 cleared and improved. In early life he embarked in the lumber business, 
 which' he has since followed. For thirty-nine years he rafted and ran lumber 
 — thirty-five years as a pilot — on the Allegheny and Ohio rivers. In 1852 he 
 married Jane, daughter of Ebenezer and Lucinda (Knapp) Larrabee, of El- 
 dred township, McKean Co., Penn. , and they have seven children: Chester, 
 Fred, Deborah (Mrs. William Lilly), Wilbur, Frank (deceased), Oscar and 
 Brad. Mr. Moody is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church ; politically 
 he is a stanch Prohibitionist. 
 
 GILBERT MOODY, farmer, P. O. Coryville, was born in Keating town- 
 ship, McKean Co., Penn., November 29, 1841, a son of Nehemiah and Nancv 
 (Rockwell) Moody, formerly of Vermont, later of Broome county, N. Y., who 
 settled in Keating township in 1838. The father, who was a farmer and lum 
 berman by occupation, removed to Eldred township, where he cleared and im- 
 proved a farm, on which he lived until his decease. His children were Elisha, 
 Frank, Angeline (Mrs. Barclay Bray), Laura (Mrs. Waterbury Miller), Amelia 
 (Mrs. Philip Frisbie), Elizabeth (Mrs. L. J. Wright), Deborah (Mrs. L. P. 
 Windsor), Gilbert, Oscar (wounded at Gettysburg in the Rebellion, was captured 
 and died in Libby prison), Grace (Mrs. J. J. Campbell) and Matilda (Mrs. C. 
 M. Slack). Gilbert Moody was reared in Keating and Eldred townships, Mc- 
 Kean county, received a common-school education, has always been a farmer, 
 and now occupies the old homestead. He was in the war of the Rebellion, 
 enlisting March 27, 1864, in Company D, Fourth United States Artillery. He 
 served three years, during which term of service he was never absent from his 
 company over night, nor on sick report, and was honorably discharged. Mr. 
 Moody was married August 30, 1868, to Cynthia, daughter of C. B. and Caro- 
 line (Voorhees) Stnll, of Eldred township, and they have three children: 
 
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 497 
 
 George, Angie and Edith. At a reunion of the Moody family, May 29, 1889, 
 the eightieth birthday of Mrs. Nancy Moody, ten children, forty-five grand- 
 children and fifteen great-grandchildren, were present; seven grandchildren 
 and twenty-seven great-grandchildren being absent, making one hundred and 
 four of Mrs. Nancy Moody's descendants living at that time. Mr. Moody is a 
 leading citizen of Eldred township, and is a stanch advocate of prohibition. 
 
 0. C. MOSES, one of the oldest citizens of Eldred, was born in Lima, 
 Ontario Co., N. T., February 11, 1816, a son of Reuben and Lucinda 
 (Stevens) Moses, natives of Vermont and Massachusetts, respectively, who were 
 among the pioneers of Ontario county, N. Y., and in 1821 settled in Cuba, N. 
 Y., where they resided until their death. Our subject was reared in Cuba, N. 
 Y., from five years of age, and his education, which was limited, was received 
 in the common schools. He first came to Eldred in 1834, where he was in the 
 employ of John Forbes for two years. In 1836 he located at Clean, N. Y., 
 and in 1840 returned to Eldred, where he has since been a permanent resident. 
 For many years he was engaged in lumbering, and also in farming to some 
 extent. In 1861, with Capt. Cory, of Coryville, this county, he raised Company 
 H, Fifty-eighth Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry, and enlisted in September of 
 same year, being mustered in the service as first lieutenant of above company, 
 and was promoted to the captaincy in the fall of 1862. He was taken prisoner 
 at Little Washington, N. C, and was for ten months in Libby prison; was also 
 in the prisons at Macon, Ga. , Savannah, Charleston and Columbia; was paroled 
 after twenty months' imprisonment, rejoining the Union army at Wilmington, 
 and from there was sent to the parole camp at Annapolis, Md., where he was 
 exchanged and sent <to Washington, at which place he received an honorable 
 discharge from the service May 1, 1865. In 1839 he married Emily A. , a 
 daughter of Joshua Haight, of Richmond, Crawford Co., Penn. (formerly of 
 Montreal, Canada), by whom he had eight children: William E., C. Joshua, 
 Harriet (Mrs. Calvin H. Moses), Albert R., Emily A. (Mrs. A. J. Barden), 
 Lucinda (Mrs. C. J. Wolcott), Elizabeth, and Myrtle E. (Mrs. William Wartz). 
 Squire Moses, as he is familiarly termed, is one of the best known citizens of 
 Eldred. He has served the township as justice of the peace twenty years. 
 He is a member of the F. & A. M. and the G. A. R., and in politics he is a 
 stanch Republican. 
 
 RICHARD A. RICE, lumberman, Eldred, was born in Eldred township, 
 McKean Co., Penn., December 3, 1880, and is a son of Justus and Polly 
 (Barnard) Rice, the former a native of Connecticut, and the latter of Crown 
 Point, Essex Co., N. Y. They came from Canada to Eldred in 1818, 
 •cleared and improved the farm now owned by Justus Rice, Jr., and lived and 
 died in the township. The father, who was a Methodist Episcopal clergyman, 
 reared a large family, viz. : Almon, Hyde B. , Justus, James B. , Joseph, 
 Richard A., Emeline (Mrs. Curtis C. White), Jerusha (Mrs. Horace King), 
 Adeline and Mary (Mrs. T. T. Carpenter). Richard A. Rice was reared in 
 Eldred township, where he has always resided. He was in the war of the Re- 
 bellion, enlisting May 18, 1861, in Company I, First Pennsylvania Rifles. De- 
 cember 13, 1882, he was taken prisoner at Fredericksburg, Va. , and exchanged 
 the following May, when he was commissioned second lieutenant of his com- 
 pany; was wounded at Laurel Hill in 1864 and honorably discharged June 11, 
 1864. The same year he returned to Eldred, where he has since cleared and 
 improved the farm he now occupies. March 3, 1863, he married Calista, 
 daughter of Capt. William and Calista (Hazen) Lamphier, of Eldred, and they 
 have five children: Luman F., Byron B., Allen E., William O. and Adda. 
 Besides attending to his farm Mr. Rice does a large lumber business. He has 
 
498 HISTORY OP MCKEAN COUNTY. 
 
 served one term as commissioner of McKean county and held several of the 
 local offices of the township of Eldred. He is a Knight Templar and a mem.- 
 ber of the Grand Army of the Kepublic. In politics he is a Republican. 
 
 BEVERLY W. RICE, proprietor of the St. Elmo Hotel, Eldred, was born 
 in Eldred township, McKean Co., Penn., November 12, 1853, a son of Almon 
 and Almira (Carpenter) Rice, the former a native of Whitehall, N. Y. Justus 
 Rice, paternal grandfather of the subject of our sketch, a Methodist Episco- 
 pal clergyman, settled in Eldred about the year 1825. Almon Rice cleared 
 and improved the farm in Eldred township now occupied by his widow. They 
 were the parents of seven children: Hyde C, Bruce B., Orlin T. , Mary A. 
 (Mrs. N. T. Albee), Harriet E. (Mrs. John Learn), Henrick M. and Beverly 
 W. Of these Bruce B., the second son, was a lieutenant in Company I, first 
 Pennsylvania Bucktails, during the war of the Rebellion, and died of 
 wounds received in the battles of Drainesville and Cross Keys. Beverly W. 
 Rice was reared in Eldred township and educated in the common schools of 
 Eldred and Jamestown Collegiate Institute, Jamestown, N. Y. In 1871 he en- 
 gaged in the manufacture of staves with Shaver Brothers, of Jamestown, N. Y. , 
 remaining there in business eight years. In 1879 he returned to Eldred and 
 opened a meat market, which he conducted three years. In 1882 he purchased 
 the Dolan House, which he conducted two years, when it was destroyed by fire. 
 In the spring of 1885 he erected on the old Dolan House site the present St. 
 Elmo Hotel, of which he has since been the successful and popular proprietor. 
 Mr. Rice was married in 1882 to Florence E., daughter of William and Emma 
 (Tuffing) Langdon, of Eldred, and they have two children: Florence E. and 
 Nena M. Mr. Rice is a member of the I. O. O. F. and Columbia League. In 
 politics he is a Republican. 
 
 D. L. ROBBINS, merchant, Eldred, was born in Broome county, N. Y. , 
 July 14, 1848, and is a son of Allen and Hannah (Rockwell) Robbins. He 
 was reared in his native county, educated in the common schools and the Acad- 
 emy at Whitney's Point, N. Y. He bggan life as a farm laborer, and in 
 
 1877 located at Larrabee, this county, where he taught school one winter. In 
 
 1878 he went to Bradford, where he was employed in the oil fields until 1879. 
 Returning to Larrabee he worked at the wagon maker's trade and other 
 mechanical pursuits up to 1882, when he became the confidential book-keeper 
 of J. J. Newman, in whose employ he remained until February, 1888, in 
 which year he embarked in the boot and shoe business in Eldred, in which he 
 has since successfully continued. January 22, 1884, Mr. Robbins married 
 Mrd. Jennie (McMann) Tyler, of Larrabee. He is a wide-awake, enterprising 
 merchant and citizen. He has been auditor of Eldred township six years; is. 
 a member of the I. O. O. F., and in politics is a Republican. 
 
 H. E. ROCKWELL, merchant tailor and clothier, Eldred, was born in 
 Hermitage, Wyoming Co., N. Y., December 10, 1863, a son of Seth and 
 Polly (Hibbard) Rockwell, both natives of New York, who located in Eldred, 
 Penn., in the spring of 1873, where they now reside. He was reared in 
 Eldred from ten years of age, and was educated in the public schools of the 
 borough. He began life as a clerk in the clothing store of Joseph & Doru- 
 berg, in Eldred, and later was with Isaac Dornberg, successor to above firm, 
 remaining their nearly nine years. March 1, 1889, he purchased the business 
 of Mr. Dornberg, which he has since successfully conducted, and has the 
 largest and most complete store of the kind in this section of McKean county. 
 He married, February 8, 1886, Ella, daughter of Robert and Sarah (Hamilton) 
 Scholes, of Eldred, and they have one son, Arthur. Mr. Rockwell is a popu- 
 lar young business man of the borough. He is a member of Eldred Hook 
 
BIOGKAPHIOAL SKETCHES. 499 
 
 and Ladder Company, and is serving the first term of three years as auditor 
 of the borough. Politically he is a Democrat. 
 
 ROGERS & FRANKLIN, dry goods merchants, Eldred. E. S. Rogers is 
 a native of Holland, N. Y. , where he was reared and received his early school 
 training. His commercial education was obtained at Bryant & Stratton's 
 Business College, Buffalo, N. Y. He began his business life as a clerk in a 
 general store in his native town, and later was employed in a wholesale house 
 in BufPalo, N. Y. In 1885 he embarked in his present business in Eldred, in 
 which he has since continued. 
 
 C. W. Feanklin was born in Tiffin, Ohio, was reared in Jackson, Miss., 
 where he received an academic education, and took a commercial course at 
 Bryant & Stratton's Business College in Buffalo, N. Y. He began his busi- 
 ness career as a clerk in a general store in Salamanca, N. Y. , and later was 
 engaged in the same capacity at Corfu, same State. In 1885 he located at 
 Eldfed, and here formed a partnership with E. S. Rogers in the dry goods 
 business, which they have since successfully continued. They are wide-awake, 
 enterprising young men, and have built up a lucrative trade as proprietors of 
 the only exclusive dry goods store of that place. Mr. Franklin married 
 in June, 1886, Miss Carrie L. Chadeayne, of Corfu, N. Y. He is a member 
 of the Episcopal Church, of the F. & A. M. and Knights of Pythias; is one 
 of the auditors of the borough of Eldred. In politics he is a Republican, and 
 is inspector of election. 
 
 THOMAS L. SARTWELL, druggist, Eldred, was born in Smethport, 
 McKean Co., Penn., May 21, 1852, a son of Roswell and Mary A. (Chapin) 
 Sartwell. He was reared and educated in Smethport, and for a time was 
 engaged as a drug clerk at Port Allegany, Penn. In 1878 he embarked in the 
 drug business at Eldred, but his store was soon after destroyed by fire. He 
 again began the same business, however, in 1879, with Dr. Shaw as a part- 
 ner, and the same year was appointed deputy sheriff under his father, Roswell 
 Sartwell (then sheriff of McKean county), serving three years — 1879-81. Mr. 
 Sartwell moved to Smethport to take charge of his office, remaining there 
 until his return to Eldred in 1882, in which year he purchased his partner's 
 interest in the drug business, which he has since successfully conducted alone. 
 Thomas L. Sartwell was married in December, 1881, to Clara R., daughter of 
 R. A. and Hannah A. (Farnsworth) Corbett, of Jamestown, N. Y. , and they 
 have one son, Roswell C. Mr. Sartwell is a prominent and influential citizen 
 and business man; is a member of the F. & A. M. and of the I. O. O. F. 
 He is a Democrat, and has held many official positions in the borough of 
 • Eldred. 
 
 SIMON & DOERR, bottlers, Eldred, came to Eldred from Buffalo, N. 
 Y. , in 1886, and embarked in business as bottlers of ale, lager and soft drinks, 
 succeeding Snyder & Joseph in the business, which was established in Sep- 
 tember, 1878, by J. Kump, who sold to M. Q. Barten, who in turn was suc- 
 ceeded by the firm of Barten & Snyder. Messrs. Simon & Doerr, though 
 young men, are well experienced in their business, and have built up a flour- 
 ishing trade extending throughout McKean, Potter and Cameron counties; 
 they also have a large business connection in New York State. 
 
 "C. M. SLACK, justice of the peace, Eldred, was born in Broome county, 
 N. Y., March 17, 1842, and is a son of William R. and Nancy (Counselman) 
 Slack. William R. Slack, who settled in Eldred township in 1844, was a 
 farmer and lumberman by occupation, and during the war of the Rebellion 
 he served as a soldier in the Fifty-eighth P. V. I., sixteen months; he died in 
 Eldred township. C. M. Slack located in that township in 1851, and here 
 
500 HISTOKY OF MCKEAN COUNTY. 
 
 received a limited common- school education. October 11, 1861, he enlisted 
 in Company H, Fifty-eighth P. V. I. , and after serving thirteen months in 
 same vyas transferred to Company D, Fourth United States Light Artillery. 
 After serving two and one-half years in this, he re-enlisted for three years, and 
 was honorably discharged March 28, 1867, after five and one-half years' faith- 
 ful service; after his return from the army he engaged in farming in Eldred 
 township. Mr. Slack was married October 5, 1867, to Matilda, daughter of 
 Nehemiah and Nancy (Rockwell) Moody, of Broome county, N. Y. Mr. and 
 Mrs. Slack have been blessed with nine children: Mildred M. (Mrs. George 
 Dunbar), Oscar N., Charles W., Hiram W., Ethel A., Stella A., Robert A., 
 David A. and Raymond E. Mr. Slack has served as constable of Eldred, ten 
 years; collector, four years, and is now serving his first term as justice of the 
 peace. He is a member of the G. A. R. and of the Sons of Veterans. In 
 politics he is a stanch Republican. 
 
 JOSEPH STULL, farmer, P. O. Larrabee, was born in Eldred township, 
 McKean Co.. Penn., April 21, 1826, a son of Joseph and Delinda (Brewer) 
 Stull. Joseph, Sr. , was a native of New Jersey, and settled in what is now 
 Eldred township, McKean county, in 1812; cleared and improved the farm 
 now owned by Henry Plummer, and died in the township at the ripe old age 
 of eighty-nine years, ten months and fourteen days. He had eleven children: 
 Alma (Mrs. Lynds Dodge), Abraham B. , John, Abigail (Mrs. Joseph Delong), 
 Camilla (Mrs. John L. Daniels), Caleb B., Laurinda H. (Mrs. Arthur Young), 
 Mary D. (Mrs. John Nolan), Jerome K. , George R. and Joseph. Joseph Stall, 
 Jr. , was reared in Eldred, where he has always resided, and since 1857 has 
 lived on his present farm, most of which he cleared and improved. He married 
 twice. His first wife was Lucinda, daughter of Daniel and Nancy Southard, 
 of Eldred township, and to them were born two children: Favoretta (Mrs. 
 George L. Robinson) and Cameron H. His second wife was Adaline E. Payne, 
 of Eldred. In politics Mr. Stull is a Republican. He is a member of the Free 
 Methodist Church. 
 
 THOMAS C. WAINMAN, lumberman, Eldred, is a native of Ossian, Liv- 
 ingston Co.,.N. Y. , and son of Thomas and Hannah (Dent) Wain man, natives 
 of England, who came to America about 1828, and settled in Grove, Allegany 
 (now Livingston) Co., N. Y., and later removed to Ossian, residing there until 
 their death. Our subject was reared in Livingston county, N. Y. , where he 
 received a limited education in the common schools. He began life as a farmer 
 in his native county, and afterward followed boating for five years on the Erie 
 and Genesee valley canals. In 1863 he settled in Eldred, where he has since 
 resided and is doing an extensive business in lumbering. In 1859 he married 
 Cordelia L., daughter of Hiram and Cordelia Foster, of Livingston county, 
 N. Y., aod by her had eight children who grew to maturity: Mary (Mrs. Eph- 
 raim G. Piper), Ella (deceased), Ida (Mrs. E. A. Barden, deceased), Fannie, 
 Horatio (deceased baby), Carrie (deceased), Floyd and Edith. Mrs. Cordelia 
 L. Wainman departed this life July 15, 1885, and in 1887 Mr. Wainman mar- 
 ried Emma M. , daughter of Ozro and Celestine Carpenter, of Eldred. Mr. 
 Wainman is a prominent citizen and representative business man of Eldred. 
 Politically he was formerly a Repablican, but is now a stanch advocate of 
 prohibition. 
 
 J. C. WELCH, druggist, Eldred, was born in Ceres township, McKean 
 Co., Penn., Fgbruary 16, 1857, and is a son of Martin and Bridget (Biggins) 
 Welch, natives of County Mayo, Ireland, and pioneers of Ceres township, where 
 they cleared and improved a farm. The father is now deceased, but the mother 
 survives. His paternal grandfather was Patrick Welch, also a pioneer of Ceres 
 
BIOGKAPHIOAL SKETCHES. 501 
 
 township. Martin Welch reared the following named children: James E., 
 John C. , Mary A. (Mrs. John Shea), Maggie E. , Alice and Thomas. Our sub- 
 ject was reared in his native township, and educated at Portville (N. Y. ) High 
 School and Olean (N. Y. ) Academy. He began life as clerk in the drug store 
 of i)rs. FoUett & Barllett, and later with Dr. Cone, of Olean, N. Y. , where he 
 was employed four years. In 1881 he located in Eldred and embarked in the 
 drug business, which he has since continued, and been very successful. 
 In 1881 he married Clara M., daughter of Bernard and Mary Ball, of Olean, 
 N. Y. , and they have one son, Louis J. Mr. Welch is now serving his second 
 term as councilman of Eldred borough. He is a member of the Catholic 
 Mutual Benefit Association and Catholic Church; politically he is a Democrat. 
 
 C. Y. WHITE, postmaster, Eldred, was born in Coudersport, Penn. , July 
 15, 1849, a son of Miles and Adeline (Crittenden) White. His paternal grand- 
 father, Austin White, a native of Vermont, who was reared in Albany-, N. Y. , 
 was a pioneer physician of Harrison township, Potter Co. , Penn. , where he 
 practiced his profession for many years; he died at Keating Summit, in Keat- 
 ing township. Potter county; his children were DeWitt C, Esther (Mrs. 
 Stathan), Panny (Mrs. Henry Nelson), Miles and Harriet (Mrs. George Lewis). 
 The maternal grandfather of the subject of this sketch was Harry Crittenden, a 
 pioneer lumberman and farmer of Potter county, and a very active man up to the 
 time of his death, which occurred when he was over eighty years of age. Miles 
 White was reared in Potter county, followed farming to some extent, and was 
 for years engaged in the hotel business at Keating Summit and Coudersport, 
 dying at the latter place in May, 1887. He was twice married, and by his first 
 wife there was one son, C. Y. By his second wife, nee Margaret Hackett, he 
 had three children: Carrie M., Mylert and Mackey. C. Y. White was reared 
 in Coudersport and vicinity until fifteen years of age. He then located in 
 Cameron county, where he resided until 1879, when he removed to Eldred, and 
 here embarked in the grocery business, which he continued in four years, after 
 which he engaged in the oil business as a producer. He was appointed post- 
 master at Eldred in May, 1888, which office he now holds. Mr. White mar- 
 ried Lowaty, daughter of Matthew and Hannah (Burt) McDowell, of Potter 
 county, and they have three children: Harry L., A. G-. and Margery. Our 
 subject is a member of the Masonic fraternity; politically he is a Democrat. 
 
 WILLIAM A. WILMARTH, farmer, P. O. Eldred, was born in Eldred 
 township, McKean Co., Penn., February 24, 1838, a son of Nelson and Matilda 
 (Morris) Wilmarth. His maternal grandfather, John Morris, was among the 
 pioneers of Eldred township. The subject of this sketch was reared in the 
 family of William Lamphier, of Eldred township, and his educational advan- 
 tages were limited to a few terms in the common school. In October, 1861, 
 he enlisted in Company H, Fifty-eighth Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry, 
 served three years, and was honorably discharged from the service in Janu- 
 ary, 1865. He then returned to Eldred township, and in 1867 purchased the 
 farm he now occupies, a part of which he cleared, erecting his present resi- 
 dence. April 11, 1869, he married Lillian, daughter of T. Thompson and 
 Mary (Rice) Carpenter, of Eldred township, and they have three children: 
 Eva, Mabel and Bertha. Mr. Wilmarth is a member of the Grand Army of 
 the Republic; politically he is a Republican, and cast his first presidential vote 
 for Abraham Lincoln in 1861. • 
 
 W. E. WINDSOR, farmer, P. O. Larrabee, was born in Cattaraugus county, 
 N. Y., September 29, 1832, a son of Samuel and Phebe (Wright) Windsor. 
 His maternal grandfather was' Rensselaer Wright, a pioneer of Eldred town- 
 ship, and the first sheriff of McKean county. W. E, Windsor removed with 
 
502 HISTORY OF MCKEAN COUNTY. 
 
 his mother to Eldred in 1837, and was reared in that town and in Portville. 
 In 1860 he settled in Eldred township, where he has since resided, and cleared 
 and improved the farm he now occupies. December 31, 1853, he married Fan- 
 nie E. , .daughter of Daniel and Hannah (Ferrington) Childs, of Eldred, and 
 they have had five children: Frank A., Charles A. (deceased), William E. Mc, 
 Walter W. and Ada T. R. Mr. Windsor is one of Eldred township's substan- 
 tial farmers and citizens. He has held the office of constable and collector five 
 years in succession, and politically he is a Democrat. 
 
 LEWIS WINDSOR, farmer, P. O. Coryville, was born in Franklinville, 
 N. Y., March 28, 1834, a son of Samuel and Phebe (Wright) Windsor, who 
 were among the pioneers of Eldred township, McKean Co., Penn. His 
 maternal grandfather was Rensselaer Wright, the first sheriff of McKean 
 county. Lewis Windsor was reared in Eldred from three years of age, where 
 he has since resided. October 15, 1857, he married Deborah, daughter of 
 Nehemiah and Nancy (Rockwell) Moody, of Eldred township, and they have 
 four children: Lewis E., Drew, Amulette and Phebe. In 1858 Mr. Windsor 
 settled on the farm he now occupies in Eldred township, all of which he 
 cleared and improved. He was in the war of the Rebellion, enlisting March 
 27, 1864, in Company D, Fourth United States Ai-tillery, participated in sev- 
 eral engagements, and was honorably discharged in 1867, after three years' 
 service. He is a representative citizen; politically he is an advocate of pro- 
 hibition. 
 
 EDGAR 0. WOLCOTT (deceased) was born in Eldred, Penn. , March 6, 
 1843, a son of John and Rhoda (Brainard) Wolcott. John Wolcott was a 
 native of Massachusetts, of Puritan stock, and was among the first pioneer 
 lumbermen to locate in Eldred township, where he cleared and improved a 
 farm. He reared a family of seven children: Lydia (Mrs. Ashley Calhoun), 
 Charles, Aaron, Betsey (Mrs. Myron Barton), Ruth (Mrs. Horace Merriman), 
 Edgar C. and Lottie (Mrs. E. Middaugh). John Wolcott died in 1851. Edgar 
 0. was reared and educated in Eldred, where he has always resided, and for 
 twenty years was engaged extensively in the lumber business; he also con- 
 ducted a large general merchandise business in Eldred for fifteen years, to 
 which A. N. Squires was admitted as a partner in October, 1885, since which 
 time the business has been conducted under the firm name of E. C. Wolcott & 
 Co. September 2, 1888, Mr. Wolcott was taken ill with Bright' s disease, and 
 was a great sufferer for the remaining fourteen months of his life. He died 
 November 2, 1889, 'at the age of forty-six years and eight months, after a life 
 of uprightness and industry. Togethpi- with his large business interests Mr. 
 Wolcott owned at the time of his decease a large farm in Eldred township, of 
 which he was himself overseer. During the war of the Rebellion he enlisted, 
 October 10, 1861, in Company H, Fifty-eighth Pennsylvania Volunteer Infan- 
 try, and was honorably discharged from the service February 12, 1864. Mr. 
 Wolcott was married March 21, 1866, to Celestia, daughter of Alonzo and Jane 
 (Dimmick) Shaw, of Eldred, Penn. , and they became the parents of five chil- 
 dren: Myrtie, Jennie, Nellie, Bertha and Edgar C. Mr. Wolcott was a prom- 
 inent and influential business man, and a leading citizen of Eldred. He was a 
 member of the Grand Army of the Republic, and in politics he was a stanch 
 Republican. 
 
 LEWIS J. WRIGHT, farmer, Eldred, was born in Eldred, McKean Co., 
 Penn., October 25, 1833, a son of Rensselaer and Sally (Moore) Wright. 
 His paternal grandfather, James Wright, who was among the first settlers of 
 Eldred, cleared and improved a farm within the present limits of the borough, 
 and died a few years after his arrival. His children were Rensselaer, William 
 
BIOGBAPHICAL SKETCHES. 503 
 
 and McCague. The father of our subject and his family were the eighth 
 family to settle in McKean county, removing here from Delaware county, N. 
 Y. , and clearing the farm now occupied by John Cotton and Lewis J. Wright. 
 He was the first sheriff of McKean county, served as county commissioner 
 several terms, and for many years was a justice of the peace in Eldred. His 
 children were eleven in number: Phebe (who married Samuel Windsor, and 
 for her second husband John Stull), Patty (Mrs. Edick Wright), John, James, 
 Maria (Mrs. Russell Miller), Phelps, Sally (Mrs. Nathan Palmer), Nelson, 
 Carroll, George and Lewis J. Lewis J. Wright was reared on the old home- 
 stead, where he has always resided. He married Elizabeth, daughter of 
 Nehemiah and Nancy (Eockwell) Moody, of Eldred, and they have two chil- 
 dren living: Genevieve (Mrs. Dr. R. J. Sharp) and F. Milton. Mr. Wright 
 is a leading farmer and citizen of Eldred. In polities he is a Republican. 
 
 EDICK J. WRIGHT, farmer, P. O. Eldred, was born in Eldred town- 
 ship, McKean Co., Penn., April 22, 1844, a son of John M. and Editha H. 
 (Moses) Wright. His paternal grandfather was Rensselaer Wright, a pioneer 
 of Eldred township, and first sheriff of McKean county, a son of James 
 Wright, also a pioneer of Eldred. John M. Wright was a farmer and lum- 
 berman by occupation. He reared a family of four children: William, Edick 
 J., Nelson (deceased) and John M. Edick J. Wright was reared on the old 
 homestead where he was born, and which he now owns and occupies. He 
 received a common-school education, and after attaining manhood engaged in 
 farming and lumbering, which he has since successfully followed. In Febru- 
 ary, 1865, he married Lucinda Willard, a daughter of Dr. Willard, of Friend- 
 ship, N. T. , and they have three children: Nelson B., John E. and Nellie L. 
 Mr. Wright is a representative farmer and citizen of Eldred. He is a member 
 of the Knights of Labor, and politically he is a Republican. 
 
 W. iV YOUNG, of the firm of Young & Grove, dealers in hardware and 
 house furnishing goods, Eldred, is a native of Genesee, Allegany Co, N. Y., 
 where he was reared and educated. Mr. Young came to McKean county, Penn. , 
 in 1868, locating in Smethport. In 1870 he removed to Eldred, where he was 
 engaged for one year as a clerk in the btore of the Hon. A. T. Barden, with 
 whom he formed a partnership which lasted five years. In 1876 Mr. Young 
 embarked in his present business, which he successfully conducted alone until 
 March, 1888, when W. W. Grove became associated with him as a partner, 
 the firm name being Young & Grove. Mr. Young is a wide-awake, enterpris- 
 ing business man and influential citizen,, and has served one term as commis- 
 sioner of McKean county, taking an aetive interest in all local affairs. In 
 politics he is a Democrat. 
 
 G. B. YOUNCI, physician, Eldred, was born in Farmers Valley, McKean 
 Co., Penn., December 21, 1859, a son of Arthur and Lorinda (Stull) Young. 
 Mr. Young was reared and educated in the common schools of his native 
 county and at Alfred University, Alfred Centre, Allegany Co., N. Y. In 
 1882 he began the study of medicine, and in the fall of 1883 entered Bellevue 
 Medical College, New York City, where he was graduated in the spring of 
 1886. In May, 1886, he located in Eldred, where he has built up a large and 
 successful practice. The Doctor is a member of the McKean County Medical 
 Society, and of the Masonic fraternity. In politics he is a Republican. 
 
 OTTO TOWNSHIP. 
 
 C. C. AMALONG, oil producer, Duke Centre, was born in Fayette county^ 
 Penn., February 15, 1847, son of Christopher and Mary Amalong, Pennsyl- 
 vania Germans. He was reared and educated in his native county, and at the 
 
504 HISTORY OF MCKEAN COUNTY. 
 
 age of sixteen started out in life as a farm laborer. In October, 1863, he 
 enlisted in Company M, Eighteenth Pennsylvania Cavalry, and participated 
 in the battles of Winchester, Sailor Creel^ and in other engagements, and was 
 honorably discharged from the service in June, 1865. He then located at 
 Petroleum Centre, Penn. , and worked as a driller for the Columbia Oil Com- 
 pany. He soon after went to Chambersburg, and later to Butler county. In 
 1878 he located in Duke Centre, where he was in the employ of the Columbia 
 Oil Company eight jeaxs. He has been a producer on his own account, and is 
 now yie owner of three producing wells. He is a representative citizen of 
 Duke Centre, and is a collector of taxes for Otto township. He is a member 
 of the Odd Fellows order, and of the Select Knights, A. 0. U. W. Politically 
 he is a Republican. Mr. Amalong was married, December 24, 1868, to Miss 
 Kate Henry, and they have two children: Jennie and Anna. 
 
 JOHN E. BALDWIN, oil producer, Duke Centre, was born in Augusta, 
 Me., May 5, 1837, a son of Cyrus and Sylvia (Philbrick) Baldwin. His 
 father settled in Otto township, May 5', 1855, locating on the farm now occu- 
 pied by the subject of this sketch, which, with the assistance of his sons, he 
 cleared and improved. He also engaged in lumbering, to some extent, until 
 his death. His family consisted of ten children: Dorothea M. , David K. , Car- 
 oline M., Samuel, James, Mary (Mrs. P. W. Sprague), all deceased, and Cyrus 
 Jr., JohnE. , William P. and Amanda (Mrs. Benjamin Prescott), living. Of 
 these, four sons were in the Civil war: James, Cyrus, John E. and William P. 
 All but John E. served in the Fifty-eighth Pennsylvania Volunteers. James 
 was wounded at Fort Harrison and died at Fortress Monroe in 1864; Cyrus lost 
 a leg at Cold Harbor, June 3, 1868; William P. served three years. John E. 
 enlisted in the fall of 1864 in Company H, One Hundred and Ninety ninth 
 Pennsylvania Volunteers, and served ten months. He came to Otto township 
 in 1855, and after attaining his majority embarked in the lumber Jpusiness, 
 which he followed until 1878. He then engaged in the oil business as an op- 
 erator and producer; he has nineteen producing wells on his own farm, and 
 is proprietor of several leases in the township. December 31, 1868, he married 
 Josephine A., daughter of Charles H. and Mary White, of Taunton, Mass., 
 and they have six children living: Minnie E. (Mrs. J. C. Gault), Prank E., 
 Arthur E., Eva, Mary and Lillian J. A. Mr. Baldwin has held most of the 
 civil offices of Otto township. He is a member of the Masonic fraternity. 
 Equitable Aid Union and Grand Army of the Kepublic; in politics he is a 
 Eepublican. 
 
 JAMES M. BALDWIN, lumberman, Seattle, Wash., was born in Spring- 
 field, Penobscot Co., Me., January 9, 1844, a son of James M. and Ellen 
 (Small) Baldwin, of Puritan stock, who settled in Otto township in November, 
 1849, being the fourth family to settle there. His father, who was a farmer, 
 cleared and improved what is now known as the Gridley farm, on which he re- 
 sided until 1869, when he returned to Maine, where he died. He had six chil- 
 dren: Melville, Arvilla (Mrs. Charles Baldwin), Greeley, James M., Edwin and 
 Ellen, James M. and Edwin being the only ones living. All of the boys served 
 the Union during the war of the Eebellion. Melville was taken prisoner at 
 Gettysburg, and died in Belle Isle prison. Greeley died of disease contracted in 
 the army, twelve days after reaching home. Edwin served four years and four 
 months in the Fifty-eighth Pennsylvania Volunteers ; was honorably discharged 
 and now resides in Oceana county, Mich. James M. enlisted" August 18, 1862, 
 in Company G, One Hundred and Fiftieth Pennsylvania Bucktails; was wounded 
 in the right wrist at Gettysburg and taken prisoner; was paroled on the battle- 
 field, exchanged, and was honorably discharged September 28, 1868. He then 
 
BIOGKAPHICAL SKETCHES. 505 
 
 returned to Otto township where he owned the land on which Duke Centre 
 now stands, and engaged in the lumber business and farming to some extent, 
 which he continued until 1874, when he sold out and moved to Oceana county, 
 Mich., where he was engaged in the lumber business until the spring of 1889, 
 at which time he removed to Seattle, Wash., where he now resides, engaged 
 in the lumber business. He has been twice married, his first wife being Mel- 
 vina, daughter of Hubbard Champney, of Cooksville, Rock Co. , Wis. , and by 
 her he had two children: Ellen (Mrs. John Joyce) and Arthur L. His second 
 wife is Margaret, daughter of H. K. Barton, of Otto township, this county, and 
 they have seven children : Gertrude, Greeley, Naomi, Roy, Ray, Evangeline and 
 Merritt. Mr. Baldwin is a member of the G. k. R., and is a Republican. 
 
 H. T. BREESE, oil producer, Rixford, is a native of Chemung county, 
 jST. Y. , where he was reared until twelve years of age. He then went to Hlinois 
 and Michigan, and in September, 1861, enlisted in the Fourteenth Missouri 
 Western Sharpshooters (afterward changed to the Sixty-sixth Illinois Volun- 
 teers), served three years, and was honorably discharged at East Point, Ga. , 
 September 17, 1864. In 1865 he located in the Venango oil region, became 
 interested in the oil business and operated in that vicinity until 1876, when he 
 began operations in the Bradford field, being interested with different com- 
 panies. He is now connected with the firm of Emery, Bryer & Co., who are 
 operating fifty-three producing wells in this field. Mr. Breese is a worthy 
 citizen of Rixford. He is a member of the Oil Producers' Association, the 
 Grand Army of the Republic, and of the Union Veteran Legion. Politically, 
 he is a stanch advocate of Prohibition. 
 
 JOHN V. BROWN, proprietor of the Duke House, Duke Centre, was born 
 in Penn Yan, N. Y. , February 15, 1835, a son of Ezra and Maretta (Downing) 
 Brown. His father was a canal contractor, and built the Genesee canal from 
 Scottsville to Rochester, N. Y. He died in Potter county, Penn., in 1867. 
 John V. Brown was reared in Penn Y'an and Tiffin, Ohio, and at the age of 
 nineteen located in Bingham township, Potter Co., Penn., where he was 
 ■engaged in a lumber-mill as fireman and engineer, four years. He then 
 removed to Oconto, Wis., and worked in the pineries one year. In 1857 he 
 returned to Penn Yan, N. Y. , and ran a canal boat one season as captain, and 
 for nearly two years thereafter worked in a distillery. In 1859 he again 
 removed to Bingham township, Potter Co. , Penn. , where he engaged in farm- 
 ing until August 16, 1862, when he enlisted in Company K, One Hundred and 
 Forty-ninth Regiment Pennsylvania Volunteers, and was promoted to corporal 
 February 21, 1863, and to sergeant April 1, 1863; was wounded at Petersburg, 
 Va., June 19, 1864; promoted to first sergeant July 1, 1864; was commis- 
 sioned second lieutenant May 16, 1865 (not mustered); had command of a 
 company twenty months prior to commission, and was mustered out of the 
 service June 24, 1865. He then located in Sweden township. Potter Co., 
 Penn., where he engaged in farming four years, after which he bought and 
 ran the Oswayo House, at Oswayo, as a tavern for four years, and then farmed 
 in Sharon township, four years. In March, 1878, he purchased the Empire 
 House at Duke Centre, which he successfully conducted eight years, and in 
 1886 rented the Duke House, of which he has since been the popular landlord. 
 He has also been an oil producer for eight years. In 1855 he married 
 Rebecca, daughter of John B. and Abigail (Brown) Harris, of Jerusalem, 
 Yates Co., N. Y., and they have two children: Minnie A. and Charles H. 
 Mr. Brown is a prominent member of the Masonic fraternity, has passed 
 through all chairs of First Lodge of Masonry, and belongs to Council Chapter, 
 Commandery and Mystic Shrine; also of the Odd Fellows order. Grand Army 
 of the Republic and Knights of Pythias. Politically he is a Republican. 
 
506 HISTOEY OF MCKEAN COUNTY. 
 
 R. M. BROWN, oil producer, Duke Centre, is a native of Morgan county, 
 Ohio, and was reared in Ohio and Pennsylvania, where he received a common- 
 school education. He first engaged in the oil business as a producer in 1874, 
 at Millerstown, Butler Co., Penn., where he remained until 1878; then located 
 at Duke Centre, where he has since resided and been actively engaged as an 
 operator. He is a representative citizen of Duke Centre, a member of the 
 Masonic fraternity, and in politics is a Republican. 
 
 V. PERRY CARTER, Duke Centre, was born in Victor, Ontario Co. , N. 
 Y. , May 16, 1822, a son of Samuel S. and Lydia (Perry) Carter, both natives 
 of Stockbridge, Berkshire Co., Mass., pioneers of Ontario county, N. Y., and 
 in 1824 they removed to Friendship, Allegany Co., N. Y., where the father, 
 who was a clothier by trade, established himself in business, and resided 
 until his death. He was a soldier in the war of 1812. V. Perry Carter was 
 reared and educated in Friendship, N. Y. , and in February, 1840, settled in 
 Ceres township, McKean county, where he was in the mercantile business three 
 years. He then removed to Richburg, N. Y. , where he was in business seven 
 years, and three years thereafter was connected with a wholesale house in New 
 York City. In 1852 he returned to Ceres, and embarked in mercantile trade, 
 and the lumber business, which he continued until 1879, when he moved to 
 Duke Centre and engaged in the gas business, and here he has since remained. 
 He piped Duke Centre for the supply of fuel and light from natural gas, the 
 second town piped in the State, and has also piped several other towns in the 
 vicinity for that purpose. Mr. Carter was twice married. His first wife was 
 Almina, daughter of John and Lucy (Mott) Smith, early settlers of Ceres 
 township, and to them were born three children: Frances E. (Mrs. Frank 
 Commerford) Henry W. and Ella (Mi;p. John J. Robarts). His present wife is 
 Lottie K. , daughter of Cyrus and Charlotte G. Kimball, of Cincinnati, Ohio, 
 formerly of Concord, N. H. To them has been born one son, Roy M. Mr. 
 Carter is a prominent and representative citizen of McKean county, and has 
 always taken an active part in public affairs. He was postmaster at Ceres 
 and Richburg, N. Y., over thirty years; has served McKean county two terms 
 as county auditor, and one term as county treasurer. He is a Republican. 
 
 GEORGrE H. DANA, manufacturer of torpedoes and nitro-glycerine, 
 Duke Centre, Penn., is a native of BuiJalo, N. Y. , born December 31, 1845, 
 a son of George and Mary E. Dana, natives of Baden, Germany, who came 
 to this couQtry about 1830, and were reared and educated in Buffalo. He was 
 reared and educated in Hamburg, Erie Co. , N. Y. , where he learned the tin- 
 smith's trade, which he followed sixteen years in Hamburg and Collins, N. Y., 
 and in Titusville, Penn. In 1877 he located at St. Petersburg, Penn., where he 
 was superintendent and foreman of the torpedo works of Almar & Co., two 
 years. In 1879 he came to Duke Centre, where he acted in the same capacity 
 for the Producers' Torpedo Company, one year. He then, with his brother- 
 in-law, George A. Piatt, erected torpedo works, which they conducted under 
 the firm name of Dana & Co., three years, when George H. Dana purchased 
 his partner's interest, and has since conducted the business .successfully alone. 
 February 3, 1885, the factory blew up, killing two men, F. Sining and C. 
 Thomson. Mr. Dana immediately rebuilt, and had the works again in opera- 
 tion within two months. Mr. Dana has been in the oil business as a producer 
 since 1885, is the owner of five wells, and is interested in eighteen others. He 
 is a popular and leading citizen of Duke Centre, and served three years as 
 school director of the borough, and was elected to serve Otto township in the 
 same capacity in the spring of 1889. He has been chief of the fire depart- 
 ment of Duke Centre' since 1886; is a member of the A. O. U. W., Select 
 
BIOGEAPHICAL SKETCHES. 507 
 
 Knights, and of the Masonic fraternity. In politics he is a Democrat. Mr. 
 Dana was married June 3, 1868. His wife, Louise Dana, was born in Ham- 
 burg, N. Y., July 30, 1848; she has borne her husband four chil4ren — one 
 daughter, Louise H. , and three sons, A. Q. , F. W. and E. N. 
 
 MASON G. DENNIS, farmer, P. O. Rixford, was born in Eldred town- 
 ship, McKean Co., Penn., August 28, 1845, a son of George T. and Mary 
 A. (Crandall) Dennis. His paternal grandfather was Nathan Dennis, who set- 
 tled in Eldred in 1822. Mason G. Dennis was reared in Eldred, and was in 
 the Civil war, enlisting September 5, 1864, in Company C, Two Hundred and 
 Eleventh Pennsylvania Eegiment, and was in the battle of Port Stedman, 
 also in front of Petersburg, and was honorably discharged June 8, 1865. 
 After the war Mr. Dennis resided in Burt county, Neb. , four years, going first 
 in October, 1867, returning in December, 1868, to wed January 1, 1869, Jen- 
 nie H., youngest daughter of William and Ann Janett Rixford, returning to 
 Nebraska, and residing there until December, 1871, when they came back to 
 Otto township, and settled down on the farm where they now reside. Mr. 
 Dennis paid for his farm (ninety-three acres), in 1872, $800, and in 1878, the 
 time of the oil excitement, he sold his oil and mineral right in said farm for 
 $7,000. He has been in the oil business since 1879, and is still a producer. 
 Mr. and Mrs. Dennis have three living children: Burdette (aged sixteen), Ann 
 J. (aged eight) and Ered (aged four years). Their oldest boy, Willie, died 
 October 11, 1881, aged eleven years. Mr. Dennis is a member of the Grand 
 Army of the Republic and Equitable Aid Union; has been school director for 
 hve years, and secretary of the school • board, two years. Politically he is a 
 Republican. 
 
 JOHN DUKE, the subject of this sketch, was the second of ten children 
 of William and Elizabeth (Cokayne) Duke, true English people, of Derbyshire, 
 England, but who, after marriage, and about the year 1829, removed to Amer- 
 ica, settling in Broome county, N. Y. , where they lived until 1841, when they 
 removed to Scio, Allegany Co. , N. Y. , on what is known as Knight' s creek, 
 where the father died in 1848. After the father's death Mr. Duke remained 
 at home with his mother until his majority, when he entered the world as a 
 millwright, which occupation, interspersed with a little farming and lumbering, 
 he followed for twenty years. He lived at Scio until about 1868, when, with 
 his two brothers, Thomas and Charles, he removed to McKean county, Penn., 
 and settled on what is now called (and was named in their honor) Duke Centre. 
 He engaged in his old occupation until 1878, when oil was discovered there. 
 Owning some land, he commenced operations by sinking two wells, which are 
 producing at this writing. He still owns these, and the oil right in 104 acres 
 of land at the same place. Mr. Duke's house at Duke Centre was burned, 
 and he lost heavilj? in the noted Tram Hollow fire in 1880, which doubtless 
 influenced his removal in the following year to Olean, N. Y., where he built 
 himself a beautiful home and now resides. Mr. Duke soon became interested 
 in Clean's industries, and built, among others, the beautiful brick structure 
 known as the Duke Block. The Young Men' s Christian Association has a fine 
 suite of rooms in this building, which it has occupied ever since its organization. 
 He has also been interested in real-estate deals. While fortune has smiled on 
 Mr. Duke, and he has had his share of this world's store, yet he has always 
 been mindful of his duty to his God, and, being of a religious turn of mind, 
 early in life identified himself with the Wesleyan Methodist Church at Scio. 
 Later he cast his lot with the people known as the Disciples of Christ, and 
 during his sojourn at Duke Centre, donated the ground and the principal part 
 of the funds for the erecting of the building occupied by what was incorporated 
 
508 HISTORY OF MCKEAN COUNTY. 
 
 as the First Church of Christ, at Duke Centre. He also planned and laid out 
 the Duke Centre Cemetery. Mr. Duke was born at Corbettsville, in the town, 
 of Conkliji, Broome Co., N. Y., on April 14, 1832. He is a man five feet eip^ht 
 inches in height, weighs about 190 pounds, has dark hair and eyes, and strong 
 features; a man of the best of morals, good business tact, and is highly respected 
 by all who know him. He is untiring in his efforts, positive, yet not aggressive- 
 in his manner, honest to the last, and generous to a fault. He is now a promi- 
 nent and enterprising citizen of Clean, where he is a member of the Masonic 
 fraternity, and one of the leading Prohibitionists. Mr. Duke married Nancy 
 J., daughter of Joseph Morgan, of Scio, N. Y. , who during their married life- 
 has fittingly taken her place beside him, and borne her share of life's toil. 
 They had no children, but adopted William Carr, who took their name — Will- 
 iam C. Duke, now a farmer of Duke Centre. 
 
 CHAELES DUKE, banker, Duke Centre, is a native of Broome county, 
 N. Y., a son of William and Elizabeth (Cokayne) Duke, natives of England and 
 pioneers of Allegany county, N. Y"". Charles was reared in Scio, N. Y., where- 
 he received a common-school education. He began life as a lumberman, and 
 has always been interested in that business in Allegany county, N. Y. , and Mc- 
 Kean county, Penn. He located in Otto township in 1868, in what is now Duke 
 Centre (named in his honor), where he was engaged in lumbering four years. 
 He then went to WelJsville, N. Y. , and engaged in the same business, in which 
 he is still interested. In 1876 he returned to Duke Centre and re-embarked in 
 the lumber business, purchasing his former mill, which he is still conducting. 
 The oil excitement started in Duke Centre in 1877—78, and the present town 
 was laid out in lots by Mr. Duke. He took an active part in developing this 
 territory, opened a general store, and was twice burned out. In 1878 he 
 built the Duke House, the principal hostelry of the place. In March, 1883, he 
 succeeded to the banker's business established by a Mr. Bobbins. He is a 
 member of the drug firm of Duke & Mills, and is a representative and prom- 
 inent citizen. Politically he is a Republican. In 1869 he married Lydia E. 
 Taylor, of Friendship, Allegany Co. , N. Y. They have three children, named 
 respectively Charles A., Jr., Darwin T. and Mary Alice Duke. 
 
 GEORGE FISCHER, grocer, Duke Centre, is a native of Wyoming county, 
 N. Y. , and a son of Bernard and Abby (Koscher) Fischer, natives of Alsace,. 
 Germany. They immigrated to America in 1847 and located in Wyoming county, 
 N. Y. ; later removing to Erie county, same State, where George was reared 
 and educated. In 1878 he came to Duke Centre and embarked in the grocery 
 business, which he still successfully conducts. Mr. Fischer has been engaged 
 in the oil business, three years, and is now the owner of nine producing wells 
 in Foster township, this county. Politically he is a Democrat, and served two- 
 terms as member of the council when Duke Centre was a borough. 
 
 F. C. GILFILLAN, oil driller and manufacturer of' the Gas Regulator 
 and Low Water Alarm, Duke Centre, was born in Troy, N. Y., where he- 
 was reared until fifteen years of age. In 1865 he removed with his par- 
 §nts to Venango county, Penn., where he engaged in the drilling of oil wells, 
 and learned all the rudiments of the business. He afterward worked in 
 . the Clarion district, and in 1879 came to Duke Centre, where he followed th& 
 occupation of a driller until June, 1887. In 1879 he invented and patented 
 the Gas Regulator and Low Water Alarm (patented again in 1886), which, dur- 
 ing his residence in Duke Centre, he has manufactured and sold. In 1887 
 he opened a shop of his own, and has already built up a lucrative business. 
 Mr. Gilfillan is a pushing and energetic business man, and one of Duke Cen- 
 tre's most worthy, representative citizens. 
 
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 509 
 
 PHINEAS L. GOLDEN, Duke Centre, of the firms of Carlin Bros. & 
 Golden, and Carlin & Golden, oil producers, was born in Sardinia, Erie Co. , 
 N. Y., October 18, 1845, a son of Phineas L. and Mary (Strong) Golden,' 
 former a native of Dutchess county, N.Y., born in 1804, and the latter of Fort 
 Herkimer, N. Y. The paternal grandparents of our subject were of English and 
 Scotch descent, respectively, while his maternal grandfather was an Englishman, 
 his maternal grandmother being of German descent. The subject of these 
 lines was reared and educated in his native town, and in 1865 he moved to the 
 oil regions, to Tidioute, Penn., where he remained four years, during which 
 time he became thoroughly experienced in all the details of the oil business, 
 and from 1867 to 1869, he was a producer in that territory. In the latter year 
 he went to Shamburg, Venango Co. , Penn. , where he carried on a hotel and 
 livery stable, under the firm name of Carlin & Golden, and where they were 
 also in the oil producing business from 1872 till 1 874, in which latter year he 
 located at Petrolia, Butler Co. , Penn. Here at this time was formed the firm 
 of Carlin Bros. & Golden, who developed several wells, being also engaged in a 
 livery and in a drug business. The firm commenced operations at Duke Centre 
 in 1878, in which field they have drilled twenty-nine wells, all but one of 
 which are producers. The firm of Carlin & Golden are interested as pro- 
 ducers in the Allegany county (N. Y. ) fields, and the Lima and Maxbury dis- 
 tricts of Ohio. Mr. Golden has been a permanent resident of Duke Centre 
 since 1879, and was its efficient postmaster from January 1, 1886, to August 
 13, 1889. Politically he is a Democrat. 
 
 JOHN GEIDLBY, lumberman, Duke Centre, is a native of Schoharie 
 county, N. Y. He settled in Allegany county, N. Y. , in 1849, where he was 
 engaged in teaming until 1874, when he located in Eldred, McKean Co. , Penn. 
 Here he followed farming, one year; then settled in Otto township, and soon 
 after, with his sons, embarked in the lumber business at Gridley Station, where 
 they have since carried on an extensive trade, manufacturing about three mill- 
 ion feet of lumber per annum. Mr. Gridley is one of the most prominent cit 
 izens and lumbermen of Otto township. 
 
 OWEN W. GRIDLEY, of the firm of John Gridley & Son, lumbermen, 
 Duke Centre, was born in Irwin Centre, Steuben Co., N. Y., September 3, 
 1843, a son of John and Susan (Colgrove) Gridley, natives of Steuben county, 
 N. Y. He was reared in Steuben and Allegany counties, educated in the 
 common schools and Union school at Wellsville, same State, and began life as 
 a teamster in the woods. He was also engaged as a mover of buildings in 
 Wellsville, for five years. In 1875 he located on the old Dennis farm in 
 Eldred, where he carried on farming one year; then removed to Otto township, 
 and with his father purchased a farm of 300 acres of A. N. Taylor, which they 
 conducted two years. When the oil excitement struck that locality they sold 
 100 acres for oil purposes, and still own the balance. In 1878 they erected a 
 saw-mill at what is now Gridley Station, and have since done a large and suc- 
 cessful lumber business, manufacturing about three million feet of lumber 
 annually. Mr. Gridley married, in 1861, Sarah, daughter of William Ocker- 
 man, of Steuben county, N. Y., and they have three children living: George 
 W., Susie and Arthur. Mr. Gridley was in the Civil war, enlisting August 
 13, 1863, in the First Brigade Band, Harding's Division, Twenty-second Army 
 Corps, served two years, and was honorably discharged at Washington, D. C. 
 He is a member of the G. A. R. Politically he is a Democrat. In addition 
 to their lumber business Messrs. Gridley & Son have been operating in oil for 
 the past Fix years, and now have three producing wells on the farm, and are 
 continually developing more of their oil property. 
 
510 HISTORY OF MCKEAN COUNTY. 
 
 MARION HENSHAW, oil producer, Duke Centre, is a native of Butler 
 county, Penn., where he was reared and educated. He began life in the oil 
 fields of Venango county, and there learned all the rudiments of the oil busi- 
 ness. In 1871 he located at Petersburg, Clarion county, where his business 
 was principally putting down wells by contract, and where he was also a pro- 
 ducer to some extent. In 1 877 he came to Custer City, McKean Co. , Penn. , 
 where, with Col. Vera, he engaged in the production of oil, and was associ- 
 ated with him for three years. Since 1880 he has been located at Duke Centre, 
 operating on his own account, and now has twenty-eight producing wells in 
 McKean county, besides having been interested in seventy- five wells in the en- 
 tire oil fields. Mr. Henshaw is one of the pioneers in the oil business at Duke 
 Centre, and one of the few who still remain in the field. He is a member of 
 the Masonic fraternity; in politics a Democrat. 
 
 O. P. IRVINE, machinist, Duke Centre, is a native of Montreal, Canada. 
 In 1853 he located at Lawrence, Mass. , where he served an apprenticeship of 
 over three years at the machinist's trade, after which he worked as a journey- 
 man in the cities of Boston, Mass. , Rochester and Dunkirk, N. Y. , Titusville, 
 Penn., and other points. In 1864 he was in the employ of the United States 
 government at Nashville, Tenn. In 1878 he located at Duke Centre, where 
 he opened a blacksmith and machine shop with Sidney Morgan, under the firm 
 name of Irvine & Morgan; they have built up a successful business in the 
 manufacture of oil drilling and fishing tools, and all kinds of machine and re- 
 pair work necessary in the oil district. For five years the firm had a branch 
 shop at Bolivar, N. Y. , and they are also large oil producers in the field of Mc- 
 Kean county, Penn. , and Allegany county, N. Y. Mr. Irvine is one of Duke 
 Centre's prominent and representative citizens. He is a member of the Ma- 
 sonic fraternity. Politically, he is independent. William Irvine, grandfather 
 of the subject of these lines, came from Glasgow, Scotland, and landed in 
 Quebec in 1802. His son, William, father of O. P. Irvine, was born in the 
 same year in Quebec, and married Miss Matilda Lebare, of Montreal, about the 
 year 1824. O. P. Irvine was married in Dunkirk, N. Y., to Miss Mary Young, 
 a resident of that place, but a native of Schenectady, N. Y. , and of Scotch 
 parentage. To this latter union have been born children as follows: William 
 Andrew (born April 14, 1860, in Dunkirk, died March 13, 1881), Addie E. 
 (born September 16, 1861, at Dunkirk), Fred G. (born at the same place Feb- 
 ruary 28, 1864), Mary Ellen (born also at the same place in 1866, died De- 
 cember 25, 1870), Albert (born February 1, 1871, also at Dunkirk), Mary (born 
 at Dunkirk February 5, 1875, died at Duke Centre, Penn., March 21, 1881), 
 and Isabella (born in Duke Centre, August 7, 1879). 
 
 C. F. KEIM, is a native of Cattaraugus county, N. Y., where he was 
 reared and educated. He was brought up on a farm, and at the age of six- 
 teen rented a farm, which he successfully conducted six years, after which he 
 operated a cheese factory in Erie county, N. Y., one year; was then engaged in 
 the sale of agricultural implements in Cattaraugus county, N. Y., two years. 
 In January, 1885, he located at Duke Centre, and embarked in the grocery 
 business. Mr. Keim has an interest in fourteen producing oil wells at Allentown, 
 Allegany Co. , N. Y. He is a member of the K. O. T. M. and K. of L. ; is a 
 Democrat in politics, and served as a member of the council one term while 
 Duke Centre was a borough. 
 
 L. J. LILLY, dealer in boots and shoes, clothing and gents' furnishing 
 goods, Duke Centre, was born in Bloomfield township, Crawford Co., Penn., 
 October 1, 1845, son of Orrin and Olive (Hancock) Lilly, formerly of Massa- 
 chusetts, who settled in Crawford county about 1843. L. J. Lilly was reared 
 
BIOGEAPHICAL SKETCHES. 511 
 
 in his native township until sixteen years of age, when he was apprenticed to 
 the shoemaker's trade in Union City, Penn. , where he worked two years. 
 March 29, 1864, he enlisted in Battery L, Second Pennsylvania Heavy Artil- 
 lery, One Hundred and Twelfth Eegiment. The regiment was immediately 
 divided, and he was assigned to the provisional Second Pennsylvania Artillery. 
 He participated in the battles of the Wilderness, Spottsylvania, Bethesda 
 Church, Petersburg, Cold Harbor, Chapin's Farm, and other engagements, 
 and was honorably discharged February 8, 1866. He then returned to Craw- 
 ford county, and worked at his trade in Riceville until 1872 ; then located at 
 Antwerp, Clarion Co., Penn., where he opened a shoe store, which he conducted 
 one and one-half years; then removed to Turkey City, where he was engaged 
 in business until 1879, when he located at Duke Centre and embarked in his 
 present business, which he has conducted with marked success. Mr. Lilly 
 married, March 24, 1868, Sarah B. , daughter of Capt. Samuel and Nancy 
 (Laughlin) Johnson, of Crawford county, and they have three children: Ellis 
 O., Arthur L. and Lynn M. Mr. Lilly is one of the leading and prominent 
 merchants of Duke Centre, and while it was a boroiigh served as member of 
 council and school director. He is a member of the Masonic fraternity, and 
 of the Grand Army of the Republic. Politically he is a Republican. 
 
 WILLIAM F. LOVEJOY, farmer, P. O, Prentiss Vale, was born in 
 Washington county. Me., August 21, 1837, a son of William and Ruth T. 
 (Treworgy) Lovejoy, who settled in Farmers Valley, McKean Co., Penn., in 
 1847, and in 1848 in Otto township, on the farm now occupied by William F. , 
 a part of which they cleared, and where they resided until their death. They 
 had four children: William F., Willard T., Susan M. (Mrs. Charles C. Bel- 
 knap) and Arthur P. William F. Lovejoy was reared in Otto township from 
 eleven years of age. In August, 1862, he enlisted in Company G, One Hun- 
 dred and Fiftieth Pennsylvania Volunteers, served three years, and was 
 honorably discharged in July, 1865. After the war he carried on lumbering 
 in Otto township for one year. He then removed to Minnesota and engaged in 
 farming and lumbering there, with the exception of one year, until 1877, when 
 he returned to Otto and has since resided on the old homestead, a part of 
 which he cleared and improved. He is a representative citizen of Otto town- 
 ship, and has held various local offices. In politics he is a Republican. 
 
 J. C. LOOKER, oil producer, P. O. Summit City, was born in Crawford 
 county, Penn., in 1855, a son of Henry and Louisa (Hatch) Looker, who now 
 reside with him. Mr. Looker is a carpenter by trade, and worked in Warren 
 county, Penn., previous to coming to McKean county, in, 1878. He has been 
 engaged in producing oil since 1880, and now owns and operates eighty-six 
 wells. In 1876 he married Miss Sarah E. Putnam, of Crawford county, Penn. , 
 and they have five children: Ralph, Louise, Myrtle, James and Ida. Mr. 
 Looker is identified with the Republican party, and is a member of the Knights 
 of the Maccabees. 
 
 JOHN C. MILLS, of the firm of Duke & Mills, druggists, Duke Centre, 
 was born in Sharon, Mercer Co., Penn., December 22, 1857. He was reared 
 in Venango county, Penn. , and educated in the Venango Normal school. In 
 1870, when thirteen» years of age, he engaged as a clerk with the drug firm of 
 Chamberlin & Tyler, of Rouseville, Penn., with whom he remained for seven 
 years. From Rouseville he went to Colorado, where he was employed as a sur- 
 veyor for the Atchison, Topeka & Santa F6 Railroad Company for one year. 
 In November, 1879, he located in Duke Centre, where he was engaged in the 
 tank business six months, after which he was clerk in a drug store until 1882. 
 He then, with Charles Duke, purchased the drug business of C. H. Collins, 
 
 28 
 
512 HISTOBY OF MCKEAN COUNTY. 
 
 and they have since conducted a successful business under the firm name of 
 Duke & Mills. In 1886 they purchased the copyright, trade-mark, and sole 
 proprietorship of galvanic oil, which they have since manufactured, a remedy 
 that has been before the public for fifteen years, and has a vrorld-wide repu- 
 tation as a liniment and counter irritant, used internally or externally, for man 
 or beast, having an extensive sale in the United States, Canada and Great 
 Britain. Mr. Mills is a wide-awake and enterprising business man. He is a 
 member of the Knights of Pythias, Equitable Aid Union, and of the Pennsyl- 
 vania Pharmaceutical Association. 
 
 SIDNEY MORGAN, blacksmith, Duke Centre, was born in Newport, 
 England, in 1849. At the age of twelve years he was sent to London and 
 apprenticed to the blacksmith's trade, serving until 1869, when he came to 
 America and located at Erie, Penn., where he worked as a journeyman six 
 months. From there he went to Dunkirk, N. Y. , where he remained until 
 1876, when he went to Titusville, Penn., and in 1878 located at Duke 
 Centre, where, with O. P. Irvine, he opened a machine shop, which they 
 have since successfully conducted under the firm name of Irvine & Mor- 
 gan. Mr. Morgan is also a producer of oil in the Bradford and Allegany dis- 
 tricts. He is a leading citizen of Duke Centre, is a member of the Masonic 
 fraternity, and in politics is a Republican. 
 
 FRANK J. NEWTON, merchant, Rixford, was born in Sharon township, 
 Potter Co., Penn., August 31, 1859, and is a son of Alonzo and Angeline (War- 
 ner) Newton. His father was a native of Bainbridge, Chenango Co. , N. Y. , 
 and among the pioneer farmers and lumbermen of Sharon township, where 
 he now resides. His maternal grandfather, O. C. Warner, formerly of Ver- 
 mont, was one of the first settlers of Sharon township, and a farmer and lum- 
 berman by occupation. Frank J. Newton was reared and educated in his native 
 township, and located at Rixford, McKean county, in 1879, where he opened 
 a general store in company with George W. Dodge, and they have since con- 
 ducted a successful ^ business under the firm name of Dodge & Newton. Mr. 
 Newton married, February 10, 1881, Ruth Russell, of Buffalo, N. Y., and 
 they have four children: Nellie, George, Esther and Nelson. Mr. Newton is 
 a leading merchant and citizen of Rixford. He is a Royal Arch Mason and a 
 member of Council No. 43, Bradford, Penn. Politically he is a Republican. 
 
 W. G. NOBLE, a prominent merchant of Duke Centre, is a native of Amity, 
 Allegany Co. . N. Y. , was reared on a farm and educated in the common and 
 grade schools. He located at Duke Centre in 1878, and with I. C. Show- 
 erman opened a dry goods, glassware and crockery store, which partnership 
 existed three years under the firm name of Showerman & Noble. Mr. Noble 
 then purchased the business interest of his partner, and conducted the business 
 alone until September, 1887, when C. H. Brown purchased an interest in the 
 hi '^ncss, which has since been conducted under the firm name of C. H. Brown 
 & Co. Mr. Noble has been, since 1886, engaged in business as an oil pro- 
 ducer, and owns a controlling interest in twenty producing wells. He is 
 also a lover of horse flesh, and is a breeder of blooded stock, which are regis- 
 tered in Wallace's American Stud Book. When Duke Centre was a borough 
 Mr. Noble served as a member of the council. Though a young man, he is 
 one of the pioneer merchants of Duke Centre, and one of its leading citi- 
 zens and business men. Politically he is a Republican. The father of our 
 subject was a pioneer to Allegany county, N. Y., from Whitehall, N. Y., hav- 
 ing moved there when a small boy. At that time it was necessary to go ten 
 miles to mill and carry a sack of corn on their shoulders through the forest 
 path, there being no roads. The elder Noble is now sixty-nine years old, and 
 
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 518 
 
 hardly gray. He reached Allegany county in 1815, being five years old at the 
 time. His wife was born in the same county, and is sixty years old. W. G. 
 Noble is the eldest of their family of six children, and was born in 1854. His 
 father ia a cousin of O. Noble, of Erie, Penn., of the old Noble oil-well fame. 
 
 AETHUR PRENTISS, farmer, Prentiss Vale, was born in Paris, Oxford 
 Co., Me., February 1, 1808, a son of Caleb and Mary (Morgan) Prentiss. He 
 was reared in his native county, and labored on his father's farm until twenty- 
 one years of age, at which time (in 1829) he emigrated to Penobscot county, 
 same State, and on July 4, 1831, he opened a variety store at the town of Lee, 
 twelve miles from any other store, and where he sold no intoxicants. Here he 
 resided until his removal in 1847 to Pennsylvania. While a resident of Lee 
 himself and brother, Addison, now of Worcester, Mass., were mainly instru- 
 mental in the establishment of an academy there, called the Lee Normal School 
 (with a grant of half a township of State timber land), which is still in a 
 prosperous condition. In December, 1845, Mr. Prentiss first came to Penn- 
 sylvania, and was induced by an old Maine acquaintance, Hermon Strong (who 
 came here in 1842), to visit Otto township, with a view to purchasing the pine 
 timber land and the locating of a colony of Eastern farmers and lumbermen, an 
 interesting account of which, and the settlement of the township, from the pen 
 of Mr. Prentiss himself, will be found in the history of Otto township in this 
 book. In the spring of 1846 he a second time visited this region, and again 
 in the fall of the same year, when he succeeded in concluding arrangements 
 for all the land wanted. All the contracts were made to George M. Prentiss, a 
 brother, then of Worcester, Mass. , who furnished all the capital required. In 
 April , 1847, Mr. Arthur Prentiss moved his family to Farmers Valley, and they 
 occupied the old Sartwell (now Goodwin) farm two years, while he was locating 
 land, etc., preparatory to building a mill, etc. In the spring of 1849 he 
 moved into a log house in the valley, and began the erection of a saw-mill, 
 which was put in operation in the fall of the same year. 
 
 Mr. Prentiss married, October 27, 1832, Lucinda, daughter of Stephen and 
 Abigail (Morse) Blaisdell, of Cumberland county, Me., and they have had 
 three children: Horatio K., who died in 1857; Ellen L. (Mrs. Joseph G. 
 Spiller, now at Cheboygan, Mich.) and William A. (now at Prentiss Vale). 
 l^r. Prentiss has been postmaster at Prentiss Vale nearly forty years. Po- 
 litically he is a Republican and an advocate of prohibition, having long 
 been a teetotaler, Maine Law Prohibitionist and anti- slavery man, and, in his 
 own words, he is thankful that he has never made drunkards, but has done 
 some little to benefit humanity. Mr. Prentiss was active in forming a Con- 
 gregational Church at Prentiss Vale, which at one time had more than thirty 
 members, but which is now nearly extinct, owing to deaths, removals and 
 other causes. 
 
 THOMAS D. ROSS, M. D., Duke Centre, is a native of Chautauqua 
 county, N. Y., where he was reared and educated. He began the study of 
 medicine, in 1871, with Dr. Wilson, and later with Dr. A. Ross, of Chautauqua 
 county, N. Y. He entered the medical department of the University of Woos- 
 ter, Cleveland, Ohio, in 1875, and was graduated in 1878. The same year he 
 began the practice of his profession in Duke Centre, where he has since been 
 located, and has built up a large and successful practice. He is a member of 
 the McKean County Medical Society, and of the F. & A. M. Politically he is 
 a Democrat. 
 
 ROBERT SHAFER, hardware merchant, Duke Centre, is a native of 
 Mercer county, Penn. , but was reared and educated in Lawrence county. In 
 August, 1862, he enlisted in Company B, One Hundred and Thirty-first Penn- 
 
514 HISTORY OF MCKEAN COUNTY. 
 
 sylvania Volunteers; participated in the battles of Fredericksburg and Chan- 
 cellorsville, and was honorably discharged from the service in May, 1863. He 
 then located in the oil district, and has been engaged, more or less, as a pro- 
 ducer in the fields of Butler, Venango, Clarion and Bradford. He located at 
 Duke Centre in 1880, and here embarked in the hardware trade in 1887. He 
 is a member of the G. A. R , and of the A. O. U. W. , Select Knights. Mr. 
 Shafer served as burgess of Duke Centre one term, and as councilman one 
 term, during its incorporation. Politically he is a Democrat. 
 
 FRANCIS W. SPRAGUE, oil producer, Duke Centre, was born in Bath, 
 Me., October 16, 1825, a son of Peleg and Charlotte W. (Owen) Sprague, 
 His ancestors came from England to America about 1630. He was reared in 
 his native town, and when eighteen years of age removed to Taunton, Mass., 
 where he learned the machinist's trade, and resided for twelve years. In 
 January, 1856, he settled in Otto township, McKean county, where he has 
 since resided, and cleared and improved the farm he now occupies. He was 
 in the lumber business in Otto township, the first eight years of his residence, 
 and for a number of years worked at his trade in Olean, N. Y. Since 1878 he 
 has been a producer of oil, and has twelve producing wells on his farm, seven 
 of which he opened. Mr. Sprague married, in 1847, Mary, daughter of Cyrus 
 and Sylvia (Philbrick) Baldwin, who settled in Otto township in 1855, and 
 who were formerly of Maine. The issue of this marriage was ten children: 
 William F., Everett B., Mary E. (Mrs. M. Fisher), Emma L. (Mrs. Edward 
 Bryant), Sarah J., MerrittB., Cyrus W., Mertie A. (Mrs. D. E. Jones), Annie 
 L. and Fred W. (deceased). Mrs. Sprague died March 4, 1881. Mr. Sprague 
 has always taken an active part in local politics, and from 1870 to 1874 held 
 the office of county auditor. Politically, he was originally a Whig, and cast 
 his first presidential vote for Zachary Taylor in 1848. He has been a sup- 
 porter of the Republican party since its organization; he is a member of the 
 Masonic fraternity, and of the Congregational Church. 
 
 WILLIAM F. SPRAGUE, farmer, P. O. Duke Centre, was born in Mans- 
 field, Mass. , October 1, 1848, a son of Francis W. and Mary (Baldwin) Sprague. 
 He was reared in Otto township from eight years of age, and was educated 
 in the common schools. He began life as a lumberman, which occupation he 
 followed from sixteen years of age until 1876, when he engaged in farming, 
 which he has since carried on, and since 1885 has to some extent been 
 engaged in the oil business as a producer. January 1, 1874, he man-ied 
 Ellen, daughter of H. B. and Electa (Covert) Baker, of Otto township, and 
 they have three children living: Francis H., Eugene and Walter. Mr. 
 Sprague is a member of the Masonic fraternity, and of the Knights of Pythias. 
 Politically he is a Republican, and has held many of the local ofSces of the 
 township, being at present township assessor. 
 
 EVERETT E. SPRAGUE, oil producer, Duke Centre, was born in Mans- 
 field, Mass., July 31, 1850, a son of Francis W. and Mary (Baldwin) Sprague. 
 He was reared from six years of age in Otto township, where he received a 
 common-school education, and began life working in a saw-mill. Afterward, 
 in 1878, he located on the farm he now occupies, which he cleared and im- 
 proved, and on which he has since resided. He has been interested in pro- 
 ducing oil since the first excitement at Duke Centre in 1878. and is now 
 operating nine producing wells. He married, January 1, 1874, Eva, daughter 
 of Benjamin and Hannah (Judkins) Bunker, of Otto township, and they have 
 three children: Eva, Eugene and Willie. Mr. Sprague has taken thirty-two 
 degrees in Freemasonry, and is a member of lodge, chapter, council, com- 
 mandery and consistory. In politics he is a Republican. 
 
BIOGBAPHICAL SKETCHES. 515 
 
 G. A. WILLIAMS, oil producer and proprietor of a meat market, Duke 
 Centre, is a native of Toronto, Canada, where he was reared and educated. 
 Hfe came to the United States in 1868, and located in Pleasant-ville, Yenango 
 Co , Penn., where he conducted a meat market four years; he afterward 
 had a market in Edenburgh, Clarion Co., Penn. In 1879 Mr. Williams 
 located in Duke Centre, where he has since carried on the leading meat market 
 of the place. He has been identified with the oil industry since October, 
 1887, and is at present the owner of six producing wells in the Allegany 
 county (N. Y.) field. He is a member of the I. O. O. F. and of the A. O. U. 
 W., Select Knights. In politics he is a Eepublican. 
 
 CHAPTER XXVI. 
 
 BIOGBAPHICAL SKETCHES— LIBEBTY TOWNSHIP AND BOROUGH 
 OF PORT ALLEGANY— ANNIN AND CERES TOWNSHIPS. 
 
 LIBEETY TOWNSHIP AND BOROUGH OP POET ALLEGANY. 
 
 E. H. ARNOLD, Port Allegany, son of the Hon. A. S. Arnold, was born 
 at Smethport, McKean Co., Penn., in April, 1834. He attended Smethport 
 and Coudersport academies, and completed his education at Addison, Steuben 
 Co. . N. Y. His father, who was a native of Chenango county, N. Y. , where he 
 married Ellen M. Medbury, came to Smethport, McKean county, about 1832, 
 where he was engaged in business, as a dealer in ge&eral merchandise until 
 his removal to Port Allegany in 1836. He was one of the prominent and able 
 men of McKean county, and his business career was one of uninterrupted 
 success. He was honored by being made a member of the legislature, and 
 was also associate judge of the county, and to him the citizens of Port Allegany 
 are largely indebted for the proud position it occupies among its sister 
 boroughs of the county. His death occurred in April, 1874, and Ellen M. , 
 his widow, still has her residence in Port Allegany. Judge Arnold, at the time 
 of his decease, was the wealthiest man in Port Allegany. He was generous to 
 the poor, charitable to the worthy, his aim being, in helping himself, to be of 
 benefit to others, and his death was regretted by all. He was one of the very 
 small number of men of whom it can be said: "Their works never die." The 
 children of Judge and Mrs. Arnold were F. H. and V. A., the latter of whom 
 died when twelve years of age. 
 
 F. H. Arnold, subject of our sketch, when a young man became associated 
 with his father in his large business interests, the firm name being A. S. 
 Arnold & Co., which continued until the death of the father. By the thorough 
 business training received during the father's lifetime, the son was pre-emi- 
 nently qualified to continue successfully the large enterprises his father had 
 inaugurated. F. H. Arnold and E. B. Dolley, gentlemen now well known to 
 the business men of McKean county, formed a partnership, purchasing the 
 lumber and mercantile interests of A. S. Arnold & Co., and are still extensively 
 engaged in business, affording employment to .many men. 
 
 Mr. Arnold has been prominently identified with all local improvements 
 looking to the permanent prosperity of the borough, and upon the incorpora- 
 tion of the First National Bank, May 2, 1888, he became its first president, 
 
516 HISTORY OF MCKEAN COUNTY. 
 
 a position he still holds. He was largely instrumental in the organization 
 of the Port Allegany water-works, becoming the first -president of that 
 company; is also a stockholder in the Coudersport & Port Allegany Eait- 
 road, an organization free from all indebtedness, and of which no stock is 
 on the market. Mr. Arnold has, with others, three gas wells, and entertains 
 designs to put down in the near future enough to afford a supply for the 
 entire borough. It is almost superfluous to add that his influence and aid 
 are cheerfully extended to any purpose having for its object the welfare and 
 prosperity of Port Allegany. Mr. Arnold is a supporter of the Democratic 
 party ; is a member of Liberty Lodge, No. 505, F. & A. M. , of Arnold 
 Chapter, R. A. M., and of St. John's Commandery, K. T. He married 
 (January 1, 1857) Justina P., daughter of Levi Coates, formerly of McKean 
 county, Penn. , and they have one child, Kate D. , now Mrs. E. P. Dalrymple. 
 
 ASHBEL P. BARD, Port Allegany, son of Robert and Marion (Freeman) 
 Bard, was born at Farmersville, Cattaraugus Co., N. Y. , in 1817. His parents 
 were among the pioneers of that county, and for twenty-five years his father was 
 proprietor of a hotel. His mother died about 1861, and his father about 1865. 
 They had four children: A. P., Abigail (deceased), Margaret and Samuel P. 
 Ashbel F. made his home with his parents until he became a merchant at 
 Franklinville; afterward removed to Wisconsin, where he remained three 
 years. He then returned to New York and engaged in farming, and in Octo- 
 ber, 1870, located at Port Allegany, where he embarked in the hardware trade. 
 He married Julia A., daughter of William Waring, of Franklinville, and they 
 have five children: Robert C, William H., Nathan R., Julia A. (Mrs. M. A. 
 Lillibridge) and Carlton R. Mr. Bard has associated with him two sons, Rob- 
 ert C. and Nathan R. , the firm name being A. F. Bard & Co. Robert C. was 
 a soldier during the war of the Rebellion. A. F. Bard is a Democrat in his 
 political views. 
 
 Nathan R. Bard, Port Allegany, third son of A. F. and Julia A. Bard, 
 was born in Franklinville, Cattaraugus Co., N. Y., in 1848. 'He made his 
 home with his parents until fifteen years of age, when he learned the tinner' s 
 trade, and in 1870, removed to St. Paul, Minn. In 1872 he married Mary F., 
 daughter of Samuel Stevens, of Concord, N. H. , and soon after returned to 
 Port Allegany, where he became associated in the hardware trade with his 
 father. In 1883, with Hon. A. M. Benton, he went into the lumber business 
 at Roulette, the firm name being A. M. Benton & Co., Judge Olmsted, of Cou- 
 dersport, being one of the firm. In 1888 his interest was purchased, and he 
 retired; A. M. Benton's interest has now been bought, and the firm will be- 
 come N. R. Bard & Co. Mr. Bard is a member of Liberty Lodge, No. 505, 
 F. & A. M., and a charter member of Arnold Chapter, R. A. M. He was the 
 second burgess of the borough, and has been one of the leading citizens. In 
 politics he is a Democrat. Mr. Bard is an enterprising, public-spirited man, and 
 is prominently identified with the business interests of Port Alleo'any. 
 
 SOLOMON H. BARRETT, Port Allegany, son of Nathani'^1 and Lydia 
 Barrett, was born in Bethlehem, N. H. (near Mount Washington), in 1809. 
 With his parents he removed to Paris, Oneida Co. , N. Y. , remaining there un- 
 til his removal to Smethport, Penn., in 1831. He was both a miller and mill- 
 wright, and speedily found employment at Smethport, where he remained sev- 
 eral years. In November, 1842, he removed to Port Allegany, where he built 
 a grist-mill for Sartwell & Arnold, and operated it four years; this mill was 
 taken down in 1849, during which year Mr. Barrett erected the grist-mill now 
 owned by Arnold & Dolley, and of which he was for thirty three years the pro- 
 prietor. In 1836 he married Mary A., daughter of Charles Manning, formerly 
 
BIOGEAPHIOAL SKETCHES. 517 
 
 ■of Lisle, Broome Co., N. Y., and to them were born six children: Charles N. , 
 Oeorge C, Clarence G., H. Jay (deceased), Lettie (Mrs. F. L. Ehodes, in Da- 
 kota,) and Nellie A. (Mrs. J. W. Kershner, in Port Allegany). George C. and 
 Clarence G. are also in Dakota, married, and engaged in farming. Mr. Bar- 
 rett is one of McKean county's oldest pioneers. When he first came to Port 
 Allegany there were but three buildings in the place, with no residences be- 
 tween that town and Smethport, and the county was a comparative wilderness. 
 He is a member of the Democratic party, and held the office of postmaster sev- 
 eral years. 
 
 C. N. BAREETT, contractor, Port Allegany, is a son of Solomon H. Bar- 
 rett, and was born in Olean, N. Y. , in 1 838. His parents eventually removed 
 to Port Allegany, with whom he made his home until August, 1861, when 
 he enlisted in Company H, Forty-sixth Eegiment, P. V. I., as private, 
 and was afterward promoted to second lieutenant. He was wounded at 
 the battle of Chancellors ville, and again at Cassville, Ga. , during Sherman's 
 campaign. He served nearly four years, and was mustered out of the service 
 in July, 1865. Eeturning to Port Allegany, he built the planing-mill* property 
 he recently sold to C. E. Grover, and operated it up to that time, and was also 
 engaged as contractor and builder. He has been a leading citizen of Port Al- 
 legany, being prominently identified with its organization as a borough, and is 
 recognized as a stirring and enterprising man who works for the interest of the 
 town. He and C. A. Larrabee were instrumental in the establishment of 
 Henry Metcalf Post, G. A. E., at Port Allegany, in which he is an active 
 worker. Mr. Barrett was married in October, 1862, to Caroline J., daughter 
 of Jacob Wiederich, of Eoulette, Potter Co. , Penn. , and to this union one son, 
 Arthur, was born in 1873. 
 
 A. M. BENTON, Port Allegany, son of Noah S. and Nancy (Lampkin) 
 Benton, was born in Livingston county, N. Y. , in October, 1816, his parents being 
 among the pioneers of that county. They were in Canada at the beginning of 
 the war of 1812, but returned to the States, locating in New York State, where 
 their last two children were born, two having been previously born in Can- 
 ada and six in Vermont, ten in all, of whom but two are living: Tallman, 
 a resident of California, and A. M. Noah S., father of A. M., died in Living- 
 ston county, N. Y. , in 1829, after which his widow made her home with A. M. 
 nntil her decease, which occurred in January, 1874, when she was aged ninety- 
 nine years, nine months and four days. A. M. remained at home until his 
 father' s decease, and, although at that time only thirteen years of age, it became 
 necessary for him to engage in some occupation. From then until 1838, he 
 pui-sued various vocations, and during that year he located at Mill Grove, N. 
 Y., on the Allegheny river; five years later he removed to Potter county, Penn., 
 and in 1845 settled at Port Allegany, McKean Co., Penn., where he engaged 
 in business as a lumberman. Then he purchased a mill, and, being successful, 
 within two years he erected two others, and for a period of twenty-six years 
 was extensively engaged in the pine lumber trade in Liberty township, and 
 in 1870 built in Eldred. In November, 1845, he purchased his first bill of 
 goods for a general store, and became a merchant. Mr. Benton is one of that 
 class of men who are indebted only to themselves for the successes they have 
 achieved. Beginning his career as a poor boy, by his own efforts he secured a 
 handsome competency, and, although deprived of the advantages of a liberal 
 education, was a close observer of men, and found much of value in what many 
 would have passed unheeded; in fact, in many spheres of life his success can 
 be attributed to his habit of close observation, indomitable energy and honesty 
 of purpose, united with abundant natural abilities. Among other things he 
 
518 HISTOKY. OF MCKEAN COUNTY. 
 
 was largely interested in the organization of the Buffalo & \\'ashington Rail- 
 road, now known as the Western New York & Philadelphia, and was a director 
 during the first three years of its existence, obtaining its first charter and per- 
 fecting its organization. Being the only director outside of Buffalo, he re- 
 signed to make room for one from that city, who could devote more time to 
 its interests, and be more acceptable. He was also a director in the Coudersport 
 & Port Allegany Railroad. In 1859 he received the nomination to and was 
 elected a member of the legislature, serving during the winter of 1859-60 ; he 
 again received the nomination in 1860, but was defeated by a small majority, 
 that being the year of Lincoln's election to the presidency. In 1863 he was 
 re-elected by a large majority from the same district, embracing five counties: 
 Clearfield, Elk, McKean, Jefferson and Forest. In 1855 he was elected 
 commissioner of the county, serving four years, and has frequently had the 
 honor of representing his constituency as delegate to State conventions. As an 
 illustration of his intuitive knowledge, a little incident is related in connection 
 with his official life as a member of the legislature. It appears a railroad 
 measure ■^as about to be acted upon, the lobbyists were in force, and Mr. Ben- 
 ton was approached by one of the distinguished members from Philadelphia, 
 who, extending the usual courtesies, asked Mr. Benton how he stood upon the 
 Union Railroad bill. The bluntness of his reply is characteristic of the man: 
 '•I haven't stood upon it, sir," adding an adjective to make his meaning more 
 emphatic, and continuing, said that the " morning papers could contain no article 
 from a reporter stating that the member from the Wildcat district of Pennsylva- 
 nia had been sold out, ' ' adding emphasis with more adjectives. But now, in the 
 evening of his years, possessed of an abundance of this world's goods, on ac- 
 count of disease he is compelled to forsake and abandon the honors most men 
 prize, and to retire from active business life, having made a disposition of his 
 large interests to afford relief from all business cares. In March. 1845, he 
 married Beulah G., daughter of Freeman Hill, of Friendship, Allegany Co., 
 N. Y. To them were born three children: Volney H. , who was a resident of, 
 and engaged in the coal business in, Ohio, but who, while in Michigan on busi- 
 ness in March, 1888, dropped dead; Frances, now Mrs. H. L. Chapman, of Jack- 
 son, Ohio, and Kittie, now Mrs. J. F. House, of Buffalo. Th^ mother died De- 
 cember 6, 1886. Mr. Benton has always been an active supporter of the 
 Democratic party. 
 
 CHARLES W. BURR, farmer and lumberman, P. O. Port Allegany, is 
 a son of Edgar W. and Jane (Hardes) Burr, and was born in the county of 
 Kent, England, in 1840. His parents married there, and came to America in 
 1848, where they located on a farm on Portage creek. Liberty township, Mc- 
 Kean Co. , Penn. , in 1 854, and in 1856 removed to the place Mr. Burr now 
 owns on Lillibridge creek, and which he cleared. To them were born three 
 sons and six daughters: Charles -W., Edgar, Jane, Ellen, Charlotte, Orsavillia, 
 John, Viola and Rose. The mother died in 1 888, and the father now makes 
 his home with his son, Charles W. Charles W. Burr remained at home until 
 1862, when he married Eliza M., daughter of William Grigsby, of Liberty 
 township; then in 1868 located on the farm he now owns in Liberty township, 
 which he cleared and improved, and he is now one of the successful farmers 
 and lumbermen of the township. Mr. and Mrs. Burr have five children: 
 Willie L., Elmon, Mart, Freddie and Grace. Mr. Burr in politics is a Demo- 
 crat; has been supervisor, school director, and has held various other ofificial 
 positions. 
 
 MAHLON JOSEPH COLCORD, attorney at law. Port Allegany, was born 
 in Eulalia township, Potter Co., Penn., July 4, 1853, a son of David D. Col- 
 
BIOGEAPHIGAL SKETCHES. 519 
 
 cord. He attended the district school during the winter season till sixteen 
 years of age, and then moving with his parents to First Pork, Cameron county, 
 same State, he worked at farming and lumbering until twenty-one years of age. 
 Mr. Colcord then attended the academy at Coudersport, a part of two terms, and 
 began teaching, in which work he rose to some prominence in Potter and 
 Cameron counties. In 1879 he attended the Central State Normal School at 
 Lock Haven, Penn. , where he graduated at the head of his class the following 
 year. After teaching two years more, he began the study of law with Snyder 
 & Dornan, at Port Allegany; was admitted to the bar June 1. 1883, and at 
 once became a partner in the office of his preceptors. In 1886 Mr. Colcord 
 married Edith Haskell, of Coudersport, eldest daughter of Edwin Haskell 
 (editor of the Potter County Journal), and a graduate of the Central State 
 Normal School. Starting in life with no other capital than good parentage, 
 wholesome early training, and a good stock of pluck, Mr. Colcord has won his 
 way to success by diligence, integrity, and an ambition to excel in what he 
 undertakes. Unassuming always, but determined, and true to his convictions 
 of the right, he is an excellent example of a self-made man. He has a lucrative 
 and increasing law practice, being always reliable, and faithful to the interests 
 of his clients. Mr. Colcord is a member of Liberty Lodge, F. & A. M. , of 
 Port Allegany, and of Amos D. Colcord Camp, S. of V. , of Coudersport. 
 
 J. B. COLCORD, physician and surgeon, Port Allegany, was born in 
 Thurston, Steuben Co., N. Y., August 12, 1862, a son of Albert and Eliza- 
 beth (Shearer) Colcord, who settled in Eulalia, Potter Co., Penn., in 1868, 
 where the father, a blacksmith by trade, still resides. J. B. Colcord was reared 
 in Potter county from six years of age, and was educated in the graded 
 schools of Coudersport. In 1882 he began the study of medicine with Dr. E. 
 S. Mattison, of Coudersport, entered the College of Physicians, of Baltimore, 
 Md. , in the fall of 1882, and was graduated in the spring of 1885. He be- 
 gan the practice of his profession in Coudersport in the same year, where 
 he remained until August, 1886, when he located at Turtle Point, where he 
 had an active practice, but April 1, 1889, he moved to Port Allegany, where 
 he is now permanently located. He is a member of the Sons of Veterans, and 
 in politics is a Republican. 
 
 HORACE COLEMAN, farmer, P. O. Port Allegany, a son of Dr. Horace 
 and Sally (Cone) Coleman, was born in 1821 on the farm he now owns in Lib- 
 erty township, McKean Co., Penn. His father was of English descent, his 
 mother a native of Connecticut. They were married in Pittsfield, Mass., 
 and located in Otsego county, N. Y. ; then removed to Liberty township, Mc- 
 Kean Co., Penn., January 18, 1817, when this county was a wilderness. Here 
 Dr. Coleman built a log house and engaged in farming, being also associ- 
 ated with Capt. Dwight for a number of years in the lumber business. The 
 Doctor was one of the iirst practitioners in McKean county, and was the first 
 postmaster in Liberty township, having the office at his residence for about 
 twenty years. He and his wife reared a family of ten children: Joseph, 
 Margaret (the late Mrs. Willis Barrett), Sarah (Mrs. David S. Hall, of Kane), 
 Horace, Dwight (deceased), Julia A. (Mrs. John Crozier), William H. , Caro- 
 line (Mrs. John Brewer), Orlando D. and Hannah H. The Doctor died Au- 
 gust 20, 1859, his wife having preceded him January 19, 1857. He had 
 suffered many of the privations incident to pioneer life. He packed and 
 transported provisions on horseback from Jersey Shore, eighty miles distant, 
 to his home in Liberty township. Horace Coleman was reared and educated 
 in Liberty township, and has always lived on the old homestead. He is a 
 member of the Democratic party, and has been road commissioner, supervisor 
 fifteen or twentr years, and has held various other official positions. 
 
520 HISTORY OF MCKEAN COUNTY. 
 
 WM. H COLEMAN, farmer, P. O. Port Allegany, son of Dr. Horace 
 Coleman, was born in Liberty township, McKean Co., Penn., in 1827, and was 
 reared and educated in his native township, which has always been his home. In 
 1852 he married Sarah A., daughter of Andrew Fortner, after which event he 
 located on the farm he now owns, and has since been engaged in farming and 
 in the lumber trade. Mr. and Mrs. Coleman have four children: Thomas G., 
 Andrew H., May A. (Mrs. Elden McDowell) and Willie F. Mr. Coleman is 
 a Republican in politics. He is a prominent and influential citizen, and has 
 occupied several official positions in the township. 
 
 "\V. J. DAVIS, postmaster at Port Allegany, is a son of Urian and Louise 
 Davis, and was born in Otsego county, N. Y., in 1814. He made his home 
 with his parents until 1835 (they having removed to Allegany county, N. Y., 
 in 1833), and began his business life as a clerk, eventually becoming a mer- 
 chant until his removal in 1844 to Farmers Valley, McKean county, where he 
 continued his former business, and also was engaged in the lumber trade. In 
 1847 he removed to Smethport, where he was engaged in the mercantile busi- 
 ness; in 1850 he came to Port Allegany, engaging in mercantile business and 
 dealing extensively in lumber. February 21, 1848, he married Helen M. , 
 daughter of Joel Sartwell, and they have had two children, one of whom is liv- 
 ing, Marion. Mr. Davis was elected a member of the legislature in 1868, serv- 
 ing one term; was also elected county commissioner, and has served as justice 
 of the peace. He received the appointment as postmaster May 26, 1885. and 
 Port Allegany was made a third-class postoffice August 10, 1888. Mr. Davis' 
 father was in the war of 1812. He lived until ninety-three years of age, and 
 died in Allegany county, N. Y. , in 1884. 
 
 E. B. DOLLBY, Port Allegany, son of Daniel Dolley, was born in Oxford 
 county, Me., in 1826, where he was reared and educated, remaining there 
 until 1845, when he took a trip around the world on a whaling vessel. In 1849 
 he located at Port Allegany, where he was engaged in the hotel business, hav- 
 ing also a tannery and general store. In 1868, with F. H. Arnold, he pur- 
 chased the lumber and mercantile interests of A. S. Arnold & Co. , and the 
 two have since been constantly associated in business. He and Mr. Arnold 
 were instrumental in the establishment of the Port Allegany water-works, and 
 they are and have been heavy operators in the oil fields of Pennsylvania, having 
 had twenty wells in the Bixf ord field, a portion of which was destroyed by fire, 
 and a part has been sold. He also, with Mr. Arnold, started the gas-works 
 here, having six wells, and iiltimately design to supply the necessities of the 
 borough in that direction. Mr. Dolley is one of the wealthy and prominent 
 men of McKean county, and was elected treasurer of the county in 1868. Po- 
 litically he is a Democrat. He is a member of Liberty Lodge, No. 505, F. & 
 A. M., Arnold Chapter, R. A. M., and St. John's Commandery, K. T. Mr. 
 Dolley married Louisa M. , daughter of Isaac Vinar, of Massachusetts; and to 
 them were born two children, of whom but one is living: Mina (now Mrs. C. 
 E. Bard, of Port Allegany, to whom one child has been born, P. F. , now a boy 
 of eleven years of age. 
 
 CHARLES A. DOLLBY, Port Allegany, son of Daniel and Sarah (Fos- 
 ter) Dolley, was born in the town of Wells, Me., in 1840, and, with his par- 
 ents, came to McKean county in 1849, locating on Lillibridge creek. Liberty 
 township, where they engaged in clearing land, it being a wilderness at that 
 time, with but few buildings in the township. His father devoted the balance 
 of his life to farming, and was also a lumberman. Their family consisted of 
 thirteen children, ten of whom are living (the youngest being now forty-five years 
 •of age), and for forty- five years remained unbroken. The children are named 
 
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 521 
 
 as follows: Christina (wife of J. C. Goding), Judith (wife of A.loazo Thomson), 
 Fannie (wife of Joel Stinchfield), Enoch B., Leonard H. (deceased), Elijah, 
 Oris, Izates, Charles A., O. P., Liaas, Otis and Edward Payson. Charles A. 
 made his home with his parents until 1859, when he went to Calif <n'nia, where 
 he remained three and one-half years. He then returned to Port Allegany and 
 commenced business as a farmer, merchant and lumberman, in which he is still 
 engaged. He is a Prohibitionist and a member of the Sons of Temperance. 
 He was married, in 1865, to Martha J. Grigsby, and they have four children: 
 Ida, Dora, Chester and Alsa. Mr. Dolley has held various official positions in 
 the borough and township, and is one of the representative citizens. He is 
 well to do and is public-spirited, using his means liberally for the promotion 
 of all worthy enterprises. 
 
 MANLEY 0. FIELD, superintendent, Port Allegany. The extensive tan- 
 ning establishment of Eoot & Keating, located at Port Allegany, has for the 
 past twelve years been under the superintendency of Mr. Manley C. Field. 
 This gentleman was born in Eushford, N. Y., May 16, 1846, attended the 
 common schools of the place, and Olean and Franklinville academies, and after- 
 ward taught school twelve terms, when he entered the service of Jewett & 
 Keating, of Buffalo, in their leather store. He spent several years there, and 
 about a year before the firm became Root & Keating he moved to Port Alle- 
 gany, where he became their superintendent. Mr. Field was married, in 1868, 
 to Miry E. Covell, of Allegany, N. Y. . and they have had five children, four 
 of whom are living: Stewart L., J. M. , Zua C. and Howard. Their eldest 
 child, Bessie, died in infancy. Mr. Field has served the town as school 
 director and auditor, and has been one of the borough council. For about 
 twenty-five years he was a member of the Christian Church, but is now serving 
 as Sunday-school superintendent, trustee and treasurer of the First Methodist 
 Episcopal Church of Port Allegany. He has been prominently identified with 
 temperance work for many years, and is a thorough-going member of the Pro- 
 hibition party. 
 
 EPHRAIM FITCH, farmer and lumberer, P. O. Port Allegany, is a son of 
 Ephraim and Athalia (Smith) Fitch, and was born at Ellicottsville, Cattaraugus 
 Co., N. Y. , in 1817, and was the first white child born in that Cbwn. His 
 father was a native of Oxford, Chenango County, N. Y., and his mother of 
 Butternut, same county. They located in Cattaraugus county in 1816, and 
 reared a family of ten children: Ephraim, Caroline (the late Mrs. Burlingame), 
 James L., Ophelia (the late Mrs. Smith), Hannah (the late Mrs. Chamberlain), 
 John O., O. B. , Mrs. Lydia Diltz, Charles D. (who died in the army) and Mrs. 
 Harriet Laten. Ephraim remained with his parents in Cattaraugus county 
 until 1836, when he removed to Port Allegany, and was employed by Harry 
 Bryan, a lumberman, in the erection of a mill. In 1839 he married Cornelia 
 A., daughter of Daniel Wright, and located in Liberty township, where he 
 purchased a farm, and has since been engaged in business as farmer and lum- 
 berman. For thirty-seven years Mr. Fitch rafted down the Allegheny and Ohio 
 rivers, but, there being no railroads in the earlier days, he was compelled to 
 find his way back from Pittsburgh on foot, the round trip occupying about 
 two weeks. From 1836 to 1845 there was but one road in Liberty township, 
 in which Mr. Fitch now resides, and up to 1840 groceries and provisions 
 were very high, as well as scarce, although wild game was quite plentiful, Mr. 
 Pitch having killed hundreds of deer and bears and any amount of small game. 
 Sartwell & Arnold, the lumbermen of Port Allegany at that day, were in the 
 habit of sending a four-ox team to Jersey Shore every year for a load of corn, 
 which, on reaching the home market, was worth $2 per bushel, the distance 
 
522 histoby of mckean county. 
 
 traveled being over one hundred miles, and the time consumed in making the 
 trip from ten to twelve days. Mr. and Mrs. Fitch, who have now been mar- 
 ried over fifty years, and are still in good health, have had six children: 
 Albert, A. M., Ophelia (Mrs. W. C. Medbury), George B., Ellen A. (Mrs. 
 Nelson Cole), and Prank A. Willie (the last named deceased). Mr. Fitch affil- 
 iates with the Democratic party, and has held all the township offices. He 
 has been for twenty-five years justice of the peace. 
 
 L. J. GALLUP, farmer and lumberer, P. 0. Port Allegany, is a son of 
 Orrin W. and Nancy H. (Corwin) Gallup, and was bom in Norwich township, 
 McKean Co., Penn., in 1836. His paternal grandfather, Nathaniel Gallup, / 
 who was one of the pioneers of the county, located in Norwich township, and 
 reared a family of eleven children: J. F., Andrew, Orrin, Nathaniel; Daniel, 
 Ebben, Orlando, Alfred, Philetus, Arnold and Calphurnia. Of these, J. F. , 
 Daniel, Alfred and Eblaen are still living. Edward Corwin, maternal grand- 
 father of L. J. Gallup, was also one of the early settlers of MoKean county, 
 and a resident of Norwich township. He had a family of eleven children, 
 three of whom are living: John, Esther and Eliza; Benjamin, Bister, Gordis, 
 Philetus, Edward, Nancy, Diana and Olive are deceased. Orrin W. Gallup, 
 father of L. J., was born in Connecticut, and came here with his parents, 
 where he was reared, and was married to Nancy H. , daughter of Edward and 
 Olive Corwin, after which event he located in Norwich township, and engaged 
 in farming. Their children were Clarissa (deceased), L. J., Olive (deceased), 
 Viletta, Dorton, Alba (deceased), Esther, Florence, Charlotte, B. C. , Delos, and 
 Dora (deceased). They eventually removed to Smethport, where they passed the 
 remainder of their lives. L. J. Gallup was reared and educated in Norwich 
 township, and married, in 1861, Polly A., daughter of C. R. Burdick, after 
 which they located on a farm, where he has since been engaged in farming, 
 and is also interested in the lumber business. To Mr. and Mrs. Gallup have 
 been born four children: Purdie A., Clayton E., Glennie, and Ella (who died 
 when five years of age). Mrs. Gallup is a member of the Baptist Church. 
 Mr. Gallup is a Democrat, has held most of the township offices, and has 
 served on the Democratic County Committee. Mrs. Gallup' s father, C. R. Bur- 
 dick, who is still a resident of Norwich township, is a son of Rowland Burdick, 
 also a pioneer of McKean county. Her mother was burned to death by the 
 explosion of a kerosene lamp. They had a family of six children: Charley, 
 Elmer, Alvira, Ellen, Alice and Polly A., Ellen and Alice being now deceased. 
 
 H. H. GARTHWAIT, Port Allegany, son of John S. Garthwait, was born 
 in Borodino, Onondaga Co., N. Y., in 1839. His parents removed to Bolivar, 
 Allegany county, where they still live. Their children were Harriet H. (now 
 Mrs. H. W. Eaton), H. H. and John J. H. H. Garthwait lived with his parents 
 until 1866, when he married Sophia S. Mead, and he and his wife made their 
 home at Bolivar until 1873, when they moved to Olean, and from ' there to 
 Port Allegany. He was engaged in milling and in the lumber trade until 
 1883, when he built the store he now owns in Port Allegany, and commenced 
 in the furniture trade and general undertaking. The main building is 28x60 
 feet, over which is a hall, where nearly all public entertainments in the borough 
 are held, and which has a seating capacity of about 250. Mr. and Mrs. 
 Garthwait have one child, Cora. Mr. Garthwait is a member of the Knights 
 of Labor, In politics he affiliates with the Republican party. 
 
 C. E. GROVER, proprietor of planing-mill, contractor and builder, Port 
 Allegany, is a son of Converse and S. A. (Clark) Grover, and was born in Liberty 
 township, McKean Co., Penn. , in 1847. His father was a native of Great Bend, 
 on the Hudson river, in New York, and his mother of Tioga county, Penn. After 
 
BIOGKAPHICAL SKETCHES. 523 
 
 their marriage they located at Ulysses, Potter Co. , Penn. Converse Grover was 
 one of the pioneers of Potter county, where he was engaged in building, and 
 followed coopering. In 1847 he removed to Liberty township, McKean county, 
 where he purchased and cleared a tract of land: Their children were Mrs.' 
 CaJifierine Acre, C. E. , William I. , Mrs. Dweilly Falk and Oren W. C. E. Grover 
 was reared in Liberty township, where he received his education. While he 
 was yet a boy his father died, and he made a home for the others until they 
 arrived at maturity. Being a millwright by trade, he bought, in 1885, of 
 C. N. Barrett his planiag-mill at Port Allegany, which was destroyed by fire 
 in 1887, and which he at once rebuilt. In addition to superintending his mill, 
 he does a good business at contracting and building. In 1879 Mr. Grover 
 married Alice, daughter of John K. Burt, who was the first male child born in 
 Potter county. Mr. and Mrs. Grover have four children: Orrilla, Letha, and 
 Martin and Mabel (twins). Mr. Grover is a member of Liberty Lodg-e No 
 505, P. & A. M. 
 
 H. P. HAGAR, farmer and lumberer, P. O. Portage Creek, is a son of Richard 
 Hagar, and was born in Vermont. February 10, 1830. His parents removed to 
 Bradford county, Penn., in 1834, engaged in farming, and there lived and died. 
 Their children were H. P. , Sarah (deceased), Jane, Richard (deceased) and 
 Joseph (deceased). H. P. Hagar, at the age of nine years, on account of the death 
 of his mother, found it necessary to find some employment to relieve his father 
 of the burden of his care, and from that time became the arbiter of his own 
 destiny. In 1852 he married Phebe M., daughter of D. S. White, of Norwich, 
 McKean Co., Penn., and located in Liberty township. Afterward he lived 
 for a brief period in Norwich, but returned to Liberty township and purchased 
 the farm he now owns, which he cleared. He has since been engaged in 
 farming, and also quite extensively in the lumber business. Mr. and Mrs. 
 Hagar have had six children, three of whom are yet living: David, Eleanor and 
 Belle; Eosella, George and William are deceased. Mr. Hagar is a supporter of 
 the Democratic party, and has held several official positions in Norwich town- 
 ship. D. S. White, father of Mrs. Hagar, was one of the poineers of Norwich 
 township, and was the father of six children: J. O. , Clark, Phebe M. , Edwin 
 (who was killed while at work in the woods, when thirty years of age), George 
 (deceased) and one that died in infancy. The parents of these children are 
 both deceased. 
 
 CHARLES W. HOOKER, merchant, Port Allegany, son of William M. 
 Hooker, was born in Mill Grove, Cattaraugus Co., N. Y. , March 10, 1838, and 
 soon after his father moved to West Genesee, Allegany county, located on 
 Dodge's creek and engaged in farming, also lumbering; here he died in the 
 fall of 1884. His children were Anna, widow of Henry Wright, of Portville; 
 Fannie, wife of Abner Tubbs, of Farmers Valley; William; Charles W., and 
 Lafayette, who died of typhoid fever at the age of twenty-one years. Amy, 
 in consideration of the care and services given to her parents in their later 
 years, inherited the estate, and is now a resident of the old homestead. 
 Charles W. was educated in Allegany county, N. Y., and married, October 12, 
 1865, Sarah L., daughter of C. G. McKay, of Allegany, Cattaraugus Co., 
 N. Y. He located at Olean, where he was engaged in running a gang mill ; 
 thence removed to Portville, becoming proprietor of the Portville House, and 
 two years later he accepted a position offered him by Miller Bros., at Bay 
 City, Mich. , as foreman, and remained with them eight years. He then came 
 to Port Allegany in 1877, and became associated with his brother, William, in 
 the boot and shoe and grocery trades, the firm name being Hooker Brothers. 
 Mr. Hooker is a member of Liberty Lodge, No. 505, F. & A. M. , of which he 
 
524 HISTORY OF MCKEAN COUNTY. 
 
 has been secretary for the last seven years. Politically he is identified with 
 the Union Labor party. William, his brother, also a native of Mill Grove, 
 born in 1836, made his home with his parents until 1868, when he removed to 
 Forest county, where he remained seven and one-half years. Coming to Port 
 Allegany in 1874, he here embarked in business as dealer in boots and siloes. 
 He married, in 1868, Lucy L., daughter of Henry Champlin, of Genesee, Alle- 
 gany Co., N. Y., and has two children: Nettie A. and Bessie E. 
 
 ARTHUR J. HUGHES, Port Allegany, son of Joab B. and Lucy (King) 
 Hughes, was born in Belfast, Allegany Co., N. Y., August 27, 1845. The 
 father died in 1855, leaving two children: A. J. and Florence, the latter of 
 whom died October 7, 1889. A. J. Hughes was educated at Friendship 
 Academy and Genesee Valley Seminary at Belfast, and being obliged to rely 
 largely on his. own resources he taught school, clerked in a store, and was 
 otherwise employed to obtain the money to defray his expenses. He began 
 newspaper work with George W. Dickinson, on the Allegany County Reporter, 
 then published at Belmont, N. Y. , as collector and traveling correspondent, 
 continuing with him live years, first working on the Reporter and later on the 
 Olean Times. May 27, 1874, he established the Port Allegany Reporter, and 
 has been its editor and proprietor ever since. In 1887 Mr. Hughes also estab- 
 lished the Autograph at Austin, Potter Co. , Penn. , but after publishing the 
 paper a year he sold it. In 1878 Mr. Hughes represented McKean, Tioga and 
 Potter counties on the Democratic State Committee. In 1879 he was the 
 choice of Potter county for the same position, and in 1880 was selected by 
 Tioga county to represent the district. For the past five years he has repre- 
 sented McKean county on the same committee. During the presidential cam- 
 paign in 1880 he was one of the secretaries of the Democratic State committee. 
 He received the nomination of his party for State senator in 1880, and, al- 
 though defeated, ran ahead of his ticket, the vote in his district for Hancock 
 being 7,118, his being 7,840. He has been a delegate to State, congi'essional, 
 senatorial and county conventions many times, but has only once, in 1880, 
 been a candidate for a salaried office. In 1884, in company with E. P. Dal- 
 rymple and C. R. Bard, he built the largest opera house in the county, which 
 was burned in December, 1887. He was one of the organizers of the First 
 National Bank in 1888, and is one of its directors. Mr. Hughes was married 
 in August, 1875, to Alice, daughter of Johnson Higgins, of Friendship, N. Y., 
 and they have two children: Mary, wife of Frank R. Utter, of Friendship, 
 N. Y., and Julia, wife of William C. Carter, of Renovo, Penn. Mr. Hughes 
 is a member of Liberty Lodge, No. 505, F. & A. M. 
 
 B. KBRSHNER, foreman. Port Allegany, son of Conrad Kershner, was 
 born in Hersfeld, Hessen-Cassel, Germany, in 1822, where he was reared and 
 educated, and where his parents died. Their family consisted of six children: 
 George, Mrs. Lenora Mains, John, Mrs. Doretha Hetler, Justina (deceased), 
 and the subject of our sketch, who came to America in 1852, locating in Wayne 
 county, Penn. , where he was employed in a tannery. He removed to Newaik 
 Valley, Tioga Co., N. Y. , where he was foreman in a tannery for a period of 
 twenty-two years, and in 1877 accepted a position as foreman of Root & Keat- 
 ing' s tannery, at Port Allegany, where he is still engaged. In 1854 he married 
 Caroline Henderson, and they have four children: George H., J. W., Tilda and 
 G. K. Mr. Kershner is a member of Liberty Lodge, No. 505, F. & A. M. 
 Both he and his .wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and he 
 is serving as steward and trustee of the same. He is a Democrat in politics. 
 
 C. A. LARRABEE, jeweler, Port Allegany, son of Willett and Eosanna 
 (Smith) Larrabee, was born in Almond, Allegany Co., N. Y., in 1844. His 
 
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 52& 
 
 parents removed to Whitesville, N. Y., and he made that his home until the 
 commencement of the Civil war, vphen he enlisted in Company H, Eighty-fifth 
 N. Y. V. I. He was captured April 19, 1864, at Plymouth, N. C, and was 
 held prisoner for a period of eight months, being confined at Andersonville, 
 Charleston and Florence, where he incurred disabilities from which he never 
 can recover. He was exchanged December 13, 1864, and mustered out of the 
 service July 6, 1865. Returning to Whitesville, he here married, July 15, 
 1866, Eugenia E., daughter of Eev. Joseph W. Selden. They made Whites- 
 ville their residence until March, 1870, when they removed to Port Allegany, 
 where he engaged in the jewelry trade, and has a very pleasant and remunera- 
 tive business. In 1871 he was appointed postmaster, a position he held until 
 July, 1885. Mr. and Mrs. Larrabee have five children: Pauline, Ef(ie,.Allie,. 
 Florence and Lawrence. Mr. Larrabee is a member of Liberty Lodge, No. 
 505, F. & A. M. , and of Arnold Chapter, R. A. M. ; he is a member of Star 
 Hose Company No. 1, of Port Allegany. Mr. Larrabee is a supporter of the 
 Republican party, and has been a member of the county committee several 
 times; he has held various official positions in the borough, and at present is a 
 member of the council and justice of the peace. With C. N. Barrett, he was 
 instrumental in organizing Henry Metcalf Post, G. A. R., at Port Allegany. 
 
 ALVA N. LILLIBRIDGE, Port Allegany, son of Lodowick and Anna 
 C. (Stanton) Lillibridge, was born August 19, 1823, in what is now Port Alle- 
 gany, McKean Co. , Penn. , on the place he now owns. His maternal grand- 
 father, Samuel Stanton, was born at Mount Pleasant, Wayne Co. , Penn. , and 
 was afterward judge of that county, and one of its able and prominent men, 
 extensively engaged in various enterprises. There he married Martha Morse, 
 and they came to McKean county, at a very early day, where they purchased 
 1,700 acres of land on Marvin creek, in what is now Hamlin township, and a 
 tract of 300 or 400 acres now owned by W. J. Davis, in Liberty township. 
 At the latter place he erected a store and log houses, having plans made for 
 many buildings. He returned to bring his family to Port Allegany, but, on 
 arrival at Jersey Shore, found seven of his children prostrated with typhoid 
 fever. He had previously been to Philadelphia, and made plans to bring a 
 colony of 200 families to Port Allegany, the purpose being to make that the 
 county seat of McKean county; but before his plans were fully executed he 
 discovered that the county was losing large sums of money appropriated for 
 road purposes. He proceeded to Belief onte to have justice done, accomplished 
 his design, was taken with croup and died there. The colonists, having lost 
 their chief, proceeded to Ashtabula county, Ohio, and located there. The 
 widow of Samuel Stanton went to McKean county, where she remained until 
 her decease. Their children were Samuel, Polly, Anna C, Lucy, Rebecca, 
 Lydia, Daniel, Abel and Hannah, of whom Samuel, Abel, Anna C. and Han- 
 nah became permanent residents of McKean county, all of whom are de- 
 ceased but Hannah. Anna C. Stanton married Lodowick Lillibridge, and 
 located in what is now Port Allegany, where they were among the first settlers, 
 engaging in most anything to make a living. They reared a family of eight 
 children :Elias, Samuel, Alva N. , Phebe A. (Mrs. Rennselaer Vanderhule), Han- 
 nah (Mrs. Terrance Green), Amy (Mrs. Hiram Baker), Lucy (Mrs. G. M. 
 Hull, of Oliphant, Lackawanna Co., Penn.) and Lowell L. Lillibridge. Alva 
 N. , the third son, made his home with his parents until his marriage, June 
 24, 1847, to Leoria S., daughter of Isaac Viner, of Port ^llegany. They 
 located on the place he now owns, where, with the exception of three years, 
 they have since resided. He is engaged as farmer and lumberman, and has 
 been prosperous in his pursuits. In 1863 he was elected sheriff, which 
 
526 HISTORY OF MCKEAN COUNTY. 
 
 necessitated his removal to Smethpoit for the term of three years. To Mr. 
 and Mrs. Lillibridge have been born two children, Mason A. and Ora, now 
 Mrs. O. L. Snyder, of Buffalo. Mr. and Mrs. Lillibridge are members of the 
 Baptist Church; in politics he is a Republican. 
 
 S. C. SABTWELL, proprietor of the Sartwell House, Port Allegany, is 
 a son of Joel and Elizabeth (Otto) Sartwell, and was born at Farmers Valley, 
 McKean Co. , Penn. , in 1840. Solomon Sartwell, his grandfather, who was a 
 native of New Hampshire, where he married, removed to McKean county, 
 Penn., at a very early time, and located at Farmers Valley, where both he and 
 his wife resided until their decease. Joel, son of Solomon, and father of S. C. 
 Sartwell, was also a native of New Hampshire, and removed with his. parents 
 to Farmers Valley, where he married Miss Elizabeth Otto, after which they 
 located at Farmers Valley, where he was engaged in the lumber trade, and 
 where they raised a family of ten children, of whom but six are known to be 
 living: Helen (who married the Hon. W. J. Davis), Joseph, Sylvia (now Mrs. 
 J. L. Behn), S. C, Henry and Lucy (now Mrs. Dean Cheadle). Wilbur, who 
 was born before these, went to California in 1857, and is probably deceased, 
 as no tidings have been received from him. S. C. Sartwell was reared and ed- 
 ucated in McKean county, and in 1865 married Rose Thomson, after which 
 they located at Portville, where he was engaged in business. He afterward 
 purchased a farm near Port Allegany, which he sold in 1874, and then re- 
 moved into the borough where he became the owner and proprietor of the 
 Sartwell House, a hostelry noted for the excellency of its management, and 
 which has the exclusive patronage of the traveling public. Mr. and Mrs. 
 Sartwell have two children living, Grace and Stephen (twins); two children, 
 Willett and Winifred, are deceased. Mr. Sartwell is a member of the Demo- 
 cratic party, and one of the able and representative citizens of Port Allegany. 
 
 F. P. SHANER, formerly of Port Allegany, son of Matthias and Margaret 
 J. (Stewart) Shaner, was born in Freedom, Venango Co., Penn., in 1859, where 
 he remained until fifteen years of age, when, with his parents, he removed to 
 Clarion county, same State. His father's family consisted of eight children, 
 viz. : John L., David Q., Emma (Mrs. William U. Over), Daniel C, Horace C, 
 Ella (Mrs. Jerry Weter), P. P. and Ambrose C. F. P. Shaner began his edu- 
 cational course in the schools of Venango and Clarion counties, and after at- 
 tending school several terms at the academy in Rimersburg and West 
 Freedom, he taught school for four years, and in 1883 accepted the position 
 as book-keeper for Root & Keating in their tannery at Port Allegany; he is a 
 member of the Knights of the Maccabees, Tent No. 11, of Port Allegany. He 
 is an active worker in the ranks of the Republican party, and has served as a 
 member of the county committee, and of the borough council. He is also a 
 member of the Methodist Church. He was married June 12, 1889, to Miss 
 Jennie F. Simar. He has now moved to Olean, N. Y., where he has accepted 
 a position as superintendent of Root & Keating' s tannery. 
 
 WILLIAM J. TEMPLETON, merchant, Port Allegany, is a son of James 
 and Sarah Templeton, and was born in the Coiinty Tyrone, Ireland, in 1837. 
 When thirteen years of age he came to America, and located at Buffalo, N. Y. ; 
 afterward he was employed as manager of A. Rumsey's farm for Several 
 years. In 1873 he married Agnes S. Mills, and located at Colton, N. Y. , 
 where he owned a farm and also carried on the lumber trade. Removing to 
 Keating Summit, he here engaged in business as lumberman, and in 1887 
 located at Port Allegany, where he became -a dealer in general merchandise. 
 Mr. and Mrs. Templeton have four children^. George D. , James P., Charles S. 
 and Edward Ray. Mr. Templeton is a member of Erie Lodge, No. 161, F. & 
 A. M. , of Buffalo. In politics he votes with the Union Labor party. 
 
BIOGEAPHICAL SKETCHES. 527 
 
 V. E. VANDERHULB, farmer and lumberer, Port Allegany, son of Ger- 
 sham and Lavina (Mead) Vanderhule, was born in Bainbridge, Chenango Co. , 
 N. Y. , in 1831. His father was born and reared in Dutchess county, N. Y. near 
 what is now Poughkeepsie. Gersham Vanderhule' s father helped to gain our 
 independence, having served as a soldier four years in the Revolutionary war; he 
 was in many hard- fought battles, and one of them was the great battle of Bunker 
 Hill. He was once taken prisoner by the British, and died soon after the war 
 closed, through the effects of a wound receiyedin battle. V. R. Vanderhule' s 
 mother was born and reared near Albany, N. Y. The famous Gen. Meade, 
 who commanded a portion of the Union forces in the late Civil war was a 
 relative of hers. Mr. and Mrs. Vanderhule reared a family of twelve children 
 six of whom are deceased; those living are Samuel, Elisha, V. R., Robert, 
 Mrs. Adelia Penrith and George. V. E. Vanderhule was reared and educated 
 in Chenango county, N. Y., and made his home with his parents until 1846, 
 when he was employed in Susquehanna county, Penn., remaining there until 
 1852, when he removed to McKean county, Penn. , and was employed by Jacob 
 Coss, a lumberman, until 1856, and then went into lumbering and other 
 branches of business for himself, and in 1865 purchased a farm in what is now 
 the borough of Port Allegany, and has since been engaged in farming and lum- 
 bering. In 1856 he married Phebe A., daughter of Lodowick and Anna C. 
 (Stanton) Lillibridge; they became the parents of three children: Alice, who 
 died at the age of fifteen years; George and Rose. Mr. Vanderhule is em- 
 phatically a self- made man. Beginning his business life under adverse cir- 
 cumstances, he has by his own exertion secured a competency and is now one 
 of McKean county's representative men. He is an active member of the Re- 
 publican party, and cast his first vote in Port Allegany, then called Canoe 
 Place, and when there were only seven Republican votes cast beside his own 
 in the whole township. 
 
 IRA WEIR, P. O. Portage Creek, son of John and Sally Weir, was born 
 in Kanesville, Wyoming Co., N. Y., in 1837, and was reared in his native 
 county, remaining there until manhood. He came to McKean county, Penn. , 
 in 1863, and located at Liberty, being engaged as farmer and lumberman, and 
 a year later his parents followed him. Mr. Weir was married, in 1861, to Ad- 
 eline Johnson, and they have had two children: Alva M. and Charles E. Alva 
 M.- married William Moore, a farmer near Tallmage's mill, Liberty township. 
 Mrs. Weir dying, Mr. Weir married, for his second wife. Miss Hattie B. Fer- 
 guson, and by this marriage has two children: Walter and Ernest. When Mr. 
 Weir located in Liberty, being a natural mechanic, his services were sought in 
 all directions, and for a time he was the general blacksmith, carpenter, wagon 
 maker and sleigh maker. He has been an enterprising man, and merits the 
 success he has had. He is public spirited, and a liberal supporter of all worthy 
 enterprises. 
 
 Charles E. Weir, son of the above, was married October 1, 1884, to Adelia 
 Elliott, of Portville, N. Y. He located at Liberty, and in May, 1888, became 
 owner and proprietor of the store, and has since been successfully engaged as 
 a dealer in general merchandise. Both he and his father are supporters of the 
 Republican party. 
 
 ANNIN TOWNSHIP. 
 
 FREDERICK F. BISHOP, farmer, P. O. Turtle Point, was born in 
 Le Roy, N. Y., September 6, 1822, a son of Elisha and Fanny (Piper) Bishop, 
 natives of New Hampshire, who setfled in Annin township in 1841, clearing 
 and improving a farm on Newell creek, on which they lived and died. Elisha 
 
528 HISTOEY OP MCKEAN COUNTY. 
 
 Bishop was a tanner and currier by trade and operated a tannery on Newell 
 creek for many years. The timber cut on his farm was the first felled in that 
 part of the township. He had six children: Frederick F., Levi, George^ 
 Henry, Olive (Mrs. William Dunbar) and Charles. Frederick F. Bishop 
 lived in Massachusetts until fifteen years of age. He first came to Annin town- 
 ship in 1840, where he settled permanently in 1844, clearing and improving a 
 farm adjoining that of his father, on Newell creek, where he resided until 
 1864, when he removed to the farm he now occupies, most of which he also 
 cleared and improved. October 21, 1844, he married Lydia L., daughter of 
 Emery and Lydia (Locke) Whitney, of Watertown, Mass. , and they have had 
 five children: Le Eoy E., Wilder (deceased), Maria (Mrs. B. E. Simar), 
 Emily L. (Mrs. Martin Simar) and Fanny (deceased). Mr. Bishop has held 
 the ofSce of school director of Annin township many years. He is a member 
 of the Methodist Episcopal Church; politically he is a Eepublican. 
 
 Le Eoy E. Bishop was born in Annin township November 19, 1846, and 
 lives on the old homestead. He married, October 10, 1878, Rosa, daughter of 
 George and Hannah (Winship) Blowers, of Steuben county, N. Y. , and they 
 have four children: Florence, George, Delia and Winnie. Mr. Bishop has 
 been school director five years; politically he is a Eepublican. 
 
 THEEON COOPER, lumberman and farmer, P. O. Turtle Point, was born 
 in Dartmouth, N. Y., August 23, 1813, a son of Samuel and Mary (Eussell)i 
 Cooper, who settled in Annin township, McKean Co., Penn., in 1838. Theron 
 Cooper came at the same time and took up the land which he now owns and 
 occupies, which he cleared and improved, and where he has resided most of 
 the time since, being for many years interested in the lumber business. In 
 June, 1840, he married Sophia A., daughter of John and Catherine Mead, of 
 Bolivar, N. Y. , by whom he had six children who grew to maturity, viz. : Silas 
 E., Albertus, Joel A., Elwin, John S. and Jane (Mrs. Myron Smith). Mr. 
 Cooper is a prominent and respected citizen of Annin township, and is a mem- 
 ber of the Baptist Church. He has held several of the local offices of the 
 township, and politically he is a Eepublican. 
 
 MAESHALL J. HADLEY, surveyor, P. O. Port Allegany, was born in 
 Jasper, Steuben Co., N. Y. , November 14, 1836, a son of Benjamin F. and 
 Lydia (Prentice) Hadley. His father was a physician by profession and settled 
 in Annin township in 1856, where he practiced two years; he then located at 
 Olean, N. Y. , residing there until his death. He was a native of New Hamp- 
 shire. Marshall J. Hadley was reared in his native town and educated at 
 Bath (N. Y.) High School. He read law one year at Wellsville, N. Y., and 
 settled permanently in Annin township in 1858. October 16, 1861, he enlisted 
 in Company F, Fifty-eighth Pennsylvania Volunteers, and was wounded at 
 Fort Harrison. In 1862 he went in the Ordnance Department of the Eight- 
 eenth Army Corps, where, with the exception of three months that he was 
 on Government survey, he served until his discharge. He was promoted to 
 sergeant in December, 1861, and commissioned first lieutenant (not mustered) 
 in 1864, and was honorably discharged from the service in February, 1866., 
 He then returned to Annin township, where for some time he was engaged in 
 operating a planing-mill. Since 1868 he has been engaged in various other 
 enterprises, and has done more or less business as a surveyor and conveyancer. 
 He is one of the enterprising citizens of the township, and was elected justice 
 of the peace in the spring of 1888. In politics he is a Eepublican, and was 
 elected county surveyor in the fall of 1889 by a majority of 1,818 — 854 ahead 
 of his ticket. He is also a member of the G. A. E. 
 
 JOSEPH HODGES, farmer, P. O. Annin creek, was born in Somerset, Vt. ,, 
 
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 529 
 
 February 19, 1806, and is a son of Ephraim and Catherine (Johnson) Hodwes, 
 early settlers of Broome county, N. Y., where Joseph was reared. Our subject 
 settled in what is now Annin township in 1839, locating on the farm where he 
 now resides, all of which he cleared and improved, and where he has lived for 
 fifty years. August 18, 1823, when but seventeen years of age, he married 
 Nancy, daughter of Ittair and Betsy (Page) Elliott, of Broome county, N. Y. , 
 and to them were born ten children : Sally (Mrs. John P. Evans), Nancy (Mrs. 
 Simmons Foote), Mary (Mrs. Nathan Foote), Eaymond, Lorenzo, Julius, Caroline 
 (Mrs. Henry Wilcox), Olive A. (Mrs. Wilson Tubbs), Jerome and Joseph. Mr. 
 Hodges is a remarkably well-preserved man for his years, and is one of the few 
 pioneers left in Annin township, of which he is the oldest resident. He has 
 been a member of the Baptist Church for sixty years. Politically he is a 
 Eepublican, and has fiUed all the offices within the gift of the township, with 
 th^ exception of justice of the peace. 
 
 EEASTUS H. NICHOLS, farmer, P. O. Turtle Point, was born in Halifax, 
 Windham Co., Vt., October 14, 1822, and is a son of Samuel and Abigail 
 (Chase) Nichols, who settled in Eldred, McKean Co., Penn., in 1830. Samuel 
 Nichols, who was a farmer by occupation, cleared and improved the farm now 
 occupied by his son Dana B. , and died there. He had the following named ten 
 children: Lenora, Huldah (Mrs. Edson Warner), Erastus H., Lucina (Mrs. 
 Charles Calkins), Edwin, Wilbur, Adelia (Mrs. George Colvin), Permelia (Mrs. 
 Frederick McClure), Nathaniel and Dana B. Erastus H. Nichols was reared in 
 Eldred from eight years of age, and after reaching his majority worked by the 
 month until he was twenty- six years old. He then engaged in farming in 
 Eldred, and in 1861 removed to Annin township, where he cleared and im- 
 proved the farm he now occupies. In November, 1861, he enlisted in Company 
 H, Fifty-eighth Regiment, P. V. I., was wounded at Drury Bluff, and honor- 
 ably discharged from the service in December, 1864. He was twice married-, 
 his first wife was Lucinda P. , daughter of Anson G. and Mary A. (Boweii) 
 Moses, of Olean, N. Y. , and by her had two children : George S. and Lillian. 
 His second wife was Mrs. Amelia M. (Cooley) Smith, of Cuba, N.Y. Mr. 
 Nichols is one of Annin township's most prominent citizens. He is a member 
 of the G. A. R. ; politically a Eepublican. 
 
 VEEY EEVEEEND P. J. PATTEESON, V. F., was a native of Eaffeny, 
 Parish of Mullagh, County Cavan, Ireland. His classical education was 
 received at Cavan Seminary, and in this country he studied philosophy at St. 
 Mary's Seminary, Cleveland, Ohio, and theology at St Vincent' s Seminary, 
 Westmoreland county, Penn. He was ordained to the priesthood in 1868, and 
 was appointed pastor of St. Mary's Church at Sartwell, where he was located 
 up to his death. He also had charge of the following named parishes: St. 
 Gabriel's Church, Port Allegany; St. Eaphael's Church, Eldred; St. John's, 
 Duke Centre; St. Paul's, Costello, Potter county, and the Austin Mission, Aus- 
 tin, Potter county. He was a hard worker, and by his efforts in 1870, the land 
 was secured in Bradford upon which the elegant church and convent of St. 
 Bernard now stands. He also secured the property at Smethport and built 
 St. Elizabeth's Church, where it now stands, and to his efforts much of 
 the growth and prosperity of the church in this vicinity is due. He died 
 December 21, 1889, and the burial services took place at Newell creek, 
 December 27, following. Bishop MuUin presided, assisted by the Eev. Fathers 
 DeLaroque, of Warren; Coonan, Bradford; Hamel, Olean; Meagher, Eidgway; 
 Winter, Meadville; Brennan, Driftwood; Galligan, Smethport; Brennan, 
 Sharon, and Lynch, of Sartwell. About 10 o'clock a. m., a requiem mass was 
 commenced by Eev. M. A. DeLaroque as celebrant. Rev. J. J. Hamel, deacon, 
 
530 HISTORY OF MCKEAN COUNTY. 
 
 Rev. William Coonan, sub-deacon, and Very Rev. Francis Winter, master of 
 ceremonies. The Smethport Catholic choir did the singing. The Rt.-Rev. 
 Bishop preached, and during his very appropriate remarks paid a deserved 
 tribute to the memory of the deceased. The services in the church being over, 
 the remains were viewed by hundreds of sorrowing people, after which the 
 body was borne to the grave by six laymen, namely: Eugene Mullin, James 
 Cremin, James McGavis, . James Hooly, James McKean and T. D. Nash. 
 Arriving at the grave, the last absolution was pronounced by the Rt.-Rev. 
 Bishop, when all that was mortal of the gifted priest and, pastor, kind brother 
 and friend, was consigned to the silent tomb. 
 
 WILLIAM H. TAYLOR, retired, Turtle Point, was born in Georgetown, 
 Madison Co., N. Y., April 26, 1815, a son of Reuben and Achsah (Alderman) 
 Taylor, who settled in Allegany county, N. Y., in 1818. In 1834 they moved 
 with their family to Ceres township, this county, and to Annin township in 
 1844, later to Potter county, same State, where they died. They had four 
 children: William H., Norman, Riley (killed in the Mexican war) and Jane 
 (Mrs. Harrison Ruby). William H. Taylor, the subject of this sketch, came 
 to Ceres township in 1834, where he bought a farm on Bell's run, six miles 
 in the woods. Here he built a log house covered with stakes, with floors made 
 of split timber, a coverlet hung up for a door, and greased newspapers tacked 
 up for windows. In those early days, deer, bears, wolves, and all kinds of game 
 were plentiful; and Mr. Taylor having a good rifle, and being a keen sportsman 
 and a crack shot, enjoyed many a day's good sport. So there was always 
 plenty of meat in the cabin, but flour was $16 per barrel, corn $1.50 per 
 bushel, potatoes $1, calico and shirting each twenty-five cents per yard, and 
 other things in proportion. Mr. Taylor cleared here a fine farm, which, how- 
 ever, he sold and then moved into Annin township where he bought the Annin 
 farm, once owned by William Annin (after whom the creek and township were 
 named), who was murdered near Pittsburgh for his money. Mr. Taylor 
 cut a road through the bush, and moved in on an ox-sled. This farm. was 
 located on the Allegheny river, and there was no road, neither up nor down 
 the river, nor was there any neighbor within five miles. Mr. Taylor at once 
 set to work to clear his farm, and immediately put up the necessary buildings. 
 Deer was plentiful, and he says he has killed as many as six in one day, and 
 on one occasion he killed two deer and a bear — pretty good sport! He erected 
 the fii'st saw-mill, and put in the first shingle machine ever used in McKean 
 county. He was the first to discover bituminous coal in this region, and 
 he opened the vein in Liberty township, his interest in which he sold for 
 $2,500. He also built two saw-mills, one hotel, two dry goods stores and 
 fifteen other buildings for renting purposes; in fact, there is not a man living 
 who has contributed more toward the advancement of his township and county. 
 There was a time when he knew every man in the county, and every man 
 knew him, and his reminiscences of olden times are most interesting. Speak- 
 ing of the county generally, he says land was $1 per acre when he came into 
 it; timber was pine in abundance, hemlock and hardwood; the smaller streams 
 were filled with trout, and the Allegheny river with shad, suckers, bass, and 
 pike weighing twenty-eight pounds each. The first murder was committed, 
 in 1845, by Uzza Robbins, two miles above Port Allegany, for which he was 
 executed at Smethport; the third night after his burial his body was dug up 
 and his head cut off by young Burrows. The next murder was the deed com- 
 mitted by ' ' Old Aunt Betty, ' ' who cut her brother' s head off and then put 
 him under the bed, but the jury returned a verdict of "not guilty." Next 
 followed A-ugust 4, 1874, the murder at Port Allegany of. Calvin H. Hobar by 
 
BIOGJRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 531 
 
 one Crow, for -which crime the murderer got one year in the State prison. The 
 next was the shooting of Miss Riley by her cousin, for which he was executed; 
 then came the murder of John Yohe by a man named Thompson, in 1886, for 
 which he got twelve years in the State prison, and then, in 1889, came the 
 killing of Henry Eobertson or Eobinson by Anson or Anderson. Many more 
 interesting events Mr. Taylor could narrate. 
 
 Mr. Taylor was married in 1835 to Martha, daughter of John and Jane 
 (Gibson) Eountree, of County Cavan, Ireland, and they have reared eight 
 children — six boys and two girls, viz. : George W., Benjamin, William H. , 
 Nathan, Charles, James, Harriet (Mrs. George Helmig) and Mary J. (Mrs. 
 George Campbell). The six sons are model men, using neither whisky nor 
 tobacco, and never allowing profane language to cross their lips. They are 
 well to do, and own farms with good buildings within sight of Turtle Point. 
 George W., the eldest, carries on a dry goods store at Turtle Point, along 
 with his brother Nathan. The parents are yet living — the father in his seventy- 
 fifth year and the mother in her seventy-eighth — both highly respected. In 
 politics Mr. Taylor is a Eepublican. 
 
 CERES TOWNSHIP. 
 
 POTTEE BENSON, P. O. Ceres, N. Y., was born in Cincinnatus, Cortland 
 Co., N. Y., February 18, 1814, a son of Didymus and Elizabeth (Fish) Ben- 
 son. He settled in Ceres township, McKean Co., Penn., in 1832, and for a 
 number of years was engaged in lumbering in Ceres township, and in Sharon, 
 Potter county. He has lived on his present farm in Ceres township for the 
 past twenty-five years. He married June 4, 1886, Henrietta C, daughter of 
 Robert and Mary (Bee) Gilbert, of Ceres, by whom he had the following named 
 children : Statira C. (Mrs. Justus Eice), Gulielma M. (Mrs. F. G. Fuller), 
 Mary (Mrs. G. W. Lewis), John (killed at the battle of Gettysburg), Eliza- 
 beth (Mrs. E. E. Bell), Harriet (Mrs. Alvah Hall), Brice B. and Eebecca. 
 Mrs. Benson's maternal grandmother, Mary Law, was born in England and 
 married, for her first husband, Thomas Bee, and for her second husband, John 
 Bell, and with her second husband came to America, about 1800, bringing 
 her five children, Thomas, Mary and John Bee, and William and John Bell, 
 and were among the first settlers of Ceres township. Thomas Bee and his 
 brother John, uncles of Mrs. Benson, and natives of England, were also pioneers 
 of Ceres, John paying for the homestead and caring for his mother and step- 
 father while they lived. 
 
 Beice B. Benson, son of Potter and Henrietta C. (Gilbert) Benson, was 
 born in Ceres, June 11, 1851, and resides on the homestead with his parents. 
 In 1883 he married Eva, daughter of David and Ida (Holmes) Finch, of Port- 
 age, N. Y. , and they have two children: Anna and Glenn. 
 
 JAMES BIGGINS, farmer, P. 0. Eldred, was born in the Parish of Eo- 
 ban. County Mayo, Ireland, in June, 1884, a son of Patrick and Mary (Maloy) 
 Biggins. He was reared in his native county until sixteen years of age. In 
 the spring of 1851 he came to America and located in Livingston county, N. 
 Y., where he worked as a farm hand for three years and eight months. In 
 1854 he settled in Ceres township, McKean Co., Penn., on the farm where 
 he now resides, which he cleared, and also made all improvements in build- 
 ings, etc. Besides attending to his farm interests, he has to some extent been 
 engaged in lumbering, and has been a successful man. March 29, 1864, he 
 enlisted in Company C, Second United States Sharpshooters, and participated 
 in the battles of the Wilderness, Laurel Hill, Spottsylvania, North Ann River, 
 Cold Harbor and Petersburg; was wounded in the right wrist in the latter en- 
 
532 HISTORY OF MCKEAN COUNTY. 
 
 gagement, and was hoaorably discharged June 20, 1865. In 1868 he mar- 
 ried Ellen, daughter of Patrick Welch, of Ceres township, and they have five 
 children: Mary A., Ella E., John, Patrick and James. Mr. Biggins is a mem- 
 ber of the Catholic Church, and of the G. A. E. He has served his township 
 as overseer of poor three years, school director six years, and six years as over- 
 seer of roads and tax collector. Politically he is a Republican. 
 
 OLIVER P. COON, farmer, of Ceres township, McKean Co., Penn., P. O. 
 Ceres, N. Y., was born in Allegany county, N. Y. , December 1, 1835, a son 
 of Daniel B. and Nancy (Burdick) Coon. They settled in Ceres township in 
 1837, where our subject was reared from two years of age, and after attaining 
 his majority, worked as a lumberman for a number of years, but has spent a 
 good share of his life in farming. In 1882 he embarked in the drug business 
 at Ceres, at which he continued six years. He has been married twice. His 
 first wife was Cynthia Adams, of Linden, Cattaraugus Co., N. Y. , and his 
 second wife, Lucinda, daughter of Dr. Peter and Elizabeth (Woodring) Scholl, 
 of Saegerstown, Penn., by whom he has one daughter, Lizzie. Mr. Coon has 
 held several offices in Ceres township; was constable nine years in succession; 
 served one term as jury commissioner of McKean county, and is at present 
 holding the office of justice of the peace. He is a member of the K. O. T. M. 
 and of the E. A. U. In politics he is a Democrat. 
 
 JOHN H. COON, carpenter, P. O. Ceres, N. Y. , was born in Ceres town- 
 ship, McKean Co. , Penn. , June 30, 1842, a son of Daniel B. and Nancy (Bur- 
 dick) Coon, the former a native of Rhode Island and his wife of Rensselaer 
 county, N. Y. They settled in Ceres township in 1837, and engaged in farm- 
 ing, clearing and improving the farm now occupied by Mrs. A. Austin, and 
 here they died. They reared a family of five children: Oliver P., Lorenzo O., 
 John H., Orson L. and Jennie (Mrs. Prof. S. L. Maxon). John H. Coon was 
 reared in Ceres, where, with the exception of three years that he lived in Wis- 
 consin, he has always resided. He has followed the carpenter's trade twenty- 
 five years, and was proprietor of the Grand Central Hotel at Ceres one and 
 one-half years, and engaged in the livery business two years. In 1874 he mar- 
 ried Maria, daughter of Fred and Mary (Maloy) Manning, of County Mayo, 
 Ireland, and they have five children: Fred H. , J. Leslie, Lee M., Arthur P. 
 and J. Ralph. Mr. Coon is a leading representative citizen o£ Ceres; has held 
 the office of justice of the peace fifteen years, and several minor offices; politically 
 he is a Republican. 
 
 JAMES R. GROW, _farmer, P. O. Myrtle, Penn., was born in Almond, 
 N. Y., February 21, 182/, a son of George W. and Ruth (Cornell) Grow, who 
 settled in Ceres township, McKean Co., Penn., in 1837, locating on the farm 
 now owned and occupied by James R. Grow, a part of which they cleared and 
 improved. They had six children who grew to maturity : Martin C. , Hannah 
 M. (Mrs. Peter North), Sally (Mrs. N. Lanphere), Angeline (Mrs. Almond 
 Haskins), James R. and Celania T. (Mrs. Charles Fuller.) James R. Grow 
 was reared in Ceres from ten years of age; he purchased the homestead of his 
 father in 1853, cleared a good share of the farm and erected the present build- 
 ings. He married, in 1850, Martha A., daughter of Dwelley and Minerva 
 (Fuller) Fuller, of Ceres township, and they have two children : Hattie M. 
 (Mrs. C. B. Robarts) and Jennie A. (Mrs. Alton W. Maxon.) Mr. Grow is a 
 prominent and representative farmer of Ceres. He is a member of the Meth- 
 odist Episcopal Church, and Sons of Temperance; has held the office of com- 
 missioner and supervisor of his township seven years, and school director sev- 
 eral years. In politics he is a Republican. 
 
 GEORGE N. HACKETT, farmer, P. O. Glenn, was born' in Oxford, Che- 
 
BIOGEAPHICAL SKETOHES. 533 
 
 nango Co., N. Y., May 2, 1828, a son of George and Mercy (Hall) Hackett. 
 He was reared in his native county, where he received a common-school educa- 
 tion and learned the carpenter's trade, which he followed as a journeyman for 
 three years. In 1847 he located in Ceres township, McKean Co., Penn., and 
 in 1852 purchased the land he now occupies, all of which he cleared and im- 
 proved, and where he has since resided. He was twice married. His first wife 
 was H. Charlotte, daughter of William J. and Anna (Edwards) Horablower, 
 natives of England and early settlers of Ceres township. To them were born 
 seven children, two of whom are living: George W. and Henry N. His sec- 
 ond wife was Hannah E. , daughter of John and Jane (King) Bell, of Little 
 Genesee, N. Y. Mr. Hackett is a prominent and representative farmer. He 
 has held the offices of supervisor, poormaster and school director, each nine 
 years, and is at present township auditor; in politics he is a Republican. 
 
 GEOEGE W. HACKETT, druggist, P. O. Ceres, N. Y., was born in 
 Ceres township, McKean Co., Penn., October 8, 1863, a son of George N. 
 and Charlotte (Hornblower) Hackett. He was reared on the old homestead in 
 Ceres township, where he remained until twenty-one years of age. When he 
 was eighteen years old he taught school during the winter months for three 
 seasons, and at the same time studied medicine with Dr. H. A. Place, of Ceres. 
 In 1885 he was clerk in a drug store for six months, after which he became a 
 partner with C. D. Voorhees in the drug business at Shinglehouse, Potter Co. , 
 Penn. , which partnership existed until February 27, 1888, when he purchased 
 a drug store in Ceres, which he has since successfully conducted. He was 
 married June 16, 1887, to Mae, daughter of George J. and Maggie (Scholl) 
 Odenheimer, of Saegerstown, Penn., and they have one son, James N. Mr. 
 Hackett is a member of the K. O. T. M. ; politically he is a Republican. 
 
 NIMROD LANPHERE, farmer, P. O. Myrtle, was born in Almond, N. Y., 
 April 21, 1817, a son of George W. and Hannah (Haskins) Lanphere, both natives 
 of New England, who settled in Ceres township in 1835, on the farm now 
 owned by William Worden, where they made some improvements and resided 
 until their death. They had five children who grew to maturity: John, Lois 
 (Mrs. John Chapman), Nimrod, Esther (Mrs. Clark Wells) and Martha (Mrs. 
 Joseph Trumbull). Nimrod Lanphere was eighteen years of age when he 
 removed to Ceres with his parents. He cleared and improved the farm he now 
 occupies. He was married in 1840 to Sally, daughter of George W. and Ruth 
 (Cornell) Grow, of Ceres township, and they have the following named chil- 
 dren: George, Albert, Rosa A. (Mrs. Oscar Cooper), Winfield, Frank and 
 Nellie (Mrs. Milo Eokert). The two eldest sons, George and Albert, were in 
 the war of the Rebellion. George enlisted in a New York regiment, was 
 wounded at Roanoke, Va. , and was discharged on account of disability after 
 one year's service; he re-enlisted in 1864, and served until the close of the 
 war. Albert went out with the Pennsylvania Bucktails, was wounded at Get- 
 tysburg, and discharged after three years' service. Mr. Lanphere is a leading 
 citizen of Ceres, and has held the offices of supervisor, judge of election, asses- 
 sor and school director of the township. He is a member of the Seventh-Day 
 Baptist Church; in polities he is a Republican. 
 
 THOMAS LYNCH, farmer, P. O. Ceres, was born in the town of Askelow, 
 in County Limerick, Ireland, December 25, 1827, a son of Thomas and 
 Mary (Reagan) Lynch, who emigrated to America in 1848, and settled in 
 Washington, D. C, where they resided until their death. They had eight 
 children, seven of whom came to America: Thomas, Margaret (Mrs, Thomas 
 McMann), Bridget (Mrs. Thomas Mulqueen), Johanna (Mrs. John Soanlon), 
 Ellen (Mrs. John McCarty), William and Patrick. All are now deceased ex- 
 
534 HISTOEY OF MCKEAN COUNTY: 
 
 cept Patrick, who resides in Washington, D. C, and Thomas, the subject of 
 this sketch, who was reared and educated in his native country, and came to 
 America in 1847, remaining at Quebec, Canada, one year. He then went to 
 Vermont, where he remained two years, and in 1850 settled in Ceres township, 
 McKean county, and resided in Ceres village five years, working in the lumber 
 mills of that place. In 1855 he settled on the farm he now owns and occupies, 
 where he has since resided, and which he cleared and improved. He was 
 married in 1855 to Mary A. , daughter of John and Johanna (Powers) Kennedy, 
 of County Limerick, Ireland, and they have four children living: John, William, 
 Edward and Margaret. Mr. Lynch is a member of St. Mary's Church, Sart- 
 well; in politics he is a Republican. 
 
 JUDSON EILEY, farmer, P. O. Sartwell, was born in Ceres township, 
 McKean Co. , Penn. , August 13, 1865, and is a son of Jeremiah and Bridget 
 (Lundrigan) Riley. His paternal grandfather was Jeremiah Riley, a native 
 of County Cork, Ireland, who came to America in 1840, and settled in Ceres 
 township, McKean Co. , Penn. His maternal grandfather, James Lundrigan, 
 was also a native of County Cork, Ireland, and was a pioneer of Annin town- 
 ship, McKean county. The father of the subject of this sketch was a native of 
 County Cork, Ireland, and Judson's mother was born in Waddington, St. Law- 
 rence Co. , N. Y. Judson' s father cleared and improved the farm in Ceres 
 township now occupied by his widow and heirs, and there it was that he died. 
 His children were eleven in number: Elizabeth (Mrs. Delon Beeman), Henry, 
 Hannah (Mrs. John Bly), Ellen (Mrs. Thomas Foley), Kate, James and Judson 
 (twins), Anna, John, Joseph and Winifred. Mr. Judson Riley was reared on 
 the old homestead, and with his brothers, John and Joseph, conducts the farm. 
 He is a member of the Catholic Church, and in politics is a Democrat. 
 
 JOHN J. ROBARTS, of the firm of Robarfcs Bros., dealers in general 
 merchandise, Ceres, P. O. Ceres, N. Y., was born in Westfield, Tioga Co., 
 Penn., April 16, 1844, a son of John J. and Phebe (Trowbridge) Robarts, 
 natives of Luzerne county, Penn., and Painted Post, N. Y., respectively. His 
 paternal grandfather was Josiah Robarts, a native of Connecticut, of Welsh 
 and Scotch descent, a pioneer of Luzerne county, Penn., and his maternal 
 grandfather was Henry B. Trowbridge, a native of Vermont, who, with his 
 parents, settled in Tioga county, Penn. , in an early day, and was a prominent 
 business man of his time in Westfield, that county. The parents of John J. 
 Robarts settled in Pleasant Valley, Potter Co., Penn., in 1853, where his father 
 cleared and improved a farm, and resided there until 1866, when he removed 
 to Annin (now Ceres) township, this county, locating on the farm now owned 
 by his son C. B. Robarts, which he also cleared and improved, and resided 
 there until his death, in 1878, at the age of sixty-six years. His children were 
 Daniel P., Henry B., Jemima L. (Mrs. Lewis R. Palmer), Phebe S. (Mrs. 
 E. B. West), Sarah E. (Mrs. J. S. Butters), John J., Martha E. (Mrs. H. S. 
 Gleason), Polly M. (Mrs. E. Clark), Caleb B., Mary L. (Mrs. Henry Ter- 
 rette) and William G. Of these, two were in the war of the Rebellion. 
 Daniel P. enlisted in the Pennsylvania "Bucktails," was afterward trans- 
 ferred to the Invalid Corps, served three years, and was honorably discharged. 
 Henry B. enlisted in 1864, in Company A, Eighty-fifth New York Volunteers, 
 and was honorably discharged July 17, 1865. John J. Robarts was reared in 
 Potter county, and received a limited education in the common schools. 
 After leaving the farm he engaged as a clerk in a store at Port Allegany, and 
 followed that occupation until 1868, including three years at Ceres. In 
 March, 1868, he embarked in business for himself at Ceres, with V. Perry 
 Carter, under the firm name of Carter & Robarts, dealers in general merchan- 
 
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 535 
 
 dise; and in 1873 he purchased his partner's interest, conducting the business 
 alone until 1875, when he sold out. In 1883 he again resumed business in 
 Ceres, and since 1887 the business has been conducted in the name of Robarts 
 Bros., C. B. Robarts being his partner. Mr. Robarts was twice married; 
 first, in June, 1871, to Ella A., daughter of V. Perry and Almira (Smith) Car- 
 ter, of Ceres, by whom he had one daughter, Grace A. Mrs. Robarts died, 
 and September 17, 1878, he married Minnie C, daughter of A. C. and Belle C. 
 (Smith) Hovey, of Ceres, by whom he has two children: Jay E. and H. Ross. 
 Mr. Robarts served as auditor of McKean county in 1878-80-81, and was deputy 
 sheriff in 1882-83. He is a member of the Masonic order and K. O. T. M. j 
 in polities he is a Republican. 
 
 CALEB B. ROBARTS, of Robarts Bros., Ceres, was born in Westfield, 
 Tioga Co., Penn., March 9, 1850, a son of John J. and Phebe (Trowbridge) 
 Robarts. He was reared and educated in Pleasant Valley, Potter Co. , Penn. 
 He served an apprenticeship of four years at the mason's trade in Corry,Penn.,. 
 after which he worked as a journeyman for two years. He then engaged in 
 farming on Bell's run, Ceres township, McKean Co., Penn., at which he con- 
 tinued for fifteen years, on the farm he now owns, settled by his father, and 
 during that period was also engaged in lumbering. In 1886 he embarked in 
 mercantile business in Ceres, and in 1887 formed a partnership with his brother 
 John J. under the firm name of Robarts Bros. Mr. Robarts married, in 1871, 
 Hattie M., daughter of James R. and Martha (Fuller) Grow, of Ceres township, 
 and they have two children: Ray R. and Daisy. Mr. Robarts is a representa- 
 tive merchant and citizen of Ceres. He and his wife are members of the Meth- 
 odist Episcopal Church. In politics he is a Republican. He is a member of 
 the Masonic fraternity, the A. O. U. W., the S. of T. and the K. O. T. M. 
 
 FRANCIS M. VAN WORMER, lumberman, P. O. Ceres, N. Y., was born 
 in Cohocton, Steuben Co. , N. Y. , February 1 8, 1836, a son of Henry and Han- 
 nah A. (Elliott) Van Wormer. His paternal grandfather, Lawrence Van- 
 Wormer, was born near Kinderhook, N. Y. , and was of the old Dutch Knicker- 
 bocker stock. He settled in Cohocton, N. Y., in 1816, with a family of four- 
 teen children, as well as a number of negroes, remnants of slavery days, who 
 remained with the family. He was a farmer by occupation and a large land- 
 holder. The maternal grandfather of Francis M. was Jonathan Elliott, also a 
 pioneer of Steuben county, N. Y., formerly of Otsego county, N. Y. Henry 
 Van Wormer was a large real estate dealer and speculator in Steuben county, 
 N. Y. Francis M. Van Wormer was reared in his native county, and educated 
 in the common schools and Macomb Street Academy, Monroe, Mich. He set- 
 tled in Ceres, McKean Co., Penn., in 1858, where he worked in a lumber-mill 
 until the breaking out of the war of the Rebellion. April 15, 1861, he enlisted 
 in Company A, Twenty-third New York Volunteers, and participated in the 
 battle of second Bull Run, Chantilly, Fredericksburg, Cedar Mountain, and 
 other engagements, and was honorably discharged in June, 1863, at the expira- 
 tion of his term of service. He then returned to Ceres, and, with L. P. White, 
 purchased the grist-mill and lumber business of Eleazer Harmon, the business 
 being conducted under the firm name of Van Wormer & White up to 1882, 
 when Mr. Van Wormer purchased his partner's interest, and has since success- 
 fully conducted the business alone. Mr. Van Wormer married, in 1864, Eliz- 
 abeth C. , daughter of Rev. David B. and Alice H. (Pusey) Brown, of Couders- 
 port, Penn., and they have three children living: A. Castella, Edith M. and 
 Henry B. Mr. Van Wormer is a self-made and successful business man, and a 
 prominent and respected citizen. He is a member of the Masonic fraternity, 
 and politically he is a Republican. 
 
536 HISTOBY OF MCKEAN COUNTY. 
 
 CHAPTER XXVII. 
 
 BIOGEAPHICAL SKETCHES — NOEWICH, HAMLIN, LAFAYETTE 
 AND SEEGEANT TOWNSHIPS. 
 
 NOEWICH TOWNSHIP. 
 
 C. A. ANDEESON, merchant, Colegrove, was born in Warberg, Sweden, 
 March 5, 1860, a son of Andrew and luga Anderson. He attended school in 
 his native country, when, his father having moved to the United States, he was 
 anxious to come and find him, but having no money he borrowed enough of a 
 friend to pay his passage to New York City. From New York he went to New 
 Jersey, where he was employed two months in carrying water to a company of 
 men working on a railroad. Having earned a little money, he determined to come 
 to McKean county. He landed at Eidgway, a small boy without friends or 
 money, and unable to speak the English language. Here a gentleman gave 
 him money enough to take him to Wilcox, thirteen miles away, and from there 
 he walked to Clermont, where he found some of his own country people, to 
 whom he told his story. They furnished him with food and money enough to 
 take him to his father in Smethport. He found his father, who was not able, 
 however, to support him, and a Mrs. Eifle furnished him with a room and a 
 bed, and he worked at anything he could find to do to obtain his food. After 
 spending a week in Smethport he accompanied his father to Colegrove, where 
 the latter was employed by W. J. Colegrove, and he worked for his board. His 
 father left Mr. Colegrove in about two months, but he continued in his employ, 
 remaining on his farm until 1881, when he was employed as clerk in the gen- 
 eral store of W. J. Colegrove & Son at Colegrove. This partnership was dis- 
 solved, and C. M. Colegrove carried on the business until July 19, 1883, when 
 he sold out to Mr. Anderson, who, after a few months, admitted M. J. Gallup 
 as partner in the business, and they continued together until April 1, 1886, 
 when Mr. Anderson bought Mr. Gallup' s interest and has since continued the 
 business alone. Mr. Anderson has been a successful business man, and is 
 highly esteemed in the town of Colegrove. He has held various township ofB.ces 
 and August 1, 1883, was appointed postmaster. He was married April 25, 1887, 
 to Miss Annie, daughter of Conrad and Lena Bayer, of Norwich township. Mr. 
 Anderson is a member of Norwich Lodge, No. 538, E. A. U. , and McKean 
 Lodge, No. 388, F. & A. M. He and his wife are members of the Methodist 
 Episcopal Church. 
 
 A. P. BEEWEE, farmer, P. O. Norwich, is a son of William and Polly 
 (Curtis) Brewer, natives of Connecticut, who came to McKean county, Penn. , 
 in 1815, and settled upon the farm where A. P. Brewer now resides. They 
 reared a family of seven children, the subject of this sketch being the second 
 son, and the only one now living. He was born October 24, 1821, and received 
 his education in the public schools of the township where he now resides, and 
 has always lived upon the farm which his father settled. In September, 1841, 
 he married Miss Helen, a daughter of Luther and Jemima (Colegrove) Haven, 
 of Norwich township. The Havens were among the first settlers of that 
 township, and reared a family of eight children,' all of whom are livincr. Mr. 
 
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 537 
 
 •and Mrs. Brewer are the parents of four children, viz. : W. W. (proprietor of 
 a hotel at Mount Jewett, Penn.), Milton A., Melvin F., and Nellie Alcena (de- 
 ■ceased). Mr. Brewer served six years in the capacity of county commissioner, 
 also six years as county auditor, and has been identified with various township 
 offices. Mr. and Mrs. Brewer are members of the Baptist Church. In poli- 
 tics he is a Republican. 
 
 G. W. BURDICK, farmer, P. O. Norwich, a son of Rowland and Alvira 
 (Webb) Burdick, natives of New York State, was born in Norwich township, 
 McKean Co., Penn., April 17, 1820. He spent his boyhood days on the farm 
 with his parents, and August 3, 1842, he married Miss Sarah H. , a daughter of 
 G. W. and Elizabeth (Rose) Griswold, natives of Vermont, who were among 
 the early settlers of Smethport, Penn. Mr. Burdick has been identified 
 among the many lumbermen of McKean county, is also an enterprising farmer, 
 and was postmaster under President Tyler. His son, W. P. Burdick, was 
 born November 27, 1859, and is now a practicing physician in DuBois, Clear- 
 field Co., Penn. G. W. Burdick' s grandfather was a Baptist minister. His 
 father and mother and six brothers and one sister belonged to the Baptist 
 Ohurch, and one sister joined the Methodist Church. Six brothers and one 
 sister are still living. 
 
 G. A. BURDICK, farmer, P. O. Norwich, was born in Norwich township, 
 McKean Co. , Penn. , November 1, 1830, the youngest of eight children born to 
 Rowland and Alvira (Webb) Burdick, natives of New York, who came to Nor- 
 wich township in 1815. Mr. Burdick has always resided on the old homestead, 
 and been engaged in farming. He married, August 12, 1855, Miss Viletta, a 
 daughter of Orin and Nancy (Corwin) Gallup, and they are the parents of six 
 •children, viz.: Clarence A., Elbert C., Orlo J., Wellington L., Alice E. and 
 Ina V. Mr. Burdick has been actively identified with the interests of the 
 township, and has held various township offices. 
 
 JONATHAN COLEGROVE, farmer, P.»0. Colegrove, was born in Nor- 
 wich township, McKean Co. , Penn. , November 22, 1844, a son of Horace and 
 Emily (Burlingame) Colegrove, both also natives of Norwich township. He 
 was in the Civil war, enlisting in 1861 in Company F, Fifty-seventh Pennsyl- 
 vania Volunteers, and served three years. He was in the siege of Yorktown, 
 and was taken prisoner on the peninsula near Savage Station, in ] 862, was 
 prisoner two and a half months on Belle Isle, afterward joined his regiment 
 near Falmouth, Va. , was in the Gettysburg fight, and on the second day was 
 wounded through the neck and windpipe, and also through the left shoulder. 
 He was taken to Baltimore, Md., to Patterson Park hospital, which hospital 
 was under the charge of Dr. S. D. Freeman. He was not expected to live, for 
 several days ; for twenty-two months he never spoke a loud word. He served 
 the rest of the time in the medical purveyor' b department, Baltimore, Md. He 
 was married January 1, 1867, to Miss Hattie P., daughter of Sheffield and 
 Mary E. (Baldwin) Purple, of Troy, Penn. , and they are the parents of two 
 children, viz. : Samuel (deceased) and Albert L. (living at home). He also has 
 an adopted daughter, Mary P.' Mr. Colegrove is a member of McKean Lodge, 
 No. 128, F. & A. M. ; Bradford Chapter, No. 160, and Sir Knights, No. 58. 
 
 C. D. COMES, lumberman, P. O. Digel, a son of D. D. and Polly V. 
 (Smith) Comes, natives of Pennsylvania, was born in Keating township, Mc- 
 Kean Co., Penn., June 18, 1855. He has always lived with his parents, and 
 at the present time has control of a mill in company with his father. They 
 are sawing 4,000,000 feet of lumber per year, and peeling 2,500 cords of hem- 
 lock bark. 
 
 C. W. DICKINSON, farmer, P. O. Norwich, is a son of Edward H. and 
 
538 HISTOEY OF MCKEAN COUNTY. 
 
 Eoxie (Comes) Dickinson, the former a native of New Jersey, and the latter of 
 Norwich township, McKean Co., Penn. The father came to McKean county 
 in 1833, and engaged in hunting and trapping, at one time killing fifty-seven 
 deer in twenty- five days; he also killed three elks and twenty bears in McKean 
 county. C. W. Dickinson is the second son of eight children. He was born 
 in Norwich township, November 10, 1842, and received his education in the 
 common schools of Norwich. July 9, 1861, he entered the United States serv- 
 ice, enlisting in Company I, Forty-second Regiment Pennsylvania ' ' Buck- 
 tails," and was discharged on account of disability, returning to Norwich Sep- 
 tember 28 of the same year. He married, November 18, 1873, Miss Estella, 
 P. Denison, a daughter of William and Otteline (Carter) Denison, natives of 
 the State of New York, who came to Norwich township in 1841. Mr. and 
 Mrs. Dickinson are the parents of four children, viz.: Charlie B. , Lena E., 
 Carrie A, and Louis H. Mr. Dickinson is one of the wide-awake men of the 
 township, and has been identified with various local ofSces. He has taken a 
 great interest in the public schools of the township, and, like his father, has a 
 disposition to hunt and trap, having killed about three hundred deer, nine 
 bears, eighteen wolves, and about twenty wildcats, and caught too much small 
 game to mention here. 
 
 J. C. DOYLE, lumberman, Crosby, P. O. Newerf, is a native of McKean 
 county, Penn., born in Sartwell, May 10, 1860. He was reared and educated 
 in his native county, and when but a boy began to work in his father's mill, 
 and finally was appointed its superintendent, and on reaching his majority was 
 admitted as a partner, the firm name then being M. Doyle & Son. Mr. Doyle 
 was married October 16, 1884, to Miss Katie C. Butler, of Sartwell, and they 
 have two children: Helen B. and Clayton P. Michael Doyle, father of J. 
 C, came to this country with his parents from County Cork, Ireland, when 
 but nine years of age. At twenty-three he married Ellen Keefe, a native of 
 Canandaigua, N. Y. Michael Doyle died September 17, 1889, at Sartwell, 
 Penn., surrounded by his family and, a few intimate friends; the firm name 
 was then changed to that of J. C. Doyle & Bro., who will in future carry 
 on the business on the same system as before. Mrs. Katie C. (Butler) Doyle 
 is a daughter of James Butler, the eldest of seven children, and who came to 
 this country from County Kilkenny, Ireland, about the year 1850, and was 
 married one year later at Cuba, N. Y. , to Bridget Phelan, a native of Ireland. 
 
 MICHAEL EKHART, postmaster and merchant, Newerf, was born in 
 St. Mary's, Elk Co., Penn., March 25, 1854, a son of John and Margaret Er- 
 hart, natives of Germany, who came to St. Mary's in 1853. Mr. Erhart received 
 his education in the common schools of Keating township, and in April, 1884, 
 he purchased a farm of 211 acres in Norwich township. He was married, in 
 August, 1886, to Miss Laura, a daughter of Samuel and Matilda (Cochran) Lay- 
 ton, natives of New York State, who came to McKean county in 1880. Mr. and 
 Mrs. Erhart have one child, Essie, born October 9, 1888. In May Mr. Erhart 
 engaged in mercantile business in Newerf, since which time he has also acted 
 in the capacity of postmaster. 
 
 W. O. GALLUP, farmer, P. O. Norwich, was born in Norwich Township, 
 McKean Co., Penn., June 28, 1851, the elder of two sons born to Nathaniel C. 
 and Alcena (Derby) Gallup, natives of Pennsylvania, born in 1814, and who 
 settled upon the farm now owned by their son, H. H. Gallup. W. O. Gallup 
 received his education in the common schools of his native township, and has 
 always been engaged in farming. He was married, in February, 1875, to Miss 
 Ella Grigsby, born in December, 1851, a daughter of Samuel and Mary (Evendon) 
 Grigsby, natives of England. Mr. and Mrs. Gallup are the parents of four 
 
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 539 
 
 children, viz. : Cora A. , Bertha M. , Milf ord H. and Susan E. Mr. Gallup 
 takes an active interest in the affairs of the township, and has held various 
 local offices. 
 
 N. W. HEINEMANN, lumberman, Colegrove, was born in Duderstadt, 
 Germany, November 25, 1848, a son of Christopher Heinemann. When he 
 was three years old his parents came to the United Slates and settled in Nor- 
 wich township, McKean Co., Penn., where, in 1865, his father built what is 
 called an up-and-down saw-mill. He was reared in McKean county, working 
 on the farm and in the mill until manhood, and finally bought the homestead 
 and mill of his father. He has rebuilt the mill, and has furnished it with the 
 latest approved machinery, and is now cutting 30,000 feet of lumber a day. 
 Mr. Heinemann was married, October, 1, 1874, to Miss Annie Bell WafSe, of Elm 
 Valley, Allegany Co. , N. Y. She is a daughter of George and Bessie (Knight) 
 Waffle, the former of whom was born in Cortland, N. T. , July 8, 1808, and the 
 latter in Vermont, April 20, 1820. Mr. and Mrs. Heinemann are the parents 
 of two children: Bessie W. and Theressa. 
 
 J. B. OVIATT, Jr., farmer, P. O. Norwich, was born in Smethport, Mc- 
 Kean Co., Penn., December 22, 1850, the third son of eleven children born to 
 J. B. and Catherine M. (Stickles) Oviatt, natives of New York State, who came 
 to McKean county in 1837, and settled in Keating township. Mr. Oviatt 
 remained upon the home farm with his parents until he was twenty-one years 
 of age, when he went to Roulette, Penn. , where he was employed "by the late 
 Leroy Lyman in hunting, and working upon the farm. From Roulette he 
 went to Alfred Centre, N. Y., where he finished his education, after which he 
 came to Norwich township and engaged as a laborer. He married, in October, 
 1875, Miss Hattie E. , daughter of J. B. and Mary B. (Gallup) Kimball, who 
 came to Norwich township in 1855. Mr. and Mrs. Oviatt are the parents of 
 three children, named as follows: Jessie F., Milo and Frank, all of whom 
 reside at home. Mr. Oviatt, after his marriage purchased the farm which he 
 now owns, and upon which he has erected a handsome residence. Mr. Oviatt 
 has been a very successful hunter, and has caught or killed, since 1875, the 
 following wild animals: 170 deer and 10 bears, which netted $1,146.91; and 111 
 foxes, 112 raccoons, 8 otters, 35 minks, 8 wildcats, 30 martins, 56 skunks, and 
 120 muskrats, netting 1403.86. He has held various township offices, and is 
 highly respected by all who know him. The family are members of the Meth- 
 odist Episcopal Church, of Colegrove. 
 
 N. H. PARKER, lumberman, P. O. Gardeau, is a son of George and Polly 
 Parker. George Parker was born in the city of Albany, N. Y. , in 1784, but when 
 eight years of age was taken by his father to the Cownaisque valley, where the 
 family settled. In this same valley Polly Parker was born in 1792, and at the 
 age of fifteen years was married to George Parker. Here also, N. H. Parker 
 was born in 1812. In 1828 the family moved into the Genesee Valley, and 
 bought the farm formerly owned by Shongo, the head chief of the Seneca 
 Indians, Six Nations, and who then lived on the farm and continued to do so 
 for over a year, George Parker afterward giving him the privilege of spending 
 the remainder of his days there if he chose. But a majority of the other In- 
 dians had gone to the Buffalo, Cattaraugus and other tribes, and after about a 
 year and a half he said he must go to console and advise those who looked to 
 him for counsel. He was a man of much intelligence, was a great warrior in 
 the Revolutionary war, and had participated in the massacre in the valley of 
 the Wyoming. He was also very skillful in the medical profession, and prac- 
 ticed much among the whites in the early history of the county with marked 
 success. Among the Indians at that time was one named Johny Hacks, who 
 
540 HISTORY OF MCKEAN COUNTY. 
 
 was a great hunter. George Parker asked him where there were some good' 
 "licks." He answered by saying, "Way off yonder great much lick, much 
 deer, much elk, much salt and much medicine water." He could not tell 
 where, or how far, but could point directly toward the present site of Norwich, 
 Penn. In his annual hunting trips Mr. Parker, with his son, commenced 
 going in this direction, and in June, 1838, reached what is now McKean county, 
 to hunt elk, and found the place spoken of by Johny Hacks. At that time no 
 place ever seen on the American continent would reward the hunter's pursuit 
 as well as this. There was plenty of elk, immense quantities of deer, black 
 bears and wolves very plenty, also panthers and all kinds of small game. 
 George and N. H. Parker continued to hunt here each year, and in the winter- 
 of 1844 the father and son bought a tract at this point for the purpose of hunt- 
 ing, and N. H. Parker owns it still, although the game, like the red man, has 
 all gone toward the setting sun. About the year 1800 one Capt. Thomas, 
 said to have been a sea pirate, abandoned his ship on the coast of Florida to- 
 avoid being captured by a Spanish man-of-war, and followed the coast all the 
 way to the Susquehanna river, thence up to this place, and eventually put a 
 well down here on the site of the great Elk lick of the world, and made salt ■ 
 here until the Parkers bought of him in 1844. In 1865 N. H. Parker put 
 down a well here near the old one, 640 feet deep, from which flows inces- 
 santly the strongest mineral water in the world, which has no equal in curing 
 all chronic cases of disease. For all time to come thousands will receive ben- 
 efit from its wonderful healing properties. This well is now famous, and is 
 known as "Parker's Mineral Spring." George Parker commenced hunting 
 when very young, and soon became very skillful in the capture of game. Hav- 
 ing hunted the Alleghany mountain range all over, in 1850, George and N. H., 
 went to Lake Superior, caught 125 beaver, killed several bears and wolves, and 
 before returning hunted around the Lake of the Woods and a great part of the 
 northwest territory. In March, 1851, George Parker surveyed a road fromi 
 the mouth of the Ontonagan River, at Lake Superior, through an entire wilder- 
 ness to Wisconsin river, where no human foot had ever trod before. In 1852 
 the two went to California, across the plains, for the sole purpose of hunting, 
 killing large numbers of deer, elk, antelope and buffalo. In California they 
 killed several grizzly bears, on one occasion bringing down a very large one at 
 the first shot, with a repeating rifle made for Mr. Parker by William Billing- 
 hurst, of Rochester, N. Y. at a cost of $150. Returning from California by 
 steamer the same year, George Parker also hunted in the Adirondacks, in 
 northern New York, killing many moose. He continued to hunt up to the time 
 of his death, which occurred in 1868, having killed in his lifetime over 3,000 
 deer, about 200 black bears, and nearly twenty elks, besides a large number 
 of wolves and all other kinds of wild animals on this continent. N. H. Par 
 ker was married, January 6, 1846, to Hannah, daughter of Jesse Bullock, at 
 that time sheriff of Allegany county, N. Y. , and to this union have been born 
 two children, George B. and Polly. 
 
 WILLIAM H. RIFLE, farmer, P. O. Norwich, was born in Norwich 
 township, McKean Co., Penn., July 31, 1842, a son of Daniel and Eliza M. 
 (Colegrove) Rifle, who were among the early settlers of McKean county. 
 They were the parents of six children, William H. being the third son. He 
 spent his boyhood days with his parents on the farm, and in August, 1861, 
 enlisted in the service of his country, and was assigned to Company I, Forty- 
 second Regiment, Pennsylvania " Bucktails," and served until November, 
 1862, when he returned home and bought the farm he now owns. He 
 married, November 18, 1869, Miss Emma A., a daughter of Timothy and. 
 
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 541 
 
 Esther (Hill) Sawyer, natives of New Hampshire, and they have four children, 
 viz.: Ada E., Julia E., Candace S. and William V. Mrs. Kifle is a member 
 of the Methodist Episcopal Church. 
 
 H. SNOW,- engineer, Colegrove, a son of Kobert and Rebecca (Bangs) 
 Snow, natives of Massachusetts, was born in that State February 13, 1817. 
 When seventeen years old, he entered a blacksmith shop as an apprentice, and 
 served four years. He married, December 24, 1841, Miss Eliza Crosby, of 
 Orleans, Mass., where she died January 7, 1842, only living fourteen days 
 after their marriage. June 1, 1844, he married Mrs. Caroline Cole, daughter 
 of Jonathan and Betsy (Eogers) Kendrick, of Orleans, Mass. He worked at 
 his trade until 1872, when he went to Brooklyn, N. Y. , looking after other 
 business. In 1881 he came to Titusville, Penn. , where he was foreman in a 
 machine shop for Dilingham, Cole & Co. He was an oil operator in Bradford 
 for some time, and in 1881 he went to Smethport, Penn., and in company 
 with his son, James H. Snow, bought some gas wells and supplied the borough 
 of Smethport with gas. In 1884 he came to Colegrove as engineer for the 
 National Transit Oil Company. Mr. and Mrs. Snow are the parents of three 
 children, viz. : Nathan, a dry goods merchant in Boston; William B. (deceased) 
 and James H., general superintendent for the National Transit Oil Company,. 
 New York City. James H. Snow was married, in 1874, to Delia Newell, of 
 Titusville, Penn. July 9, 1886, Heman Snow, the subject of these lines, mar- 
 ried Mrs. Betsey Nickerson, of Massachusetts, a daughter of Albert and Mary 
 Esterbrooks. 
 
 D. M. WRIGHT, sawyer, Digel, Penn., was born in Eldred township, 
 McKean county, Penn., August 13, 1845, a son of M. and Ruth (Brainard) 
 Wright, natives of New York State, who came to Eldred township, McKean coun- 
 ty, in 1815. They were the parents of nine children, D. M. being the third 
 son. When D. M. Wright was five years of age his mother died, and he was 
 thrown upon his own resources. He was in the Civil war, enlisting in June,. 
 1862, and was assigned to Company C, One Hundred and Fifty-fourth Regi- 
 ment, New York Volunteers; he served until June 26, 1865, when he wtis 
 honorably discharged and returned to Portville, N. Y. , where he followed lum- 
 bering. He married, January 28, 1872, Miss A. E. , a daughter of D. D. and 
 Polly V. (Smith) Comes, of Norwich township, and they are the parents of 
 two children, Ethel and Nellie. Since his marriage Mr. Wright has been en- 
 gaged in lumbering in McKean county. He is a member of Eldred Lodge, No. 
 560, F. & A. M.; Arnold Chapter, No. 254; St. John's Commandery, No. 24, 
 Olean, N. Y. ; Clermont Lodge, No. 949, I. O. O. F., and of the G. A. R., 
 J. E. Jones Post, No. 258, of Eldred, Penn. 
 
 HAMLIN TOWNSHIP. 
 
 FRITZ BLOCK, Sr., farmer, P. O. Kasson, was born in Germany, No- 
 vember 15, 1846, a son of Fred and Getta Block. Fred Block came to America 
 in 1859, and enlisted in the Civil war in 1861, where he was killed, leaving his 
 family in Germany. Fritz Block worked as a laborer in Germany until 1872, 
 when he came to Morris Run, Tioga Co. , Penn. , and went to work in the 
 coal mines; here he remained two years, then went to work in the mines at 
 Clermont, McKean Co., Penn. He married, February 8, 1873, Miss Augusta 
 Bemkoskey, of Germany, and they are the parents of seven children, viz. : Mag- 
 gie, Anna, Mary, Minnie, Matilda, Fritz, Jr. , and Johnnie. In 1886 Mr. Block 
 came to Hamlin township and purchased the farm on which he now resides. 
 He is one of the well-to-do farmers in the township, and has held various, 
 local offices. Mr. and Mrs. Block are members of the Lutheran Church. 
 
542 HISTORY OF MCKEAN COUNTY. 
 
 W. W. BREWER, proprietor of hotel, Mount Jewett, is a native of Mc- 
 Kean county, Penn., born in Norwich township November 24, 1843. He 
 remained at home until eighteen years of age, and August 13, 1861, eAlisted in 
 defense of the Union in the noted regiment known as the " Pennsylvania Buck- 
 tails," participating in all the engagements of his regiment. He was wounded 
 at the battle of Antietam, but was disabled only a short time. He was dis- 
 charged August 13, 1864, and returned home. In 1884 he built a fine hotel 
 in Mount Jewett, and upon its completion opened it to the public, and is still 
 its genial proprietor. Mr. Brewer was married, August 9, 1865, to Miss Orpha 
 Homer, and they have two daughters: Nellie and Hettie. Mr. Brewer is a 
 member of the Masonic fraternity, McKean Lodge, No. 388, Bradford Chapter, 
 No. 260, and Trinity Gommandery, No. 58. 
 
 H. W. BTJRLINGAME, farmer, P. O. Kasson, is a son of Isaac and 
 Sophronia (Wolcott) Burlingame, natives of New York State, who came to Mc- 
 Kean county in 1815 with Timothy Wolcott and others, and settled in Nor- 
 wich township (then Sergeant township) in the year 1816; it was what is known 
 among the old settlers as "the cold season;" the crops were all destroyed, and 
 Isaac Burlingame, in company with Timothy Wolcott, went in a canoe to Pitts- 
 burgh for provisions, taking six weeks to make the trip. Isaac Burlingame 
 was one of the party who were pushing a canoe load of potatoes up what is 
 now known as "Potato creek," and tipped the load over in the creek, from 
 which incident the stream derived its name. H. W. Burlingame was born in 
 Sergeant township, McKean Co., Penn., March 3, 1818, on the old farm now 
 owned by George Burdick. His father was a mason by trade, and H. W. 
 worked with him until February 26, 1841, when he married Miss Sally Rifle, 
 a daughter of Amos Rifle, of Norwich township, and then began life for him- 
 self. They reared a family of four children, viz. : H. L., living in Smethport; 
 Wilbur, died in the Civil war; Amanda, wife of James Barnes, of Michigan, 
 and Arabella C. , wife of Eucas Wilson, of Ludington, Mich. Mr. Burlingame, 
 after his marriage, resided in Norwich township until 1848, when he sold out 
 and came to Hamlin township. His wife died in 1849, and in June of the 
 same year he married Miss Casandana King, a daughter of Joseph P. and 
 Harriet (Berry) King, natives of New York State, who came to McKean county 
 among the early settlers. Mr. and Mrs. Burlingame have had a family of five 
 children, viz. : Carlton K. ; Millie J., wife of E. L. Olmsted, Norwich; George 
 D., deceased; Effie and Royal H. , who reside with their parents. They are mem- 
 bers of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Mr. Burlingame has built by con- 
 tract many of the roads in Hamlin township, and has been an enterprising and 
 successful business man. He has held various township offices, including those 
 of State road commissioner, supervisor, school director, town clerk, auditor and 
 postmaster. 
 
 D. H. DAVIS, lumberman, Mount Jewett, was born in Wales, the eldest son 
 in a family of four children born to Joshua and Annie (James) Davis, natives of 
 Wales, who came to Cambria county, Penn., in 1837. The father died when 
 D. H. was seven years of age, and since that time he has earned his own liveli- 
 hood. He learned the shoemaker's trade, at which he worked thirty-three 
 years. In September, 1861, he entered the United States service, serving 
 three years and nine months, when he was honorably discharged. Returping 
 home he married, in June, 1867, Miss Clementine Eason, of Cherry Tree, Penn., 
 and they are the parents of five children. Mr. Davis worked at his trade until 
 1885, when he came to Mount Jewett and started a basket factory in company 
 with W. H. Reese, and they afterward put in a saw-mill. In 1887 the mill was 
 destroyed by fire, but has since been rebuilt, and is run under the firm name of 
 
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 543 
 
 Hitchcock & Davis, manufacturers of "dimension stuff." Mr. Davis has held 
 the office of justice of the peace for twelve years. He is a member of Burnside 
 Lodge, No. 679, 1. O. O. F. Mr. and Mrs. Davis are members of the Methodist 
 Protestant Church. 
 
 JOHN EASTBURGH, Mount Jewett, is a son of Johnson and Brita (Nel- 
 son) Eastburgh, natives of Sweden, was born in Gefle city, Sweden, September 
 17, 1852, and received a practical business education in his native country. His 
 mother died when he was quite young. At twenty-one years of age he engaged 
 with a lumber firm as foreman, and was employed by them for eight years. 
 In June, 1881, he located at Jamestown, N. Y. , but in a short time came to Brad- 
 ford, Penn. , where he engaged as a laborer upon the railroad. From Bradford 
 he went to Hillsville, Ohio, and finally returned to Jamestown, engaging with 
 the P. & W. E. R. as a section foreman, in which capacity he came to 
 McKean county. In December, 1884, he married Miss Annie C. Johnson, a 
 daughter of Peter and Charlotte Johnson, natives of Sweden, and they have 
 two children: Jennie Mathilda (born December 17, 1885) and Annie Emelia 
 (born May 6, 1889). In 1886 Mr. Eastburgh came to Mount Jewett as section 
 foreman, and here he has purchased a piece of land and erected his residence. 
 Mr. and Mrs. Eastburgh are members of the Congregational Church. 
 
 JOHN EKEN, farmer, P. O. Mount Jewett, is a son of Daniel and Melissa 
 (Yons) Eken, natives of Sweden, where he was born November 18, 1825. He 
 received his education in the common schools of Sweden, and spent his boy- 
 hood days upon the farm with his father. In November, 1847, he married 
 Miss Lena Johnson, a daughter of John and Mary (Nels) Johnson, natives of 
 Sweden, who has borne him eight children: JMary L., wife of G. Nelson, in 
 Brooklyn, N. Y. ; Charlotte T. , wife of G. M. Jackson, in Baltimore, Md, ; Ida 
 S. , in Brooklyn, N. Y. ; Annie A. , also in Brooklyn, N. Y. ; Emma, wife of 
 J. R. Johnson, in Mount Jewett; Augusta W., Charles and Jennie E. Mr. Eken 
 came to McKean county in 1869, and in 1871 located at Mount Jewett, where he 
 now resides. Mr. and Mrs. Eken are now members of church. He has always 
 been very successful in business, and they have a fine home at Mount Jewett. 
 
 J. F. GALLUP, farmer, P. 0. Kasson, is a son of Nathaniel C. and Dinah 
 (Edmunds) Gallup, natives of Connecticut, who came to Sergeant township, 
 McKean Co., Penn., in 1815. They reared a family of nine children, J. P. 
 being the eldest son. He was born in Connecticut, March 17, 1809. His 
 educational advantages were limited, there being no schools in that part of 
 the country at that time. He spent his boyhood days with his parents upon 
 the farm, and, when he was twenty years of age, bis father died, leaving him 
 seventy-five acres of land, on the condition that he would pay the debts he 
 owed. The condition he accepted, and in four years had succeeded in can- 
 celing all obligations. In March, 1833, he married Miss Docha Brewer, a 
 daughter of Nathaniel and Phebe Brewer, of Norwich township, McKean Co., . 
 Penn., and to this union were born three children, viz.: Orson D., Ellen A. 
 (deceased) and Orpha A., who resides with her father. Mrs. Gallup died 
 September, 14, 1885. Mr. Gallup came to Marvin Creek, Hamlin township, 
 in 1861, and here he now has a fine home and farm. He has held the office 
 of county commissioner one term, besides various township offices. 
 
 M. J. GALLUP, merchant, Mount Jewett, was born in Norwich township, 
 McKean Co. , Penn. , September 20, 1864, a son of Orson D. and Alvira V. 
 Gallup, natives of same township. When he was eighteen years old he formed 
 a partnership with C. A. Anderson, of Colegrove, Penn. , which continued two 
 years, when the partnership was dissolved, and he moved to Mount Jewett, 
 where he embarked in the general mercantile business, keeping a fine store o 
 
 30 
 
544 HISTORY OF MCKEAN CODNTY. 
 
 well-selected goods. He is an enterprising young man, and holds a high posi- 
 tion among the business men of Mount Jewett. He has held several of the 
 township offices, and has served efficiently and acceptably. Mr. Gallup was 
 married September 20, 1887, to Miss Alma J., daughter of J. W. and Sarah 
 Brennan, all natives of Smethport, Penn. 
 
 GEORGE O. GARLIOK, farmer and postmaster, Kasson, is a son of 
 Truman and Catherine (Rifle) Garlick, the former a native of Otsego county, 
 N. Y. , and the latter of Tioga county, Penn. , who came to Hamlin township 
 in 18^5. They reared a family of six children, of whom George O. is the 
 second son. He was born in Hamlin township, McKean Co. , Penn. , June 8, 
 1839, received his education in the public schools of the township, and spent 
 his boyhood days upon the farm with his father. In May, 1864, he married 
 Miss Phebe McKean, a daughter of Bernard and Bridget (Graham) McKean, 
 natives of Ireland. They have three children: Bertie, Eva and Bernard. 
 After his marriage, Mr. Garlick went to Minnesota with a team, but returned 
 in one year, then went to Wilcox, Penn., and engaged in shoemaking, al- 
 though he had never learned the trade. Here he remained for ten years, at 
 the end of which time he settled upon the farm he now owns. In politics Mr. 
 Garlick votes with the Republican party, and has filled the following offices: 
 school director, road commissioner, town clerk, collector, overseer of poor, 
 treasurer, and has filled the postmastership of Kasson for six years. 
 
 L. A. GROAT, landlord of the Fairview House, Mount Jewett, is a son of 
 Peter and Minerva (Mclntyre) Groat, natives of New York State. They came 
 to Wilcox, Penn. , in 1870, and Peter Groat was engaged as foreman of the 
 Wilcox tannery for twelve years. They reared a family of eleven children, 
 the subject of this sketch being the third son. He was born in Bradford 
 county, Penn., October 30, 1842, and received a practical business education 
 in the common schools of New York State. He spent his time with his parents 
 until he attained the age of thirty-five years, engaging in the tanning business 
 as an overseer. In May, 1881, he married Miss Flora A. Hamilton, a daughter 
 of David and Eleanor Hamilton, of Emporium, Penn. , and they have had three 
 children: Carrie, Harry and Bertha (the last named deceased). After his 
 marriage Mr. Groat went to Clarendon, Warren Co., Penn., and engaged in 
 building oil rigs and tanks. In the winter of 1887 he came to Mount Jewett 
 and erected the hotel which he successfully conducts. Mr. and Mrs. Groat 
 are members of the Presbyterian Church at Kane, Penn. Mr. Groat is a 
 member of Newark Valley Lodge, No. 614, F. & A. M. , and of Fisher Tent, 
 No. 45, K. O. T. M. 
 
 PHILIP HAFNER, farmer, P. O. Kasson, was born in Germany, March 
 17, 1839, is a son of Christopher and Elizabeth (May) Hafner. He received 
 his education in his native land, and came to McKean county, Penn. , with his 
 parents in 1853. When seventeen years of age he went to work as a laborer in 
 the lumber woods. In November, 1867, he married Miss Ellen, a daughter of 
 Lyman and M. B. (Starks) Bell, of Coudersport, Penn., and they are the par- 
 ents of three children: Nellie M. , Harry H. and Leo R. After his marriage Mr. 
 Hafner was employed upon the farm of Wernwag & Co. , until 1875, when he 
 opened a meat market at Clermont, which he conducted one year, then came 
 to Hamlin township, and purchased the farm on Marvin creek, where he now 
 resides. He is a prominent citizen, and has held various township offices. 
 
 WILLIAM HAFNER, farmer, P. O. Kasson, is a son of Christopher and 
 Elizabeth (May) Hafner, natives of Germany, who came to this country, and 
 settled in Sergeant township, McKean Co., Penn., in 1858. They were the 
 parents of eight children, of whom William is the sixth son. He was born in 
 
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 545 
 
 Germany, July 17, 1845, and came to this country with his parents in his 
 boyhood. When fourteen years of age he began work as a laborer, at Cler- 
 mont, Penn. , and afterward went to Wilcox, where he worked for Col. A. I. 
 Wilcox, for three years, after which he was employed by an engineering party 
 for one year, when he returned to Wilcox, and was re engaged by Mr. Wilcox. 
 In March, 1875, he married Miss Jennie Potter, a daughter of John F. and 
 Phebe (Farley) Potter, of Lycoming county, Penn., and they have reared a 
 family of four children, viz. : Idela M. , Edith A. , Edna L. and Earl P. In 
 1876 Mr. Hafner came to Marvin Creek, Hamlin township, McKean Co., Penn., 
 and purchased the farm where he now resides. 
 
 JOHN HAFNEE, farmer, was born in Germany, in 1835, a son of Chris- 
 topher and Elizabeth (May) Hafner. He came to McKean county, Penn., 
 with his parents in 1853, and at seventeen years of age began work for him- 
 self as a laborer. He was married, in 1861, to Miss Theresa, daughter of 
 Christopher and Minnie Heinemann, of Norwich township, McKean Co., 
 Penn., and she bore him one child, Mary L., wife of G. H. GrafP, of Mount 
 Alton, Penn. After his marriage he came to Hamlin township and purchased 
 a farm. His wife died in 1878, and in 1881 he married Miss Minnie Fedder, 
 of Smethport, who died in 1883. In 1885, Mr. Hafner married Miss Eliza- 
 beth Martin, of Farmers Valley, Penn.. who died in 1889. She was a member 
 of the Lutheran Church, as is also Mr. Hafner. He has held various town- 
 ship ofi&ces. 
 
 CHARLES G. JACKSON, merchant. Mount Jewett, is a native of Sweden, 
 born January 28, 1858. He remained in his native country till manhood, 
 working on a farm from the time he was old enough for manual labor. In 
 1880 he came to the United States and located at Mount Jewett, where he 
 obtained employment as -a laborer. In 1885 he embarked in mercantile busi- 
 ness, and in 1887 ^became associated with O. Haglen, which partnership con- 
 tinued until April 1, 1889, when they dissolved by mutual consent, and Mr. 
 Jackson is now conducting business alone. He is a successful young man, 
 and is one of the well-knjown citizens of Mount Jewett. He was married Sep- 
 tember 15, 1883, to Miss Amanda Lumberg, also a native of Sweden, and 
 they have one child. They are members of the Lutheran Church. 
 
 JOHN E. JOHNSON, contractor and house builder. Mount Jewett, is a son 
 of Johannis and Anna Elizabeth Johnson, of the township of Hellefors, 
 county of Orebro, located in the central part of Sweden, the city of Orebro 
 being the capital of said county, and iron mining and lumbering the chief 
 industries of that part of Sweden. Johannis Johnson, shoemaker by trade, 
 was born in 1818, and died of consumption when forty-eight years old; his re- 
 mains lie buried in the Hellefors Cemetery. His wife, Anna Elizabeth, was born 
 in 1813, has worked hard all her days, and is yet living in her native country. 
 They had six children, two of whom are deceased, and four are living in Amer- 
 ica. Of these, John R., who was the youngest child, was born February 4, 
 1858, in Orebro county, Sweden, He received his education in his native 
 country, and spent his boyhood day§ with his parents, learning the carpenter's 
 trade. In May, 1878, he left his native country and came to America, locating 
 at Mount Jewett, where he worked at his trade, and after some time he bought a 
 piece of land. As the place was growing, the land rose in price, and he be- 
 came very successful in selling land lots. On December 24, 1882, Mr. John- 
 son married Miss Emma P. Eken, a daughter of John and Lena Eken, former 
 a wealthy farmer of Mount Jewett. Mr. and Mrs. Johnson have a fine home, 
 where they reside on the main street, Mojint Jewett, and have a family of three 
 children: Ernest R. W., born October 3, 1883; Ethel Beatrice, born Novem- 
 
546 HISTOKY OF MCKEAN COUNTY. 
 
 ber 10, 1886; Lilly Elvira, born January 9, 1889, all of whom reside at home. 
 Mr. Johnson is very successful in his business, and Mrs. Johnson is a happy 
 mother, loving and beloved by her children, a vcoman who is a blessing to her 
 family. Mr. and Mrs. Johnson attend the Lutheran Church; in politics he 
 votes with the Prohibition party. 
 
 N. P. LANTZ, farmer, P. O. Mount Jewett, is a son of Jol^n and Annastine 
 Lantz, natives of Sweden, and was born June 24, 1841. He received a practical 
 business education in the common schools of Sweden, and spent the days of his 
 early manhood upon his father's farm, and on the railroad in the capacity of 
 foreman. In November, 1864, he married Miss Sophia M. , daughter of Aaron 
 and Sophia Elkstrom, and they have a family of eight children. In 1872 Mr. 
 Lantz came to Pittsburgh, Penn. , and worked in the coal mines until 1876, when 
 he moved to Hamlin township, McKean county, settling three and one-half 
 miles from any neighbors. He then engaged with the Union Oil Company as 
 foreman, with whom he was employed five years. Mr. Lantz owns a large 
 farm near Mount Jewett, is one of the leading men of the township, and has held 
 various township offices. Mr. and Mrs. Lantz are members of the Lutheran 
 Church. 
 
 CHARLES LUNDEN, proprietor of billiard room, Mount Jewett, is a na- 
 tive of Sweden, born January 26, 1866, and when five years of age was 
 brought to America and to McKean county, Penn. , by his parents. He was 
 reared in that county, and lived at home until manhood. He is now proprietor 
 of a fine billiard parlor, and owner of considerable property, including the 
 building where he carries on his business, and is one of the most enterprising 
 young men in Mount Jewett. December 19, 1887, Mr. Lunden married Miss 
 Alma Swonsy, of Mount Jewett. 
 
 THOMAS McCLELLAN, lumberman, Mount Jewett, is a son of A. J. and 
 Eliza (Peters) McClellan, natives of Pennsylvania. They were the parents of 
 two children, of whom Thomas is the eldest son. He was born in Phillipsburg, 
 Centre Co., Penn., September 8, 1859, and received a practical business edu- 
 cation in the common schools of Clearfield county. In, June, 1878, he came to 
 Kane, Penn., with the sum of $1.40 of his earnings; here he remained until 
 1884, when he took Horace Greeley's advice and went West. He returned, 
 however, the next year, and purchased some land at Ludlow, McKean Co. , 
 Penn. , in partnership with George Mell, and engaged in lumbering. In 1889 
 he entered into partnership with Elisha K. Kane, of Kane, Penn. , and came to 
 Mount Jewett, where they purchased a tract of land, and are now erecting a; 
 large mill with the latest improvements. He is also interested in the Mount 
 Jewett, Kinzua & Kitterville Railroad, which is in process of construction. In 
 1885 he married Miss Mary E. Fuller, a daughter of Ambrose and Martha 
 Eliza (Jones) Fuller, of Emporium, Penn., and they have two children, Helen 
 and Paul. Mrs. Martha E. Fuller, was born in Springfield, Mass. Mr. 
 McClellan is a wide-awake man, ever ready to promote the interests of his 
 township. In politics he votes with the Prohibition party. 
 
 E. B. McOOY, druggist. Mount Jewett, a son of W. Y. and Charlotte 
 (Darling) McCoy, of Smethport, Penn., was born in Smethport June 1, 1856. 
 He received a practical business education in his native town, and spent his 
 boyhood days with his parents. November 22, 1876, he married Miss Frances 
 E., a daughter of Joseph and Rachel (Bovee) Lyman, of Binghampton, N. Y. 
 Mr. McCoy worked in his father's drug store until 1883, when, in company 
 with his brother, H. S., he bought a stock of drugs in Smethport, remaining 
 in partnership until 1885, when he bought his brother' s interest. Mr. McCoy 
 continued in business here until 1887, in which year he sold out and came to 
 
BIOGEAPHIOAL SKETCHES. 547 
 
 Mount Jewett, where he built a store and put in a stock of drugs. He has 
 been successful, and is now one of the leading business men of the place; is a 
 member of Smethport Lodge, No. 388, I. O. O. F. ; also of Fisher Lodge, K. 
 O. T. M. Mr. and Mrs. McCoy are members of the Episcopal Church at 
 Smethport. 
 
 DA VAULT MAETIN, farmer, P. O. Kasson, is a son of John and Mar- 
 garet (Bower) Martin, natives of Germany, who came to Philadelphia in 1835, 
 and to McKean county in 1844, and settled at Teutonia. They were the 
 parents of eight children, of whom Davault is the eldest son. He was born 
 in Philadelphia June 30, 1836. He received his education in the common 
 schools of McKean county, and spent his boyhood days upon the farm with his 
 parents until twenty-one years of age. When he reached his majority, he began 
 work for himself as a laborer, and August 24, 1864, married Miss Elizabeth 
 M. Hafner, a daughter of Christopher and Elizabeth (May) Hafner. His wife 
 died April 11, 1878, leaving four children: John C, Edward D., Philip W. 
 and Minnie E. Four years before marriage Mr. Martin purchased the farm 
 on which he now resides, and on which he has erected a fine residence. Mr. 
 Martin has served as jury commissioner for three years, and has held various 
 township offices. He is a m.ember of McKean Lodge, No. 388, P. & A. M. , 
 Bradford Chapter, No. 260, and Trinity Commandery, No. 58, K. T. 
 
 A. MELLANDER, merchant. Mount Jewett, is a native of Sweden, born 
 April 1, 1852. He lived in his native country until sixteen years of age, when 
 he came to the United States, and in 1871 located near the present site of 
 Mount Jewett, working on a farm and in the lumber camps. In 1881 he 
 started the first store in the town, and has been a successful merchant, owning 
 the building where he carries on his business, and which is well adapted to his 
 needs. He also owns a large saw-mill at Mount Jewett, and is extensively 
 engaged in the lumber business. Mr. Mellander was married, February 13, 
 1882, to Miss Huldah W. Burling. 
 
 E. B. MOSSER, tanner. Mount Jewett, was born in Lehigh county, Penn. , 
 January 28, 1854. He was reared and educated in his native county, and 
 learned the tanner's trade of his father. He remained at home, working with 
 his father until he was twenty-six years old. In 1881 he moved to Hunting- 
 don county, Penn. , started a tannery, and in 1887 came to Mount Jewett and 
 built a large tannery, and is now engaged in business on an extensive scale 
 under the firm name of O. B. Mosser & Co. Mr. Mosser was married March 
 25, 1880, to Miss Emma A. Ripley, of Lock Haven, Penn. , and they have three 
 children: Prankie, Duart and Belmont. 
 
 J. H. NELSON, farmer, P. O. Mount Jewett, was born near Stockholm, 
 Sweden, August 7, 1834, a son of Jacobson and Elizabeth (Anderson) Nelson. 
 He was educated in the common schools, and remained at home with his parents 
 until he attained his majority. He was married in October, 1862, to Miss 
 Johanna, a daughter of Johannes and Annie (Hindrickson) Johnson, natives of 
 Sweden. In 1873 they adopted Miss Mamie Nelson. Mr. Nelson came to 
 Kane, McKean Co., Penn., in July, 1868, where he worked at his trade (that 
 of a mason) for two years, when he settled in Mount Jewett, purchasing the 
 farm where he now resides, and was one of the first three families who settled 
 in Mount Jewett. He has been very successful in business, is a live, energetic 
 business man, and one of the leading men in his town. Mr. and Mrs. Nelson 
 are members of the Free Mission Church at Mount Jewett, Penn. 
 
 A. Gr. PHILLIPS, proprietor of meat market, Mount Jewett, is a native of 
 Pennsylvania, born in Crawford county. May 4, 1856. He remaned at home 
 until eighteen years of age, when he began life for himself, and worked on a 
 
548 HISTORY OF MCKEAN COUNTY. 
 
 salary until he was twenty-one. He then opened a meat market, which he car- 
 ried on one year, and in 1878 he embarked in general mercantile business 
 at Mount Alton. There he remained three years, and in 1881 moved to Kane, 
 and thence, in 1884, to Mount Jewett, where he opened a meat market, which 
 he still conducts, having one of the best places of the kind in the town. Mr. 
 Phillips was married, January 5, 1876, to Miss Dora Willey, of Crawford 
 county, Penn., and they have one child, Woodley. 
 
 SAMUEL PHILLIPS, merchant, Mount Jewett, is a native of Germany, born 
 February 22, 1867, a son of Elisha and Shera Phillips, natives of Russian Po- 
 land. When he was twelve years old he came to the United States, and lived 
 in New York City until 1885, when he came to McKean county, Penn., and 
 lived in Bradford a year. When he began life for himself he found employ- 
 ment as a clerk in a dry goods store, and in 1886 he formed a partnership with 
 B. Applestine, and opened a store in Mount Jewett. This partnership continued 
 about three years, and in the spring of 1889, he bought Mr. Applestine' s in- 
 terest, and is now conducting the business alone. He is a young man of good 
 business ability, and is one of the enterprising merchants of Mount Jewett. 
 
 JAMES BAND ALL, Jr., farmer, P. O. Kasson, is a son of James and 
 Annie. (Fields) Eandall, natives of New York State, who came to Hamlin 
 township in 1854, and reared a family of five children, James being the third 
 son. He was born on the farm, where he now lives, March 4, 1862, and 
 when he was five years old his parents sold the farm and moved to Tioga county, 
 Penn., where they remained one year, then returned to Hamlin township, 
 and settled on Marvin creek. James Eandall, Jr., the subject of these lines, 
 spent his early days working for his parents, and in 1884, in company with his 
 brother, Dan, bought back a part of the old farm, which their father had pre- 
 viously sold. April 26, 1886, Mr. Eandall married Miss Sarah Richards, a 
 daughter of Thomas and Catherine (McElwee) Eichards, the former a native 
 of England and the latter of Ireland, who were among the early settlers of 
 Hamlin township. Mr. and Mrs. Eandall are the parents of one child, Wal- 
 lace J. In 1886 Mr. Eandall bought his brother's interest in the farm, and 
 he is now one of the most prosperous farmers of the township. 
 
 WILLIAM SMITH, farmer, P. O. Mount Jewett was born December 1 5, 
 1838, a son of Lyman and Betsy (Lytle) Smith, the former a native of Mas- 
 sachusetts, and the latter of Indiana. The mother died when William was 
 quite young, and the father married, for a second wife. Miss Polly Gleason, a 
 daughter of Daniel and Ella (Houck) Gleason, of Allegany county, N. Y. 
 William Smith spent his boyhood days with his parents in Yorkshire, Catta- 
 raugus county, N. Y. In December, 1861, he enlisted in the United States 
 service, and was assigned to Company K, One Hundred and Fifth Eegiment 
 New York Volunteers, serving three years. In 1866 he, in company with his 
 father' s family, came to Mount Jewett (then known as Howard Hill), and settled 
 upon the farm which he now owns. In December, 1871, he married Miss 
 Fannie A. Simmons, a daughter of Ensley and Irena (Gleason) Simmons, na- 
 tives of New York State, who has borne him three children: Flora, Alice and 
 Arthur. Mr. Smith is a member of Smethport Post, No. 347, G. A. R. He 
 has held various township offices, and is one of the leading citizens. He and 
 his wife are members of the Baptist Church at Smethport. 
 
 lEA WAEPLE, farmer, P. O. Kasson, a son of Thomas and Phoebe R. 
 (Dixon) Warfle, natives of New York State, was born in Broome county, N. Y. , 
 April 29, 1836. He was reared and educated in his native county, and when 
 twenty-one ^ears old came to Marvin Creek, Hamlin township, bringing his 
 family from Steuben county, N. Y. , in a sleigh drawn by oxen. He married, 
 
BIOGBAPHICAL SKETCHES. 549 
 
 June 18, 1854, Miss Mary E. , daughter of Joseph T. and Hulda (Harrington) 
 Hicock, natives of Steuben county, N. Y., and they have had a family of ten 
 children: Joseph B., Hulda A., Mary Enmina, Juan S. (deceased), Cora A. 
 (wife of George Eichards), Phoebe M. (wife of N. D. Hausler), Benson A. , Mil- 
 lie Gr., Sadia A. and Henry N. residing at home. In 1856 Mr. Warfle bought a 
 piece of wild land on Marvin creek, where he now lives. He has been success- 
 ful in business, and now has a fine home. Prominent in local politics, he has 
 held various township offices. 
 
 ALBERT WIBOEG, merchant, of the firm of A. & O. Wiborg, Mount 
 Jewett, is a son of 0. G. and Lena Wiborg, natives of Sweden, who reared a 
 family of five children, one of whom is deceased, and four still living, Albert, 
 our subject, being the second son. He was born in Ostergotland, Sweden, June 
 12, 1867. His father immigrated to America in the spring of 1869, leaving 
 his family in Sweden. He was working on railroad building for eight years, 
 and in the spring of 1877 came to McKean county, Penn., where he bought some 
 land located eight miles east of Kane, by the Smethport & Kane road, it being 
 a great forest at that time, and the nearest railway at Kane, and not a house 
 within two miles in the direction of Kane, and four miles to Howard Hill, 
 now called Mount Jewett, where at that time there were only four farmers. As 
 soon as he was settled down, he sent for his family, who came to McKean county, 
 Penn., in the fall of 1877. The subject of these lines attended the common 
 schools of his native country, and on arriving in McKean county he worked on 
 the land with his father for eight years, helping to clear off the timber which 
 had to be burned on the ground. His father and mother are still living on, 
 the farm, which is known as " Pleasant Farm," and is now yielding good crops. 
 Here a fine house was erected. In the fall of 1885 Mr. Wiborg left the farm, 
 to work for himself; then engaged in canvassing for a magazine for two years, 
 and also worked in a shingle-mill. In 1888 he, in company with his cousin, 
 0. Wiborg, embarked in mercantile business in Mount Jewett, where they rented 
 a store building. In the spring of 1889 they purchased a lot and erected the 
 store where they are now located and are doing a thriving business. 
 
 "LAFAYETTE TOWNSHIP. 
 
 J. W. BEACON, Mount Alton, was born in Westmoreland county, Penn. , 
 April 13, 1844, a son of Johnson W. and Rebecca (Miller) Beacon, former a 
 native of Westmoreland county, latter of Allegheny county, Penn. His father 
 was a farmer by occupation, was a stanch member of the Democratic party and 
 filled various township offices. He and his wife were prominent members of 
 the Presbyterian Church, in which he was an elder for many years. Mr. Beacon 
 died in Westmoreland county, Penn., in 1868; his widow is still living and 
 resides on the homestead. They had a family of five children, three of whom 
 are still living, viz.: Cyrus Scott, of Westmoreland county; Rev. John J., 
 pastor of the Presbyterian Church, of Pittsburgh, Penn., and J. W., our 
 subject, who was reared on the homestead farm and obtained a common- 
 school education. He is among the pioneer oil producers, having operated on 
 the Storey farm in Venango county. In 1879 he came to McKean county and 
 located at Mount Alton, and in 1881 established a general mercantile business; 
 he has served as postmaster since September, 1885. In 1872 he was married 
 to Miss Lottie Gappen, of Washington county, Penn. , and they have six chil- 
 dren: William, Jessie, Harry, Orpha, Ella and Paul M. Mr. Beacon is an 
 active member of the Democratic party, and for several years has served as 
 school director of the township. He is a member of McKean Lodge, No. 51, 
 V. & A. M., of Smethport; of the Knights of St. John of Malta, of Alton; of 
 
550 HISTORY OF MCKEAN COUNTY. 
 
 Columbian League, of Alton, and of Kinzua Lodge, No. 541, I. O. O. F., of 
 Bradford. In 1889 he retired from the mercantile business, and moved to Ran- 
 dolph, N. Y. , where he is drilling with the expectation of supplying the place 
 with gas. 
 
 GEOEGE. E BEAUMONT, merchant. Mount Alton, was born in Rocky 
 Hill, Hartford Co., Conn., January 17, 1845, a son of Charles and Mary 
 (Pratt) Beaumont, natives of that State. His father was a harness maker and 
 saddler, and in 1847 moved his family to Illinois, but returned to Connecticut in 
 1857. He was a Republican and a member of the Presbyterian Church; he 
 died in Connecticut, and his widow is still living. George E. Beaumont received 
 an ordinary education, and at the age of fourteen years left home and shipped 
 as a cabin-boy on a coasting vessel running on the Connecticut and Hudson 
 rivers. In 1862 he shipped aboard a transport carrying a cargo of hay and 
 oats for the Union soldiers. In 1863 he went to Philadelphia and obtained a 
 position as inspectoi* of oil, afterward was located at Pittsburgh and Oil City 
 in the same capacity. In 1881 he came to McKean county, and for three years 
 acted as ganger for the United Pipe Line Company; since then he has been 
 engaged in the mercantile business at Mount Alton. In 1867 he married 
 Miss Emma L. Ward, daughter of Egbert S. Ward, of Pittsburgh, and they 
 have four children: William, Schuyler Colfax, George E., Jr., and Fannie 
 Ellison. Mr. Beaumont is a member of the Knights of St. John of Malta; 
 in politics he is a Republican. He has served one term as township auditor, and 
 has also acted as school director, being now on his second term; he is also 
 postmaster at Mount Alton, having been commissioned August 6, 1 889. Mrs. 
 Beaumont is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. 
 
 ORLANDO HAGADORN, farmer, P. O. LaFayette, Penn., is a son of 
 Aaron Hagadorn, who was born in Saratoga county, N. Y., January 4, 1806, of 
 Dutch parentage on the father's side, the mother, nee Mary Schemerhorn, 
 being a native of New Jersey. October 13, 1839, Aaron married Miss Abigail 
 Walker, who was born in Vermont in 1808, and moved with her parents to New 
 Hampshire and afterward to Broome county, N. Y. In February, 1843, Mr. 
 Hagadorn aod wife came to McKean county, and purchased their present farm 
 in Lafayette township. Here they started in the wilderness, single-handed, 
 and by their own hard labor, cleared and improved their farm, and made them- 
 selves well to do. Mr. Hagadorn has been an active worker in the Republican 
 party, and has filled various important township offices. He and his wife both 
 united with the Methodist Episcopal Church when eighteen years of age, and 
 have ever since led an active Christian life. For many years Mr. Hagadorn 
 was class leader of the church. They have reared three children, one of whom, 
 the eldest, Henry D. , was a member of the Fifty- eighth Pennsylvania Volun- 
 teer Regiment, Company H, and was killed at the battle of Cold Harbor. Thei 
 living are George W., engaged in the feed business at Salamanca, N. Y., and 
 Orlando, our subject, who was born in Union, Broome Co., N. Y., March 23, 
 1841, and came to McKean county with his parents. He received the advan- 
 tages of the township schools, and has always lived on his present homestead. 
 October 23, 1861, he was united in marriage with Miss Rachel, daughter of 
 Alexander Hoag, a native of Scotland, and now a resident of Salamanca, N. 
 Y. To them have been born two children: Samuel H. and Jennie L. Mr. Hag- 
 adorn has always been identified with the Republican party, and has served 
 the township as school director, constable, poor master, etc. His wife and 
 family are members of the JMethodist Episcopal Church. 
 
 MARK HARDIE, farmer and agent for the Lafayette Coal & Land Com- 
 pany, Mount Alton, was born in County Armagh, Ireland, December 10, 1843, 
 
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 551 
 
 a SOD of John and Mary Jane Hardie, former a native of same county. His 
 mother's father was a soldier in the British army, and was in the battle of 
 Waterloo. Mark Hardie moved with his parents to Scotland and located near 
 Glasgow, where he received an ordinary education, and was also educated for a 
 practical miner. He was married in Salisbury, Scotland, by Eev. John 
 Ritchie, of Shotsburn, in 1863, to Miss Sarah Jane Stewart, who was born in 
 Ireland. Her parents, William and Mary (Brown) Stewart, were Highland 
 people, who moved from Scotland when she was three years of age. In 
 
 1865 our subject and wife emigrated to Canada, and later in the same year 
 they came to the United States, tirst locating in Bedford county, Pe'nn., 
 where Mr. Hardie began prospecting for ore, coal and limestone for the Hunt- 
 ingdon & Broad Top Eailroad Company, and afterward sunk a shaft to the 
 coal at Fairplay, Penn. , and assisted in opening a new drift for Wigton & Co. 
 He also prospected successfully in Somerset county, Penn. In the spring of 
 
 1866 he came to McKean county and engaged with the Bondvein or Gilsville 
 Coal Company, Lafayette & Longwood Coal Company, and located in La- 
 fayette township. He is one of the early prospectors in this part of the State, 
 and has done much toward developing the coal, ore, etc. He also prospected 
 over the State for Gen. Thomas L. Kane. For many years he has success- 
 fully conducted the agency for the Lafayette Land Company. He has a 
 wide business acquaintance among many of the largest business men of Pitts- 
 burgh and other States. Mr. Hardie is an active member of the Eepublican 
 party. In 1876 he was elected justice of the peace of Lafayette township, 
 also treasurer of the board of education for three years. Mr. Hardie is a 
 member of nearly all the secret societies; among the most prominent are 
 Bradford Lodge, No. 334, F. & A, M. ; Bradford Chapter, No. 260, R. A. M. ; 
 Bradford Council, No. 43, R. & S. M. ; Tuna Valley Lodge, K. of P. ; 
 charter member and past grand of Kinzua Lodge, No. 442, I. O. O. F., 
 of Mount Alton; charter member of the Knights of St. John of Malta; as- 
 sistant State deputy and counselor of the Knights of the Maccabees; charter 
 member of the Big Shanty Lodge, and past chief of the Good Templars 
 Lodge. He and family are members of the Presbyterian Church. In con- 
 nection with his other business Mr. Hardie conducts a fine farm just outside 
 of the village of Mount Alton. Mr. and Mrs. Hardie are the parents of 
 ten children, viz. : Margaret, wife of H. L. Shurwin, of Mount Alton, Penn. , has 
 two children, Alfred LeRoy and William ; Mary, principal of the Mount Alton 
 school; William S., on the United States boat "Boston;" Elizabeth, a teacher in 
 the intermediate department of the Mount Alton school ; Ella, Mark Alexander, 
 Jennie, Sarah, Laura Edna and George Walter, at home. Mr. Hardie has 
 recently prospected across the State on the bituminous coal belt, and finds near 
 
 . the New York or northern line of Pennsylvania the coal lies near the surface 
 and in small deposits or pockets, but toward the south and west of Pennsyl- 
 vania the deposits of coal are larger, thicker, and more pure, i. e. , free from 
 sulphur and other substances, and, on account of so much oil and gas being 
 now produced in Lafayette township, the coal at present does not pay to 
 work, but will in the future. 
 
 J. B. PHILLIPS, merchant. Mount Alton, was born in New Richmond, 
 Crawford Co., Penn., April 1, 1856, a son of Ananias and Julia (Gale) Phil- 
 lips, former a native of Washington county, N. Y. , and latter of Plattsburg, 
 St. Lawrence Co., N. Y. His father located in Crawford county, Penn., when 
 seventeen years of age, and was one of the pioneers of that county. He is a 
 farmer by occupation, and is still living. For many years he was an official 
 member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and a prominent worker for the 
 
552 HISTOEY OF MCKEAN COUNTY. 
 
 Eepublican party. J. B. Phillips was reared oa the homestead farm, and ob- 
 tained a common-school education. At the age of sixteen years he apprenticed 
 himself to a merchant at Mill Village, Erie Co., Penn. , and remained with, him 
 three years. He was then in business for himself six years at the same place. 
 In 1881 he came to Bradford, McKean county, and, in connection with his 
 brother, A. G. Phillips, engaged in the wholesale produce business. In the 
 fall of the same year Mr. Phillips came to Mount Alton, and has since conducted 
 his present general store, and is also engaged in lumbering. In 1876 he mar- 
 ried Miss Clara, daughter of Gates H. and Sophia (Willey) Manross, natives 
 of Erie county, and they have two children, Harry B. and an infant. Mr. 
 Phillips is a supporter of the Eepublican party, and has served as school 
 director of the township. He is trustee and steward in the Methodist Episco- 
 pal Church. 
 
 JOHN SIMPSON, oil producer and merchant, Riderville, P. O., Mount 
 Alton, was born in Sugar Grove, Warren Co., Penn., September 15, 1851, a 
 son of John and Melvina Simpson, natives of that county and farmers by occu- 
 pation, who were prominent members of the Lutheran Church. Our subject 
 received a common-school education, and has followed the oil business in all 
 its branches, having worked at rig building, tool dressing, etc. In 1879 he 
 came to McKean county, where for five years he worked at rig building, and 
 has since been oil producing, now operating eight wells. In 1885 he estab- 
 lished his present general store at Riderville, where he acted as postmaster 
 until the office was discontinued. May 1, 1881, he married Miss Mary, 
 daughter of John Hill, of Warren county, Penn. , and they have three children : 
 George, Annife and John. Mr. Simpson is a supporter of the Republican 
 party. Mrs. Simpson is a member of the Lutheran Church. 
 
 WILLIAM TALBUT, farmer, P. O. LaPayette, was born in the town of 
 Virgil, Cortland Co., N. Y., July 16, 1814, a son of William and Elizabeth 
 (Preston) Talbut, natives of Otsego and Herkimer counties, respectively. They 
 were among the early settlers of Cortland county, and followed farming there 
 up to the time of their death, being hard-working. Christian people. William 
 Talbut, the subject of these lines, received but a limited education. In 1836 
 he married Miss Esther Maria Steele, a native of Connecticut, and a settler of 
 Otsego county, N. Y. February 9, 1846, they came to McKean county and 
 lo cated on their present farm, clearing and improving the same. They reared 
 eight children, all of whom are deceased except the following-named three: 
 Esther, wife of A. J. Parker, of Smethport, Penn. ; Mary, wife of S. T. Aldridge, 
 of Wellsville, Penn., and Amelia, wife of Lyman Merrill, of Potter county. 
 Mr. Talbut is a supporter of the Republican party, and has served as justice 
 of the peace five years, also as school director, supervisor, etc. He and his 
 wife are members of the Congregational Church, but as they have no church 
 •near them, are not regular attendants of any. They are among the early 
 families of the county, and are highly respected in the community in which 
 they dwell. 
 
 DR. J. WARD, Mount Alton, was born in Venango county, Penn. , March 
 7, 1859, and is a son of Robert and Nancy (McElwee) Ward, former of whom 
 died March 3, 1887. The parents were both members of the United Presby- 
 terian Church, of which the father was an elder for many years; he also filled 
 various township offices, and was a supporter of the Democratic party. The 
 subject of this sketch was reared in Crawford county, Penn. (whither his 
 parents had moved when he was seven years of age), and his education was 
 obtained in the select schools of that county. He early began the study of 
 medicine in the office of Dr. A. Thompson, of Meadville, Penn., and attended 
 
BIOGBAPHIOAL SKETCHES. 553: 
 
 lectures at the Western Reserve University, of Cleveland, Ohio, from the med- 
 ical department of which he graduated in February, 1885. For two and a 
 half years the Doctor practiced his profession at Geneva, Penn. , and in No- 
 vember, 1887, he came to McKean county, where he has since had a large 
 practice, v?ith good success, in Mount Alton and vicinity. In May, 1886, Dr. 
 Ward married Miss Marguerette Amy Haire, a native of Ireland, who was a 
 resident of Cleveland, Ohio, from an early age, she being a lady of high stand- 
 ing, and a member of Trinity Episcopal Church of that place. Dr. and Mrs. 
 Ward have one child. Amy Elizabeth, born October 1, 1888. Dr. Ward is a 
 man possessed of many good qualities. He is a member of the United Pres- 
 byterian Church of Crawford county, a member of the County Medical Society 
 and various other societies of McKean county. In politics he is a supporter 
 of the Democratic party. 
 
 H. C. WISCOM, proprietor of the Lafayette House, Lafayette, was born 
 in Kings county, N. Y., January 11, 1854, a son of Herman and Elizabeth 
 (Aven) Wiscom, natives of Germany. Our subject received a common-school 
 education, and in 1878 came to McKean county, Penn., locating at Red Rock, 
 where he worked at the carpenter's trade. In 1883 he moved to Lafayette, 
 where he has since been the genial and courteous landlord of the Lafayette 
 House. In 1881 he was united in marriage with Miss Susan Johnson, a native 
 of Canada, and they have two children: William and Raymond. Mr. Wiscom 
 is a Democrat in politics, and is now serving as township supervisor. He is a 
 member of Kinzua Lodge, No. 44'2, I. O. O. F., and of the Knights of St. John 
 of Malta. 
 
 SERGEANT TOWNSHIP. 
 
 W. E. BUTTS, postmaster, Clermont, was born in Arkansas, September 18, 
 1841. When twelve years of age he came to Pennsylvania, and lived for some 
 time at Lawrenceville. When he started in life for himself he was employed 
 by the Fall Brook Coal Company, and after his marriage he moved to Clermont, 
 where he has since been employed as agent for the Western New York & Penn- 
 sylvania Railroad and Coal Company, and has also held the position of post- 
 master several years. Mr. Butts was married September 18, 1875, to Miss 
 Elizabeth McCann, of Fall Brook, and they have four children : Lula E. , Kittie 
 A. . W. E. , Jr. , and Fred H. Mr. Butts is a member of Clermont Lodge, No. 
 749, I. O. O. F. 
 
 PETER MARTIN, farmer, P. O. Clermont, was born in Philadelphia, 
 Penn., in December, 1835, a son of Adam and Eva (Parents) Martin, natives 
 of Germany, who came to Poughkeepsie, N. Y. , in 1838, where they remained 
 for one year, then removed to Philadelphia, Penn. Here the father engaged 
 as a foreman in Mr. Erie' s soap factory, where he worked for eight years. In 
 1843 he came to McKean county, settling in Sergeant township, and in 1849 
 purchased the farm v?here his son, whose name heads this sketch, now resides. 
 Peter Martin is the second son in a family of ten children. He received his 
 education in McKean county, and resided with his parents until their death. 
 He married in June, 1870, Miss Lenora, daughter of Philip and Julia A. 
 (Wagoner) Roades, who came to Clermont in 1842. Of ten children born to 
 Mr. and Mrs. Martin, Burtan L. and Bertha L. are the only ones surviving. 
 Mr. Martin has held various township offices; he is a member of Clermont 
 Lodge, No. 949, I. O. O. F., and Smethport Encampment, No. 273, and is 
 a member of the Baptist Church. 
 
 ORIN PERRY, farmer, P. O. Kasson, is a son of Michael and Hannah 
 (Cass) Perry, natives of New Hampshire, where Orin was born in February, 
 
■554 HISTORY OF MCKEAN COUNTY. 
 
 1816. His parents afterward removed to Steuben county, N. Y. , where he 
 received his education. He remained at home until he was eighteen years of 
 fl.ge, when he engaged as a common laborer. By thrift and economy he 
 finally found success crowning his honest efforts. He married, in 1835, Miss 
 Lurinda Abby, of Steuben county, a daughter of John and Mary (Head) 
 Abby. This wife died in 1845, leaving two children, Mary (now deceased) and 
 Malvina, wife of Calvin Pettis, of Port Allegany, Penn. Mr. Perry married 
 in May, 1846, Miss Miranda, daughter of George and Amy (Page) Head, of 
 Steuben county, N. Y. , and they are the parents of the following-named seven 
 children: Ann (wife of Freeman Leyzotte, of Ketner, Penn.), George, Amanda 
 M. (wife of F. A. Briggs), Andy, John, Mary and Ellsworth. Mr. Perry was 
 engaged in farming in Steuben county, N. Y, , until 1859, when he came to 
 Sergeant township and purchased the farm of 240 acres, where he now 
 resides. He has always evinced an interest in the township, and has held 
 "various local offices. 
 
 CHAPTER XXVIII. 
 
 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES— WETMOBE TOWNSHIP AND BOR- 
 OUGH OF KANE— CORYDON AND HAMILTON TOWNSHIPS. 
 
 WETMOKE TOWNSHIP AND BOBOUGH OF KANE. 
 
 W. J. ARMSTRONG, M. D., Kane, was born at Clarington, Forest Co., 
 Penn., December 12, 1853, and is a son of William and Margaret (Hepler) 
 Armstrong, former a native of England, latter of Germany. The subject of 
 these lines completed his literary studies at Allegheny College, Meadville, 
 Penn., from which he graduated in 1881, with the degree of A. B., and in 1884 
 he received the degree of A. M. He began the study of medicine with Dr. C. 
 C. Baker, and in the winter of 1881-82 attended the University of Philadel- 
 phia, and winter of 1882-83 the Bellevue Hospital Medical College, of New 
 York City, graduating from the latter in 1883. He first located at Sligo, Clar- 
 ion Co., Penn., and January 1, 1886, removed to Kane, where he has built 
 up a good practice. The Doctor is a member of Kane Lodge, No. 566, F. & 
 A. M. He was married, in 1882, to Hattie A. Bell, and they have three 
 children: Madge, Minnie and Clare. In politics Dr. Armstrong is a Repub- 
 lican. He and his wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. 
 
 F. W. BRAYTON, druggist, Kane, son of D. C. Brayton, was born in Al- 
 bany, N. Y., in 1857. In 1859 his parents moved to Avon, Livingston Co., 
 N. Y. , where he was reared. He graduated from the State Normal School at 
 Geneseo, N. Y., in 1872, and then was employed as clerk in Avon, and was 
 connected with the mercantile interests of the town until 1880, when he came 
 to McKean county, and for a year was employed in the office of the Sugar Run 
 Lumber Company, at Bradford. He was then book-keeper and clerk for Mr. 
 Curts at Ludlow, six years, and in 1888 he removed to Kane, where he is now 
 engaged in the drug business, and has built up a good trade. Mr. Brayton 
 was married in 1881 to Ella J. Burleigh, and they have three children. He is 
 a member of the Masonic fraternity, lodge, chapter and commandery. He is 
 a Republican in politics. 
 
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 555- 
 
 J. D. BROODER, manufacturer, Kane, was born in Carbon county, Penn. , 
 but when he was a child his parents moved to McKean county, where he was 
 reared and educated. When fourteen years old, he left home, and until 1866 
 was employed in saw-mills. In that year he entered the employ of a railfoad 
 company, and had charge of their shops at Kane until 1880, from which time 
 until 1885, he was in the employ of the Standard Pipe Line Company, having 
 charge of the pump station and the pipe line district. In 1885 he became as- 
 sociated with Joshua Davis and Elisha K. Kane, and incorporated the Kane Gas 
 Light & Fuel Company, with which he is still identified, and which from the- 
 time of its incorporation has been a successful investment. Mr. Brooder was 
 married to May Galvin, and they have four children. He is a Democrat in 
 politics, and is a member of the borough council. 
 
 GEORGE W. CAMPBELL was born at Kinzua, Warren Co., Penn., 
 August 3, 1831, and is a son of John Campbell, who emigrated from Lycom- 
 ing county, Penn., about the year 1800, he being one of the early pioneers of 
 northwestern Pennsylvania. Owing to the fact that his father was an invalid,. 
 George, at the age of seventeen years, assumed control of his father's business 
 which he so managed that by the time he was twenty- one he had entirely paid 
 his father's debts, which were considerable. A few years afterward he com- 
 menced business as a lumberman, becoming general jobber for the firm of' 
 Meade & Eddy. This he continued successfully for several years, at the end 
 of which time he was engaged in the same business for Messrs. Charles & L. 
 D. Wetmore. Having continued with these parties for some time, during 
 which he had acquired quite a competency, he moved to Warren and engaged in 
 the oil business, which proved disastrous. He then tried the mercantile busi- 
 ness, but found this not his forte, and, gathering up his fast diminishing 
 resources, entered into a partnership and once more betook himself to lumber- 
 ing, this time in Clarion county, same State. But his partners were not prac- 
 tical lumbermen; difficulties arose, and Mr. Campbell retired from this venture- 
 with a capital stock of about $2,000 — indebtedness! He was advised by his 
 friends to avail himself of the provisions of the bankruptcy act, then in force, 
 but not considering this an honorable method of liquidating debts, he refused. 
 For two years from this time he worked as a day laborer, but finding that his 
 wages were not sufficient to support a large family, to say nothing of remov- 
 ing the debts, he consulted with his creditors, who advised him to again try- 
 lumbering, promising him assistance. Accordingly, with no capital but an 
 honorable name, he, in 1880, built a saw-mill at Ludlow, McKean Co., Penn. 
 This proved ' a success, and he liquidated his indebtedness, but fire in 1885 
 reduced the mill to ashes, entailing a loss of 17,000. Mr. Campbell had, how- 
 ever, erected another mill, which he operated until 1887, and also built one in 
 1886 at Mount Jewett, McKean county. In 1888 he and his sons, John and. 
 Edward, young men of rare energy and business tact, purchased the property 
 of West & Britton, situated two and one-half miles north of Kane. This prop- 
 erty has since been greatly improved, the mills now having a daily capacity of 
 60,000 feet of lumber. Mr. Campbell and his sons are owners of the Kinzua 
 Creek & Kane Railroad, ten miles in length. Since 1880 Mr. Campbell's busi- 
 ness has steadily prospered. In 1854 the subject of our sketch married Mary 
 Nutt, of Busti, N. Y. , who has proved a true helpmeet. They have six chil- 
 dren. Mr. Campbell has been a stanch Republican ever since the formation 
 of the party. He and his wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, 
 in the support of which they take an active part. In 1888 they purchased their 
 present residence at Kane. 
 
 JAMES CAMPBELL, dealer in horses, etc. , Kane, is a native of Ireland,, 
 
556 HISTORY OP MCKEAN COUNTY. 
 
 where he was reared, and in June, 1867, he came to America and located in 
 Elk county, Penn. In September, 1870, he moved to Kane, McKean county, 
 where, until 1876, he was engaged in teaming and in the livery business. 
 Sinc^the latter year he has dealt extensively in horses, buying and selling, 
 and also in wagons, harness, etc. He is one of the enterprising men of Kane, 
 and is the owner of several handsome business blocks. Mr. Campbell married 
 Hannah Evans, and they have five children. He is a member of Kane Lodge, 
 No. 566, F. & A. M., and Warren Chapter, No. 8, K. A. M. In politics he 
 affiliates with the Eepublican party. 
 
 O. D. COLEMAN, Kane, son of Dr. Horace and Sarah Coleman, was born 
 in Liberty township, McKean Co., Penn., in 1833. He remained with his 
 parents until 1856, when he removed to Port Allegany, where he engaged in 
 mercantile business. In 1864 he removed to Kane and opened a general store 
 which he has since conducted, and he is now one of the successful merchants 
 of the place. In 1874 Mr. Coleman was married to Miss Flora Bell, only 
 daughter of N. D. and E. A. Bell, of New Hudson, Allegany Co., N. Y., and 
 they have one daughter: Florence Pearl Coleman. Mr. and Mrs. Coleman 
 were formerly Presbyterians, but united with the First Congregational Church 
 at the time of its organization, about two years since. In politics Mr. Coleman 
 is a Republican. He has taken an active interest in public affairs ; has served 
 as commissioner and auditor of the county, also as a member of the borough 
 council. 
 
 H. H. CORSON, proprietor of the Kane House, Kane, was born at Jersey 
 Shore, Lycoming Co., Penn., in 1854, and remained in his native town until 
 January, 1880, when he removed to Bradford, McKean county, then in February 
 of the same year located at Kane and engaged in the hotel business. In 1886 
 he bought the Kane House, of which he is proprietor, having a good patronage, 
 his capability and geniality as landlord being fully recognized by the traveling 
 public. Mr. Corson is a man of sound business principles, and was one of the 
 first councilmen in the borough. He is a Republican in politics. He was mar- 
 ried in 1883 to Ellen Long, a niece of George Welker, and they have three 
 children: Beulah, Raymond and Ruth. 
 
 JOSHUA DAVIS, banker, etc. , Kane, was born in Cambria county, Penn. , 
 in 1843, his parents having emigrated from Wales a short time before. He 
 was educated in the common schools of Ebensburg, and began his business life 
 in 1867. That same year he married Miss Hannah Howells, of Ebensburg, 
 after which they located at Kane, where he engaged in business as a dealer in 
 general merchandise. Disposing of his mercantile interests in 1886, he em- 
 barked in the manufacture of brush blocks, and was also interested in the manu- 
 facture of clothespins, being one of the firm of Howells, Moffitt & Co. He is 
 also interested in the chemical works, and is a member of the banking house 
 of McDade, Davis & Co. He is a member of the Kane Gas Light & Heating 
 Company, and is always ready to invest in any enterprise which promises to 
 increase the prosperity of Kane. Mr. Davis was interested in lands which 
 proved valuable at the first development of oil at this place, and since then he has 
 invested largely, which investments have proved very remunerative. Mr. Davis 
 was one of the first settlers of Kane, built the first house in the business end 
 of the town, and has since erected many business and residence houses. He is 
 a member of Kane Lodge, No. 566, F. & A. M. , of Bradford Chapter, No. 260, 
 R. A. M., and of the Scottish Rite, at Erie. He is also a Knight Templar, be- 
 ing a member of Knapp Commandery, No. 40, of Ridgway, and, having served 
 in the Union army, in the war of the Rebellion, is also a member of the Grand 
 Army of the Republic. He has three children: William H. , Cora May and Annie 
 
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 557 
 
 Hachel. Of these, William H. is manager and part owner of the brush block 
 factory ; like his father he is a member of the Masonic fraternity. Mr. Joshua 
 Davis' career only exemplifies what perseverance, industry and well-directed 
 effort will accomplish; beginning life with but 25 cents cash capital, he is em- 
 phatically a self-made man, and is now one of the able and prominent citizens 
 of McKean county. 
 
 LEMUEL DAVIS, dealer in furniture and carpets, Kane, is a son of Will- 
 iam and Elizabeth Davis, and was born May 2, 1839, near Ebensburg, Cam- 
 bria Co. , Penn., where he secured a good school training. After completing his 
 studies, he commenced teaching, but concluding that a commercial life was 
 preferable, financially, he laid aside his ferule and grammar, and embarked in 
 general merchandising, which he followed several years, carrying on, also, a 
 lumber business in connection. In 1868 he opened out a livery, and in 1885 he 
 removed to Kane, where he continued in the same line of business until 1889, 
 in which year he sold out his interests and commenced in his present line. Jan- 
 uary 1, 1863, Mr. Davis married Jennie, daughter of John and Margaret 
 (Smith) Evans, and they have five children: Irene, who taught school three 
 sessions in Kane public schools, and is now a teacher in Kane; Dennie, Will- 
 iam R., Mede and Mabel. Mr. Davis is a member of the Republican party, 
 and in 1883 was appointed sergeant- at- arms in the senate of Pennsylvania, a 
 position he held during the regular and extra sessions of that year. He was 
 also elected justice of the peace twice in Cambria township, Cambria county. 
 
 CALVIN DeYOUNGt, grocer, Kane, is a native of Pennsylvania, born in Al- 
 lentown in 1862. He lived in Philadelphia eight years, and then moved to 
 Stroudsburg, same State, and from there, in 1888, to Kane, where he is engaged 
 in the grocery business. Mr. DeYoung is one of the enterprising young men 
 ■of the borough. He is a member of the Patriotic Order Sons of America and 
 the Sons of Temperance. He casts his suffrage with the Prohibition party. 
 
 RICK DONOVAN, proprietor of the Hotel Lamont, Kane, was born in 
 Elmira, N. Y. , March 6, 1849, and was reared and educated in his native city, 
 remaining there until he was twenty years of age. In 1869 he went to Irving- 
 ton, Warren Co., Penn., and engaged in the hotel business, conducting the 
 Junction House until 1886, when it was destroyed by fire. He then removed 
 to Kane, and became proptietor of the Hotel Lamont, which, under his man- 
 agement, is one of the best-conducted hotels in the borough. Mr. Donovan 
 married Anna Fitzgerald, daughter of M. Fitzgerald, one of the pioneers of 
 Warren county, and they have had three children, one of whom is living, 
 ' Annie M. Mr. Donovan is a Democrat in his political views. 
 
 JOHN FLEMING, proprietor of the Fleming House, Kane, is a native of 
 Ireland, whence he came to America in 1874. In 1877 he located at Kane, 
 where he engaged in the boot and shoe business. In 1879 he bought a lot in 
 the business part of the town, and in 1887 built a large brick hotel, which he 
 opened as the Fleming Hoiise, and of which he is still the proprietor. Mr. 
 Fleming is a genial, whole-souled man, and as a landlord is popular, his house 
 being well patronized by the traveling public. He was married in 1883 to 
 Julia Hoffman, and they have five children ! Jane, Lillie, Mary, Josie and 
 Ella. Mr. and Mrs. Fleming are members of the Catholic Church. In pol- 
 itics he is a Democrat. 
 
 C. V. GILLIS, Kane, was born in Ridgway, Penn., in 1841, a son of 
 James L. Gillis, a former citizen of that town. Our subject was given good 
 educational advantages, graduating from White Hall Academy, Harrisburg, in 
 1859. He then removed to Nebraska, remaining there until 1862, when he 
 went south, and during the Civil war was captain's clerk on a war vessel. In 
 
558 HISTOBY OF MCKEAN COUNTY. 
 
 1864 he returned to Elk county. In 1868 he was elected treasurer of his 
 county, serving two years, and the following term filled the office of deputy. 
 He was subsequently engaged in mercantile business Until 1876, when he re- 
 moved to Kane and opened a drug store, which he carried on until 1888, when 
 he sold his interest in that business. Mr. Gillis is a member of Kane Lodge, 
 No. 566, F. & A. M. ; Elk Chapter, No. 230, B. A. M. ; Knapp Commandery, 
 No. 40, K. T. , and Caldwell Consistory, of Bloomsburg. He is past master, 
 past high priest, past thrice illustrious grand master, and past commander, not 
 by dispensation, but by service. He takes an active interest in all local mat- 
 ters, casting his suffrage with the Democratic party. Mr. Gillis was married 
 in 1864 to Anna Overholzer, of Harrisburg. 
 
 J. T. GRIFFITH, one of the representative, energetic, active and pro- 
 gressive young men of McKean county, was born in Ebensburg, Cambria Co., 
 Penn., June 19, 1853, a son of Thomas and Mary E. Griffith. His early 
 schooling was obtained in his native town, and he afterward attended Blairs- 
 ville Academy, in Indiana county, Penn. , completing his education at Columbia, 
 Lancaster county, same State. Having now satiated himself at the ' ' Pierian 
 Spring," it' remained for him, in order to thoroughly qualify himself for a 
 commercial career, to secure a good business training, which he did, by attend- 
 ing for a time to his father's mercantile affairs. When twenty-four years of 
 age, in 1877, Mr. Griffith moved to Kane, with which place he has since been 
 prominently identified. In 1881 he commenced a general merchandise and 
 lumber trade at Kane, where he now has three saw-mills running, with a daily 
 aggregate capacity of 90,000 feet, and in 1884 his brother became associated 
 with him in business, the firm name being J. T. & W. Griffith. Having 
 recently become largely interested in the oil trade (already to the extent 
 of some sixty wells), the brothers intend to devote their entire attention and 
 energies to that and the lumber industries. On March 25, 1875, the subject of 
 our sketch was married to Martha J. , daughter of Thomas M. Jones, of Ebens- 
 burg, Penn., and they have three children: William, Mary and Annie. The 
 parents are members of the Congregational Church. Mr. Griffith is a Royal 
 Arch Mason, and is an active worker in the Republican party. In 1878 he 
 was elected school director, and in 1888 he was honored by being elected a 
 member of the State legislature, in which he serves his constituency with 
 marked zeal and integrity. 
 
 WEBB GRIFFITH, manufacturer of and dealer in lumber, Kane, is a 
 son of Thomas Griffith, and was born in Ebensburg, Cambria Co. , Penn. , in 
 1860. He remained with his parents untill 1885, when he removed to Kane, 
 and became associated with his brother, J. T. Griffith, in business, dealing 
 extensively in lumber, and operating mills at Kane and Griffith's Station. 
 They employ a number of men, and handle from 3,000,000 to 5,000,000 feet 
 of lumber annually. Mr. Griffith is a stockholder in the Citizens' Gas Com- 
 pany, and is largely interested in the production of petroleum, owning twelve 
 producing wells. He is one of the prosperous young men of Kane, his suc- 
 cess being the result of energy and business ability. He is a member of 
 Kane Lodge, No. 566, F. & A. M. ; in politics he is a Republican. 
 
 T. R. HOSKINS, miller, Kane, was born in Canada in 1856, a son of Joab 
 Hoskins. He came to the United States in 1881, and located at Watertown, 
 N. T. , where he was engaged in farming until 1882, when he removed to El- 
 dred, Penn., and carried on teaming in the oil country. From Eldred he 
 went to Ceres, thence to Bolivar, and in 1886 located at Kane, where he was 
 employed by an oil well supply firm until 1887. In the spring of 1887 he re- 
 moved to Findlay, Ohio, and the following fall returned to Kane, where he 
 
BIOGEAPHICAL SKETCHES. 559 
 
 became associated with C. B. Brown, and built the Kane mills. They manu- 
 facture an excellent grade of flour, and have a good trade in custom-milling. 
 Their mill has one set of rolls, and has a capacity of turning out ten tons 
 daily. Mr. Hoskins is a member of Lodge No. 412, I. O. O. F. 
 
 DAVID HO WELLS, manufacturer, Kane, was born in Ebensburg, Cam- 
 bria Co., Penn., January 5, 1845. When he was a boy his father died, and 
 when he was fifteen years old he started in life for himself, having also the care 
 of his mother and sister. In February, 1865, he enlisted in Company H, Eighty- 
 third P. V. I., and served until July 3, 1865, when he was mustered out. He 
 returned home, and was engaged in the lumber trade until July, 1879, when 
 he removed to Kane, and for seven years was employed as book-keeper for J. 
 Davis. In 1887 he started a general store, and also established a clothespin 
 factory, the firm name being Howells, Moffitt & Co. The capacity of the fac- 
 tory is 300 boxes of seven gross each per day, and they give employment to 
 thirty men. Mr. Howells is an enterprising man, and is at the head of one 
 of the leading industries of Kane. He is a member of Kane Lodge, No. 566, 
 F. & A. M. ; Bradford Chapter, No. 260, E. A. M. ; Knapp Commandery', 
 No. 40, Eidgway and Bradford Council, also of Presque Isle Lodge of Per- 
 fection. Politicaly he is a Eepublican. He was married, December 20, 1866, 
 to Miss Ann Humphrey. 
 
 MAJ.-GEN. THOMAS L. KANE, the founder of Kane, was a Phila- 
 delphian, descended from some of the oldest pre-Eevolutionary families of 
 the northern colonies. His patronymic was derived from John Kane, who 
 came from Ireland in 1754, and married Sybil Kent, daughter of a Puritan 
 minister of "Mayflower" ancestry. Elisha Kane, their son, married Alida 
 Van Eensselaer, daughter of Gen. Eobert Van Eensselaer, and their son, John 
 K. Kane, afterward Attorney General of Penasylvania and subsequently judge 
 of the United States District Court, married Jane D., daughter of Thomas 
 Leiper, who commanded the Philadelphia First City Troop during the Eevo- 
 lution. Thomas Leiper' s wife was of the old Philadelphia family of Grays. 
 Their second son, Thomas Leiper Kane, was born Febuary 27, 1822. He mar- 
 ried April 21, 1853, his second cousin, Elizabeth Dennistoun Wood, whose 
 father, William Wood, was by birth a Scotchman, of Covenanter blood, while 
 her mother, Harriet A. Kane, was the daughter of John, the eldest son of 
 John and Sybil Kane. William Wood still lives in New York, and until last 
 year was one of the most acti veHiembers of the Board of Education of that city. 
 The latter years of his life haveiieen devoted wholly to philanthropy, and public 
 works for the development of that city. Thoinas L. Kane, and t& a less ex- 
 tent his brother, Elisha Kent Kane, the arctic explorer, differed from the rest 
 of their family connection on the question of slavery. Educated to high-flown 
 radical ideas of liberty by fighting behind the barricades in Paris, shoulder to 
 shoulder with the men who in subsequent years suffered death as Communists in 
 defense of their " Amour Sacr6, " their " liberty cherie," young Kane had hardly 
 returned to his native land before he engaged in the anti-slavery struggle, and be- 
 came a director of the ' ' Underground Eailway. ' ' His two means of earning 
 a livelihood were sacrificed to his principles, resigning the United States com- 
 missionership because it would have compelled him to assist in the Fugitive 
 Slave Law [See Wendell Phillip's speech on the case of Judge Loring.], and 
 resigning the Clerkship of the District Court to go on a special mission to avert 
 the impending Mormon war. In 1856 he came to Elk county as agent of a 
 Land Improvement Company, and as city director of the Sunbury & Erie 
 Eailroad. He was thus occupied at the commencement of the Rebellion, and 
 he was the first man to offer his services to the governor of Pennsylvania for 
 
560 HISTOBY OP MCKEAN COUNTY. 
 
 its sappression. How he raised, in McKean, Elk and neighboring counties, 
 the celebrated "Bucktails," and his battles, wounds and promotion have be- 
 come a part of the history of the war more than of these counties. In 1864, 
 crippled by many wounds, he returned to the mountains to revive his former 
 projects for peopling the wilderness. The village of Kane was planned by 
 him as a Prohibition Borough, but the act of incorporation was lost \_sic^ after 
 its passage and before receiving the governor's signature. He endeavored to 
 give effect to his views on this question by placing restrictions on all village 
 lots, but a method of circumventing him was found -by the liquor men, and 
 from 1867 to 1878 he contented himself with personal efforts at license court. 
 In 1878 a more effective restriction was found, and the subsequent growth of 
 the town has been on land protected against liquor shops. The McKean, Elk, 
 Forest and Clarion (commonly called the Big Level), the Kane, Wilcox, Ridg- 
 way and St. Mary's, the Kane & Campbell's Mill, and the Kane & Lafayette 
 are State roads which remain as monuments to his local patriotism, legislative 
 influence and engineering skill. The routes of the Philadelphia & Erie Rail- 
 road, the Pittsburgh & Western, the Ridgway & Clearfield and the New York, 
 Lake Erie & Western Coal Railroads, through these counties, were designated 
 by him, and he was the most influential man in promoting the construction 
 of those railroads. At the time of his death he was president of the New 
 York, Lake Erie & Western Coal Railroad, which had just completed its famous 
 Kinzua viaduct. Politically Gren. Kane was first a war Democrat, and sub- 
 sequently a Stalwart or Grant Republican. In 1872, however, he joined 
 the Grreeley liberal revolt against corruption, after warning Gen. Grant of 
 his intention in an interview which only cemented the strong personal friend- 
 ship which subsisted between them until his death. In 1880 he represented 
 his congressional district at the Chicago Republican Convention, and was 
 prominent among the "306" or "Old Guard." The bronze medal com- 
 memorating the fact is cherished by his children. Woman suffrage and the 
 Higher Education of women were essentials of his political doctrine, and his 
 wife and daughter graduated from the Woman's Medical College of Philadel- 
 phia. His religious afiiliations and tenets were strongly Presbyterian, and 
 the First Presbyterian Church of Kane, a picturesque and costly building, was 
 constructed for his sake by his aunt, Mrs. Ann Gray Thomas. Complying 
 with his dying request, his body was interred in front of this church, where a 
 simple granite slab covers the grave. Gen. Kane died in Philadelphia, De- 
 cember 26, 1883. His wife 'and children all survive. Harriet Amelia, Evan 
 O'Neill and Thomas Leiper are physicians, and Elisha Kent is a civil engineer 
 by profession. All are members of the Presbyterian Church, and of the Pro- 
 hibition party. They reside at Kane, and endeavor to carry out their father's 
 projects and principles. 
 
 • J. F. KELLY, proprietor of livery, Kane, is a native of Pennsylvania, 
 born in ^Buckingham township, Wayne county, in 1856, a son of John Kelly. 
 He remained with his parents until 1872, when he entered the employ of the 
 Delaware & Hudson Canal Company, and later was employed on the Hudson 
 river. He afterward returned to his native town, and still later located at 
 Warren, Penn., where he was engaged in the lumber trade. In 1888 he 
 bought a residence in Kane, and in April, 1889, purchased the livery stable of 
 L. Davis & Co. , and now has the only first-class livery in the borough. He 
 has a good stock of horses, carriages, buggies, etc. , and is prepared to furnish 
 any kind of outfit desired by traveling men, tourists, or pleasure seekers, at 
 reasonable rates. Mr. Kelly was married, in 1878, in his native county to 
 Ellen McDermott, who has borne him four children: Frederick, Louie Bene- 
 
BIOQKAPHICAL SKETCHES. 561 
 
 diet, William and Edmund. The family residence is on Dawson street, in the 
 borough of Kane. 
 
 THOMAS KEELOK, lumber merchant, Wetmore, was born in Cincin- 
 nati, Ohio, in 1832. He was reared and educated in his native city, remain- 
 ing there until thirty years of age. In 1862 he came to Pennsylvania, located 
 OQ Oil creek, and became engaged in the oil trade. In 1864 he made large 
 purchases of timber land near Wetmore, McKean county, and erected a steam 
 saw-mill, and dwelling-houses for his employes. He has been successful in 
 this business, and now has another mill on the Tionesta. His mills are con- 
 nected by a steel-track road, stocked with his own cars. By perseverance 
 and indomitable will, Mr. Keelor has made from the heart of the forest the 
 thriving town of Wetmore, which is now one of the pleasant towns of the 
 county. He has made all the improvements, even to the cutting of the roads. 
 He has 100 men in his employ, and both the mills have a capacity of turning 
 out 100,000 feet of lumber daily. Mr. Keelor is one of the able men of the 
 county, and one of the representative lumbermen. In addition to his large 
 lumber interests he is engaged in the mercantile business, and also is farming 
 to a large extent, owning considerable available farming land, and in all his 
 varied interests he ranks among the foremost men in the county. Four of his 
 sons are .employed as heads of as many departments in their father' s business. 
 Mr. Keelor is descended fi'om an old American family, his paternal grandfather 
 having served as a soldier in the Eevolutionary war. This patriot moved from 
 Camden, N. J., in 1812, to Hamilton county, Ohio, which was then a dense 
 wilderness, but is now the most populous county in the State. 
 
 O. G. KELTS, jeweler, Kane, was born in Eidgway, Elk Co., Penn., in 
 1860, a son of O. P. and Ardissa (Wilcox) Kelts, natives of Potter county, where 
 they were married. They moved to Eidgway and thence to Horton, and from 
 there to Erie city, where the father died; the mother now lives at New Castle. 
 They had two children: Onin C. and O. G. After the death of his father O. 
 G. Kelts lived with his grandmother several years, and then with C. Holes, at 
 Eidgway, of whom he learned the jeweler's trade. In 1882 he came to Kane, 
 where he began work at his trade, but now keeps a store, supplied with a 
 good stock of watches, jewelry, etc. , in addition to which he is a dealer in gen- 
 eral merchandise. During Cleveland' s administration Mr. Kelts was appointed 
 postmaster at Kane. He is a member of Kane Lodge, No. 566, P. & A. M. Mr. 
 Kelts was married, Feb. 2, 1882, to Ella Wicks, and they have one child, Clyde. 
 
 C. H. KEMP, proprietor of the " Thompson House," Kane. This house, 
 which was designed as a summer resort, is delightfully located in the mount- 
 ainous regions of Northern iPennsylvania, and is accessible by the Philadel- 
 phia & Erie and the Pittsburgh & Western division of the Pennsylvania Eail- 
 road. It is situated at an altitude of nearly 2,100 feet above sea level, and on 
 the most elevated point of that region. Pure air and water are here afPorded, 
 making it a healthful resort during the heat of the summer months.- Good 
 fishing for lovers of the piscatorial sport, and romantic drives also commend the 
 place to those in search of amusement in that line. With cuisine department 
 unsurpassed, and a thriving borough near by of several thousand population, 
 with none of the objectionable features found at many of the watering places, 
 it is eminently designed as a home for those seeking rest and recreation. Mr. 
 Kemp was reared on a farm, and at the beginning of the war of the Eebellion 
 he enlisted in Company H, Third West Virginia Infantry, and was afterward 
 placed on detached duty in the quartermaster's department. He was offered 
 promotion, but declined. After the war he returned to Winchester, and until 
 1867 was in mercantile business. From 1867 to 1874 he was manager of Bol- 
 
562 HIKTOKY OF MCKEAN COUNTY. 
 
 ton's Hotel, at Harrisburg. In the summer of 1875 he was at Cape May, and 
 in 1876 was manager of the " Washington House," Philadelphia. He came to 
 Kane in 1877, and took charge of the "Thompson House." Mr. Kemp is an 
 enterprising, genial gentleman, eminently fitted for the business in which he is 
 
 engaged. 
 
 O. B. LAY, proprietor of the Cummings Lumber Company, Kane, is the 
 third son of George Gr. (now deceased) and Emma (Ogden) Lay, and was born 
 in Marshall, Mich., January 12, 1849. The mother was a daughter of Jona- 
 than Ogden, one of the early settlers of Binghamton, Broome Co., N. Y., then 
 known as Chenango Point. In March, 1869, at the age of twenty years, the 
 subject of our sketch came to Pennsylvania, and was first employed by the 
 Pennsylvania Railroad Company as assistant agent at Cameron station, whefe 
 he remained two years; was then promoted to the position of agent for the 
 same company at Daguscahonda station. Here he remained nearly two years, 
 when he was again promoted, being given charge of the Kane station, at which 
 borough he has since resided. He served the Pennsylvania Railroad Company 
 at Kane, nine years, ending May 1, 1882, when he resigned his position to en- 
 gage in other business. Mr. Lay established and edited the first newspaper 
 ( 7'fte Kane Weekly Blade) published in Kane. It was established in J 879, 
 and suspended in 1883 on account of the office being destroyed by fi»e. Prom 
 February, 1882, to March, 1889, Mr. Lay was actively engaged in mercantile 
 business in Kane, but disposed of same in order to give his entire attention to 
 his lumber business, in which he had embarked in the fall of 1885. He is the 
 sole owner of the Cummings Lumber Company, and his mill has a daily 
 capacity of 25,000 feet of lumber. Mr. Lay was married in January, 1875, to 
 Blanche E., daughter of D. T. Hall, of Kane, and they have two children: 
 Flora A. and Oakey H. Mr. Lay is a member of Kane Lodge, No. 566, F. & 
 A. M. , the Royal Arcanum and the Sons of Temperance. Politically he is a 
 third-party Prohibitionist, believing that prohibition, with a party behind it, 
 pledged to its enforcement, is the only effectual method of dealing with the 
 liquor traffic. He and his family are members of the Methodist Episcopal 
 Church. • 
 
 JOHN D. LEONARD (deceased), born in Springfield, Bradford Co., Penn., 
 February 3, 1816, died July 14, 1888. He was one of the first settlers of 
 Kane, and, with the exception of 'Squire Hall, was, at the time of his death, 
 the oldest citizen of the borough. He was one of the pioneer merchants, and 
 for twenty-one years was postmaster, holding the position until February 22, 
 1886. Mr. Leonard retired from active business life some time before his 
 death. He married Susan M. Smith, who survives him, and is one of the re- 
 spected citizens of Kane. Mrs. Leonard is the daughter of Nicholas B. Smith, 
 and was born in Alba, Bradford Co. , Penn. When she was eight years of age 
 her mother died, and her father afterward moved to Columbia township, same 
 county, where he passed the last years of his life. His family consisted of six 
 children: Perussa, Lydia, Huldah, Edward C, Susan M. and Mary A. 
 
 B. F. McCONNELL, merchant, Kane, was born in Newry, Blair Co. , Penn. , 
 in 1864, and was reared and educated at Renovo, whither his parents, Henry 
 and Mary Jane McConnell, moved in his childhood. Later they came to Kane, 
 and here, in 1884, he engaged in the grocery business, becoming a member of 
 the firm of B. F. McConnell & Co. This was one of the enterprising firms of 
 the borough, and had a good trade, but Mr. McConnell sold out his interest in 
 the firm, and, August 15, 1889, with a partner, went i'nto the dry goods trade, 
 the business being carried on in the name of B. F. McConnell. Mr. Mc- 
 Connell is a member of Kane Lodge, No. 412, I. O. O. F. In politics he affi- 
 liates with the Democratic party. 
 
BIOGEAPHICAL SKETCHES. 563 
 
 JAMES McDADE, Kane, was born in Cambria county, Penn., in 1844, a 
 son of Henry McDade. He remained at home until eighteen years of age, and 
 during the war of the Eebellion (in 1862) was employed with a construction 
 corps in the building of bridges in Tennessee, Alabama and Georgia. At the 
 close of the war he returned to Cambria county, and soon after entered the 
 employ of the Pennsylvania Railroad Company for eight months, being con- 
 ductor of the yard engine at Williamsport. He was then transferred to Renovo, 
 where he was yard dispatcher, five years, and upon the extension of the line 
 was again transferred, this time to Kane, where he was yard dispatcher, also 
 five years. In 1871 he left the railroad employ, and is now engaged in more 
 industrial enterprises than any other one citizen in his community. On leav- 
 ing the railroad he embarked in the lumber trade, and later carried on a livery 
 stable. He was also for some time connected with the mercantile interests of 
 the town, and is now senior member of the banking firm of McDade, Davis & 
 Co. He is president of the Citizens' Gas Light & Fuel Company, and, with 
 J. T. Griffith, has a lamp-black factory, which has a daily capacity of twenty 
 barrels. The development of the Kane oil fields is due chiefly to his enter- 
 prise, as when the territory was abandoned by the oil men, in order to 
 thoroughly test the field, he gave 300 acres free of royalty to Craig & Cap- 
 peau, who drilled on the land and found the well that opened up the field. 
 He is a large land owner, and has since the opening of the oil fields sold 600 
 acres for $76,000. He is a practical farmer, and some of his land is under 
 cultivation. Mr. McDade was married in Renovo, in 1873, to Sarah Swedy, 
 and they have five children: William Alden, Elizabeth Mabel, James Ray- 
 mond, Henry Calvin and Edward. Mr. McDade is a Democrat in politics, and 
 in 1888 was the candidate of his party for member of the legislature. 
 
 J. D. MAGOWAN, druggist, Kane, was born in County Down, Ireland, 
 in 1852, son of David and Jane Magowan, of Scotch-Irish parentage. He was 
 reared and educated in his native country, and in 1872 came to America and 
 located at Kane, Penn., where he worked at the carpenter's trade until 1877. 
 He was in the employ of O. D" Coleman until 1881, and then for four years 
 was employed by Joshua Davis. In 1885 he started in business for himself, 
 opening a drug store, and now has a good trade. Mr. Magowan was married, 
 in 1886, to Bella C. Lafferty, daughter of Robert Lafferty, one of the pioneers 
 of Kane, but now deceased, and they have two children — one son and one 
 daughter. Mr. Magowan is a member of Kane Lodge, No. 412, I. O. O. F. 
 Politically he is a Prohibitionist. Mr. and Mrs. Magowan are members of the 
 Presbyterian Church. 
 
 ADA C. MALONE, editress and manager of the Leader, of Kane, was 
 born February 4, 1867, at Eidgway, Elk Co., Penn., in the public schools of 
 which place she received her primary education. On June 3, 1882, she grad- 
 uated from the high school, and she then attended the State Normal School at 
 Lock Haven, one term. On June 2, 1884, Miss Malone entered the office of the 
 Ridgway Advocate, as an apprentice, being afterward promoted to book- 
 keeper and proof-reader. In the spring of 1886, she came to Kane to accept a 
 position on the Leader, but left the town June 1 , 1887. In August of that 
 year, she accepted a position as compositor in the office of the Daily Mirror, 
 published at Warren, Penn., where she remained one year and a half, and 
 April 18, 1889, she was appointed to her present position in Kane. 
 
 FRANK W. MEESE, proprietor of the St. Elmo Hotel, Kane, was born 
 in Somerset county, Penn., in 1835. His father, Elijah Meese, of English 
 descent, was born in Somerset, Penn., April 25, 1808, and died in New Phil- 
 adelphia, Ohio, March 29, 1879, weighing, at the time of his death, 427 
 
564 HISTORY OF MCKEAN COUNTY. 
 
 pounds. The mother of our subject, Mary (Walter) Meese, who was of German 
 descent, was born near Somerset, Penn., February 15, 1799, and was killed 
 near New Philadelphia, Ohio, by her horse running away, December 14, 1861. 
 When the subject of these lines was ten years old, his parents removed to Tus- 
 carawas county, Ohio, where he was reared and completed his education, 
 remaining there until 1851, when he went to Somerset, Penn. , and then to West 
 Virginia, and was there employed by the Baltimore & Ohio Eailroad Company 
 as extra passenger and freight conductor, retaining that position until 1861. 
 He then enlisted in Company F, Sixteenth O. V. I., for a term of three months. 
 He was wounded at the battle of Carrick' s Ford, in July of that year, and at 
 the expiration of his term of service returned to West Virginia and resumed 
 his former position on the Baltimore & Ohio road. In the spring of 1862 he 
 went to Hollidaysburg, Penn., was conductor between Altoona and Harris- 
 burg, and in 1863 was transferred to the Huntingdon & Broad Top road, 
 where he remained until May 9, 1864, when he was sent to Renovo, and was 
 conductor of a local freight train between that point and St. Mary's. October 
 17, 1864, the road was opened to Kane, which was made his terminal point. 
 February 8, 1865, he was appointed yard dispatcher at Kane, a position he 
 held until June 20, 1869, when he resigned and entered mercantile life, being 
 associated with J. D. Leonard. This he continued until 1873 ; then in Septem- 
 ber, 1874, he became the proprietor of the Centennial Hotel, which he conducted 
 until June 20, 1880. In this hotel, July 4, 1874, Mr.. Meese accidentally shot 
 himself through the thigh with a revolver, and was laid up with the wound over 
 a year. In 1881 he built the St. Elmo hotel and opened it to the public on June 
 25 of that year. Mr. Meese is a genial, courteous gentleman, and this, added 
 to his natural business ability, qualifies him for the position as landlord of one 
 of the best hotels in Kane. Among his other accumulations he has gained in 
 flesh until he tips the scales at 350 pounds. In politics he is a Republican, and 
 in religion independent. F. W. Meese was married to Missouri M. Keefer, May 
 5, 1859, in Cumberland, Md., by Rev. Pat Hamill. His wife died March 2, 
 1860, in Frederick city, Md. He was next married to Kate Virginia Penner, 
 of Cumberland, Md., November 12, 1874, by Rev. Father Delaroque, in Kane, 
 Penn. His son, F. W. Meese, Jr. (by his first wiie), resides in Kane, Penn. , is a 
 painter and paper-hanger, in politics is a Republican, and is a member of the 
 Methodist Episcopal Church. On Sunday, September 16, 1866, Mr. Meese, at 
 the suggestion of George Welker, performed a mock marriage, uniting in the 
 bonds of wedlock, Casper HufPnagle and Miss Lizzie Marker, daughter of Fred 
 Marker. This was the only mock marriage Meese and Welker ever were con- 
 nected with, as it cost Mr. Welker some trouble and money to persuade Huff- 
 nagle to relinquish his bride. 
 
 M. W. MOPFITT, manufacturer, Kane, is a son of Jesse Moffitt, and was 
 born in Genesee county, N. Y. , in 1831. In 1832 his parents moved to Colum- 
 bus, Warren Co., Penn., and thence to Erie county, where his school -days were 
 completed, and where he grew to manhood. When he started in his business 
 career he embarked in the lumber trade, and afterward was in mercantile busi- 
 ness, fourteen years. In 1879 he removed to Kane, where he became a member 
 of the lumber firm of P. C. West & Co., and subsequently of the firm of 
 Howells, Moffitt & Co., manufacturers of clothespins. He is an enterprising 
 man, and has been successful in his business operations. He was married, in 
 1855, to Tryphena Bassett. Mr. Moffitt is a member of Kane Lodge, No. 566, 
 F. & A. M., Bradford Chapter, No. 260, R. A. M., Bradford Council, R. & S. 
 M., Knapp Commandery, No. 40, Ridgway, and Presque Isle Lodge of Per- 
 fection. In politics he is a Republican, and is the present burgess of the 
 borough. He is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. 
 
BIOGEAPHIOAL SKETCHES. " 565 
 
 G. H. PEESTON, M. D., Kane, was born in Lake county, Ohio, in 1854. 
 He attended the schools of Madison, completing his studies at Madison High 
 School; then went in to a drug store at Painesville, same State, where he learned 
 the business and remained three years, when he began the study of medicine 
 with Drs. Stranahan and Preston, of Warren, Penn. In 1878 he attended the 
 medical department of the University of the City of New York, and graduated 
 in 1879. The Doctor began his practice at Dunkirk, N. Y., and same year 
 removed to Kane, where he has since been in the active practice of his pro- 
 fession. Dr. Preston has been surgeon for the Pennsylvania Eailroad Company, 
 ten years, has held the same position for the Pittsburgh & Western Eailroad, 
 three years, and is medical examiner for all the insurance companies repre- 
 sented in Kane. He is a member of the Acme Oil Company, the banking 
 house of McDade, Davis & Co. and the drug firm of J. W. Griffith & Co. The 
 Doctor also has large interests in timber land and oil property. He is one of 
 the prosperous citizens of Kane, and a leading and influential physician and 
 business man. 
 
 WALTEE B. SMITH, hardware merchant, Kane, a son of William J. 
 and Eoxana Smith, was born in Lottsville, Warren Co., Penn., in 1852. He 
 remained in his native county until 1869, when he removed to Eidgway, Elk 
 county, where he learned the tinner's trade. In 1872 he revisited Warren 
 county, and went into the hardware business, which he continued until 1874, 
 when he sold his interests there, and returned to his fcJrmer employer in 
 Eidgway. He went to California in 1875, but remained only about a year, 
 returning to Elk county in 1876, and in 1879 moved to Kane, and embarked 
 in the hardware business. He took George Welker as partner in 1887, the 
 firm name being the Smith & Welker Hardware Company. They carry a 
 complete stock in their line, and have a paying business. Mr. Smith takes an 
 active interest in public affairs, and has served several terms as poormaster, 
 and two terms as burgess of the borough. In politics he votes independent of 
 party. He is a member of Kane Lodge, No, 566, F. & A. M. ; Eidgway 
 Chapter, E. A. M. ; Bradford Council, and Knapp Commandery, K. T. , also 
 Kane Lodge, No. 512, I. O. O. F. In 1883 he married Eosa Welker, a 
 daughter of bis business partner, and they have one child, Eoxana. 
 
 FEED SWANSON, blacksmith, Kane, is a native of Sweden, born in 1855, 
 a son of S. M. and Annie Swanson, the former deceased. He was reared in 
 his native country, and in 1878 came to America, and to Pennsylvania, locat- 
 ing at Kane; then went to Warren, where he was employed in the foundry of 
 Struthers & Wells, and was afterward with the Northwestern Mining 
 Company at Dagus Mines, Elk county. He subsequently removed to Kane, 
 a,nd has since been working at the blacksmith's trade. He is one of the 
 reliable citizens of the town, and takes an interest in all matters pertaining to 
 the public welfare. He is a member of Kane Lodge, No. 566, F. & A. M. 
 In politics he is a Eepublican. Mr. Swanson was married in 1881 to Josephine 
 Oleson, and they have one son, Harry. Mr. and Mrs. Swanson are members 
 of the Lutheran Church. 
 
 J. A. VOLLMEE, dealer in furniture, and undertaker, Kane, was born in 
 Elk county, Penn. , in 1855. He was reared and educated in his native county, 
 remaining at home until his majority, when, in 1876, he went to St. Mary's 
 and then to Philadelphia, and learned the cabinet maker's trade. He located 
 at Kane in 1882, and in addition to working at his trade is engaged in the fur- 
 niture business, keeping a good stock in his line, including sewing-machines, 
 etc. He also keeps a stock of undertaker' s goods, being the only undertaker 
 in the town. Mr. Vollmer was married in 1882 to Laura Tyler, and they have 
 
566 • HISTOKY OF MCKEAN COUNTY. 
 
 four children. They are members of the Catholic Church. In politics Mr. 
 Vollmer is a Democrat, and is a member of the borough council. 
 
 GEOEGE WELKER, hardware merchant, Kane, is a native of Germany, 
 born in Rhenish Bavaria in 1836, a son of Michael Welker. In 1853 the 
 family came to America and located at Philadelphia, where the subject of our 
 notice learned the shoemaker's trade, and in 1857 moved to Williamsport, 
 same State, where he worked at his trade until 1864, in which year he came to 
 Eenovo and bought the Ulrich House, which he conducted about a year. In 
 1865 he came to Kane, where he purchased the first lot after the town was laid 
 out and surveyed, and built the first house on the town site. He opened a 
 hotel, and also engaged in the boot and shoe business until 1886; he next be- 
 came a member of the firm of Smith & Welker, dealers in hardware. He has 
 taken great interest in the prosperity of Kane, and has been one of the fore- 
 most to assist all laudable enterprises. He has served several terms as a 
 school director. Mr. AVelker married Rosa Richly, who died in 1883, leaving 
 three children: Rosa, wife of W. B. Smith; Lizzie and Emma. In 1885 Mr. 
 "Welker married Mary Sullivan, and they have two children: John and Edna. 
 Mr. Welker is a member of Smethport Lodge, F. & A. M. , and Williamsport 
 Lodge, No. 570, I. O. O. E. In politics he votes independent of party. 
 
 P. C. WEST, manufacturer, Kane, is a son of Spencer West, one of the 
 firm of P. C. West & Co. , and was born in Minerva township, Essex Co. , N. 
 Y., August 2, 1828. His parents removed in his early childhood to French 
 Creek, Chautauqua Co. , N. Y. , and thence to Mill Creek and Harbor Creek, 
 Erie Co., Penn. , where his school- days were completed, and where he started 
 in his business career. He was variously engaged in farming, in mercan- 
 tile trade, and in Corry, Penn., in the lumber business until 1879, when, in 
 October of that year, he removed his mill from near Lowell Station to near 
 West Kane, and is now associated in the lumber trade with M. W. Moffitt; is 
 also a member of the firm of West & Britton, his son, J. L. West, being also a 
 member of the firm. This firm manufacture clothespins, their factory, which 
 is on Baj ard street, having a daily capacity of turning out 350 boxes, five 
 gross each. Mr. West is one of the enterprising citizens of Kane. He was 
 married in Concord, Erie Co., Penn., June 2, 1853, to Elizabeth, daughter of 
 Samuel and Ellen Heath, of Concord, that county. His wife died in Corry, 
 November 2, 1889, of paralysis, aged sixty years, nine months and twenty- 
 seven days. In religion Mr. West is a Baptist, and in politics a Republican. 
 
 WILLIAM P. WESTON, attorney at law, Kane, Penn., was born in Bur- 
 lington, Vt., in 1852. He completed his education at Lafayette College, 
 Easton, Penn., from which he graduated in 1874. He afterward studied law 
 at the Columbia Law School, N. Y. , graduating in 1878. He was admitted to 
 the bar of McKean county, Penn. , in 1879, and began practice at Kane borough. 
 He is enterprising and ambitious, and is connected with various business inter- 
 ests of the town. Mr. Weston is a member of the lumber firm of Stone, Wes- 
 ton & Co., and of the banking house of McDade, Davis & Co., of which he is- 
 also cashier. He owns considerable oil land and several producing wells; also 
 operates in oil and timber lands. He is one of the energetic, public-spirited 
 citizens of the town, and is prominent in business circles. In politics he is a 
 Republican. 
 
 REV. GEORGE WINKLER, priest in charge of St. Callistus Roman 
 Catholic Church, at Kane, was born in Brooklyn, N. Y. His educational 
 raining was received from the Jesuit fathers at Fordham. N. Y., and at Fran- 
 cis Xavier's College, New York City. He was ordained to the priesthood in 
 1886, by Rt. Rev. Tobias Mullen, D. D., bishop of Erie, Penn. His first pas- 
 
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. * 567 
 
 torate was at McKean Corners, Erie county, and from there, in 1888, he was 
 sent to Kane. In addition to the church at Kane he has charge of the 
 churches at Rasselas, Johnsonburg and Wilcox. Upon his arrival at Kane he 
 found no desirable place for holding services, and for a time the Temperance 
 Hall was used. At Easselaa and Johnsonburg there was no place at all suita- 
 ble, while at Wilcox there was a frame structure totally unfit for a church. 
 He went to work, and now there is a good frame church at Johnsonburg, a 
 stone church at Easselas, a brick church at Kane, and also a frame church at 
 Wilcox. He has superintended the building of these churches, and in the 
 discharge of pastoral duties has endeared himself to the people of his various 
 charges. 
 
 COEYDON TOWNSHIP. 
 
 M. J. JOHNSON, farmer, P. O. Corydon, Warren Co., Penn., was 
 born ii; Livingston county, N. Y., March 9, 1835. When eighteen years of 
 age he left home and worked for farmers by the day until he had earned 
 enough to buy a farm in Allegany county, N. Y., which he cultivated and 
 owned until 1867, when he exchanged his farm for a tract of wild land in 
 McKean county, Penn., which he has cleared and improved, and now has 
 one of the best farms in Corydon township. Mr. Johnson was married April 
 2, 1862, to Miss Mary A. Kirstatter, of Warren county, Penn., and they have 
 four children — Marion W., Alice M., Cora E. and Harrie F. — all living at 
 home. The parents of Mr. Johnson were named Daniel and Elizabeth, the 
 former of American and the latter of German descent. Mrs. Johnson's par- 
 ents were named Lorenzo and Maria Anna Kirstatter, of German birth. 
 
 C. D. SEAMAN, farmer and lumberman, P. O. Cornplanter, Warren 
 Co., Penn., is a native of McKean county, Penn., born December 25, 
 1836. He was reared on a farm, and on reaching manhood bought a tract of 
 wild land, which he has improved, and which is now one of the best farms in 
 Corydon township. In addition to attending to the cultivation of his farm 
 Mr. Seaman is extensively engaged in the lumber business. He was married 
 in October, 1862, to Miss Annie Smith, of Cuba, N. Y. , and they have one 
 son, Allen, who is still at home. 
 
 HAMILTON TOWNSHIP. 
 
 JAMES ANDERSON, merchant, Morrison's, was born in Kent county, 
 England, near London, October 25, 1814, a son of William and Mary 
 (Bainbridge) Anderson. He lived in his native county until seventeen years 
 of age, and learned the cutter's trade in London. In 1831 he came to 
 America, and for a year was employed as cutter in a wholesale clothing house, 
 and then removed to Corydon, Penn., and opened a general store, being one 
 of the first merchants of the town. He was obliged to undergo many hard- 
 ships in the early days of McKean county, but has ever been a live, ener- 
 getic business man, and is now one of the leading citizens of the township. 
 He has served one term as commissioner of McKean county, and has been jus- 
 tice of the peace thirty-five years. He was married February 22, 1841, to 
 Miss Isabelle Hoop, of Lafayette, Penn. Mr. Anderson's father, William An- 
 derson, was born in Kent county, England, October 5, 1783, and his mother was 
 born in Pontefract, England, September 1, 1787. They were married May 6, 
 1806. In 1809 William Anderson bought a captain's commission in the Eng- 
 lish army, and served until after the battle of Waterloo, when he sold his commis- 
 sion and went into the mercantile business in London. In 1829 he came to the 
 United States, for a year was in business in Utica, N. Y. , and in 1830 bought 
 
568 HISTORY OF MCKEAN COUNTY. 
 
 a large tract of land in McKean county, Penn. , and was one of its pioneer 
 settlers. December 24, 1836, after a visit at his son's, James Anderson, of 
 Corydon, he started home through the woods afoot. The snow was very deep, 
 and the weather very cold. It is supposed that he became wearied and sat 
 down on a log to rest, as he was found the next day, December 25, by Mr. 
 Thomas, the mail carrier, between Smethport and Warren, Penn., frozen to 
 death, in a sitting posture. His widow departed this life at 8 o'clock on the 
 morning of December 3, 1889, at the advanced age of one hundred and two 
 years. 
 
 J. G. CURTIS, tanner, merchant and lumber manufacturer, Ludlow, was 
 born in Fairfield county. Conn. , November 7, 1830, a son of John and Lucy 
 (Blackman) Curtis. John Curtis was one of the pioneers of Fairfield county, 
 and a tanner by trade. Mr. Curtis received an ordinary education, and 
 when eighteen years of age left home and learned the machinist's trade at 
 Naugatuok, Conn. ; afterward went to Painted Post, N. Y. , and later traveled 
 as a journeyman workman for several years. He afterward, in connection with 
 J. D. Hamilton, of New York, built a tannery at Curtis Station, N. Y. , which 
 they operated for eight years, after which he took charge of the Lehigh Tan- 
 nery at White Haven, Penn. , for Thomas Smull & Sons, for three years. He 
 then erected a tannery at Emporium, Penn., the firm being styled Hamil- 
 ton, Curtis & Co. In 1869 he came to Ludlow and built the present Ludlow 
 tannery, making harness and rough leather, associating with him Mr. Maxwell, 
 in 1886, under the firm name of Curtis, Maxwell Co., for the purpose of 
 finishing shoe leather. Mr. Curtis also operates an extensive mercantile busi- 
 ness at Ludlow, and is interested in manufacturing lumber. In 1855 he 
 married Miss Mary Chambers, a native of Yates county, N. Y. , and they have 
 two sons, Daniel and John S., living at home. Mr. Curtis is a supporter of 
 the Republican party, and he and family are members of the Episcopal Church. 
 He has served as postmaster at Ludlow since 1882. 
 
 GEORGE P. FOULKROD, lumberman, P. O. Bradford, was born in 
 Tioga county, Penn., January 17, 1849. When he was sixteen years old his 
 parents moved to Sheffield, Penn., where he grew to manhood. His father 
 was a lumberman, and he went into the mill to learn to fit saws, becoming an 
 expert in the business, and he has fitted saws for the best lumbermen in Mc- 
 Kean county. In 1888 he located at Martindale, Hamilton township, built a 
 mill, and now does a good business, cutting 25,000 feet of lumber per day. 
 He is one of the successful lumbermen of the county, and is a prominent and 
 influential citizen. He is a member of Lodge No. 373, I. O. O. F. , of Kinzua, 
 Penn. Mr. Foulkrod was married October 15, 1877, to Miss Sarah S. Springer, 
 of Ludlow, Penn. 
 
 EDWARD N. HALLOCK, lumberman, P. O. Bradford, was born in Craw- 
 ford county, Penn., August 29, 1852. When he was sixteen years old he be- 
 gan clerking iii a bank in Erie, and remained there five years, then accepted 
 a position with a pipe line company in Foxburg, Penn. In 1879 he moved to 
 Bradford, Penn., and bought oil and lumber property, and has since been en- 
 gaged in both the production of petroleum, and also owns a fine saw-mill at 
 Watsonville, where he turns out 25,000 feet of lumber per day. Mr. Hallock 
 was married May 21, 1878, to Miss Phebe E. Keith, of Rome, N. Y., and they 
 have two children: Charles S. and Florence B. Samuel T. Hallock, father of 
 Edward N. Hallock, wag born in Ulster county, N. Y., July 4, 1809, and 
 died in Crawford county, Penn., September 25, 1877. Sara C. (Baily) 
 Hallock, the mother of Edward N., was born in Greenfield, Mass., May 6, 
 1814, and died in Crawford county, Penn., November 12, 1882. Charles F. 
 
BIOGBAPHICAL SKETCHES. 569 
 
 Keith, father of Phebe E. (Keith) Hallock, was born in Herkimer county, 
 N. Y., September 19, 1823, and died in Oneida county, N. Y., August 27,' 
 1883. Jerusha (Read) Keith, mother of Mrs. P. E. Hallock, was born in 
 Herkimer county, N. Y. , in 1828, and died there in 1855. 
 
 H. W. MARTINDALE, lumberman, Bradford, was born in Erie, Erie 
 Co., Penn., June 2, 1855, a son of A. C. and Abbie (Borrows) Martindale, 
 former a native of Erie county, and a farmer by occupation, latter a native 
 of Jamestown, Chautauqua Co. , N. Y. ; they are still living in Erie county, 
 and are prominent members of the Presbyterian Church. They have three 
 children living: Elsie (wife of J. J. Wheelock, of Titusville), Ruby (living at 
 home) and H. W. H. W. Martindale was reared on the homestead farm, and 
 received his education at the State normal school at Edinborough. At the 
 age of twenty-three years he left home and located at Bolivar, N. Y., engaging in 
 the livery business. He was also a commercial traveler for three years. In 
 1884 he came to McKean county, and accepted a position with H. S. Southard 
 as foreman of his lumber-mills in Hamilton township. This position he held for 
 three years, and has since been engaged in manufacturing lumber for B. Ne- 
 smith & Co., employing sixty men. In 1880 he married Miss Ida, daughter 
 of W. H. Burlingham, of Holland, Erie Co., N. Y., and they have one child: 
 Roy E. Mrs. Martindale is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. 
 Mr. Martindale in politics is a Republican. 
 
 HISTORICAL ADDENDUM. 
 
 The following list of soldiers buried in the vicinity of Bradford, Penn. , 
 was furnished by T. J. Fennerty, but received too late for insertion in its 
 proper chapter: 
 
 BKADFOED CEMETEEY. 
 
 James De Long, First Company Fourteenth William Fairfax, United States Colored 
 
 New York Volunteers, War of 1813; Troops. 
 
 died April 31, 1873, aged ninety. Joseph Carpenter, Eleventh New York Vol- 
 
 A. Beaman, New York V olunteers. War of unteers, died September 19, 1877, aged 
 
 1813. thirty-two years. 
 
 M. P. Brown, Company D, One Hundred Henry Schlegel, Company F, Thirty-sixth 
 
 and Forty-sixth Pennsylvania Volun- Pennsylvania Volunteers, died Decern- 
 
 teers, died May 31, 1873. her 17, 1881. 
 
 Julius Buchanan entered service in 1861, Frank Humbart, Pennsylvania Volunteers, 
 
 died July 37, 1873. died during the year 1881. 
 
 George Ingraham, soldier of 1813, died July A. L. West, Company D, Twenty-third 
 
 37, 1873. Regiment N. J. Volunteers, died in Oc- 
 
 M. O'Brien, Company F, Seventy-second tober, 1880, at Knapp's creek. 
 
 New York Volunteers, died November A. S. Magee, died in December, 1881, at 
 
 37, 1877. Bradford. 
 
 Barnabua Pike, soldier of 1813, and the first G. Hutchinson, Company E, Fifty-eighth 
 
 white settler in this valley, died Oc- Pennsylvania Volunteers, died May 5, 
 
 tober 30, 1880. 1880. 
 
 H. D. Hicks. Company C, Two Hundred Benjamin Lecompt, Company B, Eighth 
 
 and Eleventh Pennsylvania Volunteers, Pennsylvania V olunteers. 
 
 died at Petersburgh, Va., April 3, 1865, Richard Chancellor, Company B, United 
 
 aged forty-three years and two weeks. States Colored Troops. 
 
 SamBrownlee, Forty -ninth New York Vol- J. B. Jamison, Fiftieth New York Engin- 
 
 unteers, died in June, 1880. eers. 
 
 Thomas Maben, Pennsylvania Volunteers, H. Ingles, Company D, Fourth Pennsyl- 
 
 died May 1, 1881. vania Cavalry. 
 
570 
 
 HISTORY OF MCKEAN COUNTY. 
 
 OAK HILL CEMETERY. 
 
 E. W. Skinner, corporal Company F, One 
 Hundred and Eleventh Pennsylvania 
 Volunteers, killed March 2, l863. 
 
 Wash. Walter, corporal Eleventh Ohio Bat- 
 tery, died December 5, 1881. 
 
 L. G. Beecher, First New York Dragoons, 
 died April 6, 1883, 
 
 .James Maginnls, Company K, Ninety-Sec- 
 ond New York Volunteers, died April 
 35, 1883. 
 
 J. N. Towles, regiment unknown. 
 
 James Caserly, Company F, First New York 
 
 Cavalry. 
 C. L. Grant, Company I, One Hundred and 
 
 Seventh New York Volunteers. 
 J. H. Powell, Company H, Twenty-eighth 
 
 Iowa Infantry. 
 George Allen, regiment unknown. 
 A. B. Irwin, regiment unknown. 
 
 A. Crocker, 
 York S. 
 
 ST. BEENAED CEMETEEY. 
 
 One Hundred and Sixth New 
 V. 
 
 William Quinlan, regiment unknown. 
 M. Rodell, Massachusetts regiment. 
 
 KENDALL CEMETEEY. 
 
 ('apt. I. N. Thompson, Company K, Six- 
 teenth Maine Volunteers, died May 6, 
 1880. 
 
 Himan Cole, One Hundred and Seventh N. 
 
 Y. S. V. 
 Moses Cole, soldie of 1813. 
 
 DEGOLIA CEMETEEY. 
 
 .John Inglesby, War of 1812, died April 16, 
 1865. 
 
 .J. W. Cobbett, Company A, One Hundred 
 and Ninety-ninth Pennsylvania Volun- 
 teers, died in October, 1867. 
 
 Orville Jewett, Company A, One Hundred 
 and Ninety-ninth Pennsylvania Volun- 
 teers, died in October, 1880. 
 M. Cram, Company E, Fifty-eighth 
 Pennsylvania Volunteers, died March 
 17, 1880. 
 
 died 
 
 A 
 
 W. Tanner, War of 1812. 
 
 Simmond Hammond, War of 1812, 
 December 20, 1862. 
 
 W. Watrons, Fifty-third Pennsylvania Vol- 
 unteers, died December 23, 1877. 
 
 Col. J. K. Haffy, Forty-Second Pennsyl- 
 vania Volunteers (Bucktails), died near 
 Richmond, Va., 1865. 
 
 Charles Price, Wisconsin regiment. 
 
 LAFAYETTE CEMETEEY. 
 
 John Cool, Company F, One Hundred and 
 Forhr-Second Pennsylvania Volunteers. 
 
 Alfred Hoop, Company I, Forty-Second 
 Pennsylvania Volunteers (Bucktails). 
 
 George Talbot, Company F, Fifty-eighth 
 Pennsylvania Volunteers. 
 
 Charles A. Tenney, Company H, Seventh 
 Ohio Infantry. 
 
 Joseph Norton, Company E, One Hundred 
 and Fifty-third Pennsylvania Volun- 
 teers, died December 25, 1878. 
 
 LUDLOW CEMETEEY, HAMILTON TOWNSHIP. 
 
 D. Morrison, Company E, Twelfth Penn- 
 sylvania Cavalry, died April 19, 1871. 
 
 Morrison, Company G, Independent In- 
 fantry of Pennsylvania. 
 
 James W. Cabbott, Company I, Forty-sec- 
 ond Pennsylvania Volunteers (Buck- 
 tails). 
 
 BOLIVAE EUN CEMETEEY. 
 
 Tobias Cornelius, Company G, Fifty-third 
 Pennsylvania Volunteers, died March 
 35, 1863. 
 
 Zadock Reynolds, War of 1812, died April 
 13, 1850. 
 
 SAWYEE CEMETEEY. 
 
 W. J. Snyder, Company I, Forty-second Pennsylvania Volunteers (Bucktails), died Oc- 
 tober 7, 1867. 
 
HISTORY OF ELK COUNTY, 
 
ELK COUNTY. 
 
 CHAPTER I. 
 TOPOGEAPHY AND NATURAL HISTOEY. 
 
 Formation— Judge Geddes' Report— General Topography— Population, 
 Area and Natural Resources— Oil and Gas Wells and Pipe Lines- 
 Goal Deposits, Etc.— Lumber Resources— Pires and Ploods— Wild 
 Prctits, Animals, Etc. 
 
 ELK COUNTY was carved out of the hills and valleys of McKean, Jeffer- 
 son and Clearfield counties, April 18, 1843. Judge Geddes, who in 1831- 
 32 surveyed the Clarion and Sinnemahoning summit for the proposed canal 
 of that period, says in his report: "At the head of Bennett's Branch is a 
 marsh called Flag Swamp, from which in wet seasons the water flows both 
 ways, and where at such seasons the summit might easily be passed in a 
 canoe. This point is remarkable as, probably, the only one in the State where 
 the beaver can be found. Everywhere else they have been driven out by 
 the approach of human footsteps. In the same region a few elk still remain." 
 Eunning from the southeast corner of Warren county through McKean' s 
 southwest corner, and as far as Daguscahonda was the old Buffalo swamp. 
 The big level or ridge, running in opposite directions through the northwest 
 corner of the county, made the swamp look greater to the old-time travelers 
 than it really was, while the Warren and Eidgway State road, cut through in 
 1832, aided such travelers in obtaining glimpses of the historic swamp in its 
 extensions. 
 
 The elevations of the county are given as follows, the figures represent- 
 ing the number of feet above tide level: Hyde House, Eidgway, 1,400; P. & 
 B. E. E. , Eidgway, 1,393; S. & E. E. E. crossing Eidgway and Centreville 
 road, 1,925; Lower Kittanning bed at Mine No. 8, 1,605; L. K. bed at Mine No. 
 15, 1,845; L. K. bed, McAllister's farm, 1,600; road at J. C. McAllister's, 1,580; 
 Clarion bed at Mine No. 7, 1,685; Clarion bed at Mine No. 1?6, 1,735; Boot 
 Jack, 2,166; road forks, warrant 4,248, 1,760; road at Brandy Camp Hotel, 
 1,565; lower Freeport bed ("Mvein"), Faust farm, 1,760; lower Freeport 
 bed ("M vein") west side of Mead's run, north of Mead's Eun School-house, 
 1,710; lower Freeport bed, tunnel opening, southwest of Meade Eun School- 
 house, 1,650; Freeport lower limestone, McAllister farm, 1,740;n ferriferous 
 limestone, mouth of Karns run, 1,535; George Faust's house, 1,765; J. C. 
 Wellington's house, Karns run, 1,600; Mead's Eun (Colomo) School-house,. 
 1,550; Theodore Fox's house, 1,530; summit of Fox hill, 1,755; Freeport 
 lower limestone, west of Fox hill, 1,580; bottom bench of Freeport upper coal, 
 west of Fox hill, 1,650; J. S. Chamberlin's house, 1,545; summit of Cham- 
 
574 HISTORY OF ELK COUNTY. 
 
 beiiin hill, 1,845; Freeport lower limestone, Chamberlin hill, 1,730; fer- 
 riferous limestone, Chamberlin hill, 1,585; Brockport, 1,545. 
 
 Rathbun, l,3i6 above mean ocean level on track, West Creek Summit, 
 1,695; St. Mary's, 1,667; a point near St. Mary's, 1,888; Scahonda, 1,519; 
 Daguscahonda, 1,478; Shawmut, 1,426; Eidgway, 1,393; Whistletown, 1,414; 
 Johnsonburg, 1,441; Eolfe, 1,446; Clarion, 1,482; Wilcox, 1,526; Dahoga, 
 1,601; mouth of Johnson's run, 1,505; Benezette depot, 1,040; Medix run 
 bridge, 1,099; Caledonia tunnel, 1,148; Dent's run, 924; a point east of 
 Earley, 2,265, and a point just south, 2,108. 
 
 The population in 1870 was 8,488, in 1880, 12,800, and in 1888, 17,075, 
 based on the election returns, which, in November of that year, show 1,824 
 Democratic votes, 1,321 Republican, 52 Prohibitionist and 18 Union Labor, a 
 total of 3,215. The area is 774 square miles or about 495,360 acres. The 
 vast resources of this territory are principally lumber and coal. There are 
 seven veins of bituminous coal, each twenty- eight feet thick, two veins of can- 
 nel coal, three feet each in thickness, and two beds of lime partly fossilized. 
 Iron ore, which yields 30 to 40 per cent of pure metal, abounds in the hills. 
 Heavily-timbered wildernesses cover a large portion of the county. Tanning 
 and lumber are the principal active industries. In the vicinity of St. Mary' s, 
 coal of good quality is mined and shipped to market. 
 
 In the "sixties" an oil well was put down 800 feet near Eidgway, but 
 abandoned. In June, 1876, travelers noticed the old well flowing, and the oil 
 stampede was resumed. About this time the oil well at AVilcox was blowing 
 gas at a tremendous rate, and m.any residents felt certain they lived within the 
 envied oil circle. The oil lease from David Scull to Maurice M. Schultz for an 
 oil tract in Jones township, was entered March 19, 1877, and in April, Alonzo 
 Field leased lands there to W. L. Holman, T. W. Ryan and W. W. Griffith. 
 The lease on the Mulroy lands in Benezette was made in February to E. W. Pet- 
 rikin, Julius Jones, George Eolfe, S. P. Eomig and D. A. Waddell. The 
 same parties leased several tracts in that and adjoining townships, making the 
 actual beginnings of oil leases in this county. 
 
 On the Julius Jones farm, one mile west of Benezette, on Bennett's creek, 
 ' ' The Nearest Oil Company ' ' (which is composed of numerous Bradford spec- 
 ulators) cleaned out, in February, 1890, an old hole drilled in 1882, during 
 the Cherry Grove excitement. When the well was first drilled there was a 
 showing for a good twenty or twenty-five barrel well, but owing to the discour- 
 aging outlook for a better price for oil at that time, the well was abandoned. 
 G. W. Newman, the principal projector of the modern prospecting, states that 
 the company own 6, 000 acres in the vicinity. 
 
 The Ernhout & Taylor well No. 1, at Wilcox, reached a depth of 276 feet in 
 February, 1878, and work on the Benezette well was commenced. Schultz No. 
 3 was yielding three to five barrels; a well on the Hedsneoker farm was com- 
 menced, also one on the Bridgetown tract, and one for Boughton, Frisbee 
 & Van Sickle on Big Mill creek. In March Capt. Ernhout leased 117 acres at 
 Whistletown and the Osterhout lands along the Clarion, in Jones and Eidgway 
 townships, for oil prospecting purposes. . . .In June, 1880, the Ruling' s well 
 at Daguscahonda was down to third sand .... Hallock & Johnson' s well in 
 Millstone township, near Eaughts, was shot in July, 1881, and a 1,200-barrel 
 tank erected. The Johnsonburg well, six miles south of Wilcox, was then 
 reported yielding from fifty to seventy-five barrels per day. 
 
 The Grant & Horton gas well was struck in June, 1883, at 2,300 feet, 
 and a light oil producer the same month.... In May, 1885, the White, 
 Oyster & Short gas well was drilled at Johnsonburg, and in June a cas 
 
-fr. :rf 
 
 'V? ^^y- 
 
HISTORY OF ELK COUNTY. 577 
 
 run was struck at 1,734 feet. . . .In August, 1886, S. B. Hughes & Co.'s well 
 in the northeastern* part of warrant 3663 made forty barrels the first three 
 days after being shot, while the well of M. J. Feeley & Co., in the northeast 
 corner of 3672, was credited with sii barrels a day from an upper sand, which 
 was supposed to correspond with the Clarendon formation. These wells are 
 over three miles apart, and were thought to mark the beginning of two new 
 and distinct oil-producing districts. Armstrong, Boggs & Co. had two wells 
 drilling in this region, one on 2032 and the other on 3655, and several other 
 test wells were started .... In 1871 the old John well was drilled near the 
 Schultz well of 1887. In May, 1887, five wells were completed in Elk county, 
 and there were eighteen producing wells in the field averaging seven barrels 
 each. Mike Murphy's well on warrant 2027 was then a mystery; Clark & 
 Foster' s wells on 3663 and 3664 were fair producers ; their No., 3 on 2033 was 
 drilling, and No. 4 on same warrant struck sand May 31, while a rig was up 
 on 2020. The Elk Company' s well on 3663 was yielding fifteen barrels, and 
 another well was started by them; Porter, Thyng & Co.'s No. 4 on 2033, 
 and No. 6, were doing well; the Highland Oil Company's hole on same war- 
 rant was also giving fifteen barrels. The Wilcox Tannery Company's well was 
 finished on 2676 (on Lanigan's run) to a depth of 1,750 feet, and proved a 
 producer. Round it were the National Transit Company's gassers. 
 
 In August, 1887, John Markham had his pipe line complete from his Kane 
 wells to the Highland oil field; Porter, Thyng & Co.'s No. 10 on the north- 
 east corner of 2033 was rated at twenty barrels per day; Boggs, Curtis & 
 Co.'s well on 2027 was being drilled; the venture of the Gillis Farm Oil Com- 
 pany was closed down after going over 2,300 feet; the Sill, O'Dell & Barnsdall 
 well on the Crawford lot was drilling, while Clark & Foster found two new 
 producers. The Elk County Oil & Gas Company's well, three miles north- 
 west of Ridgway, was shot in July, 1886, and showed a strong flow of gas. 
 Many oil ventures have been made in the Elk county field, but success seldom 
 rewarded the ventures. Within the last few years the gas reservoirs in the 
 Johnsonburg neighborhood have proven themselves worthy of notice, and gas 
 from these wells is being conducted into the towns and villages of the county, 
 as related in the sketches of such localities. 
 
 In February, 1890, the T. F. Barnsdall lands in Elk county, and wells 
 producing 275 barrels per day. were sold to Noyes, Wood and others for 
 1325,000. 
 
 The coal deposits of Elk are scattered everywhere, but developed only at a 
 few places — St. Mary' s and Dagus mines being the mining centers. In the his- 
 tory of the townships much is given relating to the development of the coal 
 beds .... The paint-ore mine, extending from Eagle Valley to Whistletown, 
 was discovered by D. R. Kline on the lands of J. S. Hyde, in 1887. 
 
 Building stone of excellent quality is found outcropping on the sum- 
 mits and hillsides. In 1888-89 the first organized effort to find an outside 
 market for this sandstone succeeded, and quarrying and shipping building 
 stone is to-day an important industry. . . .Throughout the county great hem- 
 lock tracts still exist, with smaller tracts of pine and hardwood. How long this 
 forest may continue to clothe the hills and valleys may be learned from a 
 review of the great lumber mills scattered here and there, the sketches of 
 which are contained in the pages devoted to local history. The forest fires of 
 centuries seem to have done little injury to the great trees, as only a few sec- 
 tions of the forest disappeared before the flames. In May, 1884, the great fire 
 which swept over parts of Cameron county, damaged property here: The 
 saw-mill of Steinhelfer & Otto, near Swissmont, together with lumber, logs 
 
 32 * 
 
578 HISTORY OF ELK COUNTY. 
 
 and houses, loss, |8,000: insurance, $4,000. The saw-mill of Joseph Goetz, 
 also near Swissmont, together with 100,000 feet of lumber, 1,000,000 feet of 
 logs, house and household effects, involving a loss of $6,000, upon which there 
 was no insurance. The house of Mr. Tyler and its contents, near by, were also 
 burned. Andrew Kaul lost his saw-mill on Spring run, 2,500,000 feet of lum- 
 ber, over 100,000 feet of logs, boarding house, stables, blacksmith shop, and 
 nearly a mile of plank road; on Wolf ran 1,000,000 feet of logs, 300 cords of 
 bark, camps, stables, blacksmith shop, etc. , his loss at both places aggregating 
 about $25,000. Mr. Kaul also lost a saw-ihill, all his houses and 60,000 feet 
 of lumber at Sterling run, Cameron county, upon which there was an insurance 
 of $7,500. Near Hemlock station the large Otto mill and a great amount of 
 lumber were destroyed. Will Sykes' mill, at the same place, escaped. 
 
 The flood ©f August 12 and 13, 1885, deluged Johnsonburg, threatening 
 the Bayard mills at Whistletown; carried away 400,000 feet of logs from the 
 Hyde mills at Eagle Valley; carried away the Dickinson Brothers' boom lower 
 down, and at Portland did more damage. At Ridgway the water was two feet 
 deep on Main street, near the R. & C. depot, and the water entered the Bogert 
 House and the Congregational Church. The high waters of May and June, 
 1889, also caused damage. 
 
 When the pioneers arrived, they found wild fruit in abundance. Mr. 
 Brooks states that native grapes from the size of the Delaware to the Fox grape, 
 grew as large as crabapples, yielding fifty bushels from one vine. Native 
 plum trees grew on the river bottom lands by hundreds and thousands, the 
 fruit of which were large, juicy and luscious, delicious as nectar, fit food for 
 the gods. Peach, pear and apple trees were planted by the immigrants, 
 and in a few years peaches were so abundant that thousands of bushels of the 
 fruit fell to the ground and became food for the swine. About 1832-83 the 
 severity of the winters killed many of the peach trees, and since that time, there 
 has been comparative scarcity. Game, like fruit, were offered to the pioneers. 
 Elk were found in the Flag swamp neighborhood as late as 1850, and in 1867 
 the last elk in the State was killed on Bennett's branch. In the fall of 1886 
 the presence of one was reported. The deer, bear, wolf and fox are regular 
 inhabitants down to this day. A story of a bear hunt is chronicled under 
 date, December 19, 1876. It is unlike a pioneer bear story in the round- 
 about way taken by the hunter to capture bruin. It appears that on the 
 date mentioned, Ralph Johnson of Dry saw-mill, while in the woods about one 
 mile from his house, stopped by the side of a large standing hemlock, when 
 he heard, as he supposed, the breaking of ice, caused by his own weight, 
 but a visual ray of about seven feet of his height proved to him that some- 
 thing with its head poked out of a small hole was grating its teeth within 
 six inches of his boot. Prom the size of the hole, as it appeared from 
 the outside of the tree, he thought it an animal of some description, of 
 inferior size, and blocked up the hole. Next morning, in company with John 
 and Will Wainwright, with two axes and a single-barrel rifle (the old family 
 gun) carried by Will, went to capture the prize, and to their surprise found 
 a hollow larger than a flour barrel, which evidently had been lately vacated 
 by old bruin; following the trail about one mile, they found him under a 
 flat rock. Ralph, Will and the dog stood guard until John went and re- 
 turned with John Johnson, commonly known as "Old Parmer," with two 
 more rifles, a double and single barrel. But one shot from the gun manu- 
 factured in our fathers' day gave him such a headache that a shot from 
 the other single-barrel gun, piercing a second hole in his forehead, laid 
 out a bear weighing about 260 pounds by the "Parmer's" scales. 
 
HISTORY OF ELK COUNTY. 579 
 
 In 1885 a Daguscahonda chicken walked out of the shell on four per- 
 fect legs, and was indeed one of Nature's strange freaks. Had it been 
 cuffed and kicked about like the common brood, it would still have lived, 
 but it was petted to death. Though having unusual facilities for walking, 
 it only played the pilgrim for a few days. 
 
 While the unthinking hunter has been for years industriously engaged 
 in killing the deer, it is a relief to think that two citizens, at least, have 
 succeeded in saving a number of them. The Trout Eun Park, the private 
 property of Andrew Kaul and J. K. P. Hall, containing 600 acres, is located 
 between St. Mary's and Benezette, in the heart of the wilderness. This park 
 is enclosed by a fence eight to ten feet in height, erected at a cost of |2, 500. 
 The park was enclosed in 1887, and stocked with twelve deer. A mountain 
 stream flows through this park, and outside, in the course of this stream are a 
 series of fish ponds and hatching houses, for the cultivation of brook trout and 
 carp. The wire in the fence is connected with an electric apparatus in the 
 game- keeper's house; close by is the club house. The total cost of this park 
 may be placed at |7,000. The Williamsport Republican, referring to this 
 great game preserve, says: "It is six miles square, and was arranged as it now 
 is about four and one-half years ago. The work of making such an immense 
 place was a tremendous one, but it was accomplished with apparent ease. All 
 around the place a fence made of trees stands, from ten to fifteen feet in height, 
 inside which the brush and trees are so thick, that people are easily lost there. 
 Approaches to the park are so arranged that the deer coming up find but little 
 difficulty in gaining an entrance, but once inside there is no possible means of 
 getting out. Inside the fence the ground slopes so much that the most expert 
 jumper in the deer tribe, would not attempt to get out. It is thought now 
 that there are not less than one hundred and fifty deer within the park. ' ' 
 
 CHAPTER II. 
 INDIANS AND PIONEERS. 
 
 The Aborigines— Gen. Wade— Eaely Keminiscences of Judge Kylee— 
 Pioneer Settlers— Judge J. L. Gillis and Others— iRisHTOWN—rinsT 
 Declarations of Citizenship— The German Union Bond Society— Some 
 First Things in the County — Reminiscences of John Brooks. 
 
 THIS section of Pennsylvania was the hunting-ground of the aborigines up 
 to the close of the first decade of this century, when the first faint gleams 
 of civilization darted through the forest, chasing, as it were, the shadows of 
 the savages. Who the aborigines were, so far as history tells, is shown in the 
 pages devoted to the Indian history of McKean county. 
 
 Gen. Wade and family, with a friend named Slade, came to the headwaters 
 of the Little Toby, in 1798, and settled temporarily at what is now Little 
 Toby, on the Rochester & Pittsburgh Railroad. In 1803 the party returned 
 east, but the same year came hither and built a log house at the mouth of the 
 Little Toby on the east bank. In 1806, while Wade and Slade were hunting 
 round what is now Blue Rock, they saw an Indian girl watching them. Ap- 
 proaching her, the General enticed her to follow him to his home, and there in- 
 
580 HISTORY OF ELK COUNTY. 
 
 troduced her to Mrs. Wade. In 1809 this semi-captive married Slade, the cere- 
 mony being performed by Chief Tamsqua. A few years later Slade moved to 
 what is now Portland, established a trading house there, and when the white 
 settlers came into the No Man's Creek neighborhood, Wade and Tamsqua pre- 
 sented to them the pipe of peace. Judge Kyler, writing to Dr. Earley, of Eidg- 
 way, in 1874, gives valuable reminiscences of early years. He states: "A large 
 body of land containing about 100,000 acres lying in what is now Benzinger, 
 Pox, Horton and Houston townships, the latter in Clearfield county, was pat- 
 ented to Samuel M. Fox (deceased), and was offered for sale and settlement by 
 his heirs. Their agent, William Kersey, opened a road from the State road 
 (now Bellefonte and Erie turnpike), to what is called the Burned Mill. These 
 lands lay in what was then Jefferson, McKean and Clearfield counties, most of 
 it in the latter, which at that time could not poll over 160 or 170 votes, and 
 was attached to Centre county. It had but one township, called Chinclecla- 
 moose; that was the name of the township here then. A man named Amos 
 Davis was the first actual settler. He resided, prior to 1810, some two or three 
 years on the tract north of me, where the steam saw-mill stands. In the spring 
 of the above year, my father, John Kyler, who lived in Centre county, came to 
 see the country, and located his place at Kyler "^ Corners on Little Toby creek. 
 That year and the summer following he packed his provisions on a horse to do 
 him while clearing some land and putting up a cabin, and the last of May or 
 first of June, 1812, moved his family to this country. Elijah Meredith had 
 moved in a few days before, and Jacob Wilson and Samuel Miller at the time 
 we did. Miller located at Earley, and the year following Jonah Griffith located 
 at the farm where Centreville now is. Miller and Griffith both left the follow- 
 ing year. The grist-mill erected by Kersey was a small affair, built of peeled 
 hemlock logs — had one run country stones, a,nd no bolting cloth for a couple 
 of years. Flour of all kinds had to be sifted. William Fisher, of Centre county, 
 who succeeded Kersey as agent, put in a bolting cloth. Soon after David Mere- 
 dith and Jacob Wilson went there to grind, for every man was his own miller. 
 There was no fire-place, but a few stones for a back wall in one corner, and in 
 the night, while asleep, the mill caught fire; they, having nothing but their 
 shoes to carry water, were unable to put it out, and the mill burned down. 
 Then for more than a year what grain was raised had to be taken to Maxwell's 
 mill, on Anderson' s creek, to be ground, some forty miles. If grain had to be 
 bought it could not be got, frequently, short of Centre or Indiana counties. 
 Clearfield was divided into two townships — one Lawrence, for Capt. Lawrence 
 of the Chesapeake, who met his death in his battle with the Shannon ; the 
 other Pike, for a general of that name killed in Canada. Our township was the 
 latter, and Chinoleclamoose became extinct. Soon after we moved to the country, 
 father and I went to the mill to grind some grain he had raised the year before, 
 and beat out with a stick on a quilt. Just as we were leaving for home we 
 heard a yell, and saw a man come bustling along clad in a blanket coat. Father 
 said ' there comes an Indian. ' He, however, proved to be a Welshman named 
 David Roberts; he had no family; he had taken a place at Instanter; had 
 ■cleared also a potato patch at Johnsonburg, near Wilmarth; said he had 
 heard there were people living in these parts, and come to see if he could find 
 them; said he could furnish seed potatoes. Two of the settlers; each with a 
 bag and horse, went after them, Roberts being guide, and got some, but had 
 much difficulty getting through the woods. He paid us sevej-al visits, and 
 when winter came went to a place called Beaulah to spend the winter with his 
 own kind of people, and married there. In these days house floors were either 
 split puncheon or logs hewed on one side and matched at the edges; barn 
 
"^to ,o/h^c^eu^ 
 
HISTORY OF ELK COUNTY. 583 
 
 floors the same. Roofs were split clapboards held in place by weight poles. I 
 think a year after we came here settling began on Bennett' s branch of the Sin- 
 nemahoning, but I leave it for some one else who will, no doubt, give an ac- 
 count of that place, who is better acquainted there than I am. Elk, deer and 
 bear were very plenty here at that time, and from the number of dead trees, as 
 well as the remains of bark shanties and the tomahawk marks still visible on 
 the trees from which the bark was taken, I infer that this was a hunting 
 ground much used by the Indians at one time, but they did not hunt here a 
 great deal after the first settlers came. Those that did were reputed to be of 
 the Cornplanter tribe. Those I knew best were Big John, Logan and Oapt. 
 Crow. Big John was a noble-looking Indian, past the middle age, tall, straight 
 and well proportioned. Logan looked very old. The last time I saw them. 
 Big John took an opportunity to tell us ' Logan too old to hunt, he could not 
 see to shoot straight.' In 1816 the land owners commenced building us a 
 new mill, and finished it the year following, on the site of what is now Con- 
 nor's mill. Permanent settlers in 1816 were the before-named Davis, Wilson, 
 Kyler and Meredith. Others had made improvements, intending to settle, but 
 never brought their families, or left soon after, if they did, and Davis sold in 
 the fall of that year to a man who did not move to it, and lost it by not keeping 
 taxes paid. William McCauley moved in the spring of 1817. The next year 
 James Eeesman, James Green, Smith Mead, Esq., and others made improve- 
 ments, but only the three named were permanent. Perhaps some two years 
 after, Leonard Morey, from Sinnemahoning, came around with a petition to 
 have this section struck off into a new township. It was granted, and the court 
 named it Sinnemahoning. This displeased the settlers west of the barrens, and 
 they petitioned for change of the name, and the court named it Fox, in honor 
 of Samuel M. Fox. The township included all of Horton within the Clearfield 
 line, Houston, in that county now, and Jay. These three townships being taken 
 from Fox has reduced its territory to its present size. Between the years 1818 
 and 1823, Conrad Moyer, Tibni Taylor, John Kellar, Joel and Philetus Clark, 
 Isaac Coleman, Uriah and Jonah Rogers, Rev. Jonathan Nichols, Alanson Vial 
 and Hon. Isaac Horton were added to the settlement and remained permanently. 
 The three latter named located on Brandy Camp branch of Little Toby, now 
 Horton township, and the following named: Dr. William Hoy t, John Bundy, 
 James R. Hancock, Chauncey Brockway, Esq., James Iddings and Robert 
 Thompson remained a number of years and then left; but all have some of 
 their descendants living here. From the above time to the present, popula- 
 tion has steadily increased. It required an indomitable spirit for the first set- 
 tlers, who sought a home so far in the wilderness in a dense forest of timber, to 
 clear the ground and render it fit for cultivation, and few had courage to at- 
 tempt it, or constancy to persevere if they did. ' ' 
 
 In the history of Cameron county the advertisement of the Burlington tract 
 is given. Observing it, Joseph Potter, Leonard Morey and William Ward set 
 out from their homes in Susquehanna county, Penn., April 2, 1812, on the 5th 
 reached Butler's cabin on the north fork of Pine creek, and next day pushed 
 on to the head of the Allegheny, where they stayed with a Mr. Heirs [Ayers], 
 thence to Lymans and Canoe Place, and on the 10th arrived at John Earls. 
 On April 11 they went down the branch to Spanglers, thence up Bennett's 
 branch to Dr. Dan Rogers' house, where they arrived on the 13th. This , 
 house stood a little above the large dam below Benezette. The three poineers 
 purchased lands on the 15th, Morey buying a mile below Caledonia, but 
 later changing to a point near the mouth of Medix Run; Ward, where Caledonia 
 stands, and Potter opposite the mouth of Medix Run. On the 16th the 
 
584 HISTOBY OF ELK COUNTY. 
 
 pioneers set out on their return trip, two of them revisited the place in 
 September, and on their return spoke so highly of the country that in 
 February, 1813, L. Morey and Dwight Caldwell, with their families, lohabod 
 and Sylvester Powers and William F. Luce set out to settle there. At Grass 
 Flats Capt. Potter joined them, and traveled to Andrew Overturf's (Dutch- 
 man) house between Bennett's branch and the Driftwood, where they arrived 
 on the 12th. Next day they proceeded up the branch, passed Nanny's house, 
 one and a half miles from the mouth of the branch; a mile farther landed at 
 Thomas Dent's house; where Grant depot now is was the home of Ealph 
 Johnson, and next was Dr. Eogers' cabin, a 16x20 house, where they found 
 Amos Mix and family, and where all found shelter that night of April 15, 
 1813. Mix and his wife arrived there in 1812. In that year Dr. Eogers 
 began clearing the lands a little above Summerson's eddy, but within a few 
 years moved to Jersey Shore to practice medicine. In August, 1813, 
 McMurtrie visited his lands to cut out a road from the mouth of Trout 
 run to Eich Valley, and did cut four miles to where H. K. Wilson resided in 
 modern times. In 1815 Morey purchased from Gen. James Potter 319^ acres 
 near the mouth of Trout run, and in April, 1816, began improvements, build- 
 ing a small grist-mill. In 1827 he sold this place to Eeubea and Ebenezer 
 Winslow. Carpenter Winslow arrived about this time. In 1818 Morey built 
 a small grist-mill. Benjamin, son of Ealph Johnson, who died March 9, 1886, 
 was born near Grant railroad depot, July 4, 1813. 
 
 Mrs. Emily E. Gillis, of Gilroy, in Santa Clara Co., Cal. (daughter of the 
 pioneer Gelott, and wife of Charles, eldest son of Enos Gillis), writing to the 
 editor of the Democrat in 1885, states that her father came in 1814, and on 
 June 19 of that year he and Eliza Morey went down the Sinnemahoning, 
 thirty-five miles, in a canoe, to be married by Squire Lusk, accompanied by 
 Erasmus and Cephas Morey, W. F. Luce and Mrs. Caldwell. It took two 
 days to return. Mrs. Gillis, Sr. , died August 18, 1850, and her husband, Sep- 
 tember 29, 1854. 
 
 Capt. Potter Goff settled on Bennett's branch in Jay township, in 1817, 
 with his wife and six children; Joel Woodworth, his son-in-law, accompanied 
 him. He died on the home farm (in recent years the W. P. Luce farm), 
 November 12, 1846, aged seventy years. His first wife died in September, 
 1834, and in 1836 he married the widow, Ann M. Luce. 
 
 Chauncey Brockway and his wife and child came in December, 1817, 
 from Galway, Montgomery Co., N. Y., 400 miles by wagon, and 90 miles 
 up the Susquehanna. He was married in 1816, and the first child was born 
 in April, 1817, so that his wife had to take the infant pioneer with her on 
 this great journey, and settled on Bennett's branch, seven miles from any 
 neighbor. In 1821 the family moved to Brandy Camp, near Eidgway, thence 
 up the Toby that spring, and to Illinois in 1854, where his wife died in 1885, 
 and himself on December 4, 1886. In April, 1818, Joseph Crandell and 
 Lyman Eobinson, sons-in-law of Brockway, arrived and purchased on the hill 
 north of Caledonia on the Gen. Boyd estate. 
 
 Jonathan Nichols came in March, 1818, accompanied by Hezekiah Warner, 
 his son-in-law. Both brought their families and settled on the Gen. Boyd 
 lands, north of Kersey's. Nichols was a Baptist preacher and a physician, 
 . the first of either profession in the county except Dr. Eogers. He moved 
 to Brandy Camp in Horton township about 1821, where he died in May, 
 1846. Under him Dr. Clark, a son-in-law, studied medicine. Hezekiah War- 
 ner, who also moved to Brandy Camp, returned to Caledonia and purchased 
 lands from Thomas Leggett and Jabez Mead in 1825. There he was joined 
 
HISTORY OF ELK COUNTY. 585 
 
 by Zebulon Warner in store and tavern keeping and lumber milling. Starr 
 Dennison settled on Spring run in March, 1818, and resided there until his 
 death in 1844. Ebenezer Hewett came from Saratoga, N. Y., the same 
 year, and located a large tract, four miles above Kersey run. In December 
 he was followed by Col. Isaac Webb, of the same county, who cleared a farm 
 two miles above Kersey run. He was a silrveyor, and a man whose memory 
 was proverbial. Consider Brockway followed his son, Chauncey, in 1819, 
 and located north of Kersey run about four miles on the Kersey road. 
 
 Isaac Horton, Sr., who settled at Brandy Camp in 1818, died in 1873. 
 David Johnson, who settled at Johnsonburg prior to 1821, learning that James 
 L. Gillis had located at Montmorenci, four miles away, determined to move 
 west if Gillis would not. He did move, and by 1824 the Montmorenci farm of 
 400 acres was cleared, and a saw- and grist-mill, carding-mill and several im- 
 provements were made by the new pioneer on Mill creek a little west of the 
 farm. In 1871 O. B. Fitch, afterward proprietor of the Thayer House, car- 
 ried on this farm. It was subsequently purchased by Maurice M. Schultz who 
 set men to work to restore the farm, and under him it has reached its present 
 productiveness. 
 
 Judge James L. Gillis, who died in Iowa in July, 1881, was born in Wash- 
 ington county, N. Y., in 1792. In 1812 he was commissioned lieutenant of 
 an Ontario county cavalry company in Col. Harris' dragoons. After the affair 
 at Lundy's Lane he was made prisoner by the British, treated in the barbarous 
 manner of that time, and put on board a transport to be taken to England. 
 He and several others captured a boat belonging to the transport, and reached 
 the bank of the St. Lawrence river, but all were retaken and were said to have 
 been subjected to cruelties, of which even Indians were ignorant, until ex- 
 changed at Salem, Mass. , after the war. In 1822 he settled in what is now 
 Elk county (within sixteen miles of a neighbor and seventy miles of a post- 
 office), as the agent of Jacob Ridgway, to whose niece he was married in 1816. 
 In 1830 he moved six miles from his farm to the present town of Ridgway. 
 Gov. Porter commissioned him associate judge of Jefferson county; in 
 1840 he was elected representative, again sent to the senate, became one of 
 the iirst associate judges of Elk county, and in 1856 was elected congressman; 
 later he was agent for the Pawnees. In 1858 Capt. Hall defeated him for 
 congress. Through his efforts Elk and Forest counties were organized, the 
 latter by joint resolution and to oblige Cyrus Blood, one of the pioneers. He 
 was charged with complicity in the abduction of Morgan for giving away 
 Masonic secrets, but was acquitted. Mrs. Houk, of Ridgway, C. V. Gillis, of 
 Kane, Mary B. Porter, Augusta A. Noxon and Cecilia A. Whitney, of Chautau- 
 qua county, N. Y., Bosanquet, Henry and Robert, children of the useful 
 pioneer are living. Enos Gillis, a brother pioneer, is referred to in this work. 
 
 W. P. Wilcox, who in 1831 came to what is now Williamsville, as agent 
 for the Richards & Jones Land Company, later the McK. & E. L. & T. Co. 
 In 1835 he was representative, and was re-elected three times successively, 
 then served in the senate, was elected a representative again in 1857 and in 
 1859, and died at Port Allegany in April, 1868. In the winter of 1832-33, L. 
 Wilmarth, Arthur Hughes and George Dickinson bought land of J. L. Gillis 
 and Mr. Aylworth, and also water-power for lumbering business. There was 
 but a handful of people in Ridgway at this time. Hughes and Dickinson 
 began to build mills. Col. Wilcox settled here. Mail accommodations were 
 established. 
 
 Rasselas W. Brown died June 27, 1887. He was born in 1809 in Herkimer 
 county, N. Y., and in 1837, with his brother-in law, W. S. Brownell, of 
 
586 HISTOKY OF ELK COUNTY. 
 
 Smethport, went to Michigan, stopping at Wilcox en route. He returned to 
 Williamsville in October, purchased land near by, and on March 16, 1838, 
 brought into the wilderness his wife and two sons, J. L. Brown, of Wilcox, and 
 W. W. Brown, of Bradford. In 1841 he moved to Easselas, where he died. 
 
 Joseph S. Hyde settled at Caledonia in 1837, but shortly after moved to 
 Ridgway as an employe of Enos Gillis, and operated the old Gillis mill, 
 above the present Hyde grist-mill, until it failed to pay expenses. In 1840 he 
 moved to Wisconsin, but returned, and in July, 1842, married Jane Gillis, a 
 daughter of his former employer. Subsequently he resided at Montmorenci, 
 Sharpsburg and other places until 1846, when he purchased from Gillis & 
 McKinley a mill which stood on the site of the present Ely mills. He made 
 this a success, and soon after engaged in lumbering. Only a few years elapsed 
 until he became known as the lumber king. He was the most progressive 
 citizen of Elk county until his death, June 30, 1888. Shortly after he moved 
 to Eidgway, without money and without friends, he wanted Dickinson to sell 
 him an ax on credit, but the merchant refused, when Hyde said to him: "Keep 
 
 your d d ax; I will see the day when I can buy and sell you." J. S. 
 
 Hyde became a millionaire and owner of 36,000 acres, a store at Little Toby, 
 established in September, 1882, being among his enterprises. 
 
 Early in the "thirties" Irishtown was settled by Irish immigrants ... . 
 Catherine (Rielly) Mohan, who died in Fox township, June 22, 1886, was mar- 
 ried in 1836 to Larry Mohan, but both had resided in this county prior to that 
 year. Other names given in the history of the Catholic Church of Kersey's or 
 Centreville belong to that period. 
 
 In September, 1844, the first declaration of citizenship was made by Thomas 
 Eielly, a native of Ireland. His example was followed that year by Michael 
 White, Thomas Fletcher, John Sullivan, Patrick Shelvy, Michael Brown, Pat- 
 rick Malone and Lawrence Mohan, all natives of the Emerald Isle. In 1845 
 thirty natives of Germany and one of England declared their intentions. Jere- 
 miah Calahan was admitted to citizenship in September, 1845, also Eobert 
 Mcintosh and Patrick Whelan (both Irish), Conrad K. Huhn (a German) and 
 Joseph Hetzell (a" Frenchman). The records for the last forty-five years tell 
 of the remarkable immigration to this county, thousands of names, principally 
 Germans, filling records A and B. 
 
 In 1842 the German Union Bond Society purchased 35,000 acres from the 
 United States Land Company, or Boston Company, and in the fall thirty-one 
 families settled a few miles north of Kersey's; thirty-three families came in the 
 spring of 1843. The first piano was brought into Elk county (and it may be 
 said into the territory now divided into five counties) in 1845, by Ignatius 
 Garner. The same year he organized a brass band company at St. Mary's, 
 the first band in the territory. The first mail carried through Elk county was 
 that by William C. Walsh, from Milesburg to Smethport, in 1828. The first 
 post-office was at Eichard Gelott's house, where the Barr Eailroad depot now is, 
 then called Bennett's Branch. The next office was presided over by Vine S. 
 Brockway at his home, and the third at Kersey's, where James Green was 
 sworn to fulfill the duties of master by L. Morey, March 12, 1828. This office 
 was kept where is now Centreville. Eeuben Aylesworth was the next master, 
 keeping the office at Eidgway. Williamsville came next, with W. P. Wilcox, 
 master. Next came Bunker Hill and then Smethport — the end of the route. 
 Among the successors of Walsh was a Mr. Coone (who carried a spinning- 
 wheel from White's, near Smethport, to Eidgway on horseback) and Daniel 
 Hyatt. Erasmus Morey was the second postmaster at Bennett's Branch, com- 
 missioned July 4, 1828. This office was changed to Caledonia, when Zebulon 
 
\x 
 
 p -^t^.. 
 
HISTOKY OF ELK COUNTY. 589 
 
 Warner took charge. Erasmus Morey, born at Charlton, Mass., May 16, 1796, 
 settled on Bennett's Branch in 1813, and on July 4, 1828, succeeded the 
 pioneer postmaster at that point. Mr. Morey and John Brooks are two 
 pioneers who have done the part of good citizens in preserving records of pio- 
 neer times, which would otherwise be lost forever. The latter, in his reminis- 
 cences, speaks of old-time farming and milling: 
 
 Axes and hoes were clumsily made by the rough blacksmith. Grain and hay were 
 stacked in the fields or yard or put into round log barns. Threshing was done with flail, 
 or trampled out with oxen or horses; the grain was separated from the chaff by winnow- 
 ing it through the meshes of a riddle, made for the purpose, while the breezes would carry 
 away the chaff; or in a calm, two persons would raise and maintain a blast by a dex- 
 terous swinging movement of a double linen bed sheet, while the third person would 
 winnow the threshed grain from the riddle. Corn and buckwheat were sometimes ground 
 on hand-mills, and sifted through sieves made from dressed perforated sheep or deer skins, 
 drawn over a wide oaken hoop. The nether or bed stone in the hand-mills was fixed to 
 a bench constructed foi' the purpose, and the upper or runner stone was made to revolve 
 on its spindle by means of a pole, the upper end of which was passed into an augur hole 
 in a board fastened overhead, and the lower end of the pole was fitted into a hole drilled 
 in the upper surface of the runner, near the periphery. The miller would seize the pole 
 with one hand, sweeping it around, and with the other feed the mill with grain. Another 
 device was substituted for a hand-mill, yet more rude in construction, and was constructed 
 by cutting down a medium-sized tree, leaving the stump with its surface even and level, 
 into which a bowl-like excavation was made by cutting and burning, which would hold 
 about a peck. A hard-wood pestle was then made to fit the excavation, and this was 
 fastened by withes to the top of a small sapling bent for a spring-pole, which grew, or 
 was planted near the stump. The operator would then place corn or buckwheat in the 
 mort-ar, and seizing the pestle with both hands would, per force, thrust it into the mortar, 
 crushing and grinding the grain therein. The spring-pole would draw up the pestle 
 again, when released from the hand, and again would be thrust into the mortar, and thus 
 by repeated processes the grinding would be accomplished. There were some grist-mills 
 erected, driven by water-wheels; the mill-stones were made from the fine conglomerate 
 j-ock, which is found in abundance in this section. Linen or cotton bolting cloths were 
 attached to reels and driven by machinery, by which the bran was separated from the 
 flour and meal. Of course the flour was coarse, and contained much of the gluten, and 
 the phosphates with the starch, and was therefore adapted to make good bread, that 
 would maintain vigor of muscle, of bone and of brain, as well as the fat of the system. 
 
 Native forest fruit was then abundant [as explained in the first chapter], game was 
 plenty, the rivers were streams of crystal liquid. Women frequently performed a part of 
 the farm service in that age, some, with sickle and rake in hand, doing the work of a harvest 
 man. Others, with hoe and fork, did good work in the hay and corn field. One of them 
 is remembered as placing her child in a sap-trough near by, when but little over a week 
 old, while she split more rails in a day than her husband. These cases are not adverted to 
 as exemplary, but as facts incidental to pioneer life*. Oxen were generally used both for 
 farming and for lumbering. And in one instance Major Bennett, who made an improve- 
 ment on the Potter reserve, at Benezette, on Bennett's Branch, yoked his milch cows to 
 plough his garden and his-fields. Bennett afterward removed to Crawford county, where 
 some of his descendants still reside. The attractions for farmers were greater in that 
 section than in this. 
 
590 HISTORY OF ELK COUNTY. 
 
 CHAPTER III. 
 
 COURTS AND BAE. 
 
 First Courts, Where Held— First Record of Courts in Elk County- 
 Business Transacted in the Courts of 1844— Early Admissions to the 
 Bar — Crimes — Licenses — Appointments — Names of Attorneys Who 
 Practiced Herb from 1868 to 1879, and Subsequently— New Court- 
 house and Jail— Law Libraries. 
 
 THE first courts of this ■ county were held in the old school-house at Cale- 
 donia. The walls on three sides were standing until recently in a fair 
 state of preservation. A recent measurement of the walls made by Erasmus 
 Morey and Squire Dixon showed the building to have been 20x24 feet in 
 size. 
 
 The first record of the courts of Elk county is dated December 19, 1843. 
 James L. Gillis and Isaac Horton, associate judges, were present, and before 
 them William J. B. Andrews qualified for the office of prothonotary ; Uriah 
 Rogers was appointed crier; Vine S. Brockway, Eusebius Kinkaid and Joseph 
 Rogers, court constables; B. Rush Petrikin, George R. Barrett and Lewis 
 W. Smith were present, and permitted to practice in the courts of Elk county. 
 This completed the round of business, and court adjourned to February 19,. 
 1844. Judge Alex McCalmont was present in February, and at this time N. 
 W. Goodrich, D. B. Jenks, Jesse G. Clark and L. T. Parmelee were admitted 
 to the county bar. Eusebius Kinkaid was appointed sheriff, and N. W. Good- 
 rich, prosecutor, pending the issue of commissions to them or others. In 
 March the court assembled, but adjourned till May 20, when a petition for a 
 new township was presented and the original county seat commissioners asked to 
 show cause why they should not report their proceedings to the constituted 
 authorities of Elk county. All that part of Shippen township south of Jones, 
 and north of Fox and Jay, was attached to Fox township for administrative 
 purposes. On September 16 licenses were granted to the Boston Lumber 
 Company and Dickinson & Co. to deal in foreign merchandise; and the first 
 grand jury of the county was impaneled. The names of such jurors are given 
 as follows: Easselaa W. Brown, John Gardner, Jacob Kriger, Selah Morey, 
 William McComber, Henry Mason, David Meredith, James Malone, Robert 
 Mcintosh, William Shepard, George Smith, Henry Stutler, William Taylor, 
 Joel Taylor, Abijah B. Weed, Eben. C. Winslow, Reuben C. Winslow, David 
 Wheeler, all farmers; Jacob Coleman, merchant, Gibson; James Gallagher, 
 hotel, Ridgway; Joshua Iddles, carpenter; John Collins and Samuel Stone- 
 back, laborers; Hezekiah Warner, merchant. Jay; Alanson Viall, hotel, Fox; 
 Caleb Dill, blacksmith. 
 
 The report of the statute commissioners was made at this time, as given 
 in the transactions of the commissioners; S. J. Goodrich, S. P. Johnson, I. 
 Y. James, George W. Carakadden and William A. "Williams were admitted to 
 to the bar, and David Thayer was indicted for keeping a tippling house. In 
 December C. B. Knapp and Robert Wallace were admitted, and John Roth- 
 rock and Robert Wise were licensed to deal in foreign goods, as well as the 
 
HISTORy OT ELK COUNTY. 591 
 
 Boston and Dickinson companies. Commissioners Brockway, Winslow and 
 Brooks were indicted for misdemeanor in office, on the oath of Edward Derby. 
 A jury returned a verdict of not guilty. The grand jury declared that the 
 Milesburg and Smethport turnpike was abandoned by the turnpike company, 
 and suggested its repair by the county. Hiram Payne and John S. McCal- 
 mont were permitted to practice here in September, 1845. Martha Worden 
 was indicted for murder, but a jury found that she was not guilty as 
 charged, and in December C B. Curtis and L. B. Wetmore were admitted. 
 Licenses for stores were issued to Gillis & Clover, Dickinson & Co., Cobb, 
 Gallagher & Co., W. A. Simpson, George ^yeis and John Rothrock in 
 February, 1846, and to C. Fisher, of Benzinger township. In May tavern 
 licenses were granted to Caspar Burhagher and Anthony Fotchman, of Ben- 
 zinger; N. Hyatt and Mary Viall, of Fox; Henry Thayer and Pierce J. Brooks, 
 of Ridgway, on condition that neither drunkenness nor disorder should be 
 tolerated. Lewis M. Burson, James Campbell, George W. Teigler and W. 
 Hecker were admitted to the bar in September, 1846. 
 
 Patrick Malone and Gerhart Schoening, of Pox and Benzinger, respect- 
 ively, were licensed to keep general stores.' In February, 1847, Alfred Pear- 
 sail was granted license to keep a temperance house in Jay, and Joseph Luhr a 
 liquor house at St. Mary's in Benzinger township, and in May, Kasper Ditch 
 wished to compete with Luhr, and was permitted to carry out his wish. Tru- 
 man Weaver was indicted for forging county orders, George Rhines for keep- 
 ing a disorderly house, and Isaac Nichols and Milton Johnson for cutting tim- 
 ber. In 1848 the grand jury presented the fact that the county stove-pipes 
 were going to waste for want of care. William P. Jenks was admitted to the 
 bar, also B. D. Hamlin and Mr. Bishop. In 1849 William A. Stokes was per- 
 mitted to practice here, and in September Joseph Buffington took his seat as 
 president judge. In May, 1850, Aaron Harrington petitioned for license to keep 
 a tavern at Centreville, and J. T. Wells at Highland, numerous petitions 
 came from St. Mary's, at which place the German element was determined to 
 have beer. The grand jury condemned the Thayer & Winslow mill-dam across 
 Bennett's Branch in September, 1851. In February, 1852, Judge White pre- 
 sided; illegitimacy was presented in a few forms about this time, and some 
 cases of forgery, counterfeiting and perjury are recorded. Andrew G. Curtin, 
 Dave Boal and John L. Cuttle were permitted to practice at this bar. In June, 
 1853, H. A. Pattison and Charles Horton were admitted in October previous, 
 and Reuben Mickle in October following. In March, 1854, E. B. Eldred and 
 John G. Preez were admitted, and in May James G. Gordon and T. J. McCul- 
 lough. In October, 1855, E. S. Dandee was admitted; in January, 1856, Jo- 
 seph B. McEnally, and in December, J. A. Boyle. The examining committee, 
 in re Boyle, comprised B. F. Lucas, W. A. Wallace and Albert Willis. A. A. 
 McKnight was admitted in 1858, Samuel Lynn and Edward Blanch ard in 1859, 
 and Warren Cowles in 1860. From this period until June, 1860, when George 
 A. Rathbun was admitted, there is no record of additions to the bar of Elk 
 county. The motion to appoint an examining committee on his petition was 
 made by Justus C. Chapin, when Henry Souther, W. P. Jenks and R. Brown 
 were appointed such committee. In October John G. Hall was admitted, and 
 in January, 1864, Louis Grander. In March, 1864, the first inquest on the 
 body of an unknown person was held at Ridgway. It is supposed he worked 
 on the railroad. In January, 1865, an inquest on the body of Peter McQuirk 
 was held. The back of his head was torn away. In January, 1867, P. W. 
 Jenks, O. T. Noble and ^Y. W. Brown were permitted to practice here, and in 
 August, H. O. Parsons. C. Luhr was appointed court interpreter at this 
 
5112 HISTORY OF ELK COUNTY. 
 
 term, and in November, C. O. Bowman, S. E. Woodruff, W. H. Armstrong 
 and C. W. Huntington were enrolled as members of the bar. In 1868 John 
 
 B. Newton and C. H. Gross were admitted members of the bar, also Elijah H. 
 Clark, V. O. Smith and A. V. Parsons. In April of this year, President Judge 
 H. W. Williams took his seat on the bench. The trial of Mrs. J. S. Scott for 
 poisoning her husband on June 7, 1873, took place in January, 1874. J. K. 
 P. Hall represented the S'tate. The woman was found not guilty. The 
 murder of old William Falen by William Bromley took place in Horton town- 
 ship, July 19, 1873. In May, 1879, M. Ohearn, of St. Mary's, was sentenced to 
 a fine of $100, and eight years solitary confinement in prison for manslaughter. 
 In September, 1880, the trial of Harry English for the murder of Frank War- 
 nith, of Caledonia, on April 17, took place before Judge Wetmore. Messrs. 
 Wurzell, G. A. Jinks, J. G. Hall and C. H. McCauley prosecuted, and P. 
 R. Cotter, A. B. Richmond, Eugene Mullin and W. W. Ames defended. 
 The jury acquitted the prisoner. In May, 1886, William C. Bush, who was 
 charged with the murder of Philip P. Bush, near Wilcox, was captured; on 
 September 24 he was sentenced to death by Judge Mayer, but this sentence 
 was commuted to imprisonment for life. 
 
 The attorneys who practiced here from August, 1868, to May, 1879, exclu- 
 sive of the above mentioned are named in the following list: 1868, M. W. 
 Acheson, Frank Barrett, Luman Stevens; 1869, Samuel A. Purviance, Wil- 
 son C. Kness, Charles Albright; 1871, F. O. Bailey, W. W. Ames; 1872, J. 
 
 C. Johnson, E. S. Goulden, John H. Orvis, C. H. McCauley; 1873, W. P. 
 Mercelliott, Robert P. Allen; 1874, W. M. Lindsey, D. S. Herron, Charles 
 Dinsmore, B. W. Green; 1875. J. Ross Thompson, C. S. Cary, B. S. Bent- 
 ley, F. D. Leet, A. L. Gordon; 1876, C. W. Stone, Henry W. Watson, 
 Charles Bartles, Jr., R. M. Chamberlain, W. S. Hamblen, Charles Geddes; 
 1878, George R. Dixon, J. M. Schram, M. S. Kline, W. M. Rightmyer; 1879, 
 C. H. Noyes, George W. Wurzell, L. J. Blakely. 
 
 In 1880 P. R. Cotter, Eugene Mullin, Schnurr and Metzgar were per- 
 mitted to practice here, and also A. B. Richmond, Rufus Lucore and George 
 P. Griffith. Harry English was indicted in May for murder, with A. J. and 
 Phoebe Rummer, but the latter were discharged. English was charged with 
 the murder of Frank Warnith, on April 17, 1880, at Caledonia, as shown in 
 the evidence before the coroner's jury. In September, English was charged 
 with the murder of Philip Vollmer, but found not guilty, and was tried for forg- 
 ery. He was sentenced to pay $500 and costs for the latter crime. An in- 
 quisition held on the body of John Johnson, killed July 15, at Centreville, was 
 approved. The village of Ridgway was incorporated. In January, 1881, the 
 name of M. S. Kline appears on the roll of attorneys; in May, resolutions on 
 the death of Matthew L. Ross, the old court crier, were adopted. In September 
 an inquisition was held on the bodies of Engineer Wm. Kepperly and Fireman 
 Charles M. Parks, killed in the wreck at Silver creek bridge near St. Mary' s, 
 September 8. In January, 1882, George W. Clinton was appointed surveyor, 
 vice J. L. Brown who was appointed in December, 1881, on account of failure 
 to elect a surveyor. Charles B. Earley was admitted to the bar in May, and 
 Isaiah H. Brown and H. H. Hall in September. In January, 1883, Ernest J. 
 Wimmer was enrolled as a member of the bar. At this time a number of in- 
 quests on men killed on railroads were held, the records filling several pages, 
 the premature explosion of a blast on the Rochester & Pittsburgh line killing 
 several workmen. George A. Allen, S. W. Pettit and J. P. McNarney were en- 
 rolled as attorneys in May. In July, 1883, a number of JEatal railroad accidents 
 find reference on the court records. In November, 1884, George W. Boyer 
 was appointed deputy treasurer of the county. In May, 1885, J. Bayard 
 
/ 
 
 1>H/' 
 
 a^ 
 
HISTORY OF ELK COUNTY. 595 
 
 Henry and F. P. Pritchard were permitted to practice here; A. E. Whitney 
 was admitted, and in November, A. L. Cole, of Clearfield, Messrs. Chapman, 
 MoClure and Wallace, of McKean, were permitted to sign the roll. In 1886 
 S. M. Brainerd, of Erie, W. W. Ames and N. M. Orr, of McKean, and Tru- 
 man Ames, of Clearfield, enrolled their names. W. W. Barbour was admit- 
 ted here in September, and N. T. Arnold and F. H. Ely were formerly en- 
 rolled. P. J. Vonada is the latest addition to the bar of this county. 
 
 In 1879, two grand juries having condemned the old wooden court-house 
 erected in 1845, the commissioners, then consisting of W. H. Osterhout, Mi- 
 chael Weidert and George Reuscher, took steps to erect a new building for the 
 courts and county officers. After examining court- houses in several counties, 
 they concluded that the general plan of the one then lately erected in Warren 
 county would best suit the needs of Elk, and adopted plans and drawings made 
 by J. H. Marston, of Warren, and Mr. Marston was employed to supervise the 
 work. The old building was sold as it stood to Hugh McGeehin and by him re- 
 moved to his lot on Main street, west of Mill, and turned into a tavern, now 
 known as the ' ' Bogert House. ' ' Mr. Marston drove the work as rapidly as 
 possible, and on July 16, 1879, the corner-stone was laid with appropriate cer- 
 emonies. The January court for 1881 was held in the new building, which 
 was then fully completed. It is 110x55 feet, having a clock tower in which is 
 a Howard clock, costing some |700; The old stone jail, built about 1846, 
 having been formally condemned, the commissioners in 1884 commenced the 
 erection of a new one which should be more in accordance with modern ideas 
 and give greater security for the retention of prisoners. It is located in the 
 rear of the court-house, and the dwelling for the sheriff projects to the east, so that 
 it is plainly visible from Main street. The cage system has been adopted for 
 the cells, twenty- two in number, built of hardened chrome steel bars. It has 
 all sanitary appliances, rooms for hospitals, bath-rooms, and the male and fe- 
 male wards separated by a brick wall. It was constructed under the supervis- 
 ion of M. Van Etten, who had been a foreman under Marston on the court- 
 house. The cost of the court-house in round numbers was $65,000, that for 
 the jail estimated at $40,000, was in fact about $37,000. The erection of 
 these substantial buildings at a cost of over $100,000 has set the question of 
 the location of the county seat at rest for a long time to come. The exterior 
 walls, eighteen inches • thick, are of brick of Elk county burning, except the 
 face on front and sides, which are of Buffalo pressed brick, the corners being 
 laid up of cut sandstone. All the partition walls on the ground floor are of 
 brick, twelve inches thick, and supported by two feet thick foundation walls of 
 stone. There are four fire- proof vaults 10|x20 feet, with floor and ceilings of 
 brick and cement arched on iron girders; and the whole building is plentifully 
 supplied with all modern conveniences, and heated throughout by steam. 
 Natural gas is used for fuel and light. Another feature of the county offices 
 is the Schoening system of records and blanks, designed by the popular pro- 
 thonotary, Schoening. This system is as yet confined to small sections of the 
 country; but when its excelleuce is generally understood, it will take the place 
 of all old-time methods. 
 
 The Rathbun law library, in George A. Rathbun's office in the court-house, 
 is modern in arrangement and quality of works. Mr. Rathbun contributed a 
 very excellent sketch of Ridgway to the press a few years ago, written and 
 compiled during his leisure hours among his valuable collection of law books 
 and general historical works. Charles^B. Barley's law library is another feat- 
 ure of the county seat. For over twelve years the work of gathering this val- 
 uable collection of books has been carried on. This library finds a place in 
 the large building erected, in 1889, for himself and brother. Dr. F. G. Earley. 
 
596 HISTOBY OF ELK COUNTY. 
 
 CHAPTEK IV 
 TRANSACTIONS OF THE COMMISSIONEES. 
 
 Introductory— Establishment of Elk County— Its Boundaries— The Com- 
 missioners OF 1843 and Their Transactions— Location of the County 
 Sej^t—County Contracts, etc.— Doings of the Commissioners from 
 Dates of Appointment— County Officials— Coukt-H.ouse— First Court 
 —New Jail, etc. 
 
 PRIOR to 1813 Clearfield county had but one township — Chincleclamoose. 
 In 1807 or 1808 one Amos Davis settled north of Earley, near where the 
 steam saw-mill of 1876 was erected. In the spring of 1810 John Kyler came 
 to explore, and located his land selection at Kyler' s Corners, and in 1812 
 brought his family hither. In 1813 Clearfield was divided into the townships 
 of Lawrence and Pike, in honor of two heroes of the war of 1812, and the old 
 name disappeared. 
 
 The act establishing Elk county was approved April 18, 1843. Parts of 
 Jefferson, Clearfield and McKean counties were detached, and the boundaries 
 of this new division of Pennsylvania set forth as follows: Beginning at'^the 
 northeast corner of Jefferson county, thence east nine miles to the northeast 
 corner of Lot 2328, thence south to Clearfield county, thence east along that 
 line to the east line of Gibson township and south so far that a line westward 
 to the mouth of Mead's run shall pass within not less than fifteen miles of the 
 town of Clearfield; thence westwardly to Little Toby creek; thence along a line 
 to the mouth of Mead' s run, and northwesterly to where the west line of Ridgway 
 township crosses the Clarion river; thence in the same direction to a point 
 where a due north line will strike the southwest corner of McKean county, and 
 along such line to that corner, thence along the south line of McKean to the 
 northeast corner of Jefferson county. Timothy Ives, Jr. , of Potter, James W. 
 Guthrie, of Clarion, and Zachariah H. Eddy, of Warren county, were named 
 commissioners to mark the boundary lines and acquire lands by donation or 
 purchase, lay out lots and convey them and conduct this business until the com- 
 missioners to be elected in October qualify. The act does not charge them with 
 locating the seat of justice, and as a result the elected commissioners resorted 
 to extraordinary proceedings in an effort to interpret the act in a spirit of jus- 
 tice. 
 
 ELK COUNTY, ss., September Term, 1844. 
 
 Messrs. Brockway, Brooks and Winslow, Esqrs., in 
 
 Eenort of Timothv Ives ' pursuance of the duties required of the undersigned 
 Jr.,ofPottercounty; James ': commissioners under an act e>-ectinga new county outof 
 W. Guthrie, of Clarion ; Partsof Jefferson, Clearfield and McKean counties, passed 
 county and Z H Eddy ' -'^P'''' ^°' loid, we herewith enclose and hand over to 
 of Warren county, Com- '. y°"' °"'' ?uccessors in office, all matters in relation 
 missioners appointed by an : "^^reto (viz): Deed of land for situation of public 
 act of Assembly to locate : ^^ildings, title to water privilege and propositions of 
 the seat of justice of Elk : ^onors Cviz.): John J Ridgway Esq., Hon James L. 
 countv ■ """^' Messrs. L. Wilmarth and George Dickinson, 
 ■'' : which we accepted for the purposes therein specified; 
 Also, an article of agreement and contract with E. 
 
 Derby to build court-house and offices; an article of agreement for surveying the county. 
 
HISTOEY OF ELK COUNTY. 597 
 
 and all other papers in our possession in relation to said county as commissioners all 
 of which is respectfully submitted. ' 
 
 Ordered to be given over to the commis- J. W. Guthhib, ) Commissioners under 
 
 sioners of Elk county, September 17, I the Act of April 18 
 
 1844, By the court. Z. Henry Eddy, ) 1843. 
 
 Charles Horton, 
 JDep'y Proth'y. 
 
 Among the propositions made to the county seat commissioners was one 
 of 100 acres at Boot Jack, or the forks of the road to Brandy Camp, four 
 miles east from Ridgway, by Matthew McQuoin, who also offered to donate a 
 year's work toward erection of county buildings. Eeuben Winslow proposed 
 to erect public buildings at the mouth of Trout run should the county seat be 
 located there, while John J. Ridgway and the residents of the old village agreed 
 to donate land and water privileges, and erect buildings. 
 
 Under date July 1, 1844, John J. Ridgway and his wife, Elizabeth, sold 
 (through their legal agent, Jonathan Colegrove) town lot No. 116 (10,400 square 
 feet) to Z. Henry Eddy, for the use of Elk county, the consideration being 
 $20. 
 
 In 1848-49 A. I. Wilcox, in the house, and Timothy Ives, in the senate, 
 introduced a bill to remove the county seat to St. Mary's. Will A. Stokes, a 
 Philadelphia lawyer, who purchased land near St. Mary's, urged the legis- 
 lators to support this bill, which would have been carried had it not been 
 for the determined and well -organized protest of the friends of the old seat 
 of justice. 
 
 In October, 1843, John Brooks, Chauncey Brockway and Reuben Winslow, 
 the newly elected commissioners, organized by appointing B. Rush PetrikiD, 
 clerk, and David Wheeler, treasurer. The county-seat commissioners were noti- 
 fied of this organization, and asked to make return of their dealings with the 
 new county. Wilcox and Harrison, the boundary surveyors, were granted $375 
 on October 17, payable when a complete map of the county would be presented 
 by them. Jonathan Colegrove, agent of J. J. Ridgway, was notified of the new 
 organization; a letter was addressed to the statute commissioners, again ask- 
 ing for their report, and the board adjourned to meet at John S. Brockway' s 
 house, in Jay township, on November 6. At that meeting the courts were or- 
 dered to be held at Hezekiah Warner's house, at Caledonia. In May, 1844, 
 Leonard Morey was appointed commissioner's clerk. In June the following 
 circular was addressed to the people on the matter of locating the county seat, 
 and John Blanchard was selected attorney to advise the board : 
 
 PUBLIC NOTICE. 
 
 The citizens of Elk county and the public generally are hereby respectfully notified 
 that the Commissioners of said county have no knowledge of any seat of justice being 
 fixed for the county of Elk. 
 
 And whereas, it is reported that lots are soon to be exposed for sale in the town of 
 Ridgway, purporting to be the place where the seat of justice of Elk county has been 
 fixed: 
 
 We, the Commissioners of said county, inform the public generally, that we do not 
 know that there is any seat of justice fixed for said county at Ridgway, or any other 
 place, consequently we do not recognize the town of Ridgway as the seat of justice, and 
 fteling desirous that the people, before they purchase lots in the town of Ridgway, under 
 the impression that they are purchasing lots in the town where the seat of justice, of Elk 
 county has been fixed, should be apprised of the above facts, we therefore solicit attention 
 to thiff notice. 
 
 25 June, 1844. John Brooks, ) ^y 
 
 Attest Reuben Winslow, f 
 
 Leonard Morey, Olerh. 
 
 It was also "resolved that the clerk give notice to the Hon. the Judges of the Court 
 of Common Pleas and the several courts, in and for the county of Elk, and also notify the. 
 
598 HISTORY OP ELK COUNTY. 
 
 other officers of said county, that the board continue to designate the school-house near 
 the house of Hezekiah "Warner in Jay Township, whereat to open and hold the several 
 courts for Elk county." 
 
 On June 26 the meeting adjourned to reassemble at Brockway's, on Sep- 
 tember 16, but by some arrangement the commissioners met at David Thayer's 
 house, Eidgway. After that day's business was transacted, they considered 
 the house too small, and held their meetings in Erasmus Morey's home at Eidg- 
 way. On the 19th proposals for donations of moneys or lands for the loca- 
 tion of the county seat were called for, C. Brockway dissenting; but replies 
 were so unsatisfactory, that the time had to be extended and re-extended until 
 December 16, when Eidgway appears to have been selected. On the 19th Ed- 
 ward Durby received a draft for 111.20 on J. J. Eidgway, to apply on his con- 
 tract for building court-house. In March, 1845, a meeting was held at Brock- 
 way's house in Jay township, but on May 19 the commissioners met in their 
 ofSoe at Eidgway, and appointed B. P. Little clerk. In September B. T. 
 Hastings was given the contract for county printing, and on the 18th of that 
 month, Edward Durby was given a draft on J. J. Eidgway for $1,000 and 
 one for $300 to apply on his contract for building the court-house. In Decem- 
 ber, a draft on J. J. Eidgway for $260 and one for $120 were given to Durby 
 to complete payment for his work — the drafts applying on Mr. Eidgway' s 
 donation for public buildings. At this time, also, an arrangement with Jon- 
 athan Colegrove (Eidgway' s agent) resulted in drawing moneys to be cred- 
 ited to the landlord's tax account. In September, 1846, J. Y. James was 
 employed to print assessment blanks. Patrick Malone, who established a store 
 in Fox township in July, paid a tax of $8.75. Barnhard & Schoening, of Ben- 
 zinger, who opened in June of this year, paid $9.62. Jesse Kyler qualified 
 as commissioner in November, vice John Brooks. B. F. Corey, of Smethport, 
 contracted to do the county printing, and David Tracy who commenced trading 
 at Eidgway, December 21, was granted a license; while Joseph S. Hyde, who 
 opened a store at Eidgway, September 1, 1846, was not licensed until January 
 9, 1847. Thomas Dent took the place of Commissioner Wilcox in November, 
 and joined in a note to James Halliday and Davidson, the jail builders — $100 
 for six months. On January 20, 1848, the jail building was completed, $6. 25 
 being the bill of extras. Ignatius Garner qualified, vice Brockway, in October 
 of this year. A. H. Corey, of Smethport, was given the printing contract; 
 Ealph Johnson took Commissioner Kyler' s place in November, 1849; ^. E. 
 Brody, of Brookville, was appointed public printer in December; B. P. Lit- 
 tle, treasurer in January, 1850, and C. F. Luce, clerk. In June, Sylvester 
 Squiers contracted to lay water pipes from the spring to court-house, and P. 
 T. Brooks to remove stumps from public square. J. E. Morey was appointed 
 clerk in 1850, and in November, Star Dennison took Commissioner Dent's 
 place. Edward C. Schultz took Garner's place on the board in 1851. In 1852 
 the railroad grants were made as stated in the pages devoted to railroads. 
 
 C. P. Luce qualified in November, 1852, and in December H. A. Pattison 
 was chosen clerk; but soon gave place to J. E. Morey, Ellis Lewis being then 
 county treasurer. In May and July, 1853, bonds to the Allegheny Valley Eail- 
 road and to the Sunbury & Erie Eailroad Companies were issued; Lebbins 
 Luther took Commissioner Dennison' s place in October. In February, 1854, 
 a large area of land was sold for taxes. In March Albert Willis was appointed 
 clerk, but gave place to Horace Warner, who in September was replaced by H. 
 A. Pattison; while in November William A. Bly and Jesse Kyler took Com- 
 missioners Schultz and Luce's places. In January, 1856, Justus C. Chapin 
 qualified as treasurer, and in November Joseph Wilhelm was commissioner, vice 
 
HISTOBY OF ELK COUNTY. (501 
 
 Luther. In 1857 C. F. Luce was appointed clerk, and Joshua Keefer elected 
 commissioner, vice Bly. 
 
 In January, 1858, J. C. McAllister was clerk, and in October Caleb Dill 
 took Commissioner Kyler's place. Dr. C. E. Barley was reappointed mercan- 
 tile appraiser this year. Joseph W. Taylor 'qualified as Commissioner, vice 
 Keefer, in November, 1860, and Julius Jones, vice Dill, in November, 1861. In 
 December the first mention is made of a board of relief, and not one reference 
 made up to this date of the terrible Civil war. In September, 1862, county 
 orders of small denominations were authorized in order to meet the want of 
 United States fractional currency. Before the war, Andrew Howe, owner of 
 a coal mine in Fox township, contracted to supply coal at 9| cents per 75 
 pounds. James Coyne was county treasurer in 1862, and in the fall Commis- 
 sioner Charles Weis took Wilhelm's place; in January, 1863, John C: Mc- 
 Allister was reappointed clerk, and later Charles Luhr took Coyne' s place as 
 treasurer. In February, 1864, a bounty of 1300 was authorized to be paid to 
 volunteers responding to the call for troops. By April 21, 105 volunteers en- 
 listed under this call. In July, J. W. Taylor took Commissioner Keefer' s 
 place. 
 
 In October, 1864, Commissioners Dickinson, Taylor and VYeis formed the 
 board, and in December T. B. Cobb was appointed clerk pro tern. In July, 
 1865, George D. Messenger took the place of Judge Dickinson, and in Novem- 
 ber, W. A. Bly and Louis Vollmer qualified. In January, 1866, J. K. P. 
 Hall was appointed clerk, and John Gr. Hall, attorney. In April, 1867, Julius 
 Jones was appointed commissioner vice Bly resigned, and in January, 1868, 
 Henry Warner qua^ified vice Jones, who was elected but refused to serve. In 
 November, H. S. Belknap qualified vice Warner, whose term expired, but in 
 November, 1869, Henry Warner qualified. In April, ,1869, R. G. Gillis was 
 appointed clerk vice Hall, and in February, 1870, he was succeeded by C. H. 
 McCauley. John Barr took Commissioner Taylor' s place in November, and with 
 Vollmer and Warner formed the board. About this time the era of iron bridges 
 was introduced and in May, 1871, the contract for the iron truss bridge over 
 the Clarion at Ridgway was sold. Commissioner Robert I. Campbell quali- 
 fied ia November; Henry D. Derr was county treasurer. A year later G. E. 
 Weis took Louis Vollmer' s seat as commissioner, and in October, 1873, Julius 
 Jones took that of John Barr, Campbell and Weis holding over. In January, 
 
 1875, Michael Weidert was elected commissioner vice Campbell; while Joseph 
 Windfelder, the successor of Derr as treasurer, still held that office. In January, 
 
 1876, Messrs. Weidert, W. H. Osterhout and George Reuscher formed the board; 
 Jacob McCauley qualified as treasurer, and W. S. Horton succeeded C. H. Mc- 
 Cauley as clerk. In 1879 Michael Brunner was treasurer. In May the commis- 
 sioners petitioned the court for authority to issue building bonds for $30,000, 
 wTiich petition was carried, and in July the bonds were sold. 
 
 The corner-stone of the present court-house was placed July 16, 1879, and 
 from this period to December 28, 1880, when the work was completed, little 
 was done beyond giving close attention to construction, the raising of funds 
 and expenditure of between $60,000 and $65,000 for public buildings. On 
 December 27, 1880, a teachers' institute was held in the court-room, and on 
 January 25, 1881, the first court was held in the new building. Judge W. D. 
 Brown presiding. In December the commissioners resolved to charge the pro- 
 thonotary, $20; the treasurer, $15; the sheriff and district attorney $7.50 each 
 per annum, for heating their offices. In January, 1882, the old commissioners 
 retired, and Hiram Carman, James K. Gardner and John Nissell came in. W. 
 S. Horton was reappointed clerk; George Weidenboerner qualified as treasurer, 
 
 33 
 
602 HISTOBY OF ELK COUNTY. 
 
 and Hall & McCauley accepted the position of counsel for the board. In 
 1884 the question of building a new jail was received favorably, and in the 
 winter of 1884-85 contracts for building were sold, D. K. Dean being tke 
 architect. In January, 1885, Nicholas Kronenwetter took Commissioner Nis- 
 sell's place; John Nissell was appointed clerk, and John Collins qualified as 
 treasurer. In January, 1888, John McGovern, J. P. English and Nicholas 
 Kronenwetter were elected commissioners, and the work of locating the poor- 
 farm, commenced by their predecessors, became the first important subject for 
 their consideration. John B. Forster qualified as treasurer. In April, 1888, 
 the commissioners learned that they had no authority to purchase farms or 
 build houses for the use of the poor, and a matter that occupied attention of 
 the board for days, and caused many miles of travel, was dropped. 
 
 CHAPTER V. 
 
 POLITICAL HISTORY. 
 
 Political Status of Elk County from 1843 to 1889— Vote on the Pbohib- 
 iTORY Amendment in 1889— Beturns by Boroughs and Townships- 
 Elections IN 1889. 
 
 THE political status of Elk county from 1843 to 1889, as well as the names 
 of the politicians, is given in the following pages. The county commis- 
 sioners find mention in the pages devoted to the transactions of that body from 
 1843 to the present day. 
 
 The first election for county officers was held October 10, 1843. The 
 returning judges were A. I. Wilcox (D.), John Cobb (W.), James L. Moore, 
 Daniel Smith and Almerin Kincaid, with E. Kincaid (D.) and Charles Hor- 
 ton (D.), clerks. There were three commissioners elected: John Brooks (W.) 
 receiving 229 votes; Chauncey Brockway, 175, and Eeuben Winslow (W.), 124. 
 The candidates for auditors were George Dickinson (D. ), who received 162 
 votes; Ealph Johnson, 160, and Leonard Morey (W.), 98. David Wheeler 
 received 117 votes for treasurer; James Mix, 101 votes for coroner; Eusebius 
 Kincaid (D.), 91 votes for sheriff, and William J. B. Andrews, 121 votes for 
 prothonotary. 
 
 In October, 1844, E. R. Shunk received 132, and Joseph Markle 103 votes 
 for governor. The question of selling the Main Line was negatived by 152 
 votes, while 62 votes were given for sale. Eeuben Winslow (W.) received 18S 
 votes for commissioner, and William P. Green, 148 votes for auditor. In No- 
 vember the twenty-six candidates on each presidential ticket received, respect- 
 ively, 128, 101 and 9 votes. 
 
 In 1845 James L. Gillis (D.) received 91, J. Thomas Struthers (W.) 74 
 votes for senator; Solomon Sartwell (D.) 81, and Ben Bartholomew (W.) 73 
 for assembly; Charles Horton (D.) received 157 votes for prothonotary and 
 recorder; Ignatius Garner (D.) 95, and William Barr (W.) 45 for auditor; 
 Chauncey Brockway, 109, and James McQuone, 51 votes for commissioner, and 
 Jacob Coleman (D.) 98, against Ebenezer C. Winslow (W.) 56 votes for 
 treasurer. 
 
 The October elections of 1846 show 134 votes for Sol. Sartwell (D.) and 
 
HISTOBY OF ELK COUNTY. 603 
 
 99for HearyP. Kinnear (W.), candidates for representative; Jacob Sehmeltzer 
 defeated David Thayer and Charles Mead (W.) in the race for sheriff; 
 Nathaniel Hyatt (D.) had 93 and Carpenter Winslow (W.) 83 votes for 
 coroner; and Thomas Dent (D.), was chosen auditor by 203 votes, vfhile A. B. 
 "Weed (W.) had 66. The race for congress was closely contested, James 
 Thompson (D.) receiving 128 and James Campbell (W.) 113 votes. 
 
 In November, 1847, James Irvine (W.) received 93 and F. R. Shunk (D.) 
 182 votes for governor. Alonzo I. Wilcox (D.) 195 and E. M. Howard (\V.) 
 70 votes for representative; Henry Souther (W.) 152 and Libbens Luther (W.) 
 116 votes for treasurer; C. F. Luce received 148 and Henry Warner (D.) 80 
 votes for auditor, and David Thayer (D.) was elected sheriff by 140 votes 
 against 121 recorded for Erasmus Morey (W.). 
 
 In 1848 Morris Longstreet (D.) received 283 and William P. Johnson (VV.) 
 145 votes for governor; James Thompson (D.) 226 and James Campbell (W.) 
 149 votes for congress; Timothy Ives, Jr., (D.) 221 and D. B. Long (W.) 177 
 for senator ; A. I. Wilcox (D.) 280 and James Alexander (W.) 105 for repre- 
 sentative; Charles Horton (D.) 351 and Edward C. Schultz (D.) 79 for pro- 
 thonotary; Thomas Irvine (D.) 264 and Henry Warner (D.) 60 votes for 
 auditor. The presidental electors were Thomas H. Sill 134 votes, Timothy 
 Ives (D.) 242 and William W. McDougall (F.S.) 16 votes. 
 
 In 1849 James Mix (D. ) was elected coroner, Starr Dennison (W.) auditor, 
 and C. F. Luce treasurer, who did not qualify, and in 1850 B. P. Little (W.) 
 was appointed. 
 
 In October, 1850, there were 303 votes for and 53 against the proposed 
 constitutional amendments; Henry Souther (W.) received 67 and Justus C. 
 Chapin (D.) 22 votes for prosecuting attorney; Edward P. Goff (D.) 169 and 
 B. P. Little (W.) 41 votes for surveyor; Charles Mead (W.) 245 and Henry 
 Thayer (D.) 51 votes for sheriff ; Townsend Fall was elected coroner, there 
 being eight candidates ; Joseph Mason, Jr., auditor, there being six candidates; 
 Joseph Eogers received 109 and D. D. Hyatt 12 votes for the office of sheriff; 
 William J. Hemphill received 285 votes for representative. 
 
 The Elk county Whig convention of 1850 was presided over by Edward 
 Derby, with B. P. Little, secretary, E. C. Winslow, W. S. Meredith, William 
 Shepard, C. F. Luce, R. W. Brown, E. Derby and Silas Blake were appointed 
 a central committee; H. Souther, A. H. Head and John Patterson delegates 
 to congressional convention. 
 
 The Democratic county convention of 1850 was presided over by Jesse 
 Kyler, with J. R. Morey, secretary. James L. Gillis, W. P. Wilcox and 
 Dr. C. R. Earley were congressional delegates, and A. I. Wilcox, Jesse Kyler 
 and George Dickinson representative delegates. 
 
 In 1851 the record of votes for president judge and associate judges is 
 first made in this county. Robert G. White (W.) had 433 votes for president 
 judge; George Dickinson (D.) and William P. Wilcox (D.) received 357 votes 
 against 211 recorded for Ebenezer C. Winslow (W.) and John Brooks (W.); 
 James L. Gillis (D.) received 340 and Reuben Winslow (W.) 239 votes for 
 representative; Charles Horton (D.) 383 and C. F. Luce (W.) 225 for pro- 
 thonotary; Ellis Lewis (D.) 221, J. R. Morey (W.) 163, H. Souther (W.) 155, 
 and Erasmus Morey (W.) 59 votes for treasurer; Joseph Wilhelm (D.) 830 
 and Henry A. Parsons 121 votes for auditor. 
 
 The elections of 1852 show 423 Democratic, 163 Whig and 14 Abolitionist 
 votes for the respective sets of electors. A. S. Arnold received 293 votes for 
 representative, and Sandford Yale 197 for auditor; George R. Barrett was 
 Democratic elector, and Dorman Phelps, Whig elector. 
 
604 HISTOKY OF ELK COUNTY. 
 
 In 1853 Alvin H. Head (W.) defeated David Thayer (D.) in the contest for 
 the sheriff's office; Townsend Fall was chosen coroner, and Alex Caldwell (W.) 
 defeated A. S. Arnold (D.) in the district for representative, though the latter 
 received a large majority of votes in Elk and McKean. 
 
 Caldwell defeated Seth A. Backus (D.) in 1854. David Barclay received 
 558, Eichard Arthur, 121, and C. B. Curtis, 36 votes for congress; Charles Mc- 
 Vean (W.) received 400, and James Love (D.) 359 votes for prothonotary ; D. 
 D. Hyatt (D.) defeated Carpenter Winslow (W.) in the race for coroner by 3 
 votes— 319 vs. 316; W. N. Whitney (D.) and Reuben C. Winslow (W.) 
 received heavy party votes for auditor, and the prohibitory liquor law received 
 282 votes for, and 312 against. 
 
 The elections of 1855 show Seth A. Backus (D.) received 371 (elected) and 
 William A. Williams (W.) 255 votes for representative; Byron D. Hamlin (D.) 
 870 and Henry Souther (VV.) 270 for senator; Justus C. Chapin (D.) 363 
 and Horace Warner (W.) 199, for treasurer; William C. Healy (D.) and 
 Charles Luhr (D.) were elected auditors. 
 
 In 1856 there were 575 Democratic, 320 Republican, and 7 Abolitionist 
 votes cast, respectively, for the presidential electors. James L. Gillis (D.) 
 received 530 and James S. Myers (W.) 304 votes for congress; Seth A. 
 Backus (D.) defeated John Brooks (R.) for representative; William C. Healy 
 (D.) was elected sheriff, defeating Charles Mead (R.) by 197 votes; Isaac Hor- 
 ton (D.) and Vine S. Brockway (D.) were chosen associate judges; Eddy Hyatt 
 (D.) and Martin Perrin (D.), auditors; Holmes A. Pattison (D.) defeated 
 Albert Willis (R. ) for the office of prosecuting attorney, and George F. Shafer 
 (D.) was elected surveyor. 
 
 The elections of 1857 show 594 votes for W.- P. Wilcox (D.) and 476 
 for Joel Spyker (R.)- They were opposed by James S. Leinard (D.) and 
 Robert Watson (D.), who received 225 and 262 votes, respectively. John A. 
 Boyle (D.) was chosen treasurer; Martin Perrin (D.), auditor; Jefferson L. 
 • Brown (D.), surveyor; 0. F. Luce (D.) was elected prothonotary by 397 votes, 
 against 369 for C. McVean (R.); while the attempts to amend the constitution 
 were voted down here by 257 against, 30 for. 
 
 In 1858 James L. Gillis (D.) received 479 and Chapin Hall (R.) 395 votes 
 for congress; William P. Wilcox (D.) and F. L. Boyer (D.) were chosen rep- 
 resentatives; Kennedy L. Blood (D.) received 504, and Thomas McCulloch 
 (R.) 367 votes for senator; James Coyne (D.) defeated W. F. Sehoening (D. ) 
 for the auditor's office, and J. C. Chapin (D.) was elected prosecutor. 
 
 In 1859 A. M. Benton (D.) and Jefferson Boyer (D.) received 474, and 
 Isaac G. Gordon (R.) and William A. Nichols (R.) 351 votes for representa- 
 tives (Benton and Gordon being elected). Joseph S. Hyde (D.) was chosen 
 auditor; Isaac Horton, Jr. (Ind. D.) defeated Jefferson L. Brown (D.) for the 
 office of treasurer by 20 votes; G. A. Rathbun (D.) was elected surveyor; 
 James T. Burroughs (D.), coroner. The race for sheriff was carried by Alvin 
 H. Head (R.), who received 412 votes, or 8 over the number credited to Jacob 
 McCauley (D.). 
 
 The elections of 1860 show 421 votes for Andrew J. Curtin (R.) and 633 
 for Henry D. Foster (D.), for governor; 628 for James R. Kerr (D.) and 417 
 for John Patton (R.), congressional candidates; E. R. Brady (D.) 620, A. M. 
 Benton (D.) 522, I. G. Gordon (R.) 422, and S. M. Lawrence (R.) 507 
 votes for assembly. G. Ed. Weis (D.) 562 and C. McVean (R.) 381, for 
 prothonotary; D. D. Hyatt (D.) 416, for coroner, and George Dickinson (D.) 
 416 and W. F. Sehoening (D.) 407, for auditor. The electors on the respect- 
 ive tickets received the following vote: B. D. Hamlin (D.) and others 525, and 
 Henry Souther (R.) 407. 
 
7_y^^ U^^^^/-En^-€^^^ 
 
HISTORY OP ELK COUNTY. 607 
 
 In 1861 E. Gr. White (E.) received 512 votes for president judge; C. L. 
 Lambertson (D.) 516 and S. M. Fox (E.) 298, for senator; C. E. Earley (D )* 
 518, G. W. Zigler (D.) *490, A. I. Wilcox (E.) 320 and J. B. McEnally (E.) 
 315 votes for the assembly; V. S. Brockway (D.) 549, E. C. Schultz (D.) 
 652 and E. McCready (Ind.) 216 votes for associate judge; Justus C. Chapin 
 (D.) was elected district attorney; James Coyne (D.) received 648 votes for 
 treasurer; G. P. Schaffer (D.), surveyor; Henry Warner (D.), auditor. The 
 military vote shows 28 for A. I. Wilcox (E.) and 27 for Joseph B. McEnally (E.). 
 The election of 1862 shows 607 votes for Milton Couitright (D") and 
 276 for Gleni W. Schofield (E.), for congress; 669 for C. E. Earley* (D.), 652 
 for T. J. Boyer* (D.), 315 for Warren Cowles (E.), and 268 for Martin S. Shan- 
 non (E.), candidates for assembly; 593 for P. W. Hays (D.) and 270 for W. 
 W. Horning (E.), candidates for sheriff; E. T. Zyler (D.) was chosen auditor. 
 In August, 1862, G. A. Eathbun was appointed deputy prothonotary, and 
 filled that position until elected in 1866, except for some time in 1863, when 
 William J. Morearty was deputy. 
 
 In 1863 T. J. Boyer (D.)* and A. M. Benton (D.)* received 786, and Frank 
 Bell (E. ) and John Mehaffy (E. ) 391 votes each for representative; Charles 
 Luhr (D.) was elected treasurer; G. Ed. Weis (D.), prothonotary; Louis Voll- 
 mer (D.), coroner; George Walmsley (D.), surveyor, and H. D. Derr (D.), 
 auditor. 
 
 In 1864 the vote against the amendment of constitution was 382, and 
 for, 260. William Bigler (D.) received 656 votes and G. W. Schofield (E.) 
 240 votes for congress; T. J. Boyer (D.) 641, for assembly; J. McCauley (D.) ' 
 was elected auditor; L. J. Blakely (D.), attorney; and D. D. Hyatt (D.), coro- 
 ner. Easselas Brown (D.), a presidential elector, received 835, and John P. 
 Penny (E.) 348. 
 
 In 1865 H. W. Williams (E.) received 298 votes for president judge; 
 George D. Messenger (D.) 450, for associate judge; D. D. Hyatt (D.) was 
 elected coroner; C. E. Earley (Ind. D.) received 767 votes for representative; 
 James Coyne (Ind. D.) 500 and J. C. Chapin (D.) 337, for treasurer; James 
 A. Malone (D.) 504, and W. J. Leahy (E.) 328 votes for sheriff, and 
 William A. Wallace (D.) 537 votes for senator, against 154 recorded for John 
 Irvine (E.).t 
 
 The elections of 1866 show 936 votes for William L. Scott (D.) and 359 
 for G. W. Schofield (E.), congressional candidates; John D. Hunt (D.) and 
 James McKay (E.) received the respective votes for assemblv; E. C. Schultz 
 (D.)879, Jesse Kyler (D.) 896, and Charles Mead (E.) 412, for associate 
 judges; G. A. Eathbun (D.) 922, for prothonotary; Byron J. Jones (D.) 919, 
 for auditor, and George Walmsley (D.) 915, for surveyor. 
 
 In 1867 Thomas J. McCullough (D.) received almost the full vote of the 
 county, 765, for representative; James K. P. Hall (D.), for district attorney; 
 Claudius V. Gillis (D.), for treasurer; George D. Messenger (D.), for auditor; 
 and George Dickinson (D.), for jury commissioner; Horace Little (E.) receiv- 
 ing 262 votes for the same office. 
 
 In 1868 Easselas Brown (D.) received 1,061 and G. W. Schofield (E) 501 
 votes for congress ; W. A. Wallace (D. ) and Manasseh Arnold (R. ), the re- 
 spective votes for sefiator, and T. J. McCullough (D.) and F. M. Adams (E.), 
 for representative; Daniel C. Oyster (Ind. E.) received 990 votes for sheriff; 
 J. S. Bardwell (E.) was chosen coroner, and Clark Wilcox (D.) auditor. 
 
 *Elected in district. 
 
 tTlie district com prising Elk, Cameron, Clearfield, Clarion and Forest gave Wallace 4,884 and Irvine 
 2,896 votes. 
 
608 HISTOKY OF ELK COUNTY. 
 
 The presidential electors received 1,119 Democratic and 568 Republican votes, 
 respectively. 
 
 In 1869 Charles R. Earley (Ind.) received 705, and John G. Hall (R. D.) 
 682 votes for representative; Frederick Sehoening (D.) 921 and Charles 
 McVean (R.) 483 votes for prothonotary ; Henry D. Derr (D.) 918 and J. 
 K. Whitmore (R.) 511, for treasurer; Joseph Wilhelm (D.) 609, Jerome Powell 
 (R.) 423 and Jos. E. Moyer (D.) 855, for auditor; and Michael Weidert (D.) 
 was chosen coroner. 
 
 The elections of 1870 show 798 votes for Rasselas Brown (D.), and 
 324 for L. D. Wetmore (R.), (elected in district), candidates for president 
 judge; 787 for Selden Marvin (D.) and 342 for G. W. Schofield (R.), con- 
 gressional aspirants; 741 for John G-. Hall (D.) (elected) and 340 for W. E. 
 Lathey (R.), candidates for assembly; 697 for George Walmsley (D.) and 
 416 for J. L. Brown (R.), for surveyor; Joseph Kerner (D.) 674 and Charles 
 Mead (R.) 329, for jury commissioner; James K. P. Hall (D.) was elected 
 attorney; G. P. Dickinson (D.) defeated C. McVean (R.) for the office of 
 auditor. 
 
 In 1871 Edmund English (D.) received 893, and A. I. Wilcox (R.) 680 
 votes for representative; William A. Wallace (D.) and Jesse Merrill (R.), the 
 respective votes for senator; J. V. Houk (R.) 768 and Charles Luhr (D.) 929 
 defeated Jalius Jones (D.) 547, and George Dickinson (D.) 767, in the race 
 for associate judges; Daniel C. Oyster (Ind. R.) 776, defeated James McClos- 
 key (D.) 769, for the office of sheriff; Charles R. Earley (Ind.) 846, defeated 
 Joseph Wilhelm (D.) 714, for treasurer; C. W. Barrett (D.) and C. A. Wil- 
 cox (D.), were chosen auditors. In this year 571 votes were cast for calling a 
 constitutional convention, and 454 for the proposed amendment. 
 
 In 1872 Thomas L. Kane (Ind.) received 1,181 and Carlton B. Curtis 
 (R.) 626, for congress, similar votes being given for congress-at-large and del- 
 egates- at-large; John G. Hall (D.) 1,151, George A. Aughenbaugh (D.) 1,138, 
 and A. C. Finney (R.) 617, for delegates to convention; David P. Baird (D.) 
 1,173 and William H. Newcom (R.) 641, for representative; Frederick Sehoen- 
 ing (D.) 1,203, for prothonotary; Thomas Irwin (R.) was elected auditor. 
 The votes for presidential electors were 753 Democratic, 679 Republican and 
 9 Prohibition. 
 
 In 1873 there were 1,021 votes recorded for license, and 450 against. D. 
 P. Baird (D.) received 1,288 votes, and J. W. Phelps (R.) 394, for represent- 
 ative. James K. P. Hall (D. ) and Ruf us Lucore (R. ) received the respect- 
 ive party votes for attorney; Joseph Windfelder (D.) and Hezekiah Horton 
 (R.), for treasurer; Thomas J. Burke (D.) and A. W. Gray (R.), for auditor; 
 Philip Krigle (D.) and Ranson T. Kyler (D.), for jury commissioner, while 
 T. S. Hartley (R. ) was elected coroner. In December the new constitution 
 was favored by 592 and condemned by 229 voters of Elk county. 
 
 In 1874 Levi A. Mackay (D.) received 1,190 and C. T. Alexander (R.) 
 335 votes for congress; Warren J. Woodward (D.) 1,119 and E. M. Paxton 
 (R.) 457, for judiciary; Sebastian Wimmer (D.)917 and D. C. Oyster (R.)693, 
 for assembly; Daniel Scull (Ind.) 558, Isaac Horton (R.) 462, P. W. Hays (D.) 
 322, and H. H. Wensel (R.) 258, for sheriff; N. G. Bundy (D.) 815 and J. J. 
 Taylor 727, for auditor; and Charles McVean (R.) was elected coroner. 
 
 In 1875 Fred. Sehoening (D.) was elected prothonotary by 1,310 out of 
 1,312 votes cast; Jacob McCauley (D.), by 798 against 766 given to Charles 
 McVean (R.); William H. Hyde (D.) received 1,058 and R. J. Spangler (D.) 
 991 votes, and were elected auditors; P. D. Thomas (D.) (elected in district) 
 
HISTOEY OF ELK COUNTY. 609 
 
 received 1,028 and William P. Finley (R.) 539 votes for senator; Eugene 
 Lentz (D.) 1,030 and E. W. Petrikin (R.) 518 votes for surveyor. 
 
 The elections of 1876 show 1,330 Democratic, 534 Republican and 50 
 Greenback votes for the respective electors. Levi A. Mackay (D.) received 
 1,373 and R. V. B. Lincoln (R.) 65, for congress; William L. Corbett (D.) 
 (elected) 1,355 and Henry Welter (D.) 566, for senator; Charles R. Earley 
 (Ind.) 977 and Sebastian Wimmer (D.) 901, for representative; C. H. MoGau- 
 ley (D.) 1,269 and J. O. W. Bailey (R.) 635, for attorney; Eugene Lentz (D.) 
 1,354, for surveyor; Philip Young (D.) 741, William Clyde (D.) 585 and Mar- 
 tin Clover (R.) 567, for jury commissioners; Julius Jones (D.) 1,395, G. Ed. 
 Weis (D.) 1,264 and Horace Little (R.) 648, for associate judge. 
 
 In 1878 there were five candidates for sherifP. Daniel C. Oyster (R.) re- 
 ceived 580, John R. Kime (D.) 522, Thomas J. Burke (Ind.) 354, James Ro- 
 gan (Ind.) 76, and George Everett (R.) 88. Andrew J. Curtin (D.) received 
 1,010 and Seth H. Yocum (G. B. and R.) 803 votes for congress; John G. Hall 
 (D.) 1,111 (elected), Edward M. Grant (R.) 445 and T. W. Taylor (G. B.) 
 389 votes for senator; C. R. Earley (D.) 844, W. H. Horton (G. B.) 648 and 
 W. W. Ames (R.) 423, for representative; Michael Bruner (D.) 1,065, B. T. 
 Ely (G. B.) 655 and A. E. Goff (R.) 212 votes for treasurer; Fred. 
 Schoening (D.) received 1,580 votes for prothonotary, while J. M. Mecum 
 (D.) and Charles Miller (D.) were elected auditors. 
 
 la 1879 G. W. Wurzell (D. ) was elected district attorney, and Joseph 
 Emmert (D.) and J. V. Bonnert (D.), jury commissioners. The elections of 
 1880 show 1,534 Democratic, 720 Republican and 88 Greenback votes cast for 
 the respective electors. Rasselas Brown (D.) received 1,624 and W. D. 
 Brown (R.) (elected), 693 votes for president judge; Andrew J. Curtin (D. ) 
 1,496 and Thomas H. Murray (R.) 828 votes for congress; J. L. Brown (D.) 
 1,338 and C. R. Earley (Ind.) 963 votes for assembly; Thomas Sullivan (D.) 
 1,332 and James J. Taylor (R.) 994 voters for sheriff. 
 
 In 1881 Fred. Schoening (D.) received 1,927 votes, and had no oppo- 
 nent for the office of prothonotary; George Weidenboerner (D.) received 933 
 and James Penfield (R.) 881 votes for treasurer; G. Ed. Weis (D.) 1,202 
 and G. G. Messenger (D.) 1,072, were elected associate judges, defeating W. 
 H. Osterhout (R.), who received 885, and E. Morey (R.), who received 517 
 votes. R. F. Smith and T. J. Taylor received 1,251 votes each, and were 
 elected auditors, J. S. Chamberlain (R.) receiving 681 votes for the office. W. 
 L. Williams (D.) was chosen coroner. 
 
 The elections of 1882 show 1,322 votes for A. G. Curtin (D.) and 545 for 
 S. H. Orenig (R), congressional candidates; 1,452 for John G. Hall (D.) and 
 384 for Miles W. Tate (R.), for senator; 1,359 for JefPerson L. Brown (D.) 
 and 494 for O. M. Montgomery (R.), for representative; Charles B. Earley (D.) 
 received 1,328 votes for district attorney, John Wainwright (D.) 1,326 for 
 surveyor; Henry Largay (R.) 738, G. C. T. Hoff (D.) 594 and John Bonnert 
 (D.) 531, for jury commissioners. 
 
 The elections of 1883 show 982 votes for Albert Weis (D.) and 858 for 
 Henry Largay (R. ), candidates for sheriff; 1,002 for John Wainwright (D.) and 
 634 for G. W. Clinton (R.), for surveyor; 648 for proposed sheep law and 181 
 against. 
 
 In 1884 the Democratic electors received 1,447, the Butler or Greenback 
 electors 127, the Republican electors 1,082 and the Prohibition electors 31. P. 
 R. Ackley, Andrew Patterson, Joseph A. Ege and J. D. Wallace were the elect- 
 ors named. A. G. Curtin (D.) received 674 and John Patton (R.) 1,985, for 
 congress; H. M. Powers (R.) 1,191, and W. H. Horton (D.) 1,478, for repre- 
 
610 HISTOBY OF ELK COUNTY. 
 
 sentative; John Collins (D.) 1,571 and W. H. Osterhout (R.) 1,109, for treas- 
 urer; W. S. Horton (D.) 1,659, Albert Greiner (E.) 1,016, for prothonotary ; 
 Julius Jones (D.) 1,655, and John H. Vaughan (D.) 1,664, for auditors, while 
 E. Hovencamp (R.) had 1.066 votes for the same office. 
 
 In 1885 Ernest J. Wimmer (D.) received 862 and Dyson Eishell (R.) 661 
 votes for district attorney; Reuben Mohney (D.) vsras elected jury commissioner, 
 receiving 858 votes, while E. M. Rogers (R. ) received 630. 
 
 The elections of 1886 show 1,946 votes for J. K. P. Hall (D.) and 841 for 
 John Patton (R.), candidates for congress; 1,069 for H. L. Young (R.) and 
 1,736 (D.)for John H. Wilson, for senator; 1,942 for A. A. Clay (D.) and 858 
 for A. E. Whitney (R.) for assembly; 1,190 for Peter Gainor (D.), 994 for D. 
 C. Oyster (R.)410 for Anthony Anmon (Ind. D.)and 213 for George P. Spul- 
 ler (I).), candidates for sheriff; John Wainwright (D.) received 1,668 and J. 
 W. Brovm (R.) 1,131 votes for surveyor; W. L. Williams (D. ) was chosen cor- 
 oner; G. Ed. Weis(D.) received 1,458, G. G. Messenger (D.) 1,426 and O. M. 
 Montgomery (R.) 1,380 votes for associate judge. 
 
 The elections of 1887 resulted as follows: John R. Kime (D.) received 1,505 
 and John Ernhart (R.), 910 votes for associate judge; John B. Poster (D. ) 
 1,377, W. S. Service (R.) 852, Charles McVean (R.) 107 and L. W. Gifford 
 (Ind. D.) 62 votes for county treasurer; W. S. Horton (D.) 1,576 and C. E. 
 McCrea (R.) 887 votes for prothonotary; Henry Weithoff (D.) 1,488 and A. 
 E. Timm (D.) 1,421, were elected auditors, over E. Hovencamp (R.) who re- 
 ceived 1,016 and J. P. English (R.) 26 votes. 
 
 In 1888 there were 1,322 votes cast for Republican, 1,824 for the Democratic, 
 52 for the Prohibition and 18 for the Labor electors. There were 1880 votes 
 cast for James Kerr (D.) and 1,211 for Theodore P. Rynder(G. B. and U. L.), 
 candidates for congress; 1,975 for Capt. A. A. Clay (D.) and 1,230 for E. M. 
 Rogers (R.), candidates for assembly; 2,225 for Charles A. Mayer (D.) and 49 
 for C. L. Hawley (U. L.) candidates for president judge; 1,953 for E. J. 
 Wimmer (D.) and 1,241 for W. W. Barbour (R.), candidates for district attor- 
 ney; C. J. Dill (D.) and S. L. Brown (R.) were elected jury commissioners. 
 
 The election of June 18, 1889, on the question of constitutional prohibi- 
 tion shows 826 votes for the prohibitory amendment, and 1,579 against it. The 
 suffrage amendment received 237 votes, and was opposed by 1,480. 
 
 The returns by boroughs and townships as published in "the local journals 
 are as follows: Horton township gave 108 votes for amendment and 75 against, 
 majority 33; East Spring Creek gave the antis 54 majority, 25 votes for and 79 
 against; West Spring Creek went 41 for and 19 against; Highland township 
 went 37 for and 5 against, majority 32; Fox township went 147 for and 228 
 against, majority 81; Jones township voted 69 for, 118 against, majority 49; 
 Ridgway borough voted for the amendment 109, against the amendment, 150, 
 majority against, 41; Ridgway township cast 90 votes for amendment, 125 
 against; in Jay township, 53 votes for and 72 against, gave the antis 19 
 majority; Benezette gave 14 majority for the amendment, 69 for, 56 against; 
 Rolfe gave the Prohibitionist 5 majority, 39 votes for and 34 against. Ben- 
 zinger's vote was almost unanimous against the proposition, the people looking 
 upon it as not only an attack on personal liberty but an attempt at a combi- 
 nation of church and State government. 
 
 The Elk county elections of November, 1889, show 1,419 votes for G. R. 
 Woodward (D.), 671 for J. Jackson (R.), candidates for sheriff; 1,291 for Dr. 
 W. B. Hartman (D.) and 786 for Dr. Sapp (R.), candidates for coroner; E. E. 
 Willard(D.) received 1,266 for surveyor, Horace Little (R.) being his opponent. 
 
5^'"'^^ '^//, 
 
HISTORY OF ELK COUNTY. 613 
 
 CHAPTER VI. 
 JOURNALISM- SCHOOLS. 
 
 Journalism St. Mary's Republican— The Elk County Advocate— The 
 
 Elk Democrat— The Daily Democrat— The Elk County Gazette- 
 Other Journals. 
 
 Schools Eirst School in Elk County, and Early Teaching- Township 
 
 Schools— First Public School— Statistics, 1888-89— School Superintend- 
 ents—County Institutes. 
 
 jodenalism. 
 
 THE first newspaper printed and published in Elk county was called the 
 St. Mary's Republican. It was born in the town of St. Mary's in the latter 
 days of the year 1849. After a struggle of a few weeks, it died of starvation ; 
 this, too, in the thriving borough which now supports two sprightly Jefferson- 
 ian-Democratic journals, one of them a semi-weekly. What a change to be 
 wrought in only thirty-eight short years ! 
 
 The Elk County Advocate first saw the light of day on March 9, 1850. It 
 was in size 22x28, and in appearance ranked fairly with the county papers of 
 that day. The press and types were bought with money subscribed mainly by 
 citizens here, but with some assistance from non-resident land owners. Prac- 
 tical printers were gathered in from Jefferson, Clearfield and Warren counties. 
 After an all-night effort, the paper was got in readiness for the weekly horse- 
 back mail, then carried by the late ex sheriff, David Thayer, through the 
 almost unbroken forest to Warren. The second number was also issued with- 
 out definite arrangement, with the name of Henry Souther, now a prominent 
 citizen of Virginia, as editor. In the meantime a contest was going on among 
 the imported printers for the job of running the Advocate. Arrangements 
 were finally made with Jerome Powell, one of the importation, to edit and pub- 
 lish the paper for one year — the sum of $600 being guaranteed him for the 
 service. 
 
 The editor of the Advocate noticing the organization of the "Know-noth- 
 ings," in April, 1854, says: "The patriots of the Revolution fought not only 
 for their liberties and firesides, but also to build up a country here, where the 
 oppressed of all nations could find a refuge and home throughout all future 
 time. But the Know-nothings are out for a different order of things." 
 
 The result was that the Advocate was published and edited by Mr. Powell, 
 assisted for a short time in the editorial department by Mr. Souther, for about 
 five and a half years, or till September 8, 1855. The paper was then sold to 
 our now prominent citizen, J. L. Brown, of Wilcox, who changed the name, we 
 believe, to the Elk County Reporter. From that point the paper changed 
 hands frequently. Maj. J. A. Boyle succeeded Mr. Brown, followed in turn by 
 P. W. Barrett, H. A. Pattison, Dr. J. S. Bardwell, in 1870, and others. John 
 G. Hall finally bought it, and carried it on for a while in the interest of pure 
 and unselfish Democracy. 
 
 The Advocate came into possession of the Republican party by purchase 
 about December 1, 1868. An organization was formed called "The Elk 
 
G14 HISTORY OF ELK COUNTY. 
 
 County Aduocafe Association," and certificates of stock issued to the amount of 
 about $1,300. We are indebted to J. H. Hagerty for one of the original certi- 
 ficates of stock. In size it is 44x8J inches. It is printed in two colors, red 
 and green, and reads as follows: 
 
 No RiDGWAY, Elk County, Pa., $ 
 
 Ridgway, Pa., December 1st, 1868. 
 
 This cei-tifies that has paid to 
 
 THE ELK COUNTY ADVOCATE ASSOCIATION, 
 The sum of Two Dollars, which entitles him, or the bearer hereof, to One Share of 
 Stock, at two dollars per Share, in the said Elk County Advocate Association. 
 
 John R. Bated, 1 
 J. S. Baedwbll, V Trustees. 
 J. H. Hagerty. ) 
 
 On March 2, 1871, Henry A Parsons, Jr., became owner of the Advocate, 
 vice Mr. Souther, and, abolishing the old numerals, commenced with Vol. I, No. 
 1, and introduced steam power presses. On September 19, 1872, H. A. Patti- 
 son became publisher. In 1884 the office was sold to the Eidgway Publishing 
 Company, limited, the present proprietors, who purchased and added to the 
 plant the Schoening series of law blanks, and some new machinery and type. 
 Just when the name of the paper was again changed from the Reporter to the 
 original name Ridgway Advocate, we have been unable to learn.* 
 
 The Elk Democratf was started August 26, 1869, by the Elk Democrat 
 Association. The stockholders were William A. Wallace, of Clearfield; John 
 G. Hall, George Dickinson, J. S. Hyde, W. H. Hyde, G. D. Messenger, Sr., 
 Nelson Gardner, G. G. Messenger, G. P. Dickinson, David Thayer, C. V. 
 Gillis, W. C. Healy, C. H. McCauley, H. S. Thayer and Fred Wilmarth, of 
 Eidgway; and J. K. P. Hall and Louis- Vollmer, of St. Mary's. The paper 
 was started for the purpose of advocating the cause of John G. Hall, the 
 Democratic nominee for assembly, the St. Mary's Gazette, the only Democratic 
 paper in the county, having espoused the cause of C. E. Earley, who ran as an 
 independent candidate against Mr. Hall. John F. Moore, of Clearfield, had 
 mechanical charge of the paper until October 30, 1869. A German printer 
 was imported from Philadelphia, and, during the exciting campaign of that 
 year, each issue contained several columns of German editorials for the special 
 benefit of the German voters in Benzinger, St. Mary's, Fox and Jones. The 
 contest having resulted in the election of Mr. Hall, it was decided to continue 
 the publication of the paper, and on November 1, 1869, Eugene J. Miller, of 
 Harrisburg, assumed editorial and mechanical charge of the office. In 1870 
 the paper was enlarged from seven to eight columns to the page. After a 
 service of two years, Mr. Miller resigned, and the office was leased to C. W. 
 Barrett. In the latter part of March, 1873, Mr. Miller purchased the estab- 
 lishment from the Elk Democrat Association. Up to that time the office was 
 located on the second floor of J. S. Hyde's building, afterward used as a 
 boarding-house. As soon as Mr. Miller had obtained possession, he removed 
 the office to the second floor of the new building of W. S. Service, opposite 
 the court-house, where it remained until the early morning of September 29, 
 1882, when it went up in smoke in the disastrous fire which reduced to ashes 
 the business heart of Eidgway, having in December, 1874, absorbed by pur- 
 chase th« job printing office of Fred Schoening, making it at that time the most 
 complete printing establishment in the country. Only one line of type from 
 
 * From Jerome Powell's sketch and file. 
 
 t By Eugene J. Miller, who for fourteen years was the editor and proprietor of the Elk Bemocral, 
 and who subsequently owned and published the Columbia Herald, Erie Ohseroer and the Kane Lcacler. 
 He left Eidgway in April, 1S86, with his family, for Southern Pines, N. C, to engage in business there. 
 
HISTORY OF ELK COUNTY. 615 
 
 the entire outfit escaped the flames, and ihat was not in the office, having been 
 borrowed by Mr. Parsons. This line Mr. Miller still has, carefully laid away, 
 and prizes it highly as a relic of the old Democrat outfit. Thanks to the 
 courtesy of H. A. Parsons, Jr., .proprietor of the Advocate, not an issue of the 
 paper was missed. The week following the fire a small sheet was issued, and 
 from that time until the 2d of November following, the paper appeared regu- 
 larly from the Advocate office as a half-sheet, when a shanty having been built 
 on Court street, opposite Mercer's meat market, and a new outfit procured, 
 it was again issued as a full-sheet, being printed on a Prouty press, which was 
 the first cylinder press ever brought into the county. In August, 1883, the 
 office was moved from the shanty to the second floor of R. I. Campbell's new 
 brick building. In the spring of 1884 a Bookwalter engine was put in, and 
 the newspaper and job presses run by steam. On December 1, 1884, Mr. 
 Miller sold the office to George R. Dixon, A. M. , the present proprietor. The 
 Daily Democrat was issued in November, 1887, and continued during the 
 meeting of the institute. Mr. Dixon is a trenchant writer. In 1875-76 he 
 wrote a valuable history of the county schools, much of which is incorporated 
 in this work. 
 
 The Elk County Railroad & Mining Gazette Company was incorporated in 
 August, 1867, with C. R. Earley, H. Kietz, W. James Blakely, C. McVean, 
 Fred Schoening, L. J. Blakely, E. C. Schultz, and George A. Rathbun, mem- 
 bers. The object was to publish a journal showing forth the resources of the 
 county. The first issue of the Gazette is dated September 24, 1868, with Ed- 
 ward P. Hodges, editor. He was followed by L. J. Blakely. Capt. G. C. 
 Brandon, who died at Mount Pleasant, Mich., in 1889, was, for a number of 
 years editor of the Gazette. His daughter, Mrs. E. B. Wilmarth, is now ed- 
 itor of the Democrat at that place. Volume V, No. 36 of the Elk County Ga- 
 zette was issued January 9, 1873, by G. C. Brandon, and he continued regular 
 publication for over fourteen years, until March 11, 1886, when C. W. Barrett 
 succeeded him. In the salutatory of Mr. Barrett, March 18, 1886, this sen- 
 tence finds a place: "Financially we expect to pay our liabilities and collect our 
 bills, or vice versa, and upon this last declaration hangs all the law and the 
 profits." In April, 1887, the vice versa part of the program seems to have 
 been accomplished, for the office passed from the possession of the sheriff into 
 the hands of D. R. Wilmarth & Co. There was no paper issued on April 14, 
 but on April 21 D. R. Wilmarth & Co. appear as publishers, with H. A. Hall, 
 editor and G. A. Westcott, superintendent. In January, 1890, Harry A. Hall 
 disposed of his interest in the Gazette to the Wilmarth Bros., preparatory to 
 tlie establishment of his law office at Ridgway. 
 
 The Gfrace Church Record, a monthly sheet, was published at Ridgway in 
 Jane, 1876, with Rev. William James Miller, editor, by Charles R. Earley and 
 W. F. Geary. 
 
 The Herald was issued semi-weekly, at St. Mary's, June 11, 1887, by C. 
 W. Barrett, formerly of the St. Mary's Gazette. He sold the office, January 
 19, 1888, to F. J. Wimmer and T. A. Jacob, the latter being now sole owner. 
 
 The Clarion Breeze, No. 1, Vol. I, was issued at Johnsonburg July 18, 
 1889, by A. J. Quiftiby, formerly of Coudersport. This journal, like the town 
 it represents so well, started pretentiously, and continues to carry out its pre- 
 tensions. 
 
 SCHOOLS. 
 
 The first school in Elk county was opened in 1821, two years after the es- 
 tablishment of a school in Cameron county. It was presided over by Cephas 
 
616 HISTOBY OF ELK COUNTY. 
 
 Morey, and carried on in one of the two rooms into which the leading building 
 on Meadic run, in what is now Benezette township, was divided. 
 
 In that early age there were many peculiarities in habit and in diction, the 
 words would and could were pronounced by some wold and cold, the letter z 
 was pronounced zed, and had been pronounced a short time previous izzard, 
 the words cubic, music and others, now ending in ic, were written cubick, 
 musick, and the words ending in or were spelled and written our, as honour, 
 labour, etc. In those schools there were no blackboards in use; slates were 
 used for the purpose, and all examples in the lessons in the arithmetic were 
 performed on the slate. The pens used were made from the goose-quill, the 
 ink from maple bark, copperas and pokeberries. Dilworth's and Webster's 
 spellers, which were succeeded by Comley's and Byerly's, Murray's English 
 reader and introduction were the principal books used in those schools. The 
 arithmetics were Pike's and Dilworth's; Walker's abridged vocabulary was re- 
 ferred to as a standard on pronunciation, providing the schoolmaster was so 
 fortunate as to have one in his possession. Spelling from memory, words given 
 out or pronounced by the teacher, produced somewhat of emulation, and as the 
 higher branches were not taught, the pupils having more time and by fre- 
 quent exercises in orthography became excellent spellers. 
 
 Capt. Peter Goff opened a school in Jay township in 1822. In 1823 the 
 first school in Fox township was opened at Irishtown. Dr. William Hoyt was 
 the teacher, while his daughter, Camillo, presided over another school on the 
 Little Toby. Olive Brockway conducted a school at Brandy Camp in 1826, 
 and Hannah Gilbert at Kidgway. In 1832 Miss Graham conducted a little 
 school at Millstone village, and eight years later John Knox presided over a 
 very primitive school at the mouth of Spring creek. In 1842 Peter Hardy 
 taught in a little frame building erected about that time at the crossing of 
 the turnpike and St. Mary's road, in Jones township. The schools of Ben- 
 zinger date back to 1844-45, when two lay brothers of the Eedemptorist 
 order — Joseph and Xavernis — opened a school. The following year the first 
 public school was presided over by Fred Clarinaav, who was succeeded by 
 John Fresh and Charles Luhr. The convent schools followed, as related in 
 the history of St. Mary's. In 1861 L. S. Houk taught the first school in 
 Highland township, and the beginnings of education were made in every sec- 
 tion of the county. 
 
 The report of Superintendent C. J. Swift, on the schools of Elk county, 
 dated June 4, 1888, gives the following statistics : 81 school-houses or 99 
 rooms; 10 graded schools; 28 male and 89 female teachers; 1,890 male and 
 1,645 female pupils, of whom 2,440 attended schools; school tax 137,196.69, 
 State moneys $8,203.21, total revenue $44,573.52; teachers' salaries $23.- 
 613.15; total expenditures $41,930.47, including salaries, and $9,357.67 ex- 
 pended on houses and rents. The figures for June, 1889, correspond with 
 the increase in population and. wealth. In the sketches of the townships and 
 boroughs a history of the local schools appears compiled from Mr. Dixon's 
 admirable centennial paper, and from other sources. 
 
 The first superintendent of schools was W. B. Gillis, chosen by the school 
 convention in June, 1854, and granted a salary of $75 pfer annum. At the 
 time of his appointment there were only twenty nine schools in the county, 
 and the directors of many of them were so adverse to the new office and its 
 incumbent as to refuse him admittance. The position was so disagreeable, and 
 the condition of the public schools so disheartening, that Gilles resigned within 
 a few months. Dr. C. R. Barley being appointed to fill out the term. He re- 
 ported that " nearly every male at the age of twenty- one years had signed a 
 
HISTOKY OF ELK COUNTY. 619 
 
 petition for the repeal of the law creating the of&ce of county superintendent." 
 Notwithstanding this report, the directors, in convention, re-elected the doctor 
 in May, 1857, and increased his pay to $400. In 1860 he was again elected; 
 but, resigning in 1861, Eufus Lucore was appointed and served until May, 
 1863, when James Blakely, of St. Mary's, was elected. Mr. Blakely was 
 re-elected in 1866, and during his six years' tenure of ofiBce he witnessed the 
 remarkable growth of the school system. George "Walmsley of St. Mary's 
 was elected in 1869, but being ineligible, Rufus Lucore was appointed. At 
 this time the salary was placed at $600, but in 1872, when Mr. Lucore was 
 re-elected it was increased to $1,000. George E. Dixon, A.M., was elected in 
 1875. His attention to school affairs created among the people new and 
 favorable impressions of the system, and won their interest. At the beginning 
 of his term, and in 1876, there were sixty-six schools in the county. Super- 
 intendent C. J. Swift has now about one hundred school rooms under his 
 supervision. 
 
 County Institutes. —The first institute was held in June, 1856, under the 
 call of Dr. Earley. When he took the chair only one teacher was present, 
 Wallace W. Brown, but others came in, and a session of two weeks was pro- 
 nounced a success. The institute has met annually since that time. In De- 
 cember, 1884, there were present W. J. King, Maud Paddock, Edith Henry, 
 Mary Gray, Mary Haskin, Benezette, Penn. : Mary Eeed, Diy Saw Mill, Penn. ; 
 William Gross, Charles Eitter, Ealph J. Hirsh, Maggie Weidert, Lizzie Eogan, 
 Minnie Fillinger, Mary Kangley, J. L. Henry, Kate Fillinger, John J. Laumer, 
 Theresa Laumer, Frank J. Lion, Fred Burnhard, St. Mary' s, Penn. ; S. E. 
 Hayes, Mary McGrady, Mrs. Lemuel McCauley, A. A. Newell, Kate McQuone, 
 P. W. Moyer, Ella Donovan, Orpha Keltz, Viola Keltz, Kate Callahan, Emma 
 Callahan, Maggie Ahern, Bridget Walsh, Annie Gillen, Kersey, Penn. ; Viola 
 Hayes, Dagus Mines, Penn. ; J. H. Hayes, Lawrence Fee, Weedville, Penn. ; 
 Alice Neill, Flora Irwin, Kane, McKean Co. , Penn. ; Alice Brian, Brookston, 
 Forest Co., Penn.; J. C. McAllister, Jr., Brandy Camp, Penn.; Ottis Sibley, 
 Brockwayville, Jefferson Co., Penn. ; W. J. Morrison, W. A. Smith, EvaEich- 
 ards, Brockport, Penn. ; Bertie Lindgren, Delia Van Aiken, A. E. Whitney, 
 Emma Beman, Ada Malone, Jennie Mitchell, Babe E. Wilcox, Prof. Swift, Ella 
 Kime, Hattie Warner, May Little, Kate O'Connor, Kate Gresh, Cozy Miller, 
 Kate McNaul, Julia Flynn, Ridgway, Penn. ; Matie Locke, Kate Murphy, 
 Amanda Wilcox, John B. Ague, Nellie Northrop, Flora Weining, Wilcox, 
 Penn. ; Laura Warner, Jessie Parsons, William Deveraux, Miss Annie Dill, 
 Rasselas, Penn. ; Hattie Van Stienberg, Eliza Brosius, Blanche Hindman, 
 Emma Campbell, Eaughts, Penn. ; M. P. Hindman, Millstone, Penn. ; Eliza 
 Donachy, Whistletown, Penn. ; Maggie A. Whitehill, J. B. Dunn, Luna Eod- 
 gers, Arroyo, Penn. ; Ida Millin, Hallton, Penn. ; Mrs. Maud Crain, Carman, 
 Penn. During the last five years the list of attendants has been so extended 
 as to preclude the possibility of reprinting here. 
 
620 HISTOBY OP ELK COUNTY. 
 
 CHAPTER VII. 
 
 MILITAEY AFFAIRS. 
 
 Some Veterans of the War of 1812— Elk County in the Civil War— The 
 Forty-second Regiment (bucktails) — Names of Soldiers — The Elk 
 County Guards— Sixteenth Regiment, P. V. I.— Company H, of Ridg- 
 
 WAY, AND its RECORD. 
 
 JAMES L. GILLIS was the first regularly discharged soldier of the war of 
 1812 who settled in Elk county. Isaac Coleman entered the militia in 1812, 
 when but sixteen years old, and served until the English were routed from the 
 lake and land. In 1824 he came to Elk county from New York, and died at 
 Brandy Camp, in September, 1879. David Langdon, a veteran of 1812, 
 resided at Brockway in 1884. He was then ninety years old, and declared he 
 never felt tired in his life except once — during his march home from Sackett's 
 Harbor, after muster out. Other defenders of the young Republic came 
 hither, while the children or grandchildren of Revolutionary heroes find a 
 home here to-day. 
 
 Scarcely had the echoes of the Confederate guns at Fort Sumter died 
 away, when the telegraph wire bore a message from Thomas L. Kane to Gov. 
 Curtin asking permission to raise a regiment. The permit was granted at 
 once, and going into Elk county he enlisted Hiram Woodruff * at the old tav- 
 ern in Williamsville Hollow, placed a bucktail in the recruit's hat, and went 
 forth to enlist the Forty-second Rifle Regiment. 
 
 THE FOBTY-SECOND REGIMENT (bUCKTAILs). 
 
 Company G, of the Forty-second Regiment (better known as the Bucktails, 
 or Kane's Rifle Regiment), was recruited in Elk county, in April, and mustered 
 May 29, 1861, when Hugh McDonald was commissioned captain. He served 
 until muster out, June 11, 1864, and was brevetted major in March, 1865. 
 Jesse B. Doan, the first first lieutenant, resigned January 11, 1862; Thomas 
 B. Winslow was promoted from private to first lieutenant on the same date, 
 and served until the close. A. J. Sparks, second lieutenant, resigned in April, 
 1862; John A. Wolf rose from sergeant to first lieutenant, February 1, 1863; 
 John L. Luther was promoted to second lieutenant, March 11, 1863, and was 
 discharged March 12, 1865; Sergt. Seth Keys was mustered out in June, 
 1864; Sergt. J. B. Thompson was transferred to the One Hundred and Ninetieth, 
 May 31, 1864, also Sergts. James McCoy, Charles G. Sharer, and R. E. Looker, 
 the transfer of the latter being made twenty days after receiving wounds; 
 Sergt. John C. Cole died of wounds, June 11, 1862; Sergt. Denis Fuller was 
 killed at Fredericksburg, December 13, 1862; sergeant Charles B. Wright de- 
 serted October 11, and Sergt. Norman C. Bundy was missing August 11, 
 1861, but the latter returning in May, was honorably discharged May 12. 
 Corps. Arnold B. Lucore and Thomas J. Stephenson were mustered out with 
 the company June 11, 1864; Corps. Elijah S. Brookins and John McNeil 
 
 * Joseph Tointim came here In 1859, having hitherto resided across tlie line in McKean county. He 
 states that Richard Looker signed the Bucktail roll first, followed by Hiram Woodruff. 
 
HISTORY OF ELK COUNTY. 621 
 
 ■were transferred to the One Hundred and Ninetieth Regiment, and Samuel S. 
 Caldwell to the V. E. C. Corp. John H. Evans died at Harrisburg, July 1, 
 1861; John Looney was killed at Fredericksburg, and John C. Wray died at 
 Harrisburg. 
 
 Among the private troops killed on the field or who died from the efPects 
 of wounds were W. W. Barr and Joseph N. Hoffman, killed at Spottsylvania, 
 May 9, 1864; Martin Kelly, Cyrus Marginson, Willard Aylin, at Harrison- 
 burg, June 6, 1862; John Wenrick and John A. Spencer, at Fredericksburg, 
 December 13, 1862; Hiram Woodruff, at Gettysburg, July 2, 1863, while A.' 
 S. Davis died of \younds received there; W. D. Watkins was accidentally killed 
 at Alexandria; D. Nolin committed suicide; Charles K. Coleman, James Cas- 
 siday, Ben Fuller, Alanson Holly, Jerry Sullivan, Ezra P. Tillson, and John 
 Imes died in service; John Miller was killed while drawing the attention of 
 the enemy; John P. Arts and Allen C. DeBeck, were missing after the affair 
 of May 30, 1864, at Bethesda Church. Among the wounded discharged 
 were Clinton Bundy, W. H. Chase, G. C. De Beck, John F. Dailey, James 
 H. Elder, Ben Ireland, J. A. Lehman, Allen Mahlen, John Eeinhart, August 
 Ehanewalt and Jackson Stewart. 
 
 The private troops discharged on surgeon's certificates are named as fol- 
 lows : Simon B. Benson, Lafayette Bingham, A. C. Carpenter, Orlando Davis, 
 William Daniels, G. W. English, A. J. Graham, J. J. Garrison, Thomas A.' 
 Gross, James H. Hollis, C. Lukens, E. W. Lenish, T. Montgomery, James 
 McDonald, Ben Sparks, Edward D. Sawyer, George Shaffer, John Sheeley, 
 W. L. Stark, N. H. Tubbs and Jesse D. Varner. The troopers sentenced by 
 court-martial to be discharged were D. M. Henderson and Michael McCoy. 
 
 The transfers to the One Hundred and Ninetieth Eegiment, May 31, 1864,, 
 were Clinton Bundy, Levi Bateman, Napoleon Burnett, James C. Cummings, 
 F. G. Cordes, Marcus Kline, Joseph Farley, Floyd Holly, J. A. Hollingshead, 
 Eeuben Keller, W. Kreecht, J. W. Miller, Marshal Quay, Cyrus Bobbins, 
 James Eawley, F, H. Robinson, A. J. Simers, Elhannan Stephensj J. W.' 
 Strubble, Eobert L. Sharer, C. Wansall and Lawrence Willey. 
 
 The private troops mustered out with company, June 11, 1864, were 
 John F. Darley, G. C. DeBeck, Tartulas J. Garrison, T. B. Johnston,' John 
 W. Leeman, Thomas H. Eyan, G. W. Scott, J. W. Wharton and Joseph 
 Walshe. Among the men transferred to other regiments were Thomas Pur- 
 long and John Imes to the V. E. C. , and James Gross and George H. Price to 
 the Sixth TJ. S. Cavalry; A. Kearns, L. Lewis and E. C. Winslow were not on 
 roll at this date; William Warner and J. H. Whitehead were on detached 
 service; Edward Doan was reported as missing in June. John Showers and 
 James A. Graham in August, and George E. Norwood in May, 1861; Eufus 
 Padget and W. D. Warner in June, 1863; Solomon King was a soldier 
 in Company I. Among the soldiers of the Forty-second residing here belong- 
 ing to the regimental association are Levi Bateman, L. W. Gifford, T. B. 
 Johnson, William Kreecht, Eeuben Keller and L. Lucore. 
 
 Capt. Anthony A. Clay, of Easselas, served in the Fifty-eighth Pennsyl- 
 vania Infantry, and has been a resident of Elk county for over twenty-three 
 years. He was born at Vienna, Austria, in 1839. 
 
 Among other soldiers from this county are the following named from St. 
 Mary's and neighborhood: James Phelan, 58th; Anthony Schauer, 10th; Jere- 
 miah Sullivan, 58th; Louis Garner; George Krellner, 6th; Sebastian Metz- 
 gar, 6th; George Kingsley; Charles Scheider; M. Stevich; Thomas Zimmett, 
 111th; Jacob Schubert, 111th; George Smith, 111th; Capt. Charles Volk, 
 111th; Frank Bieberger, 111th; Frank Weidenboerner ; Charles Harpstritt, 
 
622 HISTORY OF ELK COUNTY. 
 
 lUth; Andrew Dippold, 111th; Frank Weis, 111th; George Nissell, 111th; 
 
 Stauffer, Sr., 111th; Stauffer, Jr., 111th; Stephen Henry; Prank 
 
 Sosenheimer, 105th; John Langenfeld; Nissell; A. Brahm; John E. 
 
 Weidenboerner, 105th; John Fischer, 105th; Wendel Lion; Philip Wil- 
 helm, TJ. S. Cavalry; William Krackle, 10th; John Kries; John Miller; Jacob 
 Miller; John Oyster; Eeuben Kellar; Nicholas Brockway; Henry Largay; 
 John Wellendorf; Peter Albel, 105th, (killed), and a few others. 
 
 Dr. Bard well was appointed local surgeon of the invalid corps January 1, 
 1865, on which date there were fifty-six invalid soldiers placed in the old court- 
 house, now the Bogert House, under Capt. Short. Two months later another 
 detachment arrived and were quartered in the old school-house across the river. 
 All the men recovered and were discharged. 
 
 K. W. Petrikin, born in Benezette township in 1843, was killed by Indians 
 in Mexico, October 15, 1882, while acting as chief of construction on the Mexi- 
 can International Railroad. He entered West Point in 1861, and in 1866 was 
 assigned duty as lieutenant at Baltimore. 
 
 The Elk County Guards organized in August, 1854, with R. Maginniss, cap- 
 tain; Harvey Henry, first lieutenant; W. N. Whitney, second lieutenant; J. 
 F. Dill, ensign; W. C. Healy, first sergeant ; Crawford, second; Wilcox, third, 
 and H. Souther, fourth; H. A. Parsons, first corporal; P. T. Brooks, second; 
 L. Brigham, third, and C. Mead, fourth. 
 
 SIXa?EENTH EEGIMENT, P. V. I. 
 
 The Ridgway Rifles, Company H, of the Sixteenth P. V. I. , was organized 
 in 1874, with Frederick Schoening, captain. Among the first members were 
 J. O, W. Bailey, T. W. Benson, W. S. Horton, J. W. Morgester, M. S. Kline, P. 
 R. Prindle, C. W. Barrett, C. Bowers, Harry Wilson, Henry J. Iloff, Michael 
 Luly, Joseph Holseybooth, W. S. McVeigh, W. A. Cummings, H. A. Parsons, 
 Jr., J. D. Fullerton, L. W. Ely, Henry Warner, Joseph Metis, L. Luther, C. 
 H. Rhines and C. F. Howe. The total enrollment up to July 31, 1887, was 
 209, of which number 54 were discharged, 4 re-enlisted, and 3 died. All the 
 volunteers enrolled up to July 31, 1887, were residents of Ridgway. Of the 
 original members, Will. S. Horton and H. A. Parsons, Jr., are still mem- 
 bers of this company, the former succeeding Fred. Schoening as captain, 
 and the latter succeeding Joseph Bailey as first lieutenant, who succeeded G. 
 R. Woodward. This Joseph Bailey was commissioned vice J. O. W. Bailey, 
 who died in 1878 at Camp Chautauqua. C. H. Rhines was the pioneer second 
 lieutenant, followed by George R. Woodward, Joseph Bailey came next, fol- 
 lowed by Charles F. Geary, the present second lieutenant. The company was 
 called out during the riots of 1887-88, and has been present at all State drills 
 since 1874. The present strength of the command is 61, of whom 50 were at 
 Camp Kane, Warren, in July, 1889. 
 
 In 1888 Company H won the regimental trophy for rifle shooting, and 
 claims twenty-nine sharpshooters' badges, having lost in 1887 by only two 
 points. O. T. Miner, a soldier of 1861-65, was a member of this command 
 until recently. The State decoration is awarded all guardsmen who at the 200 
 and 500 yard ranges, five shots at each range, possible 50, make at least 25. 
 Those who make 42, and upward, are designated as "sharpshooters," and 
 get a silver bar. Following is the list for 1888, giving points and years of 
 service : 
 
 Sharpshooters — W. S. Horton, 50, 6; Joseph A. Lewis, 46, 2; William 
 B. Shean, 46, 2; Henry A. Parsons, Jr., 45, 6; C. A. Olmsted, 45, 6; F. E. 
 Nichols, 45, 6; L, B. Elliott, 45, 6; A. F. Beman, 45, 3; Horace Huston, 45, 
 
HISTOBY OF ELK COUNTY. 625 
 
 1; George E. Woodward, 44, 6; Charles F. Geary, 44, 2; William CoUom, 44. 
 4; James L. Henry, 44, 2; A. S. Hotter, 44, 2; Charles Moore, 44, 1; D. e! 
 Moore, 44, 2; James D. White, 43, 6; A. E. Boss, 43, 2; William Cunning- 
 ham, 43, 1; George McParlin, 43, 8; David Lobaugh, 43, 2; W. B. MeCor- 
 mick, 42, 6; Isaac N. Benton, 42, 2; Milton Sleight, 42, 6; Claud Kime, 42, 
 1; Amos DeVoge, 42, 1; O. S. Winslow, 42, 1; A. M. Ent, 42, 2; H. EUineer, 
 43; Clyde Kime, 43. ^ 
 
 Ordinary marksmen— W. M. Elliott, 40, 6; Joseph Cassidy, 40, 1; Martin 
 Mitchell, 40, 2; Jack B. Barrett, 38, 1; W. T. Moore, 36, 1; True Gilman, 35, 
 1; James A. Neill, 35, 1; D. W. Healy, 34, 1; John Cunningham, 32, 2; 
 John Wallgren, 32, 1; J. W. Curry, 32, 1; Fred. Hartley, 31, 1; Mack 
 Lewis, 81, 1; John Davis, 30, 2; C. E. Luther, 80, 1; Harry Ellinger, 30, 1; 
 P. S. Tinthoff, 30, 1; D. A. Melius, 29, 1; John Meicht, 29, 1; O. T. Minor, 
 28, 1; W. C. Beman, 27, 1; W. E. Horton, 27, 1; George Barrett, 27, 1; J. ■ 
 P. Keys, 26, 1 ; Charles Quinn, 26, 1. 
 
 In 1889 the silver bar honor was won by the same members, with one or 
 two exceptions. 
 
 CHAPTER VIII. 
 
 EAILEOADS. 
 
 Philadelphia & Erie Railroad— Sttnbury & Erie Railroad— Pittsburg & 
 New York Railroad— Other Roads— Accidents, etc. 
 
 THE Philadelphia & Erie Eailroad was chartered April 3, 1837, as the Sun- 
 bury & Erie, and the work of construction was commenced in 1852. The 
 whole line was opened October 17, 1864. In January, 1862, it was leased to 
 the Pennsylvania Eailroad Company at 30 per cent of the gross earnings. In 
 1870 the lessors agreed to receive the net revenue. The total length is 
 287.56 miles. 
 
 A letter dated Eidgway, December 23, 1846, signed by Leonard Morey and 
 Henry Souther, advises Ignatius Garner of his appointment as delegate to the 
 Philadelphia railroad convention of 1847, from Elk county, the convention 
 being called to consider measures for the completion of the Sunbury & Erie 
 Eailroad. In July, 1851, a railroad meeting was held at J. Luhr's house, St. 
 Mary's, George Weis presided, with Philip Stephan and Ed. Babel, vice- 
 presidents, and C. Luhr, secretary. Books were opened and $8, 100 subscribed. 
 An address by E. C. Schultz was followed by an increase of subscriptions to 
 115,500. Ignatius Garner, John Susenbonner, A. Stockman and others 
 favored the building of the Sunbury & Erie road. At Eidgway M. L. Eoss, 
 Dr. C. H. Puller, Maj. Maginnis, H. A. Parsons, Charles Horton and George 
 Dickinson were the leaders in favor of subscribing to this road, while the 
 pioneers of Benezette also favored it. 
 
 A convention of delegates from the townships was held February 17, 1852. 
 This convention instructed the commissioners to subscribe to the stock of the 
 Sunbury & Erie Eailroad Company. Negotiations were at once entered into, 
 and on September 6, 1852,. a subscription of $100,000 was authorized, subject 
 
 34 
 
626 HISTORY OF ELK COUNTY. 
 
 • 
 
 to the confirmation by a general meeting of citizens to be held October 5, that 
 year. .This meeting ratified the action of the commissioners, aod on October 
 8 the grand jury authorized a subscription of 139,383 to the stock of the 
 Allegheny Valley Eailroad Company, and the commissioners acquiesced. In 
 May, 1853, bonds for the latter subscription were issued, and in July 120,000 
 bonds of the former subscription were signed. 
 
 Thomas L. Kane was one of the directors of the Philadelphia & Erie 
 Railroad Company. To him is credited the discovery of the low summit of 
 the mountains in McKean county. In 1856 he came to spend the summer at 
 Williamsville, and while there studied the geological structure of the country, 
 and planned the line of the Big Level road as well as of many of the railroads 
 of McKean and Elk counties. The location of the Philadelphia & Erie Railroad, 
 as at present constructed, has been questioned by a number of engineers. Be this 
 as it may, the present line with its first prominent summit at West creek, north 
 of St. Mary's, at an elevation of 1,695 feet, and its more western summit at 
 Kane, with an "elevation of 2,020 feet, shows a much more preferable line than 
 those preliminary surveys run to the north, of which Col. Jarret's was one, 
 with the eastern summit at an elevation of 225 feet higher than the present 
 highest summit at Kane. 
 
 On June 23, 1863, S. Wimmer came to Elk county as principal assistant 
 engineer of the Pennsylvania company, to complete the Philadelphia & Erie 
 Eailroad from Whatham to Warren, of which E. Miller and Milton Courtright 
 were chief contractors. In July, 1864, the road was practically completed; 
 but not until March, 1865, did Mr. Wimmer sever his connection with the 
 road, owing to his acceptance of a position as engineer on the Vera Cruz rail- 
 road, where the Wimmer bridge stands as one of the memorials of his work, 
 near La Cumbres de Maltrata. In March, 1869, he took charge of the build- 
 ing of the Benezette and Driftwood division of the Low Grade, and subse- 
 quently, of the road from Benezette to DuBois, which was completed in 1874. 
 
 The railroad accident of April 7, 1875, resulted in the death of Adam Brehm. 
 The accident occurred just east of Rathbun The accident east of the rail- 
 road bridge at Ely' s mill, of November 1 , 1877, when the day express ran into the 
 Empire freight, resulted in the death of Calvin D. Shearer, and William Col- 
 lins, engineers; Morris Farrell, fireman, and William Stevens, brakeman; and 
 William Gallagher, fireman on freight. D. C. Oyster, a passenger, escaped, like 
 other passengers, with some little injury. 
 
 The wreck of August 11, 1889, occurred just above Whistletown. Bert 
 Anderson, an Erie brakeman, of Bradford, was buried beneath the wreckage, 
 where he was found dead that Sunday evening. It is said that his invalid wife 
 had warned him not to go on the trip, feeling that he would never return alive. 
 He too, felt very uneasy, for on bidding her good-bye he promised her that he 
 would leave off railroading on his return. He said this would be his last trip. 
 The locomotives telescoped each other, and were twisted into a mass of crushed 
 and broken iron. Ten cars of the Erie train and fifteen of the Philadelphia 
 & Erie train shared the fate of the engines. The wreckage was piled high 
 upon the track, and soon caught fire. Two cars loaded with naphtha were ig- 
 nited, and with a loud explosion increased the extent of the blaze. The fifteen 
 cars of the Philadelphia & Erie were about all consumed in the flames, while 
 the Erie cars fared better. 
 
 In July, 1881, work commenced oh the Pittsburg & New York Eailroad be- 
 tween Ridgway and Whistletown. The line was projected from a point oppo- 
 site Red Bank creek to Mahoning creek, and thence by Brockway ville d.nd Ridg- 
 way to Bradford. The building of this road led to much trouble, but a truce 
 
HISTOEY OF ELK COUNTY. 627 
 
 was called. At midnight, on April 14, 1882, the truce between the New York, 
 Lake Erie & "Western and the Eochester & Pittsburgh Kailroad Companies 
 was broken, and by the morning of the 15th a quarter-mile of track was con- 
 structed on the disputed right of way between Ridgway and Johnsonburg. 
 By May 4 there were two miles of track placed between Ridgway and Whistle- 
 town, and on May 6 the quarrel was settled by the New York, Lake Erie & 
 Western Company relinquishing all claim to right of way between the towns 
 on the west side of the Clarion, agreeing to run over the Philadelphia & Erie 
 between the points named, while the Rochester & Pittsburgh surrendered an 
 equal length of their line from Ridgway to the mouth of the Toby. 
 
 The accident on the Rochester & Pittsburgh Railroad, at Rasselas, twenty- 
 fi-ve miles southeast of Bradford, took place July 1, 1883. S. N. Toles, con- 
 ductor, Michael Downs, brakeman, R. A. Clement, George Quinn, Adamo 
 Angelo and Sam I. McKee, all of Bradford, except the Italian, were killed out- 
 right, and John Collins, mortally wounded, died July 2. The accident was 
 caused by the rear portion of a heavy freight breaking away from the main 
 train, and rushing down a grade of fifty-eight feet per mile dash into the sec- 
 ond division driven by Patrick Downs, who instantly reversed the engine and 
 jumped for his life. 
 
 The Daguscahonda Railroad, though a short one, has played an import- 
 ant part in the development of a large section of the country. Dr. C. R. Earley 
 was superintendent in 1871, and like other progressive enterprises in which he 
 is interested, made this a success. In August, 1871, Track- walker Dan Downs 
 fell asleep on the track, four miles from Ridgway, and was killed by the ex- 
 press train. The Daguscahonda Railroad accident of September 30, 1871, 
 resulted in the wreck of six freight cars. On February 8, 1872, Patrick Mc- 
 Tige was killed at Ridgway depot. 
 
 The Low Grade Division of the Allegheny Valley Railroad was completed 
 from Driftwood, Cameron county, to the mouth of Red Bank creek in Clarion 
 
 county, in 1874 The Ridgway & Clearfield Railroad, 27. 23 miles in length 
 
 to Falls Creek was opened November 9, 1883, but its extension of 7.64 miles 
 was not completed until 1885 .... In August, 1883, it was proposed to extend the 
 McKean & Buffalo Railroad from Clermont to Johnsonburg, under the name 
 of Clermont & Johnsonburg Railroad, Byron D. Hamlin being president. 
 
 The Wilcox & Burningwell Railroad Company was organized in March, 
 1886 .... The Johnsonburg Railroad Company was chartered in March, 1887, to 
 build a road from Johnsonburg to Clermont in McKean county, eighteen miles, 
 then to connect with the Buffalo, New York & Philadelphia Railroad. In July, 
 1889, the road was completed and leased to the Pennsylvania Railroad Com- 
 pany. Several important points at which stations have already been located are 
 Glen Hazel, Instanter (new) and Clermont. This new connection is used 
 mainly as a feeder in the interest of the Pennsylvania Railroad. 
 
 A standard gauge railroad is to be built fi'om Portland to Hallton, thirteen 
 miles, by Andrew Kaul, J. K. P. Hall, W. H. Hyde, J. K. Gardner and others. 
 In March, 1890, B. E. Wellendorf made a preliminary survey of the route. A 
 tannery at Carman and several large saw-mills it is said, will follow. The Clar- 
 ion River Railway Company elected, in February, 1890, J. K. Gardner, vice- 
 president; J. K. P. Hall, secretary and treasurer; B. E. Wellendorf, engineer, 
 and Harry Alvan Hall, general manager. 
 
628 HISTOBY OF ELK COUNTY. 
 
 CHAPTER IX. 
 
 MEDICAL. 
 
 The Pioneer Physicians of the County and Later Practitioners— Record 
 OF Physicians Who Registered Under the Act of 1881. 
 
 IN 1809 the pioneer physician of the county arrived in the person of Dr. 
 Rogers, of whom a good deal is related in a former chapter. In 1818 Dr. 
 Nichols came, then Dr. Clark, and before 1823 Dr. Hoyt was in Fox town- 
 ship. In 1843 Madam Dorothea Wolfram came as an accoucheur under spe- 
 cial contract with the colony at St. Mary's. Dr. D. Miner was in Jones 
 township in 1844; Dr. Earley came about 1846, and practiced at Ridgway as 
 early as 1855. When Dr. Van Volsey arrived in 1861, Jeremiah Chapman was 
 Dr. Earley' s first partner in the drug business, and later Dr. Hill was associated 
 with him. Lewis Iddings, A. B. Pulling and Buchman were in Pox township 
 in 1850-51, and at that time Dr. Earley was a resident of Jay township. Dr. 
 W. J. Blakeley was at St. Mary's, and he and Earley, Bardwell and Me- 
 Knight were the only regular physicians of the county in 1863. 
 
 The record of physicians who registered under the act of June 8, 1881, 
 is given as follows, also the place and date of diploma, as well as the year 
 of registry. 
 
 Those who registered in 1881 were as follows: 
 
 ■[Dudley B. Day, Cincinnati, 1877. fS. Michael Free, Ohio, 1880. 
 
 fJolin S. Bardwell, , 1856. *Herman Straessley, practice, ■ . 
 
 *Theo. S. Hartley, BufEalo, . ^:E. L. Ernhout, "Wilcox, 1879. 
 
 C. G. Wilson, Jefferson College, 1873. |A. M. Straight, Bellevue, . 
 
 Eben J. Russ, Nat. Med. College, 1861. IFred Saurwald, St. Mary's, . 
 
 Cyrus A. Haskins, BuSalo, 1878. ' JEdward T. Williams, Centreville, . 
 
 William B. Hartman, Pa. Med. Col., 1856. ^Andrew Meisel.Elk county, 1871. 
 
 Walter L. Williams, practice, 1869. Samuel B. Hartman, Jefferson College, . 
 
 tC. R. Earley, , 1846. 
 
 Those who registered in 1882 were as follows: 
 
 JCarolum W. Anderson, Geneva, 1861. Jeremiah K. Bowers, Phila. . 
 
 ■"■Jacob D. Woodruff, Buffalo, 1882. ^T. R. Williams, Baltimore, 1882. 
 
 Those who registered in 1883 were as follows: 
 
 fD. D. Pislier, Vermont, . Joseph H. Hoffman, Philadelphia, . 
 
 •j-Francis W. Sapp, Baltimore, . Jason T. Waid, Buffalo, 1883. 
 
 A. A. Sweier, Philadelphia, . 
 
 Those who registered in 1884 were as follows: 
 
 Edgar T. Williams, practice, 1871. A. B. Bevier, Bellevue, . 
 
 James H. Wells, Bellevue, . William H. Tassell, Baltimore, ■ . 
 
 Those who registered in 1885 were as follows: 
 
 V. R. Corbett, Philadelphia, . Byron Clark, Baltimore, . 
 
 Francis G. Early, Philadelphia, 1885. Sherman E. Ayars, Ec. College, N. Y., . 
 
 Charles R. Earley, , 1846. A. Kelly Corbin, N. Y. College, . 
 
 L. Gibbons Smart, Baltimore, . Hugh Henry, Cleveland, . 
 
 Those who registered in 1886 were as follows : 
 
 Mrs. H. M. Mullhaupt, Philadelphia, 1886. *W. C. Quinn, Baltimore, 1886. 
 William C. Jones, Michigan, 1886. 
 
 *Deceased. tPresent. tMoved. 
 
C7^^ ^<^.._^^..^<::^XcE 
 
HISTOKY OF ELK COUNTY. 631 
 
 Those who registered in 1887 were as follows: 
 
 fW. J. McKnight, Pennsylviinia, 1886. fH. P. Holt, Baltimore, . 
 
 f James G. McCoy, Ohio, 1873. J. A. Burgoon, Clarion County, 
 
 J. N. Smith, Cleveland, . JohnL. Wright, Philadelphia, 1881. 
 
 Henry H. Smith, Philadelphia, 1887. 
 
 Those who registered in 1888 were as follows: 
 
 William C. Niver, practice, 1853. F. H. Sinning, Philadelphia, 1885. 
 
 R. J. Hillis, Baltimore, . *Charles M. Blalieslee, practice, 1853. 
 
 Those who registered in 1889 were as follows: 
 
 Merrit Wilcox, Philadelphia, . William R. Palmer, Buffalo, . 
 
 Walter B. Hottel, Cleveland, . f John C. McAllister, Jr., Baltimore, . 
 
 L. L. Sapp registered in March, 1890; Dr. Hartman came in 1865, Dr. 
 H. T. C. Krumme about 1867, just after W. W. Shaw's advent. C. H. Ful- 
 ler was an old botanical doctor. 
 
 CHAPTER X. 
 
 BENEZETTE TOWNSHIP. 
 
 Elevations — MiNEiiALS — Population — Elections — Resident Tax-payers. 
 1844 — The Township in 1850— Village of Benezette— -Miscellaneous. 
 
 BENEZETTE TOWNSHIP, east of the Appalachian chain, is the home of 
 Bennett's branch of the Susquehanna. The highest measured point is at 
 the head of Mix run, near the southern line of the county, 2,130 feet, and the 
 lowest point, near the village of Dent's run, 1,100 feet, while the depot at the 
 village is only 925.8 feet above tide level. 
 
 The strata underlying Benezette are represented in the section of the Bene- 
 zette dry hole. This hole was originally a salt well, and was drilled to a depth 
 of 600 feet about twenty-six years ago. The hole was three inches in diameter, 
 and salt water was thrown up over the derrick, by gas, for half an hour at a 
 time. The water came from a depth of 300 feet. It was afterward drilled to 
 a depth of 721 feet in search of oil, and was abandoned in February, 1878. 
 Well-mouth above ocean level, 1,005 feet. The record is as follows: 
 
 Conductor 7 Hard hlue limestone . . 130 Red rock mixed 625 
 
 Red and gray rock 17 Light slate 134 Gray sandstone 633 
 
 Gray shale 57 Dark slate 152 Red rock 657 
 
 Red rock 61 Sandy slate 178 Hard gray and blue 
 
 Gray slate 73 Slate 200 rock 699 
 
 Red rock 91 Red rock 204 Red rock 707 
 
 Blue slate 99 Gray hard rock 207 Gray rock 713 
 
 Blue sandy rock 103 First sand 217 Second sand (not 
 
 Blue slate 123 White clay 325 through) 731 
 
 The Winslow coal veins were among the very first worked in this township. 
 The location was near the confluence of Trout and Spring runs, and at the 
 heads of Autens' and Dent' s runs. The place was known as the ' ' Winslow 
 Colliery" — titles never conferred on coal mines or banks by Americans. In 
 1863 an examination of the beds showed several veins of good coal. Simon P. 
 Romig, Judge Jones, E. Fletcher & Brother, Harbison & Walker and Barr & 
 Radcliff were the principal operators from 1872 to 1878 in coal and fire-clay 
 deposits. In June, 1881, Emery & Reading leased large tracts in Benezette 
 
 *Deceased. tPresent. 
 
632 HISTOKY OP ELK COUNTY. 
 
 township for oil-well and mining purposes, and in 1882 some wells were drilled. 
 At the beginning of 1890 the oil stampede, referred to in the first chapter, took 
 place. 
 
 The ferriferous limestone of Benezette has been burned for many years 
 with success. Ten years ago Winslow's quarry furnished enough to the 
 adjoining kiln to yield from thirty to forty-iive bushels per day. The lime 
 from the kiln sold at 10 cents per bushel for farm and mortar purposes; but 
 for plasterer's use it had to be picked at a cost of 4 cents per bushel extra. 
 In the kiln of that period it required oae bushel of coal to burn six bushels of 
 lime. In 1874 Romig burned 300 bushels of lime from this stone. Iron ore 
 was found near the junction of warrants 5015-14 and 5020-21. It was simply 
 ferriferous limestone heavily charged with iron, but unprofitable to work. 
 
 Fire-clay deposits between the villages of Benezette and Rock-hill were 
 opened in 1879. So early as 1854 a deposit on the Jones farm, 8,000 feet 
 south-west of Benezette, was opened at an elevation of 1,330 feet, or almost 300 
 above Jones' dwelling. Reed and Harbison worked this bed in the " seventies," 
 and in 1880 Harbison & Walker were owners. Near warrant 5482 a clay bed 
 was worked in 1874 by the Fletchers, and in later years by Harbison & Walker, 
 who found a market at Pittsburgh, the price being $3. 50 per ton delivered in 
 that citj'. The deposit known as Barr's clay mine was opened in 1875, and 
 produced an excellent clay for fire-brick. 
 
 The population in 1880 was 835, including 297 in Benezette village. In 
 1888 there were 101 Democratic, 97 Republican and 5 Prohibition votes cast 
 =203x5 representing 1,015 inhabitaats. 
 
 So many references have been hitherto made to the old settlements in this 
 township, the writer confines this sketch to the recorded history of the last 
 fifty years. The first township election for Benezette, was held in February, 
 1846. E. E. Winslow was chosen justice; Henry Derring, constable; Car- 
 penter Winslow and John English, supervisors; William Boyer, John Murray, 
 R. C. Winslow, Simpson Johnson, Samuel Overturf and Theodore Johnson, 
 school directors; John Collins, Ralph Johnson and William Johnson, auditors; 
 R. C. Winslow, clerk; John C. Hicks and Benjamin Johnson, overseers of 
 poor; George English, assessor; Thomas Overturf, judge, with Ellis Lewis 
 and Theodore Johnson, inspectors of election; Charles Winslow and Coleman 
 Johnson, fence viewers. Henry Derring was chosen justice in 1849, E. C. 
 Winslow in 1850. In February, 1890, D. W. DeHass was elected justice of 
 Benezette township; L. Lucore and G. W. Mahon, supervisors; W. A. Shaffer, 
 treasurer; J. E. Daugherty, school director; L. D. Rearich, auditor; D. E. 
 Hewett, collector, and F. S. Blesh, clerk. 
 
 The resident tax- payers of Gibson tovmship (later part of Benezette town- 
 ship, 1846), in 1844, were John Brooks (surveyor), Washington Brooks, Aaron 
 Bailey, Nathaniel Bailey (tannery), Benjamin Blossom, Saul Ellis, James and 
 William Barr, Wintel Bartholomew (farmers), James Bateman (hunter), Jacob 
 Coleman, (postmaster and grist-mill owner), John Coleman and Washington 
 Coleman (saw-mill owners), Philip Chambers (saw-mill), Samuel Conway 
 (blacksmith), William Boyer, Thomas Dent (saw-mill owner), Andrew Dent, 
 Thomas Dent, Jr., William Dent and Michael Frisbey (sawyers), James, 
 David and John English (farmers), John C. and John S. Hicks, George Hol- 
 lingsworth, Jesse Hall, Joshua Jewells (carpenter), William E. and Giles 
 Jordan, Ralph Johnson (saw-mill owner), Theodore, M. D., William and 
 Benjamin Johnson, Amos Kingsley, William Lane (blacksmith), Harrison 
 and Archie Logue, Henry Lashbaugh (or Lorshbaugh), James, Henry, John and 
 William Mason, Joseph Mason (saw-mill owner), Joe Mason (shoemaker). 
 
HISTORY OF ELK COUNTY. 633 
 
 John Murray, William Montgomery, James Mix, (saw- and grist-mill owner) 
 Hezekiah and Solomon Mix, Daniel Miller, George Mahan, Thomas, James and 
 Andrew Overturf (farmers), Joseph, Robert and Joseph, Jr., Eitehie, John 
 Stormfelder (tinner), Edward C. Schultz, Michael Spangler, Henry Shafer, 
 Henry Stuttle, William Shepperd, Henry Strump, John Swartz, John Shafer,' 
 George, Daniel, John, Samuel, Sylvester, Isaac, Benjamin and Jacob Smith', 
 Mears Sarver, James Wiley, Cyrenius E. and William Wykoff. James Yards' 
 lands, represented by George Mead, covered a large area of this township 
 small owners claiming the balance. The resident tax-payers of Huston township 
 or rather of that part of it belonging to Elk county in 1844, were Isaac Bliss, 
 Isaac Coleman, Henry Gross, James Tyler, John and William Macomber' 
 Leonard Morey, Jr. (saw-mill); Morris and Charles Webb (saw- and grist-mill 
 owners) and Hiram Decker. 
 
 E. M. and D. Winslow were merchants in Benezette township in 1850. 
 There were thirty-six dwellings, thirty-six families, '243 inhabitants, twenty- 
 seven farms and ten industries The new depot at Eathbun was com- 
 pleted in January, 1890, and an extensive net-work of tramways erected 
 round the Hall & Kaul mills. 
 
 The village of Benezette is located on the Low Grade Division of the Alle- 
 gheny Valley Eailroad, on Bennett's branch of the Sinnemahoning. Eeuben 
 Winslow, a man of energy, founded it. In the year 1813, while the battle upon 
 Lake Erie was being fought, which resulted in Perry's victory, the cannonad- 
 ing was heard all along the settlements within the limits of the township. The 
 inhabitants, totally ignorant of the cause, and supposing it was an attack of 
 the Indians on some other settlement, assembled and started in search of the 
 Indians, continuing the pursuit for several days. 
 
 In July, 1852, J. C, Jr., propounded the following question in the Advo- 
 cate: "If it takes twenty- eight days and nights to carry papers from Phila- 
 delphia to Bennett's Branch, Sinnemahoning, how long would it require to get 
 news from Paris?" Times have changed. The railroad now carries the tid- 
 ings in a few hours. The village is liberally supplied with good hotels — the 
 Benezette by Henry Blesh, the Winslow and the Daley. At Dent's Eun is the 
 well-kept house of W. A. Hatton. 
 
 The fire of June, 1884, was caused by the explosion of a lamp in a store- 
 room. All the business part of the town was destroyed, eleven houses being 
 burned. 
 
 The Catholic Church of Benezette was dedicated November 23, 1879, by 
 Bishop Mullen. It is administered by Eev. Dr. Brennan at Driftwood .... 
 The corner-stone of the I. O. O. P. hall at Benezette was placed August 
 14, 1884, by George Aumann, T. J. Shaffer, G. L. Winslow and D. W. 
 Bennett .... Medix Eun post-office was presided over from April, 1880, to 
 September, 1882, by John Barr, when Luther Lucore was appointed. Mrs. 
 Maggie McDonald was acting postmistress from April, 1880, to April, 1886. 
 
 Cornelius Wainright, who died at Dry Saw Mill in July, 1876, settled at 
 Driftwood in 1857, leasing the John Coleman farm, hotel, blacksmith shop 
 and wagbn shop. In 1862 he moved up Bennett's branch, and in 1868 erected 
 
 Dry saw- mill, near Grant depot The history of Dent' s Eun is so closely 
 
 identified with that of Driftwood, that references to it are made in the history 
 of Cameron county. W. A. Hatton' s hotel at Dent's Eun was destroyed by 
 
 fire February 13, 1889, while Miller's store was saved The fire of May, 1875, 
 
 near Mount Pleasant depot, not only destroyed the woods in that vicinity, 
 but also the barns of Johnson & Blesh and shop of William' Johnson. St. 
 Mary's was threatened at this time by bush fires. 
 
634: HISTORY OF ELK COUNTY. 
 
 CHAPTER XI. 
 
 BENZINGER TOWNSHIP— BOROUGH OP ST. MAEY'S. 
 
 Benzinger Township General Description— Early Land Pdrohases— 
 
 Eesident Tax-Payers in 1844— Elections— Voters in 1846— Population- 
 Business. ^ 
 
 Borough of St. Mary's Location, etc.— Beginnings of the Town— Rem- 
 iniscences OF Charles Luhk— Municipal Affairs-Fires— Industries- 
 Bank— Hotels— Churches- Convents AND Convent Schools — Acade- 
 mies— Public Schools— Societies— Miscellaneous. 
 
 BENZINGER TOWNSHIP is divided into the Mississippi and Atlantic 
 basins by the Appalachian chain. In the eastern half are found the head- 
 waters of West creek (which runs to Emporium to unite with the Sinnema- 
 homing. This creek is fed by the north fork coming down from Jarrett's 
 Summit), and Trout run or north branch of Bennett's branch. Elk creek, 
 which heads near the Cascade mines, east of St. Mary's, flows in a general 
 westerly course to Ridgway. Powell's run parallels Elk creek a few miles 
 north, and Crooked creek drains the extreme northern part of the west half 
 of this township. The greatest elevation is on the divide between the head of 
 Crooked creek and the north fork of West creek. This is said to be as high 
 as Jarrett's Summit, 2,245 feet, as determined by Col. Jarrett, September 15, 
 1855. At Rathbun depot, the elevation is 1,316 feet, and at the point where 
 West creek crosses the east line, 1,280 feet or twenty-eight feet higher than 
 Beechwood depot. 
 
 Round St. Mary's the lands have been cultivated for forty years, and as 
 the hills are low, this section of the county tells at once of its agricultural 
 wealth. The coal deposits in the neighborhood of St. Mary' s are extensive, 
 and have been a source of wealth to the county for over a quarter of a century. 
 About two and three-fourth miles north of St. Mary's, at the old school-house 
 (1,830 feet), a coal vein was discovered at an elevation of 1,780 feet. A gen- 
 eral measurement of the strata shows 67 feet of gray sandstone, shale and 
 slate, 3 of K. U. coal, 33 of sandy slate and shale, 18 inches of K. M. coal, 55 
 feet of sandstone and shale, 3 of Dagus coal, 3 of fireclay, 17 of shale, 16 inches 
 of coal, 10 feet of sandstone and shale, 10 of limestone and shale, 13 of shale, 
 a layer of coal, 16 of shale and 2 feet of coal, showing the lower productive 
 measures to be 235.3 feet thick at St. Mary's. Ten miles south the Freeport 
 limestone is only 40 feet above K. U. coal. From the center of warrant 4401 
 southwest to northeast corner of warrant 4395 the boldest exposure of sandstone 
 in this township is found. 
 
 In 1842 the idea of establishing a colony on Elk creek was conceived, as 
 related in the history of St. Mary' s. Lands were purchased from the Fox Land 
 Company of Massachusetts, September 20 of that year, for $24,668.62, or 75 
 cents per acre, the last payment being due in 1849. 
 
 The agreement between the trustees of the United States Land Company 
 and Mathias Benzinger, of Baltimore, dated April 18, 1844, provided for the 
 sale of 35,090 acres of land to the latter, on warrants numbered from 4112 to 
 
HISTOBY OP ELK COUNTY. 637 
 
 4408, out of which 100 acres for a church lot and 1,980 acres for roads were 
 to be deducted. The price paid was 75 cents per acre, or $24,757.72. 
 
 The resident taxpayers of Shippen township (Benzinger township in 1845) 
 in 1844 were Martin* and Charles Herbstritt, Bartle Guire, John Addelber- 
 ger, Nicholas Hill, Adolph Stockman, Paulus Dimel, Mathias Wellendorf 
 (blacksmith), Sebastian Krauss, John Karker (cordwainer), Frank Kellar (tai- 
 lor), Charles Kellar, John Eittman, Anton Avers, Dill Baltason, Charles Schrie- 
 ber (matchmaker), Herman Koch and Nicholas Eoth (oordwainers), Lawrence 
 Stockman*, Benedict Heubel, Julius Forenbaum (cordwainer), John Sosenheim- 
 er (tinner), George Hasselman, George "Weis and Joseph Stockman. Each of 
 the above named owned one or more town lots, except Joseph Stockman, who 
 was a single freeman. Eev. Alexandre, a Hungarian count, was the trustee of 
 a saw-mill — an eleemosynary institution In 1845 the names of Anthony An- 
 tonaves, John Walker, Matthias Glaus, Francis Smith, Anthony Fochtman and 
 Andreas Fleisman appear on the roll. 
 
 The first election was held in February, 1846: George Weis* and Ignatius 
 Garner were chosen justices; N. Hill*, constable; Adam Vollmer*, Louis Voll- 
 iner*, F. J. Kellar, F. Schmidt*, Valentine Muller* and B. Weidenboerner*, 
 directors; L. Stockman*, Ignatius Garner and Michael Langenfeldt*, audit- 
 ors; L. Stockman*, clerk; George Wonder* and F. X. Biberger, in the west, 
 inspectors; Adam Vollmer*, judge of election, and Adam Vollmer, assessor. 
 Anton Hanhauser was chosen justice in 1849 ; J. Graham* and E. C. Schultz 
 in 1850. 
 
 The Benzinger election of February, 1890, resulted in the choice of John 
 Glesner and Charles Sneider, supervisors; J. B. Heindl, N. J. Tierney and 
 Ignatius Schaut, school directors; John B. Gerber and W. A. McCoy, auditors; 
 J. J. Vollmer, collector and constable; George Nissel, overseer of poor; J. M. 
 Meyer, clerk, and Paul Busch, treasurer. 
 
 The first voters in February, 1846, were the officers named and Joseph 
 Gernzer*, John Wonder (at Baltimore, now in Fort Wayne, Ind.), John Sosen- 
 heimer, Casper Buchhage*, Matthias Wellendorf*, Michael Derlet*, Anton 
 Fochtman*, Carl Schrieber*, F. Eisenhauer*, Augustus Osterman*, Anton 
 Kuntz*, Bertol Guyer* Francis Schmidt*, F. J. Kellar, Fred Miller*, Fran- 
 ,cis Bonnert*, Peter Burget*, Joseph Korbe*, Michael Frey*, Joseph Kern*, 
 and Bernard Weidenboerner*. All the voters and officers of 1846 are dead, 
 with the exception of Ignatius Garner, John Sosenheimer and John Wonder. 
 The population in 1880 was 1,976, exclusive of St. Mary's, which then was 
 credited with 1,501 inhabitants. In 1888 there were 56 Eepublican and 367 
 Democratic votes recorded in the township, pointing out a population of 2,115, 
 while in the borough there were 43 Eepublican, one Prohibitionist, and 308 
 Democratic votes given, showing 1,760 inhabitants — a number under the 
 present population. The election on the prohibition and suffrage amendments 
 of June 18, 1889, is noticed as follows by one of the local journals: "Six 
 hundred and forty-one votes were cast in St. Mary's borough and Benzinger 
 township, out of which the amendment received 32. In the borough 295 votes 
 were cast, 280 against and 15 for the amendment; two votes were lost, proba- 
 bly by two persons getting two prohibition tickets instead of one prohibition 
 and one suffrage. Majority in the borough against the amendment, 263. In 
 the township 346 men voted: 329 against, 17 for; majority, 312. Total major- 
 ity in the precincts, 575." In St. Mary's borough were George Weis, Lee & 
 Eom, Charles Fisher and G. Schoening, dealers; Joseph Luzr, A. Fochtman, 
 James Graham and John Haus, hotel keepers, in 1850. In Benzinger township 
 
 * Deceased. 
 
'638 HISTOBY OF ELK COUNTY. 
 
 were 263 dwellings, 270 families, 1,270 persons, 114 farms and two manufact- 
 uring concerns. In 1852-53, M. Hans and Joseph Windfelder had breweries 
 here and Philip Stephen a distillery. 
 
 The mines of the St. Mary's Coal Company were opened in September, 1863, 
 and mining operations commenced in July following. In 1883 the Dagus coal 
 was still taken out by this company, each side of the tracks of the Philadelphia 
 & Erie Eailroad, where the bed ranges from thirty-four to forty inches in 
 thickness. Mr. Patton was then superintendent, and he resided near the sum- 
 mit of the hill, 160 feet above the working coal bed, and seventy feet above a 
 three-foot vein he discovered in drilling a well. 
 
 The Keystone mines, formerly owned by the Benzinger Company, of which 
 Dr. O. S. Sanders was president, and W. H. Finney, secretary, are one and one- 
 half miles east of the depot at St. Mary's. They were worked up to the period 
 when D. Eldridge abandoned it. The extreme western opening was 1,825 feet 
 above tide, and the coal bench was thirty-six inches in depth. Just eaist, at an 
 elevation of 1,835 feet, was another opening into this Dagus bed. The mines 
 were purchased by J. K. P. Hall, in 1889. The Cascade mines were opened 
 east of the Keystone tract in 1878, by Kaul & Hall, with James Black, superin- 
 tendent. The elevation is 1,815 feet and the depth of seam forty inches. Since 
 1880 Martin Dippold is superintendent, and W. A. McCoy has been weighman 
 since the beginning. This mine employs 130 hands, and produces 80,000 tons 
 annually. Their railroad system is one and one-half miles of standard track. 
 The Silver Creek mine on the Monastery lands, just northwest of St. Mary's, 
 was opened late in the "seventies," and explored to a depth of 253| feet. The 
 mine was worked by Eldridge until the deposit was exhausted. 
 
 The Soahonda coal tract, north of the depot, comprises the " Four Fingers " 
 — prongs of the plateau — underlined by Alton coal, at a depth of fifty feet. 
 The vein is thirty-six inches in depth. At a depth of seventy-eight feet a 
 twenty-four-inch vein of Alton coal was discovered. William C. Young's mine 
 on the east side of the creek, is 1,880 feet above tide. Weidenboerner' s opening 
 on warrant 4405 is 1,817 feet above tide, and shows thirty-six inches of oan- 
 nel coal. The deposits are said to be of little commercial value .... The Hazel 
 Dell mine, just east of St. Mary's, was opened in 1879 by the Cascade Coal 
 Company, and was under the management of Daniel Geary, for some years, 
 until P. J. Fleming succeeded him. Mr. Cook is the present mining boss. 
 There are forty-five men employed and the product is 100 tons per day .... 
 The Tannerdale Coal Company was incorporated in June, 1866, to develop the 
 ■coal deposits in Benzinger township. The members were Isaac and I. T. Lu- 
 1am, W. H. Hewitt, A. Stoutenburgh, P. S. Henderson, J. Kirkpatrick, F. A. 
 Leash, Pamelia, Kate M., Lizzie C. , M. and W. M. Singerly. 
 
 The only bed mined up to 1884, was the Dagus, three miles northeast of 
 St. Mary's, within a half mile of the Philadelphia & Erie Eailroad. The ele- 
 vation of the opening was 1,750 feet. One mile east, on the Shabler farm, at 
 an elevation of 1, 675 feet, another mine was opened in the Clermont coal, and on 
 the same farm at 1,660 feet a bed of the Alton upper coal .... The Kaul mine, 
 adjoining the borough limits, was opened years ago and purchased by Mr. Kaul 
 from Windfelder & Hill, in 1872. This mine may be said to be the supply 
 mine of the borough. . . .The Elk creek mines were developed by Kaul & Hall, 
 in 1877, with Superintendent Eldridge in charge .... In June, 1876, the Young 
 mines were opened at Scahonda. In September, 1879, the St. Mary's test oil 
 well was down 2,011 feet, and No. 2 was located on the Leonard Wittman farm, 
 five miles north of No. 1, on Powell's run, 2,500 feet. 
 
HISTOBY OF ELK COUNTY. 639 
 
 BOEOUaH OF ST. MAEy's. 
 
 St. Mary's is located in north latitude 41° 25' and longitude 1° 25', west of 
 Washington, according to observations made by Stokes in 1849. It is located 
 in the midst of a rich agricultural district oa an elevated plateau, where the 
 steep hills, common to all other sections of this part of Pennsylvania, ara 
 merged into a heavy-rolliog table land about 1,900 feet above ocean level. 
 The history of the town dates back to 1842. Its beginnings are told by docu- 
 ments in possession of Charles Luhr, from which the following story is taken: 
 
 Some time in the early part of 1843, a committee from Baltimore and Philadel- 
 phia was chosen to go westward in search of uncultivated lands for the establishment of 
 a colony. It has always been a great mystery to me how this committee ever found 
 their way into the wilds of Elk, and under whose guidance, but such it was, never- 
 theless. On their return they reported favorably for this location. The lands were 
 bought, and articles of agreement sighed. The first meeting in Baltimore was held Octo- 
 ber 35, 1842, and reads as follows: "Minutes of the German Catholic Brotherhood of 
 Philadelphia and Baltimore to found a colony in .TefEerson and McKean counties, 
 signed by John Kernhaas, secretary." Then follows a copy of the contract or agree- 
 ment, made September 20, 1842. between the Fox Land Company, of Massachusetts, of 
 the first part, and Nicklas Reimel, John Albert, Michael Derleth, Adolph Stockman, 
 John Schad, Peter Brechtenwald and Mathias Schweitzer, members of the Brotherhood 
 from Philadelphia and Baltimore for the purchase of twenty-nine warrants of land in 
 the counties of Clearfield, Jefferson and McKean (Elk not being formed at that time) for 
 the sum of $24,668.62, or about 75 cents per acre, payable in rates. The last payment to 
 be made in 1849. Sundry meetings were held during October, organizing the members; 
 dividing them into several classes or installments, fixing payments, etc. On October38, 
 a committee consisting of John Sosenheimer, John Winter, John Want and F, X. Bie- 
 berger, were chosen to start November 1 with the first installment for the colony, to meet 
 a similar party from Philadelphia. Two families were included in the first installment, 
 viz. : Benedict Zlebel, wife and four children; Barthel Geyer, wife and three children- 
 fifteen persons in all, including the committee. Their route was laid out to Colum- 
 bia, Penn., by railroad; thence by canal to Freeport; thence by the overland route to the 
 place of destination. The bill of expenses for the party may be interesting to the read- 
 ers and is recorded as follows: Transport and over-weight, $88.69; utensils, $13.46; gro- 
 ceries $18.02J; books, $2.75; cash, $80; miscellaneous, $14.30i Arriving at Kersey, the 
 party took up quarters with John Green; the house being too small for all, they had to 
 take to the barn. As no road led to the promised spot from this point, and only a few 
 blazed trees being their guide, the sturdy pioneers did not shrink from their undertak- 
 ing, but with a pack on their shoulders, leaving their families in Kersey in comfort- 
 able quarters, and following those few indications of a hunter's path, they arrived on 
 the banks of Elk creek December 8, 1842. The site chosen for the first log hut was 
 on the hill where now stands the home of Mr. Matthias Wellendorf. This gentleman 
 and Mr. John Walker were of the first from the Philadelphia branch, and are the only 
 two of the brave and enduring pioneers still residing here. December 8 being the 
 feast of the Immaculate Conception of the Virgin Mary, and the name of the first 
 white woman who trod the soil being also Mary, the colony was named St. Mary's. 
 The men toiled all week in clearing lands, building log huts covered with hemlock 
 bark, cutting and opening roads, and returning Saturday's to their families in Kersey, 
 providing they did not miss the trail. As soon as a road was opened and sufficient huts 
 were erected, the entire party moved to their future home. 
 
 Other names are given in connection with this settlement of December, 
 1842: Matthias Wellendorf, J. Walker, Herman Koch. P. J. Kellar, J. Vorn- 
 baum, A. Ewars, N. Hill, C. and M. Herbstritt, J. Dill, N. Eeimel, J. and M. 
 Albert, P. Eeitenwald and Messrs. Kraus, Fingering, Krauter and Grirard — 
 all from Philadelphia. A few days later the colonists from Baltimore ar- 
 rived — I. Lehaut, B. Henebel, B. Geyer, Caspar Wolfrom, G. Hassellmau, 
 Bartel Ox and Alderberger — who joined the first party at Kersey. As stated, 
 the first cabin was raised on the Wellendorf home lot. J. Dill built a sec- 
 ond, which is still standing. Late in December of the same year, as they had 
 built enough shanties, they took their families in and began to cut down trees 
 along St. Mary's road. The shanties and all other work done was made in 
 common, so also had they a common store where they drew their rations. The 
 
640 HISTOBY OF ELK COUNTY. 
 
 clearing and the work in general progressed slowly. The community plan of 
 working would not go — some were always sick, and others had some other ail- 
 ings or excuses — so that during the lirst year only a few town lots were cleared, 
 although in the spring of 1843 the number of colonists was increased by the 
 second installment from Philadelphia and Baltimore. About 1844 John Kaul, 
 Andrew Dessler and John Raum arrived. While they were building their 
 shanties the men used to come in on Mondays, take their rations along, camp 
 out and return on Saturday to their families in Kersey. In one of their jour- 
 neys to the settlement, Girard and his son, with their rations for the week, 
 were a little behind the rest of the party, and went out of their path some- 
 where near Laurel run and lost themselves. They wandered about all day; 
 when night came they built a fire, and as they had their rations along for the 
 whole week, they made a hearty supper. The next day they began wandering 
 again and walked continually all day long. Toward evening they came to a 
 place where a fire was smouldering, when the old man said: "Thank Grod! we 
 must now be near some settlement, as there must have been some one here who 
 has built this fire." While they were occupied in replenishing the fire and 
 making arrangements for supper, the young man said: "Why, father, this is 
 the place where we camped last night, and we built this fire!" Next morning 
 they resumed their journey ; this time they struck a creek, which they followed, 
 and toward evening they came out at KidgWay. 
 
 * In the fall of the year 1842, Father Alexander, from Baltimore, came to 
 the colony by invitation. This gentleman, a man of great learning and 
 experience, and a lover of rural life, became so convinced that the community 
 plan would not work, that the settlement was bound to break up, and the 
 labor and money already spent in the undertaking lost. He conceived another 
 plan to save it, but this could only be carried out by some person of influence 
 and means. He, therefore, after consultation with the colonists, went back to ' 
 Baltimore, and laid his plans before Col. Matthias Benzinger, a man known 
 for his kindness, enterprise and experience. He prevailed on Col. Benzinger 
 to come and look at the settlement. Late in the fall of 1848, Col. Benzinger 
 came to the colony, and after examination concluded to buy the lands. The 
 community society then had their contract annulled with Mr. Kinsbury, and 
 Col. Benzinger then bought the colony lands, with some other adjoining, 
 making about 66,600 acres. The following year, as soon as the season was 
 favorable, part of the lands was laid out in farms of 25, 50 and 100 acres, 
 and also part of the village of St. Mary' s, and he gave each of the colonists of 
 the community, who remained, 25 acres and one town lot free. Now each one 
 was for himself, and the work and improvements went on well from that time. 
 In 1844 John Kaul came from Bavaria and located for a time at St. Mary's, 
 but subsequently settled on his farm. In the fall of the year 1844, George 
 Weis came to the colony and put up a store at the house of J. Walker, then 
 the largest and best in the place, and in the following spring built his store- 
 
 * Early in the summer o( 1843 Bev. Father Borffess, of Trinity Clrarch, Philadelphia, visited the 
 settlement, after holding services in the old church at Irislitown. He advised the poineers to dishand— 
 to leave the wilderness; hut they persevered, and converted the wilderness into a garden spot, their 
 earnestness winning additions in 1843. In 1844, during the Know-nothing riots in Philadelphia, a numher of 
 Philadelphians souglit refuge from political and religious troubles here : George Weis, Philip Stephan, Louis 
 and Adam Vollmer, Gerhard Schoening, B. Weidenboerner, A. Kuntz and others not so well known. Baron 
 Charles Van Ersel died at St. Mary's, August 3, 1851. He came from Belgium in 1849, and was preparing 
 a home for his wife and children when death called him away. He died m the house of Charles Luhr, of 
 appoplexy. Ignatius Garner administered the estate. Francis J. Kellar, who arrived with the first 
 colonists, December 8, 1842, died in October, 1881, leaving Messrs. Wellendorf, Walker and Avis, the only 
 contemporary poineers, surviving. Gerhard Sclioening died in October, 1883. He came to the United 
 States from Prussia in 1837, and early in the "forties " was one of the three agents sent to select lands in 
 Elk county for the German colony. Old Mrs. Erlg, who died at St. Mary's In .January, 1873, is said to have 
 been born In 1767. Louis Vollmer, born in Bavaria July 25, 1818, came to the United States in September, 
 1841, and to St. Mary's in 1845, he died January 5, 1889. Mrs. Heindl, a settler of 1846, died late in the fall. 
 
HISTORY OF ELK COUNTY. 643 
 
 house and store on the north side of Elk creek. About the same time Col. 
 Benzinger engaged Ignatius Garner as agent and general director of the 
 colony, and early in the year 1845 Mr. Grarner went to Europe with Eev. 
 Cartuyvels, and came back in July with a good number of substantial settlers. 
 About this time Baron Von Schcoeder, of Munich, joined Benzinger in partner- 
 ship. Prom that time the colony made rapid progress, settlers coming from 
 Europe and all parts of the United States. A large three-story log house was 
 built on the south side of Elk creek, with twenty-four rooms, where the 
 colonists found shelter until they could build houses for themselves. At the 
 same time a neat church was built, and also the large saw-mill on Elk and 
 Silver creeks, by Father Alexander, who made his residence here, and by his 
 good example, cheerfulness and liberality, contributed largely to the success 
 of the colony. At the same time Col. Benzinger took into partnership John 
 Eschbach, another wealthy and influential citizen of Baltimore. These two 
 gentlemen did not spare any time or money to make the colony a success. 
 Eoads were now laid out and opened at the expense of the company. These 
 road openings gave work to those in need, and from one to two hundred dollars 
 were paid out weekly by their agent for these purposes. In the fall of the 
 year application was made for a post-office, as the nearest post-office was then 
 nine miles from St. Mary's, at Daniel Hyatt's, and a special office was granted 
 on the 19th of November, 1845, and Ignatius Garner appointed as postmaster. 
 In the first quarter 222 letters were sent, and the amount of money received 
 was $16. 83. During the September term the court of Elk county granted the 
 formation of Benzinger township, and the legislature early in their session 
 appointed an election house. 
 
 During the summer of 1846 Joseph Luhr came to St. Mary's and opened 
 his hotel, which many a traveler will remember on account of the kindness of 
 the landlord and the good fare received. The colony increased steadily. In 
 January, 1847, the number of souls amounted already to 980. The colonists 
 were laborious, frugal and always cheerful. The prospects were often gloomy, 
 yet perseverance overcame all. The festivals of the church and the national 
 holidays were always regularly kept. Many an inhabitant of Elk, and even 
 adjoining counties will remember the 4th of July which they celebrated in 
 common with the inhabitants. In the spring of the year 1848 Benzinger and 
 Eschbach took into partnership William A. Stokes, a renowned lawyer from 
 Philadelphia, who came to St. Mary's with his family, on the 4th of July, in 
 the same year, with the intention of making his residence in the colony. He 
 commenced to clear the Roselay farm, about four miles east of St. Mary's, and 
 to build a mansion on it. His wife, being in delicate health when he came 
 here, died about a year after their arrival, so he sold out in the fall of 1849 
 and returned to Philadelphia. Rev. J. L. Y. Cartuyvels became his successor 
 in partnership, and finished the clearing and building of the Roselay farm. The 
 church and parsonage, which was built, in 1845, was situate in the triangle 
 formed by Centre, Markus and Cross streets, and was destroyed by fire, with all 
 its contents, on the 10th of May, 1859, in the day time, the origin of the 
 fire being unknown. This was a sorrowful day for the inhabitants of St. 
 Mary's, but they did not despair. Preparations were soon made to build 
 another and more substantial church nearer the center of the town. The place 
 was selected in a dense forest, but willing hands had it soon cleared; materials 
 were prepared and collected, and on the 27th of June, 1852, it was so far 
 advanced as to have the corner-stone laid. The work went on gradually so that 
 on the 8th of December, 1853, the church was opened. 
 
 Municipal Affairs. — The town of St. Mary's was incorporated by special 
 
64-1- HISTORY OP ELK COUNTY. 
 
 act of the legislature, March 3, 1848. Ignatius Garner was elected first bur- 
 gess, followed in 1849 by Anthony Hanhauser; 1850, George F. Schaffer; 
 18-")!, F. X. Biberger; 1855, Edward Babel, and 1856, E. C. Schultz. It is 
 said that George Garner filled this office. The clerks were Matthias Wollen 
 dorf, 1849; Ignatius Garner, 1850-51; Louis VoUmer, 1851; Bernard Eckle, 
 1853; Casper Wehner, 1854; John Butsch, 1855; Joseph Wilhelm, 1856; 
 Michael Brunner, 1857 ... B. Weidenboerner was president of the council 
 until succeeded by Charles Luhr in 1855. In 1856 Charles Luhr was com- 
 missioned justice, serving until 1863. 
 
 On April 25, 1857, Louis Vollmer was elected burgess; Bernard Eckle, 
 John Butsch, G. F. Schaffer, Gerhard Schoening and Michael Brunner, coun- 
 cilmen; Messrs. Eckle, Butsch, Schaffer, Vollmer, Francis Weis and Michael 
 Fry, school directors; Wendel Lion, town constable; C. Chisbe, assessor; 
 Henry Severing, high constable; George Weis and Philip Stephen, overseers 
 of poor; Jacob Shoat, auditor; John 0. Weidenboerner, judge, with Michael 
 Schenebeck and Lorenzo Westnetzer, inspectors of elections. The office of 
 burgess has been filled since that time by the following named citizens: Louis 
 Vollmer, 1858; G. Edward Weis, 1859-60-68-69-70; Anthony Kuntz, 1861; 
 James Blakeley, 1862-63; Joseph Windfelder, 1864; Matthias Wellendorf, 
 1865-73-77; F. X. Biberger, 1866; Bernard Eckle, 1867; Charles Luhr, 1872: 
 Charles Weis, 1874-76-79-80; George Weidenboerner, 1875; Michael Mc- 
 Nally, 1878; Josiah Berden, 1881; Michael Gerg, 1882; Charles Weis, 1883- 
 84; H. A. Hall, 1885-89. ... Joseph Hanhauser is present clerk, succeeding 
 Charles Luhr, who was secretary in 1859-64, when Joseph Wilhelm was ap- 
 pointed. In 1865 John Butsch was secretary, and in 1866 C. Luhr was 
 appointed; in 1869, M. Brunner; in 1871, E. Spellenberg; in 1875, C. Luhr, 
 who served to 1887. 
 
 The following officers were elected in February, 1890 : Justice of the peace, 
 Charles Weis; chief burgess, Adam Pistner; town council, John Vollmer, 
 George Schlimm; school directors, Frank Goetz, Thomas Ernst; high con- 
 stable, Thomas Valentine; tax collector, George Hoehn; overseer of poor, 
 Joseph Sohauer; judge of election, John G. Volk; inspectors of election, A. 
 Kuntz, William Beecher; auditor, A. C. Schaut. 
 
 Water Company. — The St. Mary's Water Company was incorporated July 
 6, 1889, with J. K. P. Hall, president; George Weidenboerner, secretary, and 
 Charles Luhr, treasurer. The directors are J. K. P. Hall, George Krellner, 
 John Schauer, Andrew Kaul, John Rogan and George Schlimm. The water 
 rights were granted to the borough by the Benedictine Father, and right of way 
 between the dam and borough oljtained variously : The water is brought from 
 Silver creek, which is dammed one and a half miles above the large stone 
 church, and the waters are led 4,000 feet east of this dam to the reservoir, 
 where the engine-house stands. This reservoir is 160 feet above the depot 
 at St. Mary's. Mr. Thomas, of Clarion, is superintendent of construction. 
 
 Gas Companies. — St. Mary' s Gas Company was organized under the law, 
 May 9, 1889, with A. Kaul, J. K. P. Hall, Eben J. Russ, Charles Luhr and 
 George Krellner, stockholders. The object was to mine for gas in Ridgway town- 
 ship, and convey it to St. Mary's by pipe line for use of consumers. Charles 
 Luhr was elected president, and Harry A. Hall, secretary. In July ninety-four 
 acres were purchased west of Johnsonburg, where two wells are being drilled 
 by Irving Schultz for the company. In August a Mr. Conroy contracted to 
 lay seven and one-quarter miles of pipe from the wells to the limits, and also 
 seven miles within the borough — the contract calling for completion in October. 
 Work on the main line and in the borough was at once entered upon .... The 
 
HISTOKY OF ELK COUNTY. 645 
 
 new gas company of St. Mary's was organized January 1, 1890, with Joseph 
 Schlimm, president; E. "W. Kuntz, secretary; Louis Gies, treasurer, and they, 
 with Georgfe Eeusher, Sebastian Craft, Frank Goetz, Theodore Miller and 
 F. A. Ehrich, formed the board of directors .... The Silver Creek Gas & Oil 
 Company of St. Mary' s was incorporated in November, 1889, and in February, 
 1890, work was begun on their well below the monastery. 
 
 Fire Companies. — St. Mary's Fire Company, No. 1, was incorporated in 
 May, 1875, with George Schmidt, Philip Meyer, Frank Gerg, Charles Kuffin 
 and John W. Fox, subscribers and directors. In 1877 Elk Fire Company was 
 in charge of Marshal G. E. Weis, with John Krug and A. Weis, assistants; J. 
 M. Mecum, engineer; A. Auman and Charles Weis, captains; W. W. Ames, 
 
 president; P. B. Wachtel, secretary, and Johu Krug, treasurer The Star 
 
 Hose Company, No. 2, was organized in January, 1890, and the following offi- 
 cers elected: President, Mat Schieler; first vice-president, George A. Valen- 
 tine; second vice-president, Ealph Lawrence; secretary, W. A. Klausman; 
 financial secretary, Joseph Imhofl; treasurer, John Swartzfisher; foreman, 
 George Foster; first assistant foreman, A. Benninger; second assistant fore- 
 man, George Loefler .... The Citizen' s Hose Company was organized Feb 
 uary 21, 1890, with following named officers: Dr. A. Mullhaupt, president; 
 W. L. Price, vice-president; C. S. Wilmarth, secretary, and N. J. Tierney, 
 treasurer. In the fall of 1889 the borough council received 1,000 feet of hose, 
 and new hose-cart and engine. 
 
 Fires. — The fire of May, 1850, which destroyed the old church building was 
 the first . . . .The new grist-mill at St. Mary's was burned November 22, 1852 
 .... The fire of June 14, 1871, destroyed three buildings on Mary street, in the 
 vicinity of Walker' s hardware store .... On May 2, 1872, the Alpine House and 
 other buildings were destroyed .... The Ellis mills at Blue Rock were destroyed 
 by fire,' July 24, 1873; no less than 650,000 feet of lumber, 400,000 lath and 
 15,000 pickets were destroyed. 
 
 The fire of July 25, 1880, destroyed the following named buildings: Cory- 
 ell & Buss, store, warehouse; Meecum's residence; W. W. Ames' of&ce; John 
 Smith' s tobacco factory, store-room and residence ; Joseph Rosenhoffer' s two 
 dwelling houses and barn; A. Auman' s and John Seal's residences; John 
 Smith's business house; J. Wilhelm's hotel and two store-houses; Ed. 
 McBride's three store buildings and barn; A. Geeck's barber shop and dwell- 
 ing; A. Meissal's bakery, store and dwelling; A. Schauer's store, saloon and 
 dwelling; P. B. Wachtel's store and dwelling; Eiley Bros. ' hotel and barns; 
 Charles Luhr's dwelling house; railroad depot; Vogel's hotel and brewery; 
 J. F. Windfelder's hotel; J. E. Weidenboerner's store-house; L. Wittman's 
 store; J. W. Wilhelm's store, and George Schaut's large building, containing 
 two stores, photograph gallery and two flats. The total loss was placed at 
 1104,000. 
 
 The fire of February 16, 1889, threatened the Eettger house on Maurus 
 street. To the firemen and waterworks system its escape from total destruc- 
 tion is due. 
 
 Industries. — The Penn Lumber Company was chartered in March, 1887, 
 with Andrew Kaul of St. Mary's, president; J. K. P. Hall, secretary and 
 treasurer; A. Kaul, J. S. Schultz, W. H. Hyde, J. G. Hall and B. F. Hall, 
 directors. This company is composed of individual owners of lands and mills, 
 banded together for the purpose of manufacturing and selling lumber. 
 Each mill sends to the head office at St. Mary's regular reports, and from 
 this office advices are furnished the offices at Pittsburgh and Philadelphia, 
 whence information is returned relating to the stock required. The pro- 
 
646 HISTORY OF ELK COUNTY. 
 
 ducts of the mills is about 80,000,000 feet annually. The present president 
 and secretary are the same as in 1887. J. B. Given, of Philadelphia, was 
 general manager up to the date of his death, in February, 1890. William H. 
 Hyde, J. G. Hall, A. Kaul, John Ernhout and J. B. Given are directors. Fred. 
 Wilmarth is sales agent at Pittsburgh. The Penn Lumber Company mark- 
 ets the cut of the following named mills: The Eagle Valley & Gallagher Run; 
 Saw-mill Run and the Farm mill of the Hyde estate; Beech wood, of the 
 Beechwood Lumber Company; Rathbun, of Andrew Kaul & Co. ; Summit mill, 
 of A. Kaul; Daguscahonda and Wilcox mills, of Jackson; S. Schultz; Carman 
 & Vineyard Run mills of the Portland Lumber Company, and Truman mills of 
 Arthur's Coal & Lumber Company. The old Benezette mill is also in this 
 category, but not included, as the work there is about closed. 
 
 The Hall & Kaul lands in Benzinger, Jay, Fox and Jones townships, to- 
 gether with two tracts in Cameron county, aggregate 40,000 acres, exclusive 
 of their lands as members of the Portland company. This huge tract is 
 operated by the owners, giving direct employment to about 700 hands, and, 
 being among the largest shippers known to the Pennsylvania company, con- 
 tribute largely to swell the ranks of employes of that railroad corporation. 
 
 In the fall of 1889 Andrew Kaul and J. K. P. Hall purchased warrants 
 2425, 2377, parts of 2361 and 2363, 163 acres in 2319, and 65 acres in 
 2323, or a total of 3,900 for $108,000, embracing 7,000,000 feet of cherry, 
 together with hemlock and other woods. Some short time before this the 
 Portland Lumber Company purchased the Mill Creek property for 1100,000. 
 .... The Sample Lumber Company, of Alabama, comprises in the membership 
 Andrew Kaul and John L. Kaul, of St. Mary's, and Alfred Truman. John 
 L. Kaul is secretary. 
 
 The St. Mary's Tannery was established in April, 1884, and work com- 
 menced September 5, that year. The proprietors are J. K. P. Hall and A. 
 Kaul, and Kestler, Lesh & Co. , of Boston. The capacity is 2, 200 sides per 
 week, and the number of men employed is eighty. A. Moser has been man- 
 ager since the beginning, and the specialty is Union sole leather. 
 
 The Spring Tannery, inside the borough limits, was established years ago 
 by Judge Schultz and conducted for years by Joseph Wilhelm. In 1885, the 
 works became the property of Hall & Kaul, who manufacture rough leather. 
 J. P. Myer is manager. 
 
 In July, 1873, the Walker & Hoffman brick-yards were established The 
 
 Lewis & Bauer grist-mill was opened in August, 1889 .... John Dornish and 
 J. Fritz have rented the Benedictine Priory mill of Father Prior. They are 
 now making extensive repairs on the mill, and it will soon be in running 
 order. 
 
 The first brewery was established by Michael Hantz in 1845, a small con- 
 cern, which continued about ten years. Joseph Windf elder built a brewery 
 in 1851. In September, 1876, the building and machinery became the prop- 
 erty of Charles and Henry Luhr, the present owners. The annual sales range 
 from 1,000 to 1,500 barrel's. The third brewery was started by Charles Volk 
 in 1855-56, opposite the old Washington House, later built where is now the 
 City Hotel, and later built the brewery now owned by Straub, in Benzinger 
 township. The Babylon Brewery was founded by Edward Babel — hence the 
 name. This burned down a few years ago. 'The second brewery in the 
 borough was established by William Geiss, who sold to the present owner, 
 Charles Walker. 
 
 Bank. — The St. Mary's Bank was established in 1867 with Sampson Short, 
 W. M. Singerly, Louis Vollmer, John G. Hall, and J. K. P. Hall, stock-holders. 
 
//f- 
 
 C<lJr^ 
 
HISTOBY OF ELK COUNTY. 649 
 
 The capital stock was $50,000. After the retirement of Messrs. Short and 
 Singerly, J. S. Hyde became a member of this firm. Mr. Vollmer retired 
 later, so that J. K. P. Hall, John G. Hall 'and the Hyde estate are the present 
 proprietors. The capital stock is continued at $50, 000. The office is in the 
 Hall building erected by Mr. Hall in 1874. 
 
 Hotels. — The first hotel was kept, where the Silver Creek Tannery now is, 
 by Buchhaga. This was subsequently conducted by Graham, and in 1851 
 was closed, and near by E. 0. Schultz established his tannery. The next 
 \ hotel was established by Anthony Fochtman in 1845. This house stood on 
 the hill opposite J. Walker's old home and was named the Lion Hotel. On 
 his death the business was discontinued. 
 
 The Washington House was established by Joseph Luhr in 1847 and con- 
 ducted by him until 1872, when it was rented to various parties, the last 
 renter being Peter Shoup, who carried it on until 1887. 
 
 The Franklin House was erected by Anthony Hanhauser in 1849. After 
 conducting the house for about twelve years he leased the house. The house 
 was next sold to William Geis, who conducted it until its sale to Anthony 
 Koch, who sold to Mr. Boyer in 1886. 
 
 St. Mary's Hotel was established about 1855 by M. Wellendorf, who con- 
 ducted the house for a number of years, after which his children carried on 
 business there up to 1877-78. 
 
 The Alpine, where is now the Commercial, was built by Joseph Wind- 
 felder after the war. Herman Kretz was tenant in 1866-67. Afterward Mr. 
 Scull conducted the house until its destruction in May, 1872. It was rebuilt 
 by John Wachtel, who carried it on until Eiley Brothers purchased it and 
 became owners in 1878. In 1884 they sold to Mrs. Jackson, who sold, to Will- 
 iam Geis, the present proprietor. During Eiley Brothers' administration the 
 name was changed to Commercial. 
 
 The City Hotel was built by Lawrence Vogel in 1886. On his death in 
 1887 the widow rented the house to N. McCarty, who is the present pro- 
 prietor. 
 
 Churches. — The Catholic Church of St. Mary's is contemporary with the 
 first settlement of Benzinger township. Father Alexander was the first priest,* 
 followed by Rev. Borgess, who attended the church at Irishtown in 1843, and 
 visited this, then new, settlement. A church building was erected in 1845, on 
 the triangular piece of ground between Centre, Markus and Cross streets. This 
 house was burned in 1850, giving place to the present stone church, com- 
 pleted in 1852. In 1850 the Benedictine Fathers took possession of this 
 old Redemptorist mission, and for forty years have labored among the 
 people. One at least of the many illustrious men of this religious order 
 deserves mention here, as by work and family he was connected with St. Mary's- 
 — Arch- Abbot Boniface Wimmer, born January 14, 1809, near Ratisbon, Bavaria, 
 died at St. Vincent's Abbey, near Latrobe, Penn., December 8, 1887. His 
 original Christian name was Sebastian, which of course was lost in the new re- 
 ligious name, Boniface. He completed a classical course of eight years, at 
 Ratisbon, and entered the Munich University in 1827, with the object of grad- 
 uating from the law school, but changing his intention entered the Ratisbon 
 Seminary, and on July 31, 1831, was ordained priest. In 1832 he entered the 
 Benedictine Monastery, at Metten. From 1833 to 1846 he was priest and pro- 
 
 * It is related by Andrew Keilly, of Smethport, that in 1842 he set out lor BelleJonte to seek a priest 
 to attend liis dying brotlier. On arriving at Eidgway lie learned that a priest had arrived at the German 
 settlement (St. Mary's), and on arriving there told Father Alexander his mission. The weather was very 
 cold, but the priest set out on the long weary journey and reached Nunandah Creek in time to administer 
 the last sacrament. 
 
 33 
 
650 HISTOEY OF ELK COUNTY. 
 
 feasor at Edenstetten, and in 1840 was promoted to a chair in Louis Gymna- 
 sium, Munich. Meantime emigration to the United States was large and some 
 calJs for priests came from beyond the Atlantic. The young Benedictine con- 
 cluded to be among the pioneers and conceived the plan of establishing an 
 abbey in the United States. The plan met with some obstacles, but the mis- 
 sionary spirit conquered, and ultimately King Louis I. favored the proposition 
 and came to bid farewell to the priest, the four students and the fifteen young 
 men who set out in August, 1846. They arrived at New York September 16, 
 and soon reported to Bishop O'Connor, who transferred to them the church 
 property, where St .Vincent' s Abbey now stands. In 1850 he founded the priory 
 of St. Mary. In 1854 he visited Rome, and the title of abbot was conferred 
 on him, and the same year the monks at St. Vincent were incorporated under 
 the title " The Benedictine Society of Westmoreland County. ' ' Afterward he 
 turne'd his attention to the West, establishing houses in Kansas, Minnesota and 
 Chicago, and later to the South, in 1876-77, establishing an abbey in Louisi- 
 ana, one in North Carolina, one in Virginia, one in Alabama, one in Georgia, 
 and also one at Newark, N. J. In 1881 he established a monastery in Illinois. 
 On Skidaway Island, near Savannah, he established a school for colored chil- 
 dren, and the Church of the Sacred Heart, at Savannah, for colored citizens. 
 December 29, 1883, he was raised to the dignity of Arch-Abbot. The attend- 
 ing ceremonies were the most interesting known in the history of the Benedic- 
 tines on this continent. In July, 1877, Father Paulinus was succeeded by 
 Father Celestina as prior and Kev. F. Edwards took the place of Father Den- 
 nis as priest of the English Catholic Church. In February, 1890, Father In- 
 nocent was pastor and Rev. Placitus Piltz, O. S. B., pastor of St. Mary's. 
 
 The^ Shiloh Presbyterian Church was organized May 26, 1867, but on July 
 8, 1866, the first Protestant sermon was preached by Rev. D. Hull, of North- 
 umberland Presbytery, at St. Mary's. This sermon was given in Joseph Pat- 
 ton's small ofifice, where occasional services were held by Mr. Hull until the 
 meeting of his presbytery on the third Tuesday in April, 1867, when, on the 
 petitions of certain parties, a committee. Revs. Hull and Sturgess and El- 
 der Quiggle, was appointed to organize a church. This committee met with 
 the people in the dining-room of the Alpine House (then operated by H. 
 Kretz), May 26, when an organization was effected with the following members : 
 Joseph and Jennet Patton, James, Mary,' Edward and Eliza Mitchell, Christian 
 Folkred, Elizabeth, Louisa E., George P. and John W. Folkrod and Eugene 
 and Ann Tormey. Joseph Patton was chosen elder and E. Mitchell deacon. 
 Rev. Mr. Hull was authorized to continue reception of members and perform 
 the services of ordination and installation two weeks hence. On that date 
 James and Jennie Snadden and Robert Martin were admitted to membership, 
 and the first-named admitted additional elder. The above-named individuals 
 were duly set apart to the offices to which they were elected with appropriate 
 services, when the present title was given to this church, which was incorpor- 
 ated January 16, 1869, on petition of James Snadden, Samuel Reynolds, Evan 
 J. Russ, John Wylie, Charles Finney, Charles Ames and Joseph R. Patton. 
 The latter, in 1863, came to St. Mary's as superintendent of the St. Mary's 
 Coal Company, and was the main supporter of the Shiloh Presbyterian Church. 
 He died January 27, 1884, having served as clerk up to December, 1882, when 
 W. W. Ames succeeded him in this office. On his departure for Brookville on 
 September 1, 1888, the pastor became the acting session clerk. Rev. Mr. Hull 
 supplied the pulpit until May 15, 1872, when Rev. Robert White succeeded, 
 and was installed pastor and served until 1877. Rev. S. T. Thompson was 
 called and presided here in March, 1880. He remained here until August 19, 
 
HISTOEY OF ELK COUNTY. 651 
 
 1884. In May, 1885, Dr. Kennedy came, and was installed in the fall of that 
 year. A church house was built some time after incorporation on lots donated 
 by Dr. Shirley, of Eeading, Penn. The value of building and lots is about 
 |3,tOO. The number of members recorded is seventy, and the Sunday-school 
 120. 
 
 Convent and Convent Schools. — In 1848 a few Sisters of Notre Dame 
 came here to teach the female schools. They left the field shortly, or on No- 
 vember 20, 1849. Mother M. Walburg Deitrich, daughter of J. Deitrich, was 
 born in Wurtemburg, Germany, May 20, 1802, and made her religious profes- 
 sion as a Benedictine nun in 1834, at the ancient convent of St. Walburg. In 
 June, 1852, she came to the United States with other sisters — Mother Bene- 
 dict Eeip and Sister Maura — of the order, and on July 22, of that year. Mother 
 Eeip established the first Benedictine convent in this country, at St. Mary's, 
 in a small frame building where is now the monastery. Prior to her death, 
 on April 27, 1876, she saw no less than thirty-two convents of Benedictine 
 nuns established in the United States. Her sister nuns were not so fortunate. 
 Mother Eeip died in Minnesota and Sister Maura at Erie. 
 
 The first reception of nuns took place in October 1853, Sisters Scholastica, 
 Alexia and Lidwina, of St. Walburg' s, being received. At this time also twelve 
 novices were received, of whom Sister Bernardo (formerly Miss Mary Weiden- 
 boerner). Sister Edwarda (Miss Pauline Eedant), Sister Luitgard (Miss Mary 
 Butsch) and Sister Hildegard (Miss Theresa Eenner) were residents of St. 
 Mary's. Of the others, Sister Placida is the only one now in the convent. The 
 present Sister Bernardo is a sister of the first named. There were two recep- 
 tions in 1854, when seven sisters entered this convent. In February, 1855, Sis- 
 ter Nepomecene entered and is now here. In December, three nuns from 
 St. Walburg arrived, who afterward went forth to aid in establishing other 
 convents. 
 
 In 1856 Sisters Frances, Euperta and Anselma, with Sister Scholastica as 
 Superior, went to Erie and established the present convent there. Miss Eied- 
 derer accompanied them as a postulant. There are now sixty-seven sisters there. 
 In March, 1857, Mother Emerana, accompanied by Sisters Benedicta, Alfonsa, 
 Philomena and Mienrad, went to Indiana, Penn. , but finding the location un- 
 suitable, moved to Newark, where they established the present convent. In 
 June, 1857, Mother Benedicta Eeip moved to St. Cloud, Minn., with the 
 greater number of the sisters of this house and established a convent there. 
 After the departure of the pioneer prioress. Sister Theresa was appointed. She 
 presided over the convent until 1875, when Mother Isadore (Miss Magdalene 
 Piltz), who entered here in 1861, succeeded, having hitherto filled the posi- 
 tion for one year. In July, 1857, Sister Wendelin (Miss Margaret Eieder) and 
 others were received. In 1858, there were four postulants received, among 
 them Miss Sarah Ann Blakely (Sister Beatrice), the first directress of the new 
 academy, which position she filled until 1863, when she and other sisters 
 moved to Nebraska City, Neb. , to establish the convent there. In 1859 the 
 work of building a house was commenced, and in 1860 the large stone convent 
 was completed under the supervision of Father Giles, then prior of the monas- 
 tery. This building was opened in December, 1860. At this time there were 
 over thirty sisters forming the community, exclusive of all formerly sent forth 
 to found new convents. In 1859-60 a few receptions are recorded, among 
 whom were Sister Ida, now in the convent, and Sisters Martha, Floriana and 
 Justiniae, and in October, 1861, Sisters Mary (Miss Mary Glenn), Cunnigunda 
 (Miss Christina Thomas), Frances (Miss Magdalena Fox) and Agnes (Miss 
 Tillie Ackerman). The latter is deceased, but the other Sisters are now in the 
 
652 HISTORY OP ELK COUNTY. 
 
 convent. In 1862 Miss Weidenboerner (Sister Bernardo), Miss Piltz (Sister 
 Isadora), Miss Paulus (Sister Elizabeth), Miss Binder (Sister Mechtild) and 
 Miss Anna Bush (Sister Scholastica) entered the convent, and are now here. 
 In 1862 three sisters from the convent went to Shakopee, Minn., to found a new 
 convent there— Sisters Adelaide (Elder), Clara (Vogel) and Mechtild (Richter). 
 The Johnstown convent was founded in 1870 by nuns from St. Mary's, Sister 
 Mary being one of the founders. In 1863 there were ten receptions, and dur- 
 ing the last twenty-six years there were about 130 sisters made profession 
 here. Twenty-five sisters died here and are buried in the convent cemetery. 
 In August, 1887, Mother Isadore retired at the expiration of term, and Mother 
 Pia was elected. She entered the convent in May, 1871, being formerly Miss 
 Anna Tegler, of St. Mary's. The total number of the community in August, 
 1889, was sixty-four. In May, 1868, the convent at Eichmond, Va., was 
 founded by nuns from the mother house, among whom were Sisters Edith 
 (Vogel), Philomena (Magill) and Clara (Mary Vogel). 
 
 The mission schools of this convent were established at Tidioute, Lucinda 
 and Fryburg, 1876; Kane, 1878; Warren, 1883, and Centreville, 1884. These 
 are, in fact, branch houses of the house at St. Mary's. Sister Wendelin, Ed- 
 warda, Luitgard, Bernarda, Aloysia (Miss Theresa Nissell), Adelbertha (Miss 
 Crlath) and Adelbertha second (Miss Mary Withman) are numbered among 
 the dead of all the sisters who entered from St. Mary's. 
 
 The convent chapel was built by Andrew Miller, of Philadelphia. He also 
 donated the three beautiful altars, valued at over 12,000, together with $4,000 
 expended on the building. Any one who has ever been within a convent chapel 
 may understand what beauty in church decoration means, and apply the paint- 
 ing of the imagination to this beautiful house of worship. The only daughter 
 of the donor — Sister Stanfslaus — is a member of this community. 
 
 Academy. — In 1853 St. Benedict's Academy was established, with Mother 
 Walburg Deitrich, directress; Sister Boniface, teacher of English, and Bene- 
 dicta, of German. School was continued in the pioneer house until 1860, when 
 the new convent building was erected. In 1859 Mother Beatrice took the 
 place of Madame Walburg, and presided over the academy until Sister Mary 
 was appointed, in 1868. She served until 1870, when Sister Boniface (Cassidy) 
 was appointed, filling the position for three years, but not continuously. Sister 
 Genevieve (Doran), one year; DeSales (Burgoon), one year; Pauline (McDer- 
 mott), nine years; Mary (Glenn), three years; Boniface (Cassidy), one year; 
 Agnes (O'Connor), the present directress. Sister Beatrice (Wimmer) presides 
 over the music class; Sister Edith, over the primary class; Sister Benedicta, 
 over the senior classes; Sister Mary over the drawing classes; Sister Walburg, 
 over the fancy work. The academy is attended variously, the boarders num 
 bering from eighteen to fifty, and day pupils about thirty-five. The present 
 academy building is 80x45 feet, four floors in height, with basement; supplied 
 with hot and cold water throughout, and heated by steam. There are fifteen 
 large rooms, together with the great dormitory on the third floor and the study- 
 hall. Such rooms extend almost the whole length of the building. 
 
 Public Schools. — Prior to 1848 the schools of this section were conducted 
 by the Redemptorist Fathers, but in February of that year a school district 
 was organized, with Gerhard Schoening, president; I. Garner, secretary and 
 L. Vollmer, treasurer. George Weis, Adam Vollmer and Philip Stephen were 
 members of the first board. In March, same year, a tax of ten mills was au- 
 thorized, and in April, Louis Germanhausen's house was rented for the use of 
 the teacher. The old school-house stood west of the priory, and is now a car- 
 penter shop. T. F. Klarinaar was the first lay teacher, he coming in 1847, 
 
'^ 
 
 <2^ 
 
HISTORY OF ELK COUNTY. 655 
 
 and serving in that capacity here at $25 per month. It appears that a school 
 board had been previously organized, for in January, 1849, F. X. Bieberger 
 is referred to as having been collector in 1847, and exonerated from paying; 
 the sum of 128. 28. In 1850 Charles Eoth took Klarinaar' s place as teacher. 
 Lawrence Wesnetzer was also employed with E. C. Schultz; Michael Frey 
 was secretary, followed by Sosenheimer, who, with M. Wellendorf as presi- 
 dent, served in 1851. Charles Luhr succeeded Schultz as teacher of En- 
 glish in 1852, with a. Mr. Tresh. B. Weidenboerner was then a member 
 of the school board. In September, 1852, Anthony Baecker was employed 
 as teacher, at $25 per month. Ignatius Garner presided, with George 
 Weigel as secretary, and the sisters presided over the female school. The 
 tax duplicate at the time was $387.89, and a school-house was erected. In 
 1853 Joseph Windfelder was secretary, but gave place to M. Wellendorf, 
 who was president in 1854, with Bernard Bckle, secretary. A. Schmidt, 
 E. Schultz and Charles Luhr were teachers then. B. Weidenboerner suc- 
 ceeded as president in 1856, and in May of that year, Francis Weis* was 
 appointed president, John Butsch being secretary. Charles Kahler, a mu- 
 sician of some merit, was then a teacher in the school. In 1857 John Biitsch 
 was succeeded by Louis Vollmer, and Francis Weis, by George P. Shaefer; 
 among the teachers was John Butsch, who taaght outside the borough. In 
 1859 Louis Vollmer and Bernard Eckle filled the offices of president and secre- 
 tary, respectively, and continued in same until 1864, when Edward Babel suc- 
 ceeded Vollmer as president. P. X. Haberbusch was elected president in 1866; 
 Joseph Windfelder, in 1867; Louis Vollmer, in 1868; Joseph Wilhelm, in 1871, 
 and, in 1875, Bernard Eckle was succeeded by Michael Brunner as secretary. 
 John Sosenheimer was elected president in 1875; George Krellner, in 1876; 
 Leonard Wittmann, in 1878; George Imhoff, in 1884; Charles Luhr, in 1885; 
 J. E. Weidenboerner, in 1886-87 ; ^Charles A.. Lion, in 1888, and John Haas, 
 in 1889. P. X. Haberbusch was chosen secretary in 1876; John Poster, in 
 1877; J. B. Foster, in 1878; Charles Luhr, in 1880; Andrew Geeck, in 1884; 
 Albert Weis, in 1888, and Charles Luhr, in 1889. 
 
 During 1870-72, J. A. Blater took charge of the male school, succeeding 
 Mr. Brockbank. Frederick Barnhart came in 1873, and remained until early 
 in 1888, when W. H. Devereaux came to preside over the senior boys' school. 
 
 Under date of February 23, 1857, an agreement was entered into by the board 
 with Prior Eupert Seidenbusch, by which the latter bound himself to pay to 
 the school board of Benzinger township the amount expended' in refitting the 
 house on Boniface street, whenever circumstances would require such house 
 for monastery schools. * 
 
 In early years the sisters taught the public school near the monastery for 
 $25 per month. A frame building was erected in 1854, below the church, 
 where the rear part of the present large brick structure, put up in 1869, 
 stands. There, Sisters Luitgard, Hildegard, Boniface and Nepomecene pre- 
 sided over the several classes. The last named is still engaged in the new 
 brick school-house, enlarged in 1885, where also the present Eeverend Mother 
 taught. There are six teachers employed: Sisters Nepomecene, Cecelia, 
 Gabriela, Stanislaus, Aloysia and Antonia. The number of pupils is 600 .... 
 In December, 1889, the plan of providing books, free of charge for the pupils 
 of Benzinger township, was adopted. 
 
 Societies.— St. John's Fraternal Society of St. Mary's was incorporated 
 June 3, 1857, with the following-named members: B. Eckle, Edward Babel, 
 Casper Wehner, J. Wegener, John Meyer, John Kries, Francis Kellar, D. 
 
 * Joseph Gerber presided over the old Benzinger district, then separate from St. Mary's. 
 
656 HISTORY OF ELK COUNTY. 
 
 Redant, Joe Krof t, Sebastian Hahn, B. Neilmnller, Joseph, Thomas and George 
 Kernel', Charles Luhr, P. Scratzenstaller, M. Schineebeck, Paul Eberl, A. 
 Fochtman, L. Deitz, Mathias Becker, Michael Hogerel, Joe Eckert, L. Wes- 
 netzer, Joe Windfelder, Thomas Scheidler, G. Weigel, John Wendl, Peter 
 and J. Gluxner, Xavier Biberger, B. Weidenboerner, Joe Gerber, Joe 
 Kreig, George Dehl, C. Bitter, Val. HofPman, Joe Paullus, Fred Miller, J. 
 Sosenheimer, A. Semmler, Joe Willberle, Daniel Kries, J. Schmidstbauer, L. 
 Gohr, M. Aumann, 0. L. Kackler, F. Schneider, Michael and Adam Zimmott, 
 Anthony Seidler, Casper Emmert, Andrew Grass, George W^gemer and Bart. 
 Geyer. The organization was simply a benevolent one, to relieve the unfortu- 
 nate or helpless families of the district. It has at the present time 254 mem- 
 bers, and $2,800 reserve fund. Charles Luhr is president, having served 
 fifteen years, and Michael Brunner contemporary secretary. Joseph Sporner 
 is one of the present of&cials. 
 
 Lieut. M. W. Luoore Post, No. 216, G. A. R., was mustered in January 
 12, 1882, with W. W. Ames, C. ; L. W.Gifford, S. V. ; Lafayette Coop, J. V. ; Dr. 
 W. B. Hartman, surgeon; Jacob Dice, chaplain; F. M. Hanes, Q. M. ; L. H. 
 Garner, adjutant; P. C. Shaffer, O. D. ; J. D. Stover, O. G. ; William Gille- 
 lan, S. M. , and George Krellner, Q. M. S. A week later the roster contained 
 forty-four names. The charter was granted August 23, 1881, to W. W. Ames, 
 L. W. Gifford, W. B. Hartman, J. A. Dice, W. A. Hartranft, W. E. Gillen, 
 J. A. Muttersbough, H. S. Williams, William Irwin, Robert Warner, J. H. 
 Rickards, Philip Shaffer, L. H. Garner, Samuel Madara, Elias Moyer, M. A. 
 Lowry, John Koch and Frank Hanes. Since that time the position of com- 
 mander has been filled by W. W. Ames, L. W. Gifford, W. W. Ames, William 
 McCoy, G. C. Brandon, George W. Boyer and L. H. Garner, and that of 
 adjutant by L. H. Garner, William McCoy, G. C. Brandon, W. W. Ames, L. 
 W. Gifford, G. W. Boyer, L. H. Garner, W. A. Hartranft. The present 
 number of members is thirty-seven. The ofScers of the post for 1890 are 
 Rev. Dr. Kennedy, Com. ; Rufus Lucore, S. V. ; T. Thompson, J. V. ; L. H. 
 Garner, acting adjutant; W. B. Hewitt, chaplain; Dr.' Hartman, surgeon; 
 G. W. Boyer, Q. M. ; C. Schnyder, O. of D., and J. Sullivan, O. of G. 
 
 , Xerxes Hut, O. O. of H. , was instituted November 4, 1882, with thirty-one 
 members. The officers were G. C. Brandon, L. W. Gifford, W. B. Hartman, 
 George Spowart, Sam. Madara, Thomas Low, Harry Weis, William Koch 
 and Thomas Valentine. 
 
 The I. C. B. -U. , Branch, No. 469, was organized in July, 1883, and char- 
 tered January 13, 1884, with the following- named members: N. J. Tierney, 
 Patrick Rogan, James Fleming, Jr., A. Gibbons, P. Sweeney, James Rogan, 
 Sr., Mathew Kangley, M. Sullivan, R. Cloak, John J. Kreig, Edward Gorman, 
 Frank Leary, George Laber. In May, 1883, a temporary organization was 
 effected, with N. J. Tierney, president, who has served in that position since, 
 except in 1887, when W. E. Meagher was elected. The first secretary was 
 James Fleming, succeeded by Anthony Gibbons, W. J. McClure, Edward E. 
 Timm, M. C. Butsch and John Pehely. The latter has served two years, the 
 others one year each. The branch comprises 128 members, with place of 
 meeting at Rogan' s Opera House. 
 
 St. Johannes Wittwen Verein was incorporated January 2, 1887, with 
 J. A. Hanhauser, G. Krellner, M. C. Butsch, J. Heindl, Joseph Schauer, 
 Joseph Diehl, Joseph Kraft and Alois Stopf , all of St. Mary' s, stockholders. 
 
 St. Mary's has not been without a band organization since 1845, when I. 
 Garner, F. X. Kohler, Michael Frey and John Moyer held the brass instru- 
 ments. This was the pioneer band of the four counties treated in this volume. 
 
HISTOEY OF ELK COUNTY. ■ 657 
 
 In 1847 Charles Luhr joined the society, holding the piccolo. In 1851-52 a 
 second band was formed, with I. Garner, George E. Weis, C. Luhr, C. Weis, 
 William Weis, John Butsch, M. Brunnor, L. Wesnetzer, John Sosenbeimer, 
 F. X. Kohler, Frederick Schoening, members. This organization continued 
 twenty-one years. In the " seventies ' ' another band came into existence, and in 
 1882 the Silver Cornet band. In 1887 the Benzinger band was organized. 
 The Citizens' band was organized February 5, 1889, with John G. Volk, presi- 
 dent; Joseph J. Luhr, secretary; G. F. Schaut, treasurer, and Max Miller, 
 teacher. The other members were Charles B. Garner, Edward Wittmann, 
 Jacob Meisel, Joseph Meisel, Frederick Luhr, M. J. Heocherl, Joseph Frein- 
 del, Louis Hauber, Frank Dornish, Stephen Geotchling and Frank Wilhelm. 
 
 Mountain Queen Lodge, No. 459, K. of P., claims the following officers 
 for 1890: David Heath, P. C. ; David Puncheon, C. C, and Daniel Seward, 
 K. of E. and S. 
 
 Keystone Assembly 10547, K. of L. , organized some time ago, is a pros- 
 perous association. 
 
 The Elk County Agricultural Society and Trotting Park Association was 
 incorporated September 17, 1883, on petition of James Rogan, J.~ K. P. Hall, 
 Andrew Kaul, B. F. Hall, G. C. Brandon, G. E. Weis and Henry Luhr. The 
 place of meeting was fixed at St. Mary' s, round which are found the agricult- 
 ural wealth and leading farmers of all this section. 
 
 Miscellaneous. — In the convent may be found some valuable paintings, 
 among which a few, by Sister Mary, are prized very highly. The " Christ 
 on the Cross," by Von Hoeck (born at Antwerp in 1598, and a student of 
 Rubens), brought from Belgium in 1849 by Baron Charles Van Ersal, is now 
 in possession of Ignatius Garner. In 1882 he shipped it to Munich, to be 
 restored. A certificate by Dr. Carl Foerster, art expert and president of anti- 
 quarian society of Bavaria, dated December 10, 1882, shows the painting to 
 be one of Von Hoeck' s. He also bears testimony to the work of restoration, 
 and terms it a fine, well-preserved and undoubted original, which bears the 
 truthful characteristics of the Rubens school. 
 
 The Bible of the Old and New Testaments, translated into German by Rev. 
 Dr. Johan Eclen, with permission of church and king, in 1537, is in possession 
 of Ignatius Garner; also a copy of Dr. Johan Deitenberger' s translation 
 of 1587, published at Cologne by Kerwinum Calenium. Each large volume is 
 perfect in paging and printing, while the illustrations are almost as clear as 
 they were over 300 years ago. The last mentioned volume is in the original 
 hog- skin binding, with embossed cathedral figures. He has also a smaller 
 Bible in Latin vulgate, printed in 1679, at Cologne, by Herman Demen, and 
 approved by Pope Clement VIII. This last-named relic was presented to Mr. 
 Garner in 1874, by Father Burns. He also has a bell, cast about the four- 
 teenth century, bearing the names of the evangelists. Dr. Earley has one of 
 the old Bibles of the twelfth or thirteenth century, written on vellum in 
 the monastic style of that period, and also one of the early printed volumes. 
 
 In 1877 a flint stone • dresser was found in the crevice of a rock west of St. 
 Mary's by A. Aumann. About this time an old lady found a steel sword, with 
 brass handle and guard, under an old log near the Barrens. 
 
 In 1845 Ignatius Garner was commissioned postmaster. In 1855 George 
 Weis was appointed and served until 1860, when Fred Schoening was ap- 
 pointed. James Blakely was appointed after the war, followed by Charles 
 McVean, who gave place to I. Garner in February, 1887. H. A. Parsons was 
 
 appointed in 1889 The first railroad agent was W. E. Armstrong. He 
 
 was followed by John Collins. In 1877 or 1878 Samuel Mutherbach was 
 appointed, and in 1882 L. H. Wilson. P. Fisher is assistant agent. 
 
658 HISTORY OF ELK COUNTY. 
 
 CHAPTER XII. 
 
 FOX TOWNSHIP. 
 
 General Desoeiption —Settlement— Some First Things— Resident Tax- 
 payees, 1844— Elections— United States Land Deeds— Coal and Oil 
 Companies— Villages— Churches, Industries, etc. 
 
 FOX TOWNSHIP is mainly in the trough formed by Boon's mountain on 
 the east and Shawmut mountain* on the west. The Appalachian chain 
 stretches along the northeastern line for two miles, when it diverges west- 
 ward for two miles and then runs south 25° west, crossing the southern line 
 two miles east of the southwest corner. East of this divide the headwaters 
 of Kersey creek and Cherry run have their sources, while west is Little Toby 
 and its feeders, running southwest, and the southern feeders of Elk creek, flow- 
 ing north. Sandstone-capped Boon's mountain ;:eache8 a height of 2,265 feet 
 east of Centreville, and on the road from Kyler's to Weedville 2,085 feet; a 
 hill just southwest of Kyler's, 1,950 feet, affords one of nature's observa- 
 tories. The valleys east of the mountain are deeper and narrower than 
 those on the west side, and the topographical appearance is very dissimilar. 
 
 The trough contains the principal coal deposits, the exploration at North- 
 western Mining & Exchange Company and the Connor mines (opened in 1866 
 by the owner), being carried to a depth of 516 feet prior to 1883, showing 
 two heavy outcrops and nine distinct bodies of coal. The Peter Connor coal 
 field is on Warrant 4077, at an elevation of 1,875 feet. This field was leased 
 by D. Eldridge, who abandoned it. The Kersey Coal Company opened a de- 
 posit of Alton coal in 1866, about three and one-half miles south of the Phila- 
 delphia & Erie Eailroad, on the western side of the Daguscahonda Bailroad. 
 In 1848 Dr. Earley opened a bed at the heads of Coal run and Toby 
 branches, which in 1884-85 was part of Northwestern Mining & Exchange 
 Company' s field. On the Hawk farm, on one of the feeders of Mill run, Na- 
 thaniel Hyatt opened a mine in 1847 or 1848. This was immediately north of 
 the Kersey Coal Company's old mining village. One mile north of Kyler's 
 was Enos Hayes' coal mine; but the first in that district was opened by Judge 
 Kyler, whose trade extended to Allegany. 
 
 Limestone is exposed on Toby creek, southeast of Kyler's Corners, at an 
 elevation of 1,570 feet above tide. This exposure is six feet in depth. It is 
 also exposed on the head of Sawmill run, from which it was quarried by Judge 
 Kyler for lime-burning. At a point one mile west of Kyler' s, on the Thomp- 
 son farm, near Brandy Camp, a red bog-iron ore was ■ discovered some years 
 ago. The quality is similar to that near Eidgway and in Spring Creek town- 
 ship, and consequently of little commercial value until new methods of reduc- 
 tion are introduced. Sandstone is found here, as in all other sections of the 
 county. 
 
 In 1811 the Fox & Norris Company offered fifty acres to each of six families 
 as an inducement to settlement. In 1812 Jacob Wilson, John Kyler, Elijah 
 Meredith, Samuel Miller, Amos Davis and Jonah Griffith accepted this bonus, 
 
 *The old Shawmut Kaili-oad was constructed almost on the summit of this ridge. 
 

 /J 
 
\ ■• 
 
HISTORY OF ELK COUNTY. 661 
 
 and brought their families into the wilderness (Davis came in about 1807 or 
 1810 as the pioneer), but the three last-named left in a few years. The farms 
 of the three first-named still bear the titles of their original cultivators. Will- 
 iam Morgan taught the first school, in John J. Bundy's house, now on the 
 Breham farm, Dr. William Hoyt succeeding him, and William Christie pre- 
 sided over the third term. The company built a mill between Daguscahonda 
 and Centreville, at Old Burnt Mills. ■ A second mill was erected, to replace the 
 pioneer one which was burned, and this gave place to Peter Connor's mill, and 
 later to the John Koch grist-mill. Stephen Oyster's grist-mill on Little Toby 
 was completed on the site of the old mill, February 15, 1851. George Weis 
 and Daniel Oyster were dealers in that year, the latter with A. Harrington; 
 K. Brown, at Brandy Camp, and Nathaniel Hyatt, kept hotels. Jesse Kyler 
 operated the coal mines. Dr. Lewis Giddings resided two miles south ^f 
 Centreville. 
 
 The resident tax-payers in 1844 were George Artz (joiner), Michael Brown, 
 Chauncey Brockway, Philetus Clark (saw-mill), Daniel Clark, Joseph T. Comley 
 (tannery), Jeremiah Callahan, Henry Carnes (saw-mill), Josiah Earl, Clark 
 Eggleston, Patrick Fern, Amos Fox, John Green, W. F. Green, Henry Gross, ' 
 Miles German, Catherine Hays, Jeremiah Hewitt, William Hoyt, James e! 
 Hancock, Eddy, Daniel and Nathan Hyatt, John and William Horning, Mar- 
 tin Huhn (blacksmith), Conrad Huhn, Isaac and Charles Horton, James and 
 William Iddings, Eeuben Iddings (saw-mill), David E., Jesse and John Kyler, 
 Jacob Kregar, John and George Kellar, Plummer Little, Patrick and John 
 Largay, Conrad, Jacob, Elias and John Moyer, William McCauley, Elijah, 
 Elijah, Jr., David and William Meredith, Thomas, John, James and Patrick 
 Malone, Terence, Matthew and Arthur McQuone, John Miller, William Max- 
 well, James L. and Edward M. Moore, John, Daniel, George and Lawrence 
 Nolf, Jonathan Nichols, Daniel Oyster (grist and saw-mill), William Pauley, 
 Andrew, Ira and Jesse Pauley, Jonah, Joseph and Uriah Sogers, Nelson Eiggs, 
 James Eeeseman, Thomas Eielly, Patrick Shelvy, John (mason), and Eobert 
 Sullivan, Andrew Shafer, Jacob Schmeltzer (saw-mill), Peter, George, 
 John and Eufus Thompson, Eeuben Thompson (saw-mill), G. B. , David, Will- 
 iam, Jacob, Josiah, Joel and Joseph Taylor, Alanson Viall, Michael White, 
 Jason Wadsworth, Samuel and Jacob Wilson, Gardiner Weaver and John 
 Wonderly. The United States Land Company, represented by James Wilson, 
 owned a large part of this township; the Kersey Company owned the mill 
 tracts; five acres formed the area of Horton' s saw-mill lots, and a number of 
 small tracts were credited to non-resident owners. 
 
 At the election held February 27, 1844, Chauncey Brockway and Eddy 
 Hyatt were chosen justices; Joseph Eogers and John Horning, supervisors; 
 Joel Taylor and Uriah Eogers, constables; George Thompson, assessor; P. B. 
 Little, E. Hyatt, Joe Taylor, J. T. Comley, W. W. Horning, Joseph Eogers 
 and Jacob Taylor, school directors; C. Brockway, clerk; William Maxwell and 
 Nathaniel Hyatt, overseers of poor; Daniel Oyster, E. Hyatt and James 
 Iddings, auditors; Jacob Schmeltzer, judge, with W. S. Meredith and Jacob 
 Moyer, inspectors of elections. Isaac Horton was elected justice in 1846; 
 Chauncey Brockway and Peter Thompson in 1849. The officers for Pox town- 
 ship chosen in February, 1890, were Charles Straessley and W. J. Frantz, 
 school directors; Patrick Quinn and Henry Gross, Jr., supervisors; C. Miller, 
 overseer of poor; William Thomas, auditor; A. M. Cut, treasurer; John 
 Poutzer, clerk; Michael Keeley, collector. 
 
 In December, 1844, the United States Land Company deeded to the Ger- 
 man Agricultural Society (Nicholas Eeimel, John Albert, Matthew Schweitzer 
 
662 HISTORY OF ELK COUNTY. 
 
 and Peter Richterwalt, trustees) a tract of land (1,012 acres) in the vicinity of 
 the place hitherto known as Strasburg, and another of 510 acres known as the 
 "facility tract." The consideration mentioned is $187 (with other goods and 
 valuable considerations). The Strasburg tract was surveyed (Warrant 4370 
 December 11, 1793, was granted to James Wilson, who sold to Samuel M. Fox 
 in April, 1795). The facility tract, No. 4871, was surveyed at the same time, 
 and passed through the same ownership. In 1840-41 new surveys were made 
 by Amos and Little, and an elaborate chart of the Kersey tract was prepared 
 by them. In 1808 Samuel M. Fox died, and Joseph M. Fox represented 
 the heirs. 
 
 The Toby Creek Coal and Oil Company was organized in March, 1865, 
 with Andrew Dutcher, W. H. Armstrong, Elias S. Lowe, Fletcher Coleman 
 an^ Frederick Lovejoy, members. The object was to develop the mineral 
 lands in Fox township. This company drilled a well on this land .... The 
 Noble Coal and Oil Company was incorporated in February, 1865, with 
 Orange Noble, George B. Delamater, John W. Hammond, John H. Bliss and 
 Herman Janes, for the purpose of developing coal and oil lands in Fox town- 
 ship. The company still own their lands, but the timber has been sold to 
 Oyster & Short .... The Kersey Coal Company was incorporated in 1866 for 
 the purpose of mining coal in and around Kersey. 
 
 Kersey derives its name from the original owner, who came in 1812-18 
 with James and David Reeseman, John Kyler, Jacob Wilson, Elijah Mere- 
 dith and others, who crossed from Boon's mountain to Elk creek, where Mr. 
 Kersey built his mill and connected it with the settlements by a road from 
 Reeseman' s to Jacob Wilson' s and thence to John Kyler' s via Merediths. Eras- 
 amus Morey traveled this road in 1815, when it was a bridle path. The next 
 road was from Clearfield to Bennett's branch, and the next from Karthaue to 
 Bennett's branch, cut through in 1822, for Peter A. Karthaus, by Leonard 
 Morey for |12 per njile. Julius Jones came in March, 1854. from Essex 
 county, N. Y. , and settled on the Potter survey, where he bought the Thayer 
 ■& Sisson saw-mill, which was burned in 1855. About 1833, Kersey's mill 
 on the Karthaus and Ridgway road was built. Prior to this, many settlers 
 came in, among whom, were those pioneers referred to in the general chapter 
 and in the pages devoted to biography. 
 
 Centreville was platted for John Green in November, 1846. Thirty years 
 later there were the following business bouses at this point: one grocery, one 
 drug store, two taverns, a temperance hotel, two breweries, two shoe shops, 
 two blacksmith shops, a wagon shop and a harness shop. The post-office in 
 1876 was called Kersey's. The mail was brought here by horseback. Conrad 
 Caseman carried it back and forth from Milesburg to Smethport weekly, mak- 
 ing a journey of 145 miles. A Catholic church also stood here at this time. 
 
 The church of St. Boniface (Catholic) is the succeesor of the old church 
 at Irishtown, which was old when the pioneers of St. Mary' s passed here in 
 1842. It dates back about fifty-seven years, and among the survivors of its 
 early members are Nancy Callahan, Messrs. Largay and Sullivan, John Col- 
 lins, Sr. , and Joseph Koch, Sr. The settlers built the church at Irishtown 
 (or Kersey, by which name it is still known) a few years after the settlement. 
 Some of the names of the clergymen attending to Catholics there: Fathers 
 Nugent, Dean, Pendegrass, Coady (still living, and rector in Titusville, Penn., 
 of St. Titus Church) and Smith, who became the first resident pastor, a house 
 having been erected for his use, and which is yet standing. Father Burns 
 succeeded Father Smith. After him the Benedictine Fathers attended Irish- 
 town (1853), the first one of that order being Father Amandus, O. S. B., 
 
HISTOKY OF ELK COUNTY. 663 
 
 Father bdilo, O. S. B. , succeeded, and it was during his term as pastor that 
 the present church (1853-54) was built, where it now stands, two acres of 
 ground having been donated by a Mr. Green. Many Germans having settled 
 in Centreville and neighboring farms, other Benedictine Fathers continued to 
 officiate, some of whom are still living, viz. : Fathers Placidus, Eupert Seiden- 
 busch (bishop of .Northern Minnesota), Fathers Ignatius (at present attached 
 to the Benedictine order in England), Erhardt, Athanasius (who built the pa- 
 rochial house in 1862— still standing). From the year 1867, secular clergy 
 were pastors, the first one being Father Joseph Oberhofer, who died as pastor 
 of St. Joseph's Church, January 16, 1889. Then came Father A. M. Wirz- 
 field, in 1869, who died in a very short time after leaving Centreville in 1870. 
 Father F. J. Hartmann next became pastor, during whose term the church was 
 enlarged. In 1878 Rev. A. Reck came, and in 1880 Rev. T. J. Clark was ap- 
 pointed assistant, who was succeeded by Rev. E. J. McGinley. In 1882 
 Father Reck resigned, on account of old age, when Rev. P. Brady took charge 
 and presided over the parish until 1884, when the present Father Link was ap- 
 pointed. The parochial school-house was erected in 1884-85, by the con- 
 tractor, Joseph Wandell, at a cost of 14,000, under his superintendence; im- 
 provements were made in church and parsonage, and new cemetery grounds 
 purchased and surveyed. There are 150 families in the congregation, most of 
 whom are of German descent or nativity. 
 
 The Kersey Methodist Church was chartered September 26, 1885, on peti- 
 tion of J. C. Wharton, John Marsh, Joe Wandel, I. Harvey and S. Michael 
 Free. The church building at Centreville was completed April 26 of that year. 
 The names of pastors who have served this church are Revs. H. M. Burns, J. 
 A. Hovis, S. E. Ryan, A. L. Brand, O. H. Nickle, P. D. Runyan, and Thomas 
 Pollard, the present pastor. 
 
 The Kersey Grange Building Association petitioned for incorporation in 
 January, 1878. William McCauley, W. H. Meredith, R. T. Kyler, C. E. Green, 
 N. G. Bundy, W. W. Rogers, David, R. J. and W. H. Meredith and Hays Kyler 
 were named directors. 
 
 Adelphi Hut, O. O. of H. , was organized at Centreville November 4, 1882, 
 with the following-named officers: C. R. Fritz, John McKelloph, A. H. Rambo, 
 J. M. Cornell, Z. A. Anderson, B. Smith, Gust. Lurndgust, George Brown and 
 H. Swanson. 
 
 St. Boniface Beneficial Society was incorporated September 17, 1883, with 
 office at Centreville. The subscribers were Charles Mueller, Michael Fuenf- 
 finger, Martin Koch, Charles Brandmiller and F. X. Eberl. 
 
 The Centreville Cornet Band was organized in January, 1887, with A. 
 Hann, F. X. Eberl, M. J. Fuenffinger, John Brandmiller and Max Miller, di- 
 rectors. 
 
 The Centreville Foundry was established in 1 853, by William Wood .... 
 The Collins Hotel at Centreville was destroyed by fire July 30, 1880, and three 
 valuable horses were burned in the stable .... The Koch store-building here is 
 certainly one of the largest and best-stocked mercantile houses in the county. 
 
 Earleyville, eight and one-half miles east of Ridgway, was laid out by Dr. 
 Earley in 1865. In 1876 a Presbyterian church, the terminal buildings of the 
 Daguscahonda Railroad, a tannery, a few stores and several dwellings existed 
 here The Earleyville fire of March, 1883, destroyed the J. A. Mohan build- 
 ing, in which C. S. Luther kept store .... The old Presbyterian house of worship 
 at this point is sometimes used. 
 
 Dagus Mines is the name appropriately bestowed on the great mining center 
 of the county. As stated elsewhere, the village owes its beginnings and prog- 
 
664 HISTOEY OP ELK COUNTY. 
 
 ress to the Northwestern Mining & Exchange Company, whose extensive coal 
 mines offer labor at fair pay to every willing worker. The Northwestern Min- 
 ing & Exchange Company's enterprise has contributed more than anything 
 else to the wealth of this township. Scarcely a decade has passed away since 
 the vanguard of the company's workmen presented themselves among the set- 
 tlers. David Eobertson, under whom the extensive mines of the company have 
 been developed, has been here from the beginning, and has always been held 
 in the highest estimation by the employees and people. A large clerical force is 
 employed by this company, while the names on the miners' pay-roll run up into 
 the hundreds. The postoffice was established here with J. H. Beadle in charge 
 about the time the Steele store was opened here. A. H. Sassaman has been 
 assistant postmaster for the last seven years. The Steele store dates back to 
 1880, when J. H. Beadle was sent here to conduct the house. The stock car- 
 ried is valued at about $20, 000. A branch house below Brockport is manage i 
 by W. V. Parmley, where a similar amount of stock is carried. 
 
 Elkton Presbyterian Church, one mile west of Dagus Mines, was organized 
 by C. P. Cummins, March 6, 1852, and Kev. McCurdy, elder of the church at 
 Beechwood. Among the members were Adam and Lucy ShafPer, B. P. Little, 
 Mrs. Eliza Mcintosh, Eliza Winklebleck and Eliza Maxwell. In 1855 Mrs. 
 Horning, Mrs. Taylor and Mrs. Meredith became members, and a number of 
 children and infants were baptized. In December a Eev. J. Wray signs the 
 records, and not until July, 1867, is the record re-opened by Horace Little. 
 From memoranda made, however, it appears that Rev. Mr. Junkin had charge 
 in I860 and Eev. Levi Little in 1866-67. Eev. T. S. Leeson of Brookville, 
 presided in 1865. The church at Dagus Mines is mentioned May 26, 1882, 
 when Eev. D. W. Cassidy, Horace Little and others moved to Dagus Mines. 
 At this time there were only seven members of the Elkton Church, all women: 
 Mmes. Ann Bell, Hollebaugh, Ann Meredith, Ann Taylor, Eosanna McCauley 
 and Eliza Green. Others joined at organization, such as Eobert Hodgson, An- 
 drew Euddack and J. Henry Beadle, who were chosen trustees and elders; 
 Sydney Almy, James Stratton, Thomas Leslie, John Lewis, James Lusk and 
 John Herskey, trustees; Mr. Beadle was chosen clerk; subsequently. Rev. S. 
 T. Thompson preached here. In 1885 Eev. Dr. Kennedy supplied the pulpit, 
 and in April, 1886, Eev. A. B. Fields was stated supply. In September of 
 that year Eobert F. Oswald took Mr. Beadle's place as clerk. The trustees 
 then elected were Messrs. Oswald, Brown, Bell,' Patterson, Craig and Went- 
 worth. During the years 1887-88 a number of members were received, and in 
 August, 1889, the little church erected in 1882 was refitted and painted. It 
 was dedicated by Eev. Dr. Kennedy of St. Mary's, August 25, 1889. The 
 present membership is twenty-five. Eev. James Dickson is pastor. 
 
 Messiah's Church of Toby, at Kyler's Corners, was organized by Elder J. D. 
 Boyer, October 18, 1857. Since that time Elders M. H. Moyer, Micajah Lan- 
 ning, J. Aldred, A. L. Brand and Nehemiah Stokely have filled the pulpit. El- 
 der S. Ebersole being the present pastor. The church house was dedicated 
 October 18, 1868, and this, with other property, is valued at $2,000. Mr. Eber- 
 sole preaches at Sterling Eun, Mason Hill, Hicks' Run, Mount Pleasant, 
 Mount Zion and Caledonia. The Adventists have a good church building in 
 Rich Valley. 
 
 In 1850 there were 142 families, 142 dwellings, 765 persons, 110 farms, and 
 8 manufacturing industries in Fox township. The population in 1880 was 
 2,256, including 444 persons in Centreville. In 1888 there were 261 Demo- 
 crats, 207 Republicans and 15 Union Labor votes cast The hotels and pro- 
 prietors of same, in 1889, were as follows: Andrew Hau, Hau's hotel. Kersey; 
 
<5, 
 
 n. 
 
 ,*'!'- 
 
 /i-u/rt^-t^&r ,CM/^ 
 
HISTOEY OF ELK COUNTY. 667 
 
 William Goodall, Eureka hotel, Dagus Mines; William Conners, Conners' ho- 
 tel, Coal Hollow; William Kierr, Kierr's hotel, Kersey; John Collins, Collins' 
 house. Kersey; Lewis Thomas, Exchange hotel. Kersey; John Koch, Koch's 
 
 hotel, Kersey, and George SpuUer, Spuller house, Kersey The assessment 
 
 of 1889 shows 3, 598 acres, and 2, 000 acres of mineral lands credited to the 
 Hyde estate, and 3,425 to Earley, Brickell& Co. The manufacturing interests 
 assessed were: B. J. Boutzer, saw- mill; Joseph Reburo, saw-mill and limekiln; 
 E. F. Johnson, saw-mill; John Koch, saw-mill; Charles Miller, tannery; Mer- 
 edith's saw-mill; John Spillane, new and old mill, and Urmann's brewery. 
 
 CHAPTER XIII. 
 
 HIGHLAND TOWNSHIP— HORTON TOWNSHIP— JAY TOWNSHIP. 
 
 Highland Township Its Confokmation— Growth— Business— Elections. 
 
 HoRTON TowNsHir General Description — Minerals — Villages — 
 
 Churches — Elections, etc. 
 
 Jay Township Streams— Elevations, etc. — Resident Tax-payers in 
 
 1844— Business in 1850— Coal and Oil Companies— Census Statistics- 
 Elections— Caledonia— Miscellaneous. 
 
 HIGHLAND TOWNSHIP is the name given to the broad, flat hills of 
 Elk county. The Big Level ridge, extending from Tylersburg, in Clar- 
 ion, to Howard hill, in McKean, crosses the northern part of Highland, its ele- 
 vation along the railroad varying from 1,912 feet on the line of Forest county 
 to 2,071 feet on Spring creek summit. On the line betwben Warrants 3776 
 and 2005, the elevation is 2,005; old school- house on Warrant 3776, 1,850 feet, 
 and the point where Bear creek crosses the Warren- Eidgway turnpike, 1,825 
 feet. In Revolutionary days, and indeed up to 1880, the "Big Level" was 
 the only sure guide for the traveler in this region. The pine and hemlock 
 forests of Highland appear to have been more dense than in any other sec- 
 tion, and this, added to the fact that the streams run in all directions and the 
 grades of the plateau slopes are so easy, made exploration very difficult. Evi- 
 dences of the old military road of Revolutionary days are said to exist on the 
 ' ' Big Level ' ' both here and in McKean county. This ridge is comparatively 
 level all the way to Howard hill, the elevation being gradual. Tionesta creek 
 forms in the northern part of the township within the angle formed by the 
 Eidgway turnpike and Kane road. Spring creek heads on the divide north by 
 west of Highland, with southern feeder flowing from Spring creek summit. 
 Bear creek is found everywhere south of Highland village and east of a line 
 drawn south from Spring creek summit, while Big, West Pigeon and Hunter 
 runs, with numerous feeders, are found in the southwestern quarter. The 
 Pittsburgh & Western Eailroad almost parallels the Eidgway and Warren 
 turnpike. Little had been accomplished up to 1884 toward developing the 
 coal deposits of this township, except a digging on the Stubbs farm, although 
 coal was known to exist on warrant 3776 and other places. 
 
 In 1850, in Highland township (opened that year) were four dwellings, 
 four families, thirty-three persons and two farms. The population in 1880 
 
668 HISTORY OF ELK COUNTY. 
 
 was 261. In 1888 there were thirty-seven Eepublican, eighteen Democratic 
 and nine Prohibitionist votes cast, representing 320 inhabitants. 
 
 New Highland post-office was esfabliehed in December, 1853, with Charles 
 Stubbs postmaster. The fiist mercantile house in Highland township was 
 opened in 1880 by H. O. Ellithorp. To-day there are only two hotels in the 
 township: George C. Kicker's Jamestown House, at Jamestown Mills, and 
 Anthony Deet's Jack Waite Ecad Housf, at Chaffee Siding. In the northern 
 part of the township, on Tionesta creek, is James City, the site of James 
 Brothers' saw-mill. It is connected with the owner's office at Kane by tel- 
 ephone and with the Tionesta Valley Railroad by a siding. 
 
 The officers of Highland township chosen in February, 1890, are H. E. Van 
 Oiman, justice; A. Maxwell and J. C. Eicker, supervisors; B. Havencamp, Jr., 
 clerk; H. O. Ellithorp, collector; H. Gorton, treasurer; A. W. Irwin and C. A. 
 Ellithorp, school directors. 
 
 HOBTON TOWNSHIP. 
 
 Horton township lies mostly within the fourth bituminous coal basin, and 
 with the exception of a part of the northern sections, is drained by Toby creek. 
 Many of the hilltops reach an elevation of over 2,100 feet, one summit at 
 George Faust's house was found to be 1,960 feet, and the lowest point, where 
 the Toby flows into Jefferson county, 1,463.8 feet. The population in 1880 
 was 688. In 1888 there were 116 Eepublican, 102 Democratic and 10 Prohibi- 
 tionist votes cast, representing 1,140 inhabitants. In 1864-65 mining oper- 
 ations were regularly commenced in this township. The location is about half 
 a mile northeast of the Shawmut Company's store, at Shawmut, or three-fourths 
 of a mile northeast of Mine No. 7, opened in 1867, to take its place as a pro- 
 ducer. The elevation of the first is 1,725, and of the last-named 1,685 feet. 
 Near the former. No. 15 mine was developed in 1864, but closed down in 
 1865-66, owing to the difficulty of shipping the product. About 3,600 feet 
 west of No. 7, was the water vein opening. 
 
 East of Brockport, 1,685 to 1,695 feet above tide, a great exposure of lime- 
 stone occurs, and has been quarried for years. Limestone outcrops in rear of 
 the old hotel on the Hyde faim, on Toby creek, at an elevation of 1,980 feet, 
 in the bed of the creek, near the county line and at many other places. 
 
 The village of Hellen is 'located on Little Toby creek, near where Brandy 
 Camp creek joins it. It is on the road from Eidgway to Brookville. Daniel 
 Oyster, the Brockways and Clarks were early settlers. George Nulf, an old 
 hunter of Hellen, fell from his look out in a tree, while watching a deer lick, 
 and died May 29, 1871. 
 
 Shawmut is a town of about seventy-five houses, thirtj' of which are already 
 occupied. It contains one large store, by Brinker & Jones, besides offices 
 and other necessary buildings which go to make up a general mining town. 
 The coal works of Brinker & Jones are situated down Mead's run, about two 
 miles, and are now being superintended by George Young, of Eed Bank, Penn., 
 who pushes business along much to the satisfaction of employees and em- 
 ployer. 
 
 The Vineyard Eun Mills, owned by J. S. and W. H. Hyde, J. K. P. Hall, 
 and A. Kaul, fourteen miles south of Eidgway, were built in 1883, with a ca- 
 pacity of 40,000 feet of bill lumber per day. The company owned 13,000 acres 
 of pine land in that neighborhood. 
 
 Brandy Camp may be termed the mother of settlements in the south- 
 western townships. In 1818 Isaac Horton settled here, and around this pioneer 
 other settlers located, such as the Brockways. In 1826 the first school-house 
 
HISTORY OF ELK COUNTY. 669 
 
 was erected, and in it Olive Brockway presided over a smalj number of pupils. 
 In 1829 Minerva Horton, one of Miss Brockway' s first pupils, was the second 
 teacher. She also presided over the school established that year on the Little 
 Toby. In 1867 the township was established, and the year following it was 
 established a school township. Charles A. Brown, a native of the county, is 
 superintendent of the Hyde farm and hotel at this point. 
 
 Brockport is a progressive village, on the Little Toby, above the mouth of 
 Mead's run. Years ago the manufacture of lumber was commenced in this 
 neighborhood by Chauncey Brockway, Sr. In 1884 Nulf & Chamberlin estab- 
 lished their grocery store; ten years before this John Cuneo's general store 
 was established; William H. and Alonzo S. Horton' s store dates back to 1885. 
 In 1889 C. L. Chamberlin purchased W. H. Horton' s interest in this store. 
 There are other general stores, grocery stores and hotels, with the lumber 
 manufacturing concerns of James Curry & Son, Gillingham, Garrison & Co. 
 (1883 — Eichard Torpin, Jr., resident partner and manager) — and others. The 
 Clintons settled in this vicinity in 1843 and H. A. Parson in 1869. 
 
 The corner-stone of the Methodist church building at Brockport was 
 placed July 4, 1889, and the church was dedicated October 27, by Mr. J. A. 
 Hovis, the pastor .... The Iddings House, at Brockport, was built in 1886-87. 
 Horton City is the name given to a new manufacturing center on Mead 
 run, near the old Mead Eun school-house. Here is the large general store of 
 Burr E. Cartwright, and his shingle and planing-mills. Here too, are the large 
 saw-mills and lath-mills. The standard gauge railroad system, connected with 
 the works, is seventeen miles in length, equipped with five locomotives and 
 fifty logging cars. The name was given in honor of W. H. Horton, who, in 
 1885, commenced the true development of this section. 
 
 Mead Eun claims a general store in connection with the Cartwright lum- 
 ber industries. In 1889 the contract for building 100 dwellings for the em- 
 ployes of the Northwestern Mining and Exchange Company, was entered into, 
 and the development of this section was entered upon. 
 
 Bradford I. Taylor, born at Brandy Camp, near Eidgway in 1844, died in 
 August, 1885. About the time of the war, he was superintendent of the coal 
 mines at Shawmut, and in 1875 made a purchase on the Quintuple tract .... In 
 October, 1879, the Shawmut Coal Company awarded the contract for taking 
 up their railroad track to Hyde, Kline & Co. 
 
 The Messiah's Church of Toby was organized for incorporation in June, 
 1869, with the following- named members: Elias Moyer, Adolph Kepler, W. 
 Gibson, H. M. Gross, George Dills, H. Thompson, J. Coleman, Jacob Moyer,^ 
 I. W. Hungerford, J. L. Taylor, J. W. Eogers, J. H. Graybill and Solomon 
 Bachert. 
 
 The Horton Township Grange (Coloma) was organized January 19, 1876, 
 with twenty-five members. W. H. Horton was elected master; J. G. Harris, 
 secretary ; Mrs. J. Burchfield, Ceres, and Mrs. A. D. Alden, Pomona, and Miss 
 Lilly Alden, assistant steward. 
 
 Brockwayville was, in early days, what it is now, the center of a great coal 
 and lumber industry, but it was not until recently that the great coal fields 
 developed to any extent. The town has a very good location, and the white 
 pine, which grows abundantly, is another scource of health. The population 
 is about 1, 200. The town contains three churches, two graded schools, a fine 
 opera house and numerous stores of all kinds, a brick bank building (erected by 
 the late John G. Hall, of Eidgway), three or four first-class hotels and one 
 newspaper (edited by Butler & Niver). In fact it has all the interests which 
 make a prosperous town. Although in Jefferson county, it is connected with 
 this section of Elk county in commercial and social life. 
 
670 HISTOKY OF ELK COUNTY. 
 
 The elections of Horton township in February, 1890, resulted in the 
 choice of James Jackson and James Dillon, supervisors; A. B. Sparks, justice; 
 A. D. Alden, treasurer; A. J. Allen, clerk; R. A. Cartwright and M. L. 
 Richards, auditors; Thalius Wingfield and William Shank, directors; E. D. 
 Alden, collector. 
 
 JAY TOWNSHIP. 
 
 Jay township lies east of the Boon mountain divide, with the exception of a 
 small tract in the extreme northwest corner. Bennett' s branch enters the town- 
 ship near the southwest corner, receiving Cherry run. Kersey run. Spring creek 
 and Trout run (flowing southeast) and Laurel run (flowing northwest). The first- 
 named creeks have their heads up in the Boon mountain divide, and flow down 
 with mountain sprightliness to join Bennett's branch. "What services those 
 streams rendered to the lumbermen of early days may be learned when it is 
 stated that all the square pine timber and spars were floated down such streams 
 to the branch and thence to the Susquehanna via Driftwood and Sinnemahon- 
 ing. In the pioneer history it is also recorded that one of the first bridal par- 
 ties canoed down the branch thirty-five miles in one day, or half the time oc- 
 cupied in poling up the same distance. 
 
 The highest measured elevation is 2, 265 feet above tide on the Centreville 
 and Caledonia road, just east of Auman's house. The lowest point is near 
 Rockville, 1,110 feet, where the branch leaves the township. Almost anywhere 
 the landscape is picturesque, but particularly so on the road from Horse-shoe 
 Bend southeast to Union church, or Goff's farm, and thence to Benezette vil- 
 lage. The formation of strata is almost identical with that credited to Bene- 
 zette township. 
 
 In 1871 A. E. Goff opened a bed of Clarion coal, which, in later years, is 
 known as Golf's big-vein opening. A number of years ago, said to be in 1843, 
 coal was mined here by the Warners, the vein being sixty inches in depth. 
 Reuben Winslow opened a bed northeast of .Gofl"s in 1874; another was opened 
 near V. Dennison's house, some distance from Dill's saw-mill. Early in the 
 ' ' forties ' ' John S. Brockway mined near the Spangler dwelling on the head 
 of Spring creek, and during the " seventies" from 1,000 to 1,500 bushels per 
 annum were shipped. The Turley mine in the neighborhood of the old log 
 house (John Thomas') was an eld producer. In 1876 the Burke, Cummins & 
 Bateman mines were opened in this township. 
 
 The resident tax-payers of Jay township in 1844 were Consider, James, Han- 
 nah, Vine S. , Alonzo, John S. and Martin Brockway, Sam Bell, Charles Brook- 
 ins, Elijah Bundy, Edwin Carnes, Charles Caldwell, Rensselaer and Schuyler 
 Crandall, Henry Clinton, Starr Dennison, Sr. , and son. Vine Dennison (saw- 
 mill), Daniel Dennison, P. F. Dering & Co., Henry Dering, Al. Farley, George 
 English, John, Shadrach, Oliver, Jr. , George W. and Elisha P. Gardner, Ed- 
 win P. and Potter Goff, Palmer and Ray Giles, Dick Gates, Ira Green, Zaccheus 
 Huycks, James B. Hutchison & Co.'s saw-mill, William Hicks, George Huller, 
 Eusebius, Noah and Almerin Kincaid, C. P. Luce, Thomas, Ellis and G. W. 
 Lewis, Benjamin, Eli and Charles Leggett, Erasmus, Ameneda, Selah and 
 Leonard* Morey, Dennis Moore*, Smith, John and Charles Mead, Sam Mosier, 
 Martin Maynard, Ezekiel McClellan, Comfort Nicholls, John McCracken, 
 Michael Noel, Sam Overturf, R. B. Petriken*, Alfred Pearsall, Zopher Pascoe, 
 Sam Paulley, Sol. Riggs, William and Lyman Robinson, Clarissa Rowland, 
 Ebenezer Stevens, John Smith, Chester Thayer, John Turley, Adam and David 
 Wheeler, Dr. Irwin H. Strong, Joel Woodworth, Patrick Whalen, Reuben, 
 Carpenter, E. C. and Charles Winslow, R. C. Winslow (owner of grist and 
 
 * Owners of silver watclies. 
 

 s ^ 
 
HISTORY OF ELK COUNTY. 673 
 
 saw-mill), Hezekiah Warner*, Jonathan Warner, A. B. Weed (owner of saw- 
 mill, grist-mill and tannery), Peter F. and Frederick Weed and William 
 Weaver. The unseated lands were owned by numerous persons. 
 
 O. Shipman & Co. and J. Z. Lindenmuth were merchants in 1850, and J. 
 Parkhurst, hotel keeper. Dr. Barley was physician at Kersey. 
 
 The Cherry & Trout Grove Oil & Mining Company was incorporated in 
 1864, for the purpose of developing mineral lands in Jay Township and other 
 places. Long, Whitham, Price, Wright, Pollock and Grant, were also mem- 
 bers of this company .... The Spring Run Oil & Lumber Company was incor- 
 porated in March, 1865, with Dr. Newberry, W. T. Martin, L. L Crans, 
 Amandus Beck and Charles Webb, directors, for the purpose of mining for oil 
 and coal in Jay township. The hemlock is now being stripped by the com- 
 pany .... The Benezette Oil & Coal Company was organized in March, 1865, 
 for the development of mineral lands in Jay township; William H. Martin, 
 Dr. Hickman, E. J. Graham, A. E. Smith and Joseph Eex were members. 
 
 In 1850 there were 50 dwellings, 51 families, 327 persons, .44 farms and" 
 7 manufacturing industries. . . .The population in 1880 was 600, including*70 
 inhabitants in the village of Caledonia. In 1888 there were 101 Republican 
 votes cast, 67 Democratic and one Prohibitionist, representing 845 inhabit- 
 ants. 
 
 The elections for Jay township were held February 27, 1844. Selah 
 Morey and E. C. Winslow were chosen justices; Charles Mead and Leonard 
 Morey, supervisors; I. D. Pascoe, constable; John Gardner, assessor; Eeuben 
 Winslow, Vine S. Broekway, Selah Morey, Adam W^heeler, E. Kincaid and 
 C. E. Gardner, school directors; Potter GofP, clerk; Reuben Winslow and A. 
 B. Weed, poor overseers; C. F. Luce, D. C. Moore and E. 0. Winslow, 
 auditors; A. B. Weed, judge, with V. S. Broekway and Ray Guile, inspectors 
 of elections; Jacob Ovel and John P. McCracken, fence viewers. C. F. Luce 
 was chosen justice in 1846; B. A. Weed, in 1849. The officers chosen in 
 February, 1890, are George Scull, justice; Thomas Dornan and Thomas 
 Frazier, supervisors; William Webb, treasurer; J. B. Miller, school director; 
 W. P. Layberger, auditor; C. J. Dill, overseer of poor; J. Weed, clerk, and 
 Eph Hewitt, collector. 
 
 The Caledonia settlement dates back to 1815. A man named Boyd, of 
 Schoharie county, N. Y., ovmed a large area in that vicinity. This he offered 
 to trade for farms in Schoharie and Montgomery counties, N. Y. , and among 
 the families who moved hither were the Brockways, Warners, Wilsons, Huycks, 
 Elder Nicholls (and his son-in-law Vial), and Hortons. In 1827 a road was cut 
 from this point to Eidgway, but in 1819 one was opened from Belief onte to 
 Meadville, running from ten to fifteen miles south of the Kersey and Caledonia 
 settlements. The village plat was made early in the "forties," and when the 
 county was established the first courts were held there in the old seminary, a 
 portion of which is still standing. 
 
 The Caledonia Bridge Company was incorporated March 8, 1848, and 
 Ignatius Garner, George Weis, Gerhard Schoening, Joseph Ganser, Adam 
 Vollmer, George Schaffer and G. E. Barrett were appointed commissioners 
 to open books for subscription to the capital stock, such moneys to be expended 
 on the constr action of a bridge over Bennett' s branch of the Sinnemahoning at 
 Caledonia. .T .In March, 1882, the post-office was returned to Caledonia, from 
 the Eothrock dwelling, with V. Zurden, postmaster .... The Caledonia Coal 
 Company, of which W. S. Wallace is secretary, is a large and wealthy com- 
 pany, owning one of the largest tracts of bituminous coal lands in the State, 
 
 * Owners of silver watches. 
 36 
 
674 HISTORY OF ELK COUNTY. 
 
 the acreage of which, lying in Clearfield and Elk counties, aggregates nearly 
 34,000 acres, and all is underlaid with tine steam and coking coals. The Elk 
 Coal and Coke Company, one of the lessees of the Caledonia Company, of about 
 1,000 acres of this territory, is now successfully operating one of the finest 
 coking plants in the State at Glen Fisher, near Caledonia, producing such a 
 fine coke that it has sold the entire output of 100 ovens for a year to come. 
 Various applications from other operators for leases are being entertained, and 
 it is expected within the next few years to have the whole territory of the com- 
 pany dotted with collieries and coking plants. 
 
 Washington Camp, 437, P. O. S. of A. of Caledonia, was organized in 1889. 
 
 Jay Grange, P. of H. , was organized March 1, 1876, with E. McCullogh, 
 William Hewett, J. W. Mead, E. Hewett, R. Gardner, C. H. Scull, L. Rodgers, 
 G. W. Webb, Peter Hollabaugh, Mrs. L. L. Lucore, H. M. McCuUough, S. 
 E. Hewett and Mrs. H. W. Rodgers. 
 
 The Putnam Lumber Company was organized in May, 1882, with John B. 
 Putnam, W. H. Sloan and James N. Kline, members. The capital stock was 
 placed at $80,000, and Caledonia named as the place of business. The Caledonia 
 mills were erected in 1882 for this lumber company (at a cost of $100,000) 
 with a pine capacity of 130,000 feet and 19,000 feet of hemlock, or 17,000,000 
 feet during the season. In addition are the lath, shingle, flooring and planing 
 machines. In 1882 this company purchased the Fisher tract of 5,000 acres 
 on Bennett's branch and Laurel and Kersey runs. 
 
 The old Putnam saw-mill and timber lands at Caledonia (late the property 
 of James Corcoran) was sold to A. H. Dill, in February, 1890, for |6, 745, sub- 
 ject to a mortgage of about $43,000. 
 
 The post-ofifice of Weedville is at the mouth of Kersey run. It lies on the 
 Low Grade Railroad .... John Boyd, who was the first settler, built a saw-mill. 
 Frederick Weed and Capt. Weed, who was the father of Judge Charles Weed, 
 of Ridgway, bought the works of Mr. Boyd. 
 
 CHAPTER XIV. 
 
 JONES TOWNSHIP. 
 
 General Conformation— Coal Basins and Mines— Besident Tax-payees 
 IN 1841 — Elections — Sketch of the Early History of the Township- 
 Villages, ETC.— Wilcox— What the Town is Noted for— Post-office- 
 Business, etc.— Population — Churches- Societies 
 
 JONES TOWNSHIP lies west of the Appalachian chain, with the exception 
 of a small area in the Atlantic basin east of a line drawn north and south 
 from Jarrett summit, 2,245 feet, whence the north fork of West creek, Clear 
 creek and the headwaters of Driftwood creek flow toward the Susquehanna. 
 The headwaters of the Clarion flow into and through this township west of 
 the divide, Seven-Mile, Instanter, Straight, Jarrett, Middle, Crooked and 
 Johnson creeks entering the East Clarion at and above New Flanders. The 
 West Clarion receives numerous tributaries in its course south through the 
 center of the western half of the township, which it leaves above Wilmarth at 
 an elevation of 1,460 feet. Big Mill creek rises near the northwestern corner. 
 
HISTORY OF ELK COUNTY. 675 
 
 and Tionesta creek in that corner. The Johnson run basin, east of Wilcox, 
 is the leading agricultural district qf this township. Of the principal coal 
 basins, one lies between the East and West Clarion creeks, and includes the 
 Buektail mines, and the other between the West Clarion and the Bridgetown 
 and Highland settlements. In the first, two layers of coal, three feet and three 
 and a half feet, separated by eighteen feet of sandstone, shale and fire-clay, 
 were found before passing below 304 feet; while in the second, at the top of 
 Pistner's hill, similar veins were found before reaching 297 feet as reported in 
 1865. In both places inferior coal was found in seams at from 60 to 200 feet 
 below openings. On the line between warrants 3295-6, west on road leading 
 from the Catholic church to Pistner's, was Gen. Kane's limestone quarry, 
 showing about eight feet of hard, massive, blue limestone, in 1879, when it was 
 quarried to be burned in a kiln adjoining. The elevation of the top of lime- 
 stone at the quarry is 1,920 feet above tide, being higher than the coal at the 
 BucktaU openings. 
 
 The Buektail mines were worked in 1883, under Foreman W. H. Harris. 
 The elevation of the bottom at the lower of the two openings was 1,900 feet, 
 and the dip of the bed, east of south, 2. 5 to 8 feet per hundied. The two 
 gangways were 36 feet apart, each running north for about 135 feet, when 
 they changed to east of north and ran 275 feet. The average thickness of 
 coal here was 2.9; although at five openings made prior to 1883 the bed was 
 only sixteen inches thick. In 1876, however, a depth of three and a half feet 
 was discovered back of the outcrop. 
 
 In the eastern part of warrant 2610, a coal bed outcropped at an eleva- 
 tion of 1,970 feet at Weitofl's farm, northwest corner of warrant 2564, at 
 2,005 feet, and on Stone hill at 1,785 feet. At Westcott's old coal drift, south 
 of the forks of road at Catholic church, the Clarion coal was opened prior to 
 1883,. and south of Rasselas depot the- railroad was cut through a bed of this 
 coal from two and a half to three feet in depth. In the northern part of war- 
 rant 8291, a three-foot bed was worked, the shaft opening into bed being 1,775 
 feet above tide, while the bed at Johnson's spring, in warrant 8293, was only 
 1,740 feet above tide. In October, 1874, a Mr. Nolquist, under direction of 
 Oen. Kane, made an opening near Silver creek, at 1,775 feet elevation, 
 where the Schultz mine was subsequently worked. Four hundred feet west 
 of this, at 1,825 feet, another coal outcrop was worked, and in June, 1878, 
 coal beds were opened on the summit between Big and Little Mill creeks, 
 the product resembling the old Montmorenci coal. 
 
 The resident tax-payers of Sergeant township (later Jones township), in 
 1844, were Rasselas W. Brown, Erastus and Nathaniel Burlingame, John W. 
 Blake, Peter Beckwith, Walter Brush, Jedediah Brownell (father of Judge 
 Brownell of Smethport), Joel Demming, Joseph Freeman, Sumner Latham, 
 D. D. Miner, A. B. Miner, John Montgomery, Enos Sweet, John Mowatt, 
 Hosea Miriam, Tim B. Phelps, W. P. Wilcox, A. I. Wilcox, Ira Westcott, 
 John C. Johnson, Miami York and Ebenezer Lee. A. I. Wilcox was assessor. 
 In 1846 the names of Henry and G. T. Warner, Noah Strubble and Jacob 
 Post are found among the tax-payers of this township. 
 
 The elections for Jones township were held February 27, 1844. Erastus 
 Burlingame and Rasselas W. Brown were elected justices; Rasselas W. 
 Brown and Jacob Meffert, supervisors; Ira Westcott, constable; E. Burlin- 
 game, assessor; Ebenezer Lee, J. Montgomery, John W. Blake, Jacob Mef- 
 fert, Ira Westcott and R. W. Brown, school directors; J. C. Johnson, clerk; 
 D. D. Minor and J. Montgomery, overseers of poor; S. Latham, D. D. Minor 
 and Ira Westcott, auditors; R. W. Brown, judge, and J. C. Johnson and D. 
 
676 HISTORY OF ELK COUNTY. 
 
 D. Minor, inspectors of elections. Henry Warner was elected justice in 1849, 
 and R. W. Brown, C. H. Fuller and G. T. Warner in 1850. The officers 
 elected in February, 1890, are E. O. Aldrich, justice; C. O. Carlson, clerk; 
 C. H. Horner, collector; Martin Sowers, treasurer; Irving Schultz and 
 James H. Wells, school directors; Irving Schultz and Aaron Larson, super- 
 visors, and F. W. Aldrich, auditor. 
 
 In Jones township, in 1850, were forty-five families and forty-five dwell- 
 ings, 337 inhabitants, twenty-three farms and one industry (mill). The popu- 
 lation in 1880 was 1,427. In 1888 there were 218 Republican, 125 Dem- 
 ocratic and 3 Prohibitionist votes cast, representing about 1,740 inhabitants. 
 A large number of unnaturalized Swedes, and other foreign residents, swell 
 the total considerably. 
 
 In 1876 J. L. Brown contributed a sketch of the early history of Jones 
 township to the school history prepared by Mr. Dixon that year. He states 
 that the name is derived from Andrew M. Jones, who was owner of almost 
 all the 120 square miles embraced in this division of Elk county. Oliphalet 
 Covil was the pioneer who erected a log-house in 1836. In 1837 Isaiah 
 Wilcox, Beckwith, Crandall, Butterfield, Hewey, Updyke, Dix, Minor and 
 Buell located here. R. W. Brown, who came in 1838, was the only ante-forty 
 settler, who was a resident in 1876. Col. W. P. Wilcox came in 1840, having 
 settled just north of the line, at Williamsville in 1831. In 1837 James 
 Hewey was born, his being the first birth in the township. The first school- 
 house was erected in 1842, on the St. Mary's road. In 1843 a stone house 
 was built on the Smethport and Milesburg turnpike. The district was or- 
 ganized February 27, 1844, with R. W. Brown, Ebenezer Lee, Ira Westcott, 
 J. Montgomery, Jacob Meifert and J. W. Blake, directors. Peter Hardy pre- 
 sided over the school of 1842, until succeeded by Sibyl Beckwith. Octavia 
 Howard, J. Burlingame, Clarissa Warner, Mary Warner, Mary Fall, Amanda H. 
 Miriam (Mrs. Brown), E. Burlingame and Miss Walters taught successively 
 here, until the building was sold in 1857. In the stone building, Olive J. 
 Brown and J. Burlingame taught for a while. This house is still standing, 
 but little used. In 1845 a log house was erected on the road to the Sweet 
 farm, near the junction with the turnpike, in which Clarissa Warner, Emma 
 Howard, Miss Brown (Mrs. Chapin of Ridgway), Misses Medbury and Scull 
 presided successively. The Weidert school was built in 1858, and opened by 
 Gr. R. Allen, followed by J. L. Brown. The stone school-house built in 1856, 
 near the Warner farm, was abandoned shortly after. In 1859-60 the first 
 school-house at Wilcox was opened by Matilda Horton. This was sold in 
 1870, when the large school-building commenced in 1868 was partly finished. 
 In 1861 the Markert street house was built and opened by Jerry Burlingame. 
 
 Williamsville is a village on the Milesburg and Smethport turnpike. Hon. 
 William P. Wilcox used to reside at this place. It is near McKean county, 
 and is one of the longest established post-offices in Elk county. 
 
 This settlement, now called Rasselas, named in honor of Rasselas Wilcox 
 Brown, has a Catholic church dedicated to the honor of the Holy Cross. As far 
 as can now be ascertained, that parish dates back to 1855, as the baptismal 
 records show, and was attended by the Benedictine Fathers of St. Mary's until 
 September 20, 1874, when it was affiliated to the Warren Mission, then in 
 charge of Rev. M. A. Delaroque, still pastor of that mission. In 1878 Rev. 
 Bernard Klocker became pastor of it. The new stone church was begun in 
 1884, and in 1886 work thereon was discontinued. In 1888 Rev. George 
 Winkler took charge of the mission, and work was resumed. It is a solid 
 stone church, 40x80, with slate roof of Gothic style. Forty families constitute 
 the congregation. 
 
^. <^c^^y&^. 
 
HISTORY OF ELK COUNTY. 679 
 
 The Rasselas Lumber Company was organized in 1882, with J. L. Brown, 
 P. S. Ernhout, W. W. Brown and H. H. Loomis, members. Their mills, at 
 the head of Johnson's run near the New York, Lake Erie & Western Rail- 
 road track, were erected that year, but were burned in 1884, when the present 
 large mill was erected. The company owned 1,300 acres of land. 
 
 Instanter, seven miles south of the site of Instanter of ancient times, is the 
 name of a new depot on the new C. & J. Railroad .... The tannery of Shultz 
 & Hoyt was established at this point, and opened in January, 1890. 
 
 New Flanders was once the settlement of a colony sent here by the Belgian 
 government. One Victor DeHam conceived the idea of colonization in Elk 
 county, and in 1846 he obtained a number of Belgian colonists by contract, and, 
 with DeHam as leader, New Flanders was founded. Bat DeHam had not 
 carefully computed the cost of such an experiment, and in a brief period his 
 money gave out, and the colonists, abandoning the enterprise, went to work 
 elsewhere. Many descendants of these Belgians are still living in the county 
 and are leading citizens. One old house, built in 1857, is all that remains of 
 the old city of New Flanders. But the town is now full of life, and its enter- 
 prises are backed by men of large means. Around on every side is a deep 
 forest of valuable timber, and here, on these bottom lands in and around New 
 Flanders, the mills will be built to do the cutting. Here are fine railroad and 
 water privileges, and elegant locations for factories. It is a very pleasantly 
 located village, consisting of two hotels, several stores, a meat market and 
 other industries. It is about two miles from Ketner by wagon road, on the 
 road fronl St. Mary's to Rasselas, and on the recently completed Johnsonburg 
 & Clermont Railroad. At or near the old settlement is the new one of Glen 
 Hazel. The name and wonderful growth of this little town came from the fact 
 that the firm of B. F. Hazleton & Co. have lately built a large saw-mill there, 
 and are building miles of railroad, peeling large quantities of bark, putting in 
 logs and other numerous work, giving employment to a large number of work- 
 ingmen who are the backbone of any lively business town. At this point the 
 Johnsonburg & Erie Railroads separate. The station on the Erie is called 
 Ketner, and was the post-ofiice for Glen Hazel until recently. The town has 
 several stores, restaurants, markets, boarding houses, etc. The post-office was 
 established in July, 1889, with Mr. Watson in charge. 
 
 Wilcox, named in honor of Col. A. I. Wilcox, is located fourteen miles 
 north of the county seat on the Philadelphia & Erie Railroad. It is noted for 
 its immense tannery, for one of the best hotels in the State, for its palatial res- 
 idences, its intelligent men and its charming women. The first post-ofiice at 
 the place was opened by A. I. Wilcox, in 1858 or 1859, with A. T. Aldrich as- 
 sistant. The last-named was de facto postmaster, but was not commissioned 
 until 1860, since which time he has filled this position. The sale of stamps for 
 year ending June 13, 1889, amounted to |1,553. A newspaper correspondent, 
 referring to this official in 1889, says: " It looked strange, yet it proved true, 
 that a man who had been guilty of ' offensive partisanship ' ever since he was 
 a man grown, was still receiving a salary as postmaster under a Democratic ad- 
 ministration. The only explanation we could gather for this state of affairs 
 was that no Democrat wanted the office who was qualified to hold it, therefore 
 Aldrich was left in possession. It looks now very much like a life lease. At the 
 post-office we met those old Republican war horses, Jim Malone and Jog Tam- 
 bini, the former as hale and hearty as when he was serving his country in Com- 
 pany F, of the old Fifty-eighth." 
 
 The pioneer store was built by A. I. & Lucius Wilcox, who carried on bus- 
 iness until 1861, when A. T. Aldrich purchased the stock and carried on bus- 
 
6S0 HISTORY OF ELK COUNTY. 
 
 iness until February, 1866, in the old store, where the tanning and lumber 
 company's store now is. The building and office in rear were destroyed by 
 fire at that time, and immediately Mr. Aldrich erected his present store. 
 
 The present Wilcox House was completed in the fall of 1858, and opened 
 by Thomas J. Goodwin. He was succeeded by John A. Eoss, Mr. Morrison, 
 Mrs. Clemmens, Louis Arner, John A. Bell and Ed. Eichmond, followed by 
 Capt. Cleveland, a colored employe of Maurice M. Shultz and a whaleboat man, 
 who remained a few years, when Mr. Patterson leased the house, after whom 
 came Fred Sohoening and then the present host, H. N. Harris, ^he hotel is 
 admirably conducted. . . .The elegant residence built by Col. Wilcox is now the 
 property of Irving Schultz. 
 
 The tannery at Wilcox was built in 1870 and rebuilt and enlarged in 1885. 
 It employs 250 men inside and 50 outside. In the summer employment is 
 given to 400 bark-peelers. It has 723 lay-away vats, and 6,000,000 pounds of 
 leather are tanned yearly, which represents 333,000 sides, over 1,000 sides of 
 leather every working day of the j'ear. The tannery consumes from 24,000 
 to 25,000 cords of bark yearly, which is peeled on the company's own lands. 
 A well-equipped broad-gauge railroad, with cars, engines and side-tracks, is 
 among the judicious accoutrements that enable the firm to transport bark and 
 material from the forests to and around the complicated sidings that gridiron 
 the property for six miles. As the supply of bark is one of the most urgent 
 necessities of a tannery, the elder Shultz made liberal provision, to which the 
 sons have made some very handsome additions, by way of increased acreage. 
 They now own in fee and control the bark and lumber on 40,000 acres of 
 land in the counties of Elk and McKean. It is lighted by both electricity and 
 gas, and so also is the town. Gas is used in the furnaces in connection with 
 tan-bark for making steam. There are thirteen boilers, representing about 
 700 horse-power, which furnish steam for nine engines, eight large steam 
 pumpers and five power pumpers. There are ten rolling machines, which are 
 kept running night and day. Some very large buildings, constructed entirely 
 of lumber, occupy the major portion of the land used exclusively for the tan- 
 nery, chief of which might be mentioned the three drying, washing, engine, 
 polishing and vat-houses. Seven hundred and twenty-three vats, seven feet 
 wide by nine feet long, and five and one-half feet deep, the actual capacity 
 of the concern, make it pre-eminently the largest tannery in the world. This 
 great industry was established by Maarice M. Schultz, who came into the wilder- 
 ness about twenty-six years ago. Over $1,000,000 capital are invested in the 
 tannery, in the town of Wilcox, in the railroad tracks and sidings and general 
 paraphernalia, indispensable to the successful conduct of such a mammoth 
 establishment. Employer and employes work in perfect harmony kt Wilcox, a 
 hamlet having a population of 1, 200 people, who subsist, directly or indi- 
 rectly, upon the prolific income of the business. Cozy two-story houses are 
 provided for most of the tenants. A handsome residence is furnished the 
 superintendent, A. A. Clearwater, who lives on elevated ground overlooking 
 the hundred or more acres occupied by the town and tannery. The present 
 owners are Norman and Irving Shultz. The former attends to the buying of 
 hides and selling of leather in New York, while Irving resides at Wilcox, and 
 looks after the management of the tannery and the extensive gas and oil 
 interests of the company. 
 
 The oil field, five miles north of Wilcox, at Burning Well, is controlled 
 exclusively by Mr. Shultz. 
 
 In October, 1887, Capt. John Ernhout leased the large saw-mill at Wilcox, 
 and increased its capacity to 110,000 feet per day, and is still its operator .... 
 
HISTORY OF ELK COUNTY. 681 
 
 The Wilcox Land & Mining Company was organized in January, 1867, with C. 
 H. Duhring, E. N. Rathbun, E. Bundle Smith, S. H. Horstman and A. I. 
 Wilcox, members. The object was to develop the mineral lands in Jones 
 township, and in the neighborhood of the Wilcox saw-mill. In 1887 the 
 property of this corporation was sold to H. A. Duhring. 
 
 The banking house of J. L. Brown was established in the summer of 1885, 
 and the present bank block was erected in 1887. 
 
 Wilcox, in 1870, claimed a population of 1,100, where three years before a 
 little hamlet with a population of 100 existed. The tannery, completed in 
 January, and in operation, employed 300 men, and the monster sawmill 
 employed about fifty men. Capt. Cleveland conducted the Wilcox House; 
 • James Malone, a jewelry store, and A. T. Aldrich, a general store. Six years 
 later the Schultz well was di'illed, and several oil ventures inaugurated. 
 
 The Eeformed Church of Wilcox petitioned for incorporation February 25, 
 1873. A. B. Preston, Andrew Fenn, Benjamin Bevier, J. L. Brown, Theo. 
 Cook, J. B. Wells, H. M. Campbell, and E. G. Fuller were the petitioners. 
 This society occupied a room in the public school until 1874, when the present 
 church was completed. 
 
 The Wilcox Presbyterian Church was incorporated May 28, 1883, with Dr. 
 A. M. Straight, W. G. Brown, P. S. Ernhout, H. Winning and J. C. Malone, 
 trustees. This society is the successor of the Eeformed Church of ten years 
 before, and holds the property of the old church, worshiping in the house 
 erected in 1874. Rev. T. S. Negley filled the pulpit for about six years prior 
 to September, 1888, since which time Mr. Amy, of Kane, has preached here 
 regularly. 
 
 The Catholic Church of Wilcox dates as far back as the Kane congre- 
 gation, but until 1889 the people had no proper church edifice. In that year 
 steps were taken by the Eev. George Winkler, its pastor, to erect a new frame 
 church. It has about twenty-five families, and cost $1, 500. 
 
 The Swedish Evangelical Lutheran church was erected in 1885. Services 
 were given by the pastor of Kane. 
 
 The Wilcox Cemetery Association was organized in January, 1876, with 
 fifty-three subscribers, A. I. Wilcox, A. B. Preston, A. T. Aldrich, Irving Schultz, 
 E. A. Westcott, Theo. Veiditz and J. L. Brown, being directors. The 
 improvement of the old cemetery was at once begun. 
 
 State Deputy G. W. Brown, of Youngsville, Penn. , organized a new lodge 
 of Good Templars in May, 1877, called Wilcox Lodge, with twenty charter 
 members, and the following-named officers: J. C. Malone, Laura M. Brown, 
 W. N. Longreen, Amanda L. Wilcox, J. L. Brown, Rev. W. H. HofPman, 
 H. W. Campbell, Mary Praut, Charles Bower, Mrs. W. H. HofPman, Mrs. A. 
 H. Brown, Mrs. M. L. Malone, Mrs. Laura McPherran, Jessie Aldrich, Prof. 
 W. S. McPherran; trustees, A. B. Preston, J. L. Brown and J. C. Malone. 
 
 Wilcox Lodge, No. 571, F. & A. M. , was constituted in June, 1887, by 
 the grand officers, when the following named officers were installed: O. M. 
 Montgomery, W. M. ; J. L. BroWn, S. W.; P. S. Ernhout, J. W. ; J. C. Malone, 
 treasurer; Carl Oldoerp, secretary. The officers for 1888 were Gurnee Free- 
 man, W. M. ; J. L. Brown, J. W.; P. S. Ernhout, J. W. For 1889; J. L. 
 Brown, W. M. ; P. S. Ernhout, S. W. ; Dr. J. S. Wells, J. W. Messrs. Free- 
 man, Clark and Van Ostin are members of the commandery. 
 
 Hiram Warner Post, 594, G. A. R. , was organized at Wilcox in December, 
 1889, with twelve members. A. A. Clearwater was elected commander. Col. 
 J. M. Grosh and other soldiers from Ridgway assisted at muster in. 
 
682 HISTORY OF ELK COUNTY. 
 
 CHAPTER XV 
 EIDGWAY TOWNSHIP— BOEOUGH OP EIDGWAY. 
 
 RiDGWAY Township — Streams, Elevations, etc.— Coal — First Comers- 
 Elections— Resident Tax-payers in 1844— Population— Villages— Mis- 
 cellaneous. 
 
 Borough of Ridgway Location, etc.— The Ridgways and Other Pio- 
 neers—Some First Things— Post-office, etc.- Municipal Affaiks— 
 Fires— Manufactures— Banks— Hotels— Churches— Cemetery Associa- 
 tion—Schools—Societies, etc. 
 
 RIDGWAY TOWNSHIP lies entirely west of the main divide. With the 
 exception of a few rivulets rising inside the west line, and flowing south- 
 west into Bear creek, all streams find their way to the Clarion — East branch, 
 Power's run and Elk creek entering from the east; Big Mill, Little Mill and 
 several smaller streams flowing south and southwest into the parent stream. 
 From Bridgetown, in the center of Johnson's run coal basin, to a point south 
 of Power' s run, the river flows against the dip of the rocks ; for the next 8,000 
 feet the dip of the rocks increases, and the strike changes from northeast and 
 southwest to a general westerly direction, while the river runs west in obedi- 
 ence. At the mouth of Little Mill creek, it takes a southwest course for about 
 eight miles, paralleling the strike of rock, and at fourteen places .running to the 
 strike, causing sharp angles rather than curves. At Eidgway it makes an ab- 
 rupt sweep north of west, and after receiving the waters of Big Mill creek, be- 
 low Eidgway, it takes the name "Clarion Eiver. " The hills rise from 300 to 
 600 feet above the river bed, which, at the north line of the township, is 1,460 
 feet above tide. At Boot Jack, said to be the highest point in this township, 
 the elevation is 2, 166 feet, while the lowest point is on the western line, near 
 the Little Toby, 1,321 feet. 
 
 From borings made for oil at Silver creek well, Johnsonburg well, Dickin- 
 son well and Eidgway Gas Company's well, it is learned that the total thick- 
 ness of strata is 710 feet, or 285 feet in coal measures; 325 in Mauch Chunk 
 and Pocono, and 100 in Eed Catskill. Of this total, about 400 feet appear 
 above the water level, and on the hills are huge sandstone and conglomerate 
 rocks, some 30x20 feet, which are now being cut up for export to Erie. This 
 rock is commonly called Johnson run sandstone, and is much prized by build- 
 ers; the front of the court-house is constructed of it. While much easier to 
 work and less expensive than granite, it meets all the requirements of granite, 
 except for heavy cornice work. 
 
 In January, 1879, a coal bed, two and one-quarter feet thick, was opened 
 on Hyde's hill by E. K. Gresh, which Carll pronounced to be Marsh burg 
 coal. The Wilmarth coal tract, on warrants 3285-4850, was opened exten- 
 sively soon after (1880), and given the name "Glen Mayo," as it was operated 
 by J. H. Mayo. The first mine on this tract was originally opened by Frank 
 Whitney, a Chicago detective, and John V. Daugan, a conductor on the Phila- 
 delphia & Erie Eailroad. The elevation of this coal-bed is 1,908 feet above 
 tide, or 461 feet above the track level at Wilmarth depot, or ninety-seven feet 
 below the summit of the hill. Prior to 1883 a number of coal drifts were 
 
^^l^W'^^^"' 
 
 ^ 
 
 U.^Vc'ui^ //l^ryi^^i 
 
HISTORY OF ELK COUNTY. 685 
 
 opened, several wells drilled for oil, without success, while gas wells, notably 
 Grant's, were successful. In 1870 the Fairwood coal mines were worked by 
 Heylmun & Woodward. 
 
 About the time the first settlements were made in Pox township, David 
 Johnson came from Salem, N. J., but when he learned of the Gillis settlement, 
 near Eidgway, in 1821, he moved away. The Gallaghers came about 1825, and 
 the following year a sister of Mrs. Gallagher (Hannah Gilbert) opened a school 
 at Eidgway. 
 
 About 1826 James L. Gillis commenced improving Montmorenci for Jacob 
 Eidgway. A road from Marvins via Bunker Hill to Eleven Mile Spring was 
 then in existence, and soon after opened to Eidgway. The Kersey saw-mill, 
 nine miles southeast of Eidgway, was brought into connection with the north 
 country later. 
 
 At the first election for Eidgway township, held February 27, 1844, 
 George Dickinson and Samuel Stoneback were chosen justices ; Caleb Dill and 
 Squire Carr, supervisors; David Thayer and E. B. Gillis, constables; W. H. 
 Gallagher, assessor; James Crow, George Dickinson, James Gallagher, D. 
 Thayer, John Cobb and Jesse Cady, school directors; Charles Horton, clerk; 
 W. M. Eedline and C. Horton, overseers of the poor; Henry Karnes, Thomas 
 Irvin and E. B. Gillis, auditors; Eiverius Prindle, judge of election, and 
 Charles Horton and Caleb Dill, inspectors. A. I. Wilcox was chosen justice 
 in 1846; James Gallagher in 1847; George Dickinson and Henry Souther in 
 1849; L. Luther, in 1850. The election for Eidgway township, in Feb- 
 ruary, 1890, resulted in the choice of O. B. Grant and Jacob Steiss, school 
 directors; John Otth and J. B. Bryant, supervisors; J. B. Bryant, O. of P. ; 
 F. C. Ely, auditor; B. F. Ely, treasurer; Peter Gulnack, clerk; Maurice Sher- 
 man, collector. The elections in Eolfe election district of February, 1890, re- 
 sulted in the choice of O. B. Grant and H. B. Edwards for school directors ; 
 John Otth and J. B. Bryant, supervisors; F. C. Ely, auditor; B. F. Ely, 
 treasurer; Peter Gulnack, clerk; Maurice Sherman, collector. 
 
 The resident tax-payers of Eidgway township, in 1844, were W. J. B. 
 Andrews (who owned two carriages and two patent lever gold watches), William 
 Armstrong (saw-mill), Watts Anderson (saw-mill), the Boston Lumber Company 
 (who carried a mercantile business and large saw-mill), W. S. Brownell, 
 Ephraim Barnes, Dave Beniger*, Pierce T. Brooks, Brooks & Morris, W. J. 
 Baxter, John Cobb*, W. M. Clyde, Job Carr (saw-mill owner), Zenas D. Clark, 
 Squire Carr, Philip M. Carr, Absolom Conrad, Jesse Cady, James Crow, 
 Caleb Dill * (blacksmith), George Dickenson* (who owned a watch and car- 
 riage), Adam Ditts, George Dull (sawmill), Henry Dull, Dennis Eggleston, 
 Fred Ely, Dave Fuller, Ezra W. Foster, Carlos Fuller, James Gillis* (owner 
 of saw-mill and gold watch), Caroline Gillis (owner of a horse and gold watch), 
 Eidgway B. Gillis, James Gallagher, William Gallagher, Silas German, John 
 Given, Dyer Harris, Hughes & Dickinson (saw-mill owners), Chester G. Hays, 
 Arthur Hughes, Peter Hardy, Joseph S. Hyde* (assessed $2,800), Charles 
 Horton*, Nathaniel Ide, Isaac Keefer, Henry Karnes, John Knox, Homer 
 Kendall, Thomas Lynde, John W. Blake, D. B. Munger, Jacob Meflert, Eob- 
 ert Mcintosh, Edward McQuone, Steve Miner, William Myres, Payne & Wat- 
 terson's saw- and grist-mill, Chester Payne, Jesse Paulley, Eiverius Prindle*, 
 Matthew L. Eoss. Willoughby M. Eedline, Jacob Eeeder, James S. Stratton*, 
 Ephraim Shall, Samuel Stoneback, David Thayer*, Orrin Van Currin, Corne- 
 lius Van Orsdell, Genet Eobert, Wilmarth & Co. , widow Maria Wilcox, Miner 
 Wilcox*, David Worden, Samuel Whisner, A. I. Wilcox, W. P. Weaver, Eben- 
 ezer Lee, John C. Johnson, Frances C. Maybury, Alex Beck, Garrett Corwin, 
 
 * Owners of lots. 
 
686 HISTORY OF ELK COUNTY. 
 
 David M. Fields (owner of a silver watch), Thomas Irvine, Alviu Eawley (hun- 
 ter), Charles Knapp* (sawyer), Henry Thayer, P. J. Berlin, David Reed, James 
 James, Edward Derby (owner of a saw-mill, buggy and silver watch), John J. 
 Ridgway's grist-mill, Dave Luther's saw-mill, Libbins Luther, Silas Blake 
 (saw-mill), Greenfield Blake, Hervey Gross, Peter Hufftailing, Thomas Schram, 
 Reuben McBride, Thomas Rielly, Michael White, Fred Marving, Jerry Carr, 
 Andrew Shaul, William Evans, John Knobsnyder, William Payne, Washington 
 Turk, Joseph Christie, Martin Campbell, David B. Sabins, Zachariah H. Eddy*, 
 Levi G. Clover*, John Grant, John Lukins, Noble P. Booth, Fred Keefer, 
 Charles B. Gillis (owner of a silver watch, and money lender). 
 
 In 1850 J. S. Hyde & Co. , Dickinson & Co. and Job Cobb, were dealers 
 in Ridgway township, and David Thayer and P. T. Brooks kept hotels. J. C. 
 Chapin and Henry Souther were the attorneys; Caleb Dill, postmaster. There 
 were forty dwellings, forty families, 241 inhabitants, seven farms and eleven 
 mills in the township. In 1855 Jerome Powell purchased the Whitney & 
 Horton interests in the store. The old store, now the oJBfice of W. H. Hyde, 
 was erected in 1852-53, and occupied as a store until 1876, when the Opera 
 House building was opened. There are twelve hands employed directly in this 
 store, and the stock carried is about $50, 000. The management of this large 
 store is left to C. F: Burleigh. 
 
 The hotels in Ridgway township at present are as follows: At Johnson - 
 burg, the Johnsonburg House, kept by John Foley; Central House, by J. 
 N. Brown and the Haley House, by Mrs. Annie Haley. At Daguscahonda, 
 the McGovern House, by James McGovern. 
 
 The population in 1880 was 1,480, exclusive of the borough. In Novem- 
 ber, 1888, the votes cast were 111 Republican, 107 Democratic and one Pro- 
 hibitionist, representing a population of 1,095. The great industries at John- 
 sonburg, however, employ a number of Swedes and others, who are not voters, 
 so that the number of inhabitants may be placed at 1,500. In 1850 there 
 were forty families of 241 persons in the township, forty dwellings, seven culti- 
 vated farms, and eleven saw-mills. 
 
 Johnsonburg (or Quay) dates its settlement back to the first decade of this 
 century, when the peculiar character described in the chapter on poineers came 
 hither to make a home. On the approach of civilized man, he fled, leaving the 
 wilderness without a white inhabitant for years. In 1882 one of the greatest 
 leather manufactaring industries in the world was established here by Stephen 
 Kistler's Sons, with Samuel Lowry as superintendent. The buildings were 
 completed that year, and the men in this busy hive, together with the hands 
 required to get out 12,000 cords of bark annually, transformed the place into 
 an industrial center of no small importance. This tannery turns out 2,720 
 hides per week, and the value of annual product is placed at 1665,900. The 
 present firm, Wilson, Kistler & Co. , own 125 acres, the site of their works, 
 but through them an immense area of hemlock is stripped annually. A cor- 
 respondent of the Erie Observer, visiting this place in September, 1887, tells 
 the story of its modern progress. He writes: "Perhaps the finest mount- 
 ain scenery in the State, and certainly the least known to tourists, is found 
 in the Elk mountain region near Johnsonburg. To see the grandest part 
 of the Elk mountains, one should take a carriage or horse from the John- 
 sonburg hotel and follow the excellent driveway to Rolfe, one mile, and 
 continue to Wilcox, six miles distant. Striking peaks, sharp and glitter- 
 ing as the Matterhorn, surround one on all sides. Crystal streams flow through 
 every valley, and the fair Clarion river supplies immense water-power for in- 
 
 * Owners of lots. 
 
HISTORY OF ELK COUNTY. 687 
 
 numerable manufacturing -plants. No lover of the grand or beautiful in nature 
 should fail to take a drive through and around Johnaonburg. What is known 
 as the Eocks is a wonderful piece of God' s masonry. Solid ice may be broken 
 off from these rocks in July and August. Besides being picturesque, John- 
 sonburg promises to become the emporium of a great business mart some day. 
 L. C. Horton is the leading merchant and business man of this place. One of 
 the largest tanneries in the United States, and owned by Wilson, Kistler & Co. , 
 is situated at Johnsonburg Junction. The monster planing-mill of Henry, 
 Bayard & Co. employs a large number of men. There are several fine hotels. 
 The Johnsonburg hotel, kept by L. 0. Horton [now by John FoleyJ, is a fa- 
 vorite place for summer tourists and business people. New buildings are 
 going up daily, and the latest is the Park Opera House and billiard hall, built 
 by Mr. A. Parks, one of our rising business men. Johnsonburg produces her 
 own gas, and her churches and schools are all lighted and heated by gas. 
 There is more freight handled here than in most towns of twice its size." 
 
 Quay post-office was established at Johnsonburg in January, 1888, with 
 John Foley, postmaster. At this time the place did not have oil wells, but gas 
 abounded. This, coupled with the unexcelled shipping facilities, brought the 
 paper-mill, which in its turn built up the town, and has increased the business 
 so fast that the post-office shows the receipts for the quarter ending August 1, 
 1889, to be upward of $335. It is now probable that before the post-office 
 is three years old it will be a presidential office, and before twenty-five years 
 old it will be a first- class office with free delivery. Isaiah Cobb is the present 
 postmaster. 
 
 The Clarion Pulp and Paper Company was incorporated November 26, 1888, 
 for the purpose of manufacturing paper at Johnsonburg. The stockholders 
 were M. M. Armstrong, L. D. Armstrong, W. S. Blakeley, Richard and Robert 
 Wetherill and G. B. Lindsey. The buildings were completed at once, and 
 another great industry brought forth among the hills. 
 
 On July 18, 1889, the Breeze was established, as related in the chapter on 
 the press, and with this new exponent of her resources abroad in the land, the 
 village bounded forward with gigantic strides. 
 
 In 1884 religious affairs were represented by a small Sunday-school and 
 a society, the Willing W^orkers, of which the officers were: president, Miss 
 Annie Golly; vice-president. Miss Mabel Reese; secretary, Miss Hattie Duncan; 
 treasurer. Miss Alice Paxton. 
 
 The Catholic Church was first attended, about six years ago, by Rev. Ber- 
 nard Klocker, and in 1888 Rev. G. Winkler began to build the new frame 
 church, which was dedicated October 6, 1889. The cost was $2,000. There 
 are thirty families belonging to the congregation. 
 
 The Methodist Society, of which Eev. J. E. Brown was pastor, worshiped 
 in the school-house, or attended the Union Church at Rolfe. 
 
 The Johnsonburg House is now presided over by John Foley, and the St. 
 Charles by James McCloskey. B. Searles carries on a restaurant. Mrs. 
 Wheeler conducts the Wheeler House, J. N. Brown the Central House, and 
 other hotels are being erected. Store buildings are also multiplying, and on 
 hill and in valley dwelling-houses of every character are beiug erected. 
 
 On the night of Febniary 28, 1890, two Swedes were burned up in a small 
 building at Johnsonburg. The burning men were in full view of the 
 onlookers. 
 
 The Clarion Breeze of January, 1890, refers to the Armstrong Brothers' 
 Pulp and Paper-mills, work on which commenced in November, 1888. It was 
 opened in July, 1889, and now gives employment to 130 men. C. H. Glover 
 
HISTORY OF ELK COUNTY. 
 
 is superintendent and E. Emeigh paper-maker. The Armstrong Brothers' 
 three gas wells supply fuel and light to the mills as well as to their forty ten- 
 ant houses. The Union Tannery, across the river, gives employment to 100 
 men. In one year the village grew from three hotels, one store and three or 
 four dwellings to a town of forty-six business houses and a number of dwellings. 
 
 Rolfe is a neighbor of Jobnsonburg, just across the Clarion. Here is the 
 great tannery of Wilson, Kistler & Co. , referred to in the history of Johnson- 
 burg. Here also is the 12,000,000-foot-lumber mill of Henry, Bayard & Co., 
 now operated by W. L. Devine. Henry, Bayard & Co. own several other mills in 
 this vicinity, and many thousand acres of timber, which will supply these mills 
 for many years. Their store is under the management of C. J. Johnson. Rolfe 
 had, perhaps, more dwellings than Johnsonburg, in August, 1889, but not very 
 many business places. A tine union church and a graded school building (not 
 completed) are ornaments of usefulness that Johnsonburg then was wanting in. 
 This Union Church association was organized in April, 1888, on petition of 
 G. W. Willan, W. W. Gore, J. M. English, Samuel Lowry, C. J. Johnson, H. 
 J. Baird and C. E. Danber. The Rolfe fire, of March 1, 1887, originated in 
 Henry, Bayard & Co' s. store, and swept it away, with the old store building of 
 White & Co., Devine' s ice-house and the Philadelphia & Erie depot. 
 
 Daguscahonda (or "The True Water"), a name suggested by Henry 
 Souther (an act not yet forgiven), contained thirty buildings in 1884, includ- 
 ing a school-house, a store, a large boarding-house, and a hotel not opened 
 until early in 1885. The extract works of Jackson S. Schultz and the large 
 saw-mill of Henry, Bayard & Co., are the manufacturing industries. H. H. Eaton 
 was superintendent of the extract works, which have a capacity of thirty-five 
 barrels of ten-pound extract per day. Here is the junction of the Earley 
 branch with the Philadelphia & Erie Railroad, but, apart from the industries 
 named, the glory of the place has departed, and there is nothing pretentious 
 about it to day, unless it be the strangely euphonious (?) name. In January, 
 1884, the house of Simon Hanes, at Daguscahonda, was burned, and with it 
 one of his children. L. N. Eggleston dashed into the fire and rescued the 
 second child and its grandmother. 
 
 The large saw-mill, owned by J. S. Shultz, is operated by William Locke, 
 for Hall, Kaul & Co. The extract works, built almost seven years ago, are 
 owned by J. S. Schultz and Nial T. Childs. John Klingel is foreman over 
 fifteen workmen, while William Benson has charge of the office. The main 
 building is 250x34 feet, and the other building proportionately large. The 
 capacity is from forty to fifty barrels of ten-pound extract per day. B. E. 
 Taylor is general merchant and postmaster; A. P. Larson, meat dealer, and 
 
 James McGovern, proprietor of the hotel The gas plant at Daguscahonda 
 
 was completed in January, 1890. 
 
 Whistletown. — Cobb, Gallagher & Fisher established a saw-mill at Whis- 
 tletown in 1846, and it was run by water-power. Early in 1848 they sold to 
 Palmeter & Phelps, who .operated the mill one year, when W. H. Post bought 
 Phelps' interest, W. H. Schram contracting to manufacture the lumber. In 
 1849 Mr. Schram superintended the rafting of the lumber, and after market- 
 ing it, ceased connection with the establishment. The mill was sold to B. F. 
 Ely & Co. , who disposed of it after some years, when Isaac Horton, Jr. , be- 
 came owner. G. T. Wheeler subsequently had an interest in the concern for 
 some time, but ultimately it became the property of Dr. Earley. In later 
 years Henry, Bayard & Co. became owners of this old water-mill in its modern 
 form. The name Whistletown was given to it, owing to W. H. Gallagher's 
 penchant for whistling. In 1876 the first school-house was erected there, and 
 
T 
 
 -*« 
 
 L^Jy;^ - ^ <=i^^i ^ 
 
HISTOEY 01^ ELK COUNTY. 691 
 
 Miss Lizzie Miller was appointed teacher. Previously teacher and pupils as- 
 sembled in a barn loft. 
 
 Miscellaneous. — The Crescent mills, built in 1851, by E. Derby, for the 
 Portland Land Company, sixteen miles below Eidgway, were in operation in 
 1851. The saw-mill had a capacity of 40,000 feet, while the grist-mill was 
 
 simply built for small custom work At Wilmarth a school building erected 
 
 years ago gave place to a new house in 1875, which was opened by J. E. Hew- 
 itt The school at Gulnack's was opened in 1876, by Eev. I. Brenheman, and 
 
 Eber Card opened another new school building at Gardner's— the old one hav- 
 ing been cut up by the male pupils. At Laurel Hill, school was held in a dwell- 
 ing-house for years, but abandoned in 1876, when the new school-house at 
 Boot Jack was erected. , 
 
 In March, 1878, the Island Run colony scheme was extensively advertised. 
 The owners of lands on warrants 4268-69 and 4376-77, five miles from Eidg- 
 way, were Hyde, Bradley & Co., and Earley, Brickie and Hite. Their idea 
 was to donate to each of one hundred settlers there twenty acres of land, re- 
 serving minerals and merchantable lumber. The Allentown Weltbote pictured 
 the beauties of the place, and, as a result, inquiries flowed in from all sides. 
 The owners issued a circular of warning, telling intending settlers to waii 
 until spring and not to come without money. 
 
 BOEOU&H OP EIDGWAY. 
 
 Eidgway is beautifully located in Eagle Valley, near the junction of Elk 
 creek with the Clarion, in longitude 1° 45' west and latitude 41° 26' north. 
 The population in 1880 was 1,100. In 1888 there were 161 Democratic, 158 
 Republican and 12 Prohibitionist votes cast, a total of 331, representing 1,655 
 inhabitants. The name is derived from that of Jacob Eidgway and John 
 J. Eidgway, the latter of whom died at Paris, France, in November, 1885. He 
 was the, only son of Jacob Eidgway, who, in 1817, purchased 80,000 acres in 
 McKean county, and 40,000 in Elk. The old proprietor died in 1844. The 
 early agents were Jonathan Colegrove, Paul E. Scull and James L. Gillis, all 
 deceased. In 1852 W. J. Colegrove succeeded his father as agent. All of them 
 favored this location for the county seat, and to them particularly the citizens of 
 the town are indebted for having the seat of justice fixed here. 
 
 Joseph Willis Taylor, who, in 1820, came to this county with his father, 
 Libni Taylor, died May 1, 1885. He aided in clearing the Montmorenci farm, 
 and it is said cut the first tree on the site of Eidgway, before James Gallagher' s 
 arrival in 1825. Henry Souther, in a letter on the subject of James Gallagher's 
 settlement, states that this pioneer preceded his family to the site of the pres- 
 ent town, and built a small house, which stood back on the old Gallagher farm, 
 when he purchased the property. Mr. Souther had the timbers of this house 
 used in a wash-house, and in recent years this building stood on'Main street, 
 opposite the court-house. It was 16x20, one story, and used successively for 
 various businesses. When Mrs. Gallagher and her sister, Hannah Gilbert, 
 arrived, the house referred to was completed. 
 
 Eidgway was laid out in 1833, when seven families resided here — the Ayles- 
 worths and Caleb Dill, west of the creek; Enos Gillis, J- W. Gallagher, H. 
 Karnes, Tom Barber and Joab Doblen on the east side. In 1834 the first 
 bridge across the Clarion at Eidgway was built, and also one over the north 
 fork at Bridgetown. 
 
 Mr. Gillis, with Mr. Dickinson, Arthur Hughes and Lyman Wilmarth, 
 owned the land north and west of the Clarion, in what is now known as West 
 Eidgway, and engaged in the business of lumbering, under the firm name of 
 
692 HISTOEY OF ELK COUNTY. 
 
 Hughes, Dickinson & Co. , which afterward became and continued Dickinson 
 & Co. These gentlemen laid out some town lots, but the sale of them was 
 very slow. Mr. Wilmarth had the one south of the turnpike, now Main 
 street, between the mill race and the river; Mr. Gillis, one east of the turn- 
 pike, as continued south to the race. John Cobb had two or three, and Caleb 
 Dill some two or more. On the east side of the river Mr. Ridgway caused a 
 village to be laid out, bounded south by the warrant line, west by the river, 
 north by Elk creek and east by James Gallagher' s land, and what was after- 
 ward known as the "Eough and Ready" property, lying on both sides of 
 Gallagher run. James Gallagher had a plat of about three acres on the 
 north side of the pike, and Enos Gillis a contract for the land north of Elk 
 creek, bounded west by the river. , 
 
 Ridgway, in April, 1836, as remembered by Mr. Schram, was a very little 
 village. Beginning at the western end of the present town, near the location of 
 Grant & Horton's tannery, was Dickinson's boarding house, Henry Gross' 
 house on the flat close by, then the saw-mill and a barn. There were no build- 
 ings from that point until coming to the school-house (bailt in 1834) adjoining 
 the old burial ground, opposite and below the Rochester & Pittsburgh Rail- 
 road depot of 1886. Next came Van Orsdall's plank dwelling. On the corner of 
 the Smethport road, on the site of M. E. Lessor's residence, was Caleb Dill's 
 dwelling, justice shop and post-of&ce, and across the road was his blacksmith 
 shop. Just above lived Stephen Neiver; at the northeast corner was John 
 Cobb's house, where Mrs. Dill resided in April, 1886. On the right side of 
 Main street, a few rods east, was James L. Gillis' home, then the store of 
 Gillis & Clover. Crossing the race bridge one came to George Dickinson's 
 home on the south side, the store being on the north side. The mansion 
 house was subsequently built west of the race on the north side of the street, 
 and George Clyde occupied a log cabin toward the dam. The bridge was a 
 16x12 inch stringer, resting on cribbing; teams forded the river, and in times 
 of high water, boats were used. On the east side of the stream stood the Ex- 
 change, owned by David Thayer, then Edward Derby's Old Red House, in the 
 cellar of which was the famous spring, above where Dillon's meat market was 
 located in 1886. Then came P. T. Brook's Lone Star Hotel, where Messen- 
 ger's drug store was in 1886; an old grist-mill stood back from the street near 
 the present Hyde mill. On Main street was the dwelling of M. L. Ross and 
 the old Dutch House of William Weaver; while on the right the court-house 
 was the only improvement. James Gallagher's store stood where was the 
 telegraph office in 1886, while his dwelling, then used as a temperance hotel, 
 stood on the corner. It was rebuilt in 1886 by John G. Hall. After leaving 
 the corner of Main street, was Mrs. Wilcox's dwelling, occupied by Minor 
 Wilcox, in 1886; Elk creek emptied into the Clarion at the point where is now 
 Dickinson's dam. 
 
 In the general history, it is stated that Reuben Aylesworth was the lirst 
 postmaster at Ridgway. This office appears to have been established in 1829. 
 Caleb Dill was postmaster in 1836, and evidently served until 1850, when John 
 Cobb was appointed. In November, 1851, the post-office was moved from 
 Cobb's old building, in the lower part of Ridgway, to his new store. W. N. 
 Whitney was appointed postmaster in June, 1853, vice John Cobb. Business 
 about this time was trifling, and the main street of the village was so quiet and 
 new that rattlesnakes sometimes appeared thereon. It is related that in Au- 
 gust, 1854, W. H. Post killed a reptile with seven rattles. Matthew L. Ross 
 succeeded Jerome Powell about 1857, as postmaster, and served until Mr. 
 Luther was appointed. This Luther was serving in 1868, when Dr. Bardwell 
 
HISTOBY OF ELK COUNTY. 693 
 
 arrived. In 1867 G. G. Messenger was appointed postmaster, succeeding 
 Lib. Luther. In 1869 J. H. Hagerty was commissioned postmaster, serving 
 until 1887, when G. G. Messenger was commissioned. On August 1, 1889, 
 Postmaster Messenger turned the office over to Mr. Hagerty. William A. 
 Irwin, the veteran deputy, has been continued. 
 
 Municipal Affairs. — The petition to incorporate Ridgway was dated Sep- 
 tember 23, 1880. The petitioners were Madams G. G. Messenger, A. M. Scribner, 
 J. Y. Barrett, Mary Service, M. E. Lesser and S. E. Johnson, and Messrs. Little, 
 Oyster, Derby, Morgester, C. E. Earley, E. J. Miller, Kime, Bardwell, Wil- 
 lard, Campbell, Holes-, Head, Schram, Eoss, W. C Healy, Penfield, H. S. 
 Thayer, Luther Hagerty, Dr. Day, Phil Lesser, Jr., Jerome Powell, W. H. 
 Hyde, J. F. Dill, S. A„ Olmstead, F. McGloin, J. M. Schram, W. S. Hamblen, 
 Fred Schoening, W. H. Osterhout, W. C. Geary, Gresh, French, Noon, J. E. 
 Kime, Miles, M. E. Lesser, A. E. Chapin, Dr. T. S. Hartley and H. A. Par- 
 sons, Jr. 
 
 The first election was held February 15, 1881, Jerome Powell was elected 
 burgess; D. C, Oyster and C. H, MoCauley were chosen counoilmen for three 
 years; W. H. Osterhout and W. H. Hyde for two years, and W. H. Schram and 
 H. S. Thayer, for one year. The school directors chosen for the respective terms 
 were J. S. Bardwell andH.A. Parsons, Fred Schoening and E. E. Willard; H. M. 
 Powers and W. S. Hamblen. W. C. Healy was elected assessor; J. D. Ful- 
 lerton, justice of the peace; E. V. Kime (three years), Hugh McGeehia (two 
 years) and T. S. Hartley (one year), auditors; George E. Woodward, high con- 
 stable; B. P. Mercer, constable; D. S. Luther, judge, with John Flynn and 
 A. W. Jones, inspectors of election; M. E. Lesser and E. J. Campbell, over- 
 seers of the poor. The highest vote oast was 174 for Councilman W. H. Hyde. 
 The office of burgess has been filled by Jerome Powell in 1882 ; M. S. Service, 
 1883; John E. Kime, 1884-85; E. J. Campbell, 1886; W. H. Schram, 1887; 
 Thomas Gillooly, 1888; L. S. Guth, 1889. W. C. Healy has served as re- 
 corder of the borough since organization. 
 
 The justices of the peace elected since 1881 are named as follows: A. Swartz 
 Eoss, 1882; E. K. Gresh, 1884; W. C. Healy, 1885; Euf us Lucore, 1889. 
 
 In June, 1885, there were 55 votes cast for a gas and water-tax, and 1 
 against, and 140 cast against a water- tax and 2 for. In August, 1888, the vote 
 on the respective questions was 146 and 3 and 185 and 15, In November, 1888, 
 the vote to increase debt was 207, opposed by 1, 
 
 The elections of February, 1890, resulted as follows: Burgess — A. Swartz 
 Eoss (D,), 226; no opposition. Council— W. H, Hyde I'D,). 223; John Flynn 
 (D,), 185; William Earl (E,), 117; J, C, MiUin (R,), 133, School directors— 
 S, W, Miles, 198; M, O'Connor, Jr, (D,), 197; Delos Dolliver (R,), 96; B, P, 
 Mercer (R,), 137, Justice of the peace— W, C, Healy (D,), 197; no opposi- 
 tion. Collector— Thomas Barry (D,), 149; Robert Morrison (E,), 176, High 
 Constable— W, M, Dill (D,), 198; no opposition. Borough constable — W, 
 M, Dill (D,), 238; no opposition. Overseer of the poor — John Dwyer (D.), 
 194; Jacob Butterfass (E,), 124. Auditor— J. D. Messenger (D.), 210; no 
 opposition. Judge of election— DuBois Gorton (D.), 205; A. Eenbarg (E.), 
 118. Inspector of election— W. C. Beman (D.), 213; John Larson (R.), 118. 
 
 Gas.— On November 26, 1885, the gas well was connected with the pipes 
 at Johnsonburg, and in four minutes a volume of gas traveled six miles to the 
 gasometer at Ridgway in rear of the Hyde House. That night the burner at 
 the corner of Main and Broad streets was lighted, and the chase after the grim 
 plumbers commenced The Ridgway Gas Company petitioned for incorpo- 
 ration October 22, 1883, through the stockholders, C. E. Earley, D. D. Cook, 
 
69-1: HIiSTORY OF ELK COUNTY. 
 
 F. W Morgan, Charles B. Earley, A. Thompson and S. A. Bote. The cap- 
 ital stock was placed at 15,000. .. .The Ridgway Light & Heat Company 
 was chartered September 16, 1885, with D. C. Oyster, W. C. Healy, H. M. 
 Powers, Dysan Rishell and Alfred Short, stockholders .... The Elk Gas Com- 
 pany was chartered by the State August 19, 1886. O. B. Grant, W. H. Os- 
 terhout, G. F. Dickinson, H. S. Thayer and C. H. McCauley were named 
 directors, representing twenty-eight stockholders. . . . A charter to the People's 
 Gas Company of Warren was entered here in 1886, and one to the United 
 Natural Gas Company the same year; also one to the Northwestern Pennsyl- 
 vania Natural Gas Company .... The New Era Gas Company petitioned for 
 charter in April, 1889, through I. D. Bell, S. A. Rote, D. C. Oyster, Alfred 
 Short and John C. Brady. H. M. Powers was named as treasurer. The ob- 
 ject of this company was to mine for gas in Ridgway township to be consumed 
 in the borough. 
 
 Water. — In November, 1843, the water privilege of the large spring south 
 of the town was granted to the county for the use of the proposed public 
 buildings .... The Ridgway Water Company was chartered July 7, 1885, the 
 stock being placed at $50,000, held by citizens of Williamsport. About 
 this time the proposition of Peter Herdic, in behalf of this corporation, was 
 made. The company proposed, among other things, that "the borough of 
 Ridgway grant a franchise for the building, constructing, erecting and main- 
 taining said water-works within said borough, and the exclusive privilege of 
 maintaining and operating said works for a period of ten years, or until such 
 time as they may be purchased by said borough, and during said period to 
 rent or lease from said P. Herdic, his heirs or assigns, the twenty-five hydrants, 
 at an annual rental of forty dollars each, to be paid quarterly. Should other 
 fire hydrants be required hereafter, the rate of rental shall be thirty dollars 
 each for such additional hydrants, payable quarterly as above mentioned." 
 This and other articles were signed by Herdic, John R: Kime, the burgess, 
 and William M. Sweet. On January 7, 1889, water from the new works was 
 turned into the pipes, and came with a rush into the borough. 
 
 Fire Companies — The Laurel Fire Company, No. 1 , of Ridgway, was incor- 
 porated April 22, 1884. W. H. Osterhout, D. C. Oyster and C. H. McCauley 
 were named directors, and among the subscribers were W. H. Hyde, H. S. 
 
 Thayer, E. J. Miller, W. L. Williams and John A. Kime The Emerald 
 
 Hose Company elected the following-named ofiicers in March, 1890: Presi- 
 dent, Thomas B. Gillooly; first vice-president, M. O'Connor; second vice-pres- 
 ident, William Vanorman; recording secretary, Samuel Ross; financial secre- 
 tary, Thomas Barry; treasurer, Daniel Fitzgerald; foreman, Thomas H. Led- 
 den; first assistant, Charles O' Conner; second assistant, Daniel Maloney; 
 board of trustees, H. E. Van Akeu, one year, S. G. Coon, one year, R. E. 
 McFarlin, two years; plugmen, J. J. Devoge and John Barry; fire police, J. 
 H. Ellinger, Lib. Luther and Thomas Barry. 
 
 The new hose company, organized in February, 1890, elected the follow- 
 ing-named ofiicers: J. M. Schram, president; W. S. Horton, vice-president; 
 L. J. A. Lesser, recorder; A. L. Bell, financial secretary; J. H. McEwen, 
 treasurer; H. H. Wensel, foreman; Gus F. Rohde, first assistant; George 
 McFarlin, second assistant; W. S. Horton, George Clark, W. Irwin, William 
 Earl and F. H. Ely, trustees. There are forty members. 
 
 Fires. — In June, 1870, the first big fire swept the north side of the square 
 from the site of the Ridgway Bank to Broad street, leaving the old Hyde 
 House safe. The fire of August, 1873, destroyed Lesser & Debbie's wagon 
 and the Hyde harness shop. In July, 1874, a building near Hyde' s saw-mill 
 was burned. 
 
'a^'i^u- 
 
HISTORY OF ELK COUNTY. 697 
 
 The Eidgway fire of September 29, 1882, was discovered between 2 and 
 3 o'clock that morning in the Democrat block. The losses are given as 
 follows: Commencing at Broad street. Dr. C. R. Barley's building, $3,000; 
 Charles Holes' building (net), |2,500; Jerome Powell's building (net), $2,050; 
 R. V. Kime's building, $350; James S. Maginnis' building (net), $1,800; Fred 
 Schoening's building (net), $1,000; Union Store Company's building $8,000; 
 Bank building (net), $500; George W. Rhines & Son (net), $2,300; J. W. 
 IMorgester's building (net), $1,000; R. I. Campbell's store building (net), 
 SI, 500, and dwelling house, rented to G. A. Rathbun (net), $600. (In the 
 above list of losses the value of buildings destroyed above amount of insurance 
 is only given. ) The Elk County Advocate office in the Ppwell building lost, 
 above insurance, $1,000, and the Democrat ofSce was totally destroyed, except 
 books, etc., in the safe. The loss on G. A. Rathbun's library and office in 
 the bank building was about $1,325. Many others suffered small losses in 
 personal property and mercantile stocks — the people saving the greater part of 
 such property from the fire. The north side of Main street or of square from 
 Mill to Broad street and back to the mill race was destroyed, except a barn in 
 rear of Powell & Kime's store. The Hyde House escaped, through the 
 efforts of the workers to confine the fire to one block; and Edward Derby's 
 house, at the western end, was saved in the same way. A dwelling belong- 
 ing to R. I. Cardpbell and one to Mrs. M. L. Ross, on Race street, were also 
 saved, as well as the Hyde mills. It destroyed all the buildings, except one, 
 on the north side of Main street, between Broad and Mill, and for more than a 
 year thereafter many of our business men occupied shanties in the streets 
 pending the construction of new buildings. What then seemed a disaster to 
 the merchants and owners has, as in many cases, proved a benefit to the 
 Tillage and the community at large. The buildings destroyed were of wood, 
 irregular in construction and unsightly in appearance, but have been replaced 
 by substantial brick blocks. Scarcely had the heated ground cooled, than J. 
 W. Morgester and Robert I. Campbell began the work of rebuilding, the 
 former completing his building before the close of the year at a cost of $6, 000. 
 In March, 1883, work on the Union Hall (a $20,000 house), for Fred Schoen- 
 ing and James McGinnis, commenced; also on Powell & Kime's Grand Cen- 
 tral block, the Ridgway bank building, and G. W. Rhines' building. Mor- 
 gester' s building and three houses erected by Campbell in 1883 form a block 
 with a frontage of eighty-nine feet on Main street. Up to 1889 this work has 
 been carried on. The new building on the corner of Broad and Main streets 
 was erected in 1889 by Hyde & Murphy for Frank G. Earley. P. Fitz- 
 patrick was contractor for the brick work. The cost is estimated at $12,000. 
 The fire of April 22, 1889, at Thompson's mills on Island run, two miles south 
 of the borough, destroyed nearly 500, 000 feet of hemlock and pine ; also some 
 lath, pickets and clap-boards, valued, altogether, at $5,000, was destroyed, the 
 total loss in lumber, buildings and machinery being from $8,000 to $10,000. 
 
 Mrs. William McNall and her four children, of Ridgway, sought safety 
 in the cellar of their house from the terrible storm of May 10, 1889. While 
 there lightning struck the house, and the mother and three of her children 
 were killed. The other child, a babe of a month, was alive and uninjured in the 
 arms of its dead mother .... The destruction of a large section of the Eagle Tan- 
 nery took place Friday, July 19, 1889. Early that morning, the people of Ridg- 
 way were alarmed by the report of a loud explosion, and looking in the direc- 
 tion from which the report seemed to come, they beheld, just over the bark- 
 mill of the Eagle Valley Tannery, on the north side of Elk creek, a dense cloud 
 •of black smoke, and flames were bursting from the roof of the building on 
 
 37 
 
698 HISTOEY OF ELK COUNTY. 
 
 every side. The alarming shrieks of the whistle were heard for miles around. 
 In less than five minutes a large crowd of the town people had gathered, and 
 were assisting in taking care of the sadly injured workmen, and helping the 
 tannery men to connect their hose with the pumps, to save as much of the 
 property as possible. The Tannery Hose Company, assisted by the Emerald 
 Hose Company, saved some of the principal buildings, leaving the bark-mill 
 and engine room (containing two good engines), 45x100 feet, with cellar; leach 
 house, 250x45 feet; bark-shed, 45x200 feet, containing 300 cords of rock-oak 
 bark, worth $8 to $10 per cord, and the "cooler," 20x50 feet, besides a team 
 of horses valued at $450, to be destroyed. The buildings and bark, valued at 
 $15,000, were insured. The human victims of this fire were named as follows: 
 John Strycker, Swiss, cremated, aged about twenty years, single man, a 
 nephew of Andrew Strycker; Andrew Strycker, Swiss, fatally burned, died 
 Saturday night, aged about fifty years, leaving a widow and several children; 
 John Fisher, Swiss, fatally burned, died Saturday night, aged about fifty-one 
 years, leaving a widow and several children; John "Westerline, aged about eight- 
 een years, fatally burned, died Sunday morning, lived with his brother, parents 
 being in Sweden; John Borjeson, Swede, very badly burned; John Ber- 
 gendahl, burned on one arm and face, was in the leach house and was thrown 
 some twenty feet by the concussion; George D. Smith, engineer, an American, 
 burned severely about the hands, arms, face and neck, his escape being marvelous. 
 The mill was not in operation. The men had been cleaning up to change from 
 grinding hemlock to oak bark. The engineer had just turned on steam, and 
 the machinery had only commenced to revolve when the shook came, and the 
 men were burned as with a flash of powder, and instantly the building was in 
 flames. In clearing out the debris, the lantern held by John Strycker was 
 found in the elevator, and it is supposed that while waiting for the mill to start 
 up, he left this lantern on the works, whence it was carried up when the ma 
 chinery was set in motion, and the light catching the bark- dust caused the 
 explosion. The company has established a fire department, the employes 
 forming the force. A fine hose cart and a large amount of hose have been pur- 
 chased, also other equipments. 
 
 Manufactures. — The lumber trade had always been the leading industry 
 up to 1870, and still is, perhaps, in the number of men and amount of capital 
 employed. Although since the burning of Hyde's saw-mill on Eace street, 
 there are no saw-mills within the borough, there is a number in its immediate 
 neighborhood and contributory to its mercantile interests. Whistletown, on the 
 Clarion, three miles north, is operated by Henry, Bayard & Co. ; Eagle Valley, 
 one mile north, formerly owned by J. S. Hyde; West End, owned by Dickinson 
 Bros. ; Mill Creek, four miles southwest, owned by Bryant & Ewer; Elk Creek, 
 on Elk creek, one mile east, owned and run by B. P. Ely & Sons; H. S. Thayer's, 
 on Big Mill. creek, and J. S. Hyde's mill, on Gallagher run, near the borough 
 line. All these are circular mills of large capacity; and the four on the 
 Clarion are run by water-power. 
 
 Enos Gillis came to Ridgway in 1827, and began the building of his saw- 
 mill and tannery immediately thereafter, placing James Gallagher in charge. 
 In 1844 Enos Gillis moved to near Pittsburgh, and thence to Michigan. 
 
 The Hyde estate lands aggregate about 15,000 acres in Ridgway, Horton, 
 Spring Creek and Pox townships. The Hyde Hill, along Eagle Valley, is 
 capped with sandstone bowlders, some of which are 30x20 feet and ten feet 
 high. In recent years the Pennsylvania Railroad Company and several indi- 
 viduals have leased quarry tracts on this and on other hills west of the Eagle 
 Valley mills from the estate, and dimension and common building stone quar- 
 
HISTORY OF ELK COUNTY. 
 
 ryiug has become a great industry. The estate receives a royalty of fifteen to 
 twenty-five cents per perch of stone. 
 
 The Eagle Valley mills were built years ago, and the late J. S. Hyde was 
 interested in their building. They are now the property of the estate. The 
 capacity is about 25, 000 feet per day, and the number of men employed is about 
 fifteen throughout the year . . . The Gallagher Eun mills were built about 
 1882, and the railroad constructed ten miles up the valley that year for the 
 transport of lumber. The road runs two miles up the run, and thence over 
 the abandoned Shawmut road to a point near Shawmut. The capacity is about 
 30,000 feet per day .... The old Elk Creek mills were owned by J. S. 
 Hyde, up to the time of sale to Souther & Willis, who sold to B. F. Ely .... 
 The Hyde mills, in Horton township, are at the mouth of Brandy Camp creek 
 and on Saw Mill run, two miles northeast of the former. Thirty men are em- 
 ployed, and the capacity of both is 50,000 per day .... The Laurel Run mill is 
 operated by White & Thayer, a mile above the mouth of that stream. A tram 
 road connects with the Philadelphia & Erie Eailroad, one and a half miles 
 distant. The capacity is 40,000 per day, and the number of men employed 
 twenty. 
 
 The Portland Lumber Company comprise the quarter interest of W. H. 
 Hyde, the quarter interest of the Hyde estate, the quarter- interest of J. K. P. 
 Hall, and a similar interest held by A. Kane, of St. Mary's. The unsold 
 lands in Horton, Spring Creek and Ridgway townships comprise about 18,000 
 acres. On the tract there are 250,000,000 of hemlock, 40,000,000 of pine, 
 some oak and other hardwoods. The hemlock is valued at $2 per M. , 
 and pine at $10 per M. Throughout the Hyde lands, W. H. Hyde is en- 
 gaged extensively in lumbering, and also on a lease from Grant & Horton on 
 their lands. 
 
 The Portland Company's mills, in Spring Creek township, are important 
 industries, turning out 80,000 feet per day and giving employment to forty 
 men.... The number of men employed in the woods by jobbers for W. H. 
 Hyde and associate owners is at least 150, exclusive of those employed around 
 the woods. 
 
 There are two grist-mills in the borough, one owned by W. H. Hyde & 
 Co. , at the foot of Mill street, and run by water-power from Elk creek, one of 
 the oldest mills in the county; the other, recently built by A. H. Buckland, 
 is situated on the Ridgway & Clearfield Railro9,d and South street, and is run 
 by steam power. Both are noted for the good quality of their products, prin- 
 cipally corn-meal and feed, and are run nearly to their full capacity. The 
 Hyde grist-mill was erected years ago, and is still the old-style water-mill, 
 with a capacity of 36,000 bushels of oats per annum. The grain, oats and 
 corn are imported from the West, and here all the feed for the Hyde stables is 
 ground. . . .The Cobb grist-mill, which took the place of the one burned, was 
 completed in June, 1850. 
 
 The Ridgway Company's planing-mill was erected in 1878 by Hyde & 
 Ross, and the machinery of the old J. V. Houk mill on Centre street moved 
 thereto. In 1883 Mr. Ross sold his interest, and in 1884 M. P. Murphy pur- 
 phased. This mill gives employment to thirty-five men the year round. The 
 building and machinery are valued at $25,000. 
 
 In 1876 the firm of Hyde, Kline & Co., composed of W. H. Hyde & Co. 
 and D. R. Kline, established a foundry and machine shop on Depot street. 
 Their business is largely repairing, but they also do considerable in the way 
 of new work, and have as specialties the ' ' Carman Saw Guide' ' and the ' ' Kline 
 Natural Gas Burner." In January, 1889, Mr. Kline's term of partnership ex- 
 
700 HISTORY OF ELK COUNTY. 
 
 pired, and the works are now operated by W. H. Hyde, with R. I. Robinson, 
 manager. The value of buildings and machinery is 115,000, and number of 
 men employed is twelve. 
 
 In 1885 the joint stock company of McEwen Bros. & Co. , limited, was 
 formed for the purpose of carrying on a machine shop and the building of 
 engines, boilers, and saw-mill and tannery machines. They built a large shop 
 on Main street at the crossing of the Ridgway & Clearfield Railroad. Hardly 
 was the machinery set, before the whole plant was destroyed by fire. May 27, 
 1886. With characteristic American energy they pushed ahead, and the works 
 are again in full operation with better buildings and plant than before. 
 
 The Hamilton Wagon Company, composed of W. H. Hyde, W. H. Oster- 
 hout, D. C. Oyster and D. B. Hamilton, perfected organization in January, 
 1889. The shops were completed on Broad street, near the depot, and opened 
 in the summer following, and twenty or thirty employes are unable to supply 
 the demand for their product. 
 
 Grant & Horton were the second parties to locate a sole leather tannery in 
 Elk county (the first having been built at Wilcox), and are at the junction 
 of Aylsworth run with the Clarion, about one mile from the court-house, and 
 west of the borough line, where they bought from Dickinson, and built in 
 1867. The business is a very successful one, and grows in extent each year. 
 Their works are called ' ' Ridgway Tannery, ' ' and their leather is well and fa- 
 vorably known, a large amount being exported to foreign countries. After the 
 opening of their works, they found the tannery cut off from communication with 
 the railroads in the spring and fall, for during the rainy seasons the bottom of 
 Main and Broad streets was way below the surface. To remedy this, Grant 
 & Horton and the Dickinsons built a plank road from the tannery to the rail- 
 road station at their own expense, an improvement that has since been kept up 
 by the township and borough authorities. 
 
 The Eagle Tannery may be said to date back to the fall of 1870, when W. 
 H. Osterhout purchased, from J. S. Hyde, 135 acres of land for a building site 
 and 1,700 acres of hemlock bark. He also purchased from J. S. Schultz 
 4,000 acres and from others 3,000 acres of bark lands. He at once built the 
 Eagle Tannery, with a bark-mill of 18,000 cords capacity. The tannery com- 
 pany was organized for incorporation August 13, 1888, with William H. Oster- 
 hout, Calvin D. Osterhout, Jackson S. and Louis H. Schultz and W. B. Benson, 
 directors. The capital stock consisted of 6, 000 shares of 150 each. G. W. Childs, 
 of Broome county, N. Y. , was named treasurer. The cost of plant, etc. , is about 
 $200,000; sides of leather tanned per year, 250,000; amount of yearly sales of 
 leather about 1925,000; cords of bark used annually, 20,000; value of bark 
 constantly in yard, from 175,000 to $100,000; 165 men are employed im- 
 mediately in and about the works. The great fire of 1889 caused a temporary 
 stoppage of work in some departments, as related in the sketch of that 
 catastrophe. There are about forty-six dwellings, including Mr. Osterhout' s 
 own residence. The water supply was put in in 1889, by Mr. Osterhout, on 
 the moral assurance that the borough would pay ultimately. Previously he 
 had conducted the water from the springs on the hill above for the use of his 
 tenants. The rebuilding and improvements of 1889 will amount to $20,000, 
 extending the capacity considerably. The lands owned or leased by this 
 tannery company amount to 25,700 acres. 
 
 Banks. — The Ridgway Bank was established in 1875 by Henry Souther, 
 Albert Willis and Edward Souther, as Souther, Willis & Souther, and was 
 conducted by E. Souther until 1876, when it was sold to the present pro- 
 prietors —Alfred Short, D. C. Oyster and Hezekiah Horton, Mr. Oyster being 
 
HISTORY OF ELK COUNTY. 703 
 
 the president. The office is almost opposite the court-house on Main 
 street. The wealth and industries represented by this banking company 
 compare with that of any other business association in this section of the State. 
 
 The Elk County Bank was established August 16, 1874, with Jerome 
 Powell, Dr. C. R. Earley, John G. Hall and C. R. Kline stockholders. The 
 office was opened in Hall' s brick block, where it has since been conducted. 
 C. R. Kline served as cashier from 1874 to June, 1880, when M. S. Kline 
 succeeded him. In 1877 Dr. Earley retired; in March, 1880, W. H. Hyde 
 purchased an interest, and in January, 1888, Jerome Powell retired, selling 
 his interest to John G. Hall. The same month M. S. Kline and C. H. 
 McCauley entered the partnership, and in May of that year J. S. Hyde became 
 associated with them. In July W. H. Hyde purchased his father's share, 
 and he, with M. S. Kline and Messrs. Hall* and McCauley are present owners. 
 The original capital was $50,000, a sum not since increased, although the 
 present surplus is 124,291. 
 
 Hotels. — David Thayer, born in County Cavan, Ireland, in 1816, came 
 to Ridgway with his family in 1836 or 1837, and died here in February, 1884. 
 He built the Exchange Hotel at the east end of Clarion bridge, and con- 
 ,ducted it for fifteen or twenty years, and carried the mails from Ridgway to 
 Warren. In later years he conducted the Thayer House until 1871, when 
 he sold to Rieley and Brother. 
 
 The Hyde House was built in 1858-59, and opened June 10, in the latter 
 year, by Mr. Osgood, who leased it from J. S. Hyde. In 1861 he retired, 
 and the house was conducted for Mr. Hyde some time, when Mrs. Cummins 
 purchased it. She, with H. S. Belknap as manager, carried on the hotel until 
 1867, when a Mr. Moore, now of Olean, bought her interest. In 1869 Mr. 
 Schram became owner, and with the exception of ten months, in 1883, when 
 Mr. Holly conducted the house, he has managed it successfully down to the 
 present time. Dr. Day, his son-in-law, purchased the house in 1887, but con- 
 tinued Mr. Schram in the management. The east wing of the proposed mod- 
 ern Hyde House was completed in 1888. 
 
 The hotels now in the borough of Ridgway are the Thayer House, kept by 
 T. Wingfield; Hyde House, by D. B. Day; Clarion Hotel, by Mary J. Vaughan; 
 Rochester House, by H. H. Deet; Bogert House, by Hugh McGeehin ; McFar- 
 lia Hotel, by James McFarlin; Broad Street Hotel, by Daniel McGovern; Re- 
 vere House, by C. W. Barrett, and .the Eagle Hotel, by Frank Showers. 
 
 C/mre/ies. —There are seven church organizations and six church buildings 
 in the borough, as follows: St. Leo's Roman Catholic church, on Depot street, 
 is the finest and most expensive, as the congregation is the largest. Rev. M. 
 Meagher, pastor, resides in a parsonage belonging to the parish, situate on 
 the JBrookville road. The German Lutheran church is on South street above 
 Broad, and has a parsonage upon the same lot. The Methodist Episcopal, 
 Protestant Episcopal and Congregationalist are on Centre, the former having a 
 parsonage on "Zion's Hill," in Souther's addition, while the Episcopal rec- 
 tory is on a lot adjoining the church lot. The Swedish Congregational church, 
 recently built, is on Broad street opposite Osterhout's tannery, and the Pres- 
 byterians occupy a hall, fitted up as a chapel, over Messenger's drug store, 
 corner Main and Mill streets. Ridgway is thus amply provided for the moral, 
 religious and mental instruction of its citizens. 
 
 The Methodists organized here about 1833, with Reuben and Mrs. J. A. 
 Aylesworth, Mrs. Gallagher and daughter, Emily, and Lucretia Gillis, mem- 
 
 * "While on a visit to England, Hon. John G. Hall died suddenly in the city of Liverpool, on October 
 7, 1880. 
 
704 HISTOBY OF ELK COUNTY. 
 
 bers. At that time Eevs. Benjamin F. Sedwick and Abner Jackson were 
 preachers; Eev. G. D. Kinnear came in 1834, and Eev. A. Plimpton, in 1835. 
 In February, 1851, Eevs. E. Edwards, of Warren, and S. B. Sullivan, of 
 Youngsville, oflBciated at the Methodist quarterly meeting held at Eidgway Acad- 
 emy. I. Blackford advertised this meeting as early as December, 1850. The 
 Methodist church house was erected in 1873-74, during the pastorate of Eev. W. 
 Martin, at a cost of $8,000, and was dedicated January 31, 1875, by Mr. Ives, of 
 Auburn, N. Y. In 1879 part of this debt was unpaid, and members of the 
 church expressed dissatisfaction. In explaining matters, H. V. Talbot published 
 a statement in August, 1879, in behalf of the trustees, and in 1880 the debt 
 was extinguished during the pastorate of Eev. S. M. Clark. The Methodist 
 Episcopal Church of Eidgway petitioned for incorporation August 2, 1876, 
 through W. H. Osterhout, E. K. Gresh, Jacob MpCauley, C. E. Holaday, S. 
 A. Olmstead, Charles Mead and T. S. Hartley. Eev. J. C. McDonald reports 
 the membership at 120, and the value of property at 110,000. 
 
 The old frame Catholic church, now standing on the hill, was not built 
 until 1867-69. The priests of St. Mary's attended this mission [the church 
 was formerly known as the Sacred Heart of Mary] until June, 1874, when 
 Eev. M. Meagher was appointed to the charge, having previously served at 
 Tidioute, and subsequently at Corry. In 1874 the congregation was below 
 the 100 mark, since increased to 500. Among the leading members in 1874 
 were the Flynns, Mrs. Jackson and family, Fannings, Gilloolys, Maginnis, the 
 Schoenings, Healys, McGeehins, McGloins, Meenans, Hollands, Noons, Will- 
 iams, Singletons, Dalys, Eiellys, Maloneys, Sheehans, McCauleys, O' Neils, 
 Murpheys, Mulqueens, Powers, McGoverns, Hays, Barrys, Mrs. Dickinson 
 and family. Mays, Casserlys and a few others. In 1880 Father Meagher, seeing 
 that the time for building a new house of worship had arrived, looked around 
 for a location. Dr. Charles E. Early donated a lot, 136x227 feet, and on 
 August 12, 1883, the corner-stone of the present building was placed by 
 Bishop Mullen, of Erie, and dedicated September 6, 1885, by the same bishop. 
 The church is a solid brick structure with sandstone facings. It cost 115,000, 
 and was built after plans by P. C. Kieley under the direct superintendence of 
 the pastor. This large church was almost paid for at the date of dedication. 
 Father Meagher attends the people at Carman, Daguscahonda, Vineyard Eun, 
 Cameron and other places. The stained glass windows were presented by 
 Hugh McGeehin, James Duffey, Mary E. Maginnis, Matilda L. Schoening, 
 John Williams, J. J. Vaughan, Jeremiah Dennison, Ellen D'Arcy, William 
 Fanning, Susan Campbell, Mrs. D. J. McDonald, John Healy, Jr., J. D. 
 Meenan, John Faaning, Jr., D. Canavan, Patrick Holland, Eobert Power, 
 Patrick Eyan, Kate O'Connor, the Sheehan family, the Meisinger family, 
 George Dickinson, Patrick Murphy, J. W. Lahive, Dennis Flynn, Temperance 
 Society and Eosary Society. 
 
 Grace Protestant Episcopal Church of Eidgway was incorporated July 6, 
 1866, on petition of E. Derby, J. G. Hall, H. Souther, C. McVean, A. Willis, 
 J. H. Mays, J. Powell, G. D. Messenger, L. and L. C. Wilmarth, B. F. Ely, 
 J. K. Whitmore and C. V. Gillis. 
 
 The Lutheran Church was organized April 14, 1872, with George Walker, 
 Phillip Lesser, Arnold Bruegger, Caspar Bruegger, John Christ and John 
 Wunderlich and their families, members. Eev. J. Brenneman was first pastor, 
 followed by Augustus Schaeffer and Eev. A. E. J. Graepp, the present pastor. 
 The corner-stone of the present church house was placed May 25, 1873, and 
 the building was dedicated in October of that year. The membership is 200, 
 and the value of property $10,000. 
 
HISTOBY OF ELK COUNTY. 705 
 
 The Swedish Church of Eidgway may be said to date back to 1873 when 
 the immigrants of 1870-71 were supplied with a preacher. In 1882'an or 
 gamzation was perfected— Bethlehem congregation. Trouble at once ensued 
 and m 1884 a number of members withdrew, leaving the remaining ones to 
 purchase a lot on Barley's Hill. Owing to troubles in title, the building there 
 was not completed, but in October, 1887, they purchased a lot in west Ridge - 
 '""'^r^u^'o *?"■ J^^^^'' building. M. A. Nordstrom was preacher at this time 
 u IK® roT« !, Congregational Church of Ridgway was incorporated Novem- 
 ber 15, 1886, the trustees being J. E. Swanson, C. M. Johnson, A. Froberg 
 P. (t. Crreenwall and W. Johnson. J. E. Lundberg and J. T. Johnson ako 
 signed the petition. 
 
 The First Congregational Church of Ridgway petitioned for incorporation 
 November 11, 1882. The subscribers named were W. H. Osterhout E K 
 Gresh W^H. Hyde, D. C. Oyster, Peter Gulnack, T. J. Reese and Jerome 
 Powell. The corner-stone of the Congregational church was placed August 28 
 1882, by Rev. A. VanCamp. In June, 1883, the bell presented by J § Hyde 
 was placed, and dedicated July 15, 1883. The total cost was about $10,000. 
 The First Presbyterian Church was organized November 9, 1875, with the 
 following-named members: John and Elizabeth Winklebleck, Mrs. R Lucore 
 E. J. Miller, Elizabeth Mcintosh, Mrs. S. R. Chapin, Mrs. L. A. T. Little and 
 Horace Little, the present clerk. There are thirty-seven members. Rev. T. 
 S. Neglen is pastor. 
 
 The Bethlehem Evangelical Lutheran Church was incorporated September 
 16, 1884, with C. Lindgren, L. Carlberg, A. G. Moller, C. P. Green and John 
 Nelson, subscribers. John Kolmberg was among the trustees. 
 
 The First Evangelical Lutheran Church was chartered in May, 1884, with 
 Rev. John Sander, Ferd. Sallach, J. A. Miller, J. Fuhrer, C. Brilgger, John 
 Otth, Jr. , and John Christ, directors. 
 
 Cemetery Association. — The Ridgway Cemetery Association was organized 
 in 1872, and on April 8, a petition for incorporation was signed by the follow- 
 ing-named members: E. V. Kime, W. H. Hyde, Jerome Powell, Horace 
 Little, C. R. Earley, George A. Rathbun, H. S. Thayer, J. G. Hall, C. H. 
 McCauley, W. S. Service, G. G. Messenger, G. D. Messenger, James Pen- 
 field, D. F. Farrand, L. C. Horton, Rufus Lucore, Edward Souther and 
 Charles Holes. W. S. Hamblen was one of the trustees. 
 
 Schools. * — The first school was opened in Gallagher's log house (near the 
 central graded township school building), in 1826, by Hannah Gilbert and at- 
 tended by the children of the three families then residing there. Subsequently 
 Ann Berry and Betsy Hyatt taught in the " Old Red House," a dwelling. In 
 1834 a house for common-school purposes was erected near the Dickinson dwell- 
 ing by Messrs. Crow, Thayer, Gallagher, Dickinson, Cobb and Cady, directors, 
 and Betsy Hyatt installed. She was succeeded by Mr. Barnutz in 1835. A 
 second building was erected close by in 1838, intended for a graded school, 
 and came down to our own day. In 1870, a 17, 000-school building was erected 
 this side of the Clarion, and opened with L. D. Rockwell, principal, and Addie 
 P. Taylor, assistant. 
 
 In 1874 three teachers were employed in the Ridgway schools. In 1885-86 
 a wing as large as the main building was erected, and in 1887 the pupils re- 
 siding outside the borough were excluded. This necessitated the building of 
 another school house on the G. G. Messenger lot. Mill street, which was oom- 
 
 ., *Eidgway received $94 toward the old school-house, biiilt in 1834, over wliich Barnutz presided in 1835; 
 rRS ^^^J"^^ ^°" Warren Turnpilie Company received $10,000, a sliare in the annual distrihution of $100,- 
 000 of the banic fund, together with moneys subscribed for other purposes. All this came from the $2,B00,- 
 000 rehef note issue. 
 
706 HISTORY OF ELK COUNTY. 
 
 pleted in October, 1887, and opened by W. H. Devereaux, principal, assisted 
 by B. E. Wilcox and Maggie Reese. In 1888 Prof. Kline was principal, and 
 in 1889 Prof. Devereaux was re-appointed. C. J. Swift was principal of the 
 borough schools at this time with Misses Little, Kime, O'Connor, Ross and 
 Thompson, assistants. In April, 1889, the largest class ever graduated at 
 Ridgway, comprised Franklin Lesser, Amos Williams, Frank McFarlin, 
 Henry Willard, John Flynn, Lynne Hamblen, Heber McDonnald, Maud Thomp- 
 son, Josephine Scribner, Mary Mulqueen, Mina VanAken, May Noon, Alice 
 Schirk, Mary Logan, Willa Webb, Viola Metts, Eva Irwin, Louie Little. 
 
 The school buildings are situated at the corner of South and Broad streets, 
 and although biiilt of wood are considered very good. The main part was 
 erected in 1870 by Salyer Jackson, then of this place, built at a cost of $7,000. 
 The first teachers in the building were L. D. Rockwell, now a physician at 
 Union City, Penn. , and Miss Addie P. Taylor, who still resides in Ridgway. 
 After Dr. Rockwell came a Prof. Urnholtz as principal. In 1873 and 1874 
 George R. Dixon was principal. Misses Addie P. Taylor and B. E. Wilcox 
 assistants. In 1874, Miss G-arritt (now Mrs. E. T. Grant) also assisted. J. 
 
 B. Johnson, J. D. Rishell, 0. J. Swift, now county superintendent, and D. C. 
 Murphy, the present principal, followed in succession. The staff of teachers 
 comprises Miss Lizzie Thompson, Miss Maggie Plynn, Miss Maud Nutes, Miss 
 Ada Munro and Mrs. Emma Lane. Mrs. Lane is a graduate of the Mansfield 
 Normal School and has received special training in kindergarten work. She 
 has taught successfully in Wilkesbarre and Galeton, where important positions 
 were held. 
 
 The Ridgway Academy was presided over in 1850 by W. H. Neiver .... The 
 convent schools of Ridgway are on Zion Hill, near the old Catholic church. 
 
 Societies. — Elk Lodge, No. 379, F. & A. M., was constituted under 
 charter January 15, 1867, with the following-named members: G. A. Rathbun, 
 H. A. Thomas, C. R. Farley, Byron F. Ely, D. D. Cook, Henry Souther, 
 Hiram Carman, Isaac Horton, Jr., B. J. Jones, R. I. Robinson, J. L. Brown 
 and W. A. Boyer. The past masters are named as follows : Henry H. Thomas, 
 1867-69; C. R. Farley, 1868; W. C. Healy, 1870; G. T. Wheeler, 1871; 
 Isaac Horton, Jr., 1872; E. P. Dickinson, 1873; E. J. Miller, 1874; W. H. 
 Schram, 1875; H. Warner, 1876; C. V. Gillis, 1877; W. W. Mattison, 1878; 
 P. R.' Smith, 1879; A. B. Wheeler, 1880; H. Carman, 1881; J. M. Schram, 
 1882; W. F. Mercer, 1888; Dr. Fullerton, 1884; P. C. Ely, 1885; D. D. Cook, 
 1886; A. B. C. Young, 1887-88, and George R. Dixon, 1889. The secreta- 
 ries have been Hiram Carman, one year; J. P. Whitmore, three years; G. L. 
 McCracken, two years; D. B. Day, half a year; W. C. Healy, two and one- 
 half years; E. J. Miller, one year; G. R. Dixon, two years; W. C. Healy, two 
 years; G. R. Dixon, two years; W. C. Healy, in 1887-89. The officers for 1890 
 are W. S. Horton, W. M. ; W. D. Drysdale, S. W. ; Delos DoUiver, J. W. ; 
 George R. Dixon, chaplain; B. F. Ely, treasurer (over twenty-one years); W. 
 
 C. Healy, secretary. 
 
 Elk Chapter, No. 230, R. A. M., was chartered September 13, 1870, with 
 C. R. Earley, H. P.; G. T. Wheeler, K. ; C. V. Gillis, S. ; D. D. Cook, T., 
 and William C. Healy, secretary. The past high priests are named as follows: ' 
 Dr. C. R. Earley, 1870; GilmanT. Wheeler, 1871 and 1877; C. V. Gillis, 1872; 
 W. S. Service, 1873; Rufus Lucore, 1874; W. H. Schram, 1875-76; John W. 
 Morgester, 1878; Nathaniel T. Cummings, 1879-81; Amos B. Wheeler, 1882; 
 Eugene J. Miller, 1883-84; Jas. B. Wicks, 1885; Daniel D. Cook, 1886; Wilbur 
 F. Mercer, 1887; John M. Schram, 1889. The chapter uses the Masonic hall 
 meeting, but as an organization has no share in ownership. 
 
^^4yr 
 
 C/>i>0'^-^ 
 
HtSTOEY OF ELK COUNTY. 709 
 
 There are fiffcy-four members. The secretaries have been as follows: W. C. 
 Healy, in 1870; George L. McCracken, 1871-74; Horace Warner 1874-75- 
 Eugene J. Miller, 1876; W. C. Healy, 1879-89. The officers for 1890 are 
 Frank C. Ely, H. P. ; J. D. Fullerton, king; T. H. Claffey, scribe; B. F. Ely, 
 treasurer, and W. C. Healy, secretary. 
 
 Knapp Commandery, No. 40, was organized under dispensation March 29, 
 1871, with the following-named officers: C. R. Earley, E. C. ; G. T. Wheeler' 
 G. ; C. V. Gillis, C. G.: W. C. Healy, recorder, and unofficial member' 
 Samuel C. Hyde. The past commanders are C. R. Earley 1871- G T 
 Wheeler, 1872-73; C. V. Gillis, 1874; L. W. Gifford, 1875; Rufus 'Lucore 
 1876; E. J. Miller, 1877-78; G. T. Wheeler, 1879-1881; Hiram Carman, 
 1882-86; Amos B. Wheeler, 1887; E. J. Miller, 1888; Frank C. Ely, 1889. 
 The commandery, like the chapter, rents the Masonic hall. There are now 
 forty- seven members, eleven of whom were admitted last year. The past 
 secretaries are W. C. Healy, 1871-75; George R. Woodard, 1876-78, and 
 William C. Healy, 1879-1889. There was no regular election from March, 
 1877, to March, 1879. The election in March, 1890, resulted in the choice of 
 J. M. Schram, C. ; W. S. Hortou, G. ; W. C. Healy, recorder, and B. F. Ely, 
 treasurer. In ] 868 a committee was appointed to procure a new hall, and in 
 September of that year this body reported and was authorized to purchase lot 
 and building of Albert Willis, on Depot street. This was carried out and a 
 part of the Willis building forms a part of the present hall, to which addi- 
 tions have been made to accommodate the other Masonic bodies of the borough. 
 
 The Elk Hall Association was incorporated August 8, 1867, for the pur- 
 pose of erecting one or more buildings at Ridgway. The members were 
 Henry Souther, Charles R. Earley, B. F. Ely, D. D. Cook, Hiram Carman, 
 R. P. Saltsman, J. R. Whitmore, G. A. Rathbun, G. L. McCracken, D. C. 
 Oyster, W. C. Healy, G. F. Dickinson, B. A. Dill, W. S. Service, Henry H. 
 Thomas, G. T. Wheeler, N. T. Cummings, A. Thompson, H. S. Belknap, Isaac 
 Horton, Jr., R. J. Robinson, J. L. Brown, E. Kimm Scribner and Byron J. 
 Jones. The lodge leased a room where Powell & Kime's store now is. 
 
 Ridgway Lodge, No. 969, I. O. O. F. , was chartered February 28, and in- 
 stituted March 11, 1880, by D. D. G. M. Robert Dick, with John Knorl, 
 N. G. ; M. D. Cohn, V. G. ; Rev. C. A. Squier, secretary; N. M. Space, assist- 
 ant secretary, and J. Colderbank, treasurer. Among the members admitted 
 were W. H. Schram, I. W. Beckwith, L. Vankirk, J. A. Anderson, William 
 Johnson, A. and George Fredenburgh, Thalius Wingfield, Joel Miller, J. A. 
 Ross, F. A. Vanorsdall, C. H. Rhines, J. N. Rhines, F. Kiester, A. F. Kuhns, 
 Sam Hildebrand, W. A. McChesney, Patrick Connor, Lewis A. Brendel, C. L. 
 Chamberlin and H. H. Wensel. The past grands of this lodge since Septem- 
 ber, 1880, are named as follows: Marks D. -Cohn, John Ross, L. A. Brendel, 
 William Cuthbert, T. Wingfield, C. H. Rhines, John A. Anderson, W. C. Mc- 
 Millan, Reuben Mohney, Gus. Rhodes, M. D. Cohn, J. A. Gear, J. E. Logan, 
 J. J. Hinkle, L. J. A. Lesser, A. Lindholm and James Davison. The past 
 secretaries are Reuben Gross, J. W. Smith, John A.- Anderson, 1881-83; 
 William J. Cuthbert, 1883 to June, 1888, when L. J. A. Lesser was elected 
 secretary. The present grand is R. I. McChesney. The present membership 
 is about 55. In the fire of 1882 the hall in the Rhines building was de- 
 stroyed, when the lodge lost all property except the secretary's desk and 
 records. The insurance company paid $297 of this loss. Subsequently the 
 lodge met in the Knights of Honor hall until their present quarters in the 
 Ridgway Bank block were leased. The personal property is valued at $800. 
 Only one death is recorded. The officers chosen in October, 1889, were W. 
 
710 HISTORY OF ELK COUNTY. 
 
 Johnson, N. G., and L. J. A. Lesser, secretary. In March, 1890, Henry E. 
 Van Aken was elected presiding ofScer. 
 
 Albert W. PerrinPost, No. 370, G. A. R., was organized September 21, 1883, 
 withD. F. Farrand (36th Wis. Inf.), commander; Reuben Mohney (78th P. V. 
 I.), V. C. ; DuBoisGorton (143d New York Regiment), J. V. 0. ; James Penfield 
 (105th P. V. I.), Q. M.; O. T. Miner (11th Pa. R. I), adjutant; W. L. Will- 
 iams (62d P. V. I.), surgeon; M. B. Lesser (Pa. I. Co.), O. of D. ; Philip 
 Shirk (111th P. V. L), O. of G. ; J. C. Andrews (57th P. V. L), chaplain. 
 The soldier in whose honor the post was named, was a resident of Spring 
 Creek township until the war. He died in Anderson ville prison. The names 
 of the other charter members of the post are Nathan Laugher (Pa. R. ), A. 
 Fulmer (10th Pa. Cav.), H. H. Wensel (148th Inf.), J. K. Moore (105th Inf.), 
 J. A. Stroup (63d Inf.), William Tierney (62dlnf.), John Hamilton (2d W. Va. 
 Inf.); J. H. Secor (56th N. Y.), J. Bear (127th Pa.), S. R. Milliven (18th 
 N. J. Inf.), Lewis Mohney (78th Pa.), A. G. Travis (6th U. S. Cav.), Ray- 
 mond Eastley (78th Pa.), Jonathan Mohney (2l8t V. R. C), Thomas B. 
 Johnson (1st V. R. C), W. P. Henry (160th Pa.) and J. C. Malone (58th Pa.). 
 The present membership is forty-eight. H. H. Wensel was commander 
 in 1884, C. F. Yennie in 1885, Philip Shirk in 1886, J. M. Grosh (89th 111.) 
 in 1887-88, and R. A. Park in 1889. James Woodward served as adjutant 
 in 1884, W. M. Elliott in 1885, R. A. Park in 1886-88 and W. S. Ross (5th 
 Pa. H. A.) in 1889. The ofacers for 1890 are P. A. Mead, commander; 
 R. I. Robinson, S. V. C. ; W. S. Ross, J. V. C. ; T. B. Johnson, O. of G. ; J. 
 A. Myres, O. of D. ; J. H. Secor, Q. M., J. N. Brown, surgeon; Philip Schirk, 
 chaplain. 
 
 W. S. Ross Camp, No. 222, Sons of Veterans, was chartered October 13, 
 1888, with L. T. Park, G. H. and Charles Secor, A. S. Grosh, R. E., P. C. and 
 S. E. Ross, P. R. Mercer. A. K. Houghtaling, A. J. Lewis, E. H. McCurdy, 
 P. D. Walsh, F. A. Walshe, H. Lentz, J. M. Kennedy and Jerome Gordon. 
 
 The names of soldiers buried in the cemeteries of Ridgway prior to May 
 30, 1887, are Elisha DeGroat, Company F, 58th Pennsylvania Regiment, 
 who died in 1880, in St. Leo's Cemetery; William Stephenson, Company D, 
 100th Pennsylvania Regiment, who died in 1868; Willis Taylor, Company B, 
 149th Pennsylvania Regiment, who died in 1883; N. P. Lent, Company F, 56th 
 New York Regiment, who .died in 1881; A. D. Laymon, Company H, 143d 
 New York Regiment, who died in 1886. Interred in Pine Grove Cemetery: 
 Thomas J. Malin, Company K, 111th Pennsylvania Regiment, who died in 
 1866; E. K. Scribner, Company G, 42d Pennsylvania Regiment, who died 
 in 1869; Eli Rolle, Company I, 105th Pennsylvania Regiment, who died in 
 1883, and Ephriam Shall, and also White, whose military records are unknown, 
 in Ridgway Cemetery. 
 
 Ridgway Council, R. A. M., was presided over, in 1889, by Regent C. F. 
 Bmleigh, the other officers being as follows: W. H. Baker, C. F. Yennie, 
 
 D. C. Murphy, Robert Morrison, William Earl, D. C. Oyster, E. H. McCurdy, 
 M. D. Cohen, J. E. Logan, G. F. Rohde. The trustees are J. T. Waid, W. 
 H. Baker and Thalius Wingfield. The past regents are J. T. Waid and D. C. 
 Murphy. C. F. Burleigh is regent and William Morrison, secretary (1890). 
 
 The P. O. S. of A. was organized in November, 1888, with the following- 
 named members: B. R. Kline, D. C. Murphy, W. G. Kline, F. H.Ely, John 
 G. Whitmore, C. F. Hartley, B. E. Taylor, Joe Messenger, F. O. Tinthoff, 
 
 E. A. Sowers, Clyde Kime, Ralph Ritter, H. Schindler, W. S. Pittman. Ed 
 Kime, F. Baker, Harry Hyde, A. K. Houghtaling, P. R. Mercer, W. A. Locke, 
 C. H. Taylor, E. H. McCurdy, S. Murphy. The names of past presidents are 
 
HISTORY OF ELK COUNTY. 711 
 
 John G. Whitmore, F. H. Ely and D. C. Murphy. W. A. Fleming is secre- 
 tary. The present number of members is fifty-four, and the value of property 
 SI 50. F. H. Ely is now president. 
 
 - Knights of Labor Lodge, No. 9993, was chartered January 27, 1887. 
 
 Eidgway Tent, No. 75, K. O. T. M., was chartered September 13, 1888, 
 with W. 0. McNutt, D. Cunningham, G. L. French, P. Schirk, J. B. Nicklin, 
 S. T. Scott, W. L. Williams, C. F. Geary, John Fraser, Paul Johnson, An- 
 drew Johnson and John P. Johnson, officers in the order of rank. 
 
 Laurel Green Division, No. 455, Sons of Temperance, was organized at 
 Eidgway in January, 1854, with Caleb Dill, T. O. Hutchinson, H. A. Patti- 
 son, F. J. Dill, Harvey Henry, Henry Souther, E. Maginnis, Charles Eobin- 
 son, Jerome Powell and James L. Gillis, officials in order of rank. 
 
 Eidgway Lodge, No. 256,1. O. G. T., was reorganized in May, 1877, with- 
 twenty-five charter members, and the officers named as follows: J. O. W. 
 Bailey, Mrs. C. E. Holaday, Dr. James D. Fullerton, O. S. Davis, Docia 
 Ehines, James E. Pugh, G. "VV. Gardner, Clara Brooks, Daniel Irwin, Ada 
 Young, Ella Wade, Mrs. T. S. Hartley, Mrs. Fannie F. Olmsted, C. E. Hola- 
 day and Dr. T. S. Hartley, and trustees: S. A. Olmsted, C. D. Osterhout, Dr. 
 T. S. Hartley. 
 
 The Eidgway Temperance Society was organized December 16, 1881, with 
 
 C. D. Osterhout, president; Horace Little, D. E. Kline, Ben Stewart, W. S. 
 Hamblen, A. H. Head, G. F. Dickinson and George Gulnack, vice-presidents; 
 Will Dickinson, secretary; F. C. Ely, treasurer; C. E. Holaday, Jacob Mc- 
 Cauley, E. V. Kime, S. A. Olmsted, H. Gorton, S. H. Langley and C. Luther, 
 directors. 
 
 Eidgway Council of Eoyal Templars of Temperance was organized Janu- 
 ary 18, 1884, by M. E. Peck, of Corry. The object of this organization is 
 the promotion of temperance work, which is assisted by the beneficiary aid 
 which members enjoy. The following-named officers were elected: 0. J. Swift, 
 
 D. Eishell, Eev. A. L. Goodrich, Miss H. Goodrich, Miss May Little, Miss A. 
 
 E. McKee, Mr. L. C. Dingman, Mr. P. G. Wooster, Miss Alice DeHaas and 
 Dr. C. L. Kellogg; physician. Dr. J. T. Waid; trustees, C. E. Holaday (three 
 years), Dr. C. L. Kellogg (two years), C. J. Swift (one vear). 
 
 St. Leo's Branch, No. 61, C. M. B. A., was chartered May 29, 1889, with 
 the following-named members: Eev. M. Meagher, chaplain; John Flynn, 
 president; Hugh McGeehin, vice-president; T. B. Gillooly, second vice-presi- 
 dent; Albert Weis, recorder; Eobert Powers, assistant; Thomas Lehan, F. S. ; 
 James S. Maginnis, treasurer; John Dwyer, marshal; P. Eyan, guard; A. M. 
 McClain, D. E. McDonald, John Nagle, John Lahhive and Cornelius Hogan, 
 trustees. 
 
 The W. C. T. U. was organized November 28, 1881, with the following- 
 named members: Mrs. J. C. Houk, Mrs. H. Little, Miss Anna McKee, Mrs. 
 S. E. Chapin, Mrs. D. C. Oyster, Mrs. W. S. Hamblen, Mrs. G. G. Messenger, 
 Mrs. W. H. Osterhout, Mrs. C. E. Holaday, Mrs. D. S. Luther, Mrs. George Gar- 
 ritt, Mrs. Fred Dickinson and others. Mrs. G. G. Messenger is president. The 
 names of secretaries in the order of holding office are Miss Anna McKee, Mrs. 
 N. T. Arnold and Mrs. Annie E. Irwin. The present number of members is 
 thirty. 
 
 The Elk County Bible Society was organized February 25, 1887, with J. H. 
 Beadle, C. D. Osterhout, N. T. Arnold and Eev. T. S. Negley, officials. 
 
 The Eidgway Silver Cornet Band was organized in March, 1872, with Fred 
 Schoening, president; T. S. Hartley, vice-president; E. J. Miller, secretary, and 
 D. B. Day, treasurer. 
 
712 HI8T0BY OP ELK COUNTY. 
 
 The Mill Creek Eod and Gua Club was organized in August, 1888, with 
 C. H. McCauley, E. J. Grant, O. B. Grant, Irving Schultz, G. B. Horton and 
 Norman Schultz, members. 
 
 CHAPTER XVI. 
 
 MILLSTONE TOWNSHIP— SPRING CREEK TOWNSHIP. 
 
 Millstone Toavjnship Topography— First Settlement— Mills— Popxjla 
 
 TiON — E lection. 
 
 Spring Creek Township General Conformation — Population— Elec- 
 tions, etc.- Some First Things— Villages— Miscellaneous. 
 
 MILLSTONE TOWNSHIP, which juts into Forest county, is bounded 
 south by the Clarion river. Into this river flows the creek after which 
 the township is named, the east branches of which spread out north and east 
 to the Spring creek divide, and form a confluence with the main stream at a 
 point north by west of Millstone village. Topographically the country is 
 similar to Spring Creek township, but the plateaus are larger and the stream's 
 much less numerous. Here, after the forest strippers began regular lumber- 
 ing, the woodman's as was heard on every side, and within a few years the 
 pine and hemlock clothing of the flat hills was carried down the Clarion to the 
 great mills, leaving the traveler of 1878 to behold as rugged a country as 
 might be seen in Scotland. The supposed existence of coal and gas here gave 
 some hope for the future, but no one credited Millstone with even the preten- 
 sion of being ever an agricultural valley. Years have brought with them im- 
 provement, and the township of to-day, although robbed of its forests, gives 
 promise of taking an important place among the divisions of Elk county. 
 
 The first settlement dates back to 1826, when John Wynkoop located at 
 the mouth of the creek bearing his name. In 1832 the first school was opened 
 at Millstone village by Miss Graham; in 1834 the first school-house was built 
 by the directors elected that year; in 1835 a second house, and the third house 
 in 1847. Since that time school affairs have interested the people. 
 
 The Millstone mills, near the mouth of the creek of that name, have been 
 operated by the Moore Brothers for many years. In 1884-85 the water-power 
 was changed for steam-power, and its capacity increased to 70,000 feet per day. 
 . . . Raught's mills are also in the township of Millstone, on the Clarion river, 
 seven miles from Arroyo .... The Crispin, Darragh & Moore shingle mills, two 
 miles north of the mouth of Millstone creek, were burned in 1876. 
 
 The population in 1880 was 209. In 1888 the voters were represented by 
 39 Democrats, 23 Republicans and 1 Prohibitionist, a total of 63, representing 
 about 315 inhabitants. 
 
 The Millstone elections of February, 1890, resulted in the choice of the 
 following-named oflicers: Adam Zimmerman, justice; H. Cutzs, treasurer; 
 G. D. Donahy, collector; J. W. Lawton, clerk; J. W. Cutzs, assessor; C. T. 
 
Missing Page 
 
Missing Page 
 
HISTOKY OF ELK COUNTY. 715 
 
 Painter, constable; John Wilson and W. P. Painter, auditors; W. B. McOor- 
 mick, Peter Heffron and Samuel Witherow, school directors; W. K. Moore and 
 H. Aharah, supervisors. 
 
 SPRING CEEEK TOWNSHIP. 
 
 Spring Creek township is named after the native creek, which enters the 
 Clarion river at a point about one mile west of Irvin's mills. The main river 
 enters the township about eight miles below Ridgway, flows west through a 
 tortuous channel to Spring Creek village, where it turns southwest to form the 
 extreme southwest line of the county (elevation 1,250 feet), as the dividing line 
 between Millstone" township and Jefferson county. A little stream, flowing 
 north through the extreme southeast corner, enters the river just west of the 
 east line. This stream is called Little Toby branch. In the southwest corner 
 is Maxwell's run, Laurel run and a hundred rivulets run into the streams 
 named from the various summits. Near Lake City one of the largest plateaus 
 in the county exists, and there, also, is the divide of the southwest part of this 
 township. The northern divide is near the north line, between Bear creek and 
 one of the sources of Spring creek. 
 
 As early as 1852-53 coal deposits were developed near Spring Creek village, 
 at Laui'el Run forks in 1871, and at Irwin's Mills in 1877. So well was the 
 coal established in 1873, that it was proposed to build a narrow-gauge road 
 eighteen miles from this point to Sheffield. 
 
 The population in 1880 was 467. In 1888 there were 4 Prohibition, 120 
 Republican and 119 Democratic votes cast, or a total of 243, representing 
 1,215 inhabitants. The February election of 1846 in Spring Creek township 
 resulted in the choice of Job P. Payne and Thomas Lynn for justices; Rufus 
 Gallatin, constable; Ephraim Shaul and Thomas Beatty, supervisors; J. P. 
 Payne, James Crow and George Rhines, school directors; John L. Givens, 
 with Crow and Rhines, auditors; J. P. Payne, clerk; Jonathan Beatty, assessor; 
 T. Lynn and W. M. Redline, overseers of the poor; James Crow, judge, with 
 Thomas Irwin and George Rhines, inspectors of election. D. H. Damon and 
 John Kenning were elected justices in 1849; Silas Blake and O. B. Thing, in 
 1850. The elections of February, 1890, show 172 votes for A. Webster and 
 53 for O. T. Minor, candidates for justice of the peace; C. E. McCrea was 
 chosen school director; John Trimper and T. JefPerson, supervisors; E. C. 
 Barrett, treasurer; John Hamilton, overseer of the poor; R. Mohney, collector; 
 E. M. Rodgers, clerk, and P. R. Smith, auditor. In East Spring Creek, N. G. 
 McClosky received 85 votes and A. Webster 82, for justice of the peace. 
 
 The first assessment of Spring Creek township was made in 1846. Among 
 the industries taxed were the saw-mills of William Armstrong, George Ryan, 
 George Dull, and the saw- and grist-mills of Payne & Watterson. The other 
 resident taxpayers were James Crow, Squire T. Carr, Henry Dull, William 
 Evans, Jonathan Beatty, John Grant, John Given, Thomas Irwin, Robert Jew- 
 ett, Thomas Lynde, Eben Lee, John Lukins, William Payne, W. Redline, 
 Ephraim and Andrew Shaul, Rufus Gallatin, Silas Blake, Zach Double, Isaac 
 Nichols, Orville Thing, Dan Wolford, Francis Mayberry and Peter Connor. 
 The last named operated a shingle machine. 
 
 In Spring Creek township in 1850 were fifteen dwellings, fifteen families, 
 ninety- one inhabitants, four farms and three industries. 
 
 The first settlements were made by Philip Clover and Sowers in 1831-32. The 
 first school-house was built in 1840, at the mouth of Spring creek, and opened 
 by the very primitive John Knox, Miss Crow and Horace Warner following 
 successively. In 1846 Miss Clements opened a subscription school at George 
 
716 HISTORY OF ELK COUNTY. 
 
 Ehiaes' house on Maxwell run. In 1852 the directors authorized the building 
 of a house at Arroyo; but this was not erected, and Miss Thorn was compelled 
 to teach over the ox-shoeing establishment of Thomas Irwin. In 1856 a school 
 house was erected between Arroyo and Spring Creek, at a cost of |338, 1115 
 of which were subscribed on condition that the building could be used for 
 religious and other meetings. 
 
 Arroyo, in the township of Spring Creek, on the river Clarion, and ten miles 
 from Eidgway, of which Thomas Irwin was the founder, is a lumber town. 
 Arroyo post-office was removed from Irwin's in April, 1880, to Beech Bottom, 
 and E. W. Eogers was appointed postmaster. The Arroyo Bridge Company 
 was incorporated in April, 1883, withF. Shaffner, E. M. Eogers, C. H. Smith, 
 James B. Wickes and Charles Millen, directors. The object was to bridge the 
 Clarion at Arroyo. 
 
 Carman is a comparatively modern settlement. Here is the hospitd^ble Car- 
 man House of Mr. Casey. Early in 1890 a society of the Protestant, Episcopal 
 Church was organized at this point. A large Catholic congregation assembles 
 here at stated times to worship. Hiram Carman moved into this township in 
 1858, and for thirty-two years has been prominent in the industrial, political 
 and social life of the township. 
 
 The Clarion Eiver & Spring Creek Oil Company signed articles of agree- 
 ment in March, 1865, with F. F. Bernadin, Gouverneur Emerson, James S. 
 Bewley, Gustave English and Andrew K. Hay, stockholders. The object was 
 to develop coal and oil lands in Forest and Elk counties. This company 
 drilled one well in Spring Creek township. In August, 1889, indications that 
 the territory in the vicinity of the Grant mill on the Clarion river would be fully 
 tested for oil and gas were manifest, as preparations were made for drill- 
 ing a number of wells. Those familiar with this territory, and in a posi- 
 tion to know, express it as their positive belief that it will ultimately prove a 
 great oil-producing center, and as soon as the Standard company, who now own 
 or control by lease most of the land and have invested large sums of money in 
 that section are ready, the new field will be opened up. Some of the best gas 
 wells in the world are already found there, and in the neighborhood oil wells 
 of some little moment have already been discovered. Millstone and Spring 
 Creek will soon boom as an oil center. A venture of the Standard Oil Com- 
 pany is now being made on one of the Powell lots. 
 
 In the pages of the assessment roll for 1889 the following industries appear: 
 Portland Lumber Company, 4,990 acres in Spring Creek township, of which 
 900 were stripped, with saw-mills; Horton, Crary & Co., 7,046 acres unseated, 
 184 acres seated, with tannery, storehouses, etc.; G. W. Ehines' saw-mill; 
 Hall & Gardner's saw-mill; Empire Lumber Company's saw-mill and 1,600 
 acres; J. L. Ellis' saw-mill, and Craig, Henderson & Co.'s shingle-mill. 
 
BIOGKAPHICAL SKETCHES. 717 
 
 CHAPTER XVII. 
 
 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES — EIDG WAY TOWNSHIP AND 
 BOROUGH OF RIDGWAY. 
 
 N. T. ARNOLD, attorney at law, Ridgway, son of W. W. and Margaret Ann 
 Arnold, was born in Allegany county, N. Y., in 1857. In 1858 he was taken 
 by his father to Potter county, Penn., where he was reared and educated in 
 the lower branches. Being desirous of obtaining an education, and his father 
 being in limited circumstances, he taught school to obtain the money to de- 
 fray his expenses at a higher school, and finally graduated from the normal 
 school at Lock Haven in 1879. He had determined to make law his profes- 
 sion, and accordingly began his studies with D. C. Larrabee, of Coudersport, 
 in 1881, and in 1884 was admitted to the bar. He began the practice at 
 Ridgway, being associated with Dyson Rishell, and later, with W. W. Bar- 
 bour, formed the present firm of Arnold & Barbour. Mr. Arnold takes 
 great interest in his professional practice, and is also devoted to scientific- 
 studies, taking an especial interest in the study of astronomy. He is a Re- 
 publican in politics, though not an active politician. He married Hannah 
 Thompson, a daughter of Robinson and Cynthia J. Thompson, of Cedar 
 Springs, Clinton Co., Penn., August 24, 1881, and they have two children: 
 Laura (born in 1883) and Paul (born in 1889). Mr. and Mrs. Arnold are 
 members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and are among the prominent 
 young people of Ridgway. 
 
 WILLIAM W. BARBOUR, attorney at law, Ridgway, was born in Indi- 
 ana county, Penn. , March 20, 1863, a son of William and Elizabeth (Lee) 
 Barbour, of Westmoreland and Lycoming counties, respectively. Mr. Bar- 
 bour received an academic education in his native county, graduating from 
 the State Normal School in 1883. He then came to Elk county and ac- 
 cepted the position of principal of the high school of Wilcox, which he 
 tilled for one year, during which time he was elected professor of mathematics- 
 in the Indiana State Normal School, at Indiana, Penn. After enjoying that 
 position one year, he resigned to enter the law office of Rishell & Arnold, 
 of Ridgway, with whom he read law. He was admitted to the bar in 1886, 
 and immediately formed a partnership with Mr. Arnold, remaining in Ridg- 
 way until September, 1888, when they purchased the law business of W. W. 
 Ames, of St. Mary' s, of which branch Mr. Barbour had charge till his removal 
 to Ridgway, where he now resides. He takes an active part in' Republican 
 politics, and was the candidate of that party for district attorney in 1888. In 
 that year he married Helen, daughter of Hon. Horace Little, of Ridgway. 
 Mr. and Mrs. Barbour are members of the Ridgway Presbyterian Church. 
 
 J. S. BARD WELL, M. D., Ridgway, was born in Warren county, Penn., 
 February 17, 1834. In his childhood his parents moved to Yates county, N. 
 Y., and later returned to Warren county, Penn., where he was educated and 
 began the study of medicine with his brother. Dr. Richard C. Bardwell. He 
 began his practice in Warren in 1857, but in 1863 removed to Ridgway, where 
 he has since resided. After pursuing a regular practice several years, he at- 
 
718 HISTORY OF ELK COUNTY. 
 
 tended the Vitipathic Medical College, at Cincinnati, Ohio, from which he 
 graduated in 1883. In his practice he makes use of electricity and magnetic 
 appliances and the application of hot-air vapor baths, and is pre-eminently 
 successful in the treatment of spinal, heart, rheumatic and asthmatic troubles. 
 In addition to his profession he devotes considerable attention to agriculture 
 and also has a fine dairy. From trees on his land was taken the first bark 
 used for tanning purposes in Ridgway. Dr. Bardwell married, December 22, 
 1855, Edna C. Seeley, who died October 20, 1883, leaving three children: 
 Addie E. Bardwell, Clarice E. Bardwell and Stqddard William Bardwell. His 
 present wife was Susan Cathbert, whom he married, January 7, 1885. 
 
 I. D. BELL, cashier of the Ridgway Bank, was born in Warsaw, Jeifer- 
 son Co., Penn., in 1862, a son of John and Eleanor Bell. He received a 
 good business education, completing it at the Williamsport Commercial Col- 
 lege, Williamsport, Penn., where he graduated in the spring of 1883. He was 
 then employed in the general store of John Cuneo, at Brockport, four months, 
 when he was employed as book-keeper in the Ridgway Bank, which position 
 he filled acceptably until December, 1889, when he was elected cashier. He is 
 a good business man, and in addition to attending to his duties in the bank, 
 has been identified with J. H. McEwen & Co. , machinists of Ridgway, Penn. , 
 since May, 1887, and is also secretary of the New Era Gas Company of the 
 same place. Mr. Bell was married, in 1884, to Miss Ada E. Thompson, 
 daughter of Peter Thompson, of Brandy Camp, Elk county, and they have one 
 child, ClifP Ronald. In politics Mr. Bell is a Republican. He and his wife are 
 members of the First Congregational Church. 
 
 P. P. BOGERT, general merchant, Johnsonburg, Quay P. O. , was born in 
 Sullivan county, N. Y. , December 31, 1844. His parents, Peter J. and 
 Rebecca (Fonda) Bogert, were natives of Pulton county, N. ¥. , and farmers 
 by occupation. Mr. Bogert was reared in Sullivan county, N. Y. , and received 
 hut an ordinary education. At the age of twenty-five he engaged in the hotel 
 business at Jeffersonville, Sullivan county, and in 1880 came to Ridgway, 
 Elk Co., Penn., and established the Bogert House, which he conducted for 
 five years. He then took a trip to San Francisco, Cal. , and afterward located 
 at Shefi&eld, Warren Co., Penn. He established his present business in 
 February, 1888, under the firm name of Bogert & McGeehin. In 1870 he 
 married Miss Hannah M., daughter of Peter R. Wood, of Ulster county, N. Y. 
 Mr. Bogert is a member of Sheffield Lodge, No. 969, I. O. O. F., and the 
 Knights of Pythias. 
 
 L. A. BRENDELL, groceries and provisions, Ridgway, is a native of Phil- 
 adelphia, Penn., born in 1851, son of Ludwig and Barbara Brendell, who 
 came to America from Germany in 1850. In his childhood his parents moved 
 to Lock Haven, where he grew to manhood and completed his school days. 
 After reaching his majority, January 22, 1872, he came to Ridgway, opened a 
 grocery and bakery, and here he has built up a good trade. He keeps a full 
 line of stajfle and fancy groceries, and fresh bakery goods, confectionery, etc. 
 He is also the owner of a fine farm, and keeps constantly on hand fresh dairy 
 goods, butter, cheese, etc. November 19, 1874, Mr. Brendell married Miss 
 Jennie Cuthbert, daughter of A. G. and Ann Cuthbert, who came from Canada, 
 and are of Scotch descent. Mr. Brendell is a Republican in politics, and has 
 served five years as overseer of the poor, his term expiring in the spring of 
 1889. He is a member of the Ridgway Lodge, No. 969, I. O. O. F. Mrs. 
 Brendell is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. 
 
 N. M. BROCKW AY, lumberman, P. O. Oyster, Jefferson county, Penn., 
 was born in Keystone, Perry Co., Penn., January 25, 1829, the second in a 
 
BIOGEAPHIOAL SKETCHES. 719 
 
 family of ten children born to Chauncey and Rhoda (Nichols) Brockway, 
 natives of New York State, who came to Elk county in 1817 and located in Jay 
 township, where they remained until 1820, when they moved to Brandy Camp, 
 Penn., and in 1828 settled in Keystone, where the father built a large mill, 
 and was extensively engaged in lumbering. N. M. Brockway received a prac- 
 tical business education, and has always been prominently identified with the 
 lumber interests of Elk county. He is one of the leading lumbermen, and is 
 regarded, socially, as a promoter of all good causes in the township. He 
 married, October 14, 1848, Miss Catherine, a daughter of David and Betsy 
 (Kriger) Taylor, of Elk county. 
 
 A. H. BUCKLAND, merchant miller, Ridgway, is a native of England, born 
 September 15, 1839, and is a son of James and Jane (Gilley) Buckland, also 
 natives of England. His parents dying when he was very young, the subject 
 of our sketch, when four years old, came to the United States to live with an 
 uncle in Camillus, Onondaga Co., N. Y. Here he spent his boyhood days, attend- 
 ing the common schools of the neighborhood, which early education he supple- 
 mented by attending night schools in Rochester, N. Y. At the age of eleven 
 years he engaged as clerk in a store in Jordan, N. Y., remaining there but a 
 short time, and then entered a paper-mill at Marcellus Palls, N. Y. , in order 
 to learn the trade of paper- making; but this he soon abandoned to enter a 
 grist-rnill in the same place, and here he learned the milling trade. Mr. Buck- 
 land has spent all his time since 1858 in the milling business, chiefly in St. 
 Louis, Mo., and other large cities of the West, where he has remodeled and 
 built several large flour-mills. In 1880 he left St. Louis for Olean, N. Y. , 
 in which place he built the large roller flouring- mills, now owned by the Acme 
 Milling Company, the original proprietors being Chesbrough & Buckland. In 
 1883 he came to Ridgway, where he has erected a fine mill, and is doing a 
 large business. Mr. Buckland was married, June 26, 1868, to Miss Mary B. 
 Ray, daughter of William and Margaret (Rowan) Ray, of Sparta, 111. He has 
 always been a strong temperance man, and now, at fifty, has never tasted 
 beer or liquor of any kind. He is a member of the Congregational Church, 
 and a Republican in politics. 
 
 JACOB BUTTERFDSS, harness-maker, Ridgway, a son of Christopher 
 and Catherine (Baker) Butterfuss, natives of Germany, was born in Ger- 
 many, September 6, 1844. He received his education in his native country, 
 and when twelve years of age, he entered a harness shop as an apprentice, 
 where he served two and one-half years. In 1865 he entered the German 
 army, and served three years. In 1868 he came to America, and in 1873, 
 located in Ridgway, where he established his present business. He married, 
 August 4, 1874, Miss Louisa Meffert, of Wflcox, Penn. , and they are the par- 
 ents of two children, Emma J. and Christopher. Mr. Butterfuss is a member 
 of Ridgway Lodge, No. 379, P. & A. M., also of K. of H., No. 1644. 
 
 ROBERT I. CAMPBELL, merchant, Ridg-way, was born in Philadelphia, 
 Penn., in 1842, a son of Thomas and Rebecca Campbell, natives of Ireland, 
 who came fi'om County Armagh, in 1840, to the United States, and were here 
 married and located in Philadelphia. In 1850 they moved to Highland town- 
 ship, Elk county, where they both died in 1876. They had a family of seven 
 children: Robert!, James W., Thomas, John, Mary, William and Alexander. 
 Robert I. Campbell began business life as a lumberman, and, being an indus- 
 trious, economical young man, accumulated considerable money, and in 1872 
 moved to Ridgway and embarked in the general mercantile business, and is 
 now one of the leading merchants of the borough, his genial, accommodating 
 manner and fair dealing having gained for him a good patronage. He is a 
 
 38 
 
720 HISTORY OF ELK CODNTY. 
 
 Democrat in his political affiliations, and in 1871 was elected a member of the 
 board of eonnty commissioners and served one term. He is a member of the 
 Masonic fraternity, Elk Lodge, No. 379; Elk Chapter, No. 240; Orient Coun- 
 cil; Knapp Commandery, No. 40, and Bloomsburg Consistory, thirty- second 
 degree. 
 
 HIRAM CAEMAN, one of the leading lumber manufacturers of Elk county, 
 and whose post-office address is Carman (the town of that name being named 
 in his honor), is a native of Grove, a beautiful rural town in the county of 
 Allegany, N. Y. He is a son of Edmund and Lois (Bailey) Carman, worthy 
 farming people of that county, and prominent members of the Methodist Epis- 
 copal Church, the father, a native of Cayuga county, N. Y. , and the mother of 
 Vermont. The subject of the present writing was reasred and educated in 
 Allegany and Livingston counties, N. Y., and in 1854 he came to Elk county, 
 locating at Wilcox, where for several years he was engaged in the lumber busi- 
 ness. In 1858 he moved to Spring Creek township, and has since been en- 
 gaged in manufacturing lumber, being a member of the firm of W. H. Hyde 
 & Co., and also of the Portland Lumber Company. In 1856 Mr. Car- 
 man married Miss Elizabeth, daughter of Ira Westcott, of Onondaga county, 
 N. Y., and they have seven children: Lucy, Flora, H. Alonzo (married to Miss 
 Alice Eumbough, of Clarion county, who bore him one child, Roland), Carrie, 
 Ira Edmund, W. W. and Harry. Mr. Carman is an influential and active 
 member of the Republican party, and served with marked ability as county 
 commissioner six years, from 1881 to 1887. He is a member of Elk Lodge, 
 No. 379, P. & A. M., and Knapp Commandery, No. 40, K. T. He and his 
 family are members of the Episcopal Church. 
 
 BURR E. CARTWRIGHT. Although a resident of little more than a 
 decade in that portion of the State of Pennsylvania, of which this work chiefly 
 treats, the gentleman, whose name heads this biographical record, has attained 
 to a pre-eminence second to none among the business men (particularly in the 
 lumbering industry) of this region; and this enviable position is not the issue 
 of fortuitous circumstances, but the result of a life of close business applica- 
 tion, piloted by an active mind largely endowed with nature's best and most 
 useful faculties. 
 
 Burr E. Cartwright is a native of Buffalo, N. Y. , born October 26, 1850, a 
 son of Edward and Elmira (Hotchkiss) Cartwright, residents of near Buffalo, 
 former a native of Wales, and latter of Connecticut. The subject of our sketch 
 attended the common schools until fifteen years of age, at which time he en- 
 tered the Hethcote school, where he remained until his nineteenth year. The 
 first commercial experience of Mr. Cartwright was in the lumber business in 
 Buffalo, when, in 1879, he removed to Ridgway, Elk Co. , Penn. , as purchasing 
 agent, in the lumber trade, for the firm of Scatchard & Son, in whose employ 
 he remained until 1881. In that year he and W. W. Mattison formed a part- 
 nership in the lumber business, which organization resolved itself, in 1883, into 
 the Ridgway Lumber Company, the several members thereof being Burr E. 
 Cartwright, D. C. Oyster, Alfred Short and W. W. Mattison. In the fall of 
 1885 Mr. Mattison retired from the firm, W. H. Horton taking his place. In 
 the following year Mr. Cartwright and Mr. Hoi'ton withdrew from the Ridg- 
 way Lumber Company, and entered into a co-partnership in contracting with 
 the Northwestern Mining & Exchange Company, to cut the lumber and peel 
 the bark on 8,000 acres. In 1888 Mr. Cartwright purchased Mr. Horton's in- 
 terest in this enterprise, keeping, however, intact the former contract, made 
 under the firm name of Horton & Cartwright. In order to fulfill this contract, 
 Mr. Cartwright has in operation three saw-mills, having a capacity of 200,000 
 
BIOGBAPHICAL SKETCHES. 721 
 
 feet per day. He also operates a shingle and planing-mill at Horton City, a 
 place located near the Mead Eun school-house, and in the carrying on of the 
 enormous business, 500 men are constantly employed. He has, in all, seven- 
 teen miles of standard-gauge railroad in operation, equipped with five loco- 
 motives and fifty logging cars. In the spring of 1889, Mr. Cartv?right com- 
 pleted a contract with the Northwestern Mining & Exchange Company, for the 
 building of one hundred dwellings at Mead Eun. He owns and carries on two 
 general stores, doing an aggregate business of $15,000 per month— one store 
 being located at Horton City for the convenience of his own men, the other, 
 an outside enterprise, being at Mead Eun. The Horton City saw-mills are, 
 perhaps, the best equipped mills in the eastern part of Pennsylvania, being 
 provided with circular and gang saws; lath mills are attached, with the latest 
 improved labor-saving appliances, the whole being lighted by electricity. The 
 daily shipments of bark and lumber from the several stations along Mr. Cart- 
 wright's line, amount to twenty-five cars. Thus, in his management of his 
 gigantic lumber and bark interests and contracts, together with the necessary 
 saw-mills, adjuncts and appointments; in the conducting of his mammoth stores, 
 and the directing of his army of employes, it may be said of Mr. Burr E. 
 Cartwright, that he stands in the front rank among the lumbermen of Penn- 
 sylvania, and, perhaps, of the entire Union. 
 
 In addition to the above-mentioned enterprises, Mr. Cartwright has, since 
 the writing of this sketch, organized the Brock Coal Company (capital $50,000), 
 of which he is president. It is their intention to fully equip these mines 
 (which are located at Brockwayville, Jefferson Co. , Penn. ) with electrical min- 
 ing machinery, and they expect to have a daily output of 1,000 tons. They 
 will commence shipping coal about May 1, 1890. 
 
 In 1871 Mr. Cartwright was married to Miss Sophia Eouse, of Gaines, 
 Mich. , who survived her wedding but ten months, and one son was born to 
 them, Morgan Eouse, now attending Deveaux College, Suspension Bridge, N. 
 Y. In 1877 Mr. Cartwright took for his second wife Miss Alice Jane Higham, 
 who has borne him one daughter: Orrel Higham. Mrs. Cartwright attends 
 the Congregational Church. Mr. Cartwright, who is one of the most active 
 workers in the Eepublican party, served three years as chairman of the Eepub- 
 lican county committee; in the fall of 1888 he was named as the chofoe of 
 Elk county for congress, and at the congressional conference held at Du Bois 
 he was tendered the nomination, but owing to his vast business engagements, 
 the constituency had, reluctantly, to accept his refusal. He is a member of 
 the P. & A. M., Elk Lodge, No. 379; of Elk Chapter, No. 230, E. A. M. ; of 
 Knapp Commandery, No. 40, K. T., and of Bloomsburg Consistory. 
 
 E. F. CUMMINGS, station agent for the Philadelphia & Erie Eailroad at 
 Johnsonburg, was born in New Bethlehem, Penn., January 17, 1858, the 
 only son of S. M. and Mary A. (Space) Curamings, natives of Pennsylvania. 
 He was educated in his native town, and when twelve years of age was em- 
 ployed in a store as clerk. When he was eighteen years of age he became 
 station agent for the Allegheny Valley Eailroad, and in 1881 went to Ceres, 
 Penn., where he had charge of an office for the Bradford, Eldred & Cuba 
 Eailroad. In 1866 Mr. Cummings came to Johnsonburg, where he is station 
 agent for the Philadelphia & Erie Eailroad Company. JEe married, Decem- 
 ber 17, 1884, Miss Mary, daughter of L. T. and E. C. T. (Fuller) Moore, early 
 settlers in Cameron county, and they are the parents of one child, Eleanor. 
 
 D. B. DAY, M. D. , Eidgway, was born at Union, Broome Co. , N. Y. , March 
 16, 1847, and is a son of Augustus and Judith C. (Otto) Day, the former a 
 native of Broome county, N. Y. , and the latter of McKean county, Penn. In 
 
722 HISTOKT OF ELK COUNTY. 
 
 his boyhood his parents moved to McKean county, Penn. , where he completed 
 his literary education, and began the study of medicine with Dr. Clark, of 
 Brockwayville, in 1874. He later attended lectures at the Eclectic Medical 
 ■Institute of Cincinnati, Ohio, where he graduated in 1877. Dr. Day first 
 located at Kane, but in the fall of 1877 he moved to Ridgway, where he now 
 has a good practice. In the course of his medical experience, he has prepared 
 several formulas, which he is placing before the public in a more extensive way 
 than could be done in a local practice, and these are already giving him a wide 
 reputation. He purchased the property known as the ' ' Hyde House,' ' which 
 he has fitted up as a comfortable resort for invalids, and in the building adjoin- 
 ing is his drug store and laboratory. He has been very successful in his prac- 
 tice, and is well known throughout this part of the State. The Doctor married, 
 in 1872, Miss Lucy A. Schram, daughter of W. H. Sohram, of Eidgway, and 
 they have two children — Edith and Grace. In politics Dr. Day is a Democrat. 
 
 WILLIAM L. DEVINB, Rolfe, superintendent for Henry, Bayard & Co. , 
 lumbermen, was born in the town of Liberty, Sullivan Co. , N. Y. , September 
 24, 1852, and is a son of George and Catherine (Travis) Devine, both natives 
 of the county named above. His father was a millwright by trade, but prin- 
 cipally followed farming as a vocation. The subject of these lines is also a 
 millwright by trade. In 1869 he moved to "Williamsport, Penn., remained 
 there several years, and in 1882 came to Eolfe, where he has ever since held 
 his present position. In October, 1876, Mr. Devine married Miss Alfaretta 
 M., only daughter of William D. Myers, of Lebanon Lake, Sullivan Co. ,N. Y., 
 and to this union have been born children as follows: Maggie Louise (born 
 at Gilman's Depot, Sullivan Co., N. Y., January 16, 1878), Maud J. (born 
 April 30, 1880, at the same place, where, at the time, Mr. Devine was superin- 
 tendent of' mills for the late W. W. Gilman, then of No. 10 Ferry street. New 
 York City) and Clara J. ( born in Rolfe, Penn. , -^^^ovember 6, 1885). Mr. and 
 Mrs. Devine also adopted, in their early marriage days, a little girl, Mamie E. 
 Fahrenkrug, now a young lady and still a member of the family. Mr. Devine 
 is a member of Ridgway Lodge, No. 369, F. & A. M. , and also of the lodge of 
 the I. O. O. F. at Ridgway. He belongs to no church, although he liberally 
 contributes toward the spread of the gospel and the support of the church 
 generally, as is evidenced by the bell that hangs in the belfry of the Method- 
 ist Episcopal Church edifice at Rolfe, which was placed there through his gen- 
 erosity; the beautiful new school building, comprising four rooms, was also 
 erected within the past year, through his untiring zeal and energy, at a cost 
 of $2,500. This school at present is taught by three instructors, viz. : W. F. 
 McCloskey, of Caledonia, Penn. , principal ; Miss Kate O' Conner, of Ridgway, 
 in the intermediate department, and Miss Mame Schoening, also of Ridgway, 
 in the primary department. These departments make use, at present, of three 
 rooms, but, as they are now over-crowded with pupils, the fourth room will be 
 called into requisition within a year. In politics Mr. Devine is a Republican ; 
 he has served as school director of Ridgway township, and since 1884 has been 
 postmaster at Rolfe. Mrs. Devine and children are members of the Methodist 
 Episcopal Church. 
 
 GEORGE DICKINSON (deceased) was a son of Charles Frederick and 
 (Abigail) Dickinson, and was born November 24, 1807, in Goshen, Litchfield 
 Co. , Conn. , where he was reared and educated until he was twelve years of 
 age, after which time he resided in Ontario, Cattaraugus and Allegany coun- 
 ties, N. Y. , until his coming to Ridgway in 1834. Here he engaged in the 
 lumbering and mercantile businesses, in which he was eminently successful, 
 and resided here continuously until the day of his death. In 1838 he was 
 
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 723 
 
 united in marriage to Miss A. E. GofP, with whom he had five children, all 
 boys, three of whom are living. After twenty-one years of wedded happi- 
 ness, his wife died in 1859, and for eight years he bore the burdens of life 
 alone, when he married Esther Jane Thayer, daughter of David Thayer. 
 George Dickinson was in many respects a remarkable man. Though never 
 robust, physically, he was an untiring worker, and accomplished more in his 
 long and active life than many who were blessed with a much stronger phys- 
 ical organization. Mentally, however, he was strong and vigorous. His 
 mind was of a judicial cast, and if he had been trained in the law, would 
 have made an able judge. He was quick to perceive and prompt to act, and 
 when his judgment was once formed, it was practically unchangeable. He had 
 a high sense of honor, and in the various walks of life was ever zealous in 
 the advocacy of the right and the condemnation of the wrong. His integrity 
 was unsullied, and he leaves behind him a reputation that is a priceless legacy 
 to those who bear his name. He was a life-long and consistent Democrat, 
 and so conspicuous was his ability and so excellent his judgment, that he was 
 fi-equently called upon by his fellow- citizens to accept positions of public 
 trust, including those of school director, county commissioner and associate 
 judge, in each and all of which he reflected credit alike upon himself and his 
 constituency. He was emphatically a lover of his country and her institutions, 
 and always took a lively interest in public affairs. In short, he was a good 
 man and a useful citizen, and his death creates a 'vacuum in the community 
 that will not soon be filled. He died, after suffering from pneumonia for 
 twenty-six days, and his remains were followed to the tomb by a large con- 
 course of mourning friends and relatives. 
 
 G. P. DICKINSON, lumberman, Eidgway, and the senior partner of the 
 firm of Dickinson Brothers, was born in Eidgway, June 14, 1840, and was 
 there reared and educated. After the finishing of his education, he employed 
 himself in farming and lumbering, afterward associating himself with a brother 
 in the latter business. November 25, 1869, he married Miss Elizabeth Calla- 
 han, daughter of Jeremiah and Margurite Callahan, and is now the father of 
 three sons: George, born September 12, 1871; Charles Frederick, born April 
 17, 1875, and Daniel S., born December 25, 1883. Mr. Dickinson is a mem- 
 ber of Elk Lodge, No. 379, P. & A. M., andKnapp Commandery, No. 40. His 
 politics are Democratic. 
 
 GBOEGE E. DIXON, attorney at law, Eidgway, was born in the town of 
 Neversink, Sullivan Co., N. Y.', July 23, 1848, and is a son of Henry and Cath- 
 erine Dixon, natives of the county of Dutchess, State of New York. His par- 
 ents dying when he was thirteen years of age, young Dixon found a home 
 with Dr. J. L. Lamoree, of Grahamsville, N. Y. , with whom he resided, work- 
 ing for board and clothes, and attending the village school until about eighteen 
 years of age. June 20, 1868, he graduated from the Monticello (New York) 
 Academy, and in the fall of the same year he entered Eutgers College Gram- 
 mar School, at New Brunswick, N. J. In the fall of 1869 he entered the fresh- 
 man class of Butgers College, graduating with the degree of A. B. in June, 
 1878, the same institution conferring on him the degree of M. A., in June, 
 1876. While in college he supported himself largely by giving special lessons 
 in English to Japanese students, who were sent to the institution by order of 
 the government of Japan. In September, 1873, Mr. Dixon came to^Eidgway, 
 where he was principal of the schools for two years. In May, 1875, he was 
 elected county superintendent of the schools of Elk county, which position he 
 held four terms, or twelve years in succession. Mr. Dixon began the study of law 
 with Euf us Lucore, Esq. , at Eidgway, and spent some considerable time like- 
 
724 HISTORY OP ELK COUNTY. 
 
 wise in the law office of George A. Eathbun, also of Ridgway, and May 30, 
 1878, while still superintendent of schools, he was admitted to practice in the 
 oourts of Elk county. On December 4, 1884, he purchased the Elk Democrat, 
 of which weekly paper he is still the editor and proprietor. Mr. Dixon com- 
 bines law practice and journalism as a business, writing not only for his own 
 journal, but also as a frequent contributor to the New York, Philadelphia and 
 Pittsburgh daily papers. While in school work, he attended educational con- 
 ventions quite extensively as an instructor and lecturer, and became well known 
 as such throughout the State. In 1876 he published a complete history of pub- 
 lic-school education in Elk county, from its earliest settlements to date. Mr. 
 Dixon is an elder in the Presbyterian Church at Ridgway. In politics he is a 
 Democrat, and has several times been chairman of the Democratic county com- 
 mittee of Elk county. He is also prominent in Freemasonry, and in 1889 
 filled the chair of worshipful master of Elk Lodge, No. 379, at Ridgway. Mr. 
 Dixon was married in September, 1874, to Miss Louise Eaton, dauglater of the 
 late Horace Eaton, of Ellenville, N. Y. , and to this union have been born three 
 children: Mabel, Helen and Clark. , 
 
 BYRON F. ELY, the well-known lumberman of Ridgway, is a native of 
 the State of New York, born in Rushford, Allegany county, July 7, 1821. 
 His early life was spent in the town of his birth, where he obtained the rudi- 
 ments of an education. Becoming discontented with the narrow limits of an 
 obscure village, young Ely, on a certain drizzly March morning in 1835, then 
 in his fifteenth year, packed all his earthly possessions into a small valise, and 
 went forth to fight the world single-handed. He first went to Olean, N. Y. , 
 then a great port of arrivals and departures, and here engaged to assist in run- 
 ning a lumber raft down the Allegheny river as far as Pittsburgh. He became 
 so enamored with this sort of adventurous life that he at once decided to take 
 up the occupation as his own. On leaving Pittsburgh, he wended his way 
 back up the river as far as Red Bank, and with his father, M. D. L. Ely, who 
 had purchased a farm there, worked at agricultural employment during the 
 summer. In the fall of the same year, he followed lumbering at Balltown, 
 and in May, 1836, he again rafted lumber down the Allegheny to Pittsburgh. 
 In June, following, Mr. Ely, with his father, came to Ridgway, where he 
 found employment with Hughes & Dickinson, lumberers, and at other similar 
 work, until about the year 1847, when he formed a partnership with David S. 
 Luther, in the lumbering business. In 1852 Mr. Ely bought a one-third in- 
 terest in the Whistletown mill property of Post & Palmeter, with whom he 
 was interested in the extensive manufacture of lumber. In 1855 he entered into 
 an arrangement with Charles and Isaac Horton, under the firm name of Hor- 
 ton, Ely & Co., and at the same place this new firm carried on business until 
 1862 or 1863. In 1858, however, Mr. Ely bought property in Ridgway, whither 
 he removed, and in June, 1860, he went to Portland, this county, having con- 
 tracted with Breedin & Co., of Louisville, to cut and put in the pine from 
 1, 200 acres of their Portland lands. Here he was urging business with all his 
 zeal, and fortune seemed to be smiling on him, when he was caught by the sweep- 
 ing deluge of September 21, 1861, and all his interest both at Portland and 
 Whistletown was carried away. Nothing daunted, however, Mr. Ely entered 
 into a partnership with D. D. Cook (still of Ridgway), which continued, until 
 July 22, 1870, when he sold his interest to Mr. Cook, and returned to Ridg- 
 way with a competency. He then purchased of Souther & Willis the prop- 
 erty where he is now located, and owns from all his several purchases about 
 2,000 acres of land. In 1878 he built his present extensive saw-mill about 
 one-half of a mile east of Ridgway. This mill gives employment to some 
 
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 725 
 
 twenty -two men, has a capacity of about 5,000,000 feet per annum, and is 
 fully equipped with all modern improvements, the shipping capacity being in 
 the neighborhood of 80,000 feet per day. The residences occupied by Mr. 
 Ely and his sons, with those of his men, together with all the attendant build- 
 ings of the establishment, make a village of no mean proportions. Mr. Ely 
 was married at Eidgway, February 28, 1847, to Helen, daughter of Zebulon 
 Warner, a well-known citizen of Elk county, and three sons and two daughters 
 were born to this union, as follows: Frank (married to a daughter of L. S. 
 Garritt, of Eidgway), and Lewis, who have been in partnership with their 
 father since January 1, 1884, under firm name of Ely & Sons ; Fred, a law 
 student; MoUie, wife of H. S. Thayer, a lumber merchant of Eidgway, and 
 Carrie. 
 
 JOHN FOLEY, proprietor of the Johnsonburg House, P. O. Quay, was 
 born in Cattaraugus county, N. Y. , June 9, 1854. His parents were John and 
 Bridget (McCarty) Foley, natives of Ireland, but now residing in Chautauqua 
 county, N. Y., the former a farmer by occupation. Mr. Foley followed 
 farming, lumbering, etc. , and in 1872 came to Elk county, Penn., and has since 
 resided at Eidgway, Whistletown and Johnsonburg, purchasing his present 
 hotel in September, 1887. In 1882 he married Miss Lizzie Wank, of Easselas, 
 Penn., and they have one child, Lizzie. Mr. Foley is a supporter of the Dem- 
 ocratic party, and a member of the Eoman Catholic Church. 
 
 J. D. FULLEETON, dentist, Eidgway, a son of Alexander and Catherine 
 (Chandler) Fullerton, natives of Pennsylvania, was born in Brookville, Penn., 
 April 15, 1847. He received a practical business education in Brookville, and 
 resided with his parents until 1868, when he began the study of his profession 
 with D. B. Lowry, of Brookville, Penn., and remained with him until 1873. 
 He married, March 13, 1872, Miss Caroline, a daughter of Jacob and Caroline 
 Linsenbigler, of Eural Village, Penn., and soon after his marriage came to 
 Eidgway, where he commenced the practice of dentistry, and is now enjoying 
 a fine lucrative practice. He is a member of the Elk Lodge, No. 379, F. & 
 A. M., and Elk Chapter, No. 230. 
 
 PBTEE GAINOE, ex- sheriff of Elk county, Eidgway, was born at Buffalo, 
 N. Y., in 1846, son of Peter and Ellen (Foley) Gainor, natives of Ireland. 
 When a child he accompanied his parents to Allegany county, N. Y. , and from 
 there to McKean county, Penn. He was given good educational advantages, 
 and after leaving school engaged in the lumber business; in 1869 he moved to. 
 Elk county and located in Spring Creek township, where he continued to 
 follow the lumber business until 1886, when he was elected sheriff' of Elk 
 county and removed to Eidgway. He has been an active worker in the ranks 
 of the Democratic party, and lilled the position of sheriff in an acceptable 
 manner until the expiration of his term of office, January 6, 1890, having had 
 the confidence of both his constituents and the opposing party in politics. In 
 1880 Mr. Gainor married Miss Kate Davison, a daughter of Daniel Davison, 
 and they have a family of six children, as follows: James A. Gaiuor, aged nine 
 years; Nellie M. Gainor, aged seven years; Peter D. Gainor, aged five years; 
 Katie M. Gainor, aged three years; Frank C. Gainor, aged two years; Bessie 
 Irene Gainor, aged nine months. Mr. and Mrs. Gainor are members of the 
 Catholic Church. 
 
 J. K. GAEDNEE, lumberman, was born in Eidgway township. Elk county, 
 Penn., January 28, 1848, and is a son of Nelson and Mary (Morey) Gardner, na- 
 tives of Steuben county, N. Y., who came to Elk county in 1845, settling on the 
 farm where the father yet lives. Nelson Gardner was by occupation a hunter, 
 and he paid for his farm with the proceeds of the chase. The subject of these 
 
726 HISTOEY OF ELK COUNTY. 
 
 lines spent his boyhood days with his parents on the farm until 1868, when he 
 embarked in the lumber business, which he has since followed. May 1, 1871, 
 he married Miss Ophelia M., daughter of Otis B. and Caroline (Nichols) 
 Fitch, who came from Cattaraugus county, N. Y., to Port Allegany, McKean 
 county, Penn., being among the early settlers. Mr. and Mrs. J. K. Gardner 
 are parents of two children: Ella M. and Earl. The parents are members of 
 the Congregational Church at Ridgway. In politics Mr. Gardner is a 
 Democrat, having twice been elected commissioner of Elk county, and serving 
 from January 1, 1882, until January 1, 1888. He is now the managing partner 
 of the firm of Hall, Gardner & Co., lumbermen, doing business at Hallton, 
 Elk county. This firm was organized in 1882 as Hall & Gardner, and did 
 business until August 1, 1889, when Mr. W. H. Hyde, of Ridgway borough, 
 became a member, and the firm name was changed to Hall, Gardner & Co. 
 Mr. Gardner's house is in Ridgway borough, where he has lived since 1885. 
 
 JAMES L. GILLIS was born in Hebron, Washington Co., N. Y., in 1792. 
 The educational advantages were meager then as compared to the present day, 
 and the common school was all that he was privileged to enjoy, and that only 
 for three months in the year. In 1808 his parents moved to Argyle, N. Y. , 
 and there he served an apprenticeship of three years at the tanner's trade. 
 Immediately after the declaration of war between the United States and Great 
 Britain, in 1812, he enlisted in the mounted dragoons, commanded by Capt. 
 C. V. Boughton. This was an independent company, which served as escort 
 to Gen. Hull, who was afterward superseded by Gen. Van Rensselaer. When 
 the regiment went into winter quarters, he again enlisted, this time in the regi- 
 ment commanded by Col. Stone, and during this year was at Fort George with 
 Gen. McClure. After the abandonment of this fort, and before the burning of 
 Newark, Canada, Mr. Gillis was taken sick and was sent to Batavia, N. Y. In 
 the meantime BufPalo, Lewiston, Youngstown, Black Rock and Manchester 
 were captured and burned, and in the winter of 1813-14 the company of Capt. 
 Boughton was paid off and discharged. In the spring of 1814 Mr. Gillis 
 again enlisted for one year, and during the following summer participated in 
 the battles at Chippewa and Lundy's Lane. At the last-named battle his 
 horse was shot from under him and he was wounded. August 7, 1814, he had 
 charge of sixteen men, who were sent on a foraging expedition, but they were 
 surprised, four men being killed and nine, including Mr. Gillis, captured and 
 confined at Toronto, Kingston, Prescott and Montreal. November 14, 1814, 
 he, with twenty- five others, was put on board the transport boat "Stately," 
 which was about to sail for England, but Mr. Gillis and five others escaped in 
 a boat, landing near the city of Quebec. After wandering in the woods three 
 days, they came upon the cabin of a Frenchman, who agreed to conduct them 
 to a place of safety. He put them into a darkened room, and went to the 
 reconnoitre, returning after considerable time, and when the door was opened, 
 they found the house surrounded by British soldiers. They were taken to 
 Halifax and there kept until the spring of 1815, when the treaty of peace was 
 signed. After the war Mr. Gillis lived at Victor, N. Y. , for some time, and 
 then worked with his brothers, Enon and Samuel, at tanning and shoemaking. 
 In 1822 he moved to Elk (then in Jefferson) county and located sixteen miles 
 from any neighbor and seventy from any post-office. He cleared up what is 
 now the Montmorenci farm, and built a saw- and grist-mill, and became the 
 first extensive lumber manufacturer in this region. He was appointed associ- 
 ate judge of JefPerson and Franklin counties, and held the office two terms. 
 In 1840 he was elected to the Pennsylvania legislature, and served three years 
 in the house and three years in the senate. In 1856 he was elected a member 
 
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 727 
 
 of congress from his district. He was an intimate friend of James Buchanan, 
 and was a delegate to the convention that nominated him for the presidency. 
 He was appointed Indian agent for the Pawnees in 1859, which was the last 
 offiee he held. In 1862 he went to Iowa and lived with his son until the tragic 
 death of the latter, and finally came to his death at Mount Pleasant, Iowa, in 
 July, 1881. The long and notable career of James L. Gillis is an example to 
 young men of to-day. He was a foremost actor in the stirring scenes of life, 
 and was one of the pioneers of the now thriving county of Elk. He was mar- 
 ried, in 1816, to Mary Eidgway, of Philadelphia, who died in 1826, leaving 
 three children : Ridgway B. ,Charles B. and Jeannette C. (now Mrs. Houk). In 
 1828 he married Miss Berry, of New York, who died in 1855, leaving seven 
 children: B. W., a journalist of Richmond, Va. ; Claudius V., of Kane, Penn. ; 
 James H., commodore, U. S. N. ; Robert S., of Iowa; Mrs. Porter, Mrs. Noxon 
 and Mrs. Whiting. Mr. Gillis' father, Robert Gillie, was born in Boston, 
 Mass., in 1740, three days after the landing of his Scotch parents. He spent 
 his young manhood as a sailor on coasting vessels running from Boston to New 
 Orleans and other American seaports. He married Jerugha Clark, of New 
 Hampshire, and they reared a family of five children, all of whom passed the 
 age of four score, and one son, John, lived to be ninety-three years old. The 
 first wife died, and Robert then married Sarah Stewart, by whom there were 
 six children: Enos, who died aged sixty-seven; Samuel, aged eighty- four; 
 James L., aged eighty-nine; Thomas, born June 10, 1794, is still living; 
 Elizabeth, wife of Blisha Ingersoll, died aged fifty-five years, and Hugh. 
 
 E. T. GRANT, tanner, Ridgway, was born at Liberty, Sullivan Co., 
 N. Y. , in 1853, a son of Hon. E. Y. Grant. He was reared in his native 
 county, and was given good educational advantages, graduating from Monti - 
 cello Academy in 1868. Coming to Ridgway in 1869, he entered the employ 
 of the Ridgway Tanning Company, and has since been connected with same. 
 He was married in 1876 and has two children — one son and one daughter. 
 Mr. Grant is a member of Elk Lodge, No. 379, F. & A. M. He is a Demo- 
 crat in politics, and an active worker for the interests of his party. He is a 
 member of Mill Creek Rod and Gun Club, which owns ten miles of Mill Creek, 
 a stream that furnishes the best fishing ground in the State. They have an 
 elegantly fitted up club-house, furnished with all necessary accoutrements for 
 pleasure seekers, and have a special policeman employed to guard the stream. 
 The club is incorporated, and will soon become the greatest pleasure club in 
 the State. 
 
 L. S. GUTH, jeweler, Ridgway, was born at Callensburgh, Clarion Co., 
 Penn., in 1853, son of Leopold and Theresa (Loll) Guth, the former a Dative 
 of Freiburg, Baden, Germany, and the latter born and reared in Alsace. In 
 his childhood the parents of our subject moved to Clarion, the county-seat, 
 and there he was reared and educated. When fifteen years of age, he began 
 learning the jeweler's trade of his father, working with him until twenty years 
 old, when he went to Fryburgh and engaged in business for himself, but re- 
 mained there only a short time, removing to Petersburg and from there to 
 Petrolia, Butler Co. , Penn. Later he went to Denver, Colo. , where he lived 
 six years, and then returned to Pennsylvania, and has since lived in Ridgway, 
 where he now has a good business, and is numbered among the substantial 
 men of Ridgway. September 29, 1886, at the Church of the Immaculate Con- 
 ception, Clarion, Penn., Mr. Guth married Mary A. Meisinger, daughter. of 
 John and Anna (Gruber) Meisinger, both of Bavaria, and they have two chil- 
 dren, Elizabeth and William. Mr. and Mrs. Guth are members of the Cath- 
 olic Church. In politics he is a Democrat, adhering firmly to the principles _ 
 
728 HISTORY OF ELK COUNTY. 
 
 of that party, and has just ended his term as burgess of the borough of 
 Ridgway. 
 
 J. H. HAGERTY, merchant, Ridgway, was born in Hollidaysburg, Penn. , 
 January 20, 1838, the second son born to James G. and Hannah (Mohney) 
 Hagerty, natives of Pennsylvania. He received a business education in the 
 district schools of Blair county, Penn. , and lived at home until he was thirteen 
 years of age, when ho was employed as clerk in a general store in Mount 
 Pleasant, Penn., remaining until he was nineteen, when he came to Ridgway, 
 and engaged in the lumber business. Mr. Hagerty was married, July 16, 
 1866, to Miss A. E., daughter of David and Sarah (Stewart) Thayer, natives 
 of New York State, who were among the early settlers of Ridgway, and built 
 the Thayer House. Mr. and Mrs. Hagerty are the parents of two children: 
 May (deceased) and Rena, at home. In 1867 Mr. Hagerty opened a general 
 store in Ridgway, and in 1869 was appointed postmaster, serving until 1887. 
 In 1884 he started a shoe-store, in which business he still continues. He has 
 held various borough offices, and is one of the leading business men of Ridg- 
 way. He is a member of Elk Lodge, No. 379, F. & A. M., also a m.ember of 
 No. 1644, K. of H., Ridgway, Penn. Mr. Hagerty is a thorough Republican 
 and was a delegate to the Republican National Convention that met in Chi- 
 cago in 1888, and nominated the Harrison and Morton ticket. In June, 1889, 
 Mr. Hagerty was reappointed postmaster of Ridgway, and is now doing active 
 duty in his old position. 
 
 W. S. HAMBLEN, attorney at law, Ridgway, was born in Standish, Cum- 
 berland Co., Me., February 15, 1839, a son of I. and Lydia A. Hamblen. In 
 November, 1840, the parents moved to Lovell, Oxford county, where our sub- 
 ject resided until August, 1850. He was educated in the common schools of 
 Lovell, and the academies at Pryeburgh and Waterville, Me. , graduating from 
 the latter school in 1859. He was a hard student, and his close attention to 
 his studies so undermined his health that he was obliged to give up a college 
 course, and leaving school, he entered the employ of a lumber company, in 
 Cambria county, Penn., as manager, remaining with them from 1859 to 1865. 
 In 1865 he removed to Elk county, and engaged successfully in the manufact- 
 ure of shooks, which he shipped in large lots to Philadelphia, from where 
 they were exported to Cuba, and returned to the United States filled with 
 sugar and molasses. The insurrection in Cuba led to the relinquishment of 
 this business by him in 1872. As he was located a long distance from an 
 attorney, it became necessary for him to understand the law of contracts, etc. , 
 and this led him to read Blackstone, Kent, Greenleaf, and all necessary text 
 books on contracts, bills and notes. This he did for his own benefit, but on lo- 
 cating at Ridgway, in 1870, was advised to enter the profession, and in 1874 was 
 registered as a law student, and in 1876 was admitted to the bar, from which 
 time he has been a thorough, reliable and responsible lawyer. He was instru- 
 mental in organizing the Elk county Republican committee in 1867, and was 
 its chairman until 1872, when he refused to act in that capacity, as he was 
 identified that year with the Greeley movement. He has been prominent in 
 politics as a reformer, and has given his support to many enterprises of public 
 benefit. Mr. Hamblen married Miss Annette D. , daughter of Martin P. and 
 Hannah Ayers, of Conneaut, Ohio. They have one son, named Lynne Ayers 
 Hamblen, and also had a son and daughter who died in infancy. 
 
 D. B. HAMILTON, wagon manufacturer, Ridgway, is a native of Mercer 
 county, Penn., born February 22, 1847. He was reared on a farm, and in his 
 youth learned the wagon-maker's trade. He was employed at the Conklin 
 Wagon Factory, at Olean, N. Y. , until 1883, when he moved to Ridgway, and 
 
b"[ogkaphical sketches. 729 
 
 engaged in the manufacture of wagons until 1886, when he became associated 
 with D. 0. Oyster, under the firm name of D. B. Hamilton'& Co., which part- 
 nership was continued iintil January 1, 1889, when the company was changed 
 to a corporation, under the name of the Hamilton Wagon Company (limited), 
 the stockholders being D. C. Oyster, W. H. Osterhout and D. B. Hamilton, 
 with D. C. Oyster, president, and D. B. Hamilton, secretary and treasurer. 
 The Hamilton Wagon Company are on a sound financial footing, and give em- 
 ployment to twenty-five or thirty men. Their wagons have a reputation for 
 durability, and the demand is greater than the supply. They take special 
 pains in the selection of the wood used in their manufacture, and their wagons 
 find a ready sale in the home market. Mr. Hamilton gives his entire time to 
 the management of his business, and although interested in the welfare of the 
 city, has no time to devote to the cares of public office. He easts his suilrage 
 with the Eepublican party. Mr. Hamilton married Miss Flora E. McCrea, 
 and they have one daughter. They ai'e members of the Congregational 
 Church. 
 
 W. C. HEALY, Eidgway, was born at Romeo, Macomb Co., Mich., in 1824, 
 a son of Freeborn and Polly (Chandler) Healy. His father was a native of 
 Wyoming county, N. Y. , where he was married, and in 1819 moved to Michi- 
 gan, where he died August 29, 1825. The mother died in January, 1839. W. 
 C. Healy was reared in Michigan, and educated at the common schools. After 
 the death of his mother he came to Pennsylvania, and in 1848 located at Eidg- 
 way, in Elk county, where, for three years, he was employed in a mercantile 
 house, and then, for eight years, was engaged in lumbering, and later was in 
 the mercantile business. In 1856 he was elected sheriff of Elk county, and 
 served one term, and for a number of years has served as justice of the peace. 
 He is one of the prominent citizens of the county, a Democrat in politics, and 
 takes an active interest in local affairs. He is a member of the Masonic fra- 
 ternity, Elk Lodge, No. 379, Elk Chapter, No. 230, and Knapp Commandery, 
 No. 40. Mr. Healy married. New Year's Eve, 1853, Martha A., daughter of 
 Caleb Dill, a pioneer of Elk county, and they have two children: Mattie E. 
 and Claude H. They are members of the Episcopal Church. 
 
 W. S. HOETON, son of Isaac and Sarah (Sherwood) Horton, was born in 
 Horton township, Elk Co., Penn., in 1853. His grandfather, Isaac Horton, 
 came from the Eastern States in a very early day, and located in what is now 
 Horton township, where he engaged in farming and dealing in lumber, clear- 
 ing his farm of timber. He subsequently moved to Eidgway, where he died. 
 His children were: Lovisa, wife of Col. Wilcox; Minerva, wife of J. W. Tay- 
 lor; Charles, who was one of the first prothonotaries of the county; Isaac; Al- 
 vira; Hezekiah; Amanda, wife of Jerome Powell, and Matilda, wife of Col. 
 Fred Schoening. Minerva, Alvira, Hezekiah and Matilda are the only ones liv- 
 ing. Isaac was born at Brandy Camp, Horton township, and passed his life 
 in Elk county, engaged in farming and lumbering. He was elected treasurer 
 of the county, and moved to Eidgway, but died near Erie. He married Sarah 
 Sherwood, who now lives at North East, Erie county. They had eight chil- 
 dren: Loren C. ; Emma, wife of John Collins; Helen, wife of Alfred Short; 
 W. S. ; Lucy; Milton C, a banker of Missouri; Ida, wife of Lester Chase, of 
 Buffalo, and Walter. W. S. Horton was reared in Elk county, completing his 
 education at Williamsport, and then engaged in the lumber business until 
 twenty-two years of age, when he was appointed clerk in the prothonotary's 
 office, filling that position from 1878 till 1884. In the meantime, from 1880 
 to 1883, he served also as deputy sheriff of the county, and in 1884 was elected 
 prothonotary, and was reelected in 1887. He is an active worker in the Dem- 
 
730 HISTOBY OF ELK COUNTY. 
 
 ocratie party, and is also active in all public affairs. He is a member of the 
 Masonic fraternity, Elk Lodge, No 379, Bidgway Chapter, No. 230, and Knapp 
 Commandery, No. 40. Mr. Horton married Ella Bennett in September, 1878, 
 and they have three children: Isaac, aged eight; Ealph W., aged six, and 
 Clara, aged four. 
 
 JACOB V. HOUK (deceased). Fourteen years ago, on January 26, 1876, 
 there passed to his heavenly rest, after enduring excruciating sufferings, which 
 he bore with characteristic Christian resignation, the universally respected cit- 
 izen whose name heads this biographical memoir. The career of the deceased 
 in his lifetime was one remarkable for its struggles and triumphs — a career 
 adorned and made conspicuous by his liberality, public-spiritedness and zeal in 
 the cause of right, though his earthly pilgrimage was one of trial, tumult and suf- 
 fering. Mr. Houk was born, October 18, 1822, at Slippery Eock, Butler Co. , 
 Penn. , in the vicinity in which he continued to reside until his twenty-fourth year, 
 engaged in farming and such other labor as offered to him the best inducements. 
 He then removed to New Brighton, Beaver county, where he followed lumber- 
 ing for about a year and a half, after which he went to Tidioute, Warren Co. , 
 Penn. , and here also worked at similar business for about a year, when he found 
 his way to Beech Bottom, Elk county, where he took a contract to run round 
 timber for the Blake company. After a time he went to Lawrence county, and 
 once more went to farming for about a year, at which time he again sought the 
 wilds of Elk county. At Beech Bottom he found employment as an efiScient 
 all-around man, both in the woods and in the mill, with Cobb & Bulofson, and 
 then, in a year or two, moved to Bear creek, where he built and operated a 
 railroad for moving lumber firom the places of skidding to the streams. While 
 thus employed he became united in marriage, July 2, 1857, with Miss Jeannette 
 C. Gillis, daughter of Judge James L. Gillis, one of the foremost pioneers of 
 Elk county. To this union was born, September 9, 1859, one son, James L. 
 Gillis Houk, who died June 30, 1863. Mr. Houk, after marriage, took up his 
 residence in Bidgway, and in connection with Judge James L. and Charles 
 Gillis, built a section of the Philadelphia & Erie Railroad. This accomplished, 
 he then formed a copartnership with J. S. Hyde in a lumbering business, at 
 Mead Bun, under the firm name of Hyde & Houk, but at the expiration of a 
 year and a half he disposed of his interest in the Mead Bun property to Will- 
 iam Beed, and in conjunction with Charles McVeah purchased the mercantile 
 business in Bidgway of Coyne & Burroughs, the title of the firm being Houk 
 & McVeah. Subsequently Mr. Houk bought out his partner' s interest in the 
 concern, and continued the business in his own right for a period of years, when 
 the store passed into the hands of B. S. & C. V. Gillis. Mr. Houk's next 
 venture was in the flour and feed business, in copartnership with J. S. Hyde and 
 J. K. Whitmore, the firm being known as Hyde, Houk & Whitmore, from 
 which, several years later, he withdrew, repurchasing the store from C. V. 
 Gillis, which remained in his possession until his death. In the meantime he 
 was engaged in other enterprises, most prominent of which was the planing-mill 
 of J. V. Houk & Co. A man of large and vigorous frame, Mr. Houk was almost a 
 giant in strength and endurance, and up to about four years prior to his decease 
 was comparatively free from the many ills that flesh is heir to. Having been 
 appointed receiver for L. P. & H. M. Powers, who had been lumbering at Bel- 
 mont mill, on Spring creek, he entered upon the discharge of his duties with 
 the vigor and earnestness which characterized his whole life, and in so doing 
 exposed himself to many hardships. On one occasion, while running logs, he 
 was struck by a handspike and knocked into the stream. He then, without 
 changing his clothes, walked to Bidgway, a distance of twenty miles, through 
 
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 731 
 
 mud and slush. Through this he took a heavy cold, and from that time on he 
 never enjoyed a single day of perfect health. In 1871 Mr. Houk vras chosen 
 one of the associate judges of the county, and often during the period of his 
 illness was he found upon the bench, intent on the conscientious discbarge of 
 his duties, when he should have been in his room seeking to repair his shattered 
 health. As a man, Mr. Houk was brave, true and honest, realizing that ' ' an 
 honest man is the noblest work of God," and so lived as to be entitled to that 
 exalted position among men. As a friend he was ever true, often discommod- 
 ing himself to relieve the necessities of those around him, and as a husband he 
 was uniformly kind and devoted. 
 
 C. L. KELLOGG, dentist, Eidgway, was born in Canada, September 24, 
 1843, the third son in a family of nine children, born to Ira and Eebecca 
 (Vinton) Kellogg, natives of New York State. His father was a dentist, and 
 under his tutorship Mr. Kellogg became proficient in his chosen profession. 
 In 1882 he came to Ridgway, where he has established a lucrative practice, 
 and is one of the popular business men in the town. Mr. Kellogg married, 
 September 24, 1874, Miss Ada T. Kellogg, of Canada, and they are the parents 
 of two children: Etta M. and Nina E. 
 
 JOHN E. KIME, clerk, Ridgway, was born in Mifflin county, Penn., 
 August 12, 1836, the eldest son in a family of six children born to G. W. 
 and Ellen (Logan) Kime, natives of Pennsylvania. When he was nineteen 
 years of age he went west, where he remained five years. September 22, 
 1861, he enlisted in the service of his country, and was assigned to Company 
 I, Seventh Regiment Pennsylvania Volunteers, serving three months; then re- 
 enlisted, this time in Company K, Forty-ninth Regiment, and was commis- 
 sioned first lieutenant, serving three years. Mr. Kime married, September 
 22, 1861 (the day of his enlistment). Miss L. J. Hesser, a daughter of John 
 and Sally (Ross) Hesser, of McVeytown, Penn. , and they have been blessed 
 with five children : Clyde (deputy recorder), H. M. (merchant at Ridgway), 
 Bruce (book-keeper for Hyde, Murphy & Co.), Daisy and Ed (clerk for Os- 
 terhout & Campbell). In 1871 Mr. Kime came to Ridgway, and engaged as 
 clerk for Powell & Kime, with whom he worked for seven years, and since 
 1878, has been in the employ of W. H. Hyde & Co. In 1885 he was elected 
 chief burgess of Ridgway, and served one year. In 1887 he was elected as- 
 sociate judge of Elk county. He is highly respected by his fellow- citizens, 
 and is one of the leading men in the township. 
 
 R. V. KIME, clerk, Ridgway, is a son of G. W. and Ellen (Logan) Kime, 
 natives of Pennsylvania. They were the parents of six children, R. V. being 
 the second son. He was born in McVeytown, Penn., September 29, 1839, and 
 was reared and educated in his native town. When thirteen years of age, he 
 commenced clerking in a store in McVeytown; in 1859 he moved to Elk county, 
 and in 1863 came to Ridgway, and in company with J. Powell, opened a 
 mercantile business; this partnership existed until 1887, when they dissolved, 
 Mr. Kime acting as clerk for his former partner. Mr. Kime married, October 
 5, 1861, MisB Olive A. Horton, of Chautauqua county, N. Y. , and they have 
 four children: George C, Ellen L., Maud B. and Claude V. Mr. Kime has 
 been prominently identified with the interests of the township, and has held 
 various borough offices. 
 
 M. S. KLINE, cashier of the Elk County Bank, Ridgway, is a native of 
 Clarion county, Penn. , bcyn in 1853. He is a son of Aaron and Elizabeth 
 (Wiant) Kline. Aaron Kline is a native of Northampton county, Penn. , but 
 is now a resident of Clarion county, and was county commissioner there several 
 years ago. Mrs. Elizabeth (Wiant) Kline's parents were natives of Bucks 
 
732 HISTOEY OF ELK COUNTY. 
 
 county, Penn. This lady died January 4, 1890, aged fifty-five years. M. S. 
 Kline, the subject of these lines, was reared and educated in his native county, 
 and choosing the profession of law after leaving school, in 1874, went into the 
 office of Hall & McCauley, as clerk and student. In 1878 he was admitted to 
 the bar, and same year he began the practice of his profession at Kidgway. 
 Soon thereafter he was appointed cashier in the store of W. H. Hyde & Co., 
 with whom he remained until 1880, when he was appointed book-keeper and 
 clerk in the Elk County Bank, being promoted in 1881 to cashier, a position he 
 has since held. He also represents several life, fire and accident insurance 
 companies, operating largely through the northern part of the State. He is 
 a stockholder in the Ridgway Light & Heat Company, and is its treasurer. 
 He takes an active interest in local affairs, aiding with his influence and means 
 every project to materially advance the prosperity of the community. He has 
 served as deputy sheriff of the county, and for fourteen years has been a notary 
 public, and is now holding that office. Mr. Kline is not a politician, in the 
 sense of being an office seeker, although he does all in his power to further the 
 interests of the Democratic party, and in 1888 he was a delegate to the State 
 convention. Mr. Kline was married September 2, 1880, to Carrie V. , daughter 
 of D. S. Luther, a pioneer of Eidgway, and they have had four children, two 
 of whom, Frederick Luther (aged seven years) and Hugh Earl (aged four 
 years) are now living. 
 
 JOHN LARSON, merchant, Ridgway, was born in Sweden, January 10, 
 1866. He spent his boyhood days with his parents, and in 1883 immigrated 
 to America, settling in Ridgway, Penn. , where he worked as a laborer for W. 
 H. Hyde & Co. , completing his education as he could, in his spare hours. In 
 1887 he, in company with August Anderson, bought the stock of goods owned 
 by E. K. Gresh, and they have since conducted a fine mercantile trade. Mr. 
 Larson married, May 1, 1889, Miss Carrie, a daughter of P. C. Julin, of Ridg- 
 way, Penn. 
 
 L. J. A. LESSER, dealer in rubber stamps, etc., Ridgway, was born in War- 
 ren county, Penn., December 21, 1863, a son of Philip and Caroline (Leon- 
 hart) Lesser, natives of Sundhausen, Alsace, Germany. They were married in 
 1862, and with their parents settled in and about Warren, where are now 
 many of their descendants. Philip Lesser is a blacksmith, who moved to 
 Ridgway in 1868, and first occupied the house on Centre street, now owned by 
 E. E. Willard; then he lived in a house on South street, now owned by B. E. 
 Wilcox, afterward building a home of his own on Centre street, directly oppo- 
 site the place he first occupied. Mr. and Mrs. Lesser have four sons liv- 
 ing, viz.: L. J. A., Charles Edward, Franklin Theodore and Leonard Luther. 
 L. J. A. Lesser was reared in the faith of the Lutheran Church, of which 
 his parents are members, and was confirmed April 15, 1881, by Rev. John 
 Sander, A. M. , then pastor of the First Evangelical Lutheran Church at 
 Ridgway, of which church Mr. Lesser is still an active member. For five 
 years he was superintendent of the Sunday-school; in 1886 was elected a 
 member of the church council, and is now the teacher of the Bible class in 
 the Sunday-school. He attended different select schools, and was one of a 
 class of four, which was graduated from the Ridgway High School, May 30, 
 1882, the graduating feature being introduced after he left school, and he re- 
 turning to receive this additional honor. In October, 1880, Mr. Lesser ob- 
 , tained a situation as clerk in the store at Brockport, owned by the Keystone 
 Lumber Company, and after remaining there for two months, returned home 
 and was immediately employed by the Northwestern Mining & Exchange Com- 
 pany of Dagus Mines, as an agent at the Daguscahonda Railroad terminus. 
 
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 73B 
 
 remaining here one month, when he was transferred to the central office at Da- 
 gns Mines, where he remained one year, when he returned to Ridgway for the 
 purpose of graduating, as ah-eady referred to. August 15, 1882, he became en- 
 gaged in the manufacture and sale of proprietary medicines for D. B. Day, of 
 Ridgway, in whose employ he has since remained. Mr. Lesser married, Jiine 
 7, 1888, Miss Annie, a daughter of George and Mary Ann Truman, of Sigel, 
 Penn., and they have one child, Clyde Truman Lesser, born July 13, 1889.' 
 Mai'ch 18, 1886, he was initiated in flidgway Lodge, No. 969, I. O. O. P. , 
 and has served as trustee for more than three years consecutively, being the 
 present secretary; has passed all honors in the subordinate lodge, and is a 
 member of the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania, having been representative to 
 the same. In March, 1888, he joined Ridgway Council, No. 1081, Royal Ar- 
 canum ; he was also a member and secretary of the Laurel Hook and Ladder 
 Company, from its organization to its abandonment. Mr. Lesser is an ardent 
 Republican, and was corresponding secretary for the ' ' Harrison and Morton 
 Club," that performed such effective campaign work in 1888. He established 
 his present rubber stamp and stencil business in 1881, and has a fine and 
 growing trade in the manufacture and sale of these goods. 
 
 HORACE' LTTTLE, real-estate agent, surveyor, etc., Ridgway, was born 
 in New Hampshire, September 17, 1832, and is a son of Richard and Mary C. 
 (Pillsbury) Little, natives of New Hampshire and Massachusetts, respectively. 
 He was educated in his native State, and when twenty years of age came to 
 Ridgway, engaging with his brother as a surveyor. The latter died in 1863, 
 since which time Horace has been engaged in the sale of real estate, mineral 
 mines, etc. He married, May 30, 1857, Miss Lucy, a daughter of Joseph W. 
 and M. W. (Horton) Taylor, early settlers in Elk county. Mr. and Mrs. Little 
 are the parents of five children: Arthur B., surveyor; May M., music teacher; 
 Helen, wife of W. W. Barbour, attorney at Ridgway, Penn. ; Benjamin, sur- 
 veyor; Jeanette, in Westmoreland county, Penn., and Louise V., at home. 
 Mr. Little has held the office of county surveyor, and was one of the first jury 
 commissioners elected in Elk county. 
 
 SAMUEL LOWRY, superintendent for Wilson, Kistler & Co., Rolfe Tan- 
 nery, P. O. Rolfe, was born in Clinton county, Penn., December 24, 1843. 
 His parents, Jacob and Matilda (Moore) Lowry, were "natives of Lancaster 
 county, Penn. His father is a millwright by trade, but is now engaged in 
 farming in Clinton county. Mr. Lowry received a good education, and learned 
 the tanning business with Kistler Brothers at Lock Haven, Penn. In 1882 he 
 came to Rolfe, and has since had the entire charge of the Rolfe tannery, and 
 undef his management their business has grown from a capacity of 150 hides 
 per week to 1,360 per week. He is also interested in the furniture business 
 at Johnsonburg, Penn. , in partnership with Dr. H. H. Smith. Mr. Lowry was 
 married in 1867 to Miss A. B. , daughter of Andrew Gibb, a native of Scotland. 
 They have three children : Andrew, Stewart and May. In ] 862 Mr. Lowry 
 enlisted in Company C, One Hundred and Thirty-seventh Pennsylvania Volun- 
 teers, served nine months, and in March, 1864, he re-enlisted in Company K, 
 One Hundred and Eighty- seventh Pennsylvania Volunteers, and served until 
 the close of the war. He is a member of Wilcox Lodge, No. 571, F. & A. M., 
 also of John S. Bitner Post, No. 122, G. A. R., of Lock Haven, Penn. He is a 
 member of the Republican party, and has held the office of school director. He 
 and wife are members of the English Lutheran Church, of Lock Haven, Penn. 
 
 CALVIN HUDSON McCAULEY, attorney at law, Ridgway, the subject 
 of this sketch, was born in Fox township. Elk Co., Penn., July 10, 1850. 
 After receiving such advantages as the common schools of the county afforded,. 
 
734 HISTORY OF ELK COUNTY. 
 
 he spent a year at the high school in Painesville, Ohio, and subsequently 
 attended the university at Lewisburg, Penn. In 1869 he commenced the 
 Rtudy of the law and was admitted to the bar August 7, 1872, since which time 
 he has devoted his entire time and attention to the practice of his profession. 
 In 1876 he was elected district attorney of Elk county, which office he held for 
 the term of three years. In 1881, "upon the incorporation of Ridgway borough, 
 he was elected a member of the borough council, and upon organization of the 
 council was made president, which position he held for three years. In 1888 
 he was again elected councilman for three years, and upon the organization of 
 the council was again made president. In 1882 he was appointed attorney for 
 the Rochester & Pittsburgh Railroad Company for Elk county, and upon the 
 reorganization of that company, under the name of the Buffalo, Rochester & 
 Pittsburgh Railway Company, was appointed solicitor of the company for the 
 State of Pennsylvania. He has also been counsel for the New York, Lake 
 Erie & Western Railroad Company for several yeai-s. December 1, 1889, he 
 was appointed solicitor for the Pennsylvania Railroad Company for the Forty- 
 seventh district, composed of the counties of Elk and JefPerson. Mr. 
 McCauley was married December 25, 1871, at Olean, N. Y. , to Juliette A. 
 McGibney, of Olean. As the fruits of such marriage there are children now 
 living as follows: Ruby V. McCauley, Calvin H. McCauley, Jr., and Katharine 
 H. McCauley. 
 
 J. H. McEWEN, of the firm of J. H. McEwen & Co., manufacturers of 
 boilers, engines, etc. , Ridgway, was born at Angelica, Allegany Co. , N. Y. , 
 in 1854, and is a son of Duncan S. and Susan D. (Ewing) McEwen, the former 
 of Scotch and the latter of Scotch-Irish parentage. J. H. McEwen attended 
 the Ohio State University at Columbus, where he took a course in engineering, 
 and after leaving school he followed his profession in difFerent parts of the 
 •country until 1885, when he came to Ridgway, erected suitable buildings, and 
 began the manufacture of portable and stationary engines, boilers, circular 
 saw-mills and tannery machinery, mill gearing, iron and brass castings, etc. 
 The firm was first known as McEwen Bros. & Co., but in 1889 Mr. McEwen 
 became associated with D. C. Oyster and I. D. Bell, and the name was 
 •changed to J. H. McEwen & Co. This firm carry on an extensive business, 
 giving employment to about fifty men, and have a wide reputation for the 
 excellency of the work turned out. Mr. McEwen married Miss Jennie Thorn- 
 ton, of Angelica, N. Y. , daughter of Henry and Jane (Eager) Thornton, of 
 Irish descent, and they have two children. In politics Mr. McEwen is a 
 Republicarh He and wife are members of the Congregational Church. 
 
 HUGH McGEEHIN, merchant, Ridgway, is a native of Ireland, born in 
 October, 1840, son of James and Bridget (Connohan) Mc&eehin. He was 
 reared and educated in his native country, where he remained until 1868, 
 when he came to the United States and located at Ridgway, Penn. His first 
 employment in this country was with the Philadelphia & Erie Railroad Com- 
 pany, but later he engaged in peddling dry goods and notions, in which he 
 was successful. He relinquished this business, however, in January, 1872, 
 and leased his old store building from W. C. Healy, Ridgway, where, in con- 
 junction with a partner, he entered upon a general mercantile business. The 
 lease of this building terminating at the end of three years, the property was 
 purchased from Mr. Healy by the firm. The partnership continued until 
 1883, and a good and prosperous trade had been done, but in the latter part of 
 1882, however, Mr. McGeehin, seeing the necessity of making improvements 
 in order to keep pace with the progress of the town, and thinking that his 
 partner might not favor the idea, proposed a dissohition, and, in order to get 
 
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 735 
 
 away from the old stand, which he did not consider to be very desirabJe of- 
 fered his interest in the real estate at so low a figure that his partner 
 promptly accepted the proposition. Mr. McGeehin then erected a new store 
 in what he considered to be a more popular part of the town, and opened it for 
 business in March, 1883, since which time he has been alone, and has carried 
 on a trade second to none in the borough, considering the amount of capital 
 invested. Mr. McGreehin is also a member of the firm of Bogert & McGeehin 
 at Johnsonburg, Penn. , owning one-half interest in by far the leading general 
 store in that prosperous town, it being conducted under the supervision of P. 
 F. Bogert. In addition to his mercantile interests, Mr. McGeehin is also 
 owner and proprietor of the Bogert House at Ridgway, a resort of no mean 
 reputation and one that is conducted on a sound financial basis. This hotel 
 he established in 1880, and leased to P. F. Bogert (his present partner at 
 Johnsonburg), who conducted it for five years, and then went out worth $25,- 
 000 more than when he came in. In 1886 Mr. McGeehin took charge of the 
 establishment, which he now conducts in connection with his other business, 
 and, although a little out of his line, he has been very successful in securing a 
 very large share of the public patronage. In fact, in all his varied enterprises 
 he has exhibited a business ability of no mean order, and he is emphatically a 
 self-made man. Notwithstanding the pressure of his private business affairs, 
 he finds time to devote to the interests of his town and county, and has held 
 several ofiScial positions in the township and borough. In politics he has 
 always been a Democrat, and although not an office seeker, yet he has never 
 been defeated when he allowed his name to be used in connection with local 
 politics. In February, 1877, Mr. McGeehin married Miss Ellen Laughlin, 
 who was born February 4, 1854, a daughter of Lawrence and Catherine (Col- 
 lins) Laughlin, and to this union have been born four children: James Law- 
 rence, born April 4, 1878; William, born August 28, 1880; Mary Catherine, 
 born September 1, 1882, and died October 12, 1884, and John Hugh, born 
 June 26, 1887. The family are members of the Catholic Church. 
 
 J. S. MoGINNIS, furniture dealer and undertaker, Ridgway, was born in 
 the County Armagh, Ireland, in 1845, and in 1847 his parents came to the 
 United States, locating in Boston, Mass., where they lived until 1857, in which 
 year they moved to Allegany county, N. Y. , where they passed the rest of 
 their lives. J. S. lived in Allegany county until 1 865, when he came to Ridg- 
 way and engaged in the lumber business until 1886, at the same time carrying 
 on a billiard room. In 1886 he opened a furniture and undertaking establish- 
 ment, and now has a good trade, having one of the best stocks in his line in 
 the city. Mr. McGinnis is a prominent citizen of the county, and has served 
 as deputy sheriff, county commissioner and treasurer. He married Miss Mary 
 E. Warner, of Steuben county, N. Y., and they have four children: Fred W., 
 James E., Eva Evangeline and Gertrude Margaret. Mr. McGinnis and his 
 family are members of the Catholic Church; in politics he is a Democrat. 
 
 REV. MICHAEL MEAGHER, Ridgway, was born September 5, 1850, in 
 the parish of Templederry, County Tipperary, Ireland, and is a son of Thomas 
 and Mary (Kennedy) Meagher. His preparatory studies for the priesthood 
 were pursued in his native country, and in the fall of 1869 he came to the 
 United States. Here he entered St. Michael' s Seminary, at Pittsburgh, Penn. , 
 where he studied philosophy and theology, and was otherwise prepared for his 
 sacred calling. December 19, 1872, he was ordained sub-deacon, and Jan- 
 uary 10, 1873, was ordained deacon at St. Vincent's College, Westmoreland 
 county, Penn., by the late Bishop Domenec, of Pittsburgh. July 6, 1873, he 
 was ordained priest at the cathedral of Erie, Penn., by Bishop Mullen, and 
 
 39 
 
736 HISTORY OF ELK COUNTY. 
 
 was immediately appointed to take temporary charge of the coagregation at 
 Tidioute, Pena. December 17, 1873, he was sent as assistant to Corry, Penn., 
 and June 10, 1874, was appointed rector of the united parishes of Ridgway 
 and Emporium. He is still pastor of St. Leo's Church at Ridgway, and St. 
 Mark's Church of Emporium, Penn., and an account of his labors in the two 
 parishes named will be found in the chapter treating of the history of the 
 churches of Ridgway and Emporium. 
 
 B. P. MERCER, of Mercer Bros., proprietors of meat market, Ridgway, 
 was born in Howard county, Md., in December, 1851, son of Isaiah and Harriet 
 A. Mercer, who were married in 1839, and were both natives of Howard county, 
 where B. P. Mercer was reared and educated. He learned the blacksmith's 
 trade, also, in his native county, serving an apprenticeship and working at it 
 there until 1875, when he removed to Elk county, Penn. , working at his trade 
 until 1876, when he entered into partnership with his brother, W. F. Mercer, 
 in the meat business in Ridgway, under the firm name of Mercer Bros. , and 
 they now own one of the finest and best kept retail markets in Western Penn- 
 sylvania. They keep constantly on hand a good supply of all kinds of fresh 
 and salt meats, and aim to meet the varied demands of their customers. Mr. 
 Mercer is a Republican in politics. He has held various official positions, per- 
 forming the duties devolving upon him in an efficient and satisfactory manner. 
 He is a member of Ridgway Lodge, No. 379, F. & A. M. ; Lodge No. 1644, 
 K. of H., and Lodge No. 40, I. O. O. F. 
 
 G. G. MESSENGER, Ridgway, was born at Sheffield, Warren Co., Penn., 
 April 5, 1842, son of George D. and Henrietta Messenger, native Americans. 
 He was given good educational advantages, completing his school days at 
 Meadville, Penn. He began his business life at Ridgway in 1865, opening a 
 drug store, and has built up a good trade, now having one of the best stores 
 in the city. In 1881 Mr. Messenger was elected associate judge of Elk county, 
 and was re-elected at the expiration of his term. In 1887 he was appointed 
 postmaster at Ridgway, which necessitated the resignation of his office. He 
 has been treasurer of the borough a number of years, and in all his official po- 
 sitions has served to the entire satisfaction of his fellow-townsmen. He is a 
 public spirited, enterprising man, and is one of the prosperous citizens of 
 Ridgway. Mr. Messenger married Maggie L. , daughter of Joseph and Elizabeth 
 Kinnier, natives of Ireland, and they have two children: Joseph D. K. and 
 Twila Mary. Mrs. Messenger is a member of the Reformed Presbyterian 
 Church. 
 
 J. W. MORGESTER, merchant, Ridgway, was born in Erie county, N. Y., 
 in 1850, and lived in his native county until twenty years old, receiving a com- 
 mon-school education. His parents are Joab and Polly (Ensign) Morgester, 
 the former a native of Germany, and the latter of Erie county, N. Y. In 1870 
 he came to Ridgway, where he engaged in the lumber business about eight 
 years, also in the meantime serving as deputy sheriff. In 1878 he embarked 
 in mercantile business, dealing in groceries, crockery, flour and feed, hay, 
 grain, etc. , and has built up a good trade, which is constantly increasing. He 
 is a man of good business ability, and by his integrity and fair dealing has 
 gained the confidence of his patrons. Mr. Morgester married, June 6, 1878, 
 at Brookville, Penn., Miss Jennie L., daughter of Henry A. and Caroline (Rus- 
 sell) Parsons, and they have five children: Ethel L. ; John W., Jr.; Laura 
 M. ; Mayble Tacoma, and Russell Ensign Morgester. Mr. Morgester is a stanch 
 supporter of the principles of the Republican party, and has served as a mem- 
 ber of the borough council; is a member of the Masonic fraternity, and of 
 the Knights of Labor. He and his wife are members of the Episcopal 
 Church. 
 
BIOGBAPHICAL SKETCHES. 737 
 
 A. S. MOTTEE, photographer, Eidgway, was born in Mifflin county, Penn., 
 January 5, 1848, is a son of Peter and Sarah (Steele) Motter, natives of Penn- 
 sylvania. He remained upon the home farm until 1870, when he came to In- 
 diana county, Penn., where he worked as a laborer. In 1883 he went to 
 Brookville, Penn. , where he learned the art of photography, and same year 
 came to Eidgway, where he established himself in business, and is now con- 
 ducting a fine gallery, with a constantly increasing patronage. Mr. Motter 
 married. May 20, 1870, Miss Sarah UpdegrafP, of Beaver township, Jefferson 
 Co. , Penn. , and they are the parents of one child, Nettie. 
 
 W. H. OSTEEHOUT, proprietor of the Eagle Valley Tannery, Eidgway, 
 was born in Wawarsing, Ulster Co., N. Y., August 17, 1832, and is a son of 
 Daniel and Catherine (Boggs) Osterhout, also natives of the county named 
 above. Work upon his father's farm, the manufacture of lumber, peeling of 
 bark and attending school occupied his boyhood and youth until he reached 
 the portal of manhood, in 1853. In that year he entered the Lackawack 
 Tannery, owned by Henry Bange, of New York City, in which he served an 
 apprenticeship until the spring of 1856, when he proceeded, in company with 
 G. W. Northrup and Gilbert Polen, to Canadensis, Penn. , there to assist in 
 building a tannery, with a view to taking charge of it, but before its comple- 
 tion he was taken sick and had to return home. He then again entered the 
 Lackawack Tannery, where he completed his trade. He afterward took a course 
 of study at Liberty Normal School, and while there received a proposal from 
 Hon. Jackson S. Schultz, to go to Glenwood, Susquehanna Co., Penn., in order 
 to take charge of the Glenwood Tannery, then owned by Schultz, Eaton & Co. , 
 and here, December 26, 1857, began his experience in the management of a 
 tannery. August 17, 1858, Mr. Osterhout married Miss Helen Connine, 
 daughter of Maj. Eichard Connine, of Wawarsing; the only child by this 
 union, Florence M., is the wife of B. F. Overholt, of West Overton, Penn. 
 Mr. Osterhout continued to act as foreman at Glenwood until September, 
 1862, when, with A. A. Eaton, he purchased the Glenwood tannery, the part- 
 nership continuing until April 1, 1864, when Mr. Osterhout purchased Mr. 
 Eaton's interest, transferring the same to Eli Eightmyer. After two years 
 of prosperous business Mr. Osterhout bought Mr. Eightmyer' s interest, and 
 conducted the business alone until February 1, 1870, when he sold the entire 
 establishment to Black, Burhans & Clearwater. In the fall of 1870 the sub- 
 ject of these lines removed to Eidgway, where he bought 135 acres of land 
 from J. S. Hyde, and built his extensive Eagle Valley Tannery and other 
 buildings, aggregating a model establishment, complete in all its appoint- 
 ments, and famous on that account throughout the tanning world. The bark- 
 mill building has four mills, which have the capacity of grinding sixty cords 
 of hemlock bark per day, or 18,000 cords a year. The leach-house is at- 
 tached to the mill building, forming with it an L, and contains twenty- eight 
 square leaches, 16^x18x7^ feet. The liquid is pumped from the leaches by 
 force-pumps, driven by a thirty-five-horse-power engine; the cooler-house con- 
 tains ten coolers fifteen feet square and six feet deep; the boiler-house con- 
 tains the large furnaces and ten boilers, each twenty-two feet long and four 
 feet in diameter, and here is made all the steam for driving the engines and 
 heating the tannery, store, and Mr. Osterhout' s dwelling. The main build- 
 ing comprises the beam-house, handlers, yard, scrub-room and rolling-room, 
 and the machinery used is driven by a sixty-five-horse-power engine. In and 
 about the tannery about 160 men are employed; the capacity of the tannery 
 is 250,000 dides per annum, the daily cost of running this immense business 
 being $2,200, and the capital invested runs up into hundreds of thousands of 
 
738 HISTORY OF ELK COUNTY. 
 
 dollars. Mr. Osterhout attends to many of the details with an accuracy that 
 is astonishing, and as a business man he certainly has few equals. In ad- 
 dition to his immense tannery he has a store, managed by C E. Holaday, 
 where he carries a stock of general merchandise, his sales amounting to about 
 $70,000 per year. His beautiful residence, which is built in the form of a 
 Greek cross, stands in the center of a handsomely terraced yard, commanding 
 a fine view of the works, of the valley and of Ridgway. The residence of his 
 foreman is a pleasant, home-like house, and on the terrace adjoining is the 
 house of his brother, C. D. Osterhout. On the grounds are also a boarding 
 house and forty tenement homes, arranged along wide streets, lined with 
 handsome shade-trees. The buildings are located at the junction of the Phila- 
 delphia & Erie and Ridgway & Clearfield Railroads. The entire cost of con- 
 structing the dwellings, store and tannery buildings was about 1200,000. 
 In 1870 Mr. Osterhout bought from J. S. Hyde the hemlock bark on 1,700 
 acres; from J. S. Schultz, 4,000 acres, and from other parties 3,000 acres. 
 He has since bought 5,000 acres and the bark on 12,000 acres, making a 
 total bark acreage of 25,700. Notwithstanding the many cares of the great 
 concern which he manages, Mr. Osterhout has found time to serve the people 
 in various local offices, such as county commissioner, school director and su- 
 pervisor, and he is one of the trustees of the Warren Insane Asylum. He is 
 a director in the Ridgway Gas & Heat Company, and in the Tanners' Mu- 
 tual Eire Insurance Company, of Pennsylvania; is also a member of the Ham- 
 ilton Wagon Company, of the firm of Osterhout & Ely, dealers in lumber, 
 and of the Ridgway Publishing Company. He and his family are members of 
 the Congregational Church; in politics Mr. Osterhout is a Republican. In 
 January, 1889, Mr. Osterhout, in order to diminish his cares and give him 
 time for travel, etc., formed an incorporated company, known as the Eagle 
 Valley Tanning Company, he being its president, Mr. G. W. Childs, treasurer, 
 and 0. D. Osterhout, secretary. 
 
 C. D. OSTERHOUT, secretary of the Eagle Valley Tanning Company, and 
 member of the firm of Osterhout & Campbell, proprietors of the Eagle Val- 
 ley store, Ridgway, Penn. , is a native of Lackawack, Ulster Co. , N. Y. ; was 
 born October 9, 1847, and is a son of Daniel and Catherine (Boggs) Oster- 
 hout, natives of Ulster county, N. Y. The subject of our sketch was reared 
 on a farm, and received his primary education at the common schools of his 
 native town, subsequently taking a course at Monticello Academy. Mr. Oster- 
 hout has been in the tannery industry most of the time since his first exper- 
 ience in business, and for a period of seven years he was foreman of his 
 brother's Eagle Valley Tannery at Ridgway, and in 1888 he became a stock- 
 holder in the new firm, the Eagle Valley Tanning Company, of which, as 
 stated above, he is now secretary, the other officers being W. H. Osterhout, 
 president; J. S. Schultz, vice-president, and G. W. Childs, treasurer. He is like- 
 wise a member, as also stated at the head of this sketch, of the firm of Oster- 
 hout & Campbell, general merchants. In 1874 Mr. Osterhout was married 
 to Miss Lizzie, daughter of William and Cynthia Parks, and to this union have 
 been born three children — two daughters: Nellie H. and Florence M., and one 
 son, William P. The family are members of the Congregational Church. 
 Mr. Osterhout is a member of the F. & A. M. , and in politics is a Republican. 
 
 D. C. OYSTER, president of the Ridgway bank, was born in Horton 
 township, Elk Co., Penn., in 1840. His father, Daniel Oyster, who was 
 a native of Northumberland county, same State, located, in about 1832, in 
 what is now Horton township, where he engaged in farming, and«also erected 
 a saw- and grist-mill. He was postmaster several years, and was so serving at 
 
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 739 
 
 the time of his death, in 1852. His family consisted of three sons, two of 
 whom are living (one having been drowned in Lake Erie in 1884), and four 
 daughters, all living. D. C. Oyster, the subject of these lines, was given 
 good educational advantages, and after leaving school, he bought the old 
 homestead farm, also became proprietor of a hotel, and was appointed post- 
 master at Hellen. In 1871 he was elected sheriff of Elk county, and served 
 until 1874; was re-elected in 1877, and served until 1880. He sold the home- 
 stead, in 1872, to the Lake Erie & "Western Coal & Eailroad Company, for 
 $35,000, having moved to Eidgway in 1871. In 1874 he was appointed 
 cashier of the Ridgway Bank, which position he held until January, 1890, when 
 he was elected president. Mr. Oyster has been a member of the council since 
 the organization of the borough, with the exception of one term. He is one of 
 the substantial business men of Ridgway, and is connected with various 
 important enterprises in the borough. He is president of the Hamilton 
 Wagon Company, the Ridgway Publishing Company, the New Era Gas 
 Company, and of the Manhattan Machine & Novelty Company. He was one 
 of the organizers in 1875 of the Ridgway Light & Heat Company, which has 
 proved very successful; is a member of the firm of J. H. McEwen & Co. (ma- 
 chine shops), the Oyster & Short Lumber Company, D. C. Oyster & Co. 
 (lumber), and the Ridgway Lumber Company, which manufactures 20,000,000 
 feet of lumber annually. Mr. Oyster owns numerous extensive tracts of tim- 
 ber-land, being one of the largest land-owners in Elk county, as well as owner 
 of extensive tracts in the adjacent countj' of Jefferson. In 1884 he built a 
 fine brick residence on the corner of Court and Center streets, opposite the 
 court-house, which is one of the model residence properties in the city. He 
 has always taken an active interest in public affairs, and his popularity is 
 shown by the fact of his election and re-election to official positions in one 
 of the strongest Democratic counties in the State, although he is a stanch 
 supporter of the Republican party. Mr. Oyster married, July 4, 1867, Mary 
 E., daughter of Frederick Mohney, of Clarion county, and they have two 
 children: Prank E. and Hattie L. The entire family are members of the 
 Congregational Church. Mr. Oyster is a member of the F. & A. M. , Eidg- 
 way Lodge, No. 379, of Elk Chapter, No. 230, of Knapp Commandery, No. 40, 
 K. of T. , and of Bloomsburg (Columbia county) Consistory. 
 
 JEROME POWELL, of the firm of J. & E. C. Powell, merchants, Ridg- 
 way, was born in the borough and county of Wan-en, Penn. , in 1827, a son 
 of Richard and Margaret M. (Holden) Powell. In 1850 he moved to Ridgway, 
 where he established the Elk County Advocate, continuing its publication until 
 1§55. He then embarked in mercantile pursuits, and later also in the manu- 
 facture of lumber, in both of which branches he is still engaged. In 1865 he 
 associated with himself, in the mercantile business, Mr. Robert V. Kime, 
 which firm was widely known under the firm name of Powell & Kime during 
 the succeeding twenty-two years, Mr. Kime then retiring from the firm, but 
 still continuing as active manager of the business. Mr. Edgar C. Powell, son 
 of the senior member of the firm, then entered as partner, and the business is 
 now conducted in their large three- story double brick store, on the same spot 
 of ground, under the firm name of J. & E. C. Powell. In politics Mr. Powell 
 is a Republican. Although in no sense an office seeker, preferring his own 
 private business instead, he has held several local offices of some importance. 
 In 1854 he married Miss Amanda E. Horton, who died in 1888, leaving two 
 sons, named, respectively, Edgar C. and Robert J. Powell, both of whom are 
 now living in Ridgway. The name of Mrs. Powell's father was Isaac Horton; 
 her mother's maiden name was Lucy Warner. 
 
740 HISTORY OF ELK COUNTY. 
 
 H. M. POWEES, attorney at law and insurance agent, Eidgway, Penn., 
 •was born April 20, 1842, in Sweden, Oxford Co., Me., and is a son of Jacob S. 
 and Charlotte (Kimball) Powers, the former a native of Sweden, Me. , and the 
 latter of Bridgeton, Cumberland county, same State. He received his early 
 education in Sweden, and completed it at Fryeburg, same county, to which 
 place the family removed in 1854. In 1862 he commenced the study of law 
 at Portland, Me. , in the ofi&ce of Hon. Josiah Drummond, then attorney-gen- 
 eral for the State, and in the fall of 1864 he was admitted to practice at the 
 bar at Portland. Late in the year 1865, Mr. Powers came to Eidgway, where 
 he remained during the following winter, being here admitted to the practice, 
 and in April, 1866, he removed to Springfield, Ohio, where, in 1867, he was 
 admitted to the bar. In March, 1870, we again find Mr. Powers in Elk county, 
 whither he had returned, this time engaged in lumbering in Spring Creek 
 township, where he built a saw-mill. In this he continued about a year, and 
 then located in Eidgway, where he has been connected with the Eidgway bank 
 and in the law and insurance business since 1873. Mr. Powers was united in 
 marriage December 29, 1869, with Mary A., daughter of John S. Webster, of 
 Fryeburg, Me., and they have one child, Blanche Webster. The subject of 
 our sketch is a member of Pythagorean Lodge, No. 11, F. & A. M., of Frye- 
 burg, Me. He is a Republican in politics, has been chairman of the Repub- 
 lican county committee several terms, and in 1884, was a Eepublican candi- 
 date for member of the assembly. In educational matters he takes an active 
 part, having been, ever since Eidgway became a borough, a member of th& 
 school board, of which he was president several years. 
 
 GEOEGE A. EATHBUN, attorney at law, Eidgway, is a native of Le 
 Roy, N. Y. , born in 1837, and was reared and educated in his native town, 
 attending the public schools, and also a private academy. In his youth he 
 began the study of surveying, with the intention of making it his life-work, and 
 in 1859 was employed as civil engineer and surveyor on the Sunbury & Erie 
 (now Philadelphia & Erie) Railroad. Before that he had determined to study 
 law for a profession, and in 1856 commenced reading under the instruction of 
 C. F. Bissell, of Le Roy. In 1863 Mr. Eathbun was admitted to the bar, and 
 began his practice at Le Eoy, but in December, 1864, he returned to Eidg- 
 way, Penn. Here, in 1865, he was appointed deputy recorder, which position 
 be held until 1866, when he was elected prothonotary and recorder, without a 
 dissenting vote, holding the office three years. On December 1, 1869, Mr. 
 Eathbun became associated in the practice of his profession with the Hon. 
 Henry Souther, which partnership continued until February^, 1871, at which 
 date Mr. Souther was appointed to the bench by Gov. Geary, Mr. Eathbun 
 being left to continue practice alone. 'In March, 1869, he was admitted to 
 the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania, and in October, 1885, to the United 
 States Supreme Court. Mr. Eathbun is a lawyer of much ability, and has 
 met with well-merited success. He has never sought political preferment, 
 his main interest being a successful practice ; and he has achieved his 
 early ambition to an enviable degree, as he now stands at the head of his 
 profession. He is public- spirited, and favors all projects that will materially 
 improve his city and county. Mr. Eathbun is president of the Elk County 
 Bar Association, and is chairman of the examining committee. He is a 
 member of the Masonic fraternity, Olive Branch Lodge, No. 89, and of L& 
 Eoy Chapter, No. 183, at Le Eoy, N. Y. He received the Templar degrees in 
 Knapp Commandery, K. T., at Eidgway in 1871. Mr. Eathbun was married 
 in December, 1866. He and his wife are members of the Episcopal Church j 
 in politics he is an old-time Democrat. 
 
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 74.1 
 
 A. S. ROSS, merchant tailor, Eidg-way, son of James H., Sr., and Martha 
 Ross, -was born in McVeytown, Mifflin Co., Penn., in 1858. In 1870 his 
 parents moved to York, Penn., where he completed his education. After 
 leaving school, he worked for his father, who was proprietor of the National 
 Hotel at York, and after the death of his father succeeded him in business. 
 In 1877 he came to Ridgway and entered the employ of J. S. & W. H. Hyde, 
 and for a time had charge of their mercantile interests at Brockport, and 
 later at Ridgway. He then began the manufacture of brick, and made the 
 brick placed on the market in Elk county. In 1879 he embarked in the 
 general mercantile business at Ridgway, and now has one of the best stores in 
 that place. He is a supporter of Democratic principles, was elected justice of 
 the peace in March, 1882, and served four years, resigning the office in 1886. 
 He is a member of the Masonic fraternity, Elk Lodge, No. 379; Elk Chapter, 
 No. 240, and Knapp Commandery, No. 40. January 27, 1880, Mr. Ross 
 married Jennie Stout, of Lock Haven, a daughter of Parley Stout. 
 
 A. G. ROUNSEVILLE, druggist, Johnsonburg, Quay P. O. , was born in 
 Coudersport, Penn., June 17, 1868, and is a son of A. and M. (Holland) Rounse- 
 ville, who were among the first settlers in Potter county. They were the par- 
 ents of seven children, of whom A. G. is the third son. He was educated in 
 Coudersport, and entered the drug store of M. S. Thompson when quite 
 young, where he remained one year; then for six months had charge of a drug 
 store for Drs. Breisneck & Hastings, at Costello, Penn., afterward going to 
 Austin, and working for N. H. Hastings. In 1886 he went to Kansas City, 
 Mo., where he entered the laboratory of the medical college, and in 1887 he 
 was appointed president of his class, under the name of Bifer. The same year 
 he engaged with Park, Davis & Co., of Kansas City, Mo., as general manager 
 of their wholesale and retail drug store, remaining there for some time, when 
 he returned to Coudersport, Penn., and studied medicine a short time with 
 Dr. Mattison. In 1888 he came to Johnsonburg, to work for M. A. Lillibridge 
 & Co., in the drug business; they failed, and July 16, 1889, he bought the 
 stock, and is now conducting a prosperous business. 
 
 PHILIP SCHIRK, harness- maker, Ridgway, a son of Jacob and Cath- 
 erine (Schuler) Schirk, natives of Germany, was born in Warren county, 
 Penn., January 4, 1845, and remained at home with his parents until Feb- 
 ruary 2, 1864, when he entered the United States service, and was assigned to 
 Company D, One Hundred and Eleventh Regiment, Pennsylvania Volunteers, 
 serving until July 19, 1865. He then returned to Warren, where he learned 
 the harness-maker's trade. He married, November 15, 1870, Miss Amelia 
 Reig, of Warren, and they are the parents of four children: Hattie L., Alice 
 A. , Leona C. and Katie M. Mr. Schirk came to Ridgway in 1 879, where he 
 worked for Jacob Butterfuss, and in 1886 established the shop he now owns. 
 He is a member of Ridgway Post, No. 370, G. A. R. 
 
 W. H. SCHRAM, proprietor of the "Hyde House," Ridgway, is a native 
 of Belfast, Allegany Co., N. Y., born June 1, 1826, and is a son of John 
 Schram, a wheelwright by trade. The subject of these lines received his edu- 
 cation at the district schools of Cuba, in Allegany county, to which town the 
 family had removed. In the spring of 1834 his father came to Ridgway, 
 where he built the Dickinson mill, and the following winter he brought his 
 family to the place. At this time the number of families in Ridgway did not 
 exceed twelve, and of the members of these families, besides the Schrams, 
 there are now living here only two, Mrs. Houk and Mrs. Dill. John Schram 
 died in 1837. His son, W. H., commenced life for himself at the early age of 
 eleven years, and for some time followed various occupations in New York and 
 
742 HISTORY OF ELK COUNTY. 
 
 Pennsylvania, eventually moving to Jefferson county, Penn. , where, until the 
 spring of 1869, he vpas engaged in the hotel business. In April of the latter 
 year he returned to Ridgway, and took possession of the Hyde House, of 
 which he has since been the genial and courteous landlord. To this hotel he 
 built an addition in the summer of 1885. In February, 1852, Mr. Schram 
 married H. A. Clark, daughter of Dr. A. M. Clark, of Brockwayville, Penn. , 
 and they have had four children — two sons and two daughters : J. M. , in the 
 hardware business with D. B. Day (firm name Schram & Day), Lucy A. .(now 
 Mrs. Dr. D. B. Day, of Ridgway), Nellie (now Mrs. B. J. Miller, of North 
 Carolina) and W. M. (who learned the trade of jeweler, married May G. Gor- 
 don, and died five months later). Mr. Schram is a member of Elk Lodge, No. 
 379, P. &A. M. ; of Elk Chapter, No. 230; of Knapp Commandery, No. 40, 
 and of Caldwell Consistory, Bloomsburg. Politically he was brought up in 
 the ranks of the Democratic party, but since the war of the Rebellion he has 
 given his suffrage to the Republicans. 
 
 W. H. STACKPOLE, collector for the Ridgway Light & Heat Company, 
 Ridgway, was born in McVeytown, Penn. , July 27, 1864, the third son in a 
 family of eleven children born to E. H. H. and Margaret (Glasglow) Stackpole, 
 natives of Mifilin county, Penn. W. H. Stackpole received an education such 
 as the common schools of his county afforded, and when fourteen years of age 
 was employed in a blacksmith shop as an apprentice. In March, 1883, he 
 came to Ridgway, and worked at his trade for the contractors who built the 
 B. R. & P. R. R. The same year he was employed as clerk in the real estate 
 ofiSue of Dr. C. R. Earley, remaining one year, when he engaged with Hyde, 
 Murphy & Co., as book-keeper. Since November 15, 1885, he has been em- 
 ployed by the Ridgway Light & Heat Company, as book-keeper and collector. 
 In June, 1889, he, in company with his brother, "VV. W. Stackpole, started a 
 steam laundry in Ridgway. 
 
 H. S. THAYER, lumberman, Ridgway, is a native of Ridgway, Elk Co., 
 Penn. , born in 1 847, a son of David and Sarah Thayer, former a native of New 
 York, latter of Ireland. They were married in Steuben county, N. Y. , and in 
 1836 located in Ridgway, where the father was engaged in the lumber business, 
 and also kept a hotel and carried the mail in an early day. His first hotel was 
 kept in a primitive way, but as the demands for good accommodations grew in 
 Ridgway he advanced with them, and for several years was proprietor of one 
 of the best houses in the borough, retiring in 1870. He died in 1884, 
 mourned by all who knew him, his widow surviving him but six weeks. They 
 had a family of three children: Esther J. (widow of Hon. George Dickinson), 
 Albina (wife of J. H. Hagerty) and H. S. David Thayer was one of the first 
 sheriffs of Elk county, and a prominent citizen. H. S. Thayer has- spent his 
 life in Ridgway, and was given good educational advantages, attending school 
 at Alfred Centre, N. Y. , and Adrian, Mich. When he started out for himself 
 he engaged in mercantile business, and has also for some years been largely 
 interested in the manufacture of lumber. He easts his suffrage with the Demo- 
 cratic party, but is in no sense an office seeker. He married Miss Mary E., 
 daughter of B. P. Ely, and they have two children, Harry and Helen E. 
 
 ALBERT THOMPSON, manufacturer of and dealer in lumber, Ridgway, 
 is a native of the town of Berlin, N. H. , born February 28, 1839, and is 
 a son of Benjamin and Sarah (Wheeler) Thompson, both natives of the State 
 of Maine, the former of whom died in 1881 . Mr. Thompson was brought up 
 on the farm, attending the common schools until the age of eighteen, at which 
 time he entered Gould's Academy at Bethel, Me., rernaining one year. On re- 
 turning from school he studied dentistry with Dr. Josiah Heald, of Portland, 
 
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 743 
 
 Me. , and then located at Norway, Me. , where he followed his profession four 
 years. In 1865 he came to Ridgway and became a partner with G. T. 
 Wheeler in the lumber business, which copartnership continued four years. 
 Mr. Thompson then removed to his old home in New Hampshire, and there 
 resided engaged in the lumber business with his father until 1881, in which 
 year he returned to Eidgway, and immediately embarked in the lumber busi- 
 ness in Elk county, which he is still conducting. His extensive establishment 
 manufactures on an average 6,000,000 feet of lumber per annum. In 1887 
 Mr. Thompson made a tour through "West Virginia, where he purchased some 
 valuable timber lands, and in the following spring organized the Blackwater 
 Boom & Lumber Company, of Davis, W. Va. , with himself as manager. This 
 company has a cash capital of $100,000, owns 20,000 acres of land in West 
 Yirginia, gives employment to 200 men, and manufactures 12,000,000 feet of 
 lumber per annum. In June, 1861, the subject of our sketch , married Miss 
 Mary E. Blake, a native of Norway, Me., and daughter of Jonathan and Eliza- 
 beth (Crockett) Blake, by which union there is one son, Frank E. , and one 
 daughter, Sarah Maud. The son graduated from Dartmouth College, New 
 Hampshire, in 1882, and came directly to Eidgway, Penn. , where he has since 
 been engaged in the lumber business. He is a young man of considerable busi- 
 ness ability, and assumes entire charge of his father' s lumbering interests at 
 Eidgway. At the age of twenty-one, Mr. Albert Thompson was made a P. & 
 A. M. , in Oxford Lodge, No. 18, at Norway, Me. , and subsequently became a 
 member of King Hiram Eoyal Arch Chapter of Le wist on, Me., and of Port- 
 land Commandery, Knights Templar, of Portland, Me. In politics he is a 
 stanch Eepublican; was elected to the State legislature of New Hampshire in 
 1873, and re-elected in 1875, serving two terms. 
 
 MES. MAEY VAUGHAN was born in Ireland in 1847, a daughter of 
 John Healy, and came with her parents to America about 1850. They lo- 
 cated in Schuylkill county, Penn., where they lived several years, a part of 
 the time keeping a hotel. The mother is now deceased, and the father 
 lives with his daughter. 
 
 Mary Healy was married, in 1865, to John Vaughan, and with him engaged 
 in keeping a hotel, and in 1880 took charge of the Clarion House. Mr. Vaughan 
 died in 1877, and Mrs. Vaughan continues the business, in which she is very 
 successful. She is a woman of fine business ability, and conducts her house 
 with great credit, her table being furnished with the best the market affords, 
 the Clarion House being a favorite resort for the traveling public. Mrs. 
 Vaughan has three children. She is a member of the Catholic Church. 
 
 J. T. WAID, M. D., Eidgway, was born at Eandolph, Crawford Co., 
 Penn., in 1844, and was there reared and received his elementary education, 
 completing his classical course at Allegheny College, Meadville, Penn. He 
 began the study of medicine with Dr. A. P. Waid, of Centreville, Penn., 
 and took one course of lectures at the University of New York. He after- 
 ward took a course of lectures at the University of Buffalo, from which 
 he graduated. He first located at Spartansburg, but in December, 1882, re- 
 moved to Eidgway, where he now has a good practice. He is a member 
 of the Elk County Medical Society, the Pennsylvania State Medical Society, 
 American Medical Association, the Seventh International Medical Congress. 
 and also the American Society of Microscopists. He is a hard student, and 
 takes advantage of every opportunity offered to better acquaint himself with 
 his profession. The Doctor is a member of the Masonic fraternity. Elk 
 Lodge, No. 379; Elk Chapter, No. 230, and Knapp Commandery, No. 40. 
 He is a member of the First Congregational Church, and takes an active 
 
744 HISTORY OF ELK COUNTY. 
 
 interest in church and Sunday-school work; and is also connected with the 
 local and State associations of the Congfregational Church. He was married, 
 in 1869, to Miss Louie Eberman, who died in 1882. His present wife was 
 formerjy Mrs. C. S. Spencer. The Doctor is a Eepublican in politics. 
 
 WALTER LOWRIE WILLIAMS, M. D., Ridgway, the subject of this 
 sketch, was born at Williamsburg, Clarion Co. , Penn. , on April 13, 1844, and 
 is the son of Amos Williams, the first treasurer of Clarion county. On July 
 4, 1861, being then seventeen years of age, he enlisted in Company C, 
 Sixty- second Pennsylvania Volunteers, and served three years, one year as a 
 private and two years as chief bugler of the Second Brigade, First Division, Fifth 
 Corps, under Gen. J. B. Switzer. During this time he passed through all the 
 Peninsular campaign, and was engaged in nearly all the battles fought by 
 this notable division. After returning from the army, Mr. Williams com- 
 pleted his literary education at Reed Institute, Reedsburg, Penn. , from which 
 he graduated, and then commenced the study of medicine with Dr. Thomas, of 
 Freeport, Penn. Later he attended lectures, and finally graduated from the 
 University Medical College, of New York, in 1872. He began the practice of 
 medicine at Fryburg, Penn. , and from there removed to Strattonville, Penn. 
 In 1879 he located at Ridgway, Penn., where he has since resided, and since 
 which time he has given his undivided attention to the duties of his pro- 
 fession. Dr. Williams was elected coroner of Elk county in 1880, and held 
 that position until January 1, 1890. He has been surgeon for the Buffalo, 
 Rochester & Pittsburgh Railway Company since 1882, and for the Pennsyl- 
 vania Railroad Company for a number of years. He is also United States ex- 
 amining surgeon for pensions for Elk county. He has been a member of the 
 Ridgway borough school board since 1887, and in 1888 was elected president 
 of the Elk County Medical Society. Dr. Williams was married on May 10, 
 1867, to Miss Belle Frampton, of Clarion, Penn. As the fruits of such mar- 
 riage children are now living as follows: E. Blanche Williams, who has at- 
 tended the Conservatory of Music at Boston for several terms, and is now 
 teacher of music in Hall Institute, Sharon, PeHn. ; Samuel W. Williams, at 
 present a student in Rensselaer College, Troy, N. Y. ; Amos T. Williams and 
 Mabel A. Williams, both students in the Ridgway high school. 
 
 THALIUS WINGFIELD, lumberman, was born in Jacksonville, Va. , in 
 1846. He was reared and educated in his native city, remaining there until 
 1865, when he moved to Sheffield, Warren Co., Penn., where he was engaged 
 in the lumber business and was also proprietor of a hotel for some time. In 
 1869 he moved to Ridgway, Elk county, and has since been one of the promi- 
 nent business men. He is one of the leading lumbermen of the borough, and 
 is also proprietor of the Thayer House, a first-class hotel, well patronized by 
 the traveling public. Mr. Wingfield married Hannah Miller, and they have 
 three children. He is a member of the Masonic fraternity, Elk Lodge, No. 
 379; Elk Chapter, No. 240, R. A. M., and Knapp Commandery, No. 40, K. 
 T. In politics Mr. Wingfield is a Democrat, and has served several years as- 
 justice of the peace. 
 
 W. E. ZIERDEN, merchant, Johnsonburg, Quay P. O. , was born in New 
 Brunswick, March 1, 1864, the only son in a family of six children born to 
 Nicholas and Rebecca S. (Spofford) Zierden, natives of Grermany and New 
 Brunswick, respectively. They came to Williamsport, Penn., from New Bruns- 
 wick, and were amoiig the early settlers, moving from there to Caledonia, Elk 
 county, where they permanently located. W. E. Zierden completed his edu- 
 cation in the Lock Haven State Normal School in 1881. In 1887 he started, 
 in mercantile business in Caledonia, and June 26, 1888, sold his store and 
 
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 745 
 
 stock to M. E. Taylor, coming to Johnsonburg in January, 1889, where he has 
 erected a fine brick store and is conducting a prosperous mercantile business. 
 Mr. Zierden married, January 17, 1888, Miss Ella E., daughter of W. E. and 
 Sophia (Winslow) Johnson, who were among the first settlers in Benezette 
 township. Mr. and Mrs. Zierden are the parents of one child, Cecelia A. 
 They are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church at Johnsonburg. 
 
 CHAPTEE XVIII. 
 BIOGEAPHICAL SKETCHES— JONES TOWNSHIP. 
 
 A. T. ALDRICH, postmaster and merchant, Wilcox, was born in Onondaga 
 county, N. Y., April 1, 1826, a son of Abel and Nancy (Hibbard) Aldrich, the 
 former a native of Rhode Island and the latter a native of Connecticut. His 
 father was a Baptist minister by profession, and had charge of a church in 
 Genesee county, N. Y. , and also one in Onondaga county, N. Y. About 1840 
 he moved his family to McKean county, Penn. A. T. Aldrich received an 
 ordinary education, and learned the blacksmith trade, which he followed for 
 some years in McKean and Potter counties. He also, with his brother, erected 
 a saw-mill near Smethport, and engaged in manufacturing lumber for a number 
 of years. In February, 1859, he came to Elk county, and located at Wilcox, 
 where he has since been engaged in mercantile business. He was appointed 
 postmaster by President Buchanan, in 1860, and has ever since held that office. 
 He married, in 1852, Miss Sarah A. , daughter of Joseph King, of McKean 
 county, Penn., and they have four children living and one deceased: Ernest O., 
 of Lock Haven, Penn., married Miss Dolly, daughter of Isaac Shaffer, of Clin- 
 ton county, Penn.; Jessie M. is the wife of Dr. A. B. Bevier, of Wilcox, Penn. ; 
 Bayard died at the age of twelve years ; M. W. and Edith are at home. Mr. 
 Aldrich has always been identified with the Republican party. For five 
 years he has served as justice of the peace of McKean county, and also five 
 years in Jones township. Elk county. He has been on the school board for 
 twenty-one years in the two counties, and for twelve years has been clerk of 
 Jones township; he has also served as auditor and treasurer of the township. 
 He is a member of the Equitable Aid Union of Wilcox, No. 460. His wife and 
 family are members of the Presbyterian Church. 
 
 CHARLES J. W. ASP, farmer, P. O. Kane, Penn., is a son of Otto and 
 Annie (Colson) Asp, natives of Sweden, the former of whom served as a soldier 
 in his native country for thirty-five years and came to Kane, Penn., in 1886. 
 Charles J. W. Asp was born in Sweden, January 22, 1855, and when eighteen 
 years of age, in May, 1873, came to Kane, McKean Co. , Penn. , where he worked 
 for the railroad company for three months, subsequently entering a saw-mill, 
 in which he worked six years. In November, 1876, he married Miss Eva Nil- 
 son, a native of Sweden, born September 13, 1850, and a daughter of Nils and 
 Kathrina (Anderson) Nilson. Mrs. Asp arrived in New York in April, 1873, 
 and, as will be seen, was married about three and a half years later. She has 
 borne her husband six children, in the following order : Annie M. , in Kane, 
 December 9, 1877; Jennie E., in Kane, March 31, 1879; Charles A., at Dagus 
 Mines, January 28, 1881; Augusta A., in Kane, April 10, 1882; Amelia E., in 
 
746 HISTOEY OF ELK COUNTY. 
 
 Kane, July 23, 1884, and Otto W. S., in Kane, August 2, 1886. Mr. Asp, in 
 1878, purchased the farm in Jones township. Elk Co., Penn., on which he still 
 resides, and which he cultivates with skill and profitable results. In politics 
 he affiliates with the Prohibitionists, and he and his wife are members of the 
 Free Mission Church. 
 
 R. BKBNNEN, merchant, Wilcox, was born in Genesee county, N. Y. , Jan- 
 uary 28, 1847. His parents, John and Mary Brennen, were natives of New 
 York and Vermont, respectively. They were farmers by occupation and moved 
 to Cattaraugus county, N. Y. The father was killed in an accident on the 
 Erie Railroad about 1860. The mother died in Allegany, N. Y. , in 1888. 
 Mr. Brennen left Cattaraugus county, N. Y. , at the age of eleven years and 
 went to Wisconsin and followed lumbering for several years. He then returned 
 to New York State and engaged in farming for a short time. In 1868 he first 
 came to Elk county, but soon after moved to Jefferson county, Penn., and 
 thence to Butler county, where he built a portion of the Low Grade Road, and 
 where he took the contract and built several miles of the Parker & Karns City 
 road. He also resided in Corry, and owned forty village lots there. In 1875 
 he came to Wilcox, and purchased a farm and built fine trout ponds on the 
 same, which are open to the public. He afterward built the Grant House in 
 Wilcox and conducted the same for five years. February 1, 1889, he estab- 
 lished his present general mercantile business. In 1874 he married Miss Lena 
 Hedsnecker, of Jones township. They have four children : Fred, John, Charles 
 and Sidney. Mr. Brennen is a supporter of the Republican party, and is a 
 member of the Knights of the Maccabees, of Wilcox. 
 
 RASSELAS WILCOX BROWN. Among the early settlers of Elk county, 
 probably no man was better known or more highly esteemed than Rasselas 
 Wilcox Brown. 
 
 Mr. Brown was born at German Flats, Herkimer Co., N. Y., September 30, 
 18(J9, and was one of three children born to Isaac and Polly (Wilcox) Brown. 
 When Rasselas was sixteen years old, his father moved to Onondaga county, N. 
 Y. , and located upon a tract in the town of Cicero, which Rasselas helped to 
 transform into a productive farm. Upon this farm is located the cemetery, 
 where at his own request Mr. Brown was buried. It is a beautiful spot over- 
 looking the village of Cicero and the surrounding level, prairie-like country, 
 and contains the remains of several generations of the Brown family. Mr. 
 Brown united with the Baptist Church, of Cicero, when eighteen years of age, 
 and adhered to that faith throughout his life. He was married September 25, 
 1832, at Fort Brewerton, N. Y., to Mary P. Brownell, the only daughter of 
 Jedediah and Eunice (Watkins) Brownell . She was born at Trenton, Oneida 
 Co., N. Y. , September 23, 1815. Like her husband she early united with the 
 Baptist Church, and has adhered to that faith ever since. At the present time 
 (1890) she is in good health, and her mind is as vigorous as that of most 
 women at fifty. She has been, and still is, a woman of wonderful energy and 
 unconquerable ambition. No matter in what society she might live, she could 
 be nothing less than the acknowledged peer of the truest and best. No sacri- 
 fice was ever demanded, or ever could be demanded, which she would not 
 cheerfully make for her husband and children. She enjoys the esteem of all 
 who know her, and she glories in the unquestioned affection of all her children 
 and children's children. 
 
 Immediately after their marriage this couple settled at Fort Brewerton, 
 N. Y. , where they lived two years, and then moved to Summer Hill, Cayuga 
 county, where they lived for about three years. In 1837 Mr. Brown, in com- 
 pany with his brother-in-law. Judge Brownell, now of Smethport, McKean 
 
BIOGEAPHICAL SKETCHES. 747 
 
 county, started on foot from Cayuga county to seek his fortune in the then 
 western wilds of Michigan. On their journey thither they passed through the 
 wilderness of Jones township, Elk county. Here Col. W. P. Wilcox, his uncle, 
 had a few years before located, and he became exceedingly anxiousHhat Ras- 
 selas should settle near him. After two or three months passed in the journey 
 to Michigan, the two travelers returned and decided to cast their lot in the 
 wilds of Pennsylvania. It was late in the fall when they returned, and after 
 employing a man to hew the timber, and leaving with him the means to pre- 
 pare for the erection of a house early in the spring, Mr. Brown returned for 
 his family. So poor .were the mail facilities at that time that the letters from 
 his friends in Pennsylvania advising him of the absconding of his hired man 
 did not reach their destination until he had started with his wife and two little 
 boys for their new home, which they reached on March 16, 1838. 
 
 With a will and energy that would not brook defeat, he went to work, and 
 on April 21, a little more than a month after his arrival, he was able to move 
 into his new house. The desperate eifort and great anxiety required to get his 
 family under roof, resulted in his prostration on a bed of sickness, to which he 
 was confined more than six months. Slowly recovering from his illness, the 
 terrible truth forced itself, day by day, upon him that his eyesight was seriously 
 impaired, and that the injury to his eyes would be permanent. Now came the 
 time for his young and hopeful wife to show her worth and her ability. Would 
 she prove equal to the occasion ? It was evident that her husband could not for 
 a long time, at least, perform the manual labor necessary to clear and cultivate 
 a farm, and they must, therefore, seek some temporary employment where her 
 skill and energy would count for the support of the little ones. The Will- 
 iamsville Hotel offered such a place, and thither without delay they moved. 
 They remained at the hotel until the spring of 1841. During a good share of 
 the time the two did the entire work required to care for their guests and the 
 traveling public — the provisions and supplies for whom had to be hauled from 
 Smethport or Olean, and sometimes from Buffalo. This, of course, demanded 
 the frequent absence of Mr. Brown, and threw upon his wife burdens that none 
 but the most heroic of women could or would have endured. No wonder that both 
 felt relieved when the spring of 1841 came, and they again assumed the some- 
 times more exhausting, but always more agreeable, toil upon the farm. Here 
 they lived together until the death of Mr. Brown, which occurred on June 27, 
 1887. At the time they moved onto the farm the children had grown to four 
 in number, and there was, if the wolf were to be kept from the door, to be no 
 rest from labor and anxiety. The tract of land, out of which it was proposed 
 to make a farm, was located mainly in the midst of a dense growth of pine and 
 hemlock. To be sure the land was cheap, costing only $1.25 an acre, but the 
 labor necessary to fit it for cultivation was enormous. There was no mill near 
 to cut logs into lumber, and no market for the lumber if it could have been cut. 
 In those early days there was, therefore, no alternative — both pine and hem- 
 lock must be burned to ashes. The struggle was constant and sometimes des- 
 perate, but never a failure. If the farm failed by ordinary meaas to make 
 both ends meet, they always found some effective plan to supply the need. 
 Sometimes the scheme had little profit in it, but if it availed to tide over a 
 present difficulty, it was resorted to with cheerfulness and satisfaction. At 
 times the plan hit upon was * to manufacture by hand the pine trees into 
 shingles; at others, to dig coal from a mine opened on the farm, and then to 
 market these wherever a purchasei: could be found — often fifty, and sometimes 
 one hundred miles away. That the purchaser would only pay in goods, and at 
 exorbitant profits, was little reason for breaking off the trade. The waiting 
 
748 HISTOBY OF ELK COUNTY. 
 
 ones at home must be supplied, and therefore the product must go for what it 
 would bring. Many times during the first years upon the farm at Rasselas 
 [this name was given to the place in honor of its owner by Gen. Thomas L. 
 Kane, president of the N. Y., L. E. & W. K. R. extension, when it was 
 built through the farm and a station located thereon], butter as good as house- 
 wife ever made was taken on horseback to Ridgway, sixteen miles distant, and 
 sold for 10 and 12 cents a pound, store pay, the whole proceeds amounting to 
 less than would be the expense of such a trip in our time. 
 
 Isolated as was the home reared by this couple, it was in many respects a 
 model one. The children, six in number, three boys and three girls, were 
 taught not only obedience and respect for their parents, but kindness and 
 love for each other. Self-sacrifice was the paramount law of the household. 
 Nothing within the range of a possibility was ever left undone in behalf of 
 the children, whether it pertained to their present needs or education and 
 proper development; and in return the parents received homage as abiding 
 as life itself. All alone in the wilderness, the family altar was kept burning, 
 conspicuous by contrast, and yet its influence all the more enduring, because it 
 was unique. The entire number of children born to Rasselas W. and Mary 
 P. Brown are still living. The daughters are Olive J. Moyer and Eunice A. 
 Hewitt, of Elk county, and Mary A. Allen, of Cicero, N. Y. The sons are 
 Jefferson L. , William Wallace and Isaac B. Sketches of the three sons will 
 be found in this volum^e as follows: those of Jefferson L. and Isaac B., imme- 
 diately after this of their father, and that of William Wallace, among the 
 biographical sketches of Bradford, McKean county. 
 
 Mr. Brown, notwithstanding the loss of his eyesight, was a leading mind 
 in the county. In politics he was a Whig, and all alone in his neighborhood 
 he cherished, as only a Whig could cherish, the names of Washington, the 
 Adamses, Clay and Webster, until the new era added to the immortals the 
 names of Grant and Lincoln. There was but a single supporter of his polit- 
 ical views in Jones township, and yet during the larger part of his active life 
 at Rasselas, he held the office of magistrate, often by the almost unanimous 
 voice of his neighbors. As a partisan he was never offensive, but he was as 
 firm and unyielding in his political convictions as any man ever was with 
 Scotch blood in his veins. 
 
 Of his affliction he seldom made mention, and he was never known to com- 
 plain, save, when in the days of his country's peril, the loss of his sight pre- 
 cluded the possibility of his enlisting in her defense. It was his inability 
 to serve as a soldier that induced him to yield to the persuasions of his young- 
 est son, and allow him to enter the army at the early age of sixteen years, 
 although his two other sons and two of his sons-in-law had already entered 
 the serivce. To him the Republic was " a thing of beauty and a joy for- 
 ever,' ' and there was nothing in the earth so good or so sacred that he would 
 not have freely sacrificed for her glory and her defense. With the close of 
 the war and with his declining years came more rest and contentment. Though 
 from choice he labored constantly until the last year of his life, the railroad, 
 long looked for, had come, and with it a market for the forest still preserved, 
 and this brought the means for such comfortable support as dispensed with 
 the necessity of further toil or anxiety. Idleness had no place in his life. Every 
 hour not given to labor was devoted to the acquisition of knowledge. Un- 
 able, from loss of his eyesight, to read, he invoked the aid of others to read for 
 him, and in this way was able to keep abreast of current events, and to live in 
 the history of the past. He had a very retentive memory, and possessed a 
 fund of information, especially concerning the geography, political history and 
 development of his country, truly wonderful. 
 
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 749 
 
 As the end of life approached, he gave most abundant assurance to those 
 about him, that long ago complete preparations had been made for the voyage 
 to the country beyond. There was a brief, but comprehensive direction for 
 the care of his surviving widovy, a " share and share alike" to his children, a 
 request that he might be permitted to sleep with his fathers in the land of his 
 boyhood, and then a calm, majestic waiting for the final summons. Just fifty 
 years to a day from the time the subject of this sketch, weary and foot- sore, 
 came into the wilderness of Pennsylvania, he was borne in solemn triumph 
 back to the burial place of his fathers. It is the mighty power of steam that 
 carries the train as on wings of the wind! During the fifty years of Mr. 
 Brown's sojourn in Elk county, that power had revolutionized the world! 
 Henceforth the pioneer shall not go forth into the wilderness alone. Steam 
 shall go before, and shall prepare the way for him. And yet, with all the aids 
 to success which modern thought can bring, none who triumph in coming time 
 will leave more honored heritage, or fall asleep amid the incense of love more 
 sincere or more adiding than did Rasselas Wilcox Brown. 
 
 JEFFERSON L. BROWN, eldest son of Rasselas W. and Mary P. 
 (Brownell) Brown, was born at Fort Brewerton, Onondaga Co., N. Y., June 25, 
 1834, and came with his parents into McKean (now Elk) county in March, 
 1838. His early life was spent on his father's farm, in Jones township, upon 
 which Rasselas, a station on the New York, Lake Erie & Western, and the Buf- 
 falo, Rochester & Pittsburg Railroads, is located. Mr. Brown was educated at 
 the public schools near his home, and at the Smethport academy. At eighteen 
 years of age he commenced the work of his profession — surveying — which he 
 has followed more or less up to the present time, and has been engaged in sev- 
 eral engineering enterprises. In the summer of 1855 Mr. Brown purchased 
 the Elk County Advocate establishment, and published the paper about one 
 year. Not finding the business either suited to his nature or profitable, he 
 disposed of the plant in July, 1856, and returned to the work of his profes- 
 sion. In the autumn of 1860 he moved to Onondaga county, N. Y. , and en- 
 gaged in the pursuit of farming. He taught school at Cicero in the winter of 
 1860-61, and at Centreville in the winter of 1861-62. After selling his in- 
 terest in the farm, Mr. Brown enlisted in Company C, One Hundred and Eighty- 
 fifth Regiment, New York Infantry, and served until the close of the Civil 
 war. He took part in the movements of the Army of the Potomac, which be- 
 gan March 81, 1865, and closed with the surrender at Appommattos Court- 
 house, April 9, the same year; and had the pleasure of seeing Genls. Grant 
 and Lee riding in a carriage (of old Virginia style) together, on their way to 
 Burkeville, Va., after the surrender. At the close of the war Mr. Brown re- 
 turned to Elk county, where he has resided ever since, having his home at 
 Wilcox. In the autumn of 1868 he went into the employ of the Wilcox Tan- 
 ning Company, and after April, 1870, had charge of, and an interest in, the 
 large mercantile business of the tanning and lumber company, for ten 
 years. In the political campaign of 1880 Mr. Brown was nominated a can- 
 didate for member of the assembly by the Democratic convention of Elk 
 county, and, after a hotly- contested struggle, in which the disaffected Demo- 
 crats united with the Republican and Greenback parties in a combination 
 against him, he was elected by a good majority. He was re-elected in 1882, 
 and served through the extra session of 1883. Since retiring from the polit- 
 ical field, Mr. Brown has been engaged in the lumbering, and later in the 
 banking business. He is a member of the Rasselas Lumber Company (whose 
 plant is located on the old homestead), and at the head of the banking house 
 in Wilcox; bearing his name. Mr. Brown was united in marriage with Miss 
 
750 HISTOBY OF ELK COUNTY. 
 
 AmaDcla H. Merriam, the accomplished daughter of Noah and Mary Ann Mer- 
 riam, of Cicero, Onondaga Co. , N. Y. Mr. and Mrs. Brown are the parents of 
 three children — two daughters and one son. The eldest is the wife of Emmet 
 G. Latta, of Friendship, N. Y. , and has two sons, Jefferson B. and Eaymond 
 F. The second daughter, Miss Emma G., has been for some time cashier in 
 her father's bank. The son, Frank Easselas, graduated with honors at 
 the Pennsylvania Military Academy, at Chester, in 1889, and is now instructor 
 in mathematics, engineering and military science at his alma mater. Mr. 
 Brown is master of Wilcox Lodge, No. 571, F. & A. M., of which he is a 
 charter member. He is one of the elders of the Presbyterian Church at Wil- 
 cox, a member of the Hiram Warner Post, G. A. E. , and of the Wilcox Divis- 
 ion of the Sons of Temperance. 
 
 ISAAC B. BEOWN was born in Jones township. Elk Co. , Penn. , at the 
 place now known as Easselas, on the 20th of February, 1848. He lived 
 at home with his parents, Easselas W. and Mary (Brownell) Brown, 
 working upon the farm until fifteen years of age, when he went to Syracuse,^ 
 N. Y., to attend school. He remained at school, working for his board 
 and Maintenance, until the summer of 1864, when he returned home and 
 enlisted in Company C, Two Hundred and Eleventh Eegiment, Pennsylvania 
 Volunteers. He served in the Army of the James during the fall of 1864^ 
 and subsequently in Hartranft's Division of the Ninth Army Corps, Army 
 of the Potomac. He was present with his command in the engagements 
 at Bermuda Hundred, Hatcher's Eun, in the Weldon raid, the assault at 
 Fort Steadman, and at the battle of Petersburg. Eeturning home at the 
 close of the war, Mr. Brown attended school for four years, spending one year 
 at the Smethport Acadepiy and three years at Alfred University, from which 
 he was graduated in 1869. During his school vacations he assisted his father 
 on the farm. In the fall of 1869 he taught at the Eidgway (Penn.) Academy, 
 and in December of that year commenced the study of law at Corry, Penn., 
 with Messrs. Crosby & Brown. During the years of 1870 and 1871 he was 
 engaged in surveying the wild lands in Elk county for the Wilcox Tanning 
 Company. In the winter of 1870-71 he taught school again, and in the fall 
 of 1871 removed permanently to Corry, where he found it necessary to 
 engage in some business in order to support himself while prosecuting his 
 studies. He therefore formed a partnership with Mr. C. S. Tinker, and 
 embarked in the insurance business. He soon became active in the politics of 
 Erie 'county, and was elected clerk of the city of Corry in 1873. He then 
 renewed the study of law, which he had discontinued for some time, and in 
 1876 was admitted to the bar. In 1878 he was a candidate for the assembly, 
 and received the Eepublican nomination, but was defeated at the polls by 
 Hon. Alfred Short, through a combination of Democrats and Greenbackers. 
 In 1880 he was again nominated, and was then elected by about 3,000 
 majority. In 1882 he was re-elected, and again in 1884, the last time by the 
 largest majority ever given to a candidate for assembly in that district. Mr. 
 Brown enjoys the distinction of being the only person from Erie county who has 
 ever received the nomination and election for a third term. During his six years 
 of service as a legislator, he secured the passage of a large number of measures 
 of a public nature, among which may be mentioned that for the establishment 
 of State White Fish Hatchery at Erie. He prepared, introduced and secured 
 the passage of the bill to establish the Pennsylvania Soldiers' and Sailors' 
 Home at Erie, and now is a member of the Board of Trustees of that institution. 
 In 1886 he was a candidate for the Eepublican nomination for Congress in the 
 Twenty-seventh District, but was defeated by Hon. C. W. Mackey, bf Venango 
 
BIOGKAPHIOAL SKETCHES. 751 
 
 county. He continued the practice of law in Erie county until 1887, when he 
 was tendered and accepted the position of deputy secretary of internal affairs 
 of Pennsylvania, which office he now holds at the State Capital. He has been 
 an active member of the Grand Army of the Republic ever since its organiza- 
 tion, and has held many prominent positions in that order. He served in the 
 National Guard of Pennsylvania from 1874 to 1887; eleven years as captain of 
 Company A, Sixteenth Eegiment, and two years as judge advocate with the 
 rank of major, on the staff of Gen. James A. Beaver, commanding the Second 
 Brigade. He commanded a company during its service in the riots of 1877. 
 Mr. Brown was married, on the 25th of June, 1870, to Miss Hannah Partington, 
 of Providence, R. I. , and he has now a family of three children — two daughters 
 and one son. 
 
 J. B. CLARK, of the firm of Clark & Blakeslee, lumbermen, P. O. Glen 
 Hazel, was born in Hebron, Washington Co. , N. Y. , in September, 1845, and 
 is a son of Eli and Mary (Warner) Clark. He was reared and educated in his 
 native county, and afterward worked on the tow-path of the Champlain canal, 
 which he followed four years. At the time of the oil excitement in Venango 
 county, he located at Oil creek, and followed the occupation of driller and 
 contractor for five years. Mr. Clark then engaged in lumbering at Spartans- 
 burg, Crawford Co., Penn., for three years, and then at Columbus, Warren 
 county, same State, for a period of seven years in the same business. Coming* 
 to Highland township. Elk county, he here followed lumbering until April 18, 
 1885, when he removed to .Jones township, where he is now carrying on an 
 extensive lumber business. In connection with the saw -mill, he operates a 
 large shingle and handle factory. Mr. Clark's brother-in-law, James A. 
 Blakeslee, has been associated with him in business since 1871, in which year 
 he located at Spartansburg. Mr. Clark was married to Emeline Blakeslee, 
 daughter of R. P. and Lydia (Lamona) Blakeslee, of Spartansburg, Penn., 
 and by her he has had four children: Bertha, Thomas, James and Lydia. 
 Mr. Clark has held the ofiQoes of school director and auditor of Jones township, 
 and also that of treasurer of Highland township. He was two years and eight 
 months in the Civil war, enlisting in March, 1863, in Company E, Fifty- 
 seventh P. V. I., and was honorably discharged at the close of the struggle. 
 He is a member of the F. & A. M., and in politics is a Democrat. 
 
 ANTONY A. CLAY, Rasselas P. O., Penn., was born in Vienna, Austria, 
 February 17, 1839, when his father, the late Hon. John Randolph Clay,«was 
 United States secretary of legation to that country. He was educated in the 
 city of Philadelphia, and in 1861 entered the three-months service of his 
 country as quartermaster, with the rank of captain, on the staff of Gen. Pleas- 
 anton, of Philadelphia. September 1, 1861, he entered in Company K, Fifty- 
 eighth P. V. I., as first lieutenant under Col. J. Eichter Jones, and was after- 
 ward promoted to adjutant and captain. He served during the entire service 
 with the regiment, and on staff duty, acting as assistant adjutant-general and 
 provost-marshal for the subdistrict of Central Virginia until mustered out, in 
 1865. He has resided in Elk county since 1866, and has had charge of large 
 tracts of land in this and adjoining counties, and has also been engaged in 
 lumbering and farming. In 1886 he was the Democratic candidate for the 
 State legislature, and was elected by 1,142 majority, the largest majority ever 
 given to any candidate for assembly in the county. He was again elected in 
 1888, by 746 majority, is now filling his second term of office, and is one 
 of a commission of three senators and four members of the house appointed to 
 investigate the charitable and correctional institutions of the State. He mar- 
 ried, in 1864, Miss Sybella S., daughter of John Seckel, of Philadelphia, Penn., 
 
 40 
 
752 HISTOBY OF ELK COUNTY. 
 
 and they have four daughters, viz. : Estella A. , Sybella G. , Ethel R. and Mar- 
 garet. Capt. Clay is a member of Wilcox Lodge, No. 571, F. & A. M., and of 
 the Military Order of Loyal Legion of the United States, also of Lucore Post, 
 G. A. R., of St. Mary's. His father, Hon. John Randolph Clay, was born in 
 Philadelphia, Penn., and was educated at the University of Virginia, after 
 which he studied law with Hon. John Randolph, of Roanoke, Va. , for whom 
 he was named, and was admitted to the bar of Virginia. He accompanied John 
 Randolph to Russia, when he was appointed United States minister, and was 
 secretary of legation, and was afterward appointed secretary of " Legation and 
 Charge d' Affairs" at Vienna, Austria, and later minister to Peru, where he- 
 served eighteen years. He served altogether in the diplomatic service of the 
 United States for thirty consecutive years. He married an English lady. Miss 
 Prances Gibbs, daughter of Dr. John Gibbs, of Exeter, England. Mrs. Cluy died 
 in Vienna in 1840, and Hon. John Randolph Clay died in London, England, 
 in 1885. The present home of Capt. A. A. Clay was first occupied by the 
 father of Col. A. I. Wilcox, and later by Gen. Kane, until Capt. Clay pur- 
 chased it, in 1866. His family are members of the Episcopal Church. 
 
 A. A. CLEARWATER, superintendent for the Wilcox Tanning Company, 
 was born in Ulster county, N. Y. , March 21, 1846. His parents, Richard and 
 Rachel (Osterhout) Clearwater, were also natives of that county. His mother 
 w«,s a sister of W. H. Osterhout of Ridgway; his father was a millwright by 
 trade and moved to Susquehanna county, Penn. , in 1864, and for some years 
 was a car builder in the Su;squehanna shops. He wjs a member of the Repub- 
 lican party, and filled various township offices. He was a deacon and superin- 
 tendent of the Sunday-school in the Baptist Church for many years, and died 
 in 1882. The mother is still living and resides in Ulster county, N. Y. Their 
 family consisted of nine children, of whom six are living: D. J. (of Scranton, 
 Penn.), A. A., W. W. (of Wilcox, Penn.), Mary C. (wife of Lafayette Hines, 
 of Wayne county, Penn. ), Ida E. (wife of B. E. Miles, of Susquehanna county, 
 Penn.) and Leah E. (wife of Elder Campbell, of Ridgway, Penn.). A. A. 
 Clearwater was reared in Ulster county, N. Y. , and received an ordinary edu- 
 cation. In 1861 he enlisted in Company D, One Hundred and Fifty- sixth New 
 York Infantry, and was appointed sergeant of his company. He was wounded 
 at Port Hudson, June 14, 1862, and was honorably discharged in 1863. He 
 then attended the Harford University in Susquehanna county, Penn. , for one 
 year, »and then began to learn the tanner's trade with his uncle, W. H. Oster- 
 hout, at Glenwood. He served an apprenticeship of four years, and then took 
 the superintendency of a tannery at Herrick Centre for four years, after which, 
 in connection with two partners, he purchased the Glenwood Tannery. After 
 conducting that two years he purchased the interest of one of his partners, 
 and two years later became sole owner of the same, which he conducted for 
 seven years. He then, in company with W. H. Osterhout, began operations at 
 Penfield, Clearfield Co., Penn., which he continued for one year. In 1883 
 he came to Wilcox, and has since acted as superintendent of the Wilcox Tan- 
 nery. In 1872 he married Miss Ella B., daughter of William D. Ketchum, 
 of Herrick Centre. They have three children living. Bertha, Libbie and Will- 
 iam. One son, * Allen B. , died in 1886. Mr. Clearwater is a member of 
 Capt. Lyon Post, No. 85, G. A. R., of Susquehanna county, and the Nichol- 
 son Lodge, I. O. O. F. He is a Republican in politics, and for six years has 
 served as school director of Jones township. He and his family attend the 
 Presbyterian Church. 
 
 DR. A. K. CORBIN, Wilcox, was born in Waverly, Tioga Co., N. Y., No- 
 vember 25, 1851. His father, John A. Corbin, was born in Bradford county. 
 
BIQGEAPHICAL SKETCHES. 75B 
 
 Penn., and his mother, Emily A. (Kelley) Coibin, -was born in Schoharie 
 counby, N. Y. They now reside in Bradford, Penn. Our subject was edu- 
 cated at the academy in Owego, Tioga Co., N. Y. He read medicine with 
 Dr. H. N. Eastman, of Owego; and graduated from the College of Physicians 
 and Surgeons of New York City, February 28, 1879, and first began the prac- 
 tice of medicine at Hinsdale, Cattaraugus Co., N. Y. He moved to Clermont, 
 McKean county, August 8, 1881, and in October, 1885, came to Wilcox, where 
 he has since enjoyed an extensive practice. October 9, 1880, he married Miss 
 Tressie, daughter of A. C. Torrey, of Hinsdale, N. Y. They have one child, 
 Arthur LeEoy. Dr. Corbin is a member of the county medical society, sup- 
 ports the Republican party, and is a member of Clermont Lodge, No. 949 
 I. O. O. F. 
 
 JOHN EENHOUT, lumber manufacturer, Wilcox, was born in the city of 
 Albany, N. Y., March 18, 1822, a son of Christopher Ernhout, who was a na- 
 tive of Albany, N. Y. His grandfather, John Ernhout, was a native of Ger- 
 many, emigrated to America with Com. Van Rensselaer, and was the first set- 
 tler in Albany, N. Y. , taking up 400 acres of land on the present site of the 
 city. He served as a private through the war of the Revolution, and was 
 among the prominent men of his day. His wife was a native of Holland. 
 They reared a family of thirteen sons and three daughters, of whom Chris- 
 topher was next to the youngest. Christopher married Miss Lydia Powell, a 
 native of Scotland, and they settled in Ulster county, N. Y. He was a soldier 
 in the war of 1812; was a Jacksonian Democrat, and filled various township 
 oflS.ces. He was twice married; his first wife died in 1842, and he afterward 
 married Miss Polly Brannon. Eleven children were born to his first marriage: 
 Hannah (widow of James Mcintosh), Betsy, Harriet, John, Lydia (deceased), 
 James, William (deceased), Henry, George (deceased), Stephen and David. 
 Mr. Ernhout was a prominent member of the Presbyterian Church ; he died in 
 1877. John Ernhout received a common-school education in Ulster county, 
 N. Y. He was married, May 28, 1843, to Miss Milla Stoddard, daughter of 
 Simeon Stoddard, of Massachusetts, the ceremony being performed at the res- 
 idence of Phineas Stoddard, in Greenfield, Ulster Co., N. Y. In March, 1844, 
 he moved to Callicoon, Sullivan Co., N. Y., where he remained one year, and 
 in 1845 moved to Greenfield, Ulster Co. , N. Y. , where he engaged largely in 
 the lumbering business for a term of years. In the meantime he built a large 
 hotel in Greenfield, on the Newburgh and Woodbourne plank road, and also 
 bought the large farm formerly owned by Andrew Lefever. He next moved 
 to Ellenville, Ulster county, and built another extensive hotel, with which he 
 connected one of the largest halls outside the city of New York, and also built, 
 as an appurtenance to the hotel, a mammoth barn. In the fall of 1857 he 
 traded the Ellenville property for a tannery and saw-mill business, in Sand- 
 burg, Sullivan county, which business he carried on successfully for nine 
 years. This business comprised three saw-mills, one tannery, two stores, two 
 blacksmith-shops with turning lathes, and a large quantity of land. In 1861 
 he recruited in Sullivan, Ulster and Orange counties, N. Y., 445 men, and 
 joined the Fifty-sixth New York Regiment, in which he served fourteen 
 months, as captain of his company of 112 men, the balance of <the recruits be- 
 ing distributed among other companies of the Fifty-sixth. The captain was 
 honorably discharged on account of sickness. For his meritorious act in re- 
 cruiting so many men, he was offered the lieutenant-colonelcy of his regiment, 
 but declined, as he had promised to remain with the first company he had 
 raised. In 1867 he came to Wilcox, Elk Co. , Penn. , where he built its pres- 
 ent tannery, afterward associating with him the Messrs. Maurice and Jackson 
 
754 HISTORY OF ELK COUNTY. 
 
 Schultz. About twelve years afterward Mr. Ernhout was obliged to retire 
 from the company on account of ill health; he spent two years in California, 
 eventually returning to Wilcox, where he has since been engaged in the man- 
 ufacture of lumber. His mill has a capacity of about one million feet of lum- 
 ber per month, and he employs about seventy men to carry on his business; he 
 has a private railroad, with which to transport his logs from the lumber dis- 
 tricts. Capt. Ernhout owns 225 acres of valuable lands near Cuba, with 
 fifteen oil wells and two excellent gas wells; also 800 acres of land near Kane, 
 McKean Co., Penn., upon which there are three producing wells, which he 
 intends developing. Mr. Ernhout is an active business man, with marked 
 ability, and is one of the representative citizens of Wilcox. He has always 
 been identified with the Republican party; he is a member of the Episcopal 
 Church. Mrs. Milla Ernhout departed this life in 1877, having borne her 
 husband four children: Perry S., the eldest son, entered the United States 
 service with his father, and was promoted to the naval academy, at Annapolis, 
 Md. , and from which he was graduated with high honors, but died, in the 
 prime of manhood; Marilda S. , married Dr. William Scrosburg, of Ulster 
 county, N. Y., and is now deceased; Phineas S. is a lumber manufacturer of 
 Wilcox, and E. L. is a practicing physician of Omaha, Neb. 
 
 P. S. ERNHOUT, lumber manufacturer, Wilcox, is a son of John Ern- 
 hout, was born in Ulster county, N. Y. , February 4, 1851, and came to Elk 
 county with his parents. He received a common-school education, and learned 
 the tanner's trade at the Wilcox Tannery. For five years he held the position 
 of foreman of Osterhout' s tannery at Ridgway. He was in business with Mr. 
 J. L. Brown in manufacturing lumber, and in 1882 became one of the mem- 
 bers of the Rasselas Lumber Company, and has since had the management of 
 that company. Mr. Ernhout is also interested in the oil business at Kane, 
 Penn. In 1872 he married Miss Annie, daughter of Noah Merriam, of Onon- 
 daga county, N. Y. They have one child, Merriam. Mr. Ernhout is a mem- 
 ber of Wilcox Lodge, No. 571, F. & A. M., and of the Sons of Temperance, 
 No. 285, of Wilcox. He takes an active part in the temperance cause, and is 
 chairman of the County Prohibition Committee. He has served as school di- 
 rector of Jones township. He is also an elder and trustee in the Wilcox Pres- 
 byterian Church. 
 
 GURNEE FREEMAN, lumber manufacturer and farmer, P. O. Wilcox, 
 was born in Tompkins county, N. Y. , May 8, 1845. His parents, Stephen and 
 Rosetta (Trowbridge) Freeman, were natives of that county and farmers by oc- 
 cupation. The mother died December 25, 1854, and the father still resides in 
 Tompkins county, N. Y. They reared seven children, six of whom are living: 
 Survillia, widow of William Burch of Ithaca, N. Y. ; Mary, wife of George 
 Williams, of Michigan; Gurnee; Catherine, wife of Elery Brown, of Michigan; 
 Susan, deceased; Stephen an'd William, who live in Michigan. Gurnee Free- 
 man received a common-school education in Tompkins county, N. Y. In Jan- 
 uary, 1863, he went to Philipsburgh, Centre Co., Penn., and engaged in 
 the lumber business; he remained there until 1884, when he came to Elk 
 county and purchased his present farm and also engaged in manufacturing 
 lumber. May 1, 1886, he formed a partnership with H. W. Horner in the 
 manufacture of lumber," and also in a general store, under the firm name of 
 Horner & Freeman. January 11, 1868, Mr. Freeman was united in marriage 
 with Miss Henrietta, daughter of Ellis McClellan, of Centre county, Penn. 
 They have five children: William, Harry, Charles, Ellis and Emma. Mr. 
 Freeman is a supporter of the Democratic party, and is a member of Wilcox 
 Lodge, No. 571, F. & A. M. He and family attend the Episcopal Church. 
 
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 755 
 
 H. W. HORNER, lumber manufacturer and farmer, P. O. Wilcox, was born 
 in Allegany county, N. Y, , July 7, 1840. His father, Timothy Horner, was also 
 a native of that county, born April 26, 1819, and his mother, LydiaAnn (Cease) 
 Horner, was a native of Delaware county, N. Y., born December 16, 1816. 
 His father was a millwright b\ trade, and operated a grist-mill at Angelica, 
 N. Y. He was killed while repairing the Wilcox Mil] at that place, December 
 28, 1849. The mother soon after married again and moved to McKean 
 county, Penn. Our subject was thrown upon his own resources at an early 
 age. He was reared by his uncle and obtained but a limited education. He 
 learned the trade of a miller, which he followed until twenty-six years of age. 
 April 9, 1865, he married Miss Cassie, daughter of Thomas and Agnes (Daly) 
 King, natives of Ireland, and among the early settlers of MoKean county, 
 Penn. In 1867 they moved to Michigan and engaged in farming until 1869, 
 when they returned to Wilcox, where for several years Mr. Horner engaged in 
 the butcher business. In 1875 they purchased their present farm in Jones 
 township and began to manufacture lumber. In 3886 was formed the firm of 
 Homer & Freeman. Mr. Horner has three children: Marion, Mabel and Mil- 
 dred. He is a member of Wilcox Lodge, No. 698. E. A. U. ; Wilcox Lodge, 
 No. 571, F. & A. M., and Wilcox Tent of the Knights of Maccabees. He has 
 always taken an active part in Democratic politics. Mr. Horner' s parents were 
 members of the Baptist Church. They reared three children: H. W., C. H. 
 and Orpha (wife of W. W. Brewer, of Mount Jewett). Mr. Horner is a hunter, 
 and has killed a great many deer. 
 
 J. C. MALONE, jeweler and confectioner, Wilcox, was born in Fox township, 
 Elk Co., Penn., March 20, 1844. His parents were both accidentally poisoned 
 when he was about four years of age. He remained in Elk county until about 
 fourteen years of age, when he went to Smethport, McKean county, and re- 
 ceived a common- school education. He learned the jeweler's trade at Smeth- 
 port, and first started in that business at Port Allegany. In 1861 he enlisted 
 in Company F, Fifty- eighth Pennsylvania Volunteers; was appointed sergeant 
 of his company, and served until the close of the war. In 1868 he came to 
 Wilcox, Elk county, and has since been engaged in his present business. In 
 1869 he married Miss Maria Louise, daughter of J. D. Leonard, of Kane, Mc- 
 Kean Co., Penn., and they have one child, Maud H. Mr. Malone is a mem- 
 ber of Wilcox Lodge, No. 571, F. & A. M. He has always been identified with 
 the Republican party, and has filled the offices of auditor, treasurer, school di- 
 rector, and at this writing is assessor of the township. Mrs. Malone is a mem- 
 ber of the Presbyterian Church. 
 
 ROBERT A. MANETT, superintendent of the wood department of the 
 Wilcox Tanning Company, was born in Sullivan county, N. Y., June 3, 1842. 
 His father, James Manett, is of Scotch descent, and was reared in New York 
 City. His mother, Diantha (Avery) Manett, was a native of New England. They 
 were among the early settlers of Sullivan county, where they still reside, en- 
 gaged in farming. They reared ten children, all of whom are living: George 
 (of Washington), Robert A. , Clarissa (wife of Leonard Stratton), Lucinda (wife 
 of Charles Shendler), Fannie (first married to Eliphalet Stratton, who died, and 
 she is now the wife of William Cauthers), James Gilbert, Jonathan D. , Harry 
 (of Brockport, Penn.) Eugene and Emma. Mr. Manett received but a limited 
 education, as his parents were poor and could not afford to send him to the sub- 
 scription schools of those days. In 1859 he engaged with Jackson Schultz, at 
 Lunenkill, Ulster Co. , N. Y. , and has been in the employ of the Schultz family 
 ever since, with the exception of two years, when he was engaged in the express 
 business at Ellenville, N. Y. He came to Wilcox, Elk Co., Penn., in 1872, and 
 
756 HISTORY OF ELK COUNTY. 
 
 has since held his present position as superintendent of the wood department 
 of the Wilcox Tanning Company, peeling and hauling 25,000 cords of hemlock 
 bark each year. In 1867 he married Miss Mary J. , daughter of James Budd, 
 of Ulster county, N. Y. They have three daughters: Lillian, Eula and Laura. 
 He has always been a supporter of the Eepublican party, casting his first vote 
 for President Lincoln. He has filled the office of overseer of the poor, tax col- 
 lector, supervisor and school director of Jones township. He joined the Ma- 
 sonic fraternity of Eidgway, and is a charter member of the Wilcox Lodge, 
 No. 571, F. & A. M., and is also a member of the Wilcox Tent of the Knights 
 of the Maccabees. 
 
 E. W. RHONE, superintendent of machinery for the Wilcox Tanning 
 Company, was born in Clinton county, Penn., November 28, 1845. His parents, 
 John and Elizabeth (Batdorf) Rhone, were natives of Germany, and farmers 
 by occupation. Mr. Rhone was educated at the township schools of Clinton 
 and Centre counties, and learned the machinist's trade. In 1867 he came to 
 Wilcox, and has since been in the employ of the Wilcox Tanning Company. In 
 1865 he married Miss Mary Ellen, daughter of Dickerson Cole, of Clinton 
 county, Penn. They have one child, Evaline. Mr. Rhone is identified with 
 the Republican party, and for the last eight years has been secretary of the 
 school board. He is a member of the E. A. U. , of Wilcox, and he and his 
 family attend the Presbyterian Church. 
 
 MAURICE M. SCHULTZ (deceased) was born in Delaware county, N. Y., 
 February 11, 1827, and died at Wilcox, Elk Co., Penn., May 18, 1884. 
 At the age of sixteen he embarked on a whaling ship for the Arctic seas, and 
 returned to his native land after a voyage of four years. His voyage, and the 
 hardships and experiences attendant upon it, gave him his stern and unswerv- 
 ing peculiarities of character and his robust and hardy physique, thereby 
 well fitting him for the hard and active service of his after life. After his re- 
 turn from the sea, he became a tanner, and engaged extensively in that busi- 
 ness up to the time of his death. He operated a tannery at Sparrow Bush, 
 N. Y. , from 1860 to 1866, and during these years accumulated a goodly fort- 
 une. At the time he disposed of his tannery at that place, he proposed to retire 
 from active life, but after a pleasure trip to Europe of a year's duration, he was 
 again persuaded to embark in the tanning enterprise, this time at Wilcox, Elk 
 county. From the summer of 1877, up to the time of his death, he was at 
 the head of the firm doing business under the name of the Wilcox Tanning 
 Company. Mr. Sohultz had exclusive charge of the landed and manufactur- 
 ing interests of this company, and by his energy, fidelity and perseverance, he 
 commanded not only the implicit confidence of the other members of this firm, 
 but also the admiration and respect of the community in which he lived. He 
 was kind-hearted and generous, and never turned a deaf ear to the appeals of 
 the less fortunate in life. His wife, Mary A. (Atherton) Schultz, still sur- 
 vives him, also two sons and one daughter: Norman (residing in New York 
 City), Irving (residing in Wilcox, Penn. ) and Mrs. Edward Barnes (of Or- 
 ange, N. J. ). The Wilcox Tannery is now conducted by his two sons, Mr. 
 Irving Schultz being the resident member, and having the general supervision 
 of the same. 
 
 MARTIN SOWERS, retired, Wilcox, was born in Germany, November 30, 
 1831, a son of George and Barbara Sowers, and immigrated to America in 
 1849. He first located near Philadelphia, Penn. , where he engaged in farming 
 for a number of years. From there he moved to Clermont, and thence to 
 Williamsville, and then to Kane, McKean county, where for two years "he was 
 engaged in the restaurant business. He came to Wilcox in 1865, and conducted 
 
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 757 
 
 a mercantile business for twenty years. He also built his present hotel, which 
 he ran for many years. In 1853 he married Miss Caroline Houserman, a 
 native of Germany, and a resident of Philadelphia, Penn. She died in 1881. 
 Seven children were born to their union, six of whom are living: George, of 
 Wilcox; Mary, wife of Elijah Kroat, of McKean county; Louisa, at home; 
 Frank, hotel-keeper of Wilcox; Edward, operator for the B. E. & P. E. E. at 
 Eidgway, and Wiljiam, at home. Mr. Sowers has been a supporter of the 
 Eepublican party since its organization. He has served as school director and 
 supervisor, and is treasurer of the township at the present time. He is a mem- 
 ber of Wilcox Lodge, No. 571, P. & A. M., and of the Eeformed Lutheran 
 Church. 
 
 C. W. SPETTIGUE, general manager for the Wilcox Tanning & Lum- 
 ber Company, Wilcox, was born in Wayne county, Penn., September 16, 1844. 
 His parents, George G. and Grace Spettigue, were natives of England, and 
 both died in Wayne county, Penn. They were farmers by occupation. C. W. 
 Spettigue was given the advantages of the township schools, and has been 
 engaged in the mercantile business since he was eighteen years of age. He 
 was in business in Sullivan county, N. Y., for sixteen years, and in 1878 came 
 to Wilcox, and has since held his present position. In 1871 he married Miss 
 Annette, daughter of Nelson Thomas, of Delaware county, N. Y. They have 
 one child, Lizzie W. Mr. Spettigue has always been a supporter of the 
 Eepublican party. 
 
 MAEK D. SPEOAT, resident member, at Wilcox, of the firm of Henry, 
 Bayard & Co. , of Philadelphia and Wilcox, was born in Elmira, N. Y. , April 15, 
 1839, a son of Stephen C. and Mary (Schontz) Sproat, natives of Orange coun- 
 ty, N. Y. , and farmers by occupation. Mr. Sproat was educated at Myron G. 
 Peck' s Academy, in Eochester, N. Y. , and has been engaged in the lumber 
 business since he was seventeen years of age. He engaged with Henry, Bay- 
 ard & Co. in 1879, and he has been a member of ■ the firm for seven years. 
 They began manufacturing lumber in Elk county, Penn., in 1880, and Mr. 
 Sproat has since resided at Wilcox. He married, in 1872, Miss Eebecca Lesher, 
 a native of New York City. Mr. Sproat is a member of Acacia Lodge, No. 58, 
 F. & A. M. , of Cottage Grove, Minn. ; has always been identified with the 
 Democratic party, and is a member of the Tabernacle Baptist Church at Phila- 
 delphia, Penn. 
 
 M. H. TOOMEY, proprietor of the Bast Branch Hotel, Glen Hazel, was 
 born in Fox Township, Elk Co., Penn., July 4, 1860, and is a son of Dennis 
 and Mary (O'Hara) Toomey. He was reared and educated in his native coun- 
 ty, and worked at lumbering several years, afterward clerking in a number of 
 hotels in the county. In November, 1888, Mr. Toomey settled at Glen Hazel, 
 and here built his present hotel, which he has since successfully conducted. 
 In December, 1887, he married Josephine, daughter of Ferdinand and Mar- 
 garet (Groll) Wank, of Jones township. Mr. Toomey is a popular landlord, 
 and one who knows how to cater to every requirement of his guests. He is a 
 member of the Catholic Church; in politics a Democrat. 
 
 WILLIAM J. WANK, blacksmith, Glen Hazel, was born in Jones town- 
 ship. Elk Co., Penn., February 13, 1863, and is a son of Ferdinand and Mar- 
 garet (Groll) Wank, natives of Bavaria, Germany, and pioneers of the borough 
 of St. Mary' s, and later of Jones township. Ferdinand Wank was a carpen- 
 ter by trade, but after coming to this country, he follo^Yed agricultural pursuits, 
 and cleared and improved a farm in Jones township. He had ten children: 
 'Christopher W. (deceased), Mary E. (Mrs. John Stoltz), Lizzie (Mrs. John 
 Foley), Albert G. (deceased), William J. , Josephine (Mrs. Michael H. Toomey), 
 
758 HISTOEY OF ELK COUNTY. 
 
 Ida (Mrs. Michael King), John A. , Matilda M. and Jennie M. The subject of 
 this sketch was reared in Jones township, where he received a common-school 
 education, and learned the blacksmith's trade, which he has followed for six 
 years. He is the pioneer blacksmith of Glen Hazel. November 7, 1888, Mr. 
 Wank married Carrie Weis, of Clermont, McKean Co., Penn. He is a mem- 
 ber of the Catholic Church; in politics a Republican. 
 
 STEPHEN E. WATSON, liveryman, Glen Hazel, we.s born in Schoharie 
 county, N. Y. , February 13, 1854, and is a son of James K. and Catherine 
 (Halleck) Watson. He was reared and educated in Delaware county, N. Y. , 
 and began life as a teamster, an occupation he followed in Delaware county 
 six years. In 1874 Mr. Watson located at Moose Eiver, Lewis Co., N. Y. , 
 where he learned the tanner's trade, and worked at the same for three years. 
 He then accepted a position as clerk in the tannery store, acting in that 
 capacity during a period of four years. He then removed to Limestone, N. 
 Y. , where he was foreman in the tan-yard of Hoyt Brothers for one and a half 
 years, and was then made superintendent of the Sterling Run Tannery, at 
 Sterling Run, Cameron county, a position he held for two years. He then had 
 charge of the office and tannery of George L. Williams at Salamanca, N. Y. , 
 for one year, and in 1889 he moved to Glen Hazel, where he has a livery 
 stable, and is doing a successful business. Mr. Watson married, October 11, 
 1874, Emma, daughter of Arthur Bull, of Delaware county, N. Y. , and has 
 one daughter, Mertie E. Mr. Watson is a member of the F. & A. M. and K. 
 O. T. M. ; in politics he is a Republican. 
 
 BENJAMIN WATSON, a member of the firm of Watson Brothers, dealers 
 in general merchandise. Glen Hazel, was born in Schoharie county, N. Y., 
 July 9, 1858, and is a son of James K. and Catherine (Halleck) Watson. He 
 was reared and educated in Delaware county, N. Y. , and began life as a clerk 
 in a general store at Moose river, Lewis county, N. Y. , where he remained 
 three years. Mr. Watson served in the same capacity at Albany, N. Y. for 
 two years, and in 1883 he located in Salamanca, N. Y., where he held the 
 position of book-keeper in the Salamanca Tannery for three and a half years. 
 In March, 1888, he settled at Glen Hazel, and erected the first store in the 
 placJe, there embarking in the mercantile business in company with his brother, 
 R. J. Watson, of Limestone, N. Y. The brothers have built up a successful 
 trade that is daily increasing. Our subject is postmaster at Glen Hazel, the 
 postofiice having been established June 7, 1889. He married, in 1884, Mary, 
 daughter of W. C. Palmer, of Salamanca, N. Y., and has one daughter, 
 Evelyn M. He is an enterprising, public-spirited citizen, and in politics is a 
 Republican. 
 
 MICHAEL WEIDERT, farmer, P. O. Rasselas, was born in Luxemburg, 
 Germany, January 8, 1828. His parents, Bernard and Mary (Bodevin) 
 Weidert, immigrated to America in 1847, arriving in Elk county, Penn.,. 
 August 16. They remained at St. Mary's until the following September, when 
 they located on the present farm of our subject, in Jones township. Here the 
 father died, in 1855, and the mother, in 1884. They were prominent members 
 of the Roman Catholic Church. They brought eleven children to this country,, 
 nine of whom are still living: Mary, widow of John Myers; Catherine, wife 
 of Joseph Hetznecker; Michael; John; Elizabeth, wife of Charles Nearing; 
 Magdaline, widow of Joseph Pistner; Mary, wife of Michael Miller; William, 
 and Lena, wife of T. L. McKean. Mr. Weidert was educated in his native 
 country, and for eight years after coming to Elk county worked for Col. A. I. 
 Wilcox. He has since been engaged in lumbering and farming. In 1852 he 
 married Miss Barbara, daughter of Francis Bonnert, of Jones township. Nine 
 
BIOGEAPHIGAL SKETCHES. 759 
 
 children were born to this union, five of whom are living: Maggie, "William M., 
 John, Charles, Edward, all at home. Mr. Weidert has always been identified 
 with the Democratic party and takes an active part in politics. He was elected 
 county commissioner in 1874 and served one year, was re-elected in 1875 for 
 three years, and re-elected in 1878 for three years. During this time the com- 
 missioners built the court-house at Eidgway. He was elected justice of the 
 peace, but did not serve. He has, however, filled nearly all the township 
 offices. In 1885 he took a pleasure trip to his native country, remaining from 
 May till September. He is a member of the St. John's Society of St. Mary's, 
 and he and family are members of the Eoman Catholic Church. 
 
 JOHN WEIGEL, blacksmith and farmer, Easselas, was born in St. Mary's, 
 Elk Co. , Penn. , April 1 0, 1855. His parents, George and Barbara Weigel, were 
 natives of Europe, and emigrated to America in 1844, locating at St. Mary's. 
 His father, who was a blacksmith by trade, is now deceased; his mother is still 
 living at St. Mary's. Mr. Weigel received a common-school education, after 
 which he learned the blacksmith' s trade, and has always resided in Elk county 
 with the exception of two years spent in Michigan. He located at Easselas in 
 1885. In 1879 he married Miss Mary, daughter of Joseph Smith, of St. 
 Mary's, and they have three children: Julia, Edward and Frederick. Mr. 
 Weigel is a supporter of the Democratic party. He is a member of St. John 
 and St. Patrick societies. He and family are members of the Eoman Catholic 
 Church. 
 
 DR. J. H. WELLS, Wilcox, was born in Ellenville, Ulster Co., N. Y., 
 March 5, 1854, the son of J. B. and Mary (Hart) Wells, the former a native of 
 Schoharie county, N. T., and the latter of TJlster county. In 1868 they came 
 to Elk county, where the father has since been in the employ of the Wilcox 
 Tanning Company, in the capacity of harness- maker. Dr. Wells received a 
 common-school education, and read medicine with Dr. Ernhout, then of Wil- 
 cox. He attended the medical department of the Bellevue Hospital in New' 
 York City, and was graduated in 1884, since which time he has been practic- 
 ing his profession at Wilcox. He married, in 1875, Miss Mary M. , daughter 
 of Seymour Skiff, of Onondaga county, N. Y. , and they have one child, Mabel. 
 Dr. Wells is president oi the Elk County Medical Society, and is a member of 
 the State Medical Society. He is a member of Wilcox Lodge, No. 571, F. & 
 A. M. Politically he is a Eepublican, and has served as clerk and treasurer of 
 the township. His wife is a member of the Reformed Church. 
 
760 HISTORY OF ELK COUNTY. 
 
 CHAPTER XIX. 
 
 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES— FOX TOWNSHIP— 
 HOETON TOWNSHIP. 
 
 FOX TOWNSHIP. 
 
 J. HENRY BEADLE, superintendent of stores for J. H. Steell & Co., 
 Dagus Mines, was born in Schuylkill county, Penn., September 14, 1851, a son 
 of Jesse and Annie (Oldknow) Beadle, natives of England. Mr. Beadle re- 
 ceived an ordinary education, and for the past fifteen years has been connected 
 with J. H. Steell & Co., in different capacities. In 1878 he came to Elk 
 county, and has since had charge of the stores at Dagus Mines. He is Repub- 
 lican in politics, and was a delegate to the State convention in 1888; was ap- 
 pointed the first postmaster of Dagus Mines, and is now serving his second 
 term of ofSce. He is an elder in the Presbyterian Church, %nd takes an active 
 part in Sabbath- school work, having served as superintendent of the Dagus 
 Mines Sabbath -school for a number of years. His natural disposition is gen- 
 tle and unobtrusive; while, as a man of business, he is characterized by indus- 
 try, energy and strict integrity. 
 
 CLINTON A. BUNDY, l^imberman. Kersey's, was born in Pox township, 
 Elk Co., Penn., September 8, 1840, a son of Elijah and Lavina (Vial) 
 Bundy. During his youth Mr. Bundy was . engaged in farming, until he 
 entered the United States service. He enlisted in April, 1861, and was 
 assigned to Company G, First Pennsylvania Volunteer Rifles, " Bucktail ' ' Regi- 
 ment. He served until April, 1863, when he was honorably discharged, but in 
 January, 1864, he re-enlisted in the same company, and served until the close 
 of the war. Mr. Bundy married, March 22, 1864, Miss Emma Sophronia, 
 daughter of William and Elizabeth Meredith, and to them have been born five 
 children, viz.: B. L. (of Kersey), William S., Mary M., Fannie and Free. 
 He is actively engaged in the lumber business, and is counted as one of the 
 live, enterprising citizens of Kersey. He is a Republican in politics, and has 
 served as assessor and supervisor of Fox township. He is a member of Ridg- 
 way Post, G. A. R., and of Kersey Lodge, No. 967, I. O. O. F., also of 
 Rebecca Degree and the Sons of America. Mr. Bundy and family attend the 
 Methodist Episcopal Church. 
 
 PATRICK CALLAHAN, farmer, P. O. Kersey's, son of Jeremiah and 
 Margaret (Reede) Callahan, was born in Fox township. Elk Co., Penn., in 
 1847, and has since been engaged in lumbering and farming. He was mar- 
 ried, July 3, 1883, to Miss Margaret, daughter of James Sheely, of Fox town- 
 ship, and they have four children, viz. : Mary Cecelia, Jeremiah Frederick, 
 Annie Margaret and Alice Agnes (twins). Mr. Callahan is an active worker in 
 the Democratic party, is a member of the school board, and has also served as 
 treasurer of the township. The family are members of the Catholic Church. 
 
 WILLIAM CALLAHAN, farmer, P. O. Kersey's, was born in Fox town- 
 ship. Elk Co., Penn., on his present farm, October 12, 1853, a son of Jere- 
 miah and Margaret (Reede) Callahan, the former a native of Ireland, the latter 
 of Luzerne county, Penn. They located, about 1844, upon a farm in Fox 
 
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 761 
 
 township. Jeremiah Callahan was a Democrat in politics, and a member of the 
 Catholic Church. He died in 1879 ; his widow still survives him, and makes her 
 home with her son, William. They reared a family of twelve children, eleven of 
 whom are yet living, viz. : James (in Penfield, Penn. ), Patrick (in Pox township), 
 Jeremiah (in Hortoa township), William, Elizabeth (wife of lii'rederick Dickin- 
 son, in Ridgway, Penn.), Mary (wife of Stephen Pox, in Horton township), 
 Maggie, Ellen (wife of Patrick Flynn, in Penfield), Catherine, Martha, and 
 Emma (wife of John Bentzer, in Kersey). Mr. Callahan was educated at 
 the township schools, and has always been engaged in farming and lumbering. 
 In politics he is a Democrat, and is a member of the Catholic Church. 
 
 ■JOHN COLLINS, proprietor of the Collins House, Kersey's, was born in 
 Cork, Ireland, May 26, 1828, a son of John and Elizabeth (Ryan) Collins. 
 The father came to America, obtaining employment as a day laborer, and after- 
 ward, in 1836, sent for his family, finally moving them to Lancaster, Penn. , 
 where he obtained employment with the Side Water Canal Company. He died 
 in that county, and the mother was afterward married to John Sullivan, who 
 came to Elk county in 1841, and engaged in farming in Fox township. John 
 Collins was the only child by the first union, and was eight years of age 
 when he came to America. He obtained but a limited education, and early 
 began to work in the lumber woods. In 1868 he established a hotel at Ker- 
 sey, but had the misfortune to be burned out in July, 1880. He then pur- 
 chased his present property, where he has since been located. He married, 
 in 1850, Miss Ann Agnes Malone, a native of Elk county; she died in January, 
 1875, leaving four children, viz. : Mary, who married John McMackin and died 
 in May, 1882, leaving three children : James B. , Harry L. and Edward — three 
 other children born to Mr. and Mrs. McMackin died before their mother; Eliza- 
 beth, the second child of John and Ann Agnes Collins, is living at home; the 
 third died in infancy, and John James, the fourth child, died in August, 1887. 
 John James had married Miss Alice Mann, by whom he had two children, viz. : 
 Thomas, at home, and Mary Rose, who died in May, 1889. Mr. Collins has 
 always been an active worker in the Democratic party, and has served one term 
 as county treasurer, also filled the offices of school director and supervisor of 
 the township for many years. He is a member of the Catholic Church. 
 
 CHARLES E. GREEN, farmer, P. O. Kersey's, was born in Fox town- 
 ship. Elk Co., Penn., August 6, 1847. He was educated in the township 
 schools and has always been engaged in farming. James Green, his grand- 
 father, was born in Chester county, Penn., and was a shoemaker by trade. In 
 politics he affiliated with the Whig party, and was the first postmaster of Ker- 
 sey's, which office he held until his death. John Green, father of Charles E. 
 Green, was born in Centre county, Penn., October 12, 1799, and came to Elk 
 county, with his parents, in 1817, where they entered a 200- acre tract of land, 
 which they cleared and improved. John Green married, July 7; 1825, Ann 
 Kyler, who died July 1, 1827, leaving one child, Eliza Ann, who married 
 Aaron Harrington, and died, leaving three children, viz. : James Bruce, Benja- 
 min Franklin and Mary. Mr. Green was next married, March 26, 1829, to 
 Miss Mary Thompson, who was born in Centre county, Penn., August 9, 1809. 
 Six children were born to them, five of whom are living, viz. : Catherine, wife 
 of John Comley, of Centre county; Rebecca E., wife of John Nulf, of Horton 
 township, Elk county; James R., of Fox township; Elizabeth, wife of John 
 Bonham, of Centre county, and Charles E. Mr. Green built a log hotel on his 
 farm, but afterward established the Green House at Kersey, which he sold. 
 He was a prominent Republican in politics, and for many years was post- 
 master of Kersey's; in religion he was a Quaker. He died October 23, 1883; 
 
762 HISTOBY OF ELK COUNTY. 
 
 his widow is still enjoying good health at the age of eighty years. Charles E. 
 Green married, December 23, 1869, Miss Esmeralda Meredith, and to themi 
 have been born five children, named as follows: Harry, Grant, Jennie, Mary 
 Ethel and Claty C Mr. Green, politically, is a Republican, and has served 
 as auditor and constable of Fox township. He is a member of Olympia 
 Lodge, No. 967, I. O. O. F. ; Patrons of Husbandry, No. 628, and Patriotic 
 Order Sons of America, No. 403. The family attend the Methodist Episcopal 
 Church. 
 
 ANDREW HAU, farmer, P. O. Kersey's, was born in Fox township. Elk 
 Co., Penn. , November 4, 1859, a son of Andrew and Walbergh (Heigle) Hau, 
 natives of Bavaria, Germany, who emigrated to America about the year 1848. 
 They were married in this country and settled on a farm in Fox township. 
 The mother died September 28, 1872, and the father in 1884. The latter was 
 a prominent Democrat, and filled various township offices, and was also a mem- 
 ber of the Catholic Church. Their family consisted of nine children, three of 
 whom are living: John A. (of Fox township), Andrew and Teressa (wife of 
 Allois Urmann, of Kersey, Penn.). Andi'ew Hau received an ordinary edu- 
 cation, and has been principally engaged in farming. Since 1887 he has 
 acted as proprietor of the German House, at Kersey. He is a Democrat in 
 politics, a member of the Catholic Church, and of St. Boniface Society. 
 
 P. W. HAYS, justice of the peace and farmer, P. O. Dagus Mines, was 
 born in Juniata county, Penn., January 5, 1829, a son of Edward and Cath- 
 erine (Gilnett) Hays, who moved to Elk county in 1841, and purchased 200 
 acres of land in Fox township. The father died about one year after moving 
 to the county, and the mother in 1877. The living children are Catherine 
 (wife of Elias Moyer, of Fox township), Susanna (wife of Christian Graybill, 
 of Snyder county, Penn.), Enos (of Fox township), John (of Oak Eidge, Mo.), 
 P. W. , Edward (of Luthersburg, Clearfield Co., Penn.) and Sarah (wife of 
 James Taylor, of Fox township). P. W. Hays received his education at the 
 log school-houses of that period, and at the age of twenty years purchased 
 one-half his mother's farm, which he worked for two years. He afterward 
 began repairing watches, etc., and also learned the art of photography. In 
 1855 he was elected justice of the peace of Fox township, and has since held 
 that office, with the exception of from 1862 to 1865, when he served as sheriff 
 of Elk county. He married, November 22, 1855, Miss Elizabeth, daughter 
 of Samuel Wilson, of Pox township, and they have five living children, 
 viz. : Viola (wife of Joseph Starr, of Fox township), Carrie (wife of Walter 
 Rogers, of Horton township), Charles (at home), Ida (wife of Myron Rick- 
 ard, of Fox township) and Eva (at home.) Mr. Hays is an active worker- 
 in the Democratic party, and has filled the offices of auditor, school director,, 
 treasurer, etc. For six years he was engaged in the mercantile business at 
 Earlville,- Penn. He is a member of the I. O. O. F., the Masonic fraternity, 
 and the Patrons of Husbandry. He attends churches of all denominations. 
 
 JOHN HERSHEY, farmer, P. O. Kersey's, was born in Juniata county, 
 Penn., April 5, 1819. His parents, John and Catharine Hershey, were natives 
 of York and Cumberland counties, Penn., and died when he was but a few 
 years of age. He was reared in Huntingdon and Blair counties, and received 
 an ordinary education. He began life as a farm laborer, and worked for one 
 man in Blair county for eight years. December 25, 1855, he came to Elk 
 county, and for eight years was in the employ of J. S. Hyde, and drove a team 
 from Ridgway to Warren, Jamestown and Olean. He afterward was employed 
 four years by Dr. Earley, of Ridgway. About 1868 he settled upon his present 
 farm in Fox township, and has since improved and cleared the same. He has 
 
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 763 
 
 always been a stanch Eepublican, and cast his first vote in 1840 for Gen. W. 
 H. Harrison. He has served as township assessor for three years, and auditor 
 for three years. He is an active member of the Presbyterian Church, and was 
 OQe of the principal movers in erecting the church at Kersey. Mr. Hershey, 
 although leading the rough life of a woodsman and lumberman for many years, 
 has never used tobacco or spirituous liquors in any form, nor has he ever 
 played a game of cards or base ball, or engaged in any such nonsense, because, 
 he holds, all must render up a strict account for the precious time allotted each 
 one whilst upon earth, and time and life are too valuable to be spent or wasted 
 in such sports or pastimes. 
 
 WILLIAM E. HEWITT, farmer, P. O. Dagus Mines, was born on his 
 present homestead, in Pox township. Elk Co., Penn., January 29, 1841, a son 
 of Jeremiah and Sarah M. (Hoyt) Hewitt, the former of whom was born in 
 Oreenwich, N. Y., July 19, 1813, the latter a native of Vermont. Jeremiah 
 Hewitt and wife both moved to Clearfield county, Penn. , with their parents, 
 and after their marriage, which occurred December 20, 1835, settled upon their 
 present farm in Pox township. Mr. Hewitt has always been identified with 
 the Republican party, and has filled various township offices. For many years 
 he has been steward of the Methodist Episcopal Church. His wife died in 
 February, 1881. They reared a family of eight children, seven of whom are 
 living: Leora, wife of Elias Horning, in Clearfield county; Rhobe M., wife of 
 Ransom T. Kyler, in Fox township; William E. ; Aurilla, wife of Norman G. 
 Bundy, also in Fox township; Hiram W. , in Minnesota; Armina C, wife of 
 Charles Rogers, also in Minnesota, and John C, in Dakota. William E. Hewitt 
 received an ordinary education, and enlisted in the service of his country Octo- 
 ber 18, 1861. He was assigned to Company P, Fifty-eighth P. V. I., and 
 served as corporal of his company until the close of the war. Since then he 
 has been engaged in farming, and is also a partner in the grocery and meat 
 business of Burchfield & Co. , of Brockwayville, Penn. He married, December 25, 
 1865, Miss Eunice A. , daughter of Rasselas W. Brown, of Jones township, and 
 they have two children: Ellen M. (attending school at Syracuse, N. Y.) and 
 Grace C. Mr. Hewitt is a Republican in politics, and has filled various town- 
 ship offices. He is a member of Ridgway Lodge, P. & A. M. ; St. Mary' s Post, 
 No. 216, G. A. R., and Patriotic Order Sons of America, No. 403; he is a 
 steward in the Methodist Episcopal Church. 
 
 MICHAEL KEELEY, farmer, P. O. Dagus Mines, is a native of the 
 County Galway, Ireland, and came to America in 1860, locating on his present 
 farm in Pox township. Elk Co. , Penn. He married, March 17, 1861 , Miss 
 Mary Keeley, by whom he has three children: John, Ellen and Winifred. He 
 is a member of the Democratic party, and served as tax collector from 1883 to 
 1889, except the years 1884 and 1888. He is a member of the Catholic Church. 
 
 JOHN KOCH, merchant and hotel proprietor, Kersey's, was born in Bavaria, 
 Germany, December 27, 1834, son of Joseph and Catherine (Braener) Koch. 
 The family came to America in 1846, and first located at St. Mary's, Elk Co., 
 Penn. , but in the latter part of the same year they moved to Kersey, same 
 county, where they purchased a farm, which they conducted many years; also 
 established the Koch House at Kersey, one of the early hotels of the place. 
 In 1864 Joseph Koch & Sons established a general mercantile business at Ker- 
 sey, which has since grown to be one of the largest and best stores in this 
 part of the county. In addition to these interests the firm also carry on farm- 
 ing and lumber manufacturing extensively. John Koch, the subject proper of 
 these lines, was married in 1857 to Miss Margaret Buntzer, also a native of 
 Bavaria, who came to America in 1847, and to this union have been born five 
 
704 HISTOEY OF ELK COUNTY. 
 
 sons and three daughters: Peter, Joseph, Nicholas, Robert, John, Mary, Mag- 
 gie and Katie, all living at home. In 1864 Mr. Koch enlisted in Company A, 
 Seventy -sixth Eegiment, P. V. I., and served until the close of the war. He 
 is identified with the Democratic party, and has served as postmaster at Ker- 
 sey's since 1884; has also been school director, tax collector, etc., for Fox 
 township. He is a member of the G. A. R., Lucore Post, No. 216, of St. 
 Mary's, and is a member of the Catholic Church. 
 
 ANTHONY KOCH, butcher. Kersey's, son of Joseph Koch, was born in 
 Fox township, Elk Co., Penn., September 15, 1853. He received a common- 
 school education, after which he learned the butcher's trade. In 1887 he pur- 
 chased the Franklin House in St. Mary's, which he conducted for a short time. 
 In 1874 he married Miss Emma, daughter of Dr. H. Straessley, of Kersey, 
 and by this union are born five children, named as follows: Minnie, Gertrude, 
 Annie, George and Charles. Mr. Koch established his present successful busi- 
 ness in 1880. He is a Democrat in politics, and has served as supervisor of 
 Fox township. He and family are members of the Catholic Church. 
 
 R. T. KYLER, farmer, P. O. Kersey's, was born in what is now Fox town- 
 ship, Elk Co., Penn., June 12, 1830, a son of Jesse and Elizabeth (Packer) 
 Kyler, natives of Centre county, Penn. John Kyler, the grandfather of R. T. 
 Kyler, was also a native of Centre county, and came to Elk county with his 
 family in 1813, and took up a tract of land in Fox township. Jesse Kyler was 
 born in 1801, and always followed farming as an occupation. He was identi- 
 fied with the Democratic party, and served as justice of the peace of Fox town- 
 ship for many years, two terms as county commissioner, one term as county 
 auditor, and also two terms as associate judge of the county. He died in 1880, 
 and his widow in 1883. They were members of the Quaker Society. Their 
 family consisted of seven children, four of whom are living, named as follows: 
 Eli, of Warren, Penn. ; R. T., Hays and Willis, of Fox township. R. T. Kyler 
 was married, in 1855, to Miss Ehobe M. , daughter of Jeremiah Hewitt. He 
 affiliates with the Democratic party, and has served as county auditor, jury 
 commissioner, and in all of the important township offices. He is a member 
 of the K. of P. of Kersey, the Patrons of Husbandry and the Patriotic Order 
 Sons of America. 
 
 HENRY LARGAY, farmer and lumberman. Kersey's, was born in what is 
 now Fox township. Elk Co., Penn., February 11, 1839, a son of John and 
 Catherine (McQuone) Largay, natives of County Armagh, Ireland, but who 
 married in this country, and afterward settled upon the present farm of Henry 
 Largay, in Fox township. They were members of the Catholic Church. Their 
 family consisted of twelve children, nine of whom are living, viz. : Henry, 
 Ann (wife Pasco Shaver, of Fox township), Ellen (wife of James Wins- 
 low, of Benezette township), Susan (wife of Patrick Jordan, of Fox 
 township), Catherine, Mary (wife of John Meenan, of Ridgway), John and 
 Patrick (of Fox township), Rosa (wife of Decatur Hewitt, of Benezette). 
 Mr. Largay was educated at the township schools, and has always been en- 
 gaged in farming and lumbering. In 1864 he enlisted in Company C, Two 
 Hundred and Eleventh Pennsylvania Volunteers, and is a member of St. Mary's 
 Post, G. A. R. He is independent in politics, and has filled various township 
 offices. He also is a member of the Catholic Church. 
 
 REV. FATHER JOHN LINK, Kersey's, pastor of the St. Boniface par- 
 ish, was born in the city of Allegheny, Penn., December 23, 1851. He was 
 educated in the city schools, and studied for the priesthood at St. Vincent's 
 College, Westmoreland Co., Penn., was ordained August 6, 1875, andwasfijst 
 located at Erie, Penn. By reason of his being familiar with both the English 
 
BIOGEAPHICAL SKETCHES. 765 
 
 and German languages, he was transferred to Emlenton, Venango county, and 
 East Brady, Clarion county, and he was active in building a new church in 
 East Brady, Clarion county, and also organized a new parish there. In Febru- 
 ary, 1884, he was assigned to his present parish, where he has since made 
 many improvements in the church, and established a school at Kersey, which 
 has been in operation six years, he acting as principal, and being assisted by 
 nuns from St. Mary' s, Elk county. 
 
 JOHN A. MILLEE, farmer and merchant, P. O. Kersey's, was born in 
 Bavaria, Germany, July 12, 1833, a son of John and Margaret Miller, who 
 came to America in 1842, and first located at Mountmorenci, near Eidgway,. 
 Elk Co., Penn. ; they then moved to Eidgway, and afterward moved to Pox 
 township and took up a tract of land. John A. Miller received but a limited 
 education, and has principally been engaged in farming. In 1872 he pur- 
 chased an interest in the mercantile business with J. J. Taylor; the latter died 
 in 1883, since which time Mr. Miller has conducted the business alone. In 
 1865 he married MisS Margaret, daughter of John Wunderley, a native of Ba- 
 varia, Germany, and a settler of Elk county, Penn. To them have been born 
 eight children, named as follows: Catharine (wife of Emmanuel Pox), Marga- 
 ret (wife of Alexander Fox), Esther (wife of Duke Emmett), Melinda, Caroline,. 
 Barbara, Lydia and Eobert, living at home. Mr. Miller affiliates with the 
 Democratic party, and has served as school director, supervisor, tax collector, 
 etc., of the township. He is a member of the German Lutheran Church. 
 
 CHAELES MILLEE, merchant and tanner. Kersey's, and a son of Chris- 
 tof and Phelamene Miller, was born in Germany, in 1836, and was married in 
 that country in 1857 to Miss Mary Jassel, daughter of John and Annie Jassel. 
 In 1866 they immigrated to America, and for one year remained in New York 
 City, where Mr. Miller acted as foreman in a shoe factory. In 1867 he moved 
 to Kersey, Elk Co., Penn., and engaged in shoemaking until 1872, when he 
 established his present tannery, where he manufactures upper leather as a spe- 
 cialty, which he ships to New York and Philadelphia. In 1879 he established 
 his present , general store. Mr. and Mrs. Miller have five children : William, 
 Max, Charles P., John and Mary. Politically he is a Democrat, served as 
 county auditor for three years, and for five years as school director of his town 
 ship, being president of the board. He is a member of the St. Boniface Society 
 and of the Catholic Church. 
 
 HEZEKIAH B. MOYEE, farmer, P. O. Kersey's, was born September 
 24, 1850, in Fox township. Elk Co., Penn., a son of Joseph and Sarah E. (Hays) 
 Moyer. His father was also born in Fox township and followed the occupation 
 of a farmer; politically he was a Democrat, and filled various township offices. 
 He died in 1871, and his widow afterward married James E. Taylor, of Fox 
 township. But two of the children by her first marriage are living: Hezekiah 
 B. and Wallace, the latter of Centreville, Penn. Hezekiah B. received his ed- 
 ucation in the township schools, and has always followed farming. He married, 
 in 1871, Miss Alice Taylor, of Fox township, and to them have been born three 
 children, viz. : James, Joseph and Edward T. Mr. Moyer, politically, is a Dem- 
 ocrat, and has served as supervisor and school director of the township. He is 
 a member of the L O. O. F., of Kersey, No. 967. 
 
 ELIAS MOYEE, farmer, P. O. Dagus Mines, was born in Centre county, 
 Penn., August 15, 1821, a son of Conrad and Elizabeth (Otto) Moyer, who came 
 to Elk county in 1823, and entered a tract of land, in Fox township. They were 
 among the early prominent families of the township, and were members of the 
 Presbyterian Church. Elias Moyer was educated at the township schools. He 
 married, in 1842, Miss Catherine Hays, and three children were born to their 
 
766 HISTORY OF ELK COUNTY. 
 
 union, all of whom are deceased. Mr. Moyer affiliates with the Kepublican 
 party, and has filled various township offices. The family are members of the 
 Advent Church, in which he is a deacon and trustee. He served in the lale Ee- 
 bellion in Company A, Seventy-sixth Pennsylvania Volunteers, and is a mem- 
 ber of St. Mary's Post, G. A. E. 
 
 CONEAD "MOYEE, farmer, P. O. Kersey' s, was born in what is now Fox 
 township, Elk Co., Penn., March 10, 1825, a son of Conrad and Elizabeth 
 (Otto) Moyer. He married, in 1845, Miss Sarah, daughter of David Taylor, of 
 Pox township, and twelve children were born to their union, ten of whom are 
 living, viz.: John, in Pox township; Charles, also in Fox township; Wilmer, 
 in Horton township; Enos, Marshall, Union and Elmer, in Pox township; Sa- 
 mantha, of New York State; Louisa, of New York State, and Susanna, wife of 
 David Pontius, of Fox township. Mr. Moyer has always lived in Pox town- 
 ship, and is engaged in farming. He affiliates with the Democratic party. 
 
 CHAELES A. MOYEE, farmer, P. O. Kersey's, was born in Pox town- 
 ship, Elk Co. , Penn. , January 8, 1848, a son of Conrad and Sarah (Taylor) 
 Moyer. He received a common-school education and learned the carpenter's 
 trade, but has since been principally engaged in farming. He married, in 
 1869, Miss Maria, daughter of Henry Warner, of Jones township, and they 
 have five children, named as follows: Minnie, Winnie, Pranciena, Amos and 
 Felix. Mr. Moyer has always been an active Democrat, and at the present 
 time is auditor of Pox township. 
 
 SILAS W. MOYEE, farmer, P. O. Dagus Mines, is a son of Jacob Moyer, 
 who was born in Brush Valley, in what is now Clinton county, Penn. , May 
 13, 1813, and came to Elk county with his parents in 1828. In 1833 he mar- 
 ried Miss Sidney Taylor, and has since resided in Pox township. They reared 
 two children: Mary J., wife of Henry M. Gross, of Pox township, and Silas 
 W. , who was born in Pox township, Elk Co. , Penn. , February 4, 1843. After 
 completing his education, he, in turn, engaged in teaching for some years. 
 In 1881 he went to Easselas, and acted as superintendent of the store for the 
 Easselas Lumber Company for six years. In 1887 he moved to his present loca- 
 tion, where he has since been engaged in farming. He married, in 1863, Miss 
 Olive Jane, daughter of Easselas W. Brown, of Jones township. Mr. and Mrs. 
 Moyer are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Mr. Moyer is a Re- 
 publican with Prohibition proclivities. 
 
 W. C. QUINN, physician. Kersey's, was born in Cottage, Huntingdon 
 Co., Penn., August 14, 1860. His father was a shoemaker of industrious 
 habits, but limited means. Dr. Quinn, after the completion of his public 
 school work, took an academical course at Mooresville, Penn., then taught 
 school four consecutive winters, after which he engaged in the study of medi- 
 cine under the preceptorship of Dr. W. S. Wilson, of McVeytown, Penn. He 
 then attended the College of Physicians and Surgeons at Baltimore, Md. , from 
 which he graduated with honors in March, 1884. The Doctor then opened an 
 office, April 7, 1884, in Pine Grove Mills, Penn. , where he remained in the active 
 practice of his chosen profession until the fall of 1885, when he went to Wil- 
 sontown, Penn. In the spring of 1886, being specially induced, he moved to 
 Centreville, Penn., where he enjoys an extensive and still growing practice. 
 He married, in May, 1884, Miss Mary E. Lightner, daughter of Adam and 
 Eliza Lightner, of Cottage, Penn. Dr. Quinn is a member of the Methodist 
 Episcopal Church and of the county medical society. 
 
 DAVID EOBEETSON, P. O. Dagus Mines, was born in Glasgow, Scot- 
 land, in 1846, and received his education near the city of London, England. 
 After leaving school, he served a four-years apprenticeship with the mechan- 
 
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 767 
 
 ical engineering firm of Mitchell & Wallace, Glasgow, who made a specialty 
 of coal-pit machioery. After a voyage to South America, in 1865, he came to 
 the United States and entered the employ of the Delaware & Hudson Canal 
 Company, at the anthracite coal mines near Scranton, Penn., working in vari- 
 ous capacities inside and around the mines until 1873, when he was employed 
 by the New York, Lake Erie & Western Railroad Company to take charge of 
 the transferring of their coal from standard to broad-gauge cars at Waverly, 
 N. Y. In_1874 he came to Elk county, as assistant superintendent of the North- 
 western Mining & Exchange Company, and opened up the coal fields around 
 Dagus Mines and on the Toby branch. Some years later he was promoted to 
 superintendent, and is now the general superintendent of the Blossburg Coal 
 Company and the Towanda Coal Company, whose mines and mills are in Tioga 
 and Bradford counties, Penn., operated by the New York, Lake Erie & West- 
 «rn Railroad Company. The Northwestern Mining & Exchange Company, ten 
 years ago, mined less than 100 tons of coal daily, but are now producing 3,500 
 tons per day, besides shipping a large quantity of lumber and bark. They 
 employ about 1,200 men, supplying the New York, Lake Erie & Western Rail- 
 road with coal, as well as doing a large commercial trade, including the Grand 
 Trunk Railroad of Canada, the N. Y. , P. & O. R. R., and numerous other rail- 
 roads, also steamship lines, including the Guion Steamship Company, the 
 Union Steamboat Company, and others. The mines and mills of the North- 
 western Company are at Dagus Mines, Toby, Kyler' s, Hellen Mills, Mead Run 
 and Clarion. Mr. Robertson is superintendent of the Toby Branch Railroad 
 and the Daguscahonda Railroad, which connect with the Pennsylvania Rail- 
 road system over which the coal, etc. , is transported to market. In 1878 Mr. 
 Robertson married Miss Annie Elizabeth, daughter of Ralph Bell, of Pox 
 township, Elk Co., Penn., and by this union have been born three children: 
 Edward, Jesse and David. Mr. Robertson owns a tine farm, and pays par- 
 ticular attention to the breeding of Jersey cows. He is a member of Elk 
 Lodge, No. 379, F. & A. M. , and of the American Institute of Mining Engi- 
 neers. He is a Republican, but his life is too busy a one to permit him to 
 take an active part in politics. He and his family attend the services of the 
 Episcopal Church. 
 
 PASCO SHAVER, farmer, P. O. Kersey's, was born in Schoharie county, 
 N. Y., February 16, 1833, a son of George and Jane (Mulford) Shaver. He 
 was reared and educated in that county, and in 1859 came to Elk county, but 
 went back again in 1861 , and remained in New York State engaged in farming 
 until 1873, when he returned to Elk county and has since lived on his present 
 farm of 400 acres. He married, in 1861, Miss Ann, daughter of John Largay, 
 of Fox township, and they have five children, viz. : Myrtie, wife of Harry 
 Trude, of Fox township; Mary, Alvin, Charles and William, at home. Mr. 
 Shaver is a Democrat, and is tax collector of the township. His wife is a 
 member of the Catholic Church, while he belongs to the Protestant faith, and 
 is a member of the Patriotic Order Sons of America. 
 
 JOHN SPLEEN, merchant and lumber manufacturer. Kersey's, was born 
 in Fox township, Elk Co., Penn., October 15, 1858, a son of Jeremiah and 
 Catherine (Donovan) Spleen, natives of Ireland, who engaged in farming in 
 Fox township, where the father died. The mother is still living. John 
 Spleen received an ordinary education, and early began work in the lumber 
 woods as a day laborer. At the age of thirty years he began to manufacture 
 lumber for himself, and now operates two mills in Fox township, with a capac- 
 ity of 6,000,000 feet. In September, 1888, he established his present gro- 
 "Cery business at Kersey. He married, in 1886, Miss Annie Kramer, of Wil- 
 
 41 
 
768 HISTORY OF ELK COUNTY. 
 
 COX, Elk county, and they have two children — a eon, named John, and a daugh- 
 ter named, Florence. Mr. Spleen is independent in politics, and a member of 
 the Catholic Church. 
 
 GEORGE F. SPULLEE, proprietor of the Spuller House, Kersey's, was 
 born in St. Mary's, Elk Co. Penn., February 20, 1856, a son of Matthias and 
 Barbara (Verner) Spuller, natives of Paris, France, and Alsace, Germany, re- 
 spectively. They were married in this country, first locating in St. Mary's, 
 then settling in Kersey, where the father was for some years engaged in the 
 butcher business. He was a Democrat in politics, and was a member of the 
 Catholic Church. He died in 1882, but Mrs. Spuller still survives. Sixteen 
 children were born to their union, nine of whom are still living, viz. .: John, of 
 Kersey; Joseph, of Smethport, Penn.; George F. ; Catherine, wife of Frank 
 Showers, of Benezette; Barbara, wife of E. R. Emery, of Allegheny City; 
 Elizabeth, wife of Joseph Pontzer, of Fox township; Mary, wife of John 
 Wilhelm, of St. Mary's; Josephine, wife of Jonathan Davis, of St. Mary's; 
 Rosa, wife of George McCloskey, of Johnsonburg. George F. Spuller moved 
 with his parents to Iowa when three years of age, and came to Kersey at the 
 age of eleven years. He received a common-school education, and has been 
 engaged in book-keeping, clerking, etc., having lived in Baltimore, Md., Pitts- 
 burgh, and in Indiana county, Penn. In 1880 he purchased his present hotel, 
 which he has since conducted. In 1882 he married Miss Cassie, daughter of 
 James McCloskey of Fox township, and they have three children: Fred G., 
 Bernard F. and James M. Mr. Spuller is a Republican in politics, and has 
 served as township auditor for three years. Mr. and Mrs. Spuller are mem- 
 bers of the Catholic Church. 
 
 C. H. STRAESSLEY, harness- maker, Kersey's, was born in Clarion county, 
 Penn., January 24, 1857, a son of Dr. Herman and Caroline (Grover) Straess- 
 ley, natives of Germany, who came to America and first settled in Lycoming 
 county, Penn. The father practiced his profession in that and Clarion coun- 
 ties, and in about 1870 they moved to Kersey, where the father died May 20, 
 1884. C. H. Straessley received a common-school education, and learned the 
 harness-maker's trade, which he has since followed, conducting a store for one 
 year in St. Mary's, and establishing his present business in 1879. In 1883 he 
 married Miss Maggie, daughter of Peter Pontzer of Kersey, and they have 
 three children: Herman, Mary and Edward. He affiliates with the Democratic 
 party, is treasurer of the township, and is a member of the Catholic Church. 
 
 LEWIS THOMAS, proprietor of the Exchange hotel, Kersey's, was born 
 in South Wales, in 1842, a son of David and Barbara (Williams) Thomas, both 
 of whom^ died in that country. Mr. Thomas came to America in 1866, and 
 first located in Tioga county, Penn. , where he found employment as a coal 
 miner for nine months. He then came to Elk county and found employment 
 at the Shawmut mines until 1869, when he moved to Renovo, Clinton county; 
 lived there until July 17, 1870, when he moved to Centreville, Elk Co. , Penn. , 
 where he found employment as a coal miner until 1880, when he established 
 his present hotel. He married, in Wales, in 1864, Miss Ann Owen, and they 
 have four children, named as follows: David Thomas (of St. Mary's, Penn., 
 married to Miss Tinnie Puncheon, and has four children : Lewis, Jeanette, 
 David and William), Lewis Thomas, Jr. (an employe of the P. & E. R. R. , 
 married to Miss Anna S. Emmett, of Kersey, and now residing at Johnson- 
 burg, Elk county), Margaret and William John (at home). Mr. Thomas is a 
 member of the Democratic party, and belongs to Renovo Lodge, No. 595, I. O. 
 O. F. He and familj> are members of the Baptist Church. 
 
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 769 
 
 PETEE THOMPSON, carpenter and farmer, P. O. Kersey's, was born in 
 Centre coanty, Penn., November 15, 1812, a son of Kobert and Catherine 
 (Wantz) Thompson, the former a native of Lancaster county, and the latter of 
 Centre county, Penn. They came to Elk county in 1824, locating upon a farm 
 in Fox township. Robert Thompson was a weaver by trade, but followed 
 farming after coming to Elk county. He was one of the prominent men of 
 his time, and iilled various township offices. He died in Clearfield county, 
 Penn., in 1868, a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Peter Thomp- 
 son came to Elk county with his parents, and in 1836 married- Miss Sally, 
 daughter of John Kyler; she died in 1838 and he was next married, in 1842, 
 to Miss Eliza Dixon, who died in 1845, leaving one son, Prochorus, of "Warsaw, 
 Jefferson Co., Penn. His next marriage was in 1846, to Miss Hannah Rogers, 
 and by her he has ten children, viz. : Elvira (wife of Alonzo Myers, of Ridgway, 
 Penn.), Herbert (of Lake City, Minn.), Eugene (of Horton township. Elk Co., 
 Penn.), Gilbert (of Porestville, Penn.), Simon (of Brandy Camp), Reuben (of 
 Horton township. Elk county), George and Ida (at home), Eliza (wife of Daniel 
 Clark, of Ridgway) and Ada (wife of Isaiah Bell, of Ridgway). Mr. Thomp- 
 son has always been identified with the Democratic party, and has served as 
 justice of the peace for fifteen years, also filled other township offices. He is 
 one of the oldest and best-known residents of Fox township, and has been a 
 deacon in the Baptist Church for many years. 
 
 ALLOIS URMANN, proprietor of Elk Brewery, Kersey's, was born in 
 Bavaria, Germany, July 4, 1861, a son of Ludrich and Teressa (Shimburger) 
 Urmann. Allois Urmann came to America in 1881, and in 1884 engaged in 
 hotel-keeping at Kersey. In this he was successful, and he continued in same 
 until 1885, when he ptirchased the Elk Brewery, and has since conducted the 
 same, proving himself to be a man of marked business ability. He married, 
 May 9, 1888, Miss Teressa, daughter of Andrew Hau, of Fox township, and to 
 them have been born four children: Andrew, Teressa, Wally and Emma. Mr. 
 Urmann is a member of St. Boniface Society, and is a Democrat. 
 
 HOETON TOWNSHIP. 
 
 CHAUNCEY BROCKWAY, farmer, P. O. Brockport, is a son of Chauncey 
 and Rhoda (Nichols) Brockway, natives of Albany county, N. Y., who came to 
 Elk county, Penn., in December, 1817, and located in what is now Jay town- 
 ship. Consider Brockway, the grandfather of the subject of this sketch, traded 
 property in Albany county, N. Y. , for 400 acres of wild land, which was settled 
 by his son, Chauncey. He was in the Revolutionary war. Chauncey, the father 
 of Mr. Brockway, was a soldier in the war of 1812, and Chauncey, Jr., served 
 nine months in the war of the Rebellion, in Company E, of the One Hundred 
 and Seventy-second Pennsylvania Regiment. Chauncey Brockway, Sr. , built 
 the first saw-mill in the township, and was extensively engaged in lumbering 
 and farming. He was a Jacksoni an Democrat, and was serving as county commis- 
 sioner when Elk county was set aside from Clearfield county, and served as 
 justice of the peace for thirty-one years. He and wife were members of the 
 Free- Will Baptist Church, in which he was a deacon for many years. He died 
 December 16, 1886, and his wife in April, 1885. Jonathan Nichols, the father 
 of Mrs. Brockway, was a physician and Baptist minister, and came to Elk 
 county in 1819. Mr. Brockway' s family consisted of ten children, five of whom 
 are living: Louisa, wife of Jacob Smeltzer, of Illinois; Lucy S., wife of Adam 
 Shaffer, of Illinois; Chauncey; N. M., of Forestville, Jefferson Co., Penn., and 
 0. C, of Indiana. Chauncey Brockway, Jr., was born at Brandy Camp, Horton 
 township, Elk county, March 16, 1823, and received but a limited education. 
 
770 HISTORY OF ELK COUNTY. 
 
 as he was put to work in the woods at twelve years of age, to assist in clearing 
 the homestead. He has followed the occupation of a farmer, lumberman and 
 gunsmith. He married, in 1844, Miss Margaret, daughter of David Taylor, of 
 York county, Penn., and two children were born to this union: Gilbert, born 
 in October, 1847, a merchant and farmer of Jefferson county, and Wilhelmina, 
 born July 26, 1849. Mr. Brockway is identified with the Eepublican party. 
 He is a member of the Church of the Messiah. N. M. Brockway, brother of 
 the subject of this sketch, served as captain of a company in a three-months 
 regiment, in 1863, at the time of Lee's invasion. 
 
 CHARLES A. BROWN, farmer, and superintendent for W. H. Hyde, P. O. 
 Brandy Camp, was born in Elk county, Penn., October 8, 1851, a son of An- 
 drew J. and Harriet (Coleman) Brown. Mr. Brown attended the township 
 schools, and has always followed farming, owning a fine farm in Fox town- 
 ship. November 1, 1888, he came to his present location, where he superin- 
 tends the farm and hotel for W. H. Hyde. June 3, 1873, he married Miss 
 Georgia, daughter of Robert Mcintosh, of Horton township, and they have 
 two children: Chester S. and Edna A. Mr. Brown is identified with the Re- 
 publican partv. 
 
 C. L. CHAMBERLIN, of the firm of Horton & Chamberlin, Brockport, was 
 born June 28, 1854, received the advantages of a good academic education, and 
 has followed book-keeping as a profession, having kept the books of W.H. Hor- 
 ton for many years. In 1884 he established a grocery business at Brockport, 
 under the firm name of Nulf & Chamberlin, which continued four years. At 
 present Mr. Chamberlin and Daniel Nulf are conducting a pool-room, restau- 
 rant and barber shop. In April, 1889, he became a member of the firm of 
 Horton & Chamberlin, by purchase of the interest of W. H. Horton in the old 
 firm. In 1883 Mr. Chamberlin was united in marriage with Miss Agnes, 
 daughter of William Cheatle, of Horton township, and they have two children: 
 Claude and Donald. Mr. Chamberlin is a Republican, and has served as 
 auditor, school director, etc. , and also served for several years as town treas- 
 urer and treasurer of the school board. Mr. Chamberlin has two brothers: 
 Celo W. , of Punxsutawney, and "William E. , of Horton City. W. H. Horton, 
 A. S. Horton (whose sketches appear elsewhere) and Mr. Chamberlin, are 
 cousins. He is a member of Eidgway Lodge, I. O. O. P., and of the Patriotic 
 Order Sons of America. 
 
 GEORGE W. CLINTON, farmer, P. O. Brockport, was born in Steuben 
 counly, N. Y., April 4, 1833, a son of Henry D. and Mary (Groves) Clinton, 
 natives of Vermont and Steuben county, N. Y. , respectively. In 1840 they 
 moved to Potter county, Penn., and in 1843 to Elk county; they next pur- 
 chased a farm in Huston township, Clearfield county, and finally located in 
 Jefferson county, where the father died in 1872. The mother still survives, 
 and makes her home with her son, George W. They reared a family of nine 
 children, seven of whom are living, viz. : George W. , Joseph (of Jefferson 
 county), Eliza (wife of D. H. Trude, DuBois, Penn.), Charles, William and 
 Jeremiah (all of DuBois) and Henry A. George W. Clinton is the eldest child. 
 He received an ordinary education, and has since followed farming, land sur- 
 veying, etc., settling in Horton township in 1859. He is identified with the 
 Eepublican party, and in 1882 was elected county surveyor, serving one term. 
 He served ten years as justice of the peace of Horton township, and was ten 
 years secretary of the school board. He is a member of Cicero Lodge, No. 897, 
 F. & A. M. , of Brockwayville, Penn. 
 
 JOHN CUNEO, merchant, Brockport, is a native of sunny Italy, born in 
 1842. Coming to America in 1854, he located at Kersey, Elk Co., Penn., 
 
BIOGBAPHICAL SKETCHES. 771 
 
 where he engaged as a laborer until 1874, when he moved to Brockport, same 
 county, and in 1875 established here his present general store, which he has 
 since conducted. In 1861 he enlisted in Company F, Fifty-eighth Pennsylvania 
 Volunteers, and served with them one year. He was then transferred to the 
 Seventh Massachusetts Battery, and was honorably discharged at Chapin Farm, 
 Va., in 1864. He married, in 1872, Miss Mary Catherine Fopeano, a lady of 
 American birth and Italian descent, and they have eight children: Cecelia, 
 Allie A., Phineas, Lucius, Thomas, Alena, Jennie and Ward. Mr. Cuneo is a 
 Republican, and has served as postmaster of Brockport eleven years; at the 
 present time he is one of the auditors of Horton township. The family are 
 members of the Catholic Church. 
 
 HEZEKIAH HOETON, farmer, P. O. Brockport, was born at what is now 
 Brandy Camp, Horton township, Elk Co., Penn., March 1, 1824, a. son of 
 Isaac and Lucy (Warner) Horton, the former a native of Massachusetts, and 
 the latter of Connecticut. Isaac and Lucy Horton were married in the State 
 of New York, and in 1818 came to what is now Elk county, Penn., where they 
 entered a tract of land on which Brandy Camp now stands, being among the 
 very early pioneers of this region. Isaac Horton was instrumental in organiz- 
 ing Elk county, and Horton township was named in his honor. He was active 
 in Democratic circles, and served as associate judge of the county five years. 
 In the war of 1812 he was drafted, but sent a substitute. The children born 
 to Mr. and Mrs. Isaac Horton were as follows: Minerva (wife of Joseph Tay- 
 lor, of Eidgway, Penn.), Almira (of Bradford, Penn.), Matilda (wife of Fred- 
 erick Shoening, also of Eidgway) and Hezekiah. The subject of this biograph- 
 ical record was reared in Horton township, receiving his education at the 
 common schools, and has made lumbering and farming the chief vocations of 
 his life. In 1850 he married Miss Hettie, daughter of Daniel Oyster, of Hor- 
 ton township, and to this union have been born four children: Warren H. 
 and Alonzo S. (of Brockport, Penn.), Ella A. and Minnie L. (at home). Mr. 
 Horton, in politics, is a Democrat, and has filled various township offices. He 
 and his family are memb.ers of the Universalist Church. D. C. Oyster, of 
 Eidgwav, Penn., is a brother of Mrs. Horton. 
 
 WAEEEN H. HOETON, Brockport. As a fair example of what a 
 solid early training, a sound physical constitution, clear perceptions, mature 
 judgment, an iron will and indomitable perseverance will produce, the subject 
 of this sketch stands in the front rank in his county. Warren H. Horton 
 was born October 23, 1851, at Brandy Camp, Horton township, Elk Co., 
 Penn., eldest son of Hezekiah and Hettie (Oyster) Horton, the former a native 
 of Horton township, and the latter of Northumberland county, Penn. The 
 boyhood days of Mr. Horton were spent on the farm, his school advantages 
 being no better than a fair average. The chief institution of learning 
 which he attended was the Hellen School, which, added to a course at Har- 
 risburg Academy, makes up his educational experience. About the time 
 he arrived at maturity he began lumbering with his father, rafting and run- 
 ning lumber on the creek, in the neighborhood of which they had contracts. 
 In this way he spent winter and spring, while summer and fall found him 
 employed by Clark Wilcox, of the firm of Short & Wilcox, in the woods on 
 Bear run, which lumber operations he subsequently came to conduct as man- 
 ager and owner, instead of working as a day hand. In 1874 Clark Wilcox 
 died, and Mr. Short was left without an active manager. At that time 
 Mr. Horton was twenty-three years old, but such was his shrewdness, sound 
 judgment and acumen in business affairs, that Alfred Short could not fail to 
 recognize in him a safe and capable man to manage a business concern of con- 
 
772 HISTORY OF ELK COUNTY. 
 
 siderable magnitude. Accordingly, in 1876, a proposition was made to Mr. 
 Horton to become a partner with Mr. Short, which he accepted, and while he 
 had but little cash capital to- bring into the concern, he was possessed of 
 keen sense and indisputable capacity, and under his sagacious control the 
 business of the new firm of Short & Horton could not fail to prosper, and did 
 prosper. In 1881 a consolidation with D. 0. Oyster enlarged the responsibil- 
 ities of the young man by adding the Keystone property, and Mr. Horton 
 remained, as before, the head and manager of the entire business. In 1883 
 the property was sold to Grillingham, Garrison & Co. , and this placing some 
 leisure time on Mr. Horton' s hands, he concluded to enter the arena of poli- 
 tics, which resulted in his being elected to the legislature from Elk county. 
 In 1885 he bought an interest in the Eidgway Lumber Company, operating in 
 the Blacji Hills above Eidgway, in Elk county, and at Kinzua, in McKean 
 county. Some time later the company purchased the timber on the 6,000 
 acres of the Shawmut lands, and at once made preparations for operations on 
 a gigantic scale. A saw-mill was built at the Mead Eun School-house, since 
 called Horton City, and a contract awarded to Mr. Horton to peel the bark 
 and manufacture the lumber. The time being limited in which to get the 
 timber off this large area of territory, it became necessary to do a large yearly 
 business, and preparations were accordingly made for a cut of 15,000,000 feet 
 first season. This was so satisfactorily accomplished that in the summer of 
 1887 everything moved on a still larger scale. In the summer of 1887 Mr. 
 Horton sold out his interest in the Eidgway Lumber Company, retaining, 
 however, his contracts for manufacturing and peeling. He is also interested 
 in timber lands in Missouri and in some mining property in Arkansas. In 
 1879 the subject of our sketch was married to Miss Clara Ferman, by whom 
 he has two children: Ernest Clark and Heck. Mr. Horton is a member of 
 Cicero Lodge, No. 897, I. O. O. F. , of Brockway ville, and in politics he is a 
 Democrat. 
 
 ALONZO S. HOETON, of the firm of Horton & Chamberlin, merchants, 
 Brockport, was born in Horton township. Elk Co. , Penn. , March 2, 1856, a son 
 of Hezekiah and Hettie (Oyster) Horton, the former a native of Horton town- 
 ship. Elk county, and the latter of Northumberland county, Penn. Alonzo S. 
 Horton received a common-school education, and first began work as a log 
 scaler in the lumber woods in the year 1876, which vocation he followed six 
 years. For two years he was engaged in the butcher's trade, then in July, 
 1885, in company with his brother, W. H. Horton, commenced his present 
 mercantile business. This partnership existed until April 15, 1889, when C. 
 L. Chamberlin purchased the interest of W. H. Horton, the firm name now 
 being Horton & Chamberlin. Mr. Horton married, December 7, 1881, Miss 
 Eleanora, daughter of Uriah W. and Sarah M. (Taylor) Eogers, of Fox town- 
 ship. Elk Co. , Penn. , and they have had three children, viz. : Eena V. (de- 
 ceased), Edgar A., and Jay W. (deceased). Uriah W. Eogers was a son of 
 Uriah and Hannah (Eogers) Eogers, natives of Fox township, Elk county, 
 and Mrs. Sarah M. (Taylor) Eogers was a daughter of Joseph W. and Mar- 
 garet (Eeesman) Taylor, also natives of Fox township. Mr. Horton is a 
 Democrat in politics, has held the offices of township clerk for seven years, 
 and has been auditor of the township. 
 
 H. D. PAESON, farmer, P. O. Brockport, was born in Geauga county, 
 Ohio, January 6, 1836. His father, Loran Parson, was a- native of Massachu- 
 setts, where he married Miss Harriet Hovey, and they afterward moved to Ohio, 
 where the father died about 1860, and the mother in 1873. They reared 
 eleven children, eight of whom are living: Orrin (Iq Geauga county, Ohio), 
 
BIOGEAPHICAL SKETCHES. 773 
 
 Alvin (in Venango county, Penn.), Horatio (in Chautauqua county, N. Y.), 
 Van L. (in Steuben county, N. Y.), Adam (in Cleveland, Ohio), H. D., Morti- 
 mer (in Cleveland, Ohio) and Oliver (in Warren, Penn.). H. D. Parson was 
 reared in Geauga county, and received his education at the public schools. In 
 1869 he came to Elk county, and has since been engaged in farming in Hor- 
 ton township. He served, during the Civil war, with the ninety-days men. 
 December 25, 1864, he married Miss Emma, daughter of Amos Fox, of Hor- 
 ton township, and she died April 9, 1877, leaving three children: Loran, An- 
 nie and Lillie. In 1879 Mr. Parson married Miss Maggie Holemyer, of 
 Centreville, and they have two children: Emma and Louisa. In politics Mr. 
 Parson is independent. 
 
 EICHAED TOEPIN, Jr., firm of Gillingham, Garrison & Co., lumber 
 manufacturers, Brockport, was born in Warrington, Bucks Co., Penn., March 
 8, 1836, and was educated at the common schools of Montgomery county, and 
 by his own study at home. His parents, Richard and Ann Jane (Crowley) 
 Torpin, were natives of Yorkshire, England, and of Chester county, Penn., 
 respectively. His father came to America in 1829 and engaged in farming in 
 Bucks county, and in 1856 moved his family to Rock Island county, 111. In 
 1857 Richard, Jr., went from there to California to take charge of a ranch 
 for his brother-in-law, where he remained four years. He met with business 
 reverses, and in 1861 went to Sacramento 'and obtained work as a daj' laborer 
 for the Sacramento Valley Railroad. He then went into the freight depart- 
 ment, and through strict attention to business, embracing every opportunity 
 to win the good will of his employers, he was rapidly promoted. The flood 
 of 1861 washed out the railroad, and while many men refused to work to re- 
 ibuUd the road, Mr. Torpin went out upon the line to receive freight trans- 
 ported by boats and teams until the road was rebuilt to Sacramento. In 1862 
 he was made train-master, and located at Auburn Station. In 1863 he was 
 made conductor, and while in this position had the misfortune to break his 
 ankle, which disabled him for several months. As soon as able to be on duty 
 again, he was appointed passenger and assistant freight agent, and afterward 
 appointed general passenger and freight agent, in which capacity he served 
 until the fall of 1865, when he came to Philadelphia and was united in mar- 
 riage with Miss Ellen Elizabeth, daughter of William R. and Elizabeth Cash, 
 by whom he has had four children. Not having any particular business, he 
 took a course of study at the Crittenden Commercial College, from which he 
 was graduated March 1, 1866. He then secured a position as book-keeper 
 with the lumber firm of Taylor & Betts, with whom he remained until Septem- 
 ber, 1869, when he was offered a similar position with his present firm, with 
 the understanding that he should be made a member, and has been a part- 
 ner since 1876. They purchased property in Elk county in 1883, and after 
 trying to leave their business to superintendents, Mr. Torpin found it neces- 
 sary to move to Brockport, and has since resided there. He is treasurer of the 
 firm and general manager of the Elk county department. In January, 1881, 
 he was elected a director in the Kensington National Bank, of Philadelphia, 
 and held that position until he resigned, in 1888. He is also a vestryman qf 
 Advent Protestant Episcopal Church of Philadelphia. Mr. Torpin' s first wife 
 died April 21, 1877, and he then married Miss Maria Louisa, daughter of 
 Lewis R. Willard, of Montgomery county, Penn. The children by the first 
 wife are Caroline Elizabeth, wife of Jonathan D. Barnsley, of Olney, Md. ; 
 Richard (third), of Philadelphia; Ellen Cash and Victorine Power. He is a mem- 
 ber of Union Lodge, No. 58, F. & A. M. , of Sacramento, Cal. , and at the pres- 
 ent time is president of the school board of Horton township. Politically 
 he is a Republican. 
 
774 HISTORY OF ELK COUNTY. 
 
 CHAPTER XX. 
 
 BIOGKAPHICAL SKETCHES— BENBZETTE TOWNSHIP- 
 JAY TOWNSHIP. 
 
 BENEZETTE TOWNSHIP. 
 
 JOHN BAUR, farmer, P. O. Benezette, was born in Lycoming county, 
 Penn., May 20, 1825, a son of James and Margaret Barr, natives also of Penn- 
 sylvania. They moved to Sinnemahoning in 1826, and there John was raised. 
 He is the third son in a family of fourteen children. He worked for his 
 father until twenty-one years old, and then commenced lumbering on his own 
 account by taking contracts. In 1849 he bought the farm where he now lives, 
 which at that time had some timber on it, and has since then given his atten- 
 tion to clearing and cultivating his farm, and has also engaged in lumbering. 
 In 1870 he was elected a county commissioner and served three years; he has 
 also served the town in different offices and has given general satisfaction. In 
 September, 1848, Mr. Barr married Miss Almira Mason, a daughter of James 
 and Ruth Mason, and they have four children: Margaret (widow of Mark 
 RadclifPe, who died in 1885), James, Minnie M. and Myrtle. Mr. Barr is a mem- 
 ber of the P. & A. M. and I. O. O. F. 
 
 HENRY BLESH, proprietor of Benezette Hotel, Benezette, was born in 
 Clinton county, Penn. , January 14, 1837, a son of John and Elizabeth Blesh. 
 His parents died when he was ten years old, and he was thus early thrown on 
 his own resources. He remained in his native county until 1863, beginning 
 life as a laborer, but later dealt in lumber as a jobber. In 1863 he came to 
 Benezette township and began work in the lumber district and continued that 
 business until 1875 when he bought a hotel in Benezette, and has since had 
 charge of one of the popular resorts for the traveling public in Elk county. 
 He is also engaged in the mercantile business, carrying a complete stock and 
 having a good trade. Mr. Blesh was married in December, 1865, to Miss 
 Sarah Saltsman, a daughter of Prank and Sarah (Rone) Saltsman, and they 
 have a family of seven children: Georgia M. (wife of Merrit Jones), Frank, 
 Estella, William H. , Bertha, Laura and Emma. Mr. Blesh has held various 
 township oiBces. He is a member of the Benezette Lodge, No. 988, I. O. O. F. 
 
 B. A. BOOTH, farmer, P. O. Benezette, was born in Putnam county, N. 
 Y., March 19, 1844, the only son of two children born to John and Eunice 
 (Townsend) Booth, natives of New York State, who came to Bradford county, 
 Penn., in 1853. He received a practical business education in the public 
 schools of Bradford county, and in 1864 entered the United States service. He 
 was assigned to Company A, Two Hundred and Seventh Regiment, Pennsyl- 
 vania Volunteers, serving until May 22, 1865. After his return home, he came 
 to Elk county, where he engaged in lumbering and farming, and has since 
 remained, with the exception of three years after his marriage, which he spent 
 at his old home in Bradford county. Mr. Booth married, January 1, 1866, 
 Miss Luzerna M. , a daughter of Benjamin and Hannah (Overturf) Johnson, 
 and they have reared eight children, all of whom are living. Mr. and Mrs. 
 
BIOGKAPHIOAL SKETCHES. 775 
 
 Booth are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church at Mount Pleasant. 
 . He has held various township offices, and is one of the popular men of the village. 
 
 JOHN DALEY, proprietor of the Daley Hotel, Benezette, is a natiye of Ire- 
 land, born June 23, 1845, a son of Daniel and Margaret (Cronan) Daley, also 
 natives of Ireland. He remained in his native country until eighteen years 
 of age, and was there educated, and worked as a farm hand. In 1863 he came 
 to the United States and located in Elk county, Penn., where he was employed 
 as a laborer in the woods until 1867, and then worked on the railroad until 
 1872, when he opened a store near Benezette, which he conducted about four 
 years. In 1873 he moved to Benezette and opened the hotel, and has proved 
 to be a popular and efficient landlord. He is a genial, whole-souled man, and 
 his hotel is well patronized by the traveling public. Mr. Daley was married, 
 April 22, 1867, to Miss Mary Nefey, daughter of Patrick and Alice (Higgins) 
 Nefey, she, at the time of their marriage, being employed by W. H. Schram 
 in a hotel at Brockwayville, Penn. They have nine children: D. C, Alice 
 E. , Johanna V. , John, Jr. , James M. , Mary, Patrick H. , Catherine and Michael. 
 In politics Mr. Daley is a Democrat. 
 
 MILES DENT, lumberman and merchant. Dent's Eun, is a son of Thomas 
 and Elizabeth Dent, natives of England, who were anjong the first settlers of 
 Elk and Cameron counties. Miles Dent was born in what is now Gibson town- 
 ship, Cameron Co., Penn., June 3, 1823, and in January, 1850, married Miss 
 Lydia Miller, a daughter of Daniel and Mary Miller, of Gibson township, and 
 they have reared a family of eight children, all still living: Isaiah, married and 
 living at Dent's Eun; Pebaney, wife of Charles Teller, of "Warren county, 
 Penn.; Austin, married and living at Dent's Eun; Alice, wife of S. D. Bill- 
 ings, at Dent's Eun; Warren, married and living at Dent's Eun; Abel E., 
 married and also residing at Dent's Eun; Mary, wife of John E. Hicks, of Gibson 
 township, Cameron county, and Jennie. Mr. Dent built, in 1865, one of the 
 first grist-mills in Gibson township, and in 1866 built a small water-power 
 mill. In 1881 he built a steam mill, the capacity of which is 30,000 feet of 
 lumber per day. He also' does a flourishing business in the store at Benezette, 
 Elk county, where he resides, and where he is recognized as a practical busi- 
 ness man. 
 
 ISAIAH DENT, P. O. Dent's Eun, is the son of Miles and Lydia (Miller) 
 Dent, of Dent's Eun, Penn., at which plq,ce Isaiah was born August 31, 1850. 
 His preliminary education, acquired at the school of his native town, was fin- 
 ished at Belief onte, Penn. As a minor, he worked for his father until twenty - 
 one years of age, when he entered his father's store in the capacity of clerk, 
 continuing in that position for eight years. August 10, 1879, he married Miss 
 Etolia A. Smith, a daughter of Eobert F. and Annie (Conner) Smith, of Dent's 
 Eun, who has borne him two children: Miles F. and Carl A., the latter de- 
 ceased. Mr. Dent has served his township in the capacity of school director, 
 and is an excellent business man. 
 
 HENEY D. DEEE, farmer, P. O. Benezette, is the eldest son in a family 
 of five children born to William and Eva E. Derr, natives of Pennsylvania. 
 He was born in Centre county, Penn., May 22, 1834, and was reared and edu- 
 cated in Bellefonte, Penn. He came to Elk county in 1851, and settled in 
 Benezette in 1853. He worked in his father's blacksmith shop until 1858, 
 when he .engaged in blacksmithing on his own account until 1887, then he 
 removed to his father-in-law's farm and cared for him until his death. Mr. 
 Derr married, January 1, 1858, Miss Amelia, a daughter of Erasmus and Mary 
 (Weed) Morey, whose parents came to Elk county, Penn., in 1813. Mr. and 
 Mrs. Derr have a family of four children, viz. : Will E. ; Mary E., wife of N. 
 
776 HISTOEY OF ELK COUNTY. 
 
 S. Shaffer, of Caledonia, Penn. ; Carrie V., wife of Byron E. Smith, of Ster- 
 ling Run, Penn. , and Delia M. , at home. Mr. Derr is highly respected by his 
 fellow-citizens, and has been honored with the offices of county auditor (serving 
 three years) and of county treasurer (also for a term of three years), and has 
 held various minor offices in the township. 
 
 J. B. BBERHART, merchant, Benezette, was born in Union county, Penn. , 
 June 23, 1858, son of Daniel W. and Elizabeth (Whitmere) Eberhart, natives 
 also of Pennsylvania. He obtained a practical education in the schools of 
 Centre county, Penn. , and when seventeen years old began an apprenticeship 
 at the miller's trade in the Mount Eagle Flouring Mill, and served two years. 
 He was then employed in the flouring-mill of Duncan, Hale & Co., in Belle- 
 fonte, Penn. , and in 1880 he came to Benezette and took charge of a flouring- 
 mill. He also had charge of a gents' furnishing goods store, which was de- 
 stroyed by fire in 1884, and he soon afterward formed a partnership with C. 
 A. Haskins in the mercantile business. Mr. Haskins continued, in the business 
 but a short time, however, retiring from the firm, and Mr. Eberhart became 
 associated with Henry Blesh, and they are now doing a large general mercan- 
 tile business. Mr. Eberhart was married May 19, 1881, to Miss Isabella 
 Rothrock, of Benezette, p,nd they have three children, Charles V., Joseph L. 
 and Arthur I. Mr. Eberhart has filled various township offices. He and his 
 wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. 
 
 J. E. FREE, physician and druggist, Benezette, is a son of Dr. A. C. and 
 Emily (Kirby) Free, the former a native of Pennsylvania, and the latter of Cin- 
 cinnati, Ohio. They reared five children, our subject being the eldest son. 
 He was born in York county, Penn. , August 14, I860,, and was graduated from 
 the College of Physicians and Surgeons, Baltimore, Md. , in 1882. Dr. Free 
 commenced the practice of his profession in Harrisburg in the latter year, and 
 came to Emporium in 1884, where he met Miss Alice M. Lloyd, a daughter of 
 W. F. and Sue (Clark) Lloyd, of Emporium. They were married, June 30, 
 1886, and in 1887 he returned to Harrisburg. He again came, however, to 
 Benezette and in May, 1889, he purchased of Eberhart & Blesh a drug store in 
 the town. Dr. and Mrs. Free are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. 
 
 ALBERT GREINER, merchant, Benezette, is a native of Germany, born 
 September 20, 1848, a son of George F. and Juliane R. Greiner, who spent 
 their lives in their native country. He was given a practical business education 
 in the schools of Germany, and when thirteen years of age began to learn the 
 shoemaker's trade and served an apprenticeship of three years. He then worked 
 as a journeyman eight years, and in 1871 came to the United States; he settled 
 in Benezette in 1873, where he opened a boot and shoe store, which he conducted 
 until 1885, when he added a stock of dry goods, notions, etc. , to his other stock, 
 and now has one of the largest mercantile stores in the town. October 17, 
 1873, Mr. Greiner married Friedoline G. Kolb, a daughter of Johann Thomas 
 and Margarethe Kolb, of Germany. They have a family of four children: 
 George F. , Ernest W. , Otto A. and Esther G. Mr. Greiner has held the office 
 of justice of the peace since 1882; he has also filled the offices of town clerk, 
 township auditor and tax collector, and was appointed postmaster in 1889. In 
 1882, Mr. Greiner, in company with his eldest son, George F. — then seven years 
 old — visited his native home, in Germany, and returned after an absence of 
 three months. 
 
 D. E. HE WETT, farmer, P. O. Benezette, is a son of Gerdon and Elizabeth 
 (Stevens) Hewett, natives of Pennsylvania, who reared a family of eleven chil- 
 dren, the subject of this sketch being the fourth son. D. E. Hewett was born 
 in Wyoming county, Penn. , March 2, 1840, receiving his education in the dis- 
 
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 777 
 
 trict sohoola of the county, and worked upon the home farm until he attained 
 his majority. He participated in the Civil war, enlisting in 1861, and, being 
 assigned to Company H, One Hundred and Thirty-second Regiment, P. V. I., 
 served niae months. Upon his return home, he came to Benezette township, 
 and engaged in lumbering. He married, August 26, 1876, Miss Eosa, a daughter 
 -of John and Catherine (McEwen) Largay, natives of Ireland, who came to Elk 
 couuty, in 1827. Mr. and Mrs. Hewett have a family of three children, all at 
 home. Mr. Hewett, in 1880, bought a farm in Benezette township, and in 1888 
 purchased a dwelling-house and store in the village of Benezette, where he now 
 resides. He is a Democrat ia politics, and has held various township ofJfices. 
 Mrs. Hewett is a member of the Catholic Church. 
 
 JACOB S. JOHNSON, farmer, P.O. Benezette, is a son of Thew and Sarah 
 (Coleman) Johnsoo, the former a native of England, and the latter of Penn- 
 sylvania. They came to Benezette in 1817, and reared a family, Jacob S. 
 being the third son. He was born, November 6, 1830, in Benezette township, 
 upon the farm where he now resides, and received his education in the common 
 schools of Benezette. He married, in May, 1856, Miss Margaret Murray, of 
 Benezette, a daughter of John and Hannah (Hollinsworth) Murray, and they 
 have three children: Alice (wife of Andrew Overturf, of Benezette), Everett 
 B. and Annie M. Mr. Johnson has served his fellow- citizens in the capacity 
 of supervisor and school director. In politics he is a Democrat. Mr. and 
 Mrs. Johnson are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. 
 
 J. O. JOHNSON, farmer, P. O. Benezette, is a native of Benezette town- 
 ship. Elk Co., Penn., born February 4, 1833, a son of Thew and Sarah 
 (Coleman) Johnson, the former a native of England, who came to America in 
 1802 and settled three miles east of the village of Benezette, and the latter a 
 native of Pennsylvania. J. O. Johnson is the fourth son in a family of nine 
 children. He was reared and educated in his native township, remaining at 
 home and working on the farm with his father until his marriage, when he 
 bought the farm where he now lives, which is one of the best in the township 
 He has been a successful farmer, and is one of the representative men of Ben- 
 ezette township. Mr. Johnson was married, March 1, 1859, to Miss Henrietta 
 Hollen, daughter of Thomas and Elizabeth (Overturf) Hollen, and to them were 
 born four children: W. B., Harriet, T. D. and Thomas. Mrs. Johnson died 
 in 1869, and in 1871 Mr. Johnson married Miss Elvina A. Freeman, daughter 
 of Benjamin and Rebecca (Chandler) Freeman, of Emporium, Penn. They 
 have five children: J. O., Jr., Ralph, Frank H., Ella and Freeman. Mr. and 
 Mrs. Johnson are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Mr. Johnson 
 has served his township in various ofiScial positions. 
 
 W. H. JOHNSON, farmer, P. O. Benezette, is the eldest sou of Simpson 
 ■and Therza M. (Woodworth) Johnson, natives of Pennsylvania. Simpson 
 Johnson was a son of Thew and Ann (Simpson) Johnson, English Quakers, 
 who came to what was then Gibson township, Clearfield Co., Penn., in 
 1817. They voyaged up the river in a canoe, built a log cabin, cleared a few 
 acres of ground, and planted an orchard, some of the trees of which are still 
 standing. They reared a family of thirteen children, of whom Simpson was 
 the third son. W. H. Johnson was born in what is now Benezette township. 
 Elk Co., Penn., May 30, 1840, upon the farm cleared and settled by his 
 grandfather. In 1847, when he was only seven years of age, a heavy fiood 
 came in the night. Hearing water rushing, they arose, only to find the house 
 surrounded by water. The father, thinking the barn the safer place, carried his 
 wife and three children thither and deposited them upon the haymow. The 
 barn went adrift, and finally the logs parted, leaving them upon the hay. It 
 
778 HISTOEY OF ELK COUNTY. 
 
 was very dark, but finally they knew they had struck a tree, by some limbs 
 striking them in the face. The father put his wife and children up among 
 the limbs, then climbed up himself, where they were obliged to remain until 
 the second morning, when they were rescued by some men on a raft. W. H. 
 Johnson's education was obtained in the common schools of Benezette town- 
 ship, and he worked with his father upon the farm until June 4, 1864, when 
 he married Miss Emily Overturf, a daughter of Andrew and Elizabeth (Hess) 
 Overturf, of Benezette. They reared a family of four children. Mrs. John- 
 son died in February, 1874, and the following December Mr. Johnson mar- 
 ried Mrs. Mary Shawl (widow of Eichard Shawl) and daughter of Henry and 
 Ann (Bounce) Kinker, natives of Philadelphia, Penn. On June 1 and 2, 1889, 
 the people in the valley along the Bennett's branch of the Sinnemahoning, 
 sufiPored greatly from another flood by having their crops and other property 
 swept away. Mr. Johnson having a daughter living at Lock Haven, and hear- 
 ing that the supplies were out off, owing to the railroad bridges being swept 
 away, along with T. J. Shaffer, who had a sister residing at Lock Haven, he 
 procured a boat and some flour, ham and coffee, and went to see them. Mr. John- 
 son found his daughter (Mrs. McMillen) in fair circumstances, though many 
 living there were in need. Upon returning home Mr. Johnson found that his 
 barn, with all its contents and all his out-buildings, had been destroyed by 
 fire, origin of the fire being unknown. Mr. - Johnson is now building a 
 roller- process grist-mill with a capacity of thirty barrels per day. He has held 
 various township offices, and himself and wife are members of the Methodist 
 Episcopal Church. 
 
 M. D. JOHNSON, farmer, P. O. Benezette, is a son of Ealph and Eebecca 
 (Brooks) Johnson, natives of Yorkshire, England, who came to Benezette in 
 1812, and settled in what is now known as Grant, Elk county, on the Alle- 
 gheny Valley Eailroad, twelve miles west of Driftwood, Cameron county. Here 
 they cleared a farm and engaged in lumbering, and in 1830, Mr. Johnson built 
 a saw-mill. They reared a family of thirteen children. M. D. , the second son 
 was born March 31, 1814. He worked for his father until October, 1845, when 
 he married Miss Massey Overturf, a daughter of Andrew and Hannah (Jordan) 
 Overturf, of Driftwood, Penn. After marriage they removed to the farm 
 where they now reside, upon what is known as Mount Pleasant. Mr. Johnson 
 has been supervisor for one term, and has also held various township offices. 
 Politically he is a Eepublican. Mr. and Mrs. Johnson are members of the 
 Methodist Episcopal Church, at Mount Pleasant. 
 
 JULIUS JONES, retired, P. O. Benezette, one of the most successful 
 farmers and lumbering men o£ Elk county and vicinity, than whom none is more 
 highly esteemed by his fellow-citizens, was born March 26, 1814. His parents, 
 Pellatire and Soviah (Stiles) Jones, were natives of Vermont, but about 1813, 
 settled at Schroon, Essex Co., N. Y., where Julius was born and educated. 
 His mother died when he was but a year old, and his father at the age of sixty- 
 three years. From the time of his mother's death, Julius lived with David 
 Stowell, until he was twenty-two years of age. Mr. Stowell was a native of 
 Vermont, an early settler of Schroon, N. Y. Mr. Jones was engaged in lum- 
 bering in New York State until 1854, in which year he removed to Elk county,, 
 where he bought a tract of timber land, and continued in the lumber trade, 
 carrying on farming in connection, until 1880, when he retired from active busi- 
 ness life, though still residing on the old homestead in Benezette township. 
 In 1836 Mr. Jones married Miss Polly, daughter of Elihu and Mary (Tubbs) 
 Griswold, the former a native of Vermont and an early settler of Schroon, N. 
 Y. , and the latter of Providence, E. I. , and to Julius and Polly Jones were- 
 
BIOGEAPHICAL SKETCHES. 779 
 
 born two children: Byron and Parmelia, both now deceased. Mr. Jones is a 
 stanch Democrat, and has always been an active member of his party. For seven 
 years he was county commissioner, and for five years he held the position of 
 associate judge, besides filling various local offices of trust. 
 
 ELLIS LEWIS, farmer, P. O. Benezette, is a son of Thomas and Cynthia 
 (Ellis) Lewis, who came to Elk county from Belief onte, Centre Co., Penn. 
 His grandparents came from Wales before the Revolution, locating in York 
 county, Penn., and his grandfather, Lewis Lewis, was the first surveyor in 
 Centre county, at the tijme when that part of the State up to that county was 
 all Northumberland county, becoming afterward deputy surveyor of all the 
 land of that territory. He surveyed all along the Susquehanna river, and 
 afterward up Bald Eagle creek to where Milesburg now stands ; also along the 
 Juniata river, and laid out the town of Lewistown, which was named after 
 him, located some thirty miles from Bellefonte, and now the county seat of 
 Mifflin county. In those days the experiences of surveying parties were 
 fraught with much danger from both Indians and wild animals; and Mr. 
 Lewis, perhaps more on the alert than others of his party, always kept a 
 watchful eye, never knowing when a charge on them might be made by the 
 savages. Mrs. Lewis, grandmother of Ellis Lewis, passed from earth in 1840 
 at the patriarchal age of one hundred and eight years. 
 
 Thomas Lewis, the father of the subject of these lines, in 1804 visited Elk 
 county along with a surveyor named Webb, and then returned home. In 1811 he 
 came to where Driftwood, Cameron county, now stands, and here planted a 
 crop of corn on shares. He raised a good crop, and then once more proceeded 
 homeward. This region must have possessed a strong fascination for him, 
 however, for in December, 1817, he moved hither his family (including the 
 subject of this sketch) from Bellefonte, Centre county, the journey being made 
 mostly in a canoe. They came up the Susquehanna river to Big Island (now 
 known as Lock Haven), and from there to the mouth of Sinnemahoning creek, 
 up which they pushed to the mouth of the Driftwood branch, thence up the 
 Bennett's Branch creek to their destination, settling near where Ellis Lewis 
 now lives. At that time there were no roads, only a turkey path from Drift- 
 wood up to the head of Bennett's Branch creek, an Indian trail continuing on 
 through the wilderness to Sandy Lick creek, thence on to the Indian Eeserva- 
 tion on the Allegheny river. 
 
 Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Lewis reared a family of six children, of whom 
 Ellis is the eldest son, born at Bellefonte, Centre Co., Penn., January 1, 
 1808. He had no chance to obtain an education, there being no schools in 
 this region at that time. He worked for his father until he was twenty years 
 of age, when he learned the trade of a millwright, which he followed seven 
 years. August 5, 1837, he married Miss Annie B., daughter of Jacob and 
 Elizabeth (Butler) Michaels, who has borne him eleven children. In 1839 he 
 came upon his father's farm, since which time he has been engaged in farm- 
 ing and lumbering, and has been very successful in both pursuits. In 1851 he 
 was elected county treasurer by the Republican party, which office he held for 
 three years, and he has also held various local offices. Mrs. Lewis is a mem- 
 ber of the Methodist Episcopal Church. 
 
 LUTHER LUCORE, Jr., retired farmer, P. O. Benezette, was born in 
 Emporium, Penn., October 28, 1833, the second son in a family of fifteen' chil- 
 dren born to Luther and Mary (Smith) Luoore, natives of Massachusetts and 
 Pennsylvania. His father came to Emporium in 1818. Mr. Lucore worked 
 upon his father's farm and at lumbering until September 26, 1861, when 
 he entered the United States service, and was assigned to the First Pennsyl- 
 
780 HISTORY OF ELK COUNTY. 
 
 vania " Bucktail " Eegiment, serving two years; at the battle of Fredericks- 
 burg he was struck by a minie-ball, which resulted in the loss, of a limb. Re- 
 turning to Emporium, he was engaged as clerk in the hotel of C. C. Fay, 
 where he remained until 1865, when he went to Marion, Iowa, from which 
 place he came, in 1867, to Benezette, where he was in the mercantile busi- 
 ness until 1871, when he sold his store and engaged as clerk for B. E. Morey, 
 of Caledonia, Penn. He married, in May, 1874, Mrs. L. E. Chase, widow of 
 M. M. Chase and daughter of David and Jane (Cadwell) Wheeler, and they 
 have two children: Emma L. and Mabel L. Mr. ^ucore was a prominent 
 farmer and is a wide-awake citizen; he has held various township offices and 
 is a member of the Benezette Lodge, No. 988, 1. O. 0. F., also of M. W. Lu- 
 bore Post, No. 216. G. A. R., of St. Mary's. 
 
 JOHN MAHANY, farmer, P. O. Benezette, was born in Bradford county, 
 Penn., June 15, 1844, a son of Jerry and Catherine (McCarty) Mahany, na- 
 tives of Ireland. He is the third son in a family of eight children. When 
 twenty years old, he left home and worked in the lumber woods as foreman for 
 Finley, Young & Co., until 1876, wheti he was employed in the same capacity 
 for Andrew Kaul, of St. Mary's, until the spring of 1877. He then went to 
 Virginia, where he had bought a farm in 1869, and engaged in farming until 
 1883, when he returned to Elk county, and again entered the employ of Mr. 
 Kaul, and afterward bought the farm where he now lives. August 5, 1872, 
 Mr. Mahany married Miss Eva M. Cross, daughter of Andrew and Eva Cross. 
 Mrs. Mahany died March 26, 1886, leaving five children: Michael, John, 
 Daniel, Catherine and Eva. October 6, 1887, Mr. Mahany married Mrs. Lena 
 (Ernest) Gragory, widow of John Gragory, and they have one son, Arthur. 
 
 W. G. MILLER waf born at Lock Haven, Penn., August 28, 1863, a son 
 of George A. and Maria (Mader) Miller, natives of Germany. In 1877 h& 
 was graduated form the Lock Haven High School, and in 1882, from Pough- 
 keepsie Business College. He then engaged with D. J. McDonald, merchant 
 and lumberman, in the capacity of book-keeper. He came to Dent's Run, 
 July 1, 1887, and in company with W. A. Hatton, opened a general store,, 
 where they did a flourishing and safe business. 
 
 ERASMUS MOREY, farmer, P. O. Benezette, a son of Leonard and 
 Phcebe (Wheelock) Morey, was born in Charlton, Mass., May 16, 1796, and 
 with his parents came to Benezette in 1813. His educational advantages 
 were limited, there being at that time no schools in Benezette. He remained 
 at home, working for. his father upon the farm until 1824, when he mar- 
 ried Miss Mary E., daughter of Frederick and Nancy (Hoyt) Weed, of 
 Benezette, and they reared a family of four children, viz. : Alvina, Lydia 
 (wife of Thomas Tozier, Caledonia, Penn.), Amelia A. (wife of Henry Derr, 
 of Benezette) and B. E. Mrs. IVforey died August 19, 1873. After mar- 
 riage Mr. Morey settled on the farm he now owns, and where he has since 
 resided. From a wilderness it has developed into one of the finest farms in 
 the township. Mr. Morey has been very successful as a farmer and in all 
 his business undertakings, and is now enjoying the fruits of his early industry.. 
 
 ISAIAH MURRAY, farmer, Benezette, is a son of John and Hannah 
 (HoUinsworth) Murray, natives of Pennsylvania, who came to Wharton town- 
 ship, Potter Co., Penn., where they permanently settled. Isaiah Murray 
 was'born in Wharton, Penn., January 24, 1831, and received his education 
 at Mount Pleasant, Benezette township. He worked at the old home until he 
 was twenty-one years of age, when he married Miss Leah Hicks, a daughter 
 of John C. and Sarah (Lewis) Hicks, natives of Pennsylvania, who came to> 
 Benezette township in 1813. After his marriage he settled in Benezette, 
 
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 781 
 
 where he still resides. Mr. and Mrs. Murray have had a family of nine 
 children, of whom four are deceased. Mr. Murray has been supervisor of 
 Benezette township for three years. He and his wife are members of the 
 Church of the Messiah at Mount Pleasant. 
 
 WILLIAM OVEETUEF, farmer, P. O. Benezette, was born in Bene- 
 zette township, Elk Co., Penn., November 17, 1850, the eldest son of 
 four children of James and Delilah (Barr) Overturf, natives of Clearfield 
 county, Penn., who were married December 26, 1844, and have since lived 
 in Cameron and Elk counties. William received a practical business educa- 
 tion, and worked upon his father's farm until he was eighteen years of age, 
 when he entered the store of Edward Fletcher, of Benezette, where ie 
 remained two years. He married, January 7, 1872, Miss Julia Eobertson, 
 born in Buffalo, N. Y., July 27, 1854, daughter of Pinley and Julia Ann 
 (Nichols) Eobertson, natives of Scotland and New York State, respectively. 
 Mr. and Mrs. Overturf have two children: Wright and Finley. Mr. Over- 
 turf still resides upon the old homestead, and is employed as clerk by John- 
 son & Overturf, of Penlield, Penn. Hb has been prominently identified with 
 interests of the township, and the family are members of the Methodist Epis- 
 copal Church of Mount Pleasant, Penn. 
 
 T. J. SHAPFEE, merchant, Benezette, was born at Sinnemahoning, Penn. , 
 May 2, 1854, a son of Jacob L. and Nancy (Johnson) Shaffer, of German and 
 Irish origin, respectively. His grandparents were among the early settlers of 
 Cameron and Elk counties. After the completion of his education, Mr. 
 Shaffer remained on the home farm until 1875, when he came to Benezette, 
 engaging with W. E. Johnson as clerk in his general store. He was married, 
 November 11, 1876, to Miss Belle M., a daughter qf James F. and Emley 
 (Barr) Thomas, of Benezette, Penn., and they have been blessed with five chil- 
 dren: Emley E., Nelly, Curnce M., Teoca and Jacob Cleveland. Mr. Shaffer 
 was engaged in business for himself, as a lumberman and merchant, until June 
 20, 1884, when his store and entire stock were destroyed by fire, with a loss of 
 $3,000 on the stock. He continued, however, in the lumber business until May 
 22, 1889, when he again opened a general store at Benezette. He is a practical 
 business man, and has been successful in all his business ventures through life, 
 and has held various township oflSces. He is a member of Driftwood Lodge, 
 F. & A. M., and of Benezette Lodge, I. O. O. F. 
 
 H. F. WILSON, farmer, P. O. Benezette, was born in Benezette township, 
 Elk Co., Penn., December 23, 1846, a son of H. E. and Jane (Johnson) Wilson, 
 natives of Pennsylvania, who came to Elk county in 1845. The father died in 
 1880, and the mother still survives, making her home with her son, H. P., 
 who still resides upon the farm settled by his father. They reared a family of 
 seven children, H. F. being the second son. He was educated in the district 
 schools of Benezette township, and worked upon his father' s farm during his 
 boyhood days. He married, September 30, 1873, Olive Lucore, a daughter 
 of Luther and Mary (Smith) Lucore, of Emporium, Penn., who were among 
 the early settlers in Cameron county. Mr. and Mrs. Wilson have one child, 
 Clara J., residing at home. They are members of the Methodist Episcopal 
 Church, of Mount Pleasant, Penn. Mr. Wilson is a Eepublican in politics, 
 and has held various township offices. 
 
 WILLIAM K. WINSLOW, farmer, P. O. Benezette, is a son of Charles 
 K. and Eebecca (Hicks) Winslow, the eldest of seven children, and was born 
 in Benezette township, Elk Co., Penn., August 20, 1846, upon the farm where 
 he now resides, and which he purchased in 1875. He received his education 
 in Jhe common schools of Benezette. He married, November 6, 1870, Miss 
 
782 HISTOEY OF ELK COUNTY. 
 
 Minnie Lesh, of St. Mary' s, Penn. , and to them was born one child, Minnie 
 (now deceased). His wife died, August 10, 1872, and in January, 1875, he 
 married Miss Mary M. , a daughter of Andrew J. and Eliza M. Johnston, of 
 DuBois, Penn. Mr. and Mrs. Winslow have had a family of eight children: 
 Eva E., Lorena M. (deceased). Brace M., Charles B. (deceased), Sylvanus J., 
 William S., Merton H. and Ella E. Mr. and Mrs. "Winslow are members of 
 the Church of the Messiah, at Mount Pleasant, Penn. 
 
 C. S. WINSLOW, farmer, P. O. Benezette, is a son of Charles K. and 
 Rebecca (Hicks) Winslow, former of whom was born January 23, 1818, in 
 Maine, and latter born November 2, 1826, in Pennsylvania. They were mar- 
 ried February 20, 1845, and reared a family of seven children — five sons and 
 two daughters, of whom C. S. 'Winslow is the fourth son. He was born in 
 Benezette township. Elk Co., Penn., October 3, 1852, and received a practical 
 education in the district schools of the township. He has always lived upon 
 the homestead which his father settled, and has for many years taken care of 
 his mother, his father having died April 4, 1869. 
 
 GEORGE W. WINSLOW, farmer, P. O. Benezette, was born in Maine, 
 May 25, 1820, the second son of ten boys and four girls born to Carpenter and 
 Beulah (Keene) W^inslow, also natives of Maine, who came to Clearfield 
 county, Penn. , in 1820. They lived here one year, then removed to Punxsu- 
 tawney, Penn. , where they remained until 1828, when they removed to Bene- 
 zette township. Elk county, where George W. Winslow still resides. They 
 were obliged to endure many hardships incident to pioneer life, bringing aU pro- 
 visions in a canoe from Lock Haven, a distance of seventy-five miles, taking 
 two and one-half days to push the canoe up the stream. George W. Winslow 
 was educated in the common schools of Benezette township, and worked on 
 the home farm until he was twenty-five years of age, when he purchased two 
 hundred acres of land in Benezette township and began life for himself as a 
 farmer. He has been successful in life, still retaining the farm he purchased 
 in early manhood, upon which he has erected fine buildings, and which gives 
 evidence of prosperity and thrift. His father and mother made their home 
 with him during the latter years of their life. 
 
 C. H. WINSLOW, inspector of timber, and blacksmith, Benezette, is a son 
 of James and Elizabeth (Miller) Winslow, natives of Maine, who came to Jef- 
 ferson county, Penn., in 1818. They reared a family of twelve children, 
 C. H. being the third son. He was born April 19, 1837, at Punxsutawney, 
 Penn., and here received an education in the district schools, working upon 
 the farm with his father during his boyhood days. In July, 1858, he came to 
 Benezette, and engaged with Reuben Winslow as clerk in a general store, 
 where he remained until 1863. He married in July, 1864, Miss Ellen J., 
 a daughter of William and Eva Rj Deer, natives of Union county, Penn. , and 
 they have bad a family of ten children, seven of whom are still living. After 
 his marriage, Mr. Winslow engaged in lumbering, and his time was divided 
 between that business and blacksmithing, until 1887, since when he has been 
 employed as a timber and log inspector. He has held various township • 
 offices, such as supervisor, school director, auditor, etc. Mr. and Mrs. Wins- 
 low are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. 
 
 G. L. WINSLOW, butcher and proprietor of meat market, Benezette, is a 
 son of Eben and Elizabeth (Hicks) Winslow, natives of Pennsylvania, and was 
 born in the woods during the great flood of 1847, it having driven the family 
 from their home. He received a practical education in Benezette, Penn., and, 
 his father dying, he was thrown upon his own resources at the age of fifteen 
 years. He went into the woods and cut timber, the second winter clearing 
 
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 783 
 
 $1,100; thus, when still a young man, securing a fair start in the world. He 
 married, October 24, 1869, Miss Martha A. , daughter of Benjamin and Mar- 
 garet (Frisbee) Lee, of Caledonia, Penn. , and to them have been born six chil- 
 dren, all living at home and named as follows: Cora E., Ebon L., Roy, Byron, 
 Jennie E. and Floyd L. In 1871 Mr. Winslow rented the Benezette Hotel,' 
 which he conducted until 1875, when he removed to what is now the Winslow 
 House, where he remained until the spring of 1889, when he opened a meat 
 market, which he still conducts with marked success in connection with his 
 butchering business. 
 
 JAY TOWNSHIP. 
 
 JAMES BLAKE, Jr., blacksmith and wheelwright, Weedville, was born 
 in Michigan, August 29, 1850, a son of James C. and Lucinda (McConnell) 
 Blake. When fourteen years of age he entered a blacksmith shop as an ap- 
 prentice, serving three years, and in 1868 he came to Elk county, Penn., where 
 he engaged in lumbering. In 1872 he opened a blacksmith shop, in Weed- 
 ville, which he has since successfully conducted. Mr. Blake married, in Feb- 
 ruary, 1884, Miss Annie Beck, of Armstrong county, Penn. , and they have 
 three childi-en, named as follows: James O., Charles A. and Franklin. 
 
 E. L. BROOKINS, farmer, P. O. Caledonia, is a native of New York 
 State, born in Montgomery county, January 8, 1836, a son of Charles and 
 Betsy (Lindsley) Brookins, who came to Elk county, Penn., in the fall of 
 1839, and lived in the old pine school-house the ensuing winter. They reared 
 a family of ten children, the subject of this sketch being the fifth son. He 
 worked for his father until he was twenty-one years of age, when he engaged 
 in lumbering. He was in the Civil war, enlisting July 17, 1861, and was as 
 signed to Company Gr, Forty-second Regiment, P. R. V. C, serving until the 
 close of -the war, and participating in many battles; was wounded in the right 
 arm by a ball, and was honorably discharged June 28, 1865. His regiment 
 was known as the old "Bucktail" regiment, which took part in nearly every 
 battle fought by the Army of the Potomac, from Drainesville to the surrender of 
 Lee at Appomattox Courthouse. He returned to his home, and in November, 
 1868, was married to Miss Harriet, a daughter of S. R. and Phoebe (Pearsall) 
 Gardner. She died, June 6, 1875, leaving three children: Alice E., Martha 
 J. (deceased) and Harriet E. Mr. Brookins still resides upon the old home- 
 stead, in Jay township, where his father lived and died. 
 
 R. BURK, sawyer, Caledonia, was born in Northumberland county, Penn., 
 March 24, 1844, the fifth son of six children born to James and Jane (Nieff) 
 Burk, natives of Pennsylvania. The mother died when our subject was eight 
 years of age, and from that time, until he was seventeen, he followed the 
 canal. In 1861 he enlisted in the United States army, and was assigned to 
 Company D, Third Artillery, Pennsylvania Volunteers, in which he served 
 well and faithfully until the close of the Rebellion, in 1865. Returning 
 home, he engaged with the Philadelphia & Erie Railroad as fireman, filled the 
 place three years and was promoted to engineer, which position he held one 
 year, when he came to Jay township, and entered the employ of O. Dodge, 
 in the capacity of sawyer. Mr. Burke married, in July, 1867, Miss Elizabeth, 
 a daughter of William and Catherine (Brumbach) Levan, of Reading, Penn. 
 Mrs. Burk died in August, 1887, the mother of nine children, six of whom 
 are still living. July, 1888, Mr. Burk married Cora B. , daughter of David and 
 Charlotte (Kinner) Dixon, of Jay township, and to them has been born one 
 child. Mr. Burk is a member of Benezette Lodge, No. 988, I. 0. O. F. ; 
 
784 HISTOBY OF ELK COUNTY. 
 
 White Pine Lodge, No. 478, K. of P., and Washington Camp, No. 437, P. 
 O. S. of A. 
 
 0. J. DILL, farmer, P. 0. Caledonia, was born in St. Mary's, Elk Co., 
 Penn., December 21, 1849, a son of Joseph and Barbara (Schiessell) Dill, na- 
 tives of Germany. They were married in St. Mary' s, and here they afterward 
 resided. C. S. is the eldest of six children. When twelve years of age, he 
 began working in the woods, cutting lumber. He was married, October 30, 
 1877, to Miss Mary M., a daughter of Herman and Caroline (Groover) Straess- 
 ley, of Fox township. Elk Co., Penn., and to them have been born five chil- 
 dren, named as follows: Herman J., Frances E., John A., Annie G. and 
 William G. Mr. Dill is a Democrat in politics, and in November, 1888, he was 
 elected jury commissioner; he has also served one term as township auditor. 
 The family are members of the Catholic Church. 
 
 O. DODGE, lumberman, P. O. Caledonia, was born in Burlington, Brad- 
 ford Co. , Penn. , October 2, 1824, a son of ■ Loren and Jane (Head) Dodge, 
 natives of Massachusetts. They reared a family of five children, our subject 
 being the second son. Mr. Dodge received a practical business education in 
 the common schools of Bradford county, but worked at home on his father's 
 farm until October 19, 1846, when he married Miss Amanda Smith, daughter 
 of Rufus and Eunice (Mead) Smith, of Connecticut. In 1846 he also engaged 
 in mercantile business, which he continued three years, when he returned to 
 the farm, on which he passed another period of three years, after which he 
 removed to Mississippi, and engaged in lumbering. In 1865 he came to Elk 
 county, where he re-engaged in lumbering and still resides. Mr. Dodge has 
 held various township offices, and is a successful business man. 
 
 S. E. GABDNEE, farmer, P. O. Caledonia, was born in Otsego county, 
 N. T. , August 4, 1819, a son of John and Polly (Abbey) Gardner, who came 
 to Elk county in 1822, settling in Jay township. S. E. Gardner is the eldest 
 son of sixteen children. He remained at home until he was eighteen years of 
 age, when he began life for himself by working for others, and was employed 
 by one man for six years. He was married, in August, 184:3, to Miss Phebe, a 
 daughter of Peter and Hannah (Clement) Pearsall, who removed to Elk 
 county from Saratoga, N. Y., in 1822, and settled in Jay (then Fox) township. 
 Mr. and Mrs. Gardner have reared a family of sixteen children, ten of whom 
 are still living. Before his marriage Mr. Gardner bought a small farm, which 
 he afterward sold; the one where he now resides is owned by his son. He has 
 tajjen an active part in local politics, and has held various township offices. 
 
 ABEL GEESH, merchant, Weedville, was born in Berks county, Penn., 
 March 7, 1842, a son of Daniel and Susannah K. Gresh, natives of that county. 
 His father's family consisted of twelve children — seven sons and five daughters, 
 he being the ninth child, and sixth son. His parents being poor, he was 
 bound out at the age of ten years to an uncle, John Kooser, of Lawrence 
 county. He served there eight long and weary years, toiling on his uncle' s 
 farm, not being permitted to visit his native home in all that time. He then 
 was hired to a drover of the neighborhood, and assisted in driving a drove of 
 cattle from New Wilmington, Lawrence county, to Harrisburg, occupying three 
 weeks and one day on the joarney. He then started by railroad to visit his old 
 home, being nearly eighteen years old — a scuff suit on his back, and $17 in his 
 pocket, with which to battle the world for himself. He found his relatives, 
 but his home was broken up, and a kind mother' s heart alone left to counsel 
 and assist him. He worked at whatever his hands found to do, and attended 
 common school in winter, for two years, when, having saved a few dollars, he 
 
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 785 
 
 attended school at Mount Pleasant Seminary, Boyerstown, Berks county. After 
 attending the school for seven weeks, examinations for teachers were held in 
 the neighborhood, and, entering one of the classes, passed examination suc- 
 cessfully, being the second in a class of fifteen to receive a certificate to teach. 
 He then taught a term of four months, and in the spring attended a normal 
 institute, held in Pottatown, for ten weeks, after which he labored diiring the 
 summer, and taught the following winter a term of six months. In the spring 
 of 1863 he entered Freeland Seminary, afterward known as TJrsinus College, 
 at CoUegeville, Montgomery Co., Penn., where he continued his studies for 
 five terms. In 1864 he received the appointment of assistant teacher and 
 prefect at the house of refuge, Philadelphia, Penn. After discharging the 
 daties of this appointment about six months, an enrollment was made to draft 
 men to fill our serried ranks in the army. Being a single man, he felt it his 
 duty to enlist, which he did in March, 1865, enlisting in Company C, Two 
 Hundred and Fourteenth Pennsylvania Volunteers. He was honorably dis- 
 charged at the close of the war, and returned to Philadelphia. In May of the 
 same year he came to Elk county, engaging as weighman in the coal mines at 
 Kersey. In 1876, in company with his brother, Augustus, he engaged in 
 lumbering at Gilbertsville, Penn. , but he finally returned to Elk county, and 
 assisted W. H. May, civil engineer, in surveying. He remained in his employ 
 until December, 1877, when he came to Weedville and started in the mercan- 
 tile business, which he is successfully conducting at the present time. Mr. 
 Gresh married, in February, 1888, Mrs. Sarah J. Eader, widow of the late John 
 Eader, and daughter of George Hane, of Armstrong county, Penn. They have 
 had two children: Euby and Pearl (twins), the latter of whom died August 
 23, 1889. Mr. Gresh has held the ofiices of justice of the peace for nine years, 
 and various other offices of public trust, and is one of the wide-awake men of 
 the township. 
 
 W. W. HOOVEE, jeweler, P. O. Caledonia, was born in Clearfield county, 
 Penn., September 3, 184:4, the eldest son of twelve children — nine boys and 
 three girls — born to Abraham and Margaret (Murray) Hoover, natives of Clear- 
 field county, Penn., and the former of German origin. Mr. Hoover received a 
 practical business education in the public schools of Clearfield, and worked 
 upon his father's farm until he was twenty-two years of age, when he engaged 
 in the lumber business on his own account, coming to Elk county, in 1883, 
 and conducting the same successfully until November 1, 1888, when he com- 
 menced the jewelry business, dealing in watches, clocks, jewelry, silverware 
 and glasses, and making repairing a specialty. He married in November, 1869,- 
 Miss Drucilla, a daughter of Ira and Margaret (Hicks) Greene, of Benezette, 
 Penn. , who were among the first settlers of Elk county, Penn. No children^ 
 have been born to this union, but Mr. Hoover has reared two girls, both now 
 married. Mr. Hoover, in 1874, joined Wallaceton Lodge, No. 411, Knights of 
 Pythias, Clearfield county. He is now a member of White Pine Lodge, No. 478, 
 Knights of Pythias, at Benezette; of the Ellsworth Lodge, No. 489, at Penfield, 
 Clearfield county, and of Caledonia Lodge, No. 437, Patriotic Order Sons of 
 America, and of the American Mechanics of Penfield. Mrs. Hoover is a mem- 
 ber of the Methodist Episcopal Church of Caledonia. 
 
 J. B. MILLEE, farmer, P. O. Caledonia, is the eldest son of Michael and 
 Tracy (Craterer) Miller, and was born in Philadelphia, Penn., June 19, 1838. 
 His parents were natives of Germany, and came to America in 1836, first locat- 
 ing in Philadelphia, where they remained until 1847, when they removed to 
 St. Mary's, Penn. They afterward purchased a farm in Jay township, where 
 
786 HISTORY OF ELK COUNTY. 
 
 they remained the rest of their lives. J. B. Miller, worked upon the farm with 
 his father until 1861, when he enlisted in the service of his country. He 
 served three months in the famous "Bucktail" Regiment of Pennsylvania, 
 and afterward re-enlisted in the Eighty- fourth Eegiment, Pennsylvania Volun- 
 teers, serving one year, when he was discharged on account of disability. Af- 
 ter his return home, he went to Chicago, 111., returning in the fall of 1865, 
 when he married Miss Sophia, a daughter of George Zimmerman, of Williams- 
 port, Penn. , and to them were born six children, five of whom are still living. 
 Mr. Miller remained in Williamsport until 1873, when he returned to Jay 
 township, and engaged in farming. He has held various township offices, and 
 is a member of White Pine Lodge, No. 478, Knights of Pythias, of Benezette. 
 
 J. S. MILLER, farmer, P. O. Caledonia, was born in Philadelphia, 
 Penn. , April 24, 1844, a son of Michael and Tracy Miller, who came from 
 Philadelphia to St. Mary's, Penn., in 1847, and settled upon the farm, where 
 J. S. now resides, in 1850. During his early manhood Mr. Miller worked 
 upon the farm with his father, the latter making his home with his son in his 
 old age. In 1861 J. S. Miller entered the United States service, and was as- 
 signed to Company I, Eighty-fourth Regiment, Pennsylvania Volunteers, and 
 served until the close of the war, when he was honorably discharged from the 
 57th Pa. V. V. and returned to his farm in Jay township. He married, in 
 June, 1876, Miss Anna, a daughter of Matthias Huff, of Clarion county, 
 Penn., and they have three children: Maggie M. , Lizzie A. and Tracy M. 
 J. S. Miller has held various township offices, and is highly respected by his 
 fellow-citizens. 
 
 M. A. OVELL, farmer, P. O. Caledonia, was born in Jay township. Elk 
 Co., Penn., June 1, 1862, a son of Jacob and Sarah B. Ovell, natives of Penn- 
 sylvania, who settled in Jay township, where they reared a family of nine 
 children, M. A. being the second son. Mr. Ovell was early in life thrown 
 upon his own resources, his father dying, and leaving him, a boy of twelve 
 years, to assist in the support of the family. When he was fifteen years of 
 age he began working for others, and when twenty-one he removed to the old 
 homestead, which had been left by his father to three surviving sons and three 
 daughters in equal parts. The youngest daughter died unmarried and the 
 other two sold their portions to David Dixon; our subject bought out Mr. 
 Dixon for 1660, and paid the sons $300 each for their portions, and thus 
 became sole possessor of the farm. This fact renders the old home and its 
 associations an object of interest and regard to Mr. Ovell and his family. 
 He married, December 25, 1882, Miss Lovern Stephens, who was born in 
 Blue Rock, Penn. , May 28, 1862, a daughter of Jonathan and Almira (Welsh) 
 Stephens, and they have been blessed with two children: Stella C. and 
 Carrie G. 
 
 N. S. SHAFFER, manager of general store, Caledonia, was born in Sin- 
 nemahoning, Cameron Co., Penn., September 12, 1861, the elder of two chil- 
 dren born to Joseph and Eliza (McCloskey) Shaffer, natives of Pennsylvania. 
 He received a practical business education in his native town, and remained 
 with his parents antil he was fifteen years of age, then worked in mills at 
 Sinnemahoning and Benezette until he was seventeen, when he went to Cale- 
 donia, Penn. , where he was employed by Andrew Kaul as a shipper of lumber. 
 He worked for Mr. Kaul six months, and was afterward, for three years, in the 
 employ of J. E. Putnam as lumber inspector and counter, since which time he 
 has been engaged with W. E. Zierden, as general manager of a large store in 
 Caledonia (since June 25, 1888, owned by M. E. Taylor), showing by his sue- 
 
BIOGKAPHIGAL SKETCHES. 787 
 
 cessful management his thorough ability and understanding of the business. 
 Mr. ShafPer married, January 12, 1886, Miss Mary E., a daughter of H. D. 
 and Amelia (Morey) Derr, of Benezette, and they have one child: Edna Larue 
 Shaffer. Mr. Shaffer is a member of Benezette Lodge, No. 988, I. O. O. F. ; 
 Caledonia Lodge, No. 437, Patriotic Order Sons of America, and also of the 
 Knights of Pythias, 'Ellsworth Lodge, No. 489, Penfield, Penn. 
 
 F. A. TOZIER, merchant, Caledonia, was born in Benezette township. Elk 
 Co., Perm., January 5, 1851, and is a son of Thomas and Lydia (Morey) Tozier, 
 the former of whom came to Caledonia from Maine in 1848, and the latter was 
 born in Benezette township. They reared a family of eight children, F. A. 
 being the eldest son. When a young man he developed unusual business 
 ability, and when twenty years of age entered into partnership with B. E. 
 Morey in the mercantile business in Jay township. After a few months, how- 
 ever, his father employed him as foreman in the lumber business in Elk county, 
 where he remained until 1875, when he entered the Williamsport Commercial 
 College, fi-om which he was eventually graduated. He then spent three years 
 lumbering in Wisconsin, but finally returned to Pennsylvania, and was em- 
 ployed by the Portland Lumber Company, of Vineyard Run, in the capacity 
 of book-keeper. In 1885 he purchased an interest in the firm of G. W. Tozier 
 & Co., and returned to Caledonia in March, 1889. Mr. Tozier has held the 
 office of auditor of the township, and has always taken an active interest in 
 the advancement and prosperity of the social and business interests of his 
 town. He is a man of excellent capabilities in his management of business. 
 He is a member of Ellsworth Lodge, No. 489, Knights of Pythias, Penfield, 
 Penn.; also a member of Washington Camp, No. 437, P. O. S. of A., Cale- 
 donia, Penn. 
 
 SAMUEL UHL, farmer, P. O. Caledonia, was born in Germany, April 4, 
 1840, a son of Christopher and Annie (Brunner) Uhl. The family came to Elk 
 county, Penn. , in 1840, and settled in St. Mary' s. They reared a family of 
 eight children, Samuel being the second son. When fourteen years of age 
 our subject went to Sligo, Clarion Co., Penn., and was employed four years 
 in the iron works, at the close of which time he removed to Centreville and 
 engaged in lumbering. In February, 1868, he married Miss Tracy Cross, a 
 daughter of Andrew Cross, of Fox township, and she bore him six children, 
 five of whom are still living: Katie, William A., Josephine, Tracy L. and John 
 E. Mrs. Uhl died in 1875. In 1869 Mr. Uhl purchased the farm where he 
 now resides. He has been supervisor of the township, and is a highly re- 
 spected citizen. He is a member of the Catholic Church. 
 
 JUSTUS WEED, postmaster, Weedville, was born at what is now Weed- 
 ville, Jay township, Elk Co., Penn., December 18, 1831, a son of A. B. and 
 Charlotte (Mead) Weed, natives of New York State, who came to Elk county, 
 Penn., in 1818. They reared a family of seven children, the subject of this 
 sketch being the fourth son. He worked for his father until he was twenty- 
 three years of age, when, in March, 1854, he married Miss E. J., a daughter 
 of John and Elizabeth (Hunter) Tudor, who came to Weedville in 1853. Mr. 
 and Mrs. Weed have three children, viz.: Abijah B., Manley E. and Eva B. 
 (wife of J. H. Webb, Falls Creek, Penn.). J. H. Webb was born in Weedville, 
 and is a son of William M. and P. Elizabeth (Morey) Webb, both residents of 
 that place. Mr. Weed purchased a farm in Jay township, and in 1882 en- 
 gaged in the mercantile business in Weedville. He has always taken an active 
 interest in the welfare and growth of the township, and has held various local 
 offices, now being postmaster of Weedville. Mrs. Weed is a member of the 
 Methodist Episcopal Church. 
 
788 HISTORY OF ELK COUNTY. 
 
 THEODORE P. YOUNG, lumber inspector, Caledonia, was born March 
 12, 1845, at Flemington, Hunterdon Co. , N. J. , and is the eldest son of Will- 
 iam R. and Hannah (Stires) Young, also natives of New Jersey. He came to 
 Williamsport, Penn. , with his parents, in 1854, and here he was reared and 
 educated. When but a lad of seventeen years he entered his country' s service, 
 enlisting in August, 1862. He was assigned to Company B, One Hundred and 
 Thirty-first Pennsylvania Volunteers, served nine months, and afterward re-en- 
 listed in the Third New York Light Artillery. After two and one-half years' 
 service he was wounded, and returned home to Williamsport. He married, 
 September 3, 1866, Miss Mary, a daughter of Lewis Carter, of Bethlehem, 
 Penn. , and to them have been born three children, named as follows : Will- 
 iam R. (telegraph operator for the Philadelphia & Erie Railroad Company, at 
 Williamsport), May B. and Minnie (both at home). Mr. Young was engaged 
 as a shipper of lumber in his father's mill until in 1883, when it was destroyed 
 hj fire. Since then he has been employed in the same capacity with J. E. 
 Putnam and Col. James Cochran, being with the latter at the present time. 
 Mr. Young is a member of the Williamsport Post, No. 385, G. A. R., Cale- 
 donia Lodge, No. 437, Patriotic Order Sons of America; Williamsport Lodge, 
 No. 106, F. & A. M., Chapter No. 222, and Williamsport Lodge, No. 662, 
 I. O. 0. F. 
 
BIOGEAPHICAL SKETCHES. 789 
 
 CHAPTER XXI. 
 
 BIOGEAPHICAL SKETCHES— BENZINGER TOWNSHIP AND 
 BOEOUGH OF ST. MARY'S. 
 
 C. L. BAYER, manufacturer and dealer in furniture, St. Mary's, was 
 born in Baden, Germany, September 6, 1836, and is a son of Andrew and 
 Catharine (Pfeifer) Bayer, who came to America in 1848 and settled in Ben- 
 zinger township, Elk Co., Penn. Andrew Bayer was a wagon-maker by trade, 
 and for a number of years carried on a shop in St. Mary's. He was the father 
 of three children : C. L. , Theresa (Mrs. Joseph Arnold) and Andrew. Of these, 
 C. L., whose name heads this sketch, was reared in Elk county from twelve 
 years of age, and served an apprenticeship of five years at the cabinet-maker' s 
 trade in Philadelphia; after which he worked as a journeyman until the break- 
 ing out of the Civil war, when, being in the South, he was pressed into the 
 Confederate service at Jefferson, Tex. After serving about nine months, he 
 left at Little Rock, Ark., and went to the Union army at Fayetteville, Ark. 
 A few months after, he took employment at his trade in the cabinet department 
 of the navy yards at Cairo and Mound City, 111. , where he served till the end 
 of the war. In 1866 he commenced a sash and door shop in St. Mary's, but 
 after a few years changed to manufacturing and dealing in furniture, and 
 has built up a large and lucrative business. In 1867 Mr. Bayer married 
 Barbara, daughter of George and Clara (Prongratz) Gregory, of St. Mary's, 
 and by her has seven children living: John S., Minnie, Lizzie, Andrew, Lena, 
 Willie and Fred. Mr. Bayer and family are members of the Catholic Church. 
 In politics he votes the Democratic ticket, and has served the borough as 
 school director several terms. Father B. Bayer, one of the first priests in St. 
 Mary' s and first doctor, was an uncle of C. L. Bayer. 
 
 GEORGE W. BOYER, proprietor of the Franklin House, St. Mary's, 
 was born in Shannondale, Clarion Co., Penn., October 1, 1846, and is a 
 son of George and Elizabeth (Bartley) Boyer, both natives of Pennsylvania. 
 He was reared in his native county, receiving his early education in the com- 
 mon schools, and January 28, 1862, when but fifteen years of age, enlisted in 
 Company C, Sixty- second Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry. He was wounded 
 in the foot at the battle of Gaines' Mills, Va., June 27, 1862, being also 
 taken prisoner, and after spending three months in Libby prison he was 
 released on parole and sent to Fortress Monroe. Three months later he was 
 exchanged and placed on hospital duty in the Chesapeake General Hospital 
 as wound-dresser and steward. He was here discharged from the service 
 June 30, 1865, after serving nearly three and a half years. After the war 
 Mr. Boyer attended Dayton Academy, Armstrong county, Penn. , and also the 
 select and public schools of Clarion county, same State. While attending 
 the latter in 1867, he was chosen by the directors to take charge of a public 
 school at Shannondale, to fill the unexpired term of a teacher who had 
 failed. This he did successfully, and to the satisfaction of the directors and 
 patrons of the school. He followed teaching for several years, as well as 
 
790 HISTOBY OF ELK COUNTY. 
 
 other occupations, and in 1877 removed to Elk county, where he taught 
 school several terms; was clerk for D. Eldridge at Eureka Mines one year; 
 was in the employ of Koch & Sons, Kersey, Elk county, as book-keeper one 
 year, and for three years was deputy treasurer of Elk county under John Col- 
 lins, treasurer. In March, 1887, Mr. Boyer purchased the Franklin House at 
 St. Mary's, which he has since saccessfully conducted. He married, Novem- 
 ber 25, 1868, Mary S., daughter of Dr. H. and Caroline (Gruber) Straessley, 
 of Millville, Clarion Co. , Penn. , and they have two children living: Charles 
 W. and Caroline E., and two children dead. Mr. Boyer is a member of the 
 Catholic Church and of the G. A. R. Politically he is a Democrat, and has 
 held the office of township treasurer and clerk. 
 
 MICHAEL BRUNNER, merchant, St. Mary's, was born in Bavaria, Ger- 
 many, November 20, 1830, and is a son of George and Catherine (Hoffbauer) 
 Brunner, who settled in St. Mary's in 1844, where they resided until their 
 death. They were the parents of four children: Magdalena (Mrs. Nicholas 
 Heinffiing), Margaret (Mrs. Balzer Wenzel), Barbara (Mrs. Sebastian Hahn) 
 and Michael. The subject of these lines was reared in St. Mary's from four- 
 teen years of age, and here learned the cabinet-maker's trade, which he fol- 
 lowed as an occupation four years. He then taught school for several years, 
 and in 1862 embarked in the mercantile business, in which he has since suc- 
 cessfully continued. His wife, whom he married August 16, 1858, was Car- 
 olina, daughter of George and Juliana (Weisenberger) Weis, of St. Mary's, 
 and to this union were born nine children, as follows: Susan (Mrs. John 
 Pochtman), Adeline (Mrs. Nicholas Tierney), Josephine, Julia, Mary, George, 
 Annie, Albert and Clara. Mr. Brunner is a Democrat, politically, and has held 
 the offices of school director and councilman of St. Mary's and also that of 
 county treasurer one term. He and his family are members of the German 
 Catholic Church. 
 
 MARTIN DIPPOLD, mine boss, in the coal mines of Kaul & Hall, St. 
 Mary's, was born in Germany, April 14, 1841, and is a son of Frederick and 
 Margaret Dippold, who came to this country and to St. Mary's in 1855. The 
 father, who was a farmer by occupation, cleared and improved a farm in Ben- 
 zinger township, Elk county, where he died. They had four children : John 
 (who was killed in the Civil war), Martin, Barbara (Mrs. Louis Vollmer) and 
 Andrew. Of these, Martin was fourteen years of age when he came with his 
 parents to St. Mary' s. He has worked in the coal mines twenty years, and has 
 held his present position eighteen years. Mr. Dippold married Mary, 
 daughter of Anthony and Lizzie Eves, of St. Mary' s, and has by her thirteen 
 children: Maggie, Prank, Kate, Lizzie, John, Barbara, Mary, Anna, Anthony 
 and Bertie (twins), Carrie, Ida and Alfred. Mr. Dippold is a Democrat in 
 politics; has served one year as constable, and is a member of the Catholic 
 Church. 
 
 FRANK A. ERICH, farmer and lumberman, P. O. St. Mary's, was born in 
 St. Mary's, Elk Co., Penn., June 15, 1848, and is a son of Joseph and Elizabeth 
 Erich, natives of Germany, who settled in Benzinger township. Elk county, 
 in 1846, where they cleared and improved a farm, on which they lived and 
 died. Joseph Erich was twice married, and by his first wife he had two chil- 
 dren: Joseph and Mary A. (Mrs. Jacob Mallison); by his second wife, Elizabeth, 
 he had six children: Elizabeth (Mrs. Jacob WafFord), Frank A., F. Xavier, 
 George, Mary (Mrs. Peter Bauer) and Katie (deceased). Of these. Prank A. 
 was reared in Benzinger township, where he has followed farming and lum- 
 bering as his principal occupation, and for one and a half years he was pro- 
 
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 791 
 
 prietor of a green-grocer's store in St. Mary's. In 1869 Mr. Erich married 
 Elizabeth, daughter of Joseph and Mary (Bock) Jacobs, of St. Mary's, and by 
 her has ten children: Mary, Eosa, Bertha, Joseph, Edward, Tracy, Caro- 
 line, George, Josephine and Michael. Mr. Erich is a member of the 
 Catholic Church; in politics a Democrat. 
 
 FEA.NK nSHER, proprietor of the Keystone House, St. Mary's, was 
 born in that borough, June 24, 1853, and is a son of Charles and Mary (Hart- 
 zop) Fisher, natives of Baden, Germany, who were among the poineers of St. 
 Mary' s. His father was a rope-maker by trade, but engaged in mercantile 
 business in St. Mary's, at which he continued until his death. He had eight 
 children: John, Philip, Mary (Mrs. Leonard Wittmann), William, Barbara 
 (Mrs. William Schwab), Frank, Charles and Lizzie (Mrs. Charles Rorick). 
 The subject of this sketch was reared in St. Mary's, being educated in the 
 public schools, and served an apprenticeship of three years at the blacksmith' s 
 trade, at which he worked as a journeyman twelve years. He carried on a 
 shop of his own in Kane, McKean county, Penn., two and one half years, and 
 in 1881 he embarked in the hotel business in St. Mary's, keeping the Luhr 
 House three and one-half years. Afterward he filled the position of bar- 
 tender at the City Hotel one and one-half years, and then entered into posses- 
 sion of the Keystone House, of which he has been the genial host for one and 
 one-half years. In 1876 Mr. Fisher married Anna, daughter of Joseph and 
 Mary (Schwab) Murray, of Centre county, Penn., and by her has one daugh- 
 ter, Mary. Mr. Fisher is a member of the Catholic Church, in politics a 
 Democrat. 
 
 JOSEPH C. FEANK, merchant, St. Mary' s, was born in Benzinger town- 
 ship, Elk Co., Penn., April 14, 1856, and is .a son of George and Maggie 
 (Schauer) Frank, natives of Germany, who settled in Benzinger township in 
 1848, where they cleared and improved a farm on which they still reside. 
 Their children are John, Theresa (Mrs. George Weigel), Joseph C, Francis, 
 George, Charles and Anthony. The subject of this sketch was reared in his 
 native township, receiving a common-school education, then for six years was 
 a clerk in the store of Spafford & Finney, St. Mary's. In 1881 he embarked 
 in the general mercantile business in partnership with Charles Luhr, under 
 the firm name of J. C. Frank & Co., and they have built up a large and pros- 
 perous trade. In May, 1880, Mr. Frank married Eosa, daughter of Charles 
 and Elizabeth (Beleke) Luhr, of St. Mary's, and they have one daughter, 
 Maggie. Mr. Frank is a member of the Catholic Church, of St. John's and 
 St. Patrick's beneficiary societies, and of the Knights of Labor. In politics 
 he is a Democrat, and has been auditor of St. Mary's. 
 
 IGNATIUS GAENER, St. Mary's, was born in Alsace-Lorraine, France, 
 May 14, 1816, and is a son of George Garner and Magdalena (Bueser) Garner. 
 George Garner settled in St. Mary's in 1845, and died there. They reared a 
 family of four children: Ignatius, Magdalena (Mrs. Jacob Schaut), Anna and 
 Barbara (Mrs. John Lejeal). The subject of this biographical sketch came to 
 America in 1832, and to St. Mary's in 1845, where he has since resided. For 
 a number of years he was agent and general director here for the German 
 colony. Early in 1845 he proceeded to Europe and returned in July of the 
 same year with a number of substantial settlers. He was the first postmaster 
 of St. Mary's, which position he held ten years; was again appointed in 1887, 
 and was retired July 1, 1889. A prominent and talented musician, he was 
 for twenty-five years organist of St. Mary's German Catholic Church, and 
 thirty -three years ago built the organ still used in that church. In 1844 Mr. 
 
792 HISTOEY OP ELK COUNTY. 
 
 Oarner married Julia, daughter of Christopher and Johanna (Baumgardner) 
 Weis, of Philadelphia, and they have six children: Louis H., Elizabeth, 
 ■Charles, George, Bonaventura and Aloysius. Mr. Garner and his wife are 
 members of St. Mary' s German Catholic Church. He is a Democrat in politics, 
 and has held the office of county auditor and commissioner several terms ; also 
 served as chief burgess, councilman and justice of the peace of St. Mary's. 
 
 LOUIS H. GAENEE, machinist, St. Mary's, was born in St. Mary's, Elk 
 Co., Penn. , October 7, 1845, and is a son of Ignatius and Julia W. (Weis) 
 Garner. He was reared in his native town, and educated at St. Vincent' s Col- 
 lege, Latrobe, Penn., afterward serving an apprenticeship of three years at 
 the machinist's trade in Ashland, Schuylkill Co., Penn. On July 2, 1863. he 
 enlisted in Company C, Fifty-third Pennsylvania Infantry, and participated in 
 the battle of Harrison's Landing, Va. ; also assisted in burying the dead at 
 Gettysburg. After nine months' service, he was honorably discharged, and then 
 resumed his trade at Ashland. Later he was employed in the Franklin Iron 
 Works at Eeading, Penn.; thence removed to Eenovo, same State, and was the 
 first machinist employed in the railroad shops at that place. Afterward he 
 worked at his trade in the oil regions of Pennsylvania, and in 1866 he moved 
 to Leavenworth, Kans. , where he was employed on the Eastern Division of the 
 Northern Pacific Eailroad, from March until November of that year. He then 
 returned to St. Mary' s and here opened up for himself in the old Gen. McGill 
 foundry, which he rented in April, 1868, put in running order, and melted the 
 first iron in the county; this he carried on two years; then erected a new shop on 
 the corner of Mill and St. Mary' s streets, which he conducted for five years 
 under the firm name of L. H. Garner & Bro. Selling out his interest in this 
 concern, he then took charge of. the Clearfield Coal Company's works at Tyler, 
 Penn., as engineer, for two years, at which time he again returned to St. 
 Mary's, where he was engaged as clerk with Hall, Kaul & Co., nine months, 
 and then took charge of the foundry and machine shops of J. & A. Kaul for 
 two years, when he assumed the duties of assistant postmaster at St. Mary's 
 for two and a half years, when he resumed his trade. In 1871 Mr. Garner 
 married Mary E., daughter of Capt. Charles H. and Elizabeth (Brindle) Volk, 
 of St. Mary's, and they have six children living: George, Carrie, Lawrence, 
 Irene, John and Louis. Mr. Garner is a member of the Catholic Church and 
 of the G. A. E., being at present commander of M. W. Lucore Post, No. 216, 
 of St. Mary's. In politics he is a Democrat. 
 
 CHARLES B. GAENEE, molder, St. Mary's, was born in that borough, 
 September 12, 1849, and is a son of Ignatius and Julia (Weis) Garner. He 
 was reared in his native town, and received his education in the school of St. 
 Mary's and at St. Vincent's College, Latrobe, Penn. ; afterward he learned the 
 molder' s trade in the shop of his brother, L. H. Garner, which occupation 
 he has followed since 1868. In 1875 he married Mary Josephine, daughter of 
 Wendel and Mary J. (Herbstritt) Lion, of St. Mary' s, and they have five children : 
 Charles C, Lizzie, Julia, Mary and Clara. Mr. Garner is a member of the 
 German Catholic Church, and in politics is a Democrat. 
 
 ANDEEW GEECK, barber, St. Mary's, was born on the Ehine, in Bavaria, 
 November 23, 1852, and is a son of Francis C. and Francesca (Kuntz) Geeck. 
 He was reared and educated in his native land, and, coming to America in 
 1871, settled, in February, 1872, in St. Mary's, where he worked as a journey- 
 man barber up to November 10, same year, at which date he opened a shop 
 of his own, and has since succeeded in building up a successful business. Mr. 
 ■Geeck married, June 8, 1873, Elizabeth, daughter of Wendel and Mary J. 
 
BIOGEAPHICAL SKETCHES. 793 
 
 (Herbstritt) Lion, of St. Mary's, and by her has six children: M. Josephine, 
 M. Magdalene, Francis C. , Eose, Eugene and Aloys. Mr. Geeck is a member 
 of the Catholic Church and of St. John's Benevolent Society, in which he is 
 treasurer and secretary of the widow fund. In politics he is a Democrat, and 
 has served as a member of the school board from 1882 to 1888; also secretary^ 
 of the board four years. 
 
 MATHIAS GERG, general blacksmith, St. Mary's, was born in that 
 borough May 16, 1857, a son of Michael and Annie (Hoover) Gerg, natives of 
 Germany, who were among the early settler of St. Mary's, the father being a 
 wagon-maker by trade, which he has followed all his life. They reared a 
 family of nine children: Tony, Frank, Anna (Mrs. John Schauer), Barbara 
 (Mrs, Louis Gies), Rosa (Mrs. F. X. Erich), Mathias, Tillie (Mrs. John Hoff- 
 man), Charles and Katie (Mrs. George Bauer). Of these, Mathias was reared 
 and educated in St. Mary' s, and learned the blacksmith' s trade in his brother' s 
 shop, and since 1883 has been in business for himself, having proved a first- 
 class workman. Mr. Gerg has been married twice: first, to Josephine, daugh- 
 ter of Joseph and Kate Seel, of St. Mary's, by whom he had three children: 
 Frank, Joseph and Willie; and afterward he married Anna, daughter of 
 Joseph Deitch, also of St. Mary's, by whom he has two children: Katie and 
 Lizzie. He is a, member of the Catholic Church and St. John's Society; of 
 the K. of L. and the borough council. In politics he is a Democrat. 
 
 JAMES KNOX POLK HALL was born in Milesburg, Centre Co., Penn., 
 on the 30th of September, 1844, during the memorable presidential campaign 
 of that year. His father, an ardent Democrat, bestowed upon him the full 
 name of the great Tennesseean who was at that time the candidate and the 
 ideal of his party. He is descended on both sides from Revolutionary stock, 
 his ancestors having served with credit and distinction in the great struggle 
 for the establishment of American liberty. His parents were Benjamin Mc- 
 Dowell Hall, who died in 1873, and Susannah Geary Hall, who is still living 
 at an advanced age. They had seven children, of whom the late Senator John 
 G. Hall and Dr. Wm. E. Hall, both recently deceased, were the eldest; the 
 subject of this sketch came next, and then followed Mrs. B. E. Wellendorf, 
 Miss Mary Hall, B. Frank Hall and Harry Alvan Hall, all of whom are living 
 and residents of Elk county, Penn. His youth was passed, when out of school, 
 in farming and lumbering in the then wilds of Clearfield county, Penn. , whither 
 the family had removed when he was about ten years of age, 
 
 Mr. Hall received a business education, and studied law with his brother, the 
 late Senator, at Ridgway, where he was admitted to the bar as soon as he attained 
 his majority. He was shortly after elected district attorney of Elk county, 
 which office he filled with satisfaction to the people and credit to himself for 
 three consecutive terms. As his abilities are of a high order and his attain- 
 ments exceptional, he was most successful in his practice, but as opportunities 
 presented themselves, his keen perception pointed oiit to him the wisdom of 
 investment in coal and lumber enterprises, and with ready executive tact he 
 pushed the development of numerous and extensive operations into successful 
 action. The enterprises in which he was engaged soon became so numerous, 
 and his business interests reached such magnitude as to claim his entire time 
 and attention, and in 1888 he was compelled to retire from the active prac- 
 tice of his profession. He has since devoted hjmself exclusively to the man- 
 agement of his business affairs. He is president of the St. Mary's Bank; a 
 member of the firm of Kaul & Hall, proprietors of the Cascade and Hazel Dell 
 bituminous coal mines, near St. Mary' s, Penn. ; a partner in the St. Mary' s 
 
794 HISTORY OF ELK COUNTY. 
 
 Tanning Company, who own and operate a large tannery at St. Mary's; secre- 
 tary and treasurer of the Penn Lumber Company, with offices at St. Mary's, 
 Philadelphia and Pittsburgh, which, with two or three other large companies, 
 market the bulk of the Pennsylvania hemlock; president of the New York, 
 Lake Brie & Western Coal & Railroad Company, with whose road are connected 
 some of the largest bituminous coal mines in the State, in the operation of 
 which thousands of men are given employment; secretary and treasurer of the 
 Clarion Eiver Railway Company, who are now building a railroad from Laurel 
 Run to Hallton for the purpose of developing a large section of timber land; 
 and a member of the Portland Lumber Company, who, in company with the 
 Kistlers, are now building an extensive tannery at Carman. He is also a mem- 
 ber of the Beechwood Lumber Company, and these companies and the various 
 other lumber concerns in which he is interested with his partner, Mr. Kaul, 
 are the owners of over sixty thousand acres of timber lands in Elk, Jefferson 
 and Cameron counties; he is also engaged in numerous merchandising and 
 other business operations in connection with his lumber and coal inter- 
 ests; he is president of the St. Mary's Water Company, president of the 
 Elk County Agricultural Society, and a large stockholder in the St. Mary's 
 Gas Company. 
 
 His charities have ever kept step with his wonderful successes in business 
 affairs, and his heart and hand have always been open to the appeals of his fellow- 
 men, and none such have fallen unheeded upon his ear. Though so heavily 
 weighted with business cares, Mr. Hall finds much time for both political and 
 social affairs. He is an unswerving Democrat in his faith, and is prominent in the 
 councils of his party. He has been twice nominated for Congress in his dis- 
 trict, having withdrawn the first time in favor of Ex-Gov. Curtin, and having 
 been once defeated by the narrow margin of 142 votes. 
 
 Jimanandy Park (named for himself and his partner by grateful friends who 
 had enjoyed its hospitalities), which was erected by Messrs. Hall & Kaul solely 
 for the entertainment of their friends, is one of the most unique institutions of 
 the country. It is situated on a 3,000-aore tract of timber land, in the mountains, 
 seven miles east of St. Mary's. Seven hundred acres of this virgin forest is set 
 aside for a hunting park, and through this roam hundreds of deer. A mountain 
 stream, upon which numerous dams are erected, gives the expert fly-caster ample 
 opportunity to display his skill upon the brook trout, with which the stream is 
 yearly stocked from the hatcheries connected with the park. Just outside the 
 entrance to the deer park is a spacious cottage, in which are billiard-rooms, 
 reading-rooms, sleeping apartments and dining accommodations, which, with 
 the stables attached, offer every comfort to sportsman and beast. 
 
 In September, 1875, Mr. Hall was married to Miss Kate Hyde, the youngest 
 daughter of J. S. Hyde, the late millionaire lumberman. They have four 
 children living: Sallie, William, Genevieve and Lisle. He has recently removed 
 from St. Mary's, where he had lived since 1866, to Ridgway, and is now 
 building a superb residence at the latter place. 
 
 HARRY ALVAN HALL, attorney at law, St. Mary's, was born at Karthaus, 
 Clearfield Co., Penn., October 7, 1861, and came to St. Mary's with his par- 
 ents in 1867. After spending some time under the tutelage of Rev. Edward 
 Hipelius, a distinguished scholar of the Benedictine order, then stationed at 
 St. Mary's, he attended, for a short time, the University at Lewisburg and 
 Dickinson Seminary at Williamsport, and finally received his diploma from 
 YalejCollege, in 1881. The same year he was admitted to the bar in the su- 
 preme court of Connecticut. He engaged in business in New York, and during 
 
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 795 
 
 the next two years spent much of his time in traveling in Mexico and on the 
 Pacific coast. In 1883 he succeeded to the law practice of his brother, J. K. 
 P. Hall, Esq., of St. Mary's, and rapidly worked his way to the front rank in 
 his profession. He was married in 1886, at Louisville, Ky., to Miss Currin 
 McNairy, a daughter of the late Col. Currin McNairy, of Nashville, Tenn. Mr. 
 Hall is a fiae linguist and a polished orator. He is of wide reading and broad 
 culture, and is a frequent contributor to the current magazines and reviews. 
 He is political editor of the Elk County Gazette, and was, in 1885, elected chief 
 burgess of St. Mary's, which office he has held for five successive terms. His 
 administration has been marked by the introduction of gas and water into the 
 borough, of both of which improvements he has been an active promoter. He 
 is prominent in political circles in the State, and in 1884 was secretary of the 
 Democratic State Convention at AUentown, and a delegate to the National 
 Democratic Convention at Chicago. 
 
 JOSEPH A. HANHAUSER, merchant, St. Mary's, was born in Philadel- 
 phia, Penn. , in April, 1846, and is a son of Anthony and Mary (Vollmer) Han- 
 hauser, natives of Germany, who came to St. Mary's in the fall of 1847. Here 
 the father engaged in the hotel business, and erected the Franklin House, 
 which he conducted several years. In the meantime he had purchased several 
 tracts of land in the township, and on retiring from the hotel business, he 
 located on a farm one and a half miles east of the borough. This he cleared 
 and improved, and resided upon for about ten years, when he returned to St. 
 Mary's, and erected a store and dwelling north of the Franklin House. He 
 died in 1867, at the age of seventy-four years, the father of three children: 
 Jo-seph A. , Louis P. and Mary E. (Mrs. J. M. Mecum). The subject of these 
 lines was reared and educated in St. Mary's, and began life as a clerk in a 
 general store. In 1878 he became a member of the firm of Hall, Kaul & Co., 
 general merchants, with whom he has since been associated, being general 
 manager of the store. In February, 1871, Mr. Hanhauser married Mary, 
 daughter of Joseph and Crescence (Ritter) Wilhelm, of St. Mary's, and to this 
 union five children have been born: Louis F., George, Frederick, Crescence 
 and Clara. Mr. Hanhauser and family are members of the Catholic Church. 
 Politically he is a Democrat; has served as a member of the Democratic com- 
 mittee of Elk county, and has held the office of councilman of St. Mary's. 
 
 WILLIAM B. HARTMAN, M. D., St. Mary's, was born in Williams - 
 port, Penn., September 14, 1833, and is a son of Henry and Julia (Gehrhart) 
 Hartman. His paternal grandfather, Jacob Hartman, who was a native of 
 Germany, became an early settler of York county, Penn. , and was a soldier in 
 the Revolutionary war. Henry Hartman, father of Dr. Hartman, p carpenter 
 by trade, and a native of York county, Penn., was a soldier in the war of 
 1812, and a pioneer of Williamsport, Penn., where he died at the age of 
 eighty-nine years. The subject of this sketch was reared in Williamsport, 
 educated in the public schools and Dickinson Seminary, of that place, and at 
 Wyoming Seminary, Kingston, Penn., where he graduated in 1852. In 1853 
 he began the study of medicine with Dr. Samuel Pollock, of Williamsport; 
 entered Pennsylvania Medical College, Philadelphia, in 1854, and was grad- 
 uated from there in 1856. The Doctor began the practice of his profession in 
 June, same year, at Quincy, 111. , where he remained until 1857, when he lo- 
 cated at Linden, Lycoming Co. , Penn. Here he was in practice up to the fall 
 of 1861, when he was appointed by Gov. A. G. Curtin assistant -surgeon of 
 the One Hundred and Sixteenth P. V. I., in which capacity he served unti^ July 
 4, 1862, when he was promoted to the rank of surgeon of the same volunteers, a 
 
796 HISTOBY OF ELK COUNTY. 
 
 position he held until the close of the war. In August, 1865, he located in 
 St. Mary's, and was in active practice until 1875, in which year he went to 
 Cattaraugus county, N. Y. , where he remained two years. He then returned 
 to St. Mary' s, where he now enjoys a large and lucrative business. Dr. Hart- 
 man was twice married — first to Helen S., daughter of George E. Crooks, of 
 Carlisle, Penn., and by her he had six children: Julia (Mrs. S. M. Taylor), 
 Russell H., William, Fannie (Mrs. Mark Jones), Emma (deceased) and John. 
 His second wife was Mrs. Naomi E. ("Watts) Rogers, a native of England, and 
 daughter of James Watts, and the issue of this union has been two children: 
 Clifford E. A. and Clarence DeL. Dr. Hartman is a member of the K. of P. 
 and G. A. R., of the Pennsylvania State Medical Society, of the Elk County 
 Medical Society and the American Medical Association. He is the oldest 
 regular graduate of medicine practicing in Elk county. Politically he is a 
 Democrat. 
 
 WILLIAM A. HARTRANFT, mill boss, St. Mary's, was born in Dela- 
 ware township, Northumberland Co. , Penn. , July 9, 1838, a son of Henry C. 
 and Elizabeth (Bugh) Hartranft. He was reared and educated in his native 
 county, learning the carpenter's trade, and in September, 1861, he enlisted 
 in Company D, Seventh P. C, in which he re-enlisted in 1863. At LaVergne, 
 Tenn. , Mr. Hartranft was taken prisoner, and after twenty-nine days' confine- 
 ment (part of the time in Libby prison), he was paroled In June, 1864, 
 being exchanged, he rejoined his regiment at Nashville, Tenn., and in Sep- 
 tember, 1865, he was honorably discharged at Macon, Ga. After the war, he 
 worked at his trade and other occupations in his native State for a time, and 
 in 1878 located in St. Mary's, where he has since been employed by Hall, Kaul 
 & Co., as foreman of their Summit Mill. In 1866 Mr. Hartranft married Mary 
 A. , daughter of Andrew Nye, of Northumberland county, Penn. , and by her 
 has had three children: Burton H. , Edith (deceased) and George A. Mr. 
 Hartranft is a member of the G. A. R. , and in politics is a Republican. 
 
 JOHN B. HEINDL, farmer, P. O. St. Mary's, was born in Bavaria, Ger- 
 many, June 17, 1841, a son of Michael and Ursula (Beibrunner) Heindl, who 
 settled in St. Mary' s in September, 1846. The father, who was a carpenter by 
 trade, which he followed most of his life, cleared a small farm on the present 
 site of St. Mary's. He had five children: Lizzie (Mrs. Martin Sorg), Minnie 
 (Mrs. Ed. Blintzler), Wally (Mrs. William Holland), Julia (Mrs. Joseph Pox) 
 and John B. The subject of our sketch was reared in St. Mary's froln five 
 years of age. He followed various occupations up to 1876, when he engaged 
 in farming, in which he has since successfully continued. Mr. Heindl married 
 MaryM., daughter of Wendel and Mary J. (Herbstritt) Lion, of St. Mary's 
 and has eleven children: Josephine (Mrs. John J. Weis), Maggie (Mrs. Will- 
 iam Robinson), Michael W., Prank, Joseph E., Lizzie, John, Ann, Fred, Clara 
 and Charlie. Mr. Heindl is a member of the Catholic Church. Politically he 
 is a Democrat, and has held various township offices. 
 
 FRANK A. JACOB, of the St. Mary's Herald, St. Mary's, was born in 
 that borough May 12, 1863, and is a son of Joseph and Mary (Bock) Jacob, 
 natives of Bavaria, Germany, who immigrated to this country, and became 
 pioneers of St. Mary's. The father was a hatter by trade, which he followed 
 in the borough a couple of years, since when he has worked at the plasterer's 
 trade. He reared a family of five children: Elizabeth (Mrs. Frank A. Erich), 
 Simon (now deceased), John, Joseph and Frank A. The subject of this bio- 
 grapljjcal memoir was reared and educated in St. Mary' s, where he learned the 
 printer's trade, and January 23, 1888, became connected with the St. Mary's 
 
BIOGKAPHICAL SKETCHES. 797 
 
 Herald (a weekly journal), as one of its proprietors, and is now sole owner. 
 Mr. Jacob married, October 6, 1885, Sophia, daughter of Thomas and Mary 
 (Kerner) Ernst, of Benzinger township, Elk Co. , Penn. , and by her has two 
 children: Francisca and Leonard. He is a member of the German Catholic 
 Church, and secretary of St. Mary's Silver Cornet Band. In politics he is a 
 Democrat. 
 
 JOHN KAUL, Sr. (deceased), was born at Elbersberg, Bavaria, June 18, 
 1814, and received an elementary education in the schools of his native village. 
 He left Bavaria in 1844, with the intention of joining the colonists from his 
 native country at St. Mary's, Penn., and on the 25th of July, same year, ar- 
 rived at New York City, whence he went to Buffalo, N. Y., via Albany. From 
 Buffalo he came to St. Mary's. He journeyed afoot, arriving at the latter town, 
 September 2, 1844. Purchasing a building lot in the new town, on Michael 
 street, south of Joseph Jacob' s residence, he built a log house there. September 
 4, 1844, his marriage with Kunegunda Brindle was solemnized by one of the 
 Eedemptorist Fathers. They resided in the log house for about two years, 
 when he purchased a tract of wild land on the Brussels road. He made the farm 
 his home until the autumn of 1876, when the family moved to Mr. Andrew Kaul' s 
 residence, where John Kaul, Sr., died February 26, 1877. His widow, who is 
 still a resident of St. Mary's, was born at Elbersberg, Bavaria, May 8, 1815, 
 and resided there until 1844, when she came with a party of three families to 
 the settlement of St. Mary's. It was understood, however, that on her arrival 
 here, she should become the wife of John Kaul, Sr., in accordance with the be- 
 trothal in their native land, and, as related above, she was married to him in 
 the fall of the year they arrived. The children of that marriage were Andrew, 
 of St. Mary's; Joseph, who, born October 27, 1846, died in infancy; Kate, who 
 married Joseph Lanzel in the fall of 1866, was born December 9, 1847; 
 John, now associated in the lumber business with his brother, was born Sep- 
 tember 13, 1849, and married Sophia Goetz; Kunegunda was born May 15, 
 1851, and married Charles Kronewetter; Catherine was born March 8, 1853, 
 and married Joseph F. Windf elder; Mary was born February 1, 1855, and 
 married Louis Hanhauser, and Joseph was born April 30, 1858, and married 
 Miss Barbara Bauer. 
 
 Andrew Kaul was born July 15, 1845, at St. Mary's, and was educated 
 in the common schools of the village. During his school days he assisted in 
 the work of cultivating the homestead farm, and so continued until 1862, when 
 he entered the employ of John Brooks as woodsman. During the following 
 year he worked for Joseph Lanzel and Peter Kleixner, who were getting 
 out square timber on the Sinnemahoning. In 1864 he and Mr. Lanzel 
 took a contract to supply square timber to Col. Noyes and Simon Cameron, 
 which contract they completed successfully, by delivering their rafts at Mari- 
 etta, Penn. This partnership was continued, following up the first by a sec- 
 ond contract, to cut and peel pine logs for Mr. Bryan of Philadelphia. This 
 necessitated the employment of a number of men, and proved very success- 
 ful. In 1865 their operations were transferred to West Creek, where they 
 were the pioneers of the woods. Their contract was with Herdick, Lentz 
 & White of Williamsport. The West Creek Manufacturing & Mining 
 Company contracted with them, in 1866, to stock their mills, where Beech- 
 wood village now stands. This contract was filled in the spring of 1867, 
 and the partnership with Mr. Lanzel then ended. Mr. Kaul now contracted 
 to stock the above-named mills, employing a force of sixty men, and^ com- 
 pleted the second contract with the West Creek Company in the sprmg of 
 
798 HISTOEY OF ELK COUNTY. 
 
 1868, being the most successful, financially, of the contracts up to that date. 
 In 1868 he returned to St. Mary's, and purchased pine lands east of here, 
 from Sebastian Weis, of York, Penn., and from Benzinger & Eschbach 
 and others. During the summer, he built his first mill on the head of Iron 
 run, being the second in the district. This mill he stocked and operated for 
 about eight years, when the building was torn down and the machinery re- 
 moved. In 1872 he built the Summit Mills, one and a half miles east of St. 
 Mary' s, which are still in existence. In 1873 he bought from John Brooks the 
 Sterling Run Mills, also a large tract of timber, in which purchase George 
 Walker, Joseph Lanzel, Charles Kronewetter and the Konley Brothers were 
 interested, the company taking the title of Kaul, Walker & Co. They 
 operated the mill for five years, when the firm dissolved, Mr. Kaul purchasing 
 the interests of his partners. He continued to operate this mill until 1884, 
 when the great bush fire swept away this industry. The Benezette Mills 
 were bought from the Kronewetter Brothers, in 1875 or 1876; these he sold, 
 in 1884, to Thomas Tosier. The Spring Run Mills were erected in 1880 for 
 Mr. Kaul, but they were destroyed in the great fire of 1884, together with a 
 large quantity of lumber and camp buildings. In 187.1 Mr. Kaul and J. K. P. 
 Hall entered into partnership for the purpose of investing in pine lands, 
 and in the same year Mr. Kaul visited Wisconsin, with the object of pur- 
 chasing pine lands, and did buy a large tract, but sold it several years after- 
 ward to Brown, Early & Co. This was the beginning of the partnership 
 which was reaffirmed by the Hall, Kaul & Co. partnership of 1876. In 1880 
 Mr. Kaul and J. W. Gaskil of Philadelphia entered into partnership and 
 purchased the 7,500 acres on West creek, together with the West Creek 
 Manufacturing & Mining Company's mills at Beechwood. A year later 
 J. K. P. Hall purchased Mr. Gaskil' s interest, and this partnership has 
 continued down to the present time. They, with Mr. C. R. Kline, are the 
 present owners of this industry. Mr. Kaul was -married November 14, 1865, 
 to Miss Walburga Lanzel, a daughter of Michael and Catherine Lanzel. 
 Mrs. Kaul was born near St. Mary's, April 25, 1847, and received her education 
 here. The children of this marriage are John Xt., born October 3, 1866 
 (he is now secretary and treasurer of the Sample Lumber Company of Ala- 
 bama) ; Andrew, born February 2, 1868 (now employed as book-keeper at the 
 St. Mary's Tannery); William, born June 9, 1870 (a student at Georgetown 
 College, D. C); Joseph, born March 6, 1872 (also attends this college); 
 Edward, born February 3, 1874 (attending the St. Mary's schools); Frank, born 
 January 26, 1876; Julia, born March 6, 1878 (a student in St. Mary's 
 convent); Josephine, born March 23, 1880 (also attending the convent 
 schools); Bertha, born June 30, 1882; George, born March 3, 1886, died 
 March 12, 1886; James H, born June 16, 1887. Men speak of a country as 
 one of illimitable possibilities, but in this instance, we learn something of the 
 possibilities of the individual. Mr. Kaul, a native pioneer of Elk county, 
 grew up among her great forests, strong and healthy like them. His youth 
 was passed in the manner of the times forty years ago. In 1862 he sallied 
 forth from the parental roof to hew out a trail to independence. How closely 
 he followed that trail is measured by his repeated successes. Throughout the 
 pages of local history of Elk and Cameron counties, his name appears at short 
 intervals as the supporter of every project which gave promise of serving the 
 people. In this sketch reference is made to the establishment of his early 
 mills; but to obtain a clearer conception of the great industries of which he is 
 the originator or one of the active agents, the pages of local history must be 
 
BIOQEAPHIOAL SKETCHES. 799 
 
 refeiTed to. Of everything constituting the highest citizenship, social and 
 business morality and enterprise, he is the possessor, and in the exercise of 
 those gifts he radiates good all round. 
 
 J. C. KOCH, proprietor of a livery stable, St. Mary's, was born in York 
 county, Penn., September 14, 1855, a son of John and Leah (Better) Koch, 
 natives of that county, the former of whom is a farmer by occupation. Mr. 
 Koch's father was a captain of militia for many years, and was known as 
 " Capt. John Koch." The subject of these lines received an ordinary educa- 
 tion at the public schools of the county, and at the age of nineteen years went 
 to Lock Haven, Penn., where he worked in the lumber business as a day laborer, 
 also on the Susquehanna river, in the same capacity. In 1884 he came to Elk 
 county, and purchased one hundred acres of wood land in Benzinger township, 
 which he cleared of the timber. For one year he acted as foreman for the 
 Arthur Coal & Lumber Company, at Swissmont Station, Elk county. In 1886 
 Mr. Koch married Josephine, daughter of Lawrence (Wesnetzer), of St. Mary' s, 
 and purchased the Wesnetzer homestead. He has since resided at St. Mary' s, 
 with the exception of one year spent at Easselas, Elk county, in the lumber 
 trade, and February 15, 1887, he established his present livery business. Mr. 
 Koch casts his vote with the Eepublican party. Mrs. Koch is a member of the 
 Catholic Church. 
 
 GEOKGE F. KRELLNEK, baker, of St. Mary's, was born in Bavaria, 
 Germany, January 16, 1837, and is a son of John and Margaret (Engelhart) 
 Krellner. He was reared and educated in his native country, and there served 
 a three-years apprenticeship at the baker's trade. In 1858 he came to Amer- 
 ica, settling in St. Mary's, and lumbered in the woods up to 1861, in April of 
 which year he enlisted in the First Pennsylvania Regiment ''Bucktails," in 
 which he served three months. Re-enlisting, he joined Company E, Sixth 
 Pennsylvania Reserves, and was wounded in the battle of South Mountain, 
 September 14, 1862, and was honorably discharged, on account of disability, in 
 the spring of 1863. After working in the Government bakery, at Washing- 
 ton, D. C. three years, he returned to St. Mary's, and again lumbered in the 
 woods until 1872, in which year he opened a bakery in the borough, which he 
 has since successfully conducted, having now the principal bakery in the place. 
 Mr. Krellner was twice married; first to Mary, daughter of John Kline, of 
 Louisville, Ky., and by her has had two sons: Joseph and John. His present 
 wife was Kate Kline, sister of his first wife, by whom he has three children: 
 Mary, Clements and George. Mr. Krellner is a member of the German Cath- 
 olic Church. He is independent in politics, and has held the office of council- 
 man four years; school director, ten years in succession; assessor, collector and 
 mercantile appraiser. 
 
 CHARLES A. LION, proprietor of meat market, St. Mary's, was born 
 in St. Mary's, Elk Co., Penn., August 21, 1860, and is a son of Wendel 
 and Mary J. (Herbstritt) Lion, natives of Germany, and who were among the 
 pioneers of St. Mary's, the father being a shoemaker by trade, which he fol- 
 lowed up to his death. Their children were ten in number, viz. : Mary Mag- 
 dalena (Mrs. John B. Heindl), Katie (Mrs. B. Wendler), Maggie (Mrs. 
 Joshua Dreisbach), Josephine (Mrs. Charles B. Garner), Elizabeth (Mrs. 
 Andrew Geeck), Frederick, Charles A., Frank, Joseph and John. Of these, 
 Charles A. was reared and educated in St. Mary's, and in the fall of 1878 
 embarked in his present business, in which he has since successfully continued. 
 He married, May 14, 1884, Tressie, daughter of Joseph and Tressie Pontzer, 
 of Kersey, Elk Co., Penn., and has five children: Charles, Minnie, Edward, 
 
 43 
 
800 HI8T0BY OF ELK COUNTY. 
 
 Frederick and Robert. Mr. Lion is a member of the Catholic Church. 
 Politically he is a Democrat, and has held the oflSce of councilman and school 
 director of St. Mary's. 
 
 CHARLES LUHR, merchant and brewer, St. Mary's, was born in the 
 grand duchy of Baden, near Freiburg, Germany, September 25, 1830, and 
 is a son of Joseph and Barbara (Loesch) Luhr, who settled in what is now St. 
 Mary's borough, Elk Co., Penn., in 1846. His father, who was one of the 
 first hotel- keepers in St. Mary's, cleared the lot on which the Luhr House 
 now stands, erected the building and conducted the hotel from 1846 to 1869, 
 when he retired from business. His family consisted of four children: 
 Charles, Frank X., Josephine (Mrs. Dr. W. James Blekley) and Henry. Our 
 subject was reared in Germany until fifteen years of age, when he came to 
 the United States, landing in New York in September, 1845. He attended 
 school in Baltimore until July, 1846, when he set out to join his parents at 
 St. Mary's, taking ten days to make the journey from Baltimore. Mr. 
 Luhr remained with his parents until twenty-seven years of age, attending 
 to the business of the hotel, teaching school, and for a short time acting as 
 agent for the Ridgway Farm & Land Company. In 1857 he embarked in 
 the mercantile business, in which he has since been successfully engaged, and 
 is now a member of the firm of J. C. Frank & Co., general merchants. 
 September 9, 1876, with his brother, Henry, he purchased the St. Mary's 
 brewery, which they have since operated. He is also interested in the real 
 estate business, having purchased and made Luhr's allotment an addition to 
 the borough of St. Mary's. Mr. Luhr was married November 30, 1857, to 
 Elizabeth, daughter of Joseph and Margaret (Knickenberger) Beleke, of 
 St. Mary's, and by her he has had ten children, six of whom are living 
 now: Rosa M. (Mrs. J. C. Frank), Joseph J., Charles W., Frank E., Fred 
 A. and Alfred F. The deceased children were named Josephine J. (Mrs. 
 Charles D. Miller), Henrietta B., Fredericka A. and Emma E. Mr. Luhr and 
 family are members of the Catholic Church. He is a representative and lead- 
 ing citizen; has filled the ofSce of county auditor one term of three years; 
 county treasurer one term (1863-64), and associate judge one term of five 
 years. He has held all the leading offices in the borough of St. Mary's, 
 including burgess, justice of the peace, councilman and school director. 
 Politically he has always been a stanch Democrat. 
 
 JOSEPH J. LUHR, merchant tailor, St. Mary's, was bom in St. Mary's, 
 Elk Co., Penn., May 5, 1864, and is a son of Charles and Elizabeth (Beleke) 
 Luhr. He was reared in his native town and educated in the schools of St. 
 Mary's and at St. Vincent's College, Latrobe, Penn. He began life for him- 
 self as a clerk, and January 1, 1889, embarked in his present business in St. 
 Mary's. On September 22, 1885, Mr. Luhr married Frances, daughter of 
 John and Caroline (Sternberger) Krug, of St. Mary' s, and they have two sons, 
 Augustin C. and Vincent H. Mr. Luhr is a wide-awake and enterprising young 
 business man. He is a member of the Catholic Church, and of the Catholic 
 Mutual Benefit Association of Emporium ; in politics he is a Democrat. 
 
 CHARLES W. LUHR, saloon-keeper, St. Mary's, was born in St. Mary's, 
 Elk Co. , Penn., December 25, 1866, and is a son of Charles and Elizabeth 
 (Beleke) Luhr. He was reared and educated in his native town, and in 1886 
 embarked in his present business, in which he has since successfully continued. 
 Mr. Luhr married,- May 1, 1888, Theresa, daughter of John and Anna (Gerg) 
 Schauer, of St. Mary's. He is a member of the German Catholic Church, 
 and St. John's Benevolent Society. In politics he is a Democrat. 
 
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 801 
 
 HENEY LXJHR, brewer, St. Mary's, was born in St. Mary's, Elk Co., 
 Penn., September 20, 1849, and is a son of Joseph and Barbara (Loeschj 
 Lahr, who settled in St. Mary's in 1846. He was reared and educated in his 
 native place, where he has always resided, and at the age of eighteen entered 
 his brother's general store as a clerk; afterward, for fourteen years, was en- 
 gaged in the mercantile business. Since 1876, in company with his brother, 
 Charles, Mr. Luhr has successfully operated the St. Mary' s brewery. On No- 
 vember 13, 1875, he married Amanda, daughter of Barnard B. and Marv A. 
 (Faegle) Weidenboerner, of St. Mary's, Elk county, and they have five chil- 
 dren: Alois, Eugene, Edward, George and Mary A. Mr. Luhr and family 
 are members of St. Mary's German Catholic Church; he is a member of St. 
 John's Benevolent Society, and in politics is a Democrat. 
 
 WILLIAM A. McCOY, assistant superintendent of the coal mines of Kaul 
 & Hall, St. Mary's, was born in Milesburg, Centre Co., Penn., June 15, 
 1843, a son of Thomas and Jane (Hall) McCoy, natives of Pennsylvania. He 
 was reared and educated in his native county, where he served one term, 
 1857 to 1860, as deputy sheriff. On April 19, 1861, he enlisted in Company 
 A. Second Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry, served three months, and was 
 honorably discharged; then re-enlisted, July 17, 1863, in the United States 
 Navy, and August 9, 1864, was honorably discharged. On August 17, fol- 
 lowing, Mr. McCoy again enlisted; this time in the Forty-fifth Pennsylvania 
 Regiment, in which he served until the close of the war, being mustered out 
 July 17, 1865. He then returned to Centre county, and there followed farm- 
 ing until 1869, when he commenced in the hotel business in Philipsburg, 
 Penn., which he carried on until 1870, in which year he located in Clearfield 
 county and engaged in the lumber trade for one year. In 1871 he came to 
 St. Mary's, and lumbered in the woods until 1873, when he secured the po- 
 sition of weigher of coal at Dagus Mines, Elk county, for the Northwest Min- 
 ing and Exchange Company, remaining there until March 17, 1878, when he 
 accepted his present position. On July 5, 1873, Mr. McCoy married Mary, 
 daughter of James and Margaret (Casey) Sullivan, early settlers of Fox town- 
 ship. Elk Co., Penn., and has four children: T. Edgar, Laura, William A., 
 Jr., and Maggie. Mr. McCoy served one term (five years) as justice of the 
 peace of Benzinger township, Elk Co., Penn., but refused a second term. He 
 is a member of the G. A. E., and in politics is a Democrat. 
 
 CHARLES McVEAN, druggist, St. Mary's, was born June 4, 1827, in 
 Oswegatchie, St. Lawrence Co. , N. Y. , where he was reared and educated. In 
 1851 he settled in Ridgway, Elk Co. , Penn. , where for two years he served as 
 clerk for John Cobb in general business. He afterward acted in the same ca- 
 pacity for J. S. Hyde for. two years, and in 1859 entered into partnership with 
 Mr. Hyde, with whom he was associated in business up to 1861, when he em- 
 barked in general mercantile business with Jacob Houk, which partnership 
 existed two years. In 1866 he located in St. Mary' s, where he commenced 
 the general merchandise business with James Coyne, which continued up to 
 1868, when he opened out his present drug business. Mr. McVean has always 
 been an active Republican, and has served one term as clerk, prothonotary and 
 recorder of Elk county. He was postmaster of St. Mary's for eighteen years, 
 having been appointed during President Grant's first administration. 
 
 CHARLES D. MILLER, merchant, St. Mary's, was born in the province 
 of Nassau, Prussia, September 1, 1854, and is a son of Theodore and Mar- 
 garetta (Schneider) Miller, the former of whom came to America in 1857, 
 where he became a jobber in lumber, in which business he continued until 
 
802 HISTORY OF ELK COUNTY. 
 
 1882, when he retired. The subject of these lines came to America when 
 thirteen years of age, and worked on the Philadelphia & Erie Eailroad, until 
 1873. In 1874 he embarked in his present business in St. Mary's as dealer in 
 books, stationery, tobacco and cigars, and has built up a successful trade. He 
 was twice married — first to Josephine, daughter of Charles and Elizabeth 
 (Beleke) Luhr, of St. Mary's, afterward to Clara, daughter of William Mech- 
 leiser, also of St. Mary's. Mr. Miller is a member of the Catholic Church 
 and St. John's and St. Joseph's Societies. He is a Democrat and one of the 
 auditors of the borough of St. Mary's. 
 
 ALFRED MULLHAUPT, physician and druggist, St. Mary's, was born 
 in White Hall township, Lehigh Co., Penn., August 30, 1859, and is a son 
 of Mathias and Josephine (Meyer) Miillhaupt. He was reared in his native 
 county, receiving a public-school education,' after which he served an ap- 
 prenticeship of four years to the drug business — two years in Catasauqua, 
 Penn. , and two years in Philadelphia — and was graduated from the Philadel- 
 phia College of Pharmacy, March 10, 1882. He began the study of medicine 
 in that city in 1881 with Dr. S. Mason McCollin, and in the fall of 1882 en- 
 tered Jefferson Medical College, where he was graduated April 2, 1884, during 
 which time he practiced two years in Philadelphia. On July 18, 1884, he 
 located in St. Mary' s, where, with the exception of two months, he has been 
 in active practice since, and has also conducted a drug store since February 
 27, 1887. The Doctor married, December 30, 1886, Helena M., daughter of 
 Dr. John and Sarah (Hoops) Davis, of Pottstown, Penn. , and by her has one child, 
 Alfred. Mrs. Miillhaupt was graduated from the Woman's Medical College 
 of Philadelphia in the spring of 1880; then practiced one year in the Woman's 
 Hospital, and afterward in Pottstown, Penn. , until the spring of 1885, when 
 she went to Jacksonville, Fla., as superintendent of St. Luke's Hospital in 
 that city for six months, after which she resumed practice in Pottstown, and 
 in January, 1887, she located in St. Mary's, with her husband, where she has 
 built up a lucrative practice. 
 
 HENRY A. PARSONS, Jr., St. Mary's, was born in Ridgway, Elk Co., 
 Penn. , May 26, 1852, and is a son of Henry A. and Caroline E. (Russell) Par- 
 sons, natives of Massachusetts and New York, respectively, who settled in 
 Ridgway in 1848. The mother died December 30, 1866. The father, who 
 was a shoemaker by trade, which he followed in Ridgway for twenty-five years, 
 died in Nebraska, October 10, 1885. His children were Henry A. . Jr. , Clara 
 A. (Mrs. F. H. Burr), Jennie L. (Mrs. J. W. Morgester), Laura L. (Mrs. S. 
 P. Fisher) and Grace (Mrs. Dickinson). Reared in Ridgway and educated in 
 the public schools of that place, and the normal school of Edinborough, 
 Penn., he learned the printer's trade at Ridgway and Emporium, and for four- 
 teen years was editor and publisher of the Ridgway Advocate. Mr. Parsons 
 was married March 17, 1873, to Eva M. Fuller, of Edinborough, Penn., and 
 has two sons: Frank H. and Edward A. He served six years in Ridgway as 
 member and secretary of the first school board of that borough. Mr. Parsons 
 located in St. Mary's in 1887, and was appointed postmaster of the borough 
 May 28, 1889, and confirmed by the United States Senate December 21, 1889. 
 Politically he has always been an ardent Republican; was chairman of the Elk 
 County Republican Committee in 1884, and one of the conferees from Elk 
 county to name the delegate to the convention at Chicago from the Twentieth 
 Congressional District that year. He is first lieutenant of Company H, Six- 
 teenth Regiment, N. Gr. P. 
 
BIOGBAPHICAL SKETCHES. 803 
 
 WILLIAM L. PRICE, photographer, St. Mary's, was born in Baltimore 
 county, Md., March 16, 1847, a son of Stephen R. and Mary (Laird) Price, 
 and was reared and educated in his native county. In April, 1870, he went 
 to Milford, Oakland Co., Mich., and married, March 19, 1872, Caroline E., 
 daughter of Joseph Nute, of Oakland county, Mich. In 1881 he moved to 
 Smethport, McKean Co. , Penn. , where he learned the photographic art, in the 
 gallery of S. L. Bergstresser, and in 1882 located in St. Mary's, where he 
 worked as an operator in the photograph gallery of H. W. Bridges nine 
 months. He then purchased his present business, in which he has been emi- 
 nently successful, having secured, by his ability, a handsome patronage. Our 
 subject is a member of the F. & A. M., and of the B. A. U. Politically, he 
 is an advocate of Prohibition. 
 
 FRANK G. ROTHROCK, merchant, St. Mary's, was born in Caledonia, 
 Elk Co., Penn., May 8, 1859, and is a son of Robert and Jane D. (Hicks) 
 Rothrock. His paternal grandfather, John Rothrock, a lumberman by occu- 
 pation, settled, in 1850, in Caledonia, where he died the following year; and 
 his maternal grandfather, John C. Hicks, was a son of Levi Hicks, who settled 
 in Driftwood (now in Cameron county) in 1804. Robert Rothrock, father of 
 Frank Gr. , is now a resident of Driftwood, where he is a prominent dealer in 
 lumber and real estate. The subject of our sketch was reared in Elk and 
 Cameron counties, and educated in the public schools of Williamsport, Lycom- 
 ing county, and at Selin's Grove Institute, Selin's Grove, Penn. He began 
 active business life in the store of A. B. Noyes & Co. , of Williamsport, since 
 when he has been connected with mercantile trade at various points, and he is 
 now manager of a fancy grocery store in St. Mary's, owned by his father, a 
 position he has occupied since May 1, 1889. On November 4, 1879, Mr. Roth- 
 rock married Kate, daughter of James and Clarinda (Hoover) Crossley, of 
 Driftwood, Penn., and they have had four children: Eva, Ralph, Edward 
 (deceased) and Paul. Mr. Rothrock is a member of the Episcopal Church ; in 
 politics a Republican. 
 
 EBEN J. RUSS, M. D., St. Mary's, was born in Sunbury, Penn., May 
 24, 1840, and is a son of Eben and Rachel (Simpson) Russ. His father was a 
 native of Monson, Mass. , but early in life removed to Sunbury, this State, 
 where he tavight school for a time, later becoming engaged in the mercantile 
 business, and married there. He studied law with the late Hon. Alex Jordan, 
 and died shortly after at the age of thirty-nine years. The subject of this sketch 
 was reared in Sunbury, having received his early education at the public and 
 select schools of his native place, and at Dickinson Seminary, Williamsport, 
 Penn. After a term of tutelage with his preceptor, Robert Harris Awl, M. D. , 
 of Sunbury, he entered the medical department of Columbian University 
 (known as the National Medical College) at Washington, D. , in the fall of 
 1858, and was graduated in the spring of 1861. He immediately entered 
 upon the practice of his profession, locating near Williamsport, Penn., but 
 shortly afterward, upon the invitation of Hon. Simon Cameron, secretary of 
 war, he went to Washington in order to appear before the regular army med- 
 ical examining board, as an applicant for the position of medical cadet. Hav- 
 ing passed a successful examination, he received the appointment, and, after a 
 few months' service, was assigned to acting assistant surgeon duty. He served 
 about one and a half years, when he was accidently poisoned, at New Creek, 
 Va. , in consequence of which he was compelled to resign. He^ then returned 
 to Williamsport, Penn. , and resumed private practice until 1866, when he set- 
 tled at St. Mary's, where he has been in active practice of his profession ever 
 
804 HISTOEY OF ELK COUNTY. 
 
 since. July 28, 1875, he married Clare, daughter of Grundy and Louisa 
 Hindle. He has one child, a son. The Doctor is an active member of several 
 of the important medical associations, among which may be mentioned the Elk 
 County Medical Society, Medical Society of the State of Pennsylvania and the 
 American Medical Association. He has been a member of the mercantile firm 
 of Coryell & Buss, one of the principal houses in the county, since 1873, and 
 is largely interested in coal mining at St. Mary' s and Tyler, Clearfield county, 
 in the manufacture of coke at the latter place. He is also identified with the 
 Otto Chemical Company, at Sergeant, McKean county, being a member of the 
 firm. Varioas other business enterprises, at Williamsport and elsewhere, 
 claim his attention. In politics he is a Republican. 
 
 JOSEPH M. SCHAEFER, accountant, St. Mary's, was born in St. Mary's, 
 Elk Co , Penn. , in 1851, a son of George F. and Gereve (Werreth) Schaefer, 
 former a native of Pforzheim, Baden, Germany, born February 19, 1812. 
 George F. Schaefer came to the United States in 1837, landing same year in 
 Baltimore, Md. In 1839 he was married, and in 1845 he and his wife came to 
 St. Mary's, where he became superintendent for Benzinger & Eschbach. 
 Joseph M. Schaefer received his education in the common schools of his native 
 borough, and in 1871 entered the office of J. K. P. Hall, in St. Mary's. In 
 1874 Mr. Schaefer married Alice McGill, daughter of R. C. McGill, and they 
 have four children: Joseph Fred, Mary P., Charles J. and Gertrude. The 
 parents are members of the Catholic Church, in politics Mr. Schaefer is a 
 Democrat. 
 
 IGNATIUS SCHAUT, proprietor of a planing-mill, St. Mary's, was 
 born in St. Mary' s. Elk Co. , Penn. , July 9, 1854, and is a son of George and 
 Sophia (Meyer) Schaut, natives of Prussia, who came to America in 1849 and 
 settled in St. Mary's, where they reared a family of seven children: Ignatius, 
 Mary, Mrs. Joseph E. Foster; Joseph J. P., Josephine, Edward, Lizzie and 
 Louisa. The father was a carpenter and painter by trade. Ignatius Schaut 
 was reared in his native town, where, with the exception of four years, he has 
 always resided. In August, 1873, he commenced his present business, which 
 he has since successfully continued. He married, September 20, 1880, Mary 
 G., daughter of Bernard and Mary A. (Fuegly) Weidenboerner, of St. Mary's, 
 and they have three children: Charles, Alfred and Florentine. Mr. Schaut 
 and family are members of the Catholic Church. Politically he is a Demo- 
 crat, and has held the office of auditor of Benzinger township. 
 
 PETER SHOUP, bottler and wholesale liquor dealer, St. Mary's, was born 
 at Madison Furnace, Clarion Co., Penn., October 19, 1861, a son of Lawrence 
 and Lena (Snyder) Shoup, former a native of Germany and latter of Pennsyl- 
 vania. Lawrence Shoup was a resident of Clarion county about fifty years, 
 and Joseph Snyder, maternal grandfather of Peter Shoup, a native of Ger- 
 many, was one of the pioneers of Knox township, same county. The subject 
 of our sketch was reared and educated in his native county, and in 1881 came 
 to Elk county, where he worked in the lumber woods up to 1885. He then 
 embarked in the hotel business in St. Mary's, becoming proprietor of the 
 Luhr House, which he carried on two years, and in 1887 engaged in tis 
 present business, which he has successfully continued since, having built up a 
 lucrative trade. In January, 1882, Mr. Shoup married Jennie, daughter of 
 Antony Mottmiller, of Paint township. Clarion Co., Penn., and by her has 
 four children: Bert, Nora, Mamie and Magdalena. Mr. Shoup is a Democrat 
 in politics, and a member of the Catholic Church. 
 
BIOGKAPHICAL SKETCHES. 805 
 
 PETEE STEAUB, brewer, St. Mary's, was born in Wurtemburg, Germany, 
 June 28, 1850, a son of Anton and Anna M. (Eger) Straub. He was reared 
 and educated in his native country, and came to America in 1869, locating in 
 Allegheny City, Penn., where he was employed in the brewery of Eberhart & 
 Ober four months. He then removed to Brookville, same State, and in the 
 breweries of this place worked two years, at which time he returned to Alle 
 gheny City, where he worked four months, and also at McKeesport, Alle- 
 gheny county, four months. In 1876 Mr. Straub came to Centreville, Elk 
 county, where he was employed in a brewery six months, and then met his 
 wife and eldest child, re- visited his native land, where they saw the exposition 
 at Paris, 1878. On their return to their home in this country, he entered 
 the employ of Joseph Windfelder, with whom he remained one year and eight 
 months. In 1878 he commenced on his own account, and since November of 
 that year has conducted a brewery and built up a successful business. Mr. 
 Straub became united in marriage with Sabrina, daughter of F. X. Sorg, at 
 St. Mary's, and by her has five children: Frank X., Josie, Anton, Anna M. 
 and Jacob. Our subject is a member of the Catholic Church; in politics he is 
 a Democrat. 
 
 HENEY A. STUEENBEEG, with Hall, Kaul & Co., lumber dealers, 
 etc., ,St. Mary's, was born in Philadelphia, Penn., December 24, 1849, fourth 
 in the family of children born to Henry and Angeline (Nemond) Sturenberg, 
 natives of Germany. The parents came to America in 1840 and remained in 
 Philadelphia for a time. They moved to St. Mary's in June, 1851, where 
 they resided until their death, the father dying in 1873, and the mother in 
 1882. The subject of our sketch was favored with but meager school priv- 
 ileges, and what education he did receive in boyhood and youth was in Ger- 
 man, but, being quick and gifted with bright faculties, he soon made himself 
 conversant with English. When quite young, he was employed as clerk in the 
 store of Coryell & Bates, St. Mary's, with whom he remained seven years, his 
 next engagement being with his present employers, Hall, Kaul & Co., in 
 whose service he has been for a period of fourteen years, which fact in itself 
 is ample testimony to his reliability and correctness. Mr. Sturenberg was 
 married, in 1872, to Martha Eeynolds, by whom he has one son, James H. , 
 and one daughter, Carrie. He is a member of the Catholic Church, and in 
 politics a stanch Democrat. 
 
 N. J. TIEENEY, of the firm of Spafford & Tierney, merchants, St. 
 Mary's, was born in Carbondale, Penn., August 17, 1860, a son of John and 
 Catherine (Dunnigan) Tierney, formerly of the County Mayo, Ireland, who 
 came to America in 1844, and located at Carbondale, Penn. , where they car- 
 ried on farming. In 1862 they moved to Benzinger township, Elk county, 
 same State, where the father engaged as a laborer on the Philadelphia & Brie 
 Eailroad, and died in 1865. His widow resides with her son, N. J., in St. 
 Mary' s, whither she removed in 1866. Their children were seven in number, 
 of whom six yet live: Mary (Mrs. John D. Cruise), Timothy B., John C, 
 Catherine (Mrs. James McDevitt),- Eugene S. and N. J. The subject of these 
 lines was reared in St. Mary's, from six years of age, and received a high- 
 school education. He started in life as a messenger boy for the Western 
 Union Telegraph Company, learned telegraphy, and afterward filled most of 
 the positions in the principle offices on the Philadelphia & Erie Railroad, as 
 operator, for five years. Resigning in 1877 he has since been manager of the 
 telegraph office in St. Mary's for the Western Union Telegraph Company, and 
 has also been engaged in mercantile business in the borough, along with W. 
 
806 HISTORY OF ELK COUNTY. 
 
 C. Spafford. Mr. Tierney married, October 7, 1882, Adeline, daughter of 
 Michael Brunner, of St. Mary's, and has two children: Eegina C. and Mildred 
 A. He is a member of the Catholic Church, and has been president of the 
 I. C. B. U. five years. In politics he is a Democrat, and has served as auditor 
 one term. 
 
 A. E. TIMM, merchant, and undertaker and embalmer, St. Mary's, was 
 born in Fox township. Elk Co., Penn., January 10, 1860, and is a son of 
 Adolph and Catherine (Wachtel) Timm. His father is a native of Mecklenburg- 
 Schwerin, Germany, born September 19, 1821, a son of John and Sophia 
 (Grushow) Timm, and was reared in his native land, where he served an ap- 
 prenticeship of three years at the wheelwright' s trade, and afterward worked 
 as a journeyman for seven years. Coming to America in 1850, he located in 
 Bethlehem, Penn., for one year, and in 1851 he located in Elk county, where 
 he worked at his trade in St. Mary's for three years; then moved to Centre- 
 ville, and opened a shop on his own account, doing a successful trade up to 
 1878, when he commenced in the mercantile business at Centreville, which he 
 carried on four years. In 1882 he came to St. Mary's, where he now resides. 
 The subject proper of this sketch was reared in Elk and Clearfield counties, 
 and was educated at the public schools and Clearfield Academy. In 1876 he 
 came to St. Mary' s, where he held the position of book-keeper in the general 
 store of Joseph Wilhelm for eight years, and then embarked in his present 
 business. Mr. Timm married in May, 1880, Catherine, daughter of Joseph 
 and Mary D. (Kitter) Wilhelm, of St. Mary's, and they have two children 
 living: Nellie and Emma. Mr. Timm is a member of the Catholic Church, of 
 St. John' 8 Society and the I. C. B. U. Politically he is a Democrat, and was 
 elected auditor of Elk county in 1886, for a term of three years. 
 
 JOHN E. WEIDENBOEENER, insurance and express agent and mer- 
 chant, St. Mary' s, was born in Philadelphia, Penn. , May 1, 1835, and is a son 
 of Barnard B. and Mary A. (Puegle) Weidenboerner, natives of Hessia and 
 Baden, Germany, respectively. Barnard Weidenboerner left home at sixteen 
 years of age, landing in Brazil, South America, where he was pressed into the 
 Brazilian army, in which he served two years. About 1827 he came to New 
 York, and after traveling about the country for a time, located in Philadelphia, 
 where he followed shoemaking (which he had learned in Brazil), and there 
 married. In 1845 he settled in St. Mary's, Elk Co. , Penn. , where he followed 
 his trade as well as farming, up to his death, which occurred August 10, 1886. 
 His children were fifteen in number, ten of whom grew to maturity : John E. , 
 Mary, George, Philemena, Theresa (Mrs. George Hintenact), Julia (Mrs. John 
 Forster, Amanda (Mrs. Henry Luhr), Mary (Mrs. Ignatius Schaut), Egid and- 
 Eosa (Mrs. Nick Mangold). Of these, John ID. was reared in St. Mary's, from 
 ten years of age, learning the shoemaker's trade with his father. In 1858 he 
 began civil engineering, which he followed until 1861, when he enlisted in the 
 One Hundred and Fifth Pennsylvania Volunteers, and took part in all the 
 battles from Portress Monroe to Eichmond, Va., and after the retreat of Gen. 
 McClellan, was discharged at Harrison' s Landing, Va. ; then, after returning 
 home, he resumed civil engineering in the United States and Mexico, follow- 
 ing the vocation until 1870. He then embarked in the mercantile business, 
 in which he still continues. Mr. Weidenboerner has been agent for the Adams 
 Express Company for about ten years, and has been in the insurance business 
 since 1878. He married, in 1864, Mary L., daughter of Joseph and Anna 
 (Leisz) Dorner, of St. Mary's, and has two children: Mary L. and Andrew. 
 Mr. Weidenboerner and family are members of the Catholic Church. He is a 
 Democrat, and has held the office of school director several terms. 
 
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 807 
 
 GEORGE- WEIDENBOERNEE, St. Mary's was born in Philadelphia, 
 Penn., January 28, 1841, and is a son of Barnard B. and Mary A. (Fuegle) 
 Weidenboerner, who settled in St. Mary's, Elk Co., Penn., in 1845. He was 
 reared in St. Mary's from four years of age, and received a common-school 
 education. During the Civil war he was employed sixteen months in the Mil- 
 itary Railroad Construction Corps in Kentucky, Tennessee, Georgia and Ala- 
 bama. After the war he engaged as a clerk in a store in St. Mary's for a short 
 time, and in 1867 he moved to Warren, Penn., where he served in the same 
 capacity for three years. In 1870 he returned to St. Mary's and commenced 
 in the hardware business, which he successfully conducted up to 1888, in which 
 year he sold out. Mr. Weidenboerner married. May 19, 1877, Mary, daugh- 
 ter of Lawrence J. Wesnetzer, a pioneer of St. Mary's, knd by her has six 
 children: Emma, Henry, Joseph, Laura, Charles and Bertha. Mr. Weiden- 
 boerner is a member of the Catholic Church, and in politics is a Democrat. He 
 has served one term as treasurer of Elk county and one term as chief burgess 
 of St. Mary's, also as councilman two terms. 
 
 GEORGE EDWIN WEIS, merchant, St. Mary's, was born in Philadel- 
 phia, Penn., June 18, 1833, and is a son of George and Juliana (Weisenber- 
 ger) Weis, who settled in St. Mary's in September, 1844, and resided there 
 until their death, the father being a merchant by occupation. They reared a 
 family of seven children, as follows : Mary (Mrs. Joseph Windfelder), Charles, 
 George E., Caroline (Mrs. Michael Brunner), William, Albert and Josephine. 
 Of these, George Edwin was reared in St. Mary's from eleven years of age, 
 and from boyhood has been engaged in mercantile pursuits. He married, 
 January 10, 1860, Margaretha, daughter of Ambrose and Mary A. (Schmoker) 
 Forster, of St. Mary' s, and they have had ten children : Julia C. (Mrs. John 
 Walker), Theresa, William, Louis, Edward, Carrie, Mary, Otto, Frederick and 
 Bertha. Mr. Weis, in politics, is a Democrat, and has been chief burgess and 
 justice of the peace of St. Mary's; served as prothonotary of Elk county two 
 terms of three years each; county commissioner one term of three years, and 
 is now serving his third term as associate judge. He is a member of the Catho- 
 lic Church. 
 
 ALBERT WEIS, sewing-machine agent, harness dealer, horse dealer, etc., 
 St. Mary's, was born in Philadelphia, Penn., October 22, 1841, and is a son 
 of George and Juliana (Weisenberger) Weis, natives of Germany, who set- 
 tled in St. Mary' s in 1844. Albert Weis was reared in St. Mary' s from three 
 years of age, and began life in the mercantile business as a partner of Weis 
 Bros., in which he was engaged from 1866 to 1884. In 1871 he embarked 
 in the livery business, and conducted a stable up to 1883. In 1879 he en- 
 gaged in the harness business, which he has since successfully conducted, and 
 in 1888 he was appointed agent for the Davis Sewing Machine Company. 
 Mr. Weis was married October 27, 1863, to Mary G., daughter of Michael and 
 Christiana Langenfeldt, of St. Mary's, and by her has nine children living: 
 John J., Annie M., Albert C, Rose, Emma, Ida, Elizabeth, Jennie and Rob- 
 ert J. Mr. Weis in politics is a Democrat, and has been councilman, con- 
 stable, tax collector and school director of St. Mary's, and was elected sheriff 
 of Elk County in 188?, serving three years. He and his family are members 
 of St. Mary's German Catholic Church. 
 
 JOHN J. WEIS, harness-maker, St. Mary's, was born in St. Mary's, Elk 
 Co., Penn., August 7, 1864, and is a son of Albert and Mary (Langenfeldt) 
 Weis. The subject of our sketch was reared and educated in his native town, 
 and learned the harness-maker's trade, which he has followed as a journey- 
 man workman since 1882. Mr. Weis married, October 23, 1888, Josephine, 
 
808 HISTORY OF ELK COUNTY. 
 
 daughter of John B. and Mary M. (Lion) Heindl, of St. Mary's, and they 
 have one son, Eichard Albert. Mr. Weis is a member of the Catholic Church, 
 and in'politics is independent. 
 
 G. A. WESCOTT, foreman of the Gazette office, took charge of the office 
 in 1886. For three years prior to this date he had charge of the Eidgway, 
 Advocate, and was connected with that office for five years. He was born at 
 Portland, nine miles below Ridgeway, in 1860. His father, Eoderick Wes- 
 cott, is an old resident of this county, having settled in the Wilcox neigh- 
 borhood as one of the pioneers. 
 
 D. E. WILMAETH, of the firm of D. E. Wilmarth & Co., publishers of 
 the Elk County Gazette, St. Mary's, which journal was established in 1868, is 
 a son of Frederick and Frances A. (Eolfe) Wilmarth, mention of whom will 
 be found elsewhere in this volume. D. E. Wilmarth was born in Pittsburgh, 
 February 11, 1866, but was brought to Eolfe, Elk county, when only two years 
 of age. From that point the family moved to St. Mary's, in 1881, and here, 
 in August, 1884, our subject entered the law office of Harry Alvan Hall, under 
 whom he pursued his legal studies until April, 1887, when he and his precep- 
 tor bought the Gazette, of which Mr. Hall became the editor and Mr. Wilmarth 
 the business manager and local editor. In January, 1890, Mr. Hall retired 
 from the editorship and ownership of the Gazette, and Mr. Wilmarth became 
 its sole proprietor. The paper, like its owner, is an advocate of the Demo- 
 cratic party, and has met with success in a pecuniary way, as well as popularity 
 with the reading public. Mr. Wilmarth is a member of Washington Camp, 
 No. 376, P. O. S. of A., of Eidgway, Penn. 
 
 FEANK WILMAETH, book-keeper for Hall & Kaul, St. Mary's, was 
 born in Pittsburgh, Penn. , in 1861, a son of Frederick and Frances A. (Eolfe) 
 Wilmarth, the latter a daughter of the late H. M. Eolfe, of Pittsburgh. Ly- 
 man Wilmarth, the grandfather of Frank Wilmarth, was an early pioneer of 
 Elk county, Penn. (then part of Jefferson county), having come here in 1832 
 from the State of New York, and, in conjunction with Arthur Hughes (now 
 living in Cleveland, Ohio, at an advanced age) and George Dickinson (now 
 deceased), built a saw-mill at Eidgway, which in those days was considered a 
 large concern, as it consisted of three sash saws. In order to get the neces- 
 sary machinery for the mill to its proper location, they had to cut their own 
 roads through the wilderness a greater part of the way, and their first prospect- 
 ing trip was made partly on horseback and partly on foot. Lyman Wilmarth 
 married Lemira Dickinson, sister of Judge Dickinson, and they had nine chil- 
 dren, five of whom were born in Elk county, Penn. Mr. Wilmarth once wrote 
 a very interesting history of Elk county, from the time of its first settlement 
 (about 1811) up to 1866, which history was published in the county paper in 
 the latter year. His death took place at Earley, Elk county, in 1867. Fred 
 Wilmarth was born in Eidgway, Elk county, in 1837, and lived there when 
 the then hamlet was forty miles away from any other settlement. Prom 1845 
 VLxxtil 1864 he was an absentee, and on his return, the then thriving borough 
 was within eleven hours' ride of Philadelphia. Frank Wilmarth, whose name 
 heads this sketch, has been with the firm of Hall & Kaul since 1881, and is 
 held in high esteem by the firm and the public generally. He was married in 
 1888 to Jennie M. , daughter of Salyer Jackson, of Elk county. 
 
 CHAELES SEYMOUR WILMAETH, bank cashier, St. Mary's, was 
 born in Pittsburgh, Penn., November 4, 1862, a son of Frederick and Frances 
 A. (Eolfe) Wilmarth, and has been a resident of Elk county all his life, with 
 the exception of about five years spent with his grandparents in Pittsburgh. 
 In May, 1878, he entered the employ of the Pittsburgh & Castle Shannon 
 
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 809 
 
 Eailroad Company, as a telegraph operator, and in the spring of 1880 he en- 
 tered Duff's Commercial College, Pittsburgh, from which institution he grad- 
 uated the following summer. In May, 1883, he became cashier of t'iie St. 
 Mary's Bank of Hyde, Hall & Co., and has rendered the utmost satisfaction 
 to his employers ever since. January 4, 1887, Mr. Wilmarth married Miss 
 Annie B. Denny, daughter of W. F. and Elizabeth J. (Wellendorf) Denny, and 
 this union has been blessed by the birth of two children: Anita D. (aged two 
 years) and Frances C. (aged eight months). Mr. Wilmarth has always been 
 a strong Democrat, but, although a very popular young man, has never sought 
 official position, nor has he ever been a candidate for one. 
 
 C. G. WILSON, M. D., St. Mary's, was born in Milton, Northumberland 
 Co., Penn., September 5, 1848, and is a son of William and Sarah (Brown) 
 Wilson. He was reared in his native State and educated at Jersey Shore 
 Academy, Jersey Shore, Penn. , and at Princeton College, Princeton, N. J. In 
 1870 he began tjie study of medicine in the office of Dr. D. H. Hunter, of 
 Watsontown, Penn. , attending a course of lectures at JefPerson Medical Col- 
 lege, Philadelphia, Penn., the same year, .and also a course at the medical 
 department of the University of Michigan, at Ann Arbor, in 1872. In 1873 
 he re-entered Jefferson Medical College, and was there graduated in 1874. 
 The same year he began the practice of his profession in Watsontown, Penn. , 
 and in July, 1876, located in St. Mary's, where he has since remained and 
 built up an extensive practice. The Doctor married Tillie, daughter of Hon. 
 J. M. and Susan (Hackenberg) FoUmer, of Watsontown, Penn. , and they have 
 two children: Jay (now aged fourteen years) and Effie May (now aged four 
 years). Dr. Wilson is a member of the American Medical Association, the 
 State Medical Society, the Medical Society of Elk and Cameron counties, and 
 is surgeon for the P. & E. R. E. ; is also a medical examiaer for many of the 
 leading life insurance companies, including, the Travelers' of Hartford, Mutual 
 Life of New York, Union Central of Cincinnati, Ohio; Keystone, of Allentown, 
 Penn. ; Northwestern, of Milwaukee, Wis. , and others. In politics he is a 
 Democrat. 
 
 SEBASTIAN WIMMER, civil engineer, St. Mary's, was born in Thalmas- 
 sing, near Ratisbon, Bavaria, Germany, January 5, 1831, and is a son of 
 George and Theresa (Hahn) Wimmer, and a nephew of the late Arch-abbot 
 Boniface Wimmer, O. S. B. He was reared in Munich, Germany, from 
 1833 to 1851, and was educated in the Polytechnic school at that place, from 
 which he graduated in 1849. On June 2, 1851, he landed in New York, but 
 located in Westmoreland county, Penn. , for awhile, and finally secured, at 
 Pittsburgh, Penn. , a position with Hastings & Preisser, city engineers, from 
 June, 1852, to November 15, 1852. He then went to New Orleans, remain- 
 ing there six months, when he returned to Pennsylvania, and secured from 
 Chief Engineer Milnor Roberts, in June, 1853, the appointment of assistant 
 engineer in the building of the Allegheny Valley Railroad, having charge of 
 the second division, from Tarentum to Kittanning. In October, 1856, Mr. 
 Wimmer went to Minnesota, but came back and married Miss L. H. Blakely, 
 at Pittsburgh, February 12, 1857; then returned and located in St. Paul, 
 where, soon after (May, 1858), he was appointed assistant engineer of the Min- 
 neapolis & Cedar Valley Railroad, which position he held until August, 1859. 
 He then returned to Pittsburgh, where he left his family, and again proceeded 
 to New Orleans, with a view of locating there, but on account of sickness was 
 compelled to relinquish that idea; came again north, and graduated soon after 
 from the Iron City Commercial College and accepted the position of book- 
 keeper at Saint Vincent Abbey, Westmoreland county, Penn., during which 
 
810 HISTORY OF ELK COUNTY. 
 
 time he was instrumental in having a post-office and telegraph office established 
 there, and was appointed its first postmaster. During 1862 he was surveying 
 on behalf of the Pennsylvania Railroad Company a line from Garland, on the P. 
 & E. R. R., to Enterprise, Titusville and Oil City; was transferred in June, 
 1863, on behalf of the same company, to St. Mary's, Elk Co., Penn., to take 
 charge of "Edward Miller and Milton Courtright's contract" to complete 
 the Philadelphia & Erie Railroad between Whetham, sixteen miles west of 
 Lock Haven, and Warren, Penn. , a distance of 143 miles. After finishing 
 this railroad, he set out, March 29, 1865, for Mexico, via Cuba, and there took 
 charge of the mountain division of the Vera Cruz & Mexico City Railroad, 
 remaining over two years, then went to London, England, to settle the afFairs 
 of the company. On his return to Pennsylvania, he took charge of the east- 
 ern forty-five miles of the Low Grade division of the Allegheny Valley Rail- 
 road. After completing that work in June, 1874, he became a candidate for 
 the legislature from the Elk county district; was elected, and served two suc- 
 cessive sessions. In 1877 Mr. Wimmer was appointed chief engineer of the 
 Pittsburgh & Lake Erie Railroad,, after completing which, he was appointed 
 chief engineer of the New York & Northern Railroad in 1879, acting in 
 that capacity up to 1882; then revisited Mexico, and on his return became 
 chief engineer of the Erie & Wyoming Valley Railroad (Penn. ). In 1888 he 
 built the Yonkers Rapid Transit Raalroad, from Van Cortlandt to Getty's 
 Square, at Yonkers, N. Y. , and made surveys for the New York & Northern 
 Railroad at and near Croton Lake. Mr. Wimmer is a stockholder in the 
 Clearfield Coal Company, and has extensive landed interests in Minnesota; is 
 a member of the American Society of Civil Engineers, New York City, and 
 politically is a Democrat. 
 
 ERNEST J. WIMMER, attorney at law, St. Mary's, was born in Pitts- 
 burgh, Penn., September 15, 1859, and is a son of Sebastian and Lavinia H. 
 (Blakely) Wimmer. In 1871 he went to St. Vincent's College and graduated 
 from that institution in 1878. In New York City he was an employe of the 
 Pennsylvania Railroad, in the office of James McCrea, in the capacity of 
 shorthand writer, for seven months. In the office of Calvin Goddard, Thomas 
 Edison's secretary, he filled the position of shorthand writer and telegraph 
 operator at the same time for the N. Y. City & N. R. R. another year. He 
 entered Columbia Law School, and graduated in New York City in 1881, and 
 was admitted to the bar in Brooklyn, N. Y. , in 1882. Eight months were then 
 spent traveling in Europe. On his return he was admitted to the bar of 
 Elk county, and has been in continuous practice since. His talents were 
 soon recognized, and he was elected district attorney in 1885. He convicted 
 William C. Bush, in 1886, of murder in the first degree, but the sentence of 
 the man was afterward commuted to imprisonment for life. In 1888 Mr. Wim- 
 mer was re-elected district attorney of Elk county. He has been a resident of 
 St. Mary's since 1863. Mr. Wimmer had the honor last fall of having the 
 largest majority given to any candidate, except one, running over 200 ahead 
 of Cleveland. He is an accomplished newspaper man, and his reputation at 
 the bar is of a high order. Mr. Wimmer was the publisher of the St. Mary's 
 Herald for nearly two years, but in 1889 withdrew from the newspaper busi- 
 ness, and has ever since devoted himself entirely to the duties of his profession. 
 
 JOSEPH F. WINDFELDER, grocer, saloon-keeper and manufacturer of 
 pop, St. Mary's, was born in that borough, August 13, 1852, a son of Jo- 
 seph and Mary (Weis) Windf elder. His father, who was a native of Bavaria, 
 Germany, came to this country and settled in 1846 in St. Mary's, where he 
 commenced in the brewing business, erecting the first brewery in the town, 
 
BIOGEAPHIOAL SKETCHES. 811 
 
 now known as St. Mary's Brewery, which he operated up to 1874. He was 
 also engaged in other lines of business, and served as treasurer of Elk 
 county one term. His family consisted of twelve children, of whom six sur- 
 vive: Joseph F., Mary W., Josephine (Mrs. Frank Fey), Louis, Maggie and 
 Isadore. The subject of this notice was reared and educated in St. Mary's, 
 and began business for himself as proprietor of a restaurant and saloon (in 
 which he is still engaged), embarking, in connection, in the grocery business 
 in 1874, and in 1884 in the manufacture of pop and other soft drinks. Mr. 
 Windfelder married, October 13, 1874, Kate, daughter of John Kaul, of St. 
 Mary's, and by her has five children: Rosa and Mary (twins), Albert, Andrew 
 and Irene. Mr. Windfelder is a member of the Catholic Church; in politics a 
 Democrat, and was deputy treasurer of Elk county under his father's adminis- 
 tration. 
 
 LEONAED WITTMANN, manufacturer of and dealer in carriages, St. 
 Mary's, was born in Bavaria, Germany, December 4, 1841, and is a son of 
 George and Barbara (Fisher) Wittmann, who came to this country and located 
 in St. Mary's in 1845. The family soon after moved to a farm in Benzinger 
 township, same county, which they cleared and improved, as well as part of 
 another farm. The parents both died in St. Mary's. Their children were 
 three in number, of whom the subject of this sketch is the only survivor. Mr. 
 Wittmann was reared and educated in St. Mary's, and in 1858 he began the 
 trade of a general blacksmith. After working in twenty-three different shops, 
 during a period of seven years, he, in 1866, started a shop of his own in St. 
 Mary's, which, with the exception of two years, he has conducted ever since; 
 from 1873 to 1877 he was in the hardware business with George Weidenboer- 
 ner. On June 27, 1865, Mr. Wittmann married Mary S, , daughter of Charles 
 and Mary (Herzog) Fischer, of St. Mary's, and by her has seven children liv- 
 ing: Mary B., Josephine M., Edward G., Annie, Albert J., Louis B. and 
 Henry J. Mr. Wittmann and family are members of the Catholic Church. 
 Politically he is a Democrat, and has held the offices of councilman six, and 
 school director nine years in succession. 
 
 HENRY YAGER, member of the firm of Yager & Co. , harness manufact- 
 urers, St. Mary's, was born in Eoda, Sachsen-Altenburg, Germany, March 18, 
 1850, and is a son of Julius and Christiana (Roediger) Yager. He was reared 
 in his native country, and served an apprenticeship of three years at the har- 
 ness and upholstery trades, after which he worked nine years as a journeyman, 
 and then for three years conducted business on his own account. In 1881 he 
 came to America and located in St. Mary's, where he worked three years in 
 the harness shop of Albert Weis; then embarked in business for himself in 
 conjunction with Andrew Kaul, under the firm name of Yager & Co. , and they 
 are now doing a successful and continually increasing business. Mr. Yager 
 was married, December 12, 1878, to Bertha Prueger, a native of Dorna, near 
 Roda, Sachsen-Altenburg, Germany. This lady died September 10, 1884, the 
 mother of three children: Anna, Paul and Emelia, the last .of whom died when 
 six weeks old. April 5, 1885, Mr. Yager took for his second wife Katharina 
 Leutung, also a native of Germany, and to this union one son, Frederick, was 
 born July 18, 1886. Mr. Yager is a member of the Lutheran Church, and in 
 politics is a Democrat. 
 
HISTORY OF CAMERON COUNTY, 
 
CAMERON COUNTY. 
 
 CHAPTER I. 
 
 TOPOGRAPHY AND NATURAL HISTORY. 
 
 Locality of County and Origin of Name— Altitudes— The New Pue- 
 CHASE— Aeea and Population— Topography— Natural History— Salt 
 AND Oil Wells— Floods, Storms and Forest Fires- Climatology. 
 
 AMONG the spurs of the Alleghanies, in latitude 40° 30 ' north, and longi- 
 tude 1° 15' west of Washington, D. C, upon the waters of the Sinne- 
 mahoning river and its tributaries, is Cameron county, named in honor of 
 Simon Cameron, a leading politician of Pennsylvania, when it was organized 
 March 29, 1860. 
 
 The altitudes are Emporium, 1,031 feet; hill south of Emporium junction, 
 "2,100; hill east of Beechwood, 2,080; Emporium junction, 1,019; hill above 
 court-house to outcrop of sandstone, 230 feet above elevation of the junction; 
 the highest point measured in Lumber township is 1,375 feet from the lowest 
 point, where the Sinnemahoning enters Gibson township to the summit on 
 the Kinzua-Emporium in the southeast corner of the township; Beechwood^ 
 ■depot, 1,252; hill just west of Driftwood depot, 2,025 feet above tide; Drift- 
 wood depot, 816 feet; Trump's hill, near summit, 2,095 feet; Huntley depot, 
 ■855 feet; summit, two and one-half miles from Huntley, 2,110; bridge below 
 Huntley, 845; opposite mouth of Mix run, 950; junction of roads, seven 
 miles from Driftwood, 2,035; Sinnemahoning depot, 794; Panther Rocks, four 
 miles from Sinnemahoning, 1,975; ridge, two and one-half miles south of 
 Sinnemahoning, 2,040; railroad at Preston ville, 1,185; Shippen depot, 1,201, 
 and Cochran's old camp, seven miles from mouth of Hick's run, 1,450 feet. 
 
 In 1784 the Indian title to the hills and valleys and rivers of this section 
 T^as extinguished by what is called the New Purchase, signed by the chiefs of 
 the Six Nations, October 23, 1784, and confirmed by the Wyandot and Del- 
 aware Indians January 21, 1785. Cameron county is within this New Pur- 
 chase, and sundry land warrants were taken from the laud office in 1785, and 
 surveyed in 1786, among which are the James Hamilton warrant, partly in 
 the borough of Emporium, and the Ephraim Blaine warrant, comprising the 
 farms of Sage and Wiley; also the John Wilson warrant, lying within the 
 borough of Emporium, which was dated and surveyed in 1787. 
 
 The area of the county is 381 square miles or 243,840 acres, and the popu- 
 lation in 1880 was 5,159, an increase of 886 in ten years. Of this number 
 Emporium claimed 1,156, and Driftwood 504, in 1880. In November, 1888, 
 there were 782 Republican, 551 Democratic, and 12 Prohibitionist votes cast, 
 showing a population of 6,725; but it is safe to say that, in view of the vast 
 improvements making and the growth of iron and coal industries, the census 
 of 1890 will credit this little county with over 8,000 inhabitants. 
 
816 HISTORY OF CAMEEON COUNTY. 
 
 Nearly the whole county ia well drained by the Sinnemahoning river, which 
 empties into the west branch of the Susquehanna. There are five veins of 
 bituminous coal in the county, all of them workable. The soil is adapted to. 
 produce all the grasses and cereals. The timber consists of white pine, white 
 oak, hemlock, elm, butternut, cherry, sugar maple and several varieties of oak 
 and pine. Leather, iron and lumber are the principal manufacturing indus- 
 tries here. The waters abound with many kinds of fish, and the forests are- 
 the rendezvous of deer, black bear, wild turkey and other game. Large tan- 
 neries, using hemlock bark, are established in this county. Coal is occasion- 
 ally taken from its bed and forwarded to market. Flax was much cultivated 
 among the earlier settlers, and some attention was paid to raising sheep, but 
 the old-time lumber industry claimed most attention from them. A specimen 
 of the pine with which the pioneers dealt is seldom met with to-day, but the 
 tree which W. L. Ensign cut down in February, 1867, in clearing his lot, 
 points out what the pioneer forest was. This tree yielded five sixteen-foot 
 clear logs, or 5,000 feet of timber. A pine cut on Dr. Bryan's lot in 1876 
 was 105 feet high. It was used as the Liberty Pole in July of that year. 
 
 In the following chapters many stories are related of the chase. To show 
 that the territory is not yet rid of the wild habitants of the forest the following 
 memoranda of modern hunting adventures are given: "In July, 1871, thir- 
 teen rattlesnakes were killed on the ridge between Mix and Wykoff runs by 
 Brooks, Trump and Nelson. In some of the reptiles were five and six soft- 
 shelled eggs, nearly as large as hens' eggs .... In September, 1873, Harry 
 Lupole and Eice English killed twenty- one rattlesnakes near Mahlon Root's 
 house in Grove township. The reptiles were discovered in a hollow log .... 
 In August, 1886, Jack Spence walked into the rattlesnake rendezvous on the 
 hill above the tannery at Emporium. Seeing himself surrounded, he fled for 
 means of defense and, returning, killed four reptiles, one measuring four feet 
 two inches, and carrying fifteen rattles. In May, 1889, a Mr. Bancker killed 
 one of the reptiles on the Bennett' s branch road. 
 
 In November, 1873, a large black bear was seen on the Philadelphia &. 
 Erie Railroad, a mile west of Emporium. In 1872 George Warner killed two- 
 bears near the borough. In November, 1875, DeWitt, of Driftwood, went 
 hunting partridges, accompanied by his dog, and when he got on Mix's run, 
 came across a bear. The bear and dog got up an unpleasantness, and DeWitt 
 thought he would give old bruin the contents of his gun, although it con- 
 tained nothing but bird-shot. The shot took effect, but the effect of the shot 
 was more disagreeable to the shootist than to the bear. The animal got terri- 
 bly enraged and made for the hunter, and there were lively times for a few 
 minutes between the hunter, the dog and the bear. DeWitt fought with the 
 breech of his gun, dealing some heavy and well-aimed blows, and the dog 
 skirmished around, to the great annoyance of the bear. Like the first battle of 
 Bull Run, both enemies were defeated, but DeWitt was the first party to make 
 a retreat, and the bear didn't follow. Even at the present day the bear is 
 found by the remnant of the old hunting circle .... Representatives of the deer 
 tribe exist here, but in small numbers. In the history of McKean county, 
 where the Rice wedding is described, reference is made to the deer of this sec- 
 tion, and in other chapters of this part of the work, the deer and their hunters 
 claim some notice from that notorious hunt of 1810 down to the beginning of 
 the war .... A bald eagle was killed by Frank Lewis on the Lewis farm in 
 Rich Yalley in April, 1884. The bird measured eighty-seven inches from tip 
 to tip. A golden eagle was captured in Shippen township, November 12, 1889, 
 in a fox trap. He, however, broke the chain and carried the trap into the air. 
 
HISTOEl or CAMERON COUNTY. 817 
 
 He was followed all day, and in the evening alighted on a hemlock tree, where 
 chain and trap held him until his captors killed him. The bird weighed forty- 
 five pounds, and measured eight feet and four inches from tip to tip of wings. 
 The body was prepared by M. M. Larrabee, and was purchased by the Knights 
 of the Golden Eagle, at Cameron, for their castle hall. 
 
 At or immediately below the Second Fork, in the borough of Driftwood, 
 was a large salt lick used by deer and elk, and at this point a salt well was 
 sunk sixty-five feet in depth, salt water obtained and salt manufactured by the 
 Lycoming Salt Company and the citizens for the several years, from 1811 to 
 1819. In 1830 or 1831 the salt works near Sizerville were opened. In modern 
 times a search for oil commenced. The well bored at Emporium in 1876 pre- 
 sented the following strata: Surface sand, 40 feet; mountain sand, 138; stray 
 sand, 240; regular first sand, 548; regular second sand, 890; total depth, 1,004 
 feet. The casing of well extended down 529 feet. In January, 1878, the Hughs- 
 ton well was down 500 feet, the water being shut off at 426 feet. Taylor, Aiken 
 ■& Feet's well was down 700 feet, 525 feet being cased. Other ventures are also 
 recorded in this volume in connection with township and borough history. 
 
 The county has been subject to large periodical floods. It is said the In- 
 dians had a tradition that these floods came regularly every fourteen years. 
 One of these occurred in 1847, which swept away houses containing families. 
 The house of James Miller, of Bennett's branch, was swept away with himself 
 and family within. This Miller died April 2, 1877. He and family were living 
 in a small log cabin built on the bank of the stream below Miller's Bend, when 
 in the autumn of 1847 (as a good many readers will remember), there came a 
 Tery high flood, the streams rising suddenly; Mr. Miller neglected to leave the 
 house until it was too late. By night the banks were overflowing and the water 
 was sweeping everything before it. The cabin of course was swept away and 
 floated in a whole condition for about a mile, when the roof fell in injuring all 
 the family more or less. Mr. Miller and his two oldest boys saved themselves 
 by jumping on the top of a tree as they went by it. Mr. Miller endeavored to 
 take his wife with him, but in her efforts to save her three remaining little 
 ones lost her own life. It was supposed that the mother and two of the chil- 
 dren were drowned immediately after the tearing asunder of the house. Little 
 Charley, about five years old, was seen the next morning clinging to a tree in 
 the middle of the stream, with the merciless waters roaring around him. It 
 must have been a sad sight to have seen that babe hurried on to certain death, 
 without any one being able to render him any assistance. He was seen passing 
 Sinnemahoning and was never heard of after. Mrs. Miller was found below 
 Sinnemahoning, all buried in the sand excepting one hand. Mr. Miller and 
 the two boys remained in their perilous position for two days and nights before 
 succor could reach them. Mr. Miller' s oldest son went to the army and was 
 iilled, and is sleeping in the "Sunny South." There is but one of the three 
 left to tell of that bitter night. Moses Lucore's family escaped from their log 
 house. As they passed the hog- pen the animals were set free, and when the 
 family returned, two of the largest hogs were found in the bed. 
 
 The next flood was in October, 1861. It carried off large storehouses, 
 •among them being one belonging to Brooks & Eldred, at Cameron. The next 
 great flood was in 1865. This was not quite so high in the creek as the former, 
 but very high and destructive on the river. The flood of April 2, 1884, caused 
 by the log- jam in Howard's dam, converted Fourth street in Emporium into 
 ■a river, the water being two feet deep at the Press office. 
 
 The flood of May and June, 1889, was the greatest since 1861, and even more 
 •destructive here. Fortunately, it came down in the day-time, and to that fact 
 
818 HISTOEY OF CAMEEON COUNTY. 
 
 there is no record of loss of life. The damage to property in Emporium alon& 
 did not fall short of 150,000, not including the loss of C. B. Howard & Sons, 
 who estimate it at from $30,000 to $40,000. Henry Ischua, who runs Howard 
 & Sons' mill, reports losing $500 worth of oil and tallow. The dyking to the 
 Pelt flouring-mill pond, in which Hacket & Sons' logs were stored, gave way 
 at 10 A. M. , letting out some 400,000 feet of logs, which started down the val- 
 ley at a 2 :40 gait, across the lands lately purchased by the Mankey Furniture 
 Company and the Freeman property, most of them pushing out into the main 
 stream and heading for tide water. I. M. Eeynolds had twenty-five swarms 
 of bees swept away. 
 
 West creek was on its worst behavior. Commencing at Beechwood, it tore- 
 out the big dam of Hall, Kaul & Co. , letting out an immense amount of logs, 
 which went down about a mile and piled up in a huge mass and stayed there. 
 Truman's dam was next struck by the mad torrent, gave way, and away went 
 all the logs in his pond. The waters rushed on, and ran against the Buck- 
 waiter dam, some four miles below, and carried it' along, together with some- 
 150,000 feet of logs, giving the raging current fresh impetus, and when it 
 reached the Whittemore & Gaskill dam, three miles farther down, it did not 
 stop its speed, but took it along without any ceremiony, together with a large 
 quantity of logs, and on it sped. Beaching the Driftwood stream at the- 
 upper end of the borough, it seemed to run right over it in nearly a straight 
 line, directly through the town, carrying with it every conceivable sort of 
 debris, submerging the town and filling many of the business places to a depth 
 of from five to six feet. The Portage was a terribly raging stream, but there- 
 being no mills or dams on it, it contented itself with washing out the bottom 
 lands, fences and bridges — all except one. The new iron bridge across the 
 stream at the lower end of the borough went with the others. At Cameron, 
 the W. W. Barrows dam on Hunt's run gave way, letting loose 500,000 feet of 
 logs, carrying away about half of his big steam mill, all of the bridges and 
 doing much damage to others in the little town. At Driftwood and up Ben- 
 nett's branch, as well as at Sinnemahoning, the wild waters played havoc, 
 destroying much valuable property, public and private. T. B. Lloyd reported 
 the following rainfall at Emporium for the year 1889: January, 2.75 inches j 
 February, 1.61; March, 1.44; April, 3.66; May, 8.04; June, 4.63;' July, 7.08? 
 August, 3.^23; September, 2.84; October, 8.70; November, 5.11, and Decem- 
 ber, 3. 85, or a total fall of 47. 89 inches. This measurement applies not only 
 to Emporium, but also to the county. 
 
 The tornado of July 5, 1876, destroyed some property on the First Pork. This 
 storm passed in a northerly direction, blowing down about one-third of Sylves- 
 ter Smith's orchard, and, crossing the creek, blew down apple trees, besides 
 forest trees and fences .... The whirlwind of April, 1877, originated on the 
 mountain, north of Emporium. Good-sized trees were twisted and thrown 
 down, and limbs of trees were scattered around in a promiscuous manner. The 
 wind lasted but a few minutes, and was confined to a limited space. The storm 
 of July, 1884, damaged the country on North creek. The estate of J. C. 
 Chandler was greatly damaged, all the fences being blown down, a number of 
 fruit trees destroyed, two barns destroyed and the dwelling-house moved frorct 
 the foundation and set directly over the well. William Lewis had an unfin- 
 ished house demolished. A large number of hemlock trees, about 100 acres, 
 were blown down. A. K. Morton's orchard, in Rich Valley, was almost com- 
 pletely destroyed .... The storm of May 21, 1888, struck the Cameron Iron 
 Works and destroyed the large brick building. The lumber yards suffered 
 some losses, while the forest on Clear creek, where S. S. Hacket had sixteen 
 
# 
 
 HISTOBY OF CAMEEON COUNTY. 819 
 
 men peeling bark, and at Howard's Camp, was tossed round like so many 
 straws — the men escaping fatal injuries. A. horseman from Cameron to Em- 
 porium had his animal killed by a falling tree. 
 
 From an early period in the history of this section of Pennsylvania, forest 
 fires have been spoken of, but only in recent years has any special notice been 
 given to them — a fact due to the increase of population and the establishment 
 of the newspaper. In October, 1871, the old L. T. More saw-mill, one mile 
 west, was burned in the forest fire. The forest fire of May 12, 1872, destroyed 
 many dollars' worth of timber on the hills and in the valleys of Cameron county. 
 Amos Lorshbaugh, on the First Fork, lost his house and barn with contents, 
 together with sheep, hogs and cattle. The fires of April and May, 1884, were 
 the greatest ever known here. For a week circles of flame surrounded the 
 hills, but the storm coming up urged on the fiery element, and may be said 
 to have begun the work of destruction at Sterling, as recorded in the history 
 of that village. The scene in the forests defied description. The flames leaped 
 fifty feet in the air, sweeping everything. Great sheets of flame would sweep 
 across a clearing half a mile in length. While the destruction of property was 
 great, it is almost a miracle that anything was saved — the heat was so intense 
 that logs in the streams caught fire and burned like cord- wood. Other fires 
 are noticed in the local chapters. 
 
 The winter of 1843 was remarkable for its unusual mildness during the 
 month of January, as well as for its great severity later in the season. In 
 January it was as warm as it ordinarily is in the month of May. The grass 
 grew to the height of four or five inches. Some plowed their corn land, and 
 many, foolishly supposing the winter was past, threw away their fodder. In 
 February it changed to cold and snow, continuing to increase in severity all 
 through that month as well as March. On the 13th of April the snow about 
 Emporium was so deep that it would reach to a man's vest pockets in walking 
 through it. On the I4th it melted a little, and by the 20th it was all gone. 
 During the last forty- six years there have been very few complaints of climate. 
 The beautiful valleys and picturesque hills are in themselves guardians of the 
 weather, as well as of the health, insuring to the inhabitants an atmosphere 
 under which the young may attain the highest physical state, and the old may 
 prolong their days. 
 
 CHAPTEE II. 
 
 ABORIGINES AND PIONEERS. 
 
 Indian Relics— Interesting Find— Fights with Indians— Adventures and 
 Murders— Dr. Lanning's Account— Lands in 1811— Early Settlers and 
 Settlements- Experiences and Privations of the Pioneers— Life on 
 
 THE SINNEMAHONING IN 1839-40— HUNTERS' StOBIES— HIGHWAYMEN. 
 
 THE pages devoted to the Indians of McKean county tell who the first 
 occupants of this section were within the historic period. Evidences of 
 Indian occupation are numerous; but little is known of tribal names in con- 
 nection with such occupation. At Sinnemahoning there are evidences that 
 extensive Indian towns stood on the flats between the mouth of First Fork and 
 
820 HISTORY OF CAMEEON COUNTY. 
 
 a point two miles westward. Numerous wigwam chimneys, in rows, some fif- 
 teen feet high, were exposed by the washing away of the surface soil dur- 
 ing the floods of 1848 and 1861, and the cultivation of the soil by the early 
 settlers. When the pioneers arrived here the place was known as " The Lodge, ' ' 
 a name given to it by the Indians. Near Millers', on Bennett's branch, there 
 is an Indian cemetery, and various relics have been exhumed elsewhere 
 within the county. Stone axes and arrow heads have been found in many 
 places, made from brown quartz, which is not found native in this region. 
 Some specimens of moss-agate, or mocha-stone, are said to have been found. 
 There is a semi-pellucid uncrystallized variety of quartz, having internally a 
 moss-like appearance, and must have been carried by the Indians from beyond 
 the Eocky mountains. Some persons engaged in digging a ditch in the rear 
 of Charles Barclay' s residence in Sinnemahoning in April, 1877, unearthed the 
 remains of an Indian. The body had evidently been buried over a century, 
 and had returned to dust — but small portions of the skull and a few bones 
 remaining to show that it had been a human body. On the same spot were also 
 found blue beads, an iron tomahawk (a fine piece of workmanship), a steel 
 needle, evidently used for sewing skins, an ornament of some kind, of metallic 
 substance, and a clay pipe. The pipe is in a good state of preservation, and 
 a rare curiosity, having an unique figure-head and arms. The Indians in this 
 section of the country did not know the art of pottery work, and it is presumed 
 that the pipe was made by the pre-historic people. 
 
 In 1873 excavations were made for a cellar under the post-office building 
 at Sterling Run, in this county. The building had been removed from its for- 
 mer site about forty feet, and hence the demand for the excavation for a cellar 
 under the building at its new site. Mr. Earl, the proprietor of the grounds, 
 in making these excavations, found human bones, and proceeded the more care- 
 fully to continue hia work, which, when completed, disclosed seventeen skele- 
 tons, evidently of Indian origin. All except two were of ordinary grown 
 stature, while one measured seven and a half feet from the cranium to the heel 
 bones. The bones had all remained undisturbed. They lay with their feet 
 toward each other in a three-quarter circle, that is some with their heads to 
 the east, and then northeasterly to the north, and then northwesterly to the 
 west. There had been a fire at the center, between their feet, as ashes and 
 coals were found there. The skeletons, excepting one smaller than the rest, 
 were all as regularly arranged as they would be naturally in a sleeping camp 
 of similar dimensions. The bones were many of them in a good state of pres- 
 ervation, particularly the jaw bones and teeth, and some of the leg bones and 
 skulls. The stalwart skeleton had a stoneware or clay pipe between his teeth, 
 as if in the act of smoking. By his side was found a vase, or urn, of earthern- 
 ware or stoneware, which would hold about a half gallon. This vessel was 
 about one-third filled with a granulated substance resembling chopped tobacco 
 stems, or some kind of seeds. The vase was gourd-shaped on the bottom and 
 without a base to stand upon, the exterior had corrugated lines crossing each 
 other diagonally from the rim; the rim was serrated, and the whole gave evidence 
 that it had been constructed with some skill and care, yet there was a lack of 
 symmetry and beauty of form, which the race at that period were evidently 
 ignorant of. The skeletons were covered about thirty inches deep, twenty- 
 four inches of which was red shale, or brick clay, the six inches on the surface 
 being soil and clay. The soil had been formed from the decayed leaves of the 
 forest, which had mingled with the clay for centuries. The ground had been 
 heavily timbered with white pine and white oak. No large trees, however, 
 grew immediately over this spot, and no roots disturbed the relics. This spot 
 
iC'-t-'^-yvi, 
 
HISTOBY OF OAMEEON COUNTY. 823 
 
 tad been cultivated since 1818, and for the last ten years preceding 1873 had 
 ibeen used as a garden. John Brooks visited the ground, and examined the 
 location and position of the skeletons while being exhumed. One, the smallest 
 had been in an erect or crouched position, in the north vcest corner of the domi- 
 cile. The most reasonable theory (in the view of the writer) is that this was 
 the habitation of the people, and that their hut had been constructed of adobe. 
 The surrounding grounds are gravelly, and is also the floor upon which the 
 skeletons lay. It would seem that the gravel had been scooped away to the 
 depth of two feet, and that the hut had been built over the excavation, and that 
 while reclining in their domicile some electric storm had in a moment extin- 
 guished their lives, precipitating, at the same time, their hut upon them, thus 
 •securing them from the ravages of the beasts of the forest. 
 
 The celebrated battle of Peter Grove with the Indians took place at the 
 ' jnouth of a creek called Grove's run, which empties into the Sinnemahon- 
 ing, about three-quarters of a mile above the mouth of the First Fork of 
 the Sinnemahoning. This battle occurred long before this region was set- 
 tled by the whites. 
 
 Anthony Grove is registered as a private in Capt. Joseph Shippen's com- 
 pany, May 8, 1756 [Penna. Archives, Vol. 2, page 600], of the regiment of 
 •Col. William Chapman, garrisoned at Fort Augusta, Shamokin. The ' ' Bald 
 Eagle's nest," was the residence of an Indian chief of that name, who built 
 his wigwam between two white oaks, situated in an old Indian town, on the 
 right bank of the creek, about a mile below where Spring Creek enters the 
 Bald Eagle, near the town of Milesburg. Bald Eagle, the chief of the Muncy 
 tribe, made an attack on a party of soldiers who were protecting some reapers 
 •on the Loyal- Sock, on August 8, 1778, in which attack, James Brady, a rela- 
 tive of the Grove family by marriage, was mortally wounded. Bald Eagle 
 was killed the following year, in June, by Samuel Brady, at Brady's bend, on 
 the Allegheny. This was the year known as the "great runaway." Shortly 
 .after this time the Indians attacked Preeland's fort, situate about four miles 
 up Warrior's run, Freeland and Isaac Vincent being killed and Benjamin Vin- 
 -cent taken prisoner, Peter Vincent and Sam Brady escaping. 
 
 Francis J. Chadwick, writing in 1878, speaks of the days when the Indians 
 ■and settlers of the North Atlantic coast were at war, and brings his remi- 
 niscences down to the Revolution, when the Indians perpetrated the atrocities 
 recorded in history. He begins with the massacre of Buffalo Valley, and in- 
 troduces Peter and Michael Grove, from the former of whom William Floyd 
 received the story of Indian warfare. John Brooks, in 1876, also noticed this 
 point. Floyd went down the river in the fall of 1839. Big river was then 
 low, so that he tied up at Shamokin, returned through Buffalo Valley and 
 called on Peter Grove, just two years before the pioneer's death. In 1842 
 Floyd related the story to Chadwick, who published it in the columns of the 
 Press in 1878. It appears that after the massacre the two Groves with a 
 friend resolved upon revenge, and, taking the trail of the savages, followed 
 them to the river, at the mouth of the Scootack, and thence up the valley to 
 the mouth of the Sinnemahoning, and up that valley to a small run above 
 the Pork. Below that run the Indians stuck their hatchets in a large oak 
 and made a verj^ small gnat smoke, when all but one lay down to sleep. That 
 one sat under the hatchets with his back against the tree. There was a young 
 moon, the light of which showed twelve warriors sleeping, and this one keep- 
 ing watch. The sentry would nod, wake up, look round as if conscious of 
 danger, while Peter Grove stood near waiting the moment for revenge. It 
 came! The moon went down, and the two Groves and friend descended on the 
 
824 HISTORY OF CAMERON COUNTY. 
 
 camp, killing the sentry and seven of the others, leaving one to flee with a. 
 hatchet in his back, and four to escape. Breaking the locks of the Indian 
 guns and hiding them in a creek, the avengers waded the creek to the river, 
 which they crossed, and ascended the mountain, from which eminence they 
 could see at sunrise, a body of twenty-five warriors on their trail. About three 
 in the afternoon, Michael Grove and the unnamed companion resolved on 
 sleeping, but Peter objected. The men, however, slept, leaving Peter on 
 guard. A greenish -yellow plumaged bird, found only in dense forests, now 
 came to warn him, and seemed to say, " up and away." He roused his friends 
 and fled toward the settlers' Fort (near the confluence of the Bald Eagle and 
 Susquehanna), and when within seven miles of this refuge, they saw the twenty- 
 five Indians still on their trail, but at the river the savages lost the track, 
 and to the delight of the fugitives went up the stream. The white oak at 
 Grove's run, into which the Indians stuck their tomahawks, was about thirty 
 inches in diameter; a smooth, handsome body, but short, being about twenty 
 feet to the lowest limb. It stood there, with the marks of the thirteen hatch- 
 ets until after the great flood of October 8, 1847, the waters of which washed 
 the clay from its roots, leaving it to decay and to the mercy of the great flood. 
 of 1861, which carried it away. About the year 1820, the pond at the mouth 
 of Grove creek, where the battle occurred, was drained, and a gun-barrel and 
 lock found, which had not been recovered by the Indians. The marks of a 
 dozen tomahawks were visible in the limb of the old oak tree, until it fell into 
 the river, by the constant washings of the bank where it stood. The tree fell 
 about 1835. 
 
 Peter Vincent was murdered at the mouth of the Sinnemahoning in 1824, 
 the deed being so adroitly done that it seemed he fell from a young horse and 
 crushed his head; Benjamin Walker, of Northumberland, was also killed; but 
 two years later, peace being established, seven Indians told Walker's son of the 
 horrible punishment to which they subjected his father. He treated them ta 
 whisky liberally, and left them to return to their camp. Later that night Ben- 
 jamin Walker, his brother and Samuel Doyle descended on the camp, killed 
 all the savages, and cast the bodies intothe river. Judge McKean issued a 
 warrant for the arrest of the Walkers, who fled, leaving, Samuel Doyle to be 
 tried by the old judge. The jury, in opposition to the judge's instruction, de- 
 clared Doyle not guilty, and the people carried him in triumph to his home. 
 
 Dr. Lanning, in his Centennial History, founded on recollections of John 
 Brooks and others, states that the first survey made in this county was performed 
 by John Eohrer in 1786. He ran out the ground upon which the Emporium 
 Tannery stands, and for some distance above that. John Hanna ran out som e 
 lots up the Portage, and also the diamond lots, upon which Rich Valley was 
 afterward located, in 1792 or 1794. The first improvement made within the 
 limits of the county was the building of the EUicott road in 1806. This ex- 
 tended through the county, and also through what is now called McKean 
 county, and into Cattaraugus county, N. Y., terminating at Ellicottsville The- 
 object of the road was to render accessible the lands belonging to the Holland 
 Land Company, which lay along the latter portion of its route, and at its ter- 
 mination. F. J. Chadwick, speaking on this subject, says: "In 1806 Joseph 
 Bllicott, with Joseph Mason for his foreman and book-keeper, constructed a. 
 wagon road from Dunnstown up the Susquehanna river to Cook's run. There 
 they left the river and went over Baird' s mountain to the valley of the Sinne- 
 mahoning, near Round island; thence up the Sinnemahoning to the Big Elk 
 lick, on the Driftwood branch, thence northwestwardly over the high lands. 
 They crossed Marvin creek about seven miles west of Smethport, and took the-- 
 
HISTORY OF CAMERON COUNTY. 825 
 
 high lands again, and went down the Tunuangwant creek on the branch upon 
 which the Mount Alton Railroad is now constructed. It was continued down 
 said creek to its mouth ; then it crossed the Allegheny river and ended at Elli- 
 cottsville, in Cattaraugus county, N. Y. It was the only wagon road on the 
 Sinnemahoning for many years." 
 
 The first settlement made in the county was at the site now called Drift- 
 wood. It was then, and for a long time afterward, known as Second Fork,, 
 Sinnemahoning being known as First Fork. The first man who settled 
 there was John Jordan. This occurred in the year 1804. Jordan was a man 
 about forty years of age. He was a great hunter, and probably was led to- 
 seek a home in this remote and solitary wilderness as much on account of his 
 fondness for the chase, and the abundant opportunities the country at that time 
 afPorded for its gratification, as for any other reason. He is said to have killed 
 ninety six elk. He had five sons: Hugh, John, William, James and Andrew, 
 whose descendants are in the county at the present time. The next year, 1806, 
 Jordan was followed by Levi Hicks, Andrew Overturf and Samuel Smith, the 
 two former having families, and the latter being a single man. Levi Hicks set- 
 tled between the First Fork and Second Fork, on ground afterward known as 
 the ShafPer farm, now occupied by Maiden WykofP. He here cleared about 
 thirty acres of land, which, in 181'^, he sold to Jacob Burge, who had settled 
 near him a year or two previous. Hicks then removed up the Bennett's 
 branch to the mouth of Hicks' run, and took up land which is now occupied 
 by his descendants. His son, John, is still living, a man seventy-eight years 
 of age, whose memory is still clear touching the history of those early days. 
 John was eight years old when the family first moved here, and has been a resi- 
 dent of this county over seventy years. Levi, the father, was thirty-five years 
 of age when he moved to the country, and had the honor of making and run- 
 ning the first raft ever taken down the Sinnemahoning. Andrew Overturf set- 
 tled on the point of land at the confluence of the two streams, the Driftwood 
 and the Bennett's branches. It was at his house the incident occurred which 
 has been the occasion of so much merriment abroad at the expense of the early 
 settlers of this country. The settlement which we have already noticed, be- 
 tween the First Fork and Second Fork, extended itself shortly in four different 
 directions up the Bennett's and Driftwood branches, down the main creek, and 
 up the First Fork. In 1808 William Nanny settled a short distance up the Ben- 
 nett's branch, at the mouth of a small run which bears his name at the pres- 
 ent day. He was called Billy Nanny, the first instance on record where a sin- 
 gle person represented both sexes of the goat. About the year 1810, or some 
 time shortly afterward, Stephen Berfield settled on this side of the stream, near 
 the site of the hotel. He shortly after sold his improvement to Edward 
 Eichey, and moved to Dent's run, in Elk county, making the first improvement 
 there. About the same time Andrew and James Jordan, brothers of John, the 
 first settlers in the county, settled up the Driftwood branch, the former near 
 William Nelson's place, and the latter near Harrison Logue's place. In 1810 
 John Spangler advanced still farther up the stream, and settled between what 
 is now known as Cameron and Sterling, on ground now occupied and owned by 
 James and Thomas Strawbridge. 
 
 Under date of December 16, 1811,William Coxe, William McMurtrie, Edward 
 Shippen and W. S. Coxe issued circulars from Burlington, N. J., showing the 
 value of their lands in McKean and Clearfield counties. They refer to the 
 Portage road, commencing two miles below Eich Valley, where a dozen of fam- 
 ilies then resided, to a road then opening from Instanter to Kersey' s mills, four 
 miles from their tract, to the Ellicott road, laid out some years before by the 
 
826 HI8T0BY OF CAMERON COUNTY. 
 
 Holland Land Company, Ihrough the town of Eich Valley, within ten miles of 
 the salt works then erected, and close to the grist-mill in operation there and 
 the saw-mill then being constructed by Col. Chadwick, who with Dr. Daniel 
 Rogers were the agents of the company, the latter residing on Bennett's branch. 
 The route from the North Atlantic States was via Chenango Point to Dr. Wil- 
 lard's, at Tioga; thence to Ellis on State road via Crooked creek; thence through 
 Coudersport to Canoe place, whence a road by the Portage branch of the Sin- 
 nemahoning, twenty-three miles, leads to the tract. In 1811 or 1812 Joseph 
 Mason settled about a mile below Sterling on ground now occupied by his son, 
 Henry Mason. His male descendants were Joseph, James, Henry, John, "Will- 
 iam and Alexander, three of whom are living still near the spot first occupied 
 and improved by their father. About the year 1812 or 1814 John Shaffer, 
 Wilfiam Sterling, John Strawbridge and Joseph Kichey, father of Eobert and 
 Joseph, living near Cameron, came to Sterling run and settled in the imme- 
 diate vicinity. About the same time also Isaac McKisson settled at Hunt's run, 
 so called from the family to whom the lands belonged. This is the present 
 village of Cameron. Meanwhile the settlement had pushed in other directions. 
 Jacob Burge had settled in 1809 or 1810 near to the Hick's improvenient, and 
 in 1812 bought it from Levi Hicks, who removed to the mouth of Hick's run, 
 where his descendants remain to this day. Shortly after this Jacob Miller and 
 Amos Mix settled up Bennett' s branch, near the mouth of Mix run, also Thomas 
 Dent nearer to the village of Driftwood. Other settlers kept filling up the colony. 
 Jerry Gaines, a colored man and a fugitive from slavery in the State of Vir- 
 ginia, settled and improved land near the present Grove station. He was after- 
 ward bought out by William Floyd. John Ramage settled near the Fork 
 in 1813, and shortly afterward Joseph Brooks and Benjamin Brooks, his father, 
 who was also the father of John Brooks, Esq. , settled in the same vicinity. 
 The former remained in the county, the latter removing to the Irwin farm, near 
 the present city of Lock Haven, where his son, John, was born in 1814. Again 
 he returned to the county, and in 1819 settled near the Fork, and the next year 
 moved to the Huntley farm and made improvements. His son, John Brooks, is 
 a distinguished citizen of the county, and can at the present time count 458 
 descendants of his father within a radius of twenty-five miles from his residence 
 near Sinnemahoning. In 1812 William A. Wykoff, from Monmouth, N. J., came 
 to the country, and after prospecting a while concluded to settle up Rich Val- 
 ley, near the present residence of William Lewis. He chiseled his name and 
 the date upon a stone and returned for his family. In coming with his family, 
 the water became so low that it was impossible to push up the stream the canoe 
 containing his family and goods, which at that time was the only mode of trav- 
 eling in the country; he was therefore compelled to settle at what is now 
 known as Wykoff run. His sons were Cyrenus, John, William, Alexander and 
 Charles, some of whom with their descendants are well-known citizens of the 
 county at the present time. 
 
 James Bailey, who died May 28, 1876, came to Sinnemahoning in 1815. He 
 was one of four of the first who came to Sinnemahoning that were born from 
 August 20 to October 25, 1800, and died within two months, or from March 
 29 to May 28, 1876; John M. Lloyd died March 29; Mrs. Elizabeth Miller, on 
 April 7; John WykofP, April 9, and James Bailey, May 28, 1876; Frederick 
 Sizer died also in the Centennial year. In the years l8l6-17 George, Archie 
 and Thomas Logue settled at the mouth of the First Fork on the lower side of 
 the creek. In 1820 William Barr, who was born near the present city of Lock 
 Haven, and raised about four miles below Keating, removed to his present 
 location on Bennett' s branch at the mouth of Barr run. He was twenty-two 
 
HISTOEY OF CAMEBON COUNTY. 827 
 
 years of age. Some time, about 1820 or 1822, JamtjgWylie and John Murrey 
 settled about twelve miles up the First Fork. Isaac Brownson and the Logues. 
 had previously settled a short distance up. They were followed shortly by 
 others, mostly descendants of those who had settled near the mouth of the Fork. 
 In 1826 Jacob Smith, father of Samuel Smith, and others of that name, came 
 to Sterling run accompanied by Samuel Chapman, father of those of that 
 name living there now, and the Widow Summerson, with her son John and a 
 daughter; John was then a lad of five years of age. 
 
 Having followed the history of the first settlement for twenty-one years, 
 we go back to 1810 and trace that of the second settlement, which was located 
 on the site of the present borough of Emporium. In the spring of 1810 John 
 Earl, Sr., father of the present John Earl of that borough, a native of North 
 Carolina, thirty-five years of age, accompanied by his sons, John and William,, 
 came to the vicinity of Lock Haven, or rather Big Island, as it then was termed. 
 They here fell in with the agent for Grifiith & Company's lands, situated in the 
 upper part of this county. They were induced by him to come up the stream 
 to this place. All above Hunt's run was then an unbroken wilderness. They 
 settled first about two miles up the main stream, at what is known as Georgia. 
 Mill or Gearysburg, they cleared a piece of land here, but were shortly fol- 
 lowed by two of their former neighbors, Philemon Preny and Earl Mastin, who 
 purchased their improvements, when they again located near the Portage on the- 
 site now occupied by Hon. Seneca Freeman. After remaining there three or four 
 years, having some dispute about the price of the land, which belonged to a non- 
 resident by the name of Wilson, they again removed. The land was then pur- 
 chased of Wilson by Col. E. Chadwick,* in 1813, who sold it to D. Crow,t- 
 who, with Lemuel Lucore, Sr., and others, had come into the country in 1816. 
 The Earls then located on land that had not been taken up, at the confluence 
 of West creek and the main branch near Isha Craven's. Here they built a 
 saw-mill and a grist-mill. 
 
 In 1814 Seneca Freeman, then a young man of twenty-one years, visited 
 through this country, stopping a short time at the Earl's. J In 1817 Brewster, 
 father of Seneca, accompanied by his family, comprising four sons, Seneca, 
 Brewster, Samuel and Benjamin, moved to the country and settled on the 
 ground now occupied by the Wylie and Sage farms. In the fall of 1 810, the first 
 year of the settlement, Mr. John Earl, Sr. , started on a visit to see his nearest 
 neighbor, John Spangler, who, as we have seen, had settled between Cameron 
 and Sterling. His son, John, proposed he should carry his gun along, as he 
 might possibly meet with game on the way. The father was not inclined to 
 do so, but finally yielded to the persuasion of his son. As he came near the 
 spot where the Canoe run bridge is now located, he heard a singular noise, 
 which attracted his attention. He stopped a moment to reconnoiter, and ob- 
 served a motion in the bushes. On closer inspection he perceived, at a very 
 short distance in advance of him, a very large panther. The beast had seen 
 him first, and was standing near a rock congratalating himself on the prospect . 
 
 * Eliliu Chadwick was appointed lieutenant-colonel of the Third Kegiment vice James Green, promoted, 
 from Monmouth county, N. J. Richard Chadwick states that this commission was signed hy Washington. 
 His memorandum of Eevolutionary affairs, In 1770, refers to the landing of the Britlsli and refugees near 
 Sandy Hook, June 10, and the manner in which Capt. Jeremiah Chadwick and Lieut. ElUiu Chadwick struck 
 their trail while reconnoitering on the nth, sent for help to the camp of the Continentals, drove the British 
 to their boats, then poured in such a Are as to force them to take refuge under the banks, and after a terrible 
 battle conquered. 
 
 tLydla Crow Freeman, born In Hampden county, Mass., in 1801, came with her father, David Crow, Ini 
 1816, married Seneca Freeman in 1818, died December 2, 1886. 
 
 i Marianne Freeman, who died at Eichard Chadwlck's house, in Eich Valley, August 11, 1888, was 
 born in Connecticut, January 17, 1807. She came with her father, Brewster Freeman, to Emporium in 1817, 
 settling where Judge Wiley resides, and was the last survivor of this family. Her grandmother, Margaret . 
 (Brewster) Freeman, was a great-granddaughter of Brewster, who came to Plymouth Eock in 1623. 
 
.•828 HISTOBI OF CAMEKON COUNTY. 
 
 of a dainty meal, by flapping his tail against the rock Mr. Earl lost no time 
 in obtaining accurate information as to his position, and taking sight at him 
 with the gun which, happily for him, was now at hand, he fired, hitting the 
 beast through the head; he then speedily reloaded and with a second shot com- 
 pletely dispatched him. He measured the animal and found him to be eleven 
 feet in length. This is but one of a multitude of exciting instances when 
 himself and family, in common with others of the early settlers, experienced 
 fearful encounters with the wild beasts of the forest, and realized hair-breadth 
 ■escapes from impending death. 
 
 The third settlement made within the limits of the county, was that of 
 Bich Valley, in 1811. This settlement was made upon lands owned by Griffith 
 and Coxe, and was a part of a large tract purchased by them from the Holland 
 Land Company, to which we have already referred. The purchase is said to 
 have contained 112,000 acres. Col. Elihu Chadwick, of Monmouth county, 
 N. J., was the agent of these lands. To induce settlers to remove here, they 
 agreed to give each actual settler eight acres in the town of Eich Valley and 
 fifty acres outside of the town. Col. Chadwick came himself to the mouth of 
 North creek and erected a saw-mill in 1811, but returned to his home in New 
 Jersey, and did not permanently remove until 1816. The same year Jopeph 
 Uousler came from Monmouth county, N. J. , and settled at the mouth of North 
 -creek temporarily. He then took up a tract of land for himself-:— did settler's 
 duty, as it was termed, which was simply a compliance with the conditions im- 
 posed by the owners of the land, and had his land deeded to him. He was 
 the first permanent settler in the town of Bich Valley. His sons were Abra- 
 ham, Joseph, Aden, John and William, not the parties of the name now 
 living there, except John and William, the others being dead. The present 
 Joseph, Aden and Nathan are the sons of Abraham, and grandsons of the 
 -original settler. John and William, who are alive, and are here to-day, 
 are sons of the first settler, and accompanied him when he came from New 
 Jersey. In the year 1818 Bobert and William Lewis came from New Jersey 
 and settled also in the town of Eich Valley, Eobert, on land now owned and oo- 
 ■cupied by A. K. Morton, and William, where Humphrey Lewis now lives. 
 Eobert was the father of Eobert and Benjamin and John F., both now de- 
 ceased, also of James, Philip and Morris, who still survive. William Lewis 
 was father of the present William Lewis, living at the mouth of Clear 
 creek. In 1816 Col. Elihu Chadwick, whom we have seen was the agent of 
 ihe Coxe and Griffith lands, and who had already erected a mill at the mouth of 
 North creek, having some time previously removed to this State, came to this 
 settlement and located with his family. His sons were Bichard, John, Elihu, 
 Francis J. and Jeremiah. Three of these are living at the present time, and 
 -one, Francis J., is at the present time a well-known citizen of the county. 
 JFrom the above-mentioned three families, Eich Valley has been mostly settled. 
 
 The next settlement was made up the Portage creek, in 1820, by Hiram 
 Sizer, who came from the State of Massachusetts. His widow still lives on the 
 spot where they first settled fifty-six years ago. She was then a mature 
 matron thirty-four years of age. She is now ninety, and perhaps the 
 oldest person in Cameron county. Her recollection of those early times is 
 quite good, and she tells with a great deal o:^ earnestness the story of the pri- 
 vations and hardships inseparably associated with a pioneer life. The next 
 year, Brewster Freeman, Jr., settled at what is now called Prestonville. Six 
 or seven years subsequently, Zenos C. Cowley came to the same place, from 
 whom the name of Cowley's run was derived. Samuel Bliss settled on the 
 place now occupied by Lucien B. Jones. A Mr. Bice also soon settled up in 
 
HISTORY OF CAMERON COUNTY. 829 
 
 ■the neighborhood of the salt works. Isaac Burliogame came to the settle- 
 ment about sixteen years after the Sizers moved there, and William Ensign, Sr. 
 still later; others kept coming and going, till finally that branch has become 
 pretty well settled up to the salt-works, a distance of nine miles from the 
 mouth. 
 
 West creek was not settled for a long time after the other places we have 
 noted had been occupied. The brothers, John and Benjamin Morrison, moved 
 Tip the stream in 1844, and cleared farms; Adam Armstrong also cleared a 
 farm in the vicinity. In 1841 William Gwin and Windell Bartholomew made 
 ■clearings up near the Beechwood station. Squire Nelson and his good wife 
 settled on the first fork of the Siunemahoning about 1822, when Coudersport, the 
 <jounty seat of Potter county, consisted of three houses, and the nearest point 
 on the Siunemahoning was forty miles away. They occupied a house midway 
 between Coudersport and Sinnemahoning, it being a wilderness in all direc- 
 tions, except a path on the banks of the creek to its mouth. The Squire states 
 -that more than once in his time he was compelled to go to the mouth of the 
 first fork for flour, which he carried home on his back. In making the trip 
 to and from his home, he crossed the creek seventeen times going down and' 
 eleven times coming back. He had a small piece of ground in the wilderness, 
 -on which he and his good wife had a cabin and barn. Any morning he could 
 take his old flintlock, go to the edge of the clearing and secure one of the 
 largest bucks or an elegant doe in twenty minutes' time, and if his taste ran 
 not in that direction and was inclined for trout, in an hour's time he could 
 •catch enough to last a week. William Nelson also moved up the stream and 
 •occupied the house now owned and occupied by the Sanford brothers, where 
 his son David was born in 1842. The Sanfords moved up there about 1842. 
 
 Having given a sketch of the settlement of the various parts of the county, 
 we shall further notice a few more names of persons who came in at an early 
 date and joined interest with those already there. Hugh Coleman came to 
 "the Second Fork about 1820. He had three sons: John, Jacob, arid Washing- 
 ton. The first is still living at that place and for years was the proprietor of 
 the land first occupied by Overturf, one of the very first settlers. David Bai- 
 ley, father of James Bailey, recently deceased, settled in the year on the ground 
 now occupied and owned by Reuben Collins. He was a millwright, and built a 
 mill on the spot which was largely patronized in that early day. In 1820 he 
 Temoved to the First Fork and assisted in the settlement of that section. Ben- 
 jamin Brooks, brother to John Brooks, also about the same time settled up the 
 -Fork. George and Henry Lorshburgh, in 1822, moved upon the First Fork. 
 33dmund Huff came to the country about the year 1822, married a daughter 
 ■of John Spangler, in 1823, who still lives and is present to-day. He settled 
 finally in the year 1827 on land about three miles below Emporium on the 
 Driftwood branch. The parties who settled the country first were, as we must 
 lave seen from the brief account given, mostly men of uncommon energy. 
 This and a love for adventure, as well as the desire to procure for themselves 
 •and families a home, led them to these mountain wilds. They were in some 
 respects rude and uncultivated, many of them, but they were hospitable to 
 strangers and neighborly toward each other. 
 
 The immigrants made their entrances by the Indian paths on foot or on 
 horseback, or by canoes or Indian boats propelled against the current by set- 
 img poles. These boats or canoes were manned by a bowman and a steers- 
 man, who, by placing their poles with steel-pointed sockets upon the bottom of 
 the stream threw their weight upon the poles thus placed, and by frequent and 
 repeated processes and propulsions (guiding the boat at the same time) often 
 
830 HI8T0BY OF CAMERON COUNTY. 
 
 made fifteen to twenty-five miles a day against the current with a cargo of 
 three-quarters to one ton weight in their boats. On some occasions, in case of 
 low water in the streams, the boat' s crew would be compelled to remove the gravel 
 and fragments of rock from the line of their course, and wade for miles at a 
 time, carrying and dragging, their boats forward by their almost superhuman 
 strength; such frequent exercises developed an unusual vigorous muscle, and 
 it would seem fabulous to relate the extraordinary feats frequently performed 
 by these athletics of pioneer life. 
 
 The early settlers were a hardy, active, energetic, go-ahead class of people, 
 hailing mostly from eastern and middle Pennsylvania, from the State of New 
 Jersey, and from New England States. As a class they wore rude, yet honest 
 in their dealings; though boorish, they were hospitable and generous. The 
 first settlers in America brought with them the traditions of Europe, and the 
 fearful condemnations for witchcraft began at Salem, in 1692. Three chil- 
 dren of Rev. Dr. Parris complained of bfeing tortured by witches. The ex- 
 citement soon spread, and others, both adults and children, complained of 
 being bewitched, and accused those against whom they held some pique. Rev. 
 Cotton Mather, Rev. Mr. Noyes, of Salem, and the president of Harvard Col- 
 lege, and many others, encouraged arrests, the result of which twenty persons 
 were executed in one year, being suspected of witchcraft, while many others 
 were banished. Some of the pioneers of this county, in order to protect 
 themselves from witchery, would burn hens' feathers, and assafcBtida, for in- 
 cense, and shoot silver slugs at rude drawn portraits of those who were sus- 
 pected of witchcraft. A kind of lunacy also prevailed to some extent; pota- 
 toes and other vegetables were planted in the moon, or rather when the horns 
 of the moon indicated the proper ^ime. Houses were roofed when the horns 
 of the moon were down, so that the shingles would not cap and draw the nails; 
 fences were laid when the horns of the moon were up, that the rails might not 
 sink into the ground, and the medicinal wants of those primitive people were 
 not administered to in any degree in accordance with the practice of more 
 modern times. 
 
 The early settlers were for a long time compelled to bring all their sup- 
 plies from Big Island in canoes. Lock Haven did not then exist. Three men 
 named Moran, Hugh Penny and McKnight kept store at "Big Island," who 
 used to furnish the settlers with their supplies and take their timber-rafts as 
 pay. The nearest store in 1820 was six miles above Clearfield town, and kept 
 by John Irvin. Notwithstanding the store at Big Island, though more remote, 
 was for most purposes most convenient to trade with. Being along the river 
 it could be reached with the canoes, and besides for the same reason it was 
 easier to convey the timber in exchange. 
 
 A considerable amount of whisky was consumed, and a canoe was not con- 
 sidered properly laden unless at least one barrel of the stimulant was among 
 the stores. The trip up was generally made lively by its cheering influence. 
 The article was then, as now, potent in its influence over the hearts of men. 
 He who had a bottle of whisky in his hands and a barrel in his canoe pos- 
 sessed the open sesame to every heart and every house. They were also 
 compelled to convey their grain in the same manner down the river to Linden, 
 near AVilliamsport. to be ground, and then pole it back again to their resi- 
 dences, nearly 100 miles. Some used hand-mills for their corn, and in time 
 small grist-mills were established at various places in the county. The first 
 grist-mill erected within the limits of the county was located near the mouth 
 of Clear creek, about 1811. It had no bolt attached to it. The same year 
 Col. Chadwick built his saw- and grist-mill at the mouth of North creek. This 
 had a good bolt attached, and is said to have made good flour. 
 

 .«"i? 
 
 % 
 
HISTORY OF CAMERON COUNTY. 833 
 
 Then followed Earl's mill at the confluence of West creek with the main 
 branch. Then McKisson's, at Hunt's run, Bailey's, at the grind-stone bridge, 
 Sterling's, at Sterling run, and Wykoff's, below Sinnemahoning, also Sizer's, up 
 the Portage. These small mills did good service by way of grinding corn 
 but scarcely attempted to grind wheat, although in time Sizer did this success- 
 fully. But, with even this accommodation, for a long while the difficulty of 
 reaching these mills was an inconvenience that to us would be simply intol- 
 erable. Seneca Freeman has, while living on the First Fork at the mouth of 
 the East Fork, carried sixty pounds of corn meal upon his back, repeatedly, 
 from Earl' s mill to his home, a distance of twenty-two miles. Long after those 
 early beginnings, the Sanfords have done the same, carrying upon their backs, 
 to and fro, a grist to the Sizer mill from their present residence. Sometimes 
 the supply has been so low with some families that they were compelled to sub- 
 sist upon sap-porridge, as it was termed, which was simply the sap boiled down 
 and thickened with corn meal. One old lady has stated that on one occa- 
 sion she had company and nothing to supply the table with but beet-tops boiled 
 as greens. But, she added, "we were happy as could be," showing that the 
 "contented mind is a continual feast." The same necessity existed for economy 
 with regard to clothing as with food. Another individual asserts that on one 
 occasion he attended a wedding party at Driftwood, when fourteen of the guests 
 wore buckskin pants, and they were all "happy too." One pair of shoes a 
 year, of coarse material, was about all the wealthiest parent could afford his 
 sons or daughters. 
 
 The woods, however, abounded with game, and the waters with fish, and 
 it was seldom that any family need go without a plentiful supply of fresh meat 
 or fish for the table. Deer, elk and bear were very plentiful. Numerous parties 
 have related their seeing as many as twenty elk in a lick at once, and some 
 as many as fifty or a hundred. A good hunter could kill several in one herd, 
 and thus in a short time furnish sufficient meat for several families. Eobert 
 Richey on one occasion told of a hunt he with some others had at night on 
 the Driftwood branch, not far below Emporium, when the deer were so thick 
 in the stream that one of them actually jumped into the canoe in which several 
 of the hunters were, and was taken alive. 
 
 Before David Crow moved to Smethport from Emporium, he was the only 
 one in that section who owned a horse or colt. On one occasion Jim Lewis, it 
 is alleged, was watching a salt-lick, and in the darkness Squire Crow's colt 
 came along, when Lewis killed the animal, thinking it was a deer. A year or 
 two later Jim experienced religion, and, wishing to be on the right side of the 
 squire, confessed to the fact of killing the colt. The squire, who had a hare- 
 lip, and consequently an uneasy manner of speaking, said, " Can you prove it ?' ' 
 Lewis replied, "I did it squire;" but the squire would not accept the state- 
 ment, saying that Jim was such a liar, proof should be given. 
 
 F. W. Conable, referred to in the history of the Methodist Church of Em- 
 porium, left behind him a graphic description of life on the Sinnemahoning in 
 1839, when Amos Worcester and wife came with him. He found here block- 
 houses, some being two- story dwellings. At Pine Street (Sterling) was a Pres- 
 byterian log building, and another at Youngwoman's Town, both deserted by 
 the Presbyterian evangelist and people. The new comers used them uncere- 
 moniously, and in 1840 claimed fifteen or twenty appointments in their wide 
 mission. On an island in the river, near the_ present town of Emporium, lived 
 Mr. Hollen, whose son, Samuel, was a local preacher. John Shaffer, another 
 member, lived near Pine Street meeting house, in his two-story Methodist 
 tavern; John Ellis lived near Hollen's house, and William Lane, an English 
 
 45 
 
834 HISTOBY OF CAMEBON COUNTY. 
 
 blacksmith, at East Fork, who had his little daughter to blow and strike for 
 him until her brother grew strong enough for the work. John Ghadwiek lived 
 at Shippen, and Eichard Chadwick at Smethport, while the Shaffers of First 
 Fork, the Logues, Berfields and Bairds also resided within the mission. 
 
 Early in the "thirties" William Lewis,* of Shippen, tracked a wolf to 
 his rocky den, and then called on Ben. Freeman to assist in the capture. The 
 latter was left at the mouth of the cave to shoot the animal, while Lewis 
 entered to hunt him out. After a long creep through the darkness, Lewis saw 
 the glaring eyes of the animal, but on went the hunter, until the soared wolf 
 jumped past him, only to be shot by Freeman. Lewis, proceeding farther, 
 caught two whelps, and carried them home. 
 
 In 1832, when the salt works were mnning on Portage creek, a strong lum- 
 berman named Magee, went to the deer lick, a njile from the Works, to watch 
 for deer. Looking from his blind in the early evening, he saw two gleaming 
 eyes among the lower branches of a tree not far away. Thinking it was a wild- 
 cat he took steady aim, lired, and in an instant he saw the body of a huge- 
 panther fall to earth. "Without halting he fled to the works. Eeturning with 
 help next morning, the men found the panther dead, the largest ever known in 
 this section of Pennsylvania .... George Parker, who resides three miles above 
 Sizer's springs, killed 3,000 deer, 300 elk, 10 panthers, 150 black bears and 
 other game, with a gun which he purchased in 1839. This was exclusive of 
 his heavy hunting here in earlier years. 
 
 The capture of Connelly and Lewis was made about four miles up the Drift- 
 wood branch, on the Brooks and Smith farms, now owned by William Nelson 
 and William G. Huntley, near the Huntley station, in the latter part of June, 
 1820. The sheriff of Centre county, with a posse of twelve armed men, were- 
 dispatched in pursuit of the robbers (who were declared outlaws) with author- 
 ity to capture them, dead or alive. Passing into Clearfield county, where the 
 mother of Lewis lived with her second husband, and through the mountains to 
 Bennett's branch, where a brother of David Lewis resided, and about eighteen 
 miles up the same, and not finding any track of the fugitives the pursuers de- 
 scended the branch, and the Sinnemahoning to Grove creek, where they met 
 with one David Brooks who had .come that morning from his father's on the 
 Driftwood, who informed the posse that two strangers bearing the description of 
 the robbers were seen going up the Driftwood branch. They turned in pur- 
 suit, taking Brooks with them as a guide. After having reached Tanglefoot 
 ' run, about a half mile below the residence of Samuel Smith, they met Will- 
 iam Shephard, who lived at the mouth of Bennett's branch, and who was on 
 his way home from Smith' s, where he had been all forenoon with a party, in- 
 cluding Connelly and Lewis, firing at a target and indulging in potations of 
 old rye, alternately with draughts of protoxide of hydrogen, a very delicious 
 beverage, and one indispensable to maintain the equilibrium of seventy- five per 
 cent of those who imbibe. Obtaining advices of the whereabouts of the rob- 
 bers, they detailed Shephard to return to Smith' s, and to privately inform him,, 
 so that he might keep his family in the house and avoid danger, while Brooks 
 was detailed to conduct the posse, by a path through the woods, to a point on 
 the summit of a hill commanding Smith' s residence, and about one hundred feet 
 therefrom. Shephard arriving at the house about the time some one called 
 "treat," and delayed his message to gulp a bumper or two, when he perceived 
 
 * William Lewis, who died May 6, 1889, took with Mm a man named Brigliton, to liunt down a panther 
 which lie had previously discovered in a rock crevice two miles south of Emporium. Entering the den, he 
 left Brighton outside to give tattle to the panther, and so well did the guard do his duty that the mother 
 panther fell dead, leaving the daring hunters to take home five cubs. The time of this occurrence is placed 
 at about 1813. 
 
HISTOBY OF OAMEBON COUNTY. 835 
 
 a motion in the bushes at the top of the hill, he wildly and with gesticulations 
 exclaimed: "Take care of yourselves, the sheriff and his men are here," upon 
 which the whole posse charged down the hill firing as they ran. Connelly 
 seized his gun when the alarm was given, Lewis surrendered, and was shot in 
 the arm afterward. Connelly was shot in the abdomen; he bounded across the 
 field and the river, leaping the fences until, having reached the potato field of 
 Benjamin Brooks, on the opposite side of the river, he wheeled about, present- 
 ing his gun through the fence toward his pursuers, saying: "Gentlemen, I 
 will have shot about with you." His gun was, however, unloaded, and he had 
 dropped his ammunition. He soon retreated a few rods into the bushes, and 
 was lost from ^ight. His pursuers, who had maintained a respectful distance, 
 at length appeared with gun in hand, approaching the residence of Benjamin 
 Brooks (an old Revolutionary soldier), who met them in the front yard, de- 
 manding of them an explanation of the cause of such demonstrations, upon 
 which the party briefly related the history of the adventure. After the party 
 had very circumspectly reoonnoitered the situation without advancing into the 
 copse, they concluded that the wounded robber had made his escape up 
 the mountain, and as they were about abandoning further search, one of the 
 party, when about retiring, observed a glimpse of the clothing of the wounded 
 man through the bushes, where they found him asleep, being faint and ex- 
 hausted from loss of blood, he having crawled into the top of a large red oak 
 tree, which had been recently blown down by the storm. 
 
 Procuring a bed-sheet and pillow from Mrs. Brooks, they carried the 
 wounded man into a canoe, which they had procured of one of the neighbors 
 for the purpose, and having placed both robbers therein, they descended the 
 Sinnemahoning and the west branch, stopping at some point on the river over 
 night, where they left the wounded men lying in the water in the canoe, keeping 
 guard over them, and on the next day arrived at some of the farm houses, 
 where the city of Lock Haven is now situate, and from thence they assayed 
 to convey the prisoners by wagon to Belief onte. Connelly, however, died at 
 Carskadden, near the scene of his last robbery, on July 3, 1820, and David 
 Lewis died in the Belief onte jail, from gangrene, during the month. John 
 Brooks, who relates the above incident, is the only living witness of the fight. 
 
 CHAPTER III. 
 
 transactions' OF THE COUNTY COMMISSIONERS. 
 
 Establishment of the County— Location of County Seat— Capt. Kogeks 
 Keminisoences— FiKST Meeting of the Commissioners— Doings of the 
 Commissioners from 1860— War Tax— Appointments— County Offices, 
 Jail, etc. 
 
 THE act establishing Cameron county was approved March 29, 1860. The 
 report of the committee appointed by Grov. Packer to determine where 
 the county seat should be located. The gentlemen composing that committee 
 were A. B. Cummings, F. W. Knox and P. F. Kelley. They reported on 
 August 6, 1860, and "fixed the location in the township of Shippen, bounded 
 and described as follows: "On the north by Sixth street, and on the south by 
 
836 HISTORY OF CAMERON COUNTY. 
 
 Fifth street, on the east by Chestnut street, and on the west by a thirty- foot 
 wide alley, as shown on a plat'' accompanying the report. ' ' Capt. Eogers, in 
 his reminiscences of Emporium in 1860, says: "The idea of creating a new 
 county out of portions of MoKean, Potter, Elk and Clinton was not seriously 
 contemplated until the Sunbury & Erie (now Philadelphia & Erie) Railroad was 
 completed to Lock Haven and Warren, and grading was being pushed west 
 and east of those two points. The people of McKean county did not at first 
 look with much favor upon the project, because it would take from us Shippen 
 township, which was then one of the most if not the most important township 
 as to wealth and population, in the county. There were forcible reasons ad- 
 vanced, however, why that township should be permitted to go, prominent 
 among which was its location and the difficulties and great inconvenience en- 
 countered, particularly during inclement seasons, in getting to the county seat. 
 The more the question was discussed the more willing were the citizens of Mc- 
 Kean to submit to the divorcement, and when the legislature of 1860 assembled 
 there were many petitions for, and few remonstrances from McKean county 
 against, the organization of the new county. During that session of the legis- 
 lature I was in Harrisburg, and took considerable interest in the passage of the 
 bill creating the county of Cameron. It was there that I made the acquaint- 
 ance of a number of gentlemen who were interested in what was known as the 
 ' Land Company, ' and who controlled a piece of territory on which the prin- 
 cipal portion of Emporium is now built. They consulted me considerably dur- 
 ing the winter about moving my printing office to Shippen (now Emporium), 
 and presented in glowing colors what an important town it would be when the 
 railroad was completed, and the railroad shops, which were certain to be 
 located there, were in full blast. They assured me that it would be second 
 only to Altoona, as a railroad town, in the State. I was inclined to give some 
 weight to their statements, for I knew that several of the gentlemen who were 
 interested in the ' Land Company ' Were connected with the building of the 
 road, and supposed that they knew what they were talking about. ' ' 
 
 In March, 1889, Representative Johnson's bill, providing for the changing 
 of county lines and prescribing the manner of changing the lines was printed, 
 but did not receive a majority of votes. 
 
 The first meeting of the commissioners was held in the small frame school- 
 house which stood on the site of the present buildings, near the place where 
 Eli Felt kept the post-office, or near Judd's store, at Shippen, March 15, 1861 
 [written 1860], Hezekiah Mix and C. J. Moore being present, and J. E. Ul- 
 man appointed clerk. The illegality of the elections in Grove and Gibson town- 
 ships was discussed, when Caleb Haynes, with Alex. Wykoff and A. G. Huntley 
 were appointed assessors for Grove; James Mason, William Nelson and Daniel 
 Miller, for Gibson, and John Bensley, George Barclay and James Barton, for 
 Wharton. Thompson Huff was assessor of Portage, and R. M. Lewis of Lum- 
 ber. On March 29 the first grand jury was drawn, the members being L. 
 Adams, Josiah Fink, Adam Miller, Fred Arnts, Jacob Peters, C. C. Lyman 
 and William Floyd, of Grove township; Delos Burlingame and Russell Carter, 
 of Portage; A. J. Beers, S. Z. Gottwalls, Clark Harrington, A. E. Kelly, J. 
 M. Judd, William R. Rodgers, Horace Stiles, C. H. Sage and H. T. Taggart, 
 of Shippen township; George Chapman, William Hamilton and Charles White, 
 of Lumber township. 
 
 In May, 1861, a tax of ten mills was authorized, and on November 4 the 
 commissioners and associate judges organized as a board of relief, under the 
 act of May 15, 1861. This board ordered that a sufficient sum be paid to 
 wives, mothers and heads of families depending on volunteers in service of the 
 State or of the United States. 
 
HISTORY OF CAMEEON COUNTY. 837 
 
 The re-elected commissioners — Messrs. Mix, Josiah Fink and Williams — 
 organized January 7, 1862. In March B. B. Eldred was appointed county 
 attorney. On September 16, 1862, Levi Williams and Josiah Fink met at 
 Shippen, and appointed J. B. Newton clerk. On the 17th, Hezekiah Mix, the 
 third member of the court, took his seat. At this time the store-house at Ship- 
 pen, formerly occupied by J. M. Judd, was rented for the use of county of- 
 ficers, and on December 2 the issue of county orders in sums of 1 5, 10, 25 and 
 50 cents was authorized. The orders were printed November 19, 1862, in view 
 of the action of the commissioners, in the form of the United States shin-plas- 
 ters of the period, and signed by the commissioners and the clerk. 
 
 In January, 1863, J. B. Newton's salary, as clerk, was increased from $100 
 to $125j Philip W. Whiting took the place of Josiah Fink on the board of 
 commissioners. On August 5, 1864, the county offered a bounty of $300. In 
 December a county tax of 10 mills, a bond (volunteer) tax of 20 mills, and a 
 per capita tax of $3, to meet bounty bonds, in addition to the twenty-mill tax, 
 were authorized. The use of the court-house was at this time tendered to the 
 various religious denominations, Amos Finton, the new commissioner, being 
 an advocate of this measure. Clerk Newton's salary was increased to $250 
 per annum. A bounty of $300 was offered, on February 17, 1865, to volun- 
 teers who would enlist under the last call for 300,000 men. In April a relief 
 tax of two and one-half mills, a bounty tax of twenty mills, and a bounty per 
 capita tax of $3 were levied. About this time county bonds were issued to 
 F. B. Hacket and D. B. Mather for substitutes put on prior to the draft. 
 
 In 1866 P. M. Dickenson, now of Binghamton, N. Y. , was appointed clerk. 
 Asa Ingalsbee, with Finton and Whiting, formed the commissioners' board, 
 and in May of this year they authorized the removal of stumps from the court- 
 house grounds. In the fall, Jaco.b D. Smith appears as commissioner vice 
 Whiting, while A. E. Kelly was acting clerk; but in January, 1867, John H. 
 Vosburg was appointed vice Dickenson. In February the question of building 
 a jail and boarding-house adjacent to the court-house was decided, and 110,000 
 appropriated. In May the contract was sold to L. E. Decker, who also agreed 
 to grade the grounds and paint the court-house for the sum named above. 
 On November 1 the commissioners refused to entertain the demand of S. S. 
 Hacket to qualify as a member, but allowed C. S. Sage that privilege on the 
 12th. On the 15th Asa Ingalsbee resigned, when H. F. Sizer qualified. The 
 jail and sheriff's residence were reported complete, and accepted January 13, 
 1868. In November the question of building bridges at Driftwood and Ster- 
 ling was considered. In 1870 Messrs. Sage, Eothrock and Cook were com- 
 missioners, but in October William Howard qualified, and he, with J. L. Cook 
 and Eothrock, formed the board, S. F. Lupole being clerk. In August, 1871, 
 0. P. Warner was chosen clerk. E. M. Williams qualified as commissioner 
 vice Eothrock, in November of this year. In August, 1872, a cell in the. county 
 jaU was set apart for the use of Emporium malcontents, on petition of the 
 council. Howard, Williams and Housler were commissioners. The county 
 printing contract was sold to the Press and Herald, the bids being equal, while 
 the Independent, being higher, lost in the race. In November, 1873, Com- 
 missioner Cochran took the place of Mr. Howard. In February, 1875, the 
 Press won the contract for county printing at $1 . 75 per square. Commissioner 
 Eamage took Mr. Williams' place on the board, and in June the question of 
 erecting ofiSce buildings was looked upon with favor. In January, 1876, Com- 
 missioners B. V. Wykoff, J. S. Wiley and C. C. Lyman formed the board, 
 and A. H. Boynton succeeded Warner as clerk. In June, 1877, Newton & 
 Green were requested to borrow $12,000 at 6 per cent for the use of the 
 
838 HISTORY OP CAMEEON COUNTY. 
 
 county, one-half to be paid in 1880 and the balance in 1882; the clerk was 
 authorized to visit Buffalo and procure plans for a fire-proof office building. 
 In April, 1879, Thomas Dougherty, William Howard and Hezekiah Mix 
 formed the board; but two years later Howard's place was occupied by G. A. 
 Walker. In January, 1885, John E. Buckwalter, John A. Wykoff and Joseph 
 C. Danckelman qualified as commissioners, and H. H. Mullin as clerk. In 
 July the contract for rebuilding the jail was sold, while a former resolution 
 granting the water company $2,000 for water for the use of the county build- 
 ings for twenty years was rescinded. In October, 1885, Clinton county ren- 
 dered a bill of 16 for damage done to the jail of that county by a Cameron 
 county prisoner named Leonard. In May, 1886, the project of building a 
 wrought-iron bridge over the First Fork creek at Sinnemahoning was adopted. 
 In January, 1888, L. Lucore, M. C. Tulis and C. W. Beldin qualified as com- 
 missioners; J. 0. Johnson was reappointed attorney, and H. H. Mullin clerk. 
 In January, 1890, G. F. Baloom was installed treasurer. 
 
 The jurors drawn in Cameron county during the three years ending in 
 Februarj', 1889, were, it is alleged, illegally placed in the wheel. Benjamin 
 Sweasey, one of the jury commissioners, was elected two terms in succession, 
 which is a violation of the law; and again, the filling of the jury wheel has 
 never, in the history of the county, been legally conducted. The court at 
 Ridgway gave a decision requiring the new jury commissioners to refill the 
 jury wheel for 1889, and impress their seal in wax thereon. 
 
 The question of remodeling and rebuilding the court house was brought 
 before the commissioners May 6, 1889. The proposed improvements call for 
 the moving back of the present building forty feet, and the erection of a brick 
 and stone addition with clock tower in front. 
 
 In order to secure the county seat for Emporium, it was necessary to raise 
 sufficient money to erect the court-house. Five-thousand dollars were sub- 
 scribed by the few people then residing here, and $5,000 contributed by the 
 Philadelphia and Erie Land Company, the edifice costing the tax-payers of the 
 county nothing. The generosity of the early settlers of Emporium for the bene- 
 fit of the town was commendable, and the citizens of to-day are nobly follow- 
 lowing the example of the pioneers who have nearly all gone to receive the 
 reward of their well-doing. ♦ 
 
 CHAPTEE IV. 
 
 COUETS AND BAR. 
 
 First Record of Cameiion County Courts— Appointments and Removals 
 —Admissions to the Bar in 1863 and Subsequently— Presiding I.aw 
 Judges, Assistant Law Judges, President Judges and Associate 
 Judges — Law Circle of the County— Crimes. 
 
 THE first record book of Cameron county courts is dated January 8, 1861, 
 when Judge E. G. White, with Associate Housler presided in the school- 
 house. S. S. Hacket was crier, and, along with D. J. Morrison, acted as tip- 
 staff. E. Boughton Eldred was appointed district attorney, E.Vosburg quali- 
 fied a-s surveyor, and John A. Eldred as sheriff. The attorneys present were 
 
HISTORY OP CAMERON COUNTY. 839 
 
 Henry Souther, James Boyle, J. S. Mann, F. W. Knox, A. G. Olmsted, B. D. 
 Hamlin, W. A. Williams, J. C. Backus, Warren Cowles, E. B. Eldred, Joseph 
 E. Almon, F. B. Hacket, A. B. Armstrong and S. C. Hyde. A 'number 
 of civil cases were presented; C. J. Moore was appointed commissioner vice 
 George Vosburg on January 9. On March 14 James ShafPer, Jr., was re- 
 moved—James Bailey being one of the associate judges at this time— and on 
 July 10 Levi Williams was appointed commissioner vice Shaffer. 
 
 In July, 1862, John W. Eyan, C. H. Lemore, H. T. Beardsley, H. McClain, 
 W. W. Wilber, J. C. Chapin and Albert Willis were admitted to the bar of 
 this county. John Jackson was admitted to citizenship, July 16, 1862, being 
 the first admission by the court. In October, 1862, John B. Newton was ad- 
 mitted an attorney; in July, 1863, H. G. Eogers; in January, 1864, C. A. 
 Mayer, James Chatham, Julius Sherwood and N. T. Hambly; in January, 
 1865, L. D. Ball, of Clinton, and S. P. Wolverton, of Northumberland county,' 
 and in July, 1865, G. O. Bowman and Saul F. Gwinner. On the last given 
 date H. W. Williams was presiding law judge; but in October E. G: White, 
 the senior presiding judge, reappears, and at this time Cline G. Farit was 
 admitted to practice. In January, 1866, Judge White, with Associate Judges 
 A. H. Boynton and L. T. More (successors of Bailey and Housler) presided; 
 but in March, 1866, H. W. Williams was president. In March, 1866, F. D. 
 Leet was admitted to practice here, and in July J. H. Vosburg and 0. A. 
 Lyman. In August, 1867, John G. Hall, of Elk county, was admitted to the 
 bar, and also George A. Eathbun, of the same county. In January, 1868, 
 Judge White presided vice Judge Williams, Messrs. Boynton and More being 
 still associate judges ; but in August H. W. Williams was president judge, fol- 
 lowed in 1869 by R. G. White. 
 
 In August, 1869, James E. Clark, of Warren, was permitted to practice in 
 the courts of Cameron county, and in January, 1870, G. V. Dewits, of Wyo- 
 ming county, and William A. Mann were granted a similar privilege. In De- 
 cember of this year N. S. Minard and Samuel Smith were associate judges, E. 
 G. White being president. In April, 1871, the following named lawyers were 
 admitted to the bar of this county: E. P. Allen and H. W. Watson, of Lycom- 
 ing county, and H. W. Patrick, of Bradford county. In January, 1872, S. F. 
 Wilson presided as assistant law judge, but before his time Attorneys C. B. 
 Curtis, E. Brown, N. C. Hollahan, J. C. Johnson, C. A. Lyman, Messrs. 
 McCormick, Backus, H. T. Beardsley and W. A. Williams were members of 
 this bar. In August, 1872, E. Q. D. Cross, of Baltimore, and John J. Metzger, 
 of Lycoming, were permitted to practice here, and in November B. W. Green. 
 A year later E. B. Parsons, of Troy, Penn. , was permitted to plead in the 
 courts of this county. In August, 1874, L. F. Williston, F. J. Chadworth 
 and Mr. Ames attended court, and in November E. E. Powers was appointed 
 stenographer. S. W. Smith was admitted to the law circle in January, 1875, 
 and in August J. S. Mann pleaded here with H. L. Parsons and William 
 Sport. In April, 1876, the names of Henry King and G. A. Berry were added 
 to the list of lawyers. At this time S. T. Wilson was still holding the posi- 
 tion of assistant law judge with H. W. Williams president judge, and G. W. 
 Warner and S. Eoss, associate judges, vice Minard and Smith, who had served 
 since 1870. In August, 1876, Eobert M. Chamberlain, of Eidgway, was en- 
 rolled as a member of Cameron county bar, and in 1877 the names of D. C. 
 Larrabee, T. T. Abrams, E. E. Mayo and J. M. Judd, S. C. Hyde being still 
 the district attorney. In August, 1878, O. O. Hotchkiss and W. B. Chapman 
 were admitted; in April, 1879, E. B. Stone, of Bradford, and in November, 
 1880, S. D. Ball and Joseph Douglass. In January, 1881, S. T. Wilson was 
 
840 HISTOEY OF CAMERON COUNTY. 
 
 president judge with J. W. Cochran and Milo Bull, associate judges, Gr. W. 
 Huntley succeeding the last named in 1882. In August, 1882, J. P. McNar- 
 ney was admitted, and in November Michael Brennan, W. P. Jenks and Prank 
 Hacket. 
 
 In November, 1883, T. C. Hippie's name appears as a member of the bar, 
 and C. A. Mayer's as president judge. In September, 1884, W. C. Kress was 
 admitted to the bar; also H. C. Dornan and J. 0. Backus; while John Orm- 
 erod was admitted in January, 1885, and Harry A. Hall in September. In 
 1886 Clark Harrington took Judge Cochran's place as associate judge, and in 
 May of that year Jesse Merrill and S. W. Smith were enrolled as attorneys, 
 C. H. McCauley's uame not appearing until September. In January, 1887, 
 John S. Wiley was associate judge vice Huntley; Charles Early and M. F. 
 Elliott were admitted to the bar in September, and later George L. Eoberts. 
 In November C. L. Peck was permitted to practice here, and, later, H. T. Ames. 
 In May, 1888, Sheridan Gorton was permitted to enroll his name, and J. E. 
 Eounseville, of Potter county, and M. J. Colcord were admitted to the law cir- 
 cle of Cameron county. Hagerman, appointed official stenographer in 1883, 
 is the present incumbent. 
 
 The law circle of the county comprises J. C. Johnson; S. C. Hyde, who 
 practiced in the first court held here, but did not remove from Smethport until 
 after Mr. Johnson's coming; B. W. Green, the first law student of the county, 
 admitted in November, 1872, the examiners being Messrs. Newton & Johnson; 
 J. 0. Metzger, who studied in Newton & Green's office, admitted in 1879; J. 
 P. McNarney, admitted in 1882, partner of Mr. Johnson; M. Brennan, admit- 
 ted in 1882, has his office here. 
 
 The trial of the murderers of Frank Welton in 1877 is the only heavy 
 criminal case presented to the courts here. F. J. Chadwick, in his history of 
 this murder, states that Welton was stage driver between Sinnemahoning and 
 Coudersport. At night, on September 27, he met two men a little below the 
 mouth of Bailey run. They walked directly up in front of his horses as 
 if they intended to stop him. The horses shied off; he reined up sharply, and 
 the fellows jumped quickly out of the way. Their appearance and movement 
 convinced him that they were the robbers described in the papers. He went 
 home (about a mile) and rallied the neighbors, a half dozen of whom accom- 
 panied him in search of them. They were about giving up the search, when 
 Welton saw a man's feet without boots, about two rods from the road, in 
 the woods, near where he had met them, on the land of Charles and William 
 Heirs. There were three men, and they were asleep with their boots off. The 
 large man jumped up with his boots, in his hand and ran. The men fired at 
 him, he dropped his boots and made good his escape, leaving his hat and 
 overcoat also. The one who was jailed was awed iilto compliance by presenting 
 a revolver at him. The other one struggled hard with Welton, but he over- 
 powered him, and held him without threats or presenting weapons. The rob- 
 bers were then searched and their arms taken from them, and the stolen goods 
 gathered up. A proposition was made to tie them, but they plead so hard not 
 to be tied, saying that they would come along quietly, and show that they got 
 those goods honestly, that Welton was inclined to fetch them without tying 
 them. He took them home with him and gave them some supper, and about 
 11 o'clock started through the woods to Cameron with them, accompanied by 
 James L. Barclay, John Mahon and George Mahon. The robber who shot 
 Mr. Welton said he was chilly, and put on the overcoat aforesaid, which must 
 have had a revolver in it which had been overlooked in their search, for when 
 they came within sight of Emporium, a little below the water tank, the robber 
 
HISTORY OF CAMEKON COUNTY. 843 
 
 fired a pistol to scare the horses and jumped from the wagon. Welton jumped 
 immediately after him, also James Barclay and John Mahon. The robber fired 
 twice at Welton who was very close to him, the second shot taking effect over 
 the right eye and killing him. 
 
 In November, 1889, two men. Volt and Spaulding, discovered a dead body 
 near the West Creek bridge, one mile from Emporium. It was learned that 
 the victim of the murderer was Christian Drum, of Cogan Station, Lycoming 
 county. Albert Miller of Harrisburg was arrested in January, 1890, on the 
 charge of being the murderer, and taken to the Emporium jail. The arrest 
 is largely due to the zeal of one of Emporium's citizens who pushed the enquiry 
 to the limit. 
 
 CHAPTER V. 
 POLITICAL HISTORY. 
 
 NOETnTJMBERLAND DISTRICT — JUDICIAI, EeECTION OF COUNTIES— OliGANIZA- 
 
 TioN OF Cameeon County— Fiest Election foe County Officers— Elec- 
 tions FEOM 18ti0 TO 1889. 
 
 AT the time of the first settlement of the country, the territory was in- 
 cluded in what was known as the Northumberland district. Soon after 
 this the counties of Lycoming, Potter and McKean, were set off all at one time. 
 Portions of this county were included in each of these divisions. Potter and 
 McKean counties were at first attached to Centre county for judicial purposes. 
 In 1816 Potter and McKean, for the sake of convenience, were attached to 
 Lycoming for judicial purposes. In 1827 McKean county was judicially 
 erected and Potter attached for judicial purposes. In 1834 Clinton county 
 was erected from a portion of Lycoming and Centre. This took off the lower 
 portion of the county. Afterward Elk county was erected, when another 
 change was made of a portion of the territory. Finally, in 1860, a law was 
 passed by the legislature organizing Cameron county. The county commis- 
 sioners met in that year, and located the ground for the court-house in Em- 
 porium. 
 
 The first election for county officers was held October 11, 1860, and the 
 vote canvassed on the 13th of that month by Henry Shaffer, Samuel D. Tan- 
 ner and Thompson Huff, judges, with John Brooks and E. B. Eldred, clerks. 
 The figures do not include the returns from Shippen, as they were sent to 
 Smethport, where they cannot now be found, while the returns given below, 
 sent to Eidgway, relate to Grove, Gibson, Lumber and Portage townships. 
 
 Elections, 1860. — Associate Judge: James Baily, 260; Merrick Housler, 
 161; Seneca Freeman, 138. Commissioners: George E. Vosburg, 260; James 
 Shaffer, 274; Hezekiah Mix, 206; Cyrus H. Sage, 99. District Attorney: 
 E. B. Eldred, 52. Auditor: Joseph Housler, 168; H. H. Sizer, 168; L. Mosier, 
 177. Treasurer: Washington Brooks, 230; David Morrison, 28. Surveyor: 
 Edward Vosburg, 227; S. W. Freeman, 8. Coroner: William Floyd, 228. 
 Sheriff: John A. Eldred, 263; Prothonotary : Isaac Ramage, 267. 
 
 Elections, 1861.— President Judge: R. G. White (E), 107; E. Brown (D), 
 115. Commissioners: Hezekiah Mix (E), 173; Lewis Williams (E), 51; Josiah 
 
844 HISTOBY OF CAMEBON COUNTY. 
 
 Fink(D), 78. Coroner: L. G. Cook (D), 63; Saul Barr (B), 33. Auditor: 
 George Chapman (D), 129; David Chapman (E), 3. Legislature: Shippen 
 township— J. B. McEnally (R), 47; A. I. Wilcox (D), 44; Dr. C. E. Barley 
 (D), 39; George W. Zeigler (D), 57; Gibson township— J. B. McEnally (E), 
 37; A. I. Wilcox (D), 37; Dr. C. E. Barley (D), 26; George W.' Zeigler (D), 
 26. Legislature: Lumber township — W. H. Armstrong (E), 14; James Chat- 
 ham (E), 14; Pharon Jarrett (D), 15; John S. Smith (D), 15. Senator: 
 Gibson township — C. L. Lamberton, 25; S. M. Fox, 38. Senator: Lumber 
 township — William H. Blair, 15; Henry Johnson, 14. 
 
 Blections, 1862.— Congress : Milton Courtwright (D), 143; G. W. Scho- 
 field (E), 195. Senator: Gibson township — Stephen P. Wilson (E), 53; 
 Seth A. Backus (D), 37; Shippen township— Stephen P. Wilson (E), 118; 
 Seth A. Backus (D), 52; Portage township— Stephen F. Wilson (R), 14; Seth 
 A. Backus (D), 1. Treasurer: Henry Mason (D), 144; G. W. Warner (E), 
 279. Auditor: H. F. Sizer (E), 289; John Summerson (D), 190. Commis- 
 sioners: Levi Williams (R), 251; Samuel Smith (D), 179. Legislature: Gib- 
 son township — M. H. Shannon (R), 54; Warren Cowles (E), 54; C. E. Barley 
 (D), 40; J. F. Boyer (D), 40; Shippen township— M. H. Shannon (E), 114; 
 Warren Cowles (R), 113; C. R. Barley (D), 64; J. F. Boyer (D), 64. Legisla- 
 ture: Lumber township — Amos C Noyes (D), 51; John B. Beck (D), 50; 
 James Chatham (R), 14; Ed. D. Trump (R), 13; Grove township — Amos C. 
 Noyes (D), 84; John B. Beck (D), 33; James Chatham (R), 53; Ed. D. Trump 
 (R), 53. Legislature: Portage township — Charles O. Bowman (D), 13; O. N. 
 Taylor, 1; A. G. Olmsted (R), 14. 
 
 Elections, 1863. — Governor: A. G. Curtin (R), 318; G. W. Woodward 
 (D), 216. Sheriff: H. T. Taggart (R), 290; William Floyd (D), 239. Com- 
 missioners: P. W. Whiting (E), 304; Samuel Smith (D), 224. Auditor: J. 
 P. Wilson (R), 292; James Wylie (D), 224. District Attorney: F. B. Hacket 
 (E), 280; J. B. Newton (D), 241. Prothonotary : Edward Vosburg (R), 266; 
 J. M. Judd (D), 266 (the former was appointed by governor). Surveyor: 
 John Brooks (R), 154; Samuel Freeman (D), 142. Coroner: S. H. Storrs (R), 
 302; G. W. Mason (D), 218. National Congressional Amendment : For, 248; 
 contra, 0. Legislature: Portage township — A. G. Olmsted (R), 27; John 
 W. Guernsey, 27; Grove township — C. W. Wingard (R), 53; Clinton Lloyd 
 (R), 53; A. C. Noyes (D), 36; JohnB. Beck(D), 36; Lumber township— C. W. 
 Wingard (R), 16; Clinton Lloyd (R), 17; A. C. Noyes (D), 41; John B. Beck 
 (D), 40; Gibson township— F. J. Boyer, 56; A. M. Benton, 56; Frank Bell, 
 66; John Mahaffy, 66; Shippen township— F. J. Boyer, 80; A. M. Benton, 
 77; Frank Bell, 149; John MahafPy, 141. 
 
 August Election, 1864. — For amendments, 225; contra, 80. 
 
 October Election, 1864. — Congress: William Bigler (D), 189 — *4; G. W. 
 Schotield (R), 262-15. Legislature: L. Rogers (R), 248—15; E. B. Eldred 
 (D), 211—1. ■ Prothonotary: A. E. Kelly (R), 255—5; J. M. Judd (D), 210—1. 
 Commissioners: Amos Finton (R), 266—5; James Fulton (D), 193. Treas- 
 urer: Joseph Shafer (R), 234—6; N. P. Minard (D), 231—1. Auditors: 
 Moses Walker (R), 253—5; David Chapman (R), 249—5; James Wylie (D), 
 196; C. C. Lyman (D), 200. Presidential Electors : Isaac Benson (R), 335; 
 John Patton (R), 835; Hugh Montgomery (D), 232; John M. Irvine (D), 232. 
 
 Elections, \S^:>h.— Legislature: John Brooks (R), 278; E. B. Eldred (D), 
 223. Senator: John Irvine (R), 277; W. A. Wallace (D), 210. President 
 Judge: Henry W. Williams (R), 289. Associate Judges: Levi T. More (R), 
 292; James Bailey (R), 231; A. H. Boynton (D), 276; George Chapman (D), 
 
 * The soldiers' vote follows the citizens' vote after clash — . 
 
HISTOllY OF CAMEBON COUNTY. 845 
 
 158. Surveyor: Edward Vosburg (R), 287. Commissioners: Asa Ingalsbee 
 (R), 263; Andrew Dent (D), 222. Auditors: J. G. Chandler (R), 270; John 
 L. Furgeson (R), 269; D. P. Baird (D), 214; A. W. Georgia (D), 207. 
 
 Elections, 1866. — Governor: John W. Geary (R), 374; H. Clymer CD) 
 803. Congress: G. W. Schofield (R), 372; W. L. Scott (D), 305. Legisla- 
 ture: C. A. Lyman (R), 368; G. O. Deise (D), 307; Sheriff: R. M. Overhiser 
 (R), 373; Samuel Smith (D), 295. Coroner; G. W. Kimball (R), 341; Will- 
 iam S. Hamlin (D), 328. Commissioners : Jacob D. Smith (R), 363; George 
 Goss (D), 310. Auditor: John Beers (R), 347; J. M. Shaffer (D), 315. Dis 
 
 trict Attorney : J. H. Vosburg (R), 367. Treasurer: N. P. Minard (D), ; 
 
 Philip Lewis (R), -. 
 
 Elections, 18Q1 .—Legislature : G. O. Deise (D). 298; S. D. Freeman, 356. 
 Prothonotary : A. E. Kelly (R), 346; D. P. Baird (D), 297. Commissioners: 
 C. H. Sage (R), 349; Philip Smith (D), 301; S. S. Hacket (D), 288; H. F. 
 Sizer (R), 18. Auditors: Allen W. Swift (R), 359; G. W. Kimball (D), 299. 
 Jury Commissioners : HezekiahMix (R), 362; John Mason (D), 287. Coroner: 
 Dr. B. S. Gould, 625. 
 
 Elections, 1868. — Presidential electors: James Sill (R), 508; H. 0. John- 
 son (R), 508; Amos C. Noyes (D), 395; W. A. Galbraith (D), 395. Congress: 
 G. W. Schofield (R), 537; R. Brown (D), 440. Senator: Manasseh Arnold 
 (R). 538; William A. Wallace (D), 439. Legislature: John Brooks (R), 565; 
 W. J. Davis (D), 412. Treasurer: B. J. Earl (R), 535; P. W. Whiting (D), 
 437. Commissioners: Robert Rothroek (R), 529; Philip Smith (D), 447; H. 
 ■P. Sizer (R), 514; N. P. Minard (D), 447. Auditor: J. C. Chandler (R), 
 541; J. M. Shaffer (D), 437. District attorney: F. D. Leet (R), 962. 
 
 Elections, 18Q9.— Governor : J. W. Geary (R), 474; Asa Packer (D), 423. 
 Legislature: L. W. Crawford, 493; A. B. Armstrong, 406. Sheriff: Alonzo 
 Bailey (R), 440; D. B. Wheeler (D), 434. Coroner: J. T. Lanning (R), 423; 
 C. A. Reese (D), 465. Commissioner: J. L. Cook (R), 443; L. G. Cook (D), 
 432. Auditor: Lucien Bird (R), 427; G. W. Huntley (D), 468. Surveyor 
 Ed. Vosburg (R), 480. 
 
 Elections, 1870.— Congress.- Selden Marvin (D), 390; G. W. Schofield 
 (R), 437. Representative: A. C. Noyes (D), 583; V. P. Carter (R), 241. 
 Associate judges: N. P. Minard (D), 468; Samuel Smith (D), 349; J. W. 
 Phelps (R), 331; Hezekiah Mix (R), 211; Philip Lewis (Ind.), 233. Treasurer: 
 James Wylie (D), 458; C. C. Fay (R), 328; Henry Mason (F), 127. Prothon- 
 otary: J. M. Judd (D), 437; M. J. B. Brooks (R), 375. Commissioners: 
 William Howard (D), 455; N. S. Housler (R), 328. Auditors: Isaac Ram- 
 age (D), 472; J. 0. Brookbank (R), 344. Jury commissioners : Jacob Shaf-' 
 fer (D), 436; G. C. Thayer (R), 367. 
 
 Elections, 1871.— ,Sen.ator; B. B. Strang (R), 423; W. Y. McCoy (D), 
 344. Representative : A. I.Wilcox (R), 427 ; Edward English (— ), 345. Auditor : 
 H. T. Taggart (R), 439; Horace Wolcot (D), 321. Commissioners: R. M. 
 Williams (R), 429; James Shafer (D), 338. District attorney: F. D. Leet (R), 
 420; S. C. Hyde (D), 348. President judge : H. W.Williams (R), 457; M. F. 
 Elliott (D), 312. For convention: 536. 
 
 Elections, 1812.— Governor : J. F. Hartranft (R), 572; C. R. Buckalew 
 (D), 531; S. B. Chase (T), 7. Additional law judge: S. F. Wilson (R), 552; 
 W. A. Williams (R), 536. Delegates to convention: M. F. Elliott (D), 503; 
 J. S. Mann (R), 446; J. B. Niles (R), 548. Constitutional amendment : For, 
 847; contra, 0. Congress at large: Richard Vaux (D), 527; H. B. Wright 
 (D), 526; J. H. Hopkins (D), 526; Lemuel Todd (R), 597; G. W. Schofield 
 (R), 597; Charles Albright (R), 596; George McFarland (T), 3; A. G. Clark 
 
846 HIBTOEY OP CAMERON COUNTY. 
 
 (T), 3; B. R. Bradford (T), 3. Congress: T. L.' Kane (D), 531; C. B. Cur- 
 tis (E), 590. Representative: D. P. Baird (D), 504; W. H. Newcom (R), 
 604 Treasurer: G. W. Huntley (D), 447; W. Russell (R), 658. Sheriff: 
 Riley Warner (D), 483; R. M. Overhiser (R), 627. Commissioner: A. A. 
 Housler (— ), 573; Hezekiah Mix (R), 524. Auditor: M. P. Hogan (D), 541; H. 
 
 F. Sizer (R), 579. Coroner: C. A. Reese (D), 516; W. J. Craigan (R), 591. 
 Delegates at large: Republican, 578; Democratic, 514; Temperance, 5. 
 Electors: Republican, 554; Democratic, 340; Temperance, 7. 
 
 Elections, 1873. — License question: For license, 226; against license, 459. 
 Representative: J. W. Phelps (R), 580; D. P. Baird (D), 325. Prothono- 
 tary: J. M. Judd (D), 574; V. A. Brooks (R), 331. Commissioners: J. W. 
 Cochran (R), 591; J. K. Morrison (D), 296. Auditor: David Chapman (R), 
 435; John Summerson (D), 467. Jury commissioners: Joseph Housler (R), 
 408; Philip Smith (D), ^64. Surveyor: Ed Vosburg (R), 412; S. T. Le Bar- 
 ron (D), 481. For new constitution, 419; against new constitution, 50. 
 
 Elections, 1874. — Congress: Henry W. Early (D), 470; Sobiesbi Ross 
 (R), 487. Representative: A. H. Boynton (D), 406; J. W. Phelps (R), 439; 
 
 G. W. Shaffer (T), 108. Treasurer: A. Dent (D), 375; H. F. Sizer (T), 79; 
 Dr. J. G. Bryan (R), 497. Commissioner: Isaac Ramage (D), 448; C. E. 
 Wykoff (R), 422; A. H. Mays (T), 86. District Attorney: S. C. Hyde (D), 
 481; B. W. Green (R), 467. Auditor: H. L. Putzell, 469; I. L. Craven, 466. 
 
 Elections, 1875.— Senator; William P. Pinley (R), 555; Philip D. Thomas 
 (D), 489. Associate judges: Solomon Ross (R), 516; George W. Warner 
 (R), 557; Henry Mason (D), 417; Ed. Vosburg (R), 342; Philip Lewis (I), 
 120. Sheriff: Riley Warner (D), 613; Franklin Hausler (R), 432. Commis- 
 sioners: John S. Wiley (R), 526; B. V. Wykoff (R), 549; C. C. Lyman (D), 
 486; George Dodge (D), 455. Auditor: John C. Chandler (R), 518; "Hiram 
 F. Sizer (R), 536; John K. Morrison (D), 507; James Fulton (D), 499. Cor- 
 oner: Dr. John P. Lanning (D), 642; William J. Craigen (R), 369. 
 
 Elections, 1876. — Congress.- John I. Mitchell (R), 517; Henry White {— ), 
 601; J. P. Davis (GR), 8. Senator: William L. Corbett (D), 547; Henry 
 Wetter (R), 577. Representative: John Brooks (R), 630; A. H. Boynton (D), 
 486. Frothonotary : J. W. Prank (R), 582; J. M. Judd (D), 537. Auditor: 
 J. H. Barrows (R), 594; Wash. Mason (D), 518. Jury commissioners : Isaac 
 Smith (R), 575; William Wylie (D), 544. Surveyor: Charles Behrens (— ), 
 1,116. Presidential electors: S. M. Jackson, J. Westerman, et al. (R), 572; F. 
 W. Knox, R. B. Brown, et al. (D), 543; W. W. Patton, R. S. Hunt, et al. 
 (G B), 5. 
 
 Elections, 1811. —District Attorney: Samuel C. Hyde (D), 538; E. R. 
 Noyes (R), 539. Treasurer: J. H. Cochran (D), 711; William P. Herrick 
 (R), 189. 
 
 Elections, 1878. — Governor: Henry M. Hoyt (R), 408; Andrew H. Dill 
 (D), 381; Samuel R. Mason (G B), 219; Frank H. Lane (T), 6. Congress: 
 John I. Mitchell (R), 433; R. B. Smith (D), 352; J. P. Davis (G B), 237. 
 Senator: Edward M. Grant (R), 404; John G. Hall (D), 402; Thomas W. 
 Taylor (G B), 210. Representative: John Brooks (R), 427; John B. Newton 
 (D), 374; Charles P. Barclay (G B), 210. Sheriff: Franklin Hausler (R), 
 488; Hiram J. Smith (D), 298; John Mason (G B), 236. Commissioners: 
 Hezekiah Mix (R), 424; Samuel Kirk (G B), 284; William Howard (D), 429; 
 Thomas Dougherty (D), 514; Morris Lewis (G B), 353. Auditors: John Day 
 (R), 448; D. D. Alderfer (R), 353; I. K. Hockley (D), 383; David Pulton (D), 
 343; William Cole (G B), 213; E. P. Lewis (G B), 258. Surveyor: John C. 
 Chandler (R), 430. Coroner: Dr. R. P. Heilman (R), 707; Dr. John T. 
 Lanning (D), 297. 
 
HISTORY OF CAMERON COUNTY. 847 
 
 Elections, 1879. — Prothonotary, etc.: J. W. Frank (R), 462; G. W. Hunt- 
 ley (D), 341. Jury commissioners: J. A. WykoflP (E), 419; N. P. Minard (D), 
 365. 
 
 Elections, 1880. — Electors: Andrew Stout (R), 647; A. M. Benton (D) 
 582; O. S. Webster (G B), 27; H. D. Patton (T), 1. Congress: E. J. C. 
 Walker (E), 686; David Kirk (D), 566. Representative: Leonard Taggart (E), 
 650; John B. Newton (D), 601. Associate judges: J. W. Cochran (R), 877; 
 Milo Bull (E), 547; Isaac Eamage (D), 601; Phil. Lewis (G B), 407. Treas- 
 urer: Eobert Rothrock (R), 629; J. M. Judd (D), 620. District attorney: 
 J. C. Metzger (R), 663; S. C. Hyde (D), 575. 
 
 Elections, 1881. — President judge: H. W. Williams (R), 1,037. Associate 
 judge: George W. Huntley (D), 593; Joseph Housler (R), 290; N. P. Minard 
 (I), 151. Sheriff: Le Grand Cook (D), 576; R. M. Overhiser (R), 473. Com- 
 missioners: George A. Walker (R), 629; Hezekiah Mix (R), 466; Thomas 
 Dougherty (D), 538; Benjamin Sweazey (D), 414. Coroner: Dr. E. O. Bard- 
 well (R), 584; Wellington Walker (— ), 448. Auditor: Levi Dougherty (D), 
 559; M. W. Whiting (D), 531; I. K. Hockley (D), 523; D. D. Alderfer (R), 
 470. Surveyor: V. A. Brooks (R), 518. 
 
 Elections, 1882. — Governor: Robert E. Pattison (D), 484; James A. 
 Beaver (R), 481; John Stewart (G B), 86; T. A. Armstrong (— ), 28; Alfred C. 
 Pettit (T), 1. Congress at large: M. P. Elliott (D), 514; M. Brosius (E), 
 492; William McMichael ( — ), 68; E. K. Tomlinson (— ), 9. Congress: Henry 
 W. Early (D), 510; W. W. Brown (R), 564. Senator: John G. Hall (D), 566; 
 Miles W. Tate (R), 487. Representative: Joseph M. Shafer (D), 558; John 
 Day (R), 504. Additional law judge : A. G. Olmsted (R), 1,027. Prothonotary : 
 T. Bart. Lloyd (R), 1,072. Jury commissioners : Benjamin Sweazey (D), 509; 
 Harrison Logue (R), 565. 
 
 Elections, 1883. — Treasurer : Franklin Hausler (R), 718; Austin H. Boyn- 
 ton (D), 392. District attorney : James P. McNarney (R), 576; Michael Brennan 
 (D), 533. 
 
 Elections, 1884. — Congress: William C. Kennedy (D), 565; W. W. 
 Brown (R), 768. Representative: Joseph M. Shafer (D), 564; George A. 
 Barclay (R), 751. Sheriff: Hiram J. Smith (D), 726; John W. Phelps (R), 
 595. Commissioners: John P. Felt (D), 556; J. C. Danckelman (D), 568; 
 F. A. WykofP (R), 695; J. R. Buckwalter (R), 813. Auditor: I. K. Hockley 
 (D), 558; M. P. Whiting (D), 573; W. F. Lloyd (R), 762; D. D. Alderfer (R), 
 758. Coroner: John D. Maloy (D), 583; J. E. Free (R), 742. Increase of 
 debt: No, 114; yes, 27. 
 
 Elections, 1885. — Associate Judge: Clark Harrington (D), 536; C. B. 
 Gould (R), 475. Prothonotary : T. B. Lloyd (R), 992. Jury commissioners : 
 R. W. Collins (R), 497; Benjamin Sweazey (D), 494. 
 
 Elections, 1886. — Governor: James A. Beaver (R), 645; C. F. Black (D), 
 528; C. S. Wolf (— ), 38; R. J. Houston (— ), 4. Congress: Henry C. Mc- 
 Cormick (R), 713; Edward L. Keenan (D), 512. Senator: H. L. Young (D), 
 683; John H. Wilson (R), 536. Representative: George A. Barclay (R), 600; 
 George W. Warner (D), 608. Associate judge: John S. Wiley (R), 715; 
 Thomas Dougherty (D), 486. Treasurer: Benjamin W. Green (R), 785; Philip 
 E. Lewis (D), 437.' District attorney: James P. McNarney (E), 622; Michael 
 Brennan (D), 592. Surveyor: Albert H. Shaffer (D), 543. 
 
 Elections, 1881.— Sheriff ; John W. Kriner (E), 617; N. P. Minard (D), 
 462. Commissioners: Leonard Lucore (E), 525; Charles W. Beldin (R), 448; 
 Philip Smith (D), 483; M. C. Tulis (D), 575. Auditors: D. D. Alderfer (R), 
 561; W. F. Lloyd (R), 609; C. H. Felt (D), 471; M. P. Whiting (D), 503. 
 
848 HISTORY OF CAMEEON COUNTY. 
 
 Coroner: Dr. E. P. Heilman (R), 483; Dr. S. S. Smith (D), 591. Fence law.- 
 For repeal, 246; against, 574. 
 
 Elections, 1888. — Presidential electors : Eepublican, 782 ; Democratic, 551; 
 Prohibitionist, 12. Congress: Lewis F. Watson (R), 837; William A. Rankin 
 (D), 500. Representative: John C. Johnson (E), 809; Georgje W. Warner (D), 
 514. President judge : Charles A. Mayer (D), 1,259; Charles L. Hawley (— ), 
 56. Prothonotary : T. B. Lloyd (E), 1,320. Jury commissioners: M. F. 
 Wykoff (E), 787; J. L. D. Foultz (D), 547. 
 
 Elections, 1889. — The election to vote on the prohibitory and suffrage 
 amendments to the constitution was held June 18, 1889. The result in Em- 
 porium borough and the several election precincts of the county is as follows : 
 Em,porium — East Ward: For the prohibitory amendment, 46; against the pro- 
 hibitory amendment, 29. Middle Ward : For the prohibitory amendment, 47 ; 
 against the prohibitory amendment, 63. West Ward: For the prohibitory 
 amendment, 39; against the prohibitory amendment, 60. Shippen Township: 
 For the prohibitory amendment, 127; against the prohibitory amendment, 108. 
 Lumber Township: Majority against the amendment, 9. Driftwood Borough: 
 Majority for the amendment, 9. Oibson Township : Majority for the amend- 
 ment, 85. Grove Township : Majority for the amendment, 41. Portage Town- 
 ship: Majority for the amendment, 12. 
 
 The suffrage amendment was lost sight of — only a few votes being cast for 
 or against it. 
 
 The fall elections of 1889 show 598 Eepublican; 472 Democratic and 62 
 Prohibition votes for State treasurer; 597 for Balcom (R), and 542 for Burns 
 (D), candidates for county treasurer, while Metzger (E) received 1,094 votes 
 for district attorney. 
 
 CHAPTER VI. 
 
 MILITAEY HISTOEY. 
 
 Inteoductohy — War Meeting at Emporium — Cameron County Company 
 (Old Bucktails) — First Cavalry — Eighty-fourth Regiment, P. V. I.— 
 One Hundred and Ninetieth P. V. I. — One Hundred and Ninety-first 
 P. v. 1.— One Hundred and Ninety-ninth P. V. I.— Miscellaneous. 
 
 THE military history of Cameron county is connected with McKean, Potter 
 and Elk counties so closely that many references to regiments and sol- 
 diers, representing Cameron, are made in the pages devoted to such counties. 
 A war meeting, held at Shippen (Emporium) April 20, 1861, presided over 
 by N. L. Dike, appointed E. B. Eldred, Dr. Gibson, W. E. Eogers, William 
 Jenkins and D. J. Morrison to draft resolutions expressing the sense of the 
 inhabitants on the war question. Five resolutions resulted, one of which re- 
 ferred to the confidence the people placed in Col. Kane, and the desire of the 
 men of Cameron to rally under the Union flag. On the 22d of the same 
 month Col. Kane was present, enrolling. Under date August 5, 1864, Commis- 
 sioners Mix and Whiting agreed upon the following order: " That they would 
 and do hereby, on behalf of the county of Cameron, offer a bounty of three 
 hundred dollars to volunteers, to fill the quota of Cameron county under the call 
 
HISTOEY OF CAMERON COUNTY. 849 
 
 of the President of the United States of July 8, 1864, for 500,000 men." In 
 February, 1865, a similar offer was made to Cameron county volunteers who would 
 respond to the last call for troops, and a special tax for relief purposes ordered. 
 
 OAMEEON OOnNTY COMPANY (oLD BUCKTAILs). 
 
 This company was mustered in regularly, June 1, 1861, although they were 
 in the field so early as April 15, that year, and left Shippen April 28, for Har- 
 risburg. John A. Eldred, the first captain, resigned September 10; L. W. Gif- 
 ford, promoted from second lieutenant, served as his successor until resigna- 
 tion November 17, 1862; Neri B. Kinsey, promoted from first lieutenant of 
 Company A, March 1, 1863, served as captain in the close; W. B. Jenkins, 
 first lieutentant, was killed at Fredericksburg, December 13, 1862; J. Wood 
 Craven, promoted from first sergeant to first lieutenant, March 1, 1863, served 
 to the close, and in 1865 was breveted captain; Oscar D. Jenkins, promoted 
 from first sergeant to second lieutenant, November 2, 1861, wounded at Fred- 
 ericksburg, resigned April 20, 1863, died in McKean county; Moses W. Lucore, 
 promoted second lieutenant, July 1, 1868, was transferred to Company C, 
 One Hundred and Ninetieth Regiment, in 1864; Enoch Barnum, sergeant in 
 1861, was wounded at Drainesville, December 20, "1861, and again at Fred- 
 ericksburg, but served for some time after muster out, as he was on detached 
 duty at the time; Sergt. A. Smith and Corp. Sydney Crocker were transferred 
 to the One Hundred and Ninetieth Regiment; Corp. George W. Fine was killed 
 at Harrisonburg, Va., June 6, 1862; Robert B. Warner joined the command 
 in April, 1861, was in hospital at muster in. The names of private troops who 
 were killed on the field or died while in service are as follows : Charles B. Car- 
 ney and S. W. Landers, killed at South Mountain; Frederick Canfield, John 
 S. Donley, Philip Dailey, John Greal, L. T. Jordan, G. F. Mestler, J. S. Mil- 
 ler, Samuel C. Moyer, John McElhany, J. C. McGill, G. W. McGowan, Perry 
 McHenry, Samuel M, Soper, David Titcomb, W. E. Coorst, George Harmon. 
 The list of private soldiers wounded includes the following names: John P. 
 Blair, Thomas Campbell, Uriah Dehort, Leonard French, D. W. Fairbanks, 
 John Felker, D. C. Freeman, John H. Gettings, Michael L. Gleeson, Thomas 
 Malone, John A. McHenry, Orrin J. Schlatzer, George Haumer, L. Lucore, 
 John Rader and R. A. Ingalsbee. 
 
 The private troops transferred to the 190th Regiment and other commands 
 were L. R. Akley, S. L. Akley (190th), Cassin Burrows, D. Tupper, Jerome 
 Taylor (V. R. I. ), F. H. Butcher (Cav. ), James Clark, Samuel Coorst, John J. 
 Campbell, Erastus Carney, T. Lindsey, C. Daughenbaugh, William Doty, R. 
 J. Davison (190th Regiment), Patrick Sheeley, J. Thalt, W. Shoemaker, Lewis 
 Parker, Sam. Sharp, A. E. Gibbs, Smith E. Guthrie, A. Haumer, Wm. 
 Payne, Matt. McCarrick, John Smithers, J. E. Washburn (mustered out with 
 Company C) ; George Green (transferred to V. R. C. ), James A. C. Johnson, 
 Firman T. Kirk, Owen Lyons, Anson Lucore (burned on a raft near Marietta 
 in 1865) Simon McMahon, James O' Byrne, Abram Stolliker and Ben. F. 
 Wright (transferred to the 190th Regiment). The private troops discharged 
 on surgeon's certificates were Reuben Akley, G. W. Cook, E. P. Denham, E. 
 P. Easterbrooks, Horace H. Greeley, A. Hiller, Irwin Horton, B. F. Minard, 
 G. L. Patterson, Smith G. Post, J. S. Russell, Samuel Sanford, Ben. Shattock 
 and William Sloat. The discharged under special orders were George Guthrie 
 and William Murphy. The alleged deserters named in J. R. Sypher's sketch 
 of this company in his history of the Pennsylvania Reserve. Corps were A. D. 
 Bennett, J. S. Dual, John Grow, S. F. Minard and Charles A. McGregor. 
 Since the war Lieut. Robert Warner was drowned at Queen' s Run dam. 
 
850 HISTOKY OF CAMERON COUNTY. 
 
 FIRST CAVALEr. 
 
 The First Cavalry was mustered in in July and August, 1861, at Camp 
 Curtin, and immediately went into service in Eastern Maryland, Company M 
 capturing seven cannon, caissons and harness in the scout to Pontateague Land- 
 ing, and one cannon and 1,500 small arms at Eastwood. Lieut. G. D. Bayard 
 of the Fourth Eegiment Cavalry, was commissioned colonel, September 1, 
 1861, with Lieut.-Col. Higgins and Maj. Owen Jones. The first regular serv- 
 ice was performed at and around Drainesville, November 27, 1861, when sev- 
 eral bushwhackers were killed or made prisoners. In this affair Asst. Surg. 
 Samuel Alexander and Private Joe Haughling, of Company D, were killed. In 
 April, 1862, the advance on the Rappahannock commenced, and on the 17th 
 the First aided in driving the enemy toward Falmouth, which the regiment oc- 
 cupied next morning. On June 1 it was at Strasburg, skirmishing with Jack- 
 son's force and driving it toward Woodstock before the 8th, being under fire 
 for eight days, including the fights at Harrisonburg and Cross Keys. Leaving 
 Port Republic on the 10th, it 'fought its way to Manassas by the 23d, halted 
 there two weeks, and in August were again opposing Jackson, retired success- 
 fully on Cedar Mountain, and held their position until Banks' arrival, when 
 the First was in front supporting Knapp's battery. After Pope's retreat, on 
 August 19, the First Cavalry alone saved Bayard's brigade from capture, and 
 on the 28th made the celebrated move between Jackson' s rear and Longstreet' s 
 advance, and that night held Thoroughfare Gap for six hours against Long- 
 street, and on the 29th opened the Bull Run battle at Centreville; engaged in 
 holding the stampede during the retreat. In September, Capt. J. P. Taylor 
 was commissioned lieutenant-colonel vice Barrows. Returning to the field, it 
 saved the Rappahannock bridge on November 8, and captured the rebel camp. 
 In December it entered the Fredericksburg campaign, where Gen. Bayard was 
 killed on the 11th. On June 9, 1863, Gen. Pleasanton commanded the corps 
 at Brandy Station, where Col. Duffy of the second division of the cavalry corps 
 changed the fortunes of the day, but at a loss of three killed and eleven wounded 
 in the ranks of the First. At Aldie, beyond Bull Run, Stuart' s entire force 
 was encountered on June 21, and by the 22d pushed back to the Blue Ridge 
 — fourteen miles. The First Cavalry formed the rear guard in the march 
 toward Gettysburg, where it arrived July 2, and was detailed as guard at 
 Meade's headquarters. On July 16 we find the regiment facing the enemy at 
 Sheppardstown, Md. At Carter' s creek, on September 6, an outpost was sur- 
 prised, Lieut. G. W. Lyon and Corp. Barre being killed and four men captured. 
 At New Hope Church and throughout the Mine Run campaign the regiment 
 was in continuous service, and even after the Union forces had retired the reg- 
 iment was detailed for service in the various raids which mark the history of 
 the war throughout the fall and winter of 1863. In April and May, 1864, we 
 find the command at Falmouth, Kelley's ford, Spottsylvania and Todd's Tav- 
 ern, always ready for or in action. On May 9, when Sheridan began his raid 
 on Richmond, the First Cavalry saved the Sixth Ohio from capture at Chiles- 
 burg. On the 10th the regiment was the first to arrive at Haxall's Landing, 
 where by mistake it was fired on by the United States boats. Crossing the 
 Pamunky on May 25, it led the fight at Hawe's shop and the forlorn hope at 
 Barker's Mills, losing heavily in the last assault. Soon after this command 
 was ordered by Sheridan to destroy the Central Virginia Railroad, and later 
 to report to Gen. Torbert. Subsequently it was engaged at White House, and 
 sent by Torbert, without support, to capture a gun behind the enemy' s line. In 
 this rash affair it was entrapped, and in cutting a way through lost three officers 
 and thirty- five men killed, wounded and missing. The regiment crossed James 
 
HISTORY OF CAMERON COUNTY. 853 
 
 river, encountered the enemy at Malvern Hill, losing three killed and fif- 
 teen wounded; recrossed the James July 30, and continued in service until 
 August 30. It was mustered out at Philadelphia, September 9, 1864. 
 
 Among the members of Company D, who resided in Cameron county, were 
 Marcus L. French (promoted from sergeant to second lieutenant and to cap- 
 tain of Company E, April 2, 1862), who resigned February 10, 1863; Arch. R. 
 McDonald, promoted from corporal to first sergeant and to second lieutenant 
 July, 1864, wounded at Cedar Mountain, was captured August, 1862, trans- 
 ferred to battalion September 9, 1864, promoted first lieutenant of Company 
 M, December 13, 1864, and captain January 23, 1865; was discharged June 20, 
 1865. John C. Lewis, promoted corporal, May 25, 1863, and Fleming W. 
 Lucore, also promoted that day and wounded June 21, 1864, were mustered out 
 September 9, 1864; Horace Taylor, wounded at Cedar Mountain, August 9, 
 1862, and again on June 9, 1864, was transferred to battalion and mustered 
 out as sergeant of Company M, June 20, 1865. Almiron Chapman, twice cap- 
 tured, was discharged for disability, February 14, 1863; Eli C. Davy was mus- 
 tered out September 9, 1864. Charles C. Daniels, wounded at Cedar Mount- 
 aiu, died August 16, 1862. Chester E. Foster was transferred to battalion 
 in September, 1864, and mustered out in June, 1865. W. E. Horton was made 
 prisoner June 24, 1864, but returned and was mustered out in June, 1865. 
 Charles D. Lord, Lemuel Lucore, Jr., Anson W. Lewis and R. C. Lewis were 
 mustered out in September, 1864, but the latter served until June, 1865; and 
 also John W. Lewis, with Henry C. Taylor and Charles H. May. Warren Ma- 
 hon was missed at Brandy Station, Va. , June 9, 1863. Of the above named, 
 M. L. French and J. C. Lewis have died since the war. Nelson Sarrell, of 
 Sterling, was blacksmith, A. H. German, Alfred Lewis, and perhaps one or two 
 others, belonged to this command. 
 
 EIGHTY-rOUETH KEGIMENT, P. V. I. 
 
 This regiment was raised in the counties of Cameron, Lycoming, Blair, 
 Clearfield, Dauphin, Westmoreland and Columbia in August and September, 
 
 1861, and mustered in October 24, with William G. Murray, colonel; T. C. 
 McDowell, lieutenant- colonel, and Walter Barrett, major. On January 2, 
 
 1862, the command was at Hancock, Md. On the 4th the regiment met Stone- 
 wall Jackson, but escaped with the loss of one man near Bath, and retui-ned 
 to Hancock, where Gen. Lander's division had arrived. Stonewall Jackson soon 
 appeared, and on the morning of the 5th sent Col. Ashby to demand surrender. 
 The demand was refused, and an artillery duel of two days' duration ensued. 
 During this time Jackson' s main force was moving on Romney and thither, 
 also, Lander directed his command, arriving there in time to set aside Stone- 
 wall's well conceived plans. Lander died March 2, 1862, when Col. Kimball 
 took command. Soon after the division was at Winchester, where Gen. 
 Shields took command, and carried out the affair of Strasburg. On the 22d 
 the battle of Winchester took place. Gen. Shields was wounded, while of the 
 260 officers and men of the Eighty-fourth who went into the affair, twenty-three 
 were killed and sixty-seven wounded, Col. Murray, Capt. Patrick Gallagher 
 and Lieut. Charles Eeem being among the killed. On May 2 the brigade, 
 under Col. Carroll (the 4th of Shields' division), proceeded toward Fredericks- 
 burg, but was ordered back to Fort Royal, and on the 3lBt proceeded to Port 
 Republic, where the command arrived on June 8, 1862, making the celebrated 
 charge on the " wagon train " that day. Unfortunately the " wagon train " proved 
 to be thirty guns masked under wagon covers. In July the regiment joined 
 Pope's corps, was at Cedar Mountain on the 9th, and afterward in the pursuit up 
 the Rapidan to the Rappahannock. On July 30 Lieut. A. H. Nixon gave the 
 
 46 
 
854 HISTORY OF CAMEKON COUNTY. 
 
 night alarm which saved Carroll's brigade from Pender's South Carolinians. 
 Nixon was about to be shot, when a fellow prisoner asked, " You will not shoot 
 an unarmed man, will you ? ' ' and this simple question transferred all prisoners 
 to the terrible prisons at Eichmond. After its first campaign, the 84th returned 
 to Washington with about seventy capable men. It was at Arlington Heights- 
 during the Antietam affairs, and there received 400 men together with returned 
 veterans. In October the recruited command was near Fredericksburg, where 
 the 84th led the fray, receiving from Gen. Carroll special mention. The affairs 
 of Chancellorsville in April and May, 1863, won additional honors by desperate 
 fighting and consequent severe losses. In the battles and skirmishes from 
 July 24 at Wapping Heights to Mine run on November 30, and in the second 
 Eapidan pursuit, February, 1864, the regiment sustained comparatively small 
 loss. During the Wilderness campaign the 84th appears to have been every- 
 where, and Lieut. Nixon, the hero of Bull Run, gave the Pleasant Hill alarm 
 which saved the regiment from capture. From June to October, 1864, the 
 84th was engaged in many brilliant affairs from Petersburg to Yellow House. 
 In the last-named month the old soldiers were mustered out, and re- enlisted 
 men and recruits formed in four companies and consolidated January 13, 1865, 
 with the 57th regiment, of which Lieut. -Col. Zinn became colonel, G. W. 
 Perkins, lieutenant- colonel, and Samuel Bryan, major. The new command 
 was mustered out June 29, 1865. 
 
 Company G, of the Eighty-fourth Eegiment was recruited in Cameron and 
 Cumberland counties, and mustered in in October, 1861, with Merrick Hous- 
 ler, captain, who resigned in May, 1862. James W. Ingram took his place 
 and resigned in September, 1862. E. C. Lamberton was promoted from second 
 lieutenant October 4, 1864, but was transferred to the Fifty-seventh Eegiment. 
 Capt. ErastusE. Piatt was transferred to the V. E. C, August 15, 1863, and John 
 P. Brindle promoted from first lieutenant that day and resigned July 6, 1864. 
 First Lieut. D. W. Taggart died at home, October 16, 1862; J. Eussell 
 Wingate died June 18, 1864, of wounds received at Petersburg. Francis 
 Duffy promoted second lieutenant in May, 1862, resigned in October; W. H. 
 H. Hursh, second lieutenant transferred to the Fifty-seventh in 1865; Sergt. 
 James Thayer died at Cumberland, Md., February 22, 1862; Judson Beers is 
 not accounted for, but died here in 1887 ; J. Hutchison is alleged to have de- 
 serted December 31, 1861; Thomas Carr is not accounted for, and Franklin 
 Hausler wounded at Winchester, Va. , March 23, 1862, was discharged on 
 that account. Sergts. Frank J. Moore (dead), Horace Stiles and W. C. Wolf 
 are not accounted for. Sergts. William Pickering and Corp. Jacob Burr were 
 mustered out December 6, 1864; Penrose Chadwick, wounded at Winchester, 
 March 23, 1862, is not accounted for, also John Adams, Amos A. Foster, Eli- 
 sha Housler, William Hamilton, Leroy E. Leggitt and Alex M. Smith, all 
 corporals, although subsequent records show regular discharge. Corp. John 
 E. Wilson was captured at Chancellorsville, May 3, 1863, was transferred to 
 the Fifty-seventh in 1865. Musician Jacob Storm deserted March 11, 1862, 
 and John Dunn, Sr. , is not accounted for. 
 
 Among the private troops of this command were the following named, 
 captured at Chancellorsville, May 3, 1863 : *Charles Burkholder, *S. l5. Brown- 
 well, Peter Darr (dead), *Jeremiah Gardner, Elias Goodman, Benjamin Getz. 
 (dead), Matthias Kern, *Joseph Krall, Joe J. Konklin, H. B. Eobinson, John 
 Eitsan (dead), *David Scheaffer, *Adam Scheaffer, Chris Smith, *Joseph 
 Swords, *John G. Stern, *Franklin Stoner, *Thomas Snoddy, John Shugas, 
 *Daniel Shindel and Henry A. Walters. 
 
 * Tlie names marked thus* returned to the command and were translerred to the Fifty-seventh Eegi- 
 ment, and Leonard Taggart to First Pennsylvania Cavalry. 
 
HISTOEY OF CAMEEON COUNTY. 855 
 
 Austin Bliss, wounded at Spottsylvania, in May, 1864, was discharged; 
 Samuel Drew was missed at Port Republic, June 9, 1862 ; Allen Freeman died 
 at Camp Kelley, February 10, 1862; Samuel T. Konklin and Reuben Lane 
 were killed at Chancellorsville; Joseph McClaran was killed at Winchester, 
 March 23, 1862; Albert Walthers was wounded and captured at Port Republic, 
 and Abram White died in August, 1862. 
 
 George Anderson, Harrison Barr, Smith Beers, P. S. Culver, Nelson Cutler, 
 William Craven, Martin Carrigan, William Cassidy, Horace M. Duel, D. 
 Daughenbaugh, Ed. Fletcher, George Fair, A. A. Foster, Isaac Holley, Theo. 
 Haney, William Jones, Michael Kernan, Thomas Letts, Rufus Lucore, Will- 
 iam J. Lucore, John Moore, John Mahood, Herman E. Morgan, Michael 
 Monaghan, Henry Mix, Robert Miller, John McClanahan, John McKee, F. 
 Nickerbocker, Chester Nerrigan, James Nolan, James L. Pepper, Dwight 
 Roberts, Charles Sponsler, Henry Strickland, James J. ShafPer, Henry Stitler, 
 
 D. P. Smith, Isaac Smith, John Stimer, John Sullivan, Samuel Sponogle,. 
 Amos J. Virgison, Silas Wheaton (died a few years ago), and Waldo White- 
 head (since dead), were not accounted for at date of muster out. 
 
 Among others transferred to the 57th, January 13, 1865, were Thomas 
 Daley, George Detmore, Josiah Daron, Levi Eicholtz, James L. Fisk, Epraim 
 Horner, G. J. Kunkle and Jacob Wilson. Edmund Robinson was discharged 
 December 5, 1864, and Robert Johnston was transferred to Company E. The 
 alleged deserters are named as follows: William Lyons and Val. Stonebraker, 
 in 1861. 
 
 ONE HONDKED AND NINETIETH REGIMENT, P. V. I. 
 
 This regiment was jaised immediately after the affair of Bethesda Church, 
 May 30, 1864, when the recruits and members, willing to reenlist, of the 1st, 
 7th and 9th Regiments, and two companies of the 10th, 11th, 12th and 13th 
 Regiments of the Pennsylvania Reserves, were organized under this title with 
 Maj. W. R. Hartshorn, of the 13th, colonel; Capt. Joseph B. Pattee, of the 10th, 
 lieut. -col. , and Capt. John A. Wolfe, of the 13th, major. The new command 
 participated in the engagements at Cold Harbor, and on June 13 was present 
 at Charles City with the 191st. At Petersburg Lieut. Christnot was killed, and 
 Lieuts. Greenfield and Bletts mortally wounded. Near Yellow House Lieut. 
 Stock was killed July 19, and Hartshorn's brigade captured, except a few on 
 detached duty, who subsequently represented the I90th, under Lieut. -Col. 
 Pattee, the main force being guests of the Confederacy, until Lee's surrender. 
 
 ONE HUNDRED AND NINETT-FIRST REGIMENT, P. V. I. 
 
 The history of the 191st Regiment is almost identical with that of the 
 190th, both regiments meeting at Washington for muster out, June 28, 1865. 
 Moses W. Lucore served in this command with other comrades from this 
 county. His confinements in several Confederate prisons destroyed his health, 
 and caused his death. 
 
 ONE HUNDRED AND NINETY-NINTH REGIMENT, P. V. I. 
 
 Company K of this regiment claimed the following Cameron county men : H. 
 
 E. Coleman, H. E. Chamberlin, Ira Fuller, G. W. Gore, Samuel D. Jordan, 
 Michael Nugent and Royal Smith. 
 
 MISCELLANEOUS. 
 
 Charles Evans, a soldier, was killed at Keating Summit mill ; Jesse Hart, 
 Company H, 46th Pennsylvania Infantry, died on the Sinnemahoning in 1871; 
 
8R6 HISTORY OP CAMERON COUNTY. 
 
 ''irgil Holbrook, Company H, 158th, died during the war; and Don Jones, of 
 3ompany P, 58th, also died; Elmer and Ira Lewis, of the gunboat "Victor," 
 
 Vii 
 
 Company 
 
 No. 33, died on the Mississippi; William Lewis, Company I, 76th, is dead; 
 Clarence Lindsley, Company I, 148th New York, was murdered by Preston 
 Gowers in 1883, the murderer killing Mrs. Gower and himself immediately 
 thereafter; Thomas and James B. Logue, Company P, 211th, were killed at 
 the wilderness; DeLbss Mumford, Company D, 53d Pennsylvania Infantry, 
 was killed in action; Martin McMahon is buried at Driftwood; David and 
 Josiah Miller died after the war; Osman Ostrander, Company D, 53d Penn- 
 sylvania Infantry, was accidently killed some years ago ; in Company P, of the 
 58th Pennsylvania Infantry, were James Peasley, George Peasley, Philander 
 Peasley and Hiram Peasley who died in the service; C. C. Peasley, of Company 
 H, 14l8t Regiment, died in 1880; Parker, Company I, 131st, died in 1882, 
 and was buried at Sterling; James R. Ritchey, Company F, 211th, was killed 
 at the wilderness; John H. Smith, of Company P, 148th, died during the war; 
 George Trump, of the 137th, died at Driftwood after the war; Charles Wykoff, 
 of Company H, 40th, is dead; Matthew Phoenix, of the 86th New York In- 
 fantry, was wouaded at Locust Grove, Va. Harry Dutcher, Battery A, 4th 
 United States Artillery, died at Driftwood about 1882, 
 
 The status of the Cameron county men in the war was truly rated by 
 Representative J. C. Johnson, in his reply to Kreps, of Franklin county, dur- 
 ing the debate on the bill authorizing suits against the commonwealth in 1889. 
 Addressing the speaker, Mr. Johnson said: "I cannot let my youthful friend 
 from Franklin attack my county without replying to him. He makes no reply 
 to my argument whatever, but says my county was a young county when the 
 border raids occurred. That is true. But young as she was, she sent volun- 
 teers to help defend the gentleman's border county. I bad myself the honor 
 and the pleasure to come from the northern boundary of the State to this south- 
 ern boundary with the men of that part, and aid in protecting the widows and 
 their infants and their homes ; and the men of that county he so weakly attacks 
 stood with me on the field of Gettysburg, and went thence to rebel prisons 
 because of that defense, while the gentleman himself was an infant, or, to use 
 his own words, ' a puny, weakly baby, ' about the door-sill of his father' s store. ' ' 
 
HISTORY OF CAMERON COUNTY, 857 
 
 CHAPTER VII. 
 
 JOUENALISM— EDUCATION— PHYSICIANS— COUNTY 
 ASSOCIATIONS— RAILEOADS. 
 
 Journalism The Citizen— The Press— The Independent— The Herald— 
 
 The Gazette (Sterling and Driftwood)— Literature 
 
 Education — Early Schools— Teachers and County Superintendents- 
 Report OF Superintendent Pearsall Year Ending June 4, 1888— The 
 Teachers' Institute. 
 
 Physicians Dr. Kincaid and Others-The Cameron County Medical So- 
 ciety. 
 
 County Associations Agricultural Societies— Centennial Association 
 
 -Semi-Religious Societies. 
 
 Railroads Road to Salt Spring Run— The P. & E. R. R,— The B., N. Y. & 
 
 P. R. R.— Miscellaneous. 
 
 journalism. 
 
 On July 14, 1860, the Citizen ceased publication at Smethport, the issue 
 being the forty-third number of the sixth volume. Capt. Rogers, in his 
 sketch of the removal of the office to Emporium, addressed to Mr. Gould in 
 1888, says: "For reasons which I cannot now recall, the publication of the 
 Citizen was not resumed in Shippen until December 28 following. It was 
 probably owing to my being engaged in the oil business on Oil creek and at 
 Tidioute that season. On the day mentioned the tirst number of the Cameron 
 Citizen made its appearance, and in the salutatory occurs the following pas- 
 sage: 'We have finally made the commencement which we promised you 
 should be made in July or August last. In explanation of our course in not 
 issuing a paper in this county at the time we originally intended, we have only 
 to say that circumstances of a business nature, which we consider of far more 
 importance than publishing a country newspaper, demanded our personal at- 
 tention.' In the tirst paper (December 28, 1860), is announced the 'gratifying 
 fact that the court-house will be ready for occupancy one week from next Mon- 
 day, ' when the first court in the county was to be held. The first work on the 
 court-house was not commenced until after September 1. In the same paper 
 appears the ordinance of secession passed by the South Carolina convention 
 on December 20. In the issue of the Citizen of April 19 appears the start- 
 ling news of the surrender of Fort Samter. The Kane Eifles, or 'Bucktails,' 
 left Shippen for Harrisburg on the 28th. On the 30th the legislature con- 
 vened in extraordinary session in- response to the call of Gov. Curtin. Re- 
 cruiting officers were frequently seen, their business being to gather into the 
 ranks of the nation's defenders the ' bone and sinew' of the land. It was one 
 of these, I think the late J. K. Haffey, a former resident of Bradford, who 
 took from the Citizen office Thomas Malone, a young man who had learned his 
 trade in my office, who had resided in my family for years, and who was as near 
 to me as a brother. Malone left some time in July. Early in August S. D. 
 Barrows, of Lock Haven, came to Shippen for cavalrymen recruits, and one of 
 the first men to enlist with him was my brother, William R. Rogers, who,, up 
 to that time was a partner in the business. Very soon after my brother left 
 
858 HISTORY OF CAMEBON COUNTY. 
 
 I received an appointment from Col. Carlton B. Curtis, of Erie, to raise a 
 company, he having been commissioned by Gov. Curtin to raise a regiment of 
 volunteers in the northwestern counties. I commenced recruiting in the latter 
 part of August, and I think the last Citizen was published in the first or sec- 
 ond week of September. Some time after I was mustered into the service the 
 printing ofBce was sold to a committee of the citizens of the town, and I be- 
 lieve what remained of it subsequently passed into your hands. ' ' 
 
 There was no effort made to revive the paper until the summer of 1865, 
 when two young men, Stacy and Young, came from Ohio and started the Citi- 
 zen again, but continued its publication only a few weeks, and left suddenly, 
 leaving many unpaid bills behind them. The paper could have been made a 
 success with the proper labor and enterprise, but the young men lacked exper- 
 ience, and, it is said, greatly neglected their business. 
 
 The Press. — The story of the establishment of this excellent journal was 
 told by the owner, C. B. Gould, in 1888: " In 1866, an association of gentlemen, 
 residents of the county, purchased the printing material of the defunct Citi- 
 zen, with a view of establishing a Republican paper, and sent to us, then in 
 Binghamton, N. Y., to come and .publish it. We arrived here the last day 
 of February, 1866, and a more desolate looking place, or one more uninviting 
 to embark in the enterprise of establishing a newspaper, could rarely be found. 
 The only view that met our eye, on stepping from the cars, was the towering 
 mountains, woods and stumps, with a few scattering houses, including the 
 Biddle House, then kept by J. L Cook. Our first impulse was to take the 
 return train, then due, for New York State, and not show ourself to the com- 
 mittee that we felt had imposed upon us, but just then Frank McCollum, who 
 had preceded us here, and was engaged to work in the printing office, put in 
 an appearance and informed us that James G. Clark (an old acquaintance from 
 Utica) was to give a concert in the court-house that evening, and desired to see 
 us. After supper at the Biddle House, we were piloted to the court house, 
 meandering between stumps (sidewalks were a luxury unknown), and through 
 mud we imagined to be about three feet deep, and at last arrived at the temple 
 of justice, a thoroughly disgusted individual. To our surprise we found a 
 large audience of intelligent, fashionably dressed men and women, and a better 
 class of people we never met. But where did they come from ? was a query 
 we could not answer. There were but a few dilapidated dwelling houses to be 
 seen, but woods and stumps, and stumps and woods everywhere. Did these 
 people live in hollow trees or behind stumps? Where else could they live? 
 We did not then know that the woods were full of the best kind of people, en- 
 gaged in lumbering — living in their own lumber camps — a wealthy, prosper- 
 ous class, and many of them educated and refined. After the concert, we were 
 taken through the audience and introduced to the people, very much as a new 
 minister would be exhibited to his flock. We then made the acquaintance of 
 many who have been our most valued friends these many years. Some of 
 them still reside here, a few have made their residence in other places, and 
 many have ceased from their labors and gone to their eternal rest. The next 
 morning after our arrival in Emporium, we went to the printing office, then in 
 the old Gibson House, at the lower end of the borough, and found a sorry 
 looking concern. There was a hand-press, some newspaper type, and very 
 little material for job work. The forms of the Citizen had been left without 
 washing, and having been in that condition for nearly a year, printers can 
 readily understand the labor required to clean the type and get it ready for 
 use. The ofifice was in a terrible condition, and Mmost a complete mass of 
 ' pi. ' However, we went to work, and in about ten days put the office in good 
 
HISTORY OF CAMEEON COUNTY. 859 
 
 shape, and issued the first number of the Press. The paper was a six-column 
 folio (just half the present size), set in long primer, but a creditable looking 
 sheet, and the enterprise proved a financial success from the start. It was 
 then the only paper published on the line of the P. & E. Railroad, between 
 Lock Haven and Warren, and our business increased so rapidly that we were 
 compelled, in a few weeks, to put in the establishment a Gordon job press, and 
 add largely to our jobbing facilities. The business steadily increased, and the 
 Press had been enlarged to an eight-column paper; the establishment was com- 
 plete in every department, when, in November, 1877, it was completely de- 
 stroyed by fire, without a dollar of insurance; the hard earnings of eleven 
 years went up in flame and smoke, and we were compelled to start at the bot- 
 tom round again; and now, after eleven years more of toil, and many discour- 
 agements, we have a better office, one of the most complete newspaper and job 
 establishments in Northern Pennsylvania; a large and rapidly growing busi- 
 ness, and brighter prospects for the future." H. H. Mullen is the indefati- 
 gable assistant editor, and to him particularly the readers of the Press are in- 
 debted for the extent and interesting character of the local pages. 
 
 The Independent. — In 1866 the Emporium Independent was established 
 by S. S. Hacket. This enterprise has continued to the present time, and The 
 Independent is classed among the largest country papers in the State. While 
 Mr. Hacket devotes the greater part of his attention to his lumber and other 
 interests, he controls the policy of this journal; Jonathan GrifPord, however, is 
 the de Jacto editor. 
 
 The Herald. — In 1869 J. B. Newton, commenced the publication of the 
 Cameron Herald. This was ably conducted till 1873, when, at the burning 
 of the "Cook Block" on July 8, the press and all the material were burned, 
 and the career of the paper terminated. John B. Newton, said to have been born 
 at Franklinville, N. Y. , January 4, 1839, studied law under Judge Spring, after 
 graduating from the Tenbrook Academy. He was admitted to the bar at Buf- 
 falo, N. T., May 7, 1862, and same year came to Emporium, where, in Octo- 
 ber, 1862, he was admitted to the bar of Cameron, as related in the transac- 
 tions of the district court. After the war he married Miss Emily J. Mercereau, 
 of this county, who still resides here. Mr. Newton died December 8, 1887, 
 after a quarter of a century of services to the county. The Press, noticing his 
 death, says: "The deceased was, perhaps, more closely identified with the 
 prosperity of Emporium than any other city." 
 
 The Sterling Gazette was issued at Sterling in March, 1877, by H. D. Earl 
 & Co. This was a very small journal, indeed, until it was enlarged in March, 
 1879, and converted into a newspaper. In 1880 the office was moved to 
 Driftwood. 
 
 The Driftwood Gazette was issued June 16, 1880, by H. D. Earl & Co., 
 who continued until December 8, 1885, when J. T. Earl & Co. issued their 
 salutatory as publishers. Daily editions were issued during meetings of 
 the institute in 1887-88. 
 
 John Brooks, the first historian of the county, as well as Dr. Lanning and 
 J. B. Newton, who contributed valuable historial sketches in Centennial year, 
 deserve a first place in the history of letters in this section of the State. Mrs. 
 E. Mercereau Newton, widow of J. B. Newton, is the authoress of " Boscobel ' ' 
 and other stories. 
 
 EDUCATION.* 
 
 The first school taught on the Sinnemahoning river was taught in 1818 
 by one William Boyd, a native of Chester county, Penn., who was a gradu- 
 
 * F. J. Cliadmek -writes with regard to tlie soliools of Cameron county tliat the school that Will- 
 
860 HISTOBY OF CAMERON COUNTY. 
 
 ate of one of the Philadelphia colleges. This school was held in a round-log 
 house, built by one Peter Walters, for a dwelling, and stood on the Devling 
 farm, near a spring, and near where the Lumber school-house No 1 now 
 stands. A.bout the year 1820 the first school-house within the county limit 
 was built. This house was erected on the Mason farm, near the Pine Street 
 Church ; it was built of round logs, was chinked and daubed with mud mortar 
 made from the clay soil. The roof consisted of rough clapboards, put on with- 
 out nails, and kept in place by round logs called "weight poles." The school- 
 house in question, thus built of round logs, chinked and daubed with mud- 
 mortar made from the clay soil on which it stood, with rough clapboard roof, 
 held on by weight poles, instead of nails, was built in the year 1820, on the 
 Mason farm near the cemetery. The gables were cabined off with round logs, 
 the door made of rough pine boards fastened upon long wooden hinges, and 
 with wooden latches, the buckskin latch strings pendent on the outside. The 
 windows were made of rough sash, with oiled paper substituted for glass. The 
 floor was of rough boards laid loose upon hewn sleepers. The house was 
 heated from an immense corner chimney, constructed with rough stones and mud, 
 with a wooden mantel over the wide fire-place, in front of which was an ex- 
 tended hearth of flag-stones. Occasionally, the huge pile of logs in the fire- 
 place, in full combustion, would set on fire the wooden mantel, and then boys 
 and girls, eager for the fray, at the command of the master, would bring snow 
 from the yard, or water from the spring, to play upon the ignited mantel, until 
 the fire was extinguished. The house was seated with rows of long benches 
 made of slabs or plank, in which holes were bored and round sticks fitted in 
 them, for legs, and w^re without backs. The desks were boards or plank, 
 placed at proper angles along the walls, and maintained in positions by pins 
 driven into the walls. The pupils who were being taught to write and cypher 
 occupied these desks. The wood in the fire-place was ignited by light-wood 
 shavings set on fire by "punk," which was ignited by sparks obtained by 
 striking a steel upon a flint. There were no lucifer matches in those days, 
 though it was thought some of the natives were a match for Lucifer himself. 
 
 The first teacher employed in this school-house was one Dennis Lynch, a 
 native of Ireland. He taught in 1821 and 1822. Succeeding him were Elihu 
 Chadwick, Jr., of New Jersey, and who now is a resident of the city of Cleve- 
 land, Ohio, and a worthy and excellent man; afterward William Boyd, already 
 referred to, and Dr. Joseph T. Hunt, of Lycoming county, Penn., and others, 
 among whom some were exceedingly illiterate, and were discharged for in- 
 competency after a short trial. The schools were all subscription schools prior 
 to 1838, when the common-school system was introduced. The next school- 
 house was built in 1819, on ground now occupied by the Tannery school, a 
 very short distance above Emporium on the road to Rich Valley. This was 
 first taught by John Chadwick, the father of Richard Chadwick, the first county 
 superintendent of the county of Cameron after its organization. It is con- 
 tended, indeed, by some, that the latter school-house was really the first in the 
 county. English grammar was not taught in the schools until about 1836. 
 About the years 1834-35 the science of land surveying was taught by a 
 teacher named Baker, in a hewed-log school-house which was erected near the 
 mouth of the first forks of the Sinnemahoning. This school-house and 
 
 iam F.oyil tauglit in 1818 was not the first school taught on the Sinnemahoning. And the scliool-house, 
 "built on the Mason farm in 1820," was not tlie first seliool-house "built witliin the county hmit." Miss 
 EUza Dodye, who was etlucated at the Williamsport Academy, taught a summer term in a new framed 
 barn, at tlie moutli of North creek, in 1817. Tlie barn is still standing, and is at present occupied by Mr. 
 George Dodge, who is, liowever, no relative of Miss EUza. There was a log house built in 1819, wliere tlie 
 new school-house now stands, just above Emporium, and John Chadwicli taught a winter term in it, In 
 1819-20 ; Miss Jedldah Freeman taught a summer term in 1820 ; Mr. Leonard Towusend taught a winter term 
 in 1820-21. 
 
io'v*. 
 
 ^^Ayyu^ 
 
HISTORY OF CAMERON COUNTY. 863 
 
 the Pine Street Church, also built of hewn logs, were erected about 1826. 
 The first high-grade schools in the county were established at Sinnema- 
 honing, in 1864-65. These schools were founded by John Brooks, who em- 
 ployed principals and teachers and among these mentioned are MissHenrietta 
 Baker (a graduate of Oxford College, Penn.), Prof. J. H. Yosburg and Mrs. 
 J. H. Vosburg, of Binghamton, N. Y., Miss Alice M. Lindsley (preceptress 
 of the Waverly Institute, N. Y.), Miss E. Baldwin, of London, Eev. A. B. 
 Miller, of Gettysburg College, Penn., and Prof s. A. B. Clough, of Poughkeepsie, 
 N. Y., and B. W. Hollen, of Iron City College, Penn. The last two named 
 were principals of the commercial department. These schools were suspended 
 in 1873, on account of financial embarrassment. The first county superintend- 
 ent of common schools in the county of Cameron was Eichard Chadwick, who 
 was elected to oflSce in 1861 for two years. The second was Francis J. Chad- 
 wick, elected in 1863 for a term of three years. The third was J. B. Johnson, 
 who was elected in 1866 and re-elected in 1869, and again in 1872, holding it 
 altogether for three consecutive, or during nine, years. The next was N. H. 
 Schenck, who was elected in 1875. Prof. Pearsall is now superintendent of 
 schools. 
 
 In November, 1866, Mrs. J. B. Johnson opened a select school in Felt's 
 block. The district school was then presided over by Miss Anna Hendry and 
 Miss Williamson. 
 
 The report of Supt. Pearsall for year ending June 4, 1888, gives the fol- 
 lowing statistics: School-houses, 34; school rooms, 44; schools, 43; graded 
 schools, 14; number of districts supplying text-books free, 1 ; number in which 
 Bible is read, 36; number of male teachers, 6; of female, 48, of whom 8 held 
 professional certificates; male pupils, 711, female pupils, 716— total 1,427, of 
 whom 1,114 attended school; school tax, $11,987.50; State moneys, $1,429.61, 
 of which the sum of $8, 930. 39 was paid teachers, the total expenditure being 
 $12,446.59. 
 
 The Teachers' Institute was organized in 1867, and the seventh annual 
 meeting held December 2, 1873, with J. B. Johnson, superintendent of schools, 
 presidiag. Miss M. C. Simpson presided over the business meeting with J. 
 W. Eldred, secretary. 
 
 PHYSICIANS. 
 
 In the history of Elk county reference is made to the first physician who 
 settled on Bennett's branch. The first physician who practiced within the 
 limits of this county was Dr. Kincaid. *He settled near the present village of 
 Sterling Eun, and for years treated the various diseases that flesh is heir to. 
 One incident occurred in his practice, that is remembered distinctly by the 
 people who were living in the country at that time, that is somewhat amusing. 
 He was treating a patient at the old Dent place on Bennett' s branch. Leaving 
 his saddle-bags outside, near the creek, while he went within the house, a cer- 
 tain cow, not having the fear of the god iEsculapius before her eyes, and in- 
 stigated by the very spirit of mischief and with malice aforethought proceeded 
 to eat the saddle bags and all their contents, and when the Doctor returned 
 she was quietly chewing the cud. If the proof of the pudding is in the chew- 
 ing of the bag, by a parity of reasoning that cow should have obtained the full 
 benefit of the. medicine, but what was the actual effect upon the animal or 
 what became of her, or how the Doctor replenished his stores, this deponent 
 sayeth not, as history is entirely silent upon those points. We have to add 
 
 * From John Brooks' Centennial sketch. 
 
864 HISTOKY OF CAMEEON COUNTY. 
 
 that the Doctor was the father of the great Baptist missionary to India, Eugenic 
 Kincaid. 
 
 In the sketches of the several townships, villages and boroughs mention is 
 also made of the old physicians who practiced within what is now Cameron 
 ■county. 
 
 The Cameron County Medical Society was organized July 25, 1879, and 
 the following officers elected: President, W. H. DeLong, M. D., Emporium; 
 vice-president, S. S. Smith, M. D., Driftwood; secretary, E. O. Bardwell, 
 M. D., Emporium; treasurer, E. P. Heilman, M. D., Emporium. The list 
 of members comprises W. H. DeLong, E. P. Heilman, E. O. Bardwell and S. 
 S. Smith, of Emporium; E. G. Torbert, of Driftwood, and C. S. French, of 
 Sterling. 
 
 February 16, 1882, the by-laws were approved by the State Society, and 
 in May, 1882, the society was represented in the Pennsylvania State Society by 
 
 E. O. Bardwell. In 1883, owing to the paucity of the membership, the 
 society voted to join and did join the Elk County Medical Society. At the 
 present time all the regular physicians in Cameron county are members 
 in good standing of the Elk County Medical Society. John C. McAllister, Jr. , 
 registered in December, 1889, as a physician of Cameron county. In March 
 of that year he graduated from the College of Physicians and Surgeons, Balti- 
 more, Md. Dr. J. G. Bryan died at Jacksonville, Fla. , in December, 1889. 
 
 COUNTY ASSOCIATIONS. 
 
 Agricultural Societies — .The first agricultural society was organized Sep- 
 tember 20, 1876, with the following named officers: President, John Brooks; 
 vice-presidents, J. L. Cook, C. H. Sage; secretary, A. H. Boynton; treasurer, 
 J. Henry Cochran. 
 
 With a view to the holding of a county fair early in October, the following 
 gentlemen were selected as a committee of arrangements: Emporium — Dr. J. 
 G. Bryan, J. W. Cochran, J. B. Newton, George W. Warner, John Day, J. W. 
 Phelps, C. B. Gould, Jonathan Gifford, L. G. Cook, S. Kirk, C. C. Fay, J. C. 
 Johnson, George Metzger, H. C. Olmsted, L. Taggart, D. P. Catlin, Joel 
 Shives, Henry Edgcomb, J. M. Jiidd, Eiley Warner, Dr. J. T. Lanning, J. W. 
 Frank, E. M. Overhiser, E. ' E. Mayo, C. Sweazey, M. M. Larrabee, Seneca 
 Freeman, James Matteson, A. G. Holbrook, J. F. Parsons, H. C. Eockwell, 
 G. A. Walker, I. Morro, Amos Finton, J. P. Felt, Edward J. Ealph, N. Seger, 
 
 F. D. Leet, M. C. Tulis. Shippen— J. S. Wiley, W. Eussell, Allen Eussell, 
 Sol. Boss, John Jackson, Charles Weller, L. B. Jones, L. A. Freeman, Noah 
 Parker, Karl Zimmer, N. P. Minard, I. L. Craven, George Thayer, E. E. 
 Thompson, Gillis Bliss, B. S. Morrison,- John Morrison, L. T. More, J. E. 
 Buckwalter, W. C. Clark, C. C. Craven, George Dodge, B. Sweazey, Philip 
 Lewis, Morris Lewis, John C. Lewis, William Lewis, Aden Housler, Joseph 
 Housler, B. L. Emery, Franklin Hausler, John Chandler, Henry Haines, 
 Henry Lewis, Penrose Chadwick. Portage — L. Lucore, D. Burlingame, W. 
 L. Ensign, N. D. Sizer, E. D. Sizer. Lumber— P. W. Whiting, W. P. Her- 
 rick, Philip Smith, John Chapman, C. C. Devling, C. C. Lyman, E. P. Lester, 
 J. H. Barrows, G. H. Mayo, Matt. Phoenix, V. A. Brooks, Milo Bull, D. 
 D. Alderfer, H. J. Smith, Joseph Eitchie, John Summerson. Gibson — John 
 Mason, James W^ylie, B. V. WykoS, Hezekiah Mix, Levi Hicks, Adam Smith, 
 Darius Barr, Eeuben Collins, Harrison Logue, William Dent, G. W. Huntley, 
 Isaac Smith, William Wylie, Washington Mason. William Miller. Drift- 
 wood—Col. J. S. Bates, C. Y. White, D. J. McDonald, Levi Musser, J. B. 
 Earl, E. Eothrock. Grove — E. M. Williams, G. A. Barclay, Josiah Fink, 
 
HISTOEY OF CAMERON COUNTY. 865 
 
 Jacob Shafer, Washington Bailey, J. W. Phillips, George G-oss, John A. Wy- 
 koff, John C. Logue, Isaac Ramage, Joseph M. Shafer, A. P. Floyd. 
 
 The Cameron County Agricultural Society was incorporated November 19, 
 1881, with G. A. Walker, Joel Shives, J. B. Newton, Allen Eussell, J. G. 
 Bryan and J. W. Cochran, trustees. They, with the following named, were 
 the stockholders: J. D. Logan, H. Edgcomb, R. P. Heilman, L. G. Cook, 
 Frank Shives, H. C. Olmsted, William Frane, A. A. McDonald, C. C. Fav and 
 
 B. W. Green. 
 
 Centennial Association. — The county organization, for the purpose of mak- 
 ing arrangements for and carrying out the celebration of the Centennial Fourth 
 in 1876, comprised: President :'E. R. Mayo; vice-presidents: Shippen — J. S. 
 Wiley, W. C. Clark, L. T. More, Benjamin Emery, Joseph Housler; Port- 
 age — William L. Ensign, L. Lucore; Lumber — P. W. Whiting, D. R. Nel- 
 son; Driftwood — Henry Cochran, Levi Musser; Gibson — John Brooks, Heze- 
 kiah Mix, G. W. Huntley; Grove — Charles Barclay, Isaac Ramage, R. M. 
 Williams. Marshal, J. W. Phelps; assistant marshals, L. Taggart, J. 0. 
 Brookbank, J. M. Shafer. Committee of arrangements: Emporium — C. B. 
 Gould, William Howard, G. A. Walker, J. W. Cochran, S. S. Hacket, F. D. 
 Leet, L. G. Cook, Samuel Kirk; Shippen — W^. C. Clark, Franklin Hausler, 
 Charles Weller; Lumber — Green Mayo, R. and J. Barrows, Milo Bull; 
 Driftwood — Col. Bates, Thomas Dougherty, Daniel McDonald; Gibson — M. 
 J. B. Brooks, James Wylie, Isaac Smith; Grove — Joseph Shafer, Josiah 
 Fink, Alonzo Bailey. 
 
 Semi- Religious Societies. — The County Temperance Convention was organ- 
 ized at Sterling, April 10, 1874, with Levi Musser, president, and Thomas M. 
 Lewis, secretary. The delegates present were Miss Frances Pinney, Rev. L. 
 H. Schenck, L. H. Chase, James Estes, William Herring, William Arnold, 
 Rev. M. H. Moyer, David Chapman, Mrs. Jinks, Ella Herrick, John Lane, A. 
 R. Smith, T. C. Page, Annie Page, Revs. A. E. Taylor, Washington ShafPer 
 and J. W. Bell. 
 
 The County Sabbath-school Association was organized in May, 1874, with 
 L. Taggart, president; J. H. Cole, secretary; Philip Smith, treasurer; L. 
 Musser, H. C. Whitner, Joseph ShafPer, Sr., D. R. Nelson, D. Burlingame, J. 
 
 C. Chandler, and George Metzger, vice-presidents. 
 
 RAILROADS. 
 
 In August, 1850, Lemuel Lucore sold to Cameron & Stanton the right of way 
 for their railroad, then built as far as Salt Spring run. Work on the Phila- 
 delphia & Erie Railroad was commenced in 1859, but suspended for a time. 
 In January, 1862, the company entered into a contract with the Pennsylvania 
 Railroad Company to lease to the latter their partly-constructed road from 
 Erie to Sunbury for a term of 999 years, subject to all incumbrances. The road was 
 completed to Emporium October 20, 1863, and opened throughout its entire 
 length in 1864. In December, 1881, the Philadelphia & Erie Railroad depot, 
 above the junction of Bennett's branch extension of the Allegheny Valley 
 Railroad, was moved to the junction, the last named company agreeing to 
 leave title of building in the Philadelphia & Erie Company. The Buffalo, New 
 York & Philadelphia Railroad was completed to Emporium December 23, 1872. 
 The first rail was placed in October, 1867, on the old Buffalo & Washington 
 Railroad, and completed to East Aurora January 23, 1868. Work was re- 
 sumed September 15, 1870, and the road was formally opened to Emporium 
 December 28, 1872, the borough entertaining the visitors. J. F. Parsons pur- 
 chased the first ticket, and received the first bill of goods from Buffalo via this 
 
866 HISTOBY OF CAMEKON COUNTY. 
 
 road. This end of the road was called, in 1866, " The Sinnemahoning Portage 
 Railroad." 
 
 The history of the Low Grade Division of the Allegheny Valley Eailroad 
 shows its completion from Driftwood to Red Bank in 1874 Lumber rail- 
 roads run through several valleys, as noted in the township sketches. 
 
 CHAPTER VIII. 
 SHIPPEN TOWNSHIP— BOROUGH OP EMPORIUM. 
 
 Shippen Township Boundary and Area— Geneeal Topography— Popula- 
 tion AND Assessments — March Elections, 1861— Pioneer Days and 
 Homes— Lumber and Mills- Oil Well, Coal Mining and Other Ven- 
 tures—Internal Improvements— Miscellaneous. 
 
 Borough of Emporium Its Early History— Municipal Affairs- Post- 
 
 mastbrs and Postoffices— Fire Department— Water Company— Bank- 
 Manufactures— Societies— Chuuchbs—Schools— Fires— Flood OF 1889— 
 Conclusion. 
 
 SHIPPEN TOWNSHIP, bounded by McKean county on the north, Elk 
 county on the west, Portage and Lumber townships (Cameron county) on 
 the east. Lumber township on the southeast and Benezette township (Elk 
 county) on the south, is fourteen and one-half miles in length north and south, 
 and eleven miles in breadth east and west, or 159.5 square miles, less 1.8 
 square mile, in the southeast corner attached to Lumber township. The area, 
 if level, would be 102,080 acres, but owing to the number of high hills (some 
 of them considered productive even to their summits), it is not an exaggeration 
 to credit the township with 200,000 acres, of which the valley lands are par- 
 ticularly rich. 
 
 The lowest elevation near the confluence of Canoe run and the Sinnema- 
 honing, is 1,000 feet, the highest measured elevation. River Hill, jiist south 
 of Emporium junction, 2,112 feet above ocean level. Northwest of Boon's 
 Mount, anticlinal, it is a tableland of flat summits and drift-covered slopes of 
 oVer 2,000 feet altitude, while southward it slopes to 1,700. The hills are 
 covered with pine and hemlock, and in turn cover immense deposits of rock 
 and in some instances mineral. North of the Philadelphia & Erie Railroad 
 are Elk run, Deep creek, Lewis, Britton and North runs, and Sinnemahoning 
 Portage, all flowing into the Driftwood branch; Fishing, Clear, West, Canoe, 
 Sterling creeks enter the branch from the southwest, while the headwaters 
 of Hick's run and Dent's run are in the southwestern sections. 
 
 The population in 1880 was 1,217, excluding the 1,156 inhabitants of Em- 
 porium, increased in 1888 to 2,070, the total being based on 230 Republican 
 and 115 Democratic votes, recorded in November, 1888. The assessment for 
 1889 was as follows: 448 taxables, exempt, $6,300; occupation, 112,001; sea'ted 
 real estate, 162,102; unseated real estate, $237,322; 215 cows and oxen, 
 $2,862; 201 horses, $6,810; total, $321,097; money, etc., at interest, $10,- 
 791.97. 
 
 The assessment of Shippen township for 1886-37, was made by John Chad- 
 wick. The resident tax-payers, or those who paid taxes on improved lands, 
 were Isaac Abbott & Co., twenty-two acres; W. Bassett, Joseph Britton, John 
 
HISTORY OF CAMERON COUNTY. 867 
 
 Chadwick, Elihu Chadwick, Elizabeth Cummings, John Chandler, Elihu Chand- 
 ler, Jonathan Celegrove, John Earl (the Cox heirs had sixteen acres improved), 
 Benjamin Freeman, Brewster Freeman (owner of saw-mill and thirty-three 
 acres improved) Samuel, Thomas and Joseph Hollon, Abram Housler (eleven 
 acres), Joseph and Aden Housler, Stephen Lucore, Luther and Eufus Lucore, 
 Lemuel Lucore, Eobert, Daniel, William, Henry Lewis and William Lewis, 
 Jr.* (had forty acres improved) and William Shields. David Crow (who had 
 moved to Keating township), Ira Smith and Sylvester Squier had no improve- 
 ments made on their lands. All the property, real and personal, of the above 
 named, was valued at $8,456. 
 
 The March elections of 1861 for Shippen township, resulted as follows: 
 
 Justice of the Peace: Philip Lewis, 70; Joseph Housler, 46; Franklin 
 Cole, 81; John Beers, 59. Constable: Morris Lewis, 71; S. Eoss, 76. Super- 
 visor: William Lewis, 62; L. Q. Cook, 85; Eob. Warner, 110. Auditors: 
 George Thayer, 111; H. T. Taggart, 115; W. B. Jenks, 114. Election In- 
 spectors: James Ingram, 10; D. Haas, 44. Assessors: Eichard Chadwick, 61; 
 M. C. Lucore, 48. Assistant Assessors: H. Havens, 98; William Pepper, 63; 
 John Beers, 34. Clerk: J. M. Judd, 57; I. L. Craven, 48. Treasurer: C. 
 C. Freeman, 65. School Directors: S. S. Hacket, 69; H. Lewis, 120; N. P. 
 Housler, 109; H. F. GifFord, 113; J. Morrison, 114; N. P. Minard, 111; J. 
 W. Morton, 48. 
 
 Ira Jenks was judge, S. Stiles and Daniel Haas, inspectors, with C. H. Ives 
 and E. L. Bradley, clerks, of this first meeting. 
 
 From the beginning of 1876 to the close of 1882, no less a sum than $40,682.11 
 was expended on the forty or fifty miles of roads in Shippen township, and a 
 debt of $27,000 created. 
 
 In this township the second series of settlements was made. Indeed, F. 
 J. Chadwick groups the settlements together, and in his reply to John Brooks 
 says: " The phrase 'first settlers ' includes Squire Freeman, Squire Crow, Col. 
 Chadwick, Hiram Sizer, William Sterling, Joseph Eitohie, Joseph Mason, 
 James Wylie, Benjamin Brooks, William Barr, Daniel Miller, James Mix, 
 Hugh Coleman, James Shafer, William A. Wykofif, John Eamage, and others 
 whose names do not at this moment come to my recollection. It is not dispar- 
 aging to our forefathers to admit that as a class they did not become wealthy, 
 for individual energy was insufficient to overcome the natural obstacles that 
 hindered success, but to represent them as a class of profane, drunken boors, 
 with less sense than the contemptible, disgusting savages, is worthy of a sharp 
 rebuke, and if that is the way the ' rubric mothers ' taught, may goodness 
 save us from any more of that kind of teachings." 
 
 John Brooks, speaking of the pioneers, says: " Occupying, as they did, the 
 remote outskirts of civilization, they were subjected to many privations inci- 
 dent to this rugged section of country. Several of these early immigrants had 
 done efficient service in the Eevolutionary war, and in the war of 1812. Al- 
 most all the vocations of the industrial classes were represented, and all could 
 aid in the work of extemporizing a cabin for the accommodation of the recent 
 immigrant. Among these early pioneers there were but few who professed 
 Christianity, practically; most of them, however, held some theory of religion, 
 mostly Baptist or Presbyterian in their views. Profanity was the common 
 spice of conversation, and God was, if 'not in all their thoughts,' in all 
 their mouths, and invoked in execrations aijd imprecations more frequently 
 than by benedictions. The use of whisky was general; used by clergymen and 
 
 *Wimam Lewis, one of the oldest settlers of Shippen township, born in New Jersey, in 1806, was 
 found dead in his bed on May 6, 1889. A part of the site of Emporium belonged to lum in years gone by. 
 
HI8T0KY OF CAMEEON COUNTY. 
 
 at funerals, and upon all occasions; some more recent immigrants kept no cow, 
 but always kept whisky in their houses, alleging that a barrel of whisky was 
 of more value in a family than a cow." Some of the descendants of the early 
 settlers yet have a remarkable prescience, and they prognosticate seasons and 
 storms, with great assurance. Their prevision enables them to anticipate all 
 the changes of the weather, and they are remarkable for their generosity, es- 
 saying upon every opportunity to gratuitously advise all who may hear their 
 converse of the future approaching vicissitudes, and mutations, that so much 
 concern the lunatics. Some consult the milt or spleen of the hog, that organ 
 situate in the left hypochondrium, and which was supposed by the ancients to 
 be the seat of anger and melancholy ; and from this organ they augur the sever- 
 ity of the approaching winter. Some would quench their fires to prevent the 
 generation of salamandies. The shrunken sinews in the shoulders of a horse 
 were cured by placing some of the hair in augur holes, in some peculiar places, 
 at some peculiar lunation. Incised wounds also were more readily healed by 
 anointing the instrument that made the wound. Blood was stayed, pain miti- 
 gated, and bots in horses cured by pow-wowing, or reciting some cabalistic 
 phrase. 
 
 J. J. Chadwick, in his sketch of the Methodist Church, states: "About 
 1806, Joseph Ellicott opened a road from Dunstown, opposite Big Island, on 
 the Susquehanna, to Ellicottsville, N. Y. Along its course, through the valley 
 of the Sinn emahoning, twenty or thirty families settled previous to the general 
 survey of the region, and as hunting was the general amusement, every adult 
 male had a rifle, and every family a supply of hounds. In 1810 Cox, McMur- 
 trie & Co. sent James Allen to lay out their town of Rich Valley. ' ' Surveyor 
 Adlum ran the lines here years before, as related in the general history. 
 
 John Chadwick' s home, burned in September, 1884. was built, mainly, in 
 1822, being the pioneer house of Rich Valley .... The forest fire of May, 1884, 
 confined itself in this township to the destruction of standing timber, fences, 
 etc. Payne, Cochran & Co.'s mill, and Hubbard's mill, at Cochran Station, 
 were only saved by the greatest exertion. Buckwalter's mill, at Howard, had 
 a narrow escape, while Judge More' s residence and barn and other buildings at 
 that place were several times on fire. 
 
 In July, 1876, the seven-year-old son of Denis Heher left home (Emporium) 
 and lost his way. The people turned out en masse to search for the little trav- 
 eler, but, after two days, the searchers returned unrewarded. Five days after 
 the boy's disappearance, JohnNorris started for the woods, determined to make 
 one more effort. On his way Norris overtook Peter Norton and Ed Mills, and the 
 three went together. They proceeded up what is known as the Little George 
 run, and when about a mile and a half from Plank Road Hollow, through a 
 thick growth of underbrush and briars, Norris saw a place tramped down, and 
 a number of little play-houses, apparently recently made, and a short distance 
 from there, close by a log, under some bushes, the little fellow was discovered 
 asleep. Mr. Norris immediately took him in his arms, and hurried to restore 
 him to his frantic parents. He carried the boy fully three miles, only stopping 
 once to give the child some water, which the little fellow piteously begged for. 
 The news soon spread through the town, and there was general rejoicing. The 
 child said he went to the place where found, the first night, and remained there 
 during the time he was in the woods. He found plenty of berries, but got no 
 water. He heard parties calling him, some of the party coming within a few 
 feet of him, yet he kept quiet, probably through fear. The poor child was in 
 a very weak condition, and probably would have been unable to even pick ber- 
 ries after that day, on account of having no water during the time he was lost.. 
 
HISTOEY OF CAMERON COUNTY. 869' 
 
 The flesh on his feet and hands was terribly lacerated by the briars and bushes. 
 
 The business interests of the county have slowly developed. The first busi- 
 ness prosecuted, aside from the rude farming and hunting for the supply of 
 immediate necessity, was that of lumbering. Each settler would get out a raft 
 in the winter season, and in the spring run it to Big Island, as we have already 
 seen, and trade it for supplies. Beyond this limited and individual enterprise, 
 the first lumbering of any importance was started in the winter of 1846-47,' 
 by Jackman, Crocker & Co. , at the Wiley place below Emporium. They erected 
 a saw- mill and began to manufacture sawed lumber for the market. 
 
 The business of floating logs began about 1849. John DuBois came to the 
 county in 1847, and, in connection with John Brooks, first suggested the idea 
 of a boom at Williamsport. He organized a company in 1848, and that winter 
 got a charter for the boom at Williamsport. Wing and Getzel put in the first 
 logs that were floated down the stream. They were put in near William Barr's,, 
 on Bennett's branch, and floated to the Williamsport boom in 1851. From 
 this small beginning, the business of floating logs has grown to huge propor- 
 tions, till millions upon millions of feet of lumber have been carried away, till 
 the denuded mountains, panic-stricken, seem to be waiting in mute resignation 
 for another class of toilers to inaugurate a new class of industries. Extensive 
 saw-mills have been built at Sinnemahoning, Sterling, Cameron and in the 
 vicinity of Emporium, and ere the panic of 1873 paralyzed the industries of 
 the whole country, they were bringing wealth to the county, and since the 
 revival of 1882 have contributed largely to the county's prosperity. . . .Amos 
 C. Noyes, who represented this district in the legislature of 1870, was born in 
 New Hampshire in 1818, and died in September, 1880. In 1847 he moved to- 
 Emporium, but in 1849 he went to Clinton county. He had large lumber and 
 coal interests in Cameron, Clinton and McKean counties. Col. Noyes was of 
 Eevolutionary stock. 
 
 The Clear Creek Logging Company was chartered September 17, 1884, 
 with the same stockholders as the Driftwood company .... The Mix Eun Log- 
 ging Company was incorporated September 21, 1883, Joseph W. and J. Henry 
 Cochran being the local directors, and they, with F. A. Blackwell and W. G. 
 Sanders, of Driftwood, were local stockholders, the others being residents of Will- 
 iamsport. . . . The Cowley Eun Logging Company was incorporated March 21, 
 1884, with E. D. Sizer, G. F. Lane and W. E. Sizer, of Portage township, G. F. 
 Smith and D. J. Smith, of Potter county, stockholders .... The Driftwood Log- 
 ging Company was chartered September 9, 1884, with S. S. Hacket and H. L. 
 Hacket, of Emporium, and the Howards and A. P. Perley, of Williamsport, 
 stockholders. . . .Emery & Eeading had 110 men in the woods of Dent's run, 
 and a large force in their mill at Dent's run in June, 1887. The Emery & 
 Eeading Eailroad was extended two miles. The Huntley mill was completed, 
 and W. B. Eobison, who moved his mill frorn Sinnemahoning, had it ready 
 for work. 
 
 In November, 1864, John Brooks' tract, No. 5869, was leased to L. A. Ens- 
 worth and others for lumbering purposes. In October of this year Herdic, 
 Lentz & White purchased from C. G. Sellers and C. Bidder the pine and oak 
 on tracts 4965 and 4966. In 1867 M. A. Mitchell sold to E. Parshall fifty 
 acres of white pine, and in 1869 the Cameron Coal Company sold 4,000,000' 
 feet of pine, hemlock and hardwood stumpage to Bremers & Neimann. 
 
 In September, 1877, the lumber statistics for the year were estimated a& 
 follows: Cochran Bros, take the lead as jobbers, and will put in 25,000,000 
 for the following parties:* Twelve million on Medix and Laurel runs, for Fin- 
 
 *Payne, Cochran & Co. and John E. DuBols. closed the contract for the purchase of one of the most 
 
870 HISTOBY OF CAMERON COUNTY. 
 
 ley, Young & Co. ; seven million on Hicks' run and Mosquito creek, for Wol- 
 verton & Tinsman; three million on Mix run, f or Merrimen & Son; three mil- 
 lion for Pardee & Cook, on Mix run. In addition to this they will put in 
 2,000,000 for Byan, Cochran & Co., on Mix run, making in all 27,000,000. 
 Beading, Fisher & Co. will put in 8,000,000 on Laurel and Mountain runs, by 
 J. Ardell and Damming Brothers; Ardell will also put in from 6,000,000 to 
 8,000,000 for Fletcher Coleman, on Mosquito creek, while Mr. Williams is op- 
 erating for B. C. Bowman & Co. on Laurel run, and will put in 3,000,000; 
 John A. Otto & Sons will put in several million on Laurel run by J. E. Put- 
 nam & Co., probably running the amount up to 50,000,000 from this section, 
 leaving 75,000,000 for other districts on the west branch. 
 
 As early as 1865 J. G. Bryan and Co. drilled a well at the mouth of Salt 
 run, but the tools were lost at 450 feet; another, at the junction of Cowley run 
 and Portage creek, was drilled to a depth of 1,400 feet, and a third, on the 
 Weller farm, eight miles north of Emporium, to a depth of 700 feet. In this, 
 at a depth of 300 feet, a show of oil was found. In 1868 A. H. Boynton 
 drilled to 400 feet, one and one-half miles north of Bryan's No. 1. In 1873 
 the Emporium Company drilled 1,004 feet, and in 1877-78 Taylor, Aiken & 
 Peet explored to a depth of 1,300 feet on the Wylie farm, and A. J. Houston 
 put down a dry-hole on North creek. In September, 1881, the Cameron Coal 
 Company put down trial wells on Canoe run. 
 
 In December, 1864, the development of 500 acres of the N. P. Minard min- 
 eral lands was undertaken by John S. Dey. This Dey also leased the use of 
 lands from Hiram Haven, G. W. Warner, William Aub, E. D. Sizer, Delos 
 Burlingame, Mrs, L. Peaseley, L. Barr, C. S. Eobinson, Solomon Boss and 
 John Jackson. The object of Dey in leasing all this land was to engage in the 
 petroleum, rock-oil and salt business. At this time B. S. Morrison, of Shippen 
 township, leased to J. M. Judd & Co. a tract on Warrant 4950. The Judd 
 Company also leased tracts from James S. Pearsall and J. K. Morrison on 
 West creek, in Shippen township, but sold their interests in the leases to 
 Charles C. Faries, December 31, 1864. In January, 1864, Eensselaer Hall 
 purchased oil lands from William Floyd, but immediately thereafter assigned 
 to John J. Lawrence and others .... The mineral lands of L. B. Jones in Ship- 
 pen township were leased to John G. Bryan, and Mary D. Noland leased a 
 tract on North creek to Berks Cornferth and Hiram Dodge. 
 
 The lease by the McKean & Elk Land Improvement Company to Hiram 
 D. Faulkner, Courtney Schenck and W. W. Baldwin was made December 23, 
 1864. This document provided that their lands in Elk, Cameron and McKean 
 should be divided into three parcels of about 12,000 acres each, and leased for 
 three years to the persons named, the consideration being the sinking of a well 
 on each parcel to a depth of 600 feet, unless oil be struck at a lesser depth, 
 and a strict geological record of "the strata penetrated in each parcel. Of course 
 regulations for carrying on the oil trade, etc. , were made. The lessees in this 
 case at once assigned to the Kinzua Petroleum Company . . . . W. B. Carskadden 
 leased from F. J. Housler in December, 1864, and subsequently rented large 
 tracts from Benjamin Lewis, F. A. Lewis, A. A. Eddy, William Lewis, N. 
 Britton, M. Lewis, Aden Housler and S. B. Fairchilds & Co., all in, Shippen 
 township. 
 
 The Emporium and Cherry Run Oil & Mining Company was incorporated 
 June 14, 1865, with J. M. Judd, S. H. Storrs, Paul Felt, Amos Fenton, G. C. 
 Manley, C. C. Fay, John H. Dyer and George Metzger, members. The loca- 
 
 extensive lumbering and saw-mill plants in the United States, located at Ashland, "Wis., on Lake Superior, 
 in the fall of 1889. The purchase includes 40,000 acres of pine lands, saw, latli and planing-mlll. The mill 
 has a capacity of 150,000 feet per day, and is operated day and night. 
 
HISTOKY OF CAMEEON COUNTY. 873 
 
 tioas selected for operating were Shippen and Gibson townships .... In Jan- 
 nary, 1865, F. H., J. B. and W. M. Smith, -H. W. May and others rented from 
 Ralph M. Williams a tract for oil well purposes; also from Thomas Logue, 
 Isaac Bowen, James Gorman, George Goss, C. C. Lyman, and William Wykoff, 
 of Grove township .... In August, 1865, P. H. Mason, of Gibson township, 
 leased to William W. Elliott his lands, which lease he assigned to the Sinne - 
 mahoning Oil & Mining Company .... In January, 1865, Eobert Richey 
 leased oil lands in Lumber township to E. B. Eldred; Joseph Moore, in 
 Shippen township, to A. McCormack; T. L. Mercereau, in same township, to 
 E. P. Stars; H. F. Sizer and William L. Ensign to Hunsicker, Annable &Co., 
 in same township. In March, 1865, Elihu Lewis leased to the Otsenings Oil 
 & Mining Company his lands in Shippen township. This company also leased 
 L. T. More's land. 
 
 The Portage Creek Petroleum Company was incorporated February 23, 
 1865, with John H. Lewis, James W. Husted, Augustus Maroo, William Allen, 
 Charles Johnson, G. A. Poppe, Eli Osborn, C. B. Fisk, William Poppe, H. A. 
 Phillips, Edwin Hillyer and George W. Wilson, stockholders. The business 
 of the company was to be carried on at Smethport and near Emporium. The 
 first tract leased by this company was that on Warrant 1196, from C. Weller, the 
 second from William Ensign, and in March, 1865, the tracts hitherto leased 
 by Hunsicker, Annable & Co ... . George Metzger leased lands in Portage 
 Township from H. F. Sizer in April, 1865, and Jacob Stahlschmidt from Daniel 
 Miller, of Gibson Township, James Bailey, of Grove, Levi and John Hicks, 
 Mrs. Barr, A. Dent and Henry Mix, of Gibson. 
 
 In April, 1872, the Emporium Oil & Mining Company, through Vice- 
 president S. T. Smith and Secretary W. N. Taber, leased oil lands fropi W. L. 
 Ensign, E. D. Sizer, Daniel Barr, C. S. Robison, Fred Smith, N. P. Minard, 
 D. Burlingame, Louisa A. Shepherd, Hiram Havens and Samuel Lucore .... In 
 March, 1877, F. Prentice leased oil lands in Shippen Township, from Phelps 
 & Matteson, H. M. More, C. B. and William Howard, William Andrews, L. G. 
 Cook, N. P. Minard, James Hobson, C. C. Craven, A. Russell, M. B. Edsall, 
 J. R. Buckwalter, J. T. Lanning, G. Bliss, Phil. Lewis, S. S. Hacket, B. 
 Sweazey, W. S. and E. K. Cross, N. H. Parker, Franklin Hausler, John S. 
 Wiley, H. Martin & Co. and C. L. Hathaway. The leases for about 1,800 
 acres were obtained by Hughston, the agent of Prentice. The latter failed in 
 business shortly after, but Hughston essayed to carry out his intentions, and 
 in September exploration was begun near the mouth of Salt run. How much 
 capital was invested in such ventures has never been estimated, but the disap- 
 pointments have been many, and in some cases disastrous. 
 
 The Shippen Coal Company was incorporated April 1, 1864, with Joseph 
 Leslie, Samuel Wood, Charles M. Hall, J. W. Clark and Amos C. Noyes, stock- 
 holders, each of whom claimed 10,000 shares of $10 each. The object was to 
 develop the mineral deposits in lands within the boundaries of Warrant 5856, 
 and part of Warrant 5464. In 1863 John Brooks and E. B. Eldred sold to a 
 company organized in the city of New York, under the name of the Cameron 
 Coal Company, an extensive tract of land comprising 2,200 acres, near the vil- 
 lage of Cameron, for the sum of 190,000. The company from time to time 
 endeavored to work the mines, and employed quite a number of men, but for 
 various causes —notwithstanding they had coal of an excellent quality, and in 
 large quantities— did not succeed. In May, 1866, their engineer, M. L. Davis, 
 was driven from the works by the angry miners, so that unpopular employes as 
 well as an unpopular system of payment ruined this old-time coal industry. 
 In May of this year the company advertised as follows : 
 
874 HISTOEY OF CAMEBON COUNTY. 
 
 THE CAMERON COAL COMPANY, 
 
 CAMEEON, PENN. 
 
 Miners of Pine Bituminous Coals, 
 
 Suitable for Locomotives and Steam purposes 
 
 and of Superior quality for Gas, highly 
 
 approved by Iron Founders and 
 
 Blacksmiths, and as a 
 
 Fuel for Grates it has no Superior. 
 ft 
 Also offer for sale, from their Steam Mills, 
 
 PINE, OA.K AND HEMLOCK BOARDS, And 
 
 PINE SHINGLES, PICKETS 
 
 AND LATHS. 
 
 Orders Received for Sawing Bill Stuff. 
 
 H. B. VAN BBNTHUYSEN, Superintendent. 
 
 In May, 1866, the Canoe Run Coal & Lumber Company entered into com- 
 petition with the Cameron Coal Company. L. H. Simpson & Co., of New 
 York, were the proprietors. The location was near the village of Cameron .... 
 In later years the Cameron Iron & Coal Company came to develop the coal 
 and iron deposits of the county. In July, 1887, this company contracted 
 with John Haas to take out 2,000 perches of stone from the mountain, near 
 the water tank, one and one-half miles east of Emporium for their buildings, 
 and, as stated in the history of the county seat, established their furnaces soon 
 after. In 1889 the coke-ovens were built, the iron works enlarged and the 
 coal deposits worked .... The Northwestern Pennsylvania Natural Gas Com- 
 pany was chartered January 15, 1886. One of the articles provided for the 
 construction of a pipe line through the counties of Elk, McKean, Forest, Potter 
 and Cameron. 
 
 In the chapter on railroads, reference is made to the meetings held in early 
 days to foster railroads and to the results. In 1864 the Philadelphia & Erie 
 road was completed. In 1872 the Buffalo road was completed to Bast Em- 
 porium. John A. Miller, an engineer on the Buffalo division of the Erie, from 
 1863 to 1872, entered the employ of the Western New York & Pennsylvania 
 Railroad Company in the latter year, and hauled the first schedule trains — Local 
 Freight Nos. 11 and 12, into Emporium. In 1873 he took charge of Loco- 
 motive No. 38, and pulled the passenger trains Nos. 4 and 1, until May 1, 
 1889, when he retired. In May, 1869, the depot at West creek was discon- 
 tinued, and one at Swift's mill established. 
 
 The following is a correct list and classification of retailers of foreign and 
 domestic merchandise, spirituous liquors, etc. , within the county of Cameron, 
 for the year 1866. 
 
 Emporium borough.— Mather & Wiley, tax |40; S. S. Hacket, $25; S. H. 
 Storrs, $12.50; J. P. Felt, $12.50; Peters & Doan, $12.50; George Metzger, 
 $7; C. Henman, $7; A. H. Boynton (assignee of Dyer & Morton), $7; John 
 Wier, $7. 
 
 Milliners.— Miss A. M. Cole, $7; Miss Kate Zacharias, .f7; Mrs. Joel 
 Shives, $7; Mrs. Amos Chandler, $7. 
 
 Dealer in spirituous liquors. — A. H. Boynton, $25. 
 
 Shippen township. — L. T. More, $10. 
 
 Cameron. — Cameron Coal Company, $25. 
 
 Sterling Run.— B. J. Earl, $15. 
 
HISTORY OF CAMERON COUNTY. 875 
 
 Driftwood. —B. Jay & Co., $15; John Earl, S7; Asa Ingalsbee, $7. 
 . Sinnemahoning. —George B. Barclay, $20; D. P. Baird, 112.50. 
 
 The Shippen Cemetery Company was incorporated July 7, 1875. Philip 
 Lewis, M. Wright, J. W. Ingram, J. C. Lewis and Richard Chadwick repre- 
 senting the company. 
 
 Cochran post-office was established in July, 1887, one and one-half miles 
 east of Beechwood, and named Truman. 
 
 Beechwood is a very neat village, and round the depot, well improved, the 
 mills of Hall & Kaul, at this point, form an important industry, and large piles 
 of lumber, covering a wide area, tell of their capacity .... Truman is another 
 busy milling village. The pretentious depot at this point, and the mills and 
 lumber-yard on the opposite side of the track, tell of the extent of milling in- 
 dusti-y at this point .... Howard is the name given to the site of Howard's 
 upper mills .... At West Creek the old sash and blind factory is idle, but the 
 mills of Hall & Kaul are in operation. 
 
 The elections for Shippen township in February, 1890, show John M. "Wise, 
 Jr., and E. E. Smartwood to be chosen supervisors; N. P. Minard and John 
 W. Lewis, school directors; C. C. Craven, poor-master; Henry Lyons, clerk; 
 William Thomas, auditor, and John Adams, constable. 
 
 BOROUGH OF EMPOEIUM. 
 
 * The first citizen within the present limits of the boroiigh of Emporiun was 
 John Earl. In the month of May, 1810, John Earl started with his family from 
 Otsego coimty, N. Y., for Ohio. Edward Shippen and Mr. Allen were on 
 their way up the river, with men and horses, to some lands owned by them, at 
 the mouth of North creek, and Earl sent his son, John Earl, then only ten years 
 old, and a younger son, named William, with them, he intending to follow in 
 a short time with the rest of the family. As the party came up the river, the 
 first citizen whom they found within the present limits of Cameron county was 
 Stephen Berfield, a hunter, living at the mouth of the First Fork, in a log 
 house. The party took dinner with Berfield, and were served with bear's meat, 
 Berfield having killed a fine bear that morning. There were no other settlers 
 at that point, and no one living up the First Fork except George Logue and 
 family, residing in a log hoiise about two miles up the stream. After leaving 
 Berfield' s, they next came to the log house of Birge, between Sinnemahoning 
 and Driftwood. Mr. Birge was busy planting corn when they came up, and 
 had quite a little clearing, having lived there three or four years. Here they 
 first saw a native of Cameron county in the shape of a large rattlesnake, lying 
 in the road beside the fence; one of the party dismounted, and drawing a 
 sword-cane, ran it through his snakeship' s head. 
 
 At Driftwood they found Overturf and family, living in a hewn- log house, 
 near the point between the Driftwood and Bennett' s branch, and John Jordan 
 on the right bank of the Driftwood. Up Bennett' s branch there was only one 
 family, William Nanny, who lived about two miles above Driftwood. As they 
 came up the Driftwood, the next settler was Andrew Jordan, who had a small 
 clearing, and lived in a small log house on the first flat, about a mile and a half 
 below Hickory bottom; he had been there one year. The next and last settler 
 was John Spangler (father of " Chris " Spangler), who had moved in two or 
 three weeks before, and was living on what is now known as the " Strawbridge 
 farm," above Sterling Run. He had not had time to put up a house, but had 
 put up some poles, and covered them with bark, and was living in the " camp" 
 
 * Compiled from the Centennliil sketches of John Brooks, J. B. Xewton and Dr. Lanning, and from 
 original records. 
 
876 HISTOBY OF CAMEBON COUNTY. 
 
 thus formed, until he could get his house up. There were no settlers above 
 Spangler's, none on the Portage, and none on West creek; so at that time, 
 May, 1810, the only settlers within the country were those mentioned above- 
 in all seven families. 
 
 After leaving Spangler' s, the party continued on up the Driftwood, passing 
 the present site of Emporium, which was then a " howling wilderness, " and 
 arrived at the mouth of North creek at 1 or 2 p. m. Here they found a 
 log storehouse, called "Elliott's store," built by Elliott, who opened the State 
 road from Big Island, below Lock Haven, up the Driftwood, and through to 
 Erie. This road was built by the State for the accommodation of immigrants 
 going west. At ' ' Elliott' s ' ' the party stopped, and young Earl and his brother 
 remained several days, waiting for their father to come up, and continue the 
 journey west. On the arrival of Earl, with the balance of his family, Edward 
 Shippen and Allen, who owned a large amount of land in what was then called 
 Sergeant township, but which is now called Shippen, prevailed upon him to 
 remain, ofPering as an inducement for him to settle here, fifty acres of land for 
 himself, and fifty acres each for the boys, John and William. Mr. Earl finally 
 accepted the offer, and at once went to work and put up a house at the mouth 
 of the run, where Housler's steam saw-mill was afterward built, about a mile 
 and a half above Emporium. This was the first dwelling house built in the 
 county above Hickory Bottom. Earl's nearest neighbor — besides Allen, who 
 located in Elliott's storehouse, at the mouth of North creek — was John Spang- 
 ler, just above Sterling Run. Earl lived here during the summer of 1810, and 
 cleared about twenty acres of land. In the fall he commenced building the 
 first house ever put up in Emporium, and in January, 1811, completed it, and 
 moved in, thus becoming the first settler in Emporium. The house was located 
 southeast of the Buffalo, New York & Pennsylvania Railroad passenger depot, 
 and very nearly on the site of Seneca Freeman's new dwelling house. In 1811 
 Earl cleared off the point of land between the Driftwood and Portage creeks, 
 and in 1812 he had some eighty or ninety acres cleared. 
 
 In 1811 two families, those of Phineas Perry and Charles Maston, came in, 
 aod settled at the mouth of North creek. In 1811-12 John W. Housler and 
 family came from New Jersey, and settled near where Joseph Housler now 
 lives. In 1812 William Wardle came in, and built a grist-mill at the mouth 
 of Clear creek, bringing the stones up the river in a canoe. It was a small 
 mill, grinding about ten bushels as a big day's work. Mr. Earl says that, when 
 a boy, he usually had to take his father's grist to the mill, and ordinarily had to 
 wait through the night to get it ground. In 1813 or 1814 Elihu Chadwick 
 settled at North creek, building a saw-mill at that place — the first in the 
 county. It had a single upright saw, and would cut not to exceed two thousand 
 feet of lumber a day. The Indians had all left this section of the country 
 when the first settlers located in Emporium, and, although they would gen- 
 erally return winters to hunt, no one was ever molested by them. The war of 
 1812-15 does not seem to have affected or disturbed the few people then liv- 
 ing here, as we learn that no one volunteered or was drafted from the town. 
 In 1814 and 1815 times were hard, and no settlers came in. 
 
 When Earl arrived, in 1810, there was a State road from the mouth of the 
 Portage, up that stream to Keating summit; and thence down the Allegheny 
 Portage to Canoe Place (now Port Allegany). It had been opened eight or 
 ten years previous for the accommodation of immigrants, who desired to go 
 west by water. Those going west this way, came up the Susquehanna, Sin- 
 nemahoning and Driftwood in canoes, to the landing at the mouth of the Port- 
 age, near where J. S. Wiley's sawmill now stands. At that place they hauled 
 
HISTOEY OF CAMEHON COUNTY. 877 
 
 their canoes out of the water, took them apart, loaded them with their house- 
 hold and other goods, on to wagons, and hauled them up the Portage and 
 over to "Canoe Place," where their canoes were put together again, their 
 goods loaded in ; then they continued their way down the Allegheny river to 
 French creek, Ohio, and other points in the west. At the time of Earl's 
 arrival, the road had not been used for several years, and had grown up with 
 bush, briars, etc., which rendered it impassable. In 1814 the authorities con- 
 cluded to open it again, and the work was to be done by Shi])pen and McMur- 
 tree, on the northern end, and by Earl, on the Emporium end. Soon after the 
 work was commenced, Mr. Earl sent young John, who was then only fourteen 
 years old, with a yoke of oxen, through the woods to meet Shippen and McMur- 
 tree. Pursuing his solitary way all day, through the almost impassable woods, 
 the brave boy reached the Allegheny Portage by night, without encountering 
 man or beast. Not daring to travel in the woods after dark, however, for fear 
 of getting lost, he tied up his oxen and slept on the ground all night. The 
 next morning he started out bright and early, and had hardly gone a mile 
 before he met Shippen and the other party. With the extra team thus fur- 
 nished them, the Shippen party continued the work vigorously, so that the 
 road was soon opened; and was never afterward closed until the building of 
 the present State road, which runs iii the valley instead of on the side hill 
 where the old road was. 
 
 In 1815 Earl left Emporium, and moved across the Driftwood creek, to a 
 house "then standing at the southwest end of the bridge, at the mouth of West 
 creek; and Elihu Chadwick, whose family came up at that time, moved into 
 the house vacated by Earl. In 1816 David Crow and Brewster Freeman came 
 to Emporium. Crow settled where the old Freeman house now stands, on the 
 northwest corner of Allegheny avenue and the Portage road. Freeman built 
 for himself a house outside of Emporium and below the Portage creek. The 
 same season (spring of 1816) a young man named George Wright came in at d 
 put up a small building near the large spring in the loM'er end of the bor- 
 ough, and on the north side of Allegheny avenue. During the year others set- 
 tled here, and among them Lemuel Lucore, from Massachusetts. At this time, 
 and for a number of years afterward, the inhabitants of Emporium had to go 
 about twenty-two miles, to a place called Instanter, afterward known as Teutonia 
 (in McKean county), to vote. All those who were so unfortunate as to have busi- 
 ness in court, either as parties, witnesses or jurors, had to go to William sport 
 (100 miles distant), where the courts were held. From 1816 to 1820, inclusive, 
 the population increased very slowly. In 1820 there were not more than seven 
 families in what is now Emporium borough, viz. : Hiram Sizer, Lemuel Lucore, 
 David Crow. Sylvester Wright, George Wright, John All and Jerry Blisp. 
 Earl then lived just across the Driftwood, at West Creek, and Freeman below 
 the Portage. The principal occupation of the inhabitants was working out the 
 road taxes, which then amounted to about $2,000 per year. They lumbered a 
 little and ran their lumber, boards and square timber to Middletown, and 
 wherever they could find a market. The usual price for lumber then was $4 
 and under per 1,000 feet, for boards one and one-fourth inches thick, with the 
 extra one-fourth inch counted out in the measurement, and 3 to 4 cents per 
 foot for square timber. There was but very little farming done, the inhabitants 
 not raising sufficient to live on. In 1814 Earl built a saw-mill at the mouth 
 of West creek, near the west end of the highway bridge, and in 1819 David 
 Crow built a saw-mill on the Portage, above Emporium, near where Judge 
 Minard's mill now stands. John All brought in a few goods and sold them 
 from a little dwelling-house, near where J. L. Overhiser now lives. There was 
 
878 HISTORY OF CAMEKON COUNTY. 
 
 a blacksmith shop at Freeman's, below the Portage, but there was then (1820) 
 nothing in Emporium excepting dwelling-houses. 
 
 In 1830 there had beon no perceptible increase of the population. In 1840 
 there was a population of about forty-five men, women and children. In 1850 
 it had increased to ten families, and fifty souls, all told. 
 
 In 1848 Eli Felt came here and built and opened the first regular store 
 ever opened within the present limits of Emporium. He also, the same year, 
 built and opened the first hotel, nearly opposite to where the St. Charles hotel 
 now stands. As late as 1853 there was no village in Emporium. The few 
 people who lived within its present limits were widely scattered, each family 
 living on a small clearing of its own. In 1853 or 1854 Felt commenced put- 
 ting up what was afterward known as "Felt's Block," and a few families set- 
 tled around or near it, thus forming the nucleus for a village. Prom this 
 period, and from this small beginning, we must date the starting of the village 
 of Emporium. The population, however, increased very slowly. In 1860-61 
 Cameron county was formed out of the adjoining counties of McKean, Elk, 
 Potter and Clinton, and Emporium was selected as the county seat. This, of 
 course, was a great help to the village, and naturally gave it a good start, 
 although as late as 1862 there was in the village only thirteen dwelling-houses, 
 two hotels, one school-house, one store standing alone, " Felt' s Block " (con- 
 taining seven stores, with dwellings on the second floor), one blacksmith shop, 
 one wagon shop,- one grist-mill, and the court-house (not then finished), in all, 
 twenty-seven buildings, and about one hundred and ten permanent inhab- 
 itants. There was however, a number of transient people stopping in the 
 village, boarding at the hotels and private houses, who were connected with 
 the railroad that was then building, and who gave the town the appearance of 
 being quite lively, and much larger than it really was. 
 
 On October 20, 1863, the Philadelphia & Erie Railroad was opened to 
 Emporium, and the event was celebrated in grand style. Railroad nabobs, 
 and prominent men from towns and cities between Emporium and Philadel- 
 phia, inclusive, were in attendance. Judge More furnished a fine ox, which 
 was roasted whole in the court-house square, after the most approved style of 
 Kentucky barbecues, and after the conclusion of the speaking and singing, it 
 was served up to the hungry multitude, and in a very short time it had become, 
 like the speeches, a matter of history. Altogether it was an event never to be 
 forgotten by those who were in attendance. 
 
 In December, 1872, the Buffalo, New York & Philadelphia Railroad was 
 opened from Buffalo to Emporium. The event was properly celebrated by a 
 large excursion party from Buffalo, who were handsomely received and enter- 
 tained by the Bmporiumites with a grand dinner . at the opera-house. This 
 road has been of great benefit to the place, and gives employment to quite a 
 number of people. 
 
 The hotels of Emporium in 1873 were the Biddle House, conducted by 
 Caleb Sweazey; the Occidental, opened in 1871; Cook's hotel; The St. Charles 
 Hotel, near the Buffalo, New York & Philadelphia depot, by Fay, and Warner's 
 railroad hotel near the Philadelphia & Erie depot. During the year Joel 
 Shive's block was built for hotel .and store purposes, and a large number of 
 dwelling and mercantile houses were erected. 
 
 Emporium has always been noted as being remarkably healthy, and up to 
 1866, so few people died in the place, that the necessity for a regular cemetery 
 was not felt, the few who did die having been buried in private lots. In 1866, 
 however, public sentiment began to require a regular and permanent place for 
 the buiial of the dead, and during that year J. B. Newton purchased the tract 
 
HISTORY OF CAMERON COUNTY. 879 
 
 of land, now known as "Newton's Cemetery. " It is admirably suited for the 
 purpose, on the bench below the borough, and he has cleared and laid it out 
 lor a cemetery. Up to the present time, however, there have been but very few 
 buried, and it is asserted that in no other town in the State is the death rate so 
 low as it is in Emporium. 
 
 The first person born within the limits of Emporium was Simon C. Earl, 
 born in 1812. The first death was that of a son of David Crow, aged twenty- 
 one or twenty-two years, who was killed by a falling limb striking him on the 
 Lead while felling a tree, breaking his neck. The first wedding came off at the 
 house of Mr. Earl in 1813. The young lady who thus early set such a good 
 example to the other young ladies of Emporium, was Miss Thankful Lindsley. 
 
 In early years Phelps, Dodge & Abbott and Col. James H. Johnson, who had 
 about 15,000 acres of timber lands, sold to William, Aaron and Horace Bracket 
 in 1835 or 1836. George Knapp, the general agent here, built a house where 
 Leonard Taggart's house now is, and his principals built a store where the 
 bank building stands. In 1846 D. K. Jackman (who with Horace Greeley 
 signed Jeff Davis' bail bond), Frederick Crocker and Amos C. Noyes, all of 
 Grafton county, N. H., came here immediately after George Dodge, who was 
 their agent in the purchase of the saw-mills where Wiley's mills now are, in the 
 vicinity of which lumbering operations were commenced — the price paid for 
 stumpage being $1 a thousand, or $5 per acre. 
 
 Municipal Affairs. — The borough was named as early as 1785 by an agent 
 of the Holland Land Company, who was on his way to the West. Coming up 
 the Sinnemahoning river by boat to the mouth of the Portage river, which 
 empties into the former at the east end of the town, he and his companions 
 stopped, and, after admiring the lay of the country, he cut the bark from a 
 tree, engraving on the space from which he cut it the word Emporium — mean- 
 ing the center of extensive commerce. This name was adopted in later years, 
 when the town site was surveyed and confirmed by the act of incorporation. 
 
 The petition asking the incorporation of the borough of Emporium was pre- 
 sented in July, 1864, by A. E. Kelly, C. C. Fay, J. W. Martin, S. S. Haeket,«L. 
 G. Cook, G. W. Warner, J. W. Phelps, J. M. Judd, George Metzger, Washing- 
 ton Burks and Amos Chandler. The grand jury reported on this petition favor- 
 ably in October, and the court of quarter-sessions on October 13 granted the 
 request. The first election was ordered to be held at L. G. Cook's hotel, No- 
 vember 15, 1864; J. W. Phelps was appointed judge and J. M. Phelps and A. 
 E. Kelly, inspectors. 
 
 The special election for Emporium borough was held November 15, 1864, 
 with J. W. Phelps, judge; A. E. Kelly and J. M. Judd, inspectors; J. L. Over- 
 hiser and A. Spencer, clerks. The vote for the several officers was as follows : 
 Burgess, S. H. Storrs, 44; constable, James Ingram,-42; assessor, W. S. Ham- 
 lin, 43; auditor, John Beers, 38; councilmen, G. C. Manley, J. W. Morton 
 and Samuel Gibson, 43 votes each, J. W. Phelps, 44, D. B. Mather, 42, and E. 
 J. Whiting, 2. The election of 1866 resulted in the choice of J. W. Phelps, 
 burgess; A. H. Boynton, S. H. Storrs and E. B. Warner, councilmen, and H. T. 
 Taggart and J. W. Morton, school directors. In 1867 A. H. Boynton was chosen 
 burgess; J. M. Judd, justice; J. L. Overhiser, constable; L. G. Cook (who re- 
 ceived 72 votes), J. L. Cook, J. W. Phelps, Joel Shires, C. C. Fay, G. W. War- 
 ner, J. A. Knapp and A. B. Maze, who received from 35 to 39 votes each, con- 
 tested for the honors of councilmen; John Weir, George Manley, A. H. Boynton, 
 J(5el Shires and John Beers, school directors; F. D. Leet and J. B. Johnson, 
 overseers of the poor. 
 
 In 1868 Bargess Phelps was re-elected; J. L. Cook, John G. Curtis, G. 
 
880 HISTOEY OP CAMEEON COUNTY. 
 
 C. Manley and C. C. Fay received the highest number of votes for councilmen ; 
 John Day, J. 0. Johnson and A. B. Maze were candidates for school directors ; 
 John Beers vi^as re-elected assessor and auditor. In February, 1869, L. G. 
 Cook was chosen burgess, but the special election of October gave this honor 
 to J. M. Judd. In February J. W. Phelps, C. C. Fay, S. S. Hacket and J. 
 S. Borgelt were chosen school directors; in October Joel Shives was elected 
 justice; J. F. Parsons, G. W. Warner, A. H. Boynton, J. L. Beers, H. J. 
 Hacket and Riley Warner, councilmen ; W. H. Hamilton and J. B. Copp, poor- 
 masters. The elections of 1870 resulted in the choice of H. J. Hacket for 
 burgess; M. C. Tulis, F. M. Cole, A. Haupt, L. G. Cook, J. Shives and J. 
 Day, councilors; C. M. Coleman, justice; S. C. Hyde, assessor; A. B. Maze, 
 J. M. Judd and C. Sweazey, school directors; M. Tulis and F. Overhiser, poor- 
 masters. In 1872 S. T. Smith was chosen burgess ; F. J. Goodwin, A. Fen- 
 ton, J. M. Judd, C. Sweazey, W. Howard, L. Taggart and G. W. Warner, 
 councilmen; R. Warner, justice; J. GifPord, R. Warner, C. Sweazey, school 
 directors, and A. H. Boynton, auditor. 
 
 Burgess:— John F. Parsons, 1873; J. W. Frank, 1874; M. T. Hogan, 1875; 
 
 D. S. McDonald, 1876; J. B. Newton, 1877', Caleb Sweazey, 1878; William 
 Howard, 1879; R. M. Overhiser, 1880; George W. Warner, 1881; J. P. Ding- 
 man, 1882; M. 0. Tulis and J. W. Kriner, 1883 (tie vote); R. P. Heilman, 
 1884; W. C. Clarke, 1885-86; S. S. Hacket, 1887; R. M. Overhiser, 1888.* 
 
 Councilmen:— F. J. Goodwin, 1873-75-77; J. M. Judd, 1873-79; W. 
 Howard, 1873-76-78; G. W. Warner, 1873-76; Dennis Hall, Andrew Lau- 
 mer, 1873; L. Taggart, 1874; W. D. Kintzing, 1874; C. C. Fay, 1874-78-83-84; 
 J. M. Campbell, 1874; S. P. Minard, 1874; J. G. Bryan, 1874; J. F. Parsons, 
 1875; Jacob Hockley, 1875; James Creaton, 1875; Samuel Kirk, 1875; John 
 Day, 1875; Michael Norton, 1876; W. H. DeLong, 1876; H. C. Rockwell, 
 1876; J. W. Kriner, 1876-79-80; J. W. Cochran, 1877-78; Henry Edgcomb, 
 1877-78-84; W. M. Howard, 1877; Joshua Bair, 1877; Michael Norton, 1877; 
 John Norris, 1878; J. C. Burham, 1878; James Farrell, 1879; J. W. Tweed, 
 1879-80; S. S. Hacket, 1879; H. C. Olmsted, 1879-81-84; B. W. Green, 
 1880; Ed. J. Young, 1880; L. G. Cook, 1880-81; Charles Bonham, 1880; S. 
 S. Hacket, 1880-83-84; Charles Zarps, 1881; J. P. Diftgman, 1881; D. S. 
 McDonald, 1881; Amos Klock, 1881; H. Sassman, Sr., 1882; J. F. Haser, 
 1882; I. A. Hirsch, 1882; M. C. Tulis, 1882; J. M. Reynolds, 1882; Riley 
 Warner, 1882; L. K. Huntington, 1883-88; R. P. Heilman, 1883; William 
 Morrison, 1883; John Glenn, 1883; James J. Welch, 1884; N. Seger, 1884; 
 A. G. Holbrook, 1884; Frank Mundy, 1884; W. C. Clarke, 1884; S. J. 
 Schouten, 1884-87; G. A. Walker, 1884; J. F. Parsons, 1884; G. F. Balcom, 
 1885; F. M. Overhiser, 1885; J. W. Kriner, 1886; A. A. McDonald, 1886; 
 George Howard, 1887; J. M. White, 1887; P. W. Furlong, 1888. 
 
 Justices:— C. M. Coleman, 1875; A. H. Boynton, 1877; J. Gifford, 1878- 
 83; A. H. Boynton, 1882-87; M. M. Larrabee, 1888. 
 
 School directors! :—F. J. Goodwin, 1873; C. Sweazey, 1873-76; B. W. 
 Green, 1874-78-81-84; J. C. Johnson, 1874-80; A. Laumer, 1875; G. A. 
 Walker, 1875; J. F. Parsons, 1876-88; H. Sassman, 1877; Jonathan Gif- 
 ford, 1877-82; Riley Warner, 1877; John Day, 1878-81; W. F. Lloyd, 1880; 
 J. C. Bonham, 1882; M. T. Hogan, 1883; J. C. Johnson and J. P. Felt (tie 
 vote), 1888; William Hackenburg, 1884; D. W. Felt, 1884; J. M. Judd, 1884; 
 L. Taggart, 1885; H. C. Olmsted, 1885; J. B. Johnson, 1886; J. W. Cochran, 
 1886; E. C. Davison, 1887; J. C. Bonham, 1887; N. Seger, 1888. 
 
 * .James E. Hamilton was the first assistant burgess, elected in 1888. 
 
 tin January, 1881, the question of Increasing debt of borough for purpose of building a school-house 
 was carried— 148 and 50. 
 
HISTOEY 0¥ CAMERON COUNTY. 883 
 
 Auditors:— A. H.' Boynton, 1873; J. Hockley, 1874-77; J. P. Felt, 1875- 
 W. D. Kintzing, 1876; I. K. Hockley, 1878-79-82; J. Gifford, 1880-81; 
 Charles Felt and J. S. Douglass (tie vote), 1883; W. F. Lloyd, 1884-85; J. M. 
 DaYison, 1886; C. Felt, 1887; Charles Seger, William Walker and J. D. Lo- 
 gan, 1888. 
 
 Assessors:— A. H. Boynton, 1873; D. V. Miner, 1874; J. M. Reynolds, 
 1875, Amos Fenton, 1876; J. M. Judd, 1877; J. W. Hughes, 1878; L M. 
 Reynolds, 1879-83; Daniel Downey, 1880; A. H. Boynton, 1881; M. M. 
 Thayer, 1882; Michael Brennan, 1884; John Haver, 1885; R. E. Avery, 1886; 
 Michael Brennan, 1887; J. T. Hertig, 1888. 
 
 Overseers of poor:— J. B. Newton, 1873; S. C. Hyde, 1873; J. C. John- 
 son, 1874; D. V. Miner, 1874; S. S. Hacket, 1875; C. B. Gould, 1875; John 
 Day, 1876; Sam Kirk, 1877-78; J. F. Parsons, 1877-78; M. M. Larrabee, 
 1879; A. Montania, 1879-80-81-85; J. M. Judd, 1880-81; H. Sassman, Jr., 
 1882-83; I. A. Hirsch, 1884; H. J. Sassman, 1884; S. J. Hacket, 1885. 
 
 High constable:— O. Gilmartin, 1874; Ed. Randell, 1875; P. R. Beattie, 
 1876; William Frane, 1877; Charles Hout, 1878-79-82-83-85-87; W. J. 
 Hughes, 1880; Addison Gross, 1884; E. M. Ness, 1886; F. Yentzer, 1888. 
 
 Constable:— H. J. Snyder, 1874; M. S. Winlield, 1875: W. A. Hartranft, 
 1876; M. "T. Hogan, 1877; P. R. Beattie, 1878-79-82-83; A. L. Pepper, 
 1880; R. Condon, 1884; J. R. Woodley, 1885; Albert Murray, 1886-87; P. O. 
 Chilson, 1888. 
 
 The elections of February, 1889, resulted in the choice of G. F. Balcom. 
 burgess, without opposition; S. S. Hacket received 149 votes, while R. Seger 
 received 104 for assistant burgess; Jonathan GifPord received the total vote, 
 259, for justice of the peace; F. Yentzer was chosen high constable by a ma- 
 jority of 238 votes over Ed. Moore. Charles Seger, W. S. Walker and John 
 D. Logan were elected auditors; S. S. Hacket and J. W. Cochran, school direct- 
 ors; G. A. Walker and M. T. Hogan, councilmen from West ward; H. C. 
 Olmsted, J. M. Card and William Morrison, from Middle ward; Michael 
 Brennan, H. T. Taggart and J. T. Hertig, assessors; D. E. Hacket, A. Mur- 
 ray and E. L. Williams, constables. H. H. MuUin has served the borough as 
 clerk of the council. 
 
 The borough elections of February, 1890, resulted as follows: Burgess — 
 H. C. Olmsted (R), 118; P. W. FurloEg (D), 154. Assistant burgess— R. 
 P. Heilman (decl'd), 116; I. K. Hockley (D), 151. Poormasters— A. Monta- 
 nia (R) (two years), 210; John Schlecht (R) (one year), 112. Constable and col- 
 lector— B. L. Spence (R), 114. High constable— Fred Yentzer (R), 258. 
 Auditors— F. M. Overhiser (D), 145; R. W. Sampson (D), 147; John D. Lo- 
 gan (D), 187. 
 
 West Ward: Councilman— Frank Mundy (R), 75. School director— J. C. 
 Bonham (R), 72. Judge of election— W.' C. Clarke (R), 75. Inspector of 
 election— T. W. Dininney (R), 72. 
 
 Middle Waed: Councilmen — Henry Edgcomb (R) (three years), 39; R. 
 Warner (D) (three years), 46; R. M. Overhiser (R) (two years), 50; R. Con- 
 don (D) (two years), 34; S. Hillyard (R) (one year), 51; D. Hamilton (D) 
 (one year), 35. School director— L. Taggart (R), 52; H. J. Sassman (D), 36. 
 Judge of election— A. G. Holbrook (R), 50; John Glenn (D), 36. Inspector 
 of election -James T. Walker (R), 50; Ed. Cook (D), 36. 
 
 East Ward: Councilman— C. C. Fay (R), 29; S. S. Hacket (D), 62. School 
 director— E. C. Davison (R), 32; D. W. Felt (D), 61. Judge of election- 
 Amos Fenton (R), 29; S. J. Schouten (D), 63. Inspectors of election— E. D. 
 Mumford (R), 31; W. W. Dickenson (D), 29; T. N. Hacket (D), 61. 
 
884 HI8T0KY OF CAMEKON COUNTY. 
 
 Postmasters and Post-offices. — Lemuel Lucore, Sr. , kept the post-office in 
 1846, 'oil Sixth street, where the old brewery building stands. Eli Felt suc- 
 ceeded him about 1852, keeping the office where Frane's restaurant is. Messrs. 
 King, Taggart and Metzger filled the office in the order named. In October, 
 1866, Postmaster Metzger was removed, and J. W. Ingram appointed. 
 
 In 1856 the Shippen post-office was at what is now East Emporium, but on 
 the completion of the Philadelphia & Erie Railroad, the railroad company and 
 land company induced the postmaster to move to the new town. The fight to 
 regain the office for the old town was carried on from this time until the east 
 ■end won — J. M. Judd, the postmaster at the new to\?n, favoring the claim 
 until he himself was appointed. 
 
 John M. Judd, born in Berkshire, Broome Co. , N. Y. , in 1826, was mar- 
 ried in Potter county, Penn., September 13, 1854, and in 1860 moved to Em- 
 porium. He served in all the offices credited to him in the general history; 
 was deputy treasurer of the county for one term, and postmaster of Emporium 
 at the time of his death, October 27, 1888. In April the veteran editor, C. B. 
 Gould, was appointed postmaster. J. Goodenough is clerk, and H. H. Mullin 
 deputy, succeeding Miss Taggart and Mr. Davidson, who filled those offices, 
 respectively, under the former administration. The office is furnished by the 
 Yale & Towne Company, of Connecticut, at Mr. Gould' s expense, and the man- 
 ner of its management is as perfect as its furnishing. The post-offices of East 
 Emporium — S. S. Hacket, postmaster — and Howard Siding, on West Creek — 
 L. T. Moore, postmaster — were established in March, 1886. 
 
 Fire Department. — The Emporium Fire Department was organized Decem- 
 ber 14, 1874, with E. M. Overhiser, president; J. H. Cole and H. C. Eockwell, 
 vice-presidents; W. D. Kintzing and F. J. Thompson, secretaries; L. Taggart, 
 treasurer; J. W. Kriner, engineer; J. Hillibush, J. P. Felt, J. L. Beers, Scott 
 Winfield, A. Haupt, P. J. McDougal and Ben Smith, assistant engineers; J. 
 W. Prank, hose director; J. W. Snyder, F. J. Thomson, C. S. Beaver, S. P. 
 Miner, C. A. Burdick, M. M. Larrabee, S. T. Smith and M. T. Hogan, assist- 
 ant hose directors. This organization did not continue in existence long, for 
 in March, 1875, the Press says: "Our citizens have at last organized a fire 
 department, and a good one at that. " R. M. Overhiser was foreman, with J. 
 L. Beers, assistant; J. D. Logan, secretary; M. C. Tulis, treasurer; A. Haupt 
 and Joseph Hillibush, foremen of hose; W. D. Kintzing and S. S. Hacket, 
 auditors. The first engine house was built in the fall of 1875, by J. H. Tel- 
 burg, for $575. The present fire department is made up of the younger men 
 of the borough. Its organization is perfect, and equipment very complete. 
 During the celebration of July 4, 1889, at Smathport, this organization, in 
 elegant gray uniforms, won merited applause. The officers of the Emporium 
 Fire Department, elected in January, 1890, are W. C. Clarke, chief engineer; 
 E. I. Smith, assistant; J. S. Douglass, secretary, and E. O. Bardwell, treasurer. 
 
 Water Company. — The Emporium Water Company (old) was incorporated 
 November 13, 1872, with D. V. Miner, William Howard, J. L. Cook, J. G. 
 Bryan and L. G. Cook, directors. Little in the way of constructing a modern 
 water system was accomplished. On August 4, 1884, P. J. Chadwick writes 
 to the Press as follows: '" If the property owners of Emporium would construct 
 a reservoir of sufficient capacity on the hill above the yellow willow near 
 Moro's, and bring Wright's run into it (Wright's run is known as 'Plank 
 Road Hollow'), pipes could be laid from that reservoir which would throw 
 water fifty feet above the roofs of Johnson' s, Cochran' s and Newton' s houses. 
 If such a pipe, with sufficient hose, had been at Heilman's drug store last 
 Saturday, the only damage would have been a hole in the roof and the interior 
 
HISTORY OF CAMERON COUNTY. 885 
 
 badly wet up, and not the whole district in ruins. ' ' The Pi-ess and Independ- 
 ent also urged the construction of water- works, and as a result the Emporium 
 Water Company was chartered, July 15, 1886, with G. A. Walker, John. F. 
 Parsons, S. S. Hacket, J. P. Felt, J. B. Newton, N. Seger and D. S. McDonald, 
 directors. William Howard, of Williamsport, was the only non resident stock- 
 holder. The water company elected J. P. Parsons, president; J. P. Felt, 
 secretary; William Howard, treasurer; N. Seger, D. S. McDonald, G. w! 
 Walker, J. B. Newton and S. S. Hacket, directors, July 21, 1886, and later 
 the contract for building the water- works was sold to R. D. Wood & Co. , of 
 Philadelphia — consideration, $30,000. The water is procured from Towner 
 run, on West creek, the reservoir being about three miles up the stream from 
 Emporium. It is a substantial structure, with a capacity of two million 
 gallons. The ran is formed of pure mountain springs, located in heavy 
 timbered lands belonging to the company, which are inexhaustible and pure. 
 The fall from the reservoir is something over 200 feet, which will give ample 
 force for fire purposes, throwing a stream one hundred feet high. 
 
 Bank. — The First National Bank was organized September 30, 1884, with 
 G. A. Walker, president; Samuel H. Storrs, cashier; J. D. Hamilton, J. 
 W. Cochran, William Howard, J. P. Felt, J. E. Buckwalter, N. Seger, James 
 "W'ylie, Henry Edgcomb, J. C. Johnson, J. O. Brookbank and the president, 
 directors. They, with A. E. Crane, I. L. Craven, B. W. Green, H. L. Burns 
 and W. P. Herrick, were the stockholders. Prior to this a bank building was 
 erected on the site of the old Phelps block, corner of Fourth and Broad streets. 
 Mr. J. P. Dankelman, formerly book-keeper for the Emporium bank, is now 
 ■cashier, and John F. Gilmore, book-keeper. 
 
 Manufactures. — The Cameron Coal Company was incorporated August 2, 
 1864, with George Warren, F. Westray, Paul Spofford, G. I. Forrest and 
 L. H. Simpson. The land selected for operations was in Lumber township. 
 Each stockholder claimed 7,500 shares of $50 each. The company was char- 
 tered by the legislature March 17, 1865, and entered on those extensive enter- 
 prises which unfortunately did not meet with the success deserved. 
 
 The Cameron Iron & Coal Company was chartered December 7, 1886, 
 with the following named directors: W. M. Bunn, J. H. Heverin, Thomas 
 E. Elcock and H. H. Bingham, of Philadelphia; G. S. Middlebrook and F. 
 €. Miller, of Port Eichmond, N. Y. ; W. B. Shore, of New York City; C. L. 
 Brooke, of Manhasset, and G. N. Knox, of Brooklyn, N. Y. The capital stock 
 was $1,000,000 in 10,000 shares, of which $100,000 were in the hands of 
 Treasurer Alexander Grant, at date of charter. The borough of Emporium 
 donated twenty acres on the river front, purchased from the Philadelphia & 
 Erie Land Company for $3,500. The blast furnace is seventy-five feet high 
 ^nd sixteen feet in diameter of bosh, and supplied by two upright blowing 
 engines of five-foot stroke, and seven-foot diameter blast cylinder. The blast 
 is heated by three Siemens-Cowper fire-brick stoves, each seventy feet high and 
 eighteen feet diameter. The company own 6,000 acres of coal land and some 
 iron lands. The Emporium furnace was opened November 26, 1888, C. B. 
 Gould being accorded the honor of applying the torch. So soon as the fire 
 was kindled, Manager Hunt ordered the whistle to be blown as the signal for 
 work, and this great industry was an accomplished fact. Mr. Fleming is the 
 present manager. Work on the 100-coke ovens near the chutes was begun 
 in November, 1888, by contractor Philip T. Hughes, who erected the fire-brick 
 work at the furnace. The iron work was built by Riter & Conley, of Pitts- 
 burgh, and the air-pumps and engines, of which there are two of 100-horse 
 power each, were made by the Scott foundry of the Reading Iron Works. 
 
886 HISTORY OP CAMEBON COUNTY. 
 
 The boilers are of the Heine Safety invention, and of these there are two batteries 
 of four each. There is not a more modern plant of the kind anywhere, and 
 every department of the business is characterized with enterprise so genuine 
 that it never fails to attract the most favorable comment. The company are 
 making 110 tons of metal per day, and the mixture they use is composed of 
 Lake and Centre county (Pa.) and Wayne county (N. Y.) ores. 
 
 The proposed addition of other furnaces at Emporium, and the extensive 
 works at Cameron, will give the Cameron Iron Works a first place among the 
 great manufacturing concerns of the west. 
 
 The Emporium Tanning Company was chartered November 16, 1888, with 
 J. D. Hamilton, John S. Martin, Mary Sanford, B. W. Green, Charles M. 
 Vail, J. C. Bonham and Clarissa J. Bonham, stockholders. This great indus- 
 try gives employment to a large force of men in all its departments. The con- 
 ception of this great industry dates back to 1866, when work was commenced. 
 
 Howard & Sons' Mills have a capacity of 100,000 feet of lumber, 20,000 
 lath and 10,0C0 pickets per day. The mill was built in 1884, by C. B. Howard 
 & Bro. , but in 1887 this partnership was dissolved, when George, William and 
 Josiah Howard, all practical lumbermen, joined their father in the business. 
 The company own 9,000 acres of timber lands in the vicinity of Emporium. 
 
 The Hacket Mills and Factory were established in 1866. The annual capac- 
 ity of the mills is about 10, 000, 000 feet, and the area of timber lands in Ship- 
 pen township and on the Driftwood and branches, 2,200 acres. The industries 
 employ from forty to fiftv men, and the value of buildings and machinery is 
 placed at 114,000. 
 
 The J. P. Felt Flouring Mills were built in 1855 as a water-mill, with two 
 run of stones. In 1 880 he put in six run of stones, and in 1883 a large addi- 
 tion to the building was made, and the roller system introduced, at a cost of 
 113,000. In 1886 the new engine was built, and this, with the extensive im- 
 provements of 1887, cost $7,835. The capacity is placed at 150 barrels of 
 iiour, twenty-five tons of feed, eight tons of corn meal and fifty barrels of 
 buckwheat flour, giving employment to ten men. Up to 1889 the west sup- 
 plied the material, but since then Pennsylvania has supplied the wheat, leaving 
 the west to supply the other grain. 
 
 Emporium Machine Company subscribed to articles of partnership January 
 4, 1884, Charles P. Colver, Jesse A". Dorr, G. A. Walker, William Howard 
 and C. H. Sage, Jr., being the stockholders — Colver paying $4,500, principally 
 in personal property; Dorr and Sage $1,500 each, and Walker and Howard 
 $750. The machinery manufacturer is John Arthur, who purchased the Em- 
 porium Machine Works two years ago, coming here from Williamsport, where 
 he still owns a similar industry, which is under the management of his son, 
 Oscar. Mr. Arthur has been engaged in the machinery business twenty-five 
 years, and now manufactures and deals in engines, gang-edgers, lath-mills, 
 brass and iron castings, etc. , repairing, however, being a specialty. 
 
 Maakey & Son's furniture factory was established in 1889. The Press, in 
 noticing this industry, April 30, 1889, says: " We are glad to be able to an- 
 nounce that Messrs. Mankey & Son are engaged in laying out their grounds 
 for their great furniture factory. They intend going right ahead with the work, 
 from the word go." The company's plant consists of three three-story build- 
 ings, each 64x200 feet, located between the Philadelphia & Erie Kailroad and 
 the Sinnemahoning river. Every department will be provided with machinery 
 of the latest and most valuable inventions, much of it being specially designed 
 for the work by Frederick Mankey. Having a saw-mill attached to the fac- 
 tory, they will cut the stock they consume right on their own premises, direct 
 
HISTOEY OF CAMEEON COUNTY. 887 
 
 from the log, and as they will get the timber by water, by rail and by wagon 
 or sled from the surrounding country, where the very best of hardwoods abound, 
 it can be readily seen that they have an advantage over all competitors differ- 
 ently situated. For drying their lumber, they have a Speer cold-air kiln, with 
 a capacity of drying 10, 000 feet daily. Quite a commendable feature of this 
 kiln is that it drys the lumber thoroughly, and yet allows the saccharine matter 
 to remain in it. 
 
 The Brick Kiln Company was organized in September, 1884, with J. B. 
 Newton, Edgcomb, Douglass & Co., G. A. Walker, W. Hackenberg, H. C. 
 Olmsted, Balcom & Lloyd, Eiley Warner, Hamilton, Martin & Co., C. P. Col- 
 ver, J. F. Parsons and J. W. Cochran, members. 
 
 The Fitzpatrick Brickyards, located above the tannery, were established 
 in 188-1, by H. O. Dorman. In April, 1887, the machinery etc. were pur- 
 chased by P. Fitzpatrick. The supply of clay in the vicinity is inexhaustible, 
 but the trade of the yards being confined to Emporium, the output is only 
 1,000,000 per annum. 
 
 Blumle Brewery was established in 1876, by F. X. Blumle, who that year 
 erected the buildings on Wright's run, a half mile north of the junction. The 
 capacity is about 500 barrels, the market for which is in Emporium. The 
 bottling works were established by him in 1882. This took the place of Hout's 
 Brewery. The pioneer brewery was on Hacket' s land, on the Portage road. 
 
 The Emporium Board of Trade was organized in the spring of 1889, and is 
 composed of the most influential citizens. The ofQcers are B. W. Green, presi 
 dent; I. K. Hockley, treasurer; J. C. Metzger, secretary, and T. B. Lloyd, 
 corresponding secretary. Mr. Lloyd generally sees to the wants of outside 
 parties desirous of locating here, but to such information will be cheerfully 
 given by any member of the board. It is but proper to say that Emporium is 
 making greater endeavors to be an industrial center than ever before. 
 
 Societies. — Emporium Lodge, No. 382, F. & A. M. , was chartered February 
 13, 1867, with the following named members: George Metzger, S. H. Storrs, 
 J. B. Newton, John M. Judd, George C. Manley, A. H. Boynton, Joel Shives, 
 Daniel Haas, Miles White, L. T. More and H. C. Eockwell, initiated March 
 13, 1867, and A. W. Georgia on February 13, 1867. In 1889 there were 
 seventy-one members, owning the building on Fourth street and Allegheny 
 avenue, after the hall in Cook' s block was destroyed by fire. The building 
 and lot are valued at $1,500. The list of past masters of the Emporium 
 Lodge is as follows: George Metzger, H. C. Watson, H. C. Eockwell, D. V. 
 Miner, Leonard Taggart, J. W. Frank, W. J. Craigen, F. J. Goodwin, J. P. 
 Felt, 1877; George Metzger, 1878; H. C. Eockwell, 1879; J. W. Kriner, 
 1880-81; J. D. Logan, 1882; H. J. Smith, 1883-84; C. Harrington, 1884-85; 
 H. C. Eockwell, 1886; H. C. Eockwell, 1887; H. J. Sassman, 1888. J. D. 
 Logan was secretary, 1877-80; A. H. Boynton, 1881-83; S. H. Storrs, 1884-87; 
 H. Largey, 1888, and A. Chapman, 1889. The officers for 1890 are William 
 Morrison, W. M. ; L. F. Balcom, S. W. ; Frank Mundy, J. W. ; H. J. Sass- 
 man, treasurer; A. Chapman, secretary; J. W. Kriner, L. Taggart and I. A. 
 Hirsch, trustees. 
 
 Emporium Chapter, No. 227, E. A. M., was chartered September 13, 1870, 
 with H. C. Watson, George Metzger, Samuel C. Hyde, John B. Newton and 
 Samuel H. Storrs, members. The office of high priest is filled by Clark Har- 
 rington; J. C. Martin, king; William Morrison, scribe; John D. Logan, secre- 
 tary, and H. C. Eockwell, treasurer. The office of secretary has been filled by 
 S. H. Storrs, Caleb Sweazey, J. D. Logan, George Metzger and A. H. Boyn- 
 ton. The present membership is twenty-nine. 
 
888 HISTOEY OF CAMEEON COUNTY. 
 
 Emporium Lodge, No. 984, I. O. O. F., was chartered March 1], 1882, 
 with *William Morrison, *J. W. Kriner, *H. H. Mullin, J. H. Givler; A. 
 Hirsch, E. Pitkin, J. P. Dingman, *G. A. Walker, R. Brand, W. Simon, 
 «J. C. Metzger, *E. P. Heilman, *H. C. Olmsted, R. E. Avery, O. G. Heisler, 
 S. E. Ralph, E. O. Bardwell, *W. F. Lloyd, *T. B. Lloyd, B. W. Green, *I. 
 K. Hockley and E. C. Davison, charter members. The past grands among 
 the charter members are marked thus * with the following: J. R. Buckwalter, 
 H. D. Burlingame, C. H. Sage and John Norris. H. H. Mullin was the first 
 secretary, and has filled the position since, with the exception of two years, 
 when H. Day and I. K. Hockley were elected. The lodge suffered considera- 
 bly from the several fires, and now has a hall in the Olmsted block. James 
 Fetter was presiding officer at the beginning of ]890, and Prof. Weber, sec- 
 retary. 
 
 The Patriotic Order Sons of America organized a lodge at Emporium Jan- 
 uary 23, 1874, J. R. Hillibush being president, and G. W.. Corwin, secretary: 
 H. H. Mullin, A. D. Gould and G. W. Corwin formed the executive com 
 mittee. 
 
 Green Valley Union, E. A. U. was organized July 23, 1886, the first officers 
 being: president, J. F. Haver; vice-president, Mrs. E.M. Hurteau; chancellor, H. 
 C Rockwell; auxiliary, Mrs. J. Thomas; secretary, E. C. Davison; treasurer, 
 I. M. Reynolds; accountant, A. Chapman. The presidents since that time 
 were P. W. Furlong, I. M. Reynolds, E. C. Davison and Mrs. S. L. Barton. 
 The office of secretary has been held by E. C. Davison and J. F. Haver. The 
 present number of members is sixty, and place of meeting Odd Fellows Hall, 
 owned by John Schlecht, and situated on Fifth street. This union was instituted 
 by Rev. E. M. Buck, in 1886, but the order was started some years before, 
 and became suspended through neglect of officers in charge. 
 
 The Young Bachelors Society, organized in 1870, claimed the following 
 members in 1875: F. J. Thompson, B. W. Green, W. H. Faber, H. H. Mul- 
 lin; E. B. Dean, W. K. Wright, Thomas Gallagher, R. Lloyd, E. B. Sage, J. 
 W. Phelps, C. Sweazey, C. B. Gould, J. W. Cochran, O. C. Fay, D. V. 
 Miner, A. B. Armstrong, G. H. Garner, S. C. Hyde, J. C. Johnson, George- 
 Walker, A. Russell, William Howard, A. Humphrey, F. H. Arnold, J. E. 
 Bieber, James Davison and W. DeGontard. 
 
 The order of Good Templars was organized with twenty-two members April 
 4, 1874, when the following officers were installed : G. Metzger, W. C. T. ;Miss 
 
 E. Martin, W. V. ; Miss Elida Logan, W. S. ; Miss Nellie Judd, W. S. ; Mis. 
 J. Schenck, W. T. ; Benjamin Taylor, W. F. S. ; Joseph ' Williams, W. M. ;, 
 Miss Jennie Judd, W. D. M. ; Miss Angle Fisher, R. H. S. ; Miss Mar Hall, 
 L. H. S. ; Dennis Hall, W. C. ; N. H. Schenck, P. W. C. T. 
 
 The Murphy Temperance Society was organized in May, 1877, with C. B. 
 Gould, president; W. H. Krause and W. A. Hartranft, vice-presidents; J. C. 
 Metzger and William Morrison, secretaries; H. T. Taggart, treasurer; H. 
 
 F. Cares, chaplain; E. R. Mayo, Dr. J. T. Lanning and George Metzger, ex- 
 ecutive committee. 
 
 The Dramatic Association was organized in May, 1876, with twenty-one 
 members, aqd the following named officers: J. C. Johnson, president; C. B. 
 Gould, business manager; W. H. Krause, stage manager; B. W. Green, treas- 
 urer; W. McKinney, secretary. 
 
 The Emporium Cornet Band was organized in July, 1886, with N. Seger, 
 president; H. Zarps, vice-president; J. A. McConnell, secretary; E. C. Davison, 
 treasurer; John Judd, leader; H. McConnell, major; E. C. Davison, P. W. Fur- 
 long, and H. McConnell, directors. 
 
HISTORY OF CAMERON COUNTY. 889 
 
 Lieut. D. W. Taggart Post, No. 241, G. A. R., was mustered May 19 
 1882, under Special Order No. 37 of April 28, by W. N. Jones, S. V. D. C. at 
 Driftwood, and subsequently chartered as Post 241, which name it bore until 
 Orrin P. Warner suggested the present name in March, which was approved by 
 the department April 4. The commanders were Charles F. Barclay, 1882; J O 
 Brookbank, 1883; C. F. Barclay, 1884-85, with M. M. Larrabee S. V. O.j 
 who was elected commander in 1886, with Lemuel Lucore, S. V. C, who was 
 elected commander for 1887; C. W. Beldin, for 1888, and Orrin P. Warner, for 
 1889. J. O. Brookbank was appointed adjutant in 1882; W. G. Sanders 
 1888-84; J. O. Brookbank, 1885-88, and O. P. Warner, O. of D. ; M. M. 
 Larrabee, adjutant, 1889. The members enrolled from muster in to April 27, 
 1889, are named in the following list: 
 Charles F. Barclay and George B. Barclay, Johh Wilt, 9th Pa Cav 
 
 Co. K., 149 Reg. Pa. Vol. David Signet. 4th Pa. Cav. 
 
 A. S. Bailey, Co. E, 45th Reg. Pa. Vol. J. C. Johnson, Co. K, 149th Reg Pa Vol 
 
 J. O. Brookbank, Co. F, 133d Pa. Vol.; Co. F.Lemuel Lucore, Co. D, 1st Ree- Baker Cav 
 
 77th Pa. Vet. Vol. Eli C. Davy. Co. D, 1st Reg. Pa. Res. Cav ' 
 
 H. E. Coleman, Co. K, 199th Pa. Vol. Jonathan Clontz, Co. H, 137th Reg Pa Vol 
 
 P. O. Chilson, Co. I, 131st Pa. Vol. Edward McFadden, Co. I. 15th Maine Vol 
 
 J. A. Cornwall, Co. D, 50th Pa. Vol. C. W. Beldin, Co. B, 199th Reg Pa Vol 
 
 Almeron Chapman, Co. D, 1st Pa. Vol. Cav. W. G. Sanders, Co. E, 23d Reg Maine Vd 
 R. E. Eavenson, Co. F. 124th Pa. Vol. Franklin Hausler, Co. G, 84th Reg Pa Vol 
 
 John M. English, Co. F, 148th Pa. Vol. M. M. Larrabee, Co. F, 109th Reg N Y Vol' 
 
 S. A. English, Co. F, 148 Pa. Vol. Leonard Taggart, Co. G, 84th Reg Pa Vol 
 
 David F. English (dead), 9th Pa. Cav. W. C. Cole (dead), 8th Reg. Pa, Cav 
 
 S. D. Jordan (dead), Co. K, 199th Pa. Vol. JohnF. Haver, Co. L, 1st Reg. N. Y. L. Art 
 J. L. Johnson, Co. A, 100-Day Reg. IndeA. W. Lewis, Co. D, 1st Reg, Pa. Cav 
 
 pendent Cavalry. D. D. Colcord, Co. I, 199th Reg. Pa. Vol 
 
 J. O. Jordan, Co. F, 148th Reg. Pa. Vol. Edmund F. Chadwick, Co. E, 20th Pa Cav 
 Levi Musser, Co. A, 101st Reg. Pa. Vol. JefCerson Wykoff, Co.D, 1st Reg Pa Vet Cav 
 Cad. G. Matson, Co. B, 105th Reg. Pa. Vol. Joseph Shaffer, Co. H, 3d Reg. N. Y, S. V 
 David F. Marsh, U. S. S., Silver Lake Ebenezer Swartwood, Co. K, 179th N Y V 
 
 A. R. McDonald, Co.D, 1st Reg. Pa. Res. Cav. A. O. Swartwood. Co. K, 179th N Y V 
 Isaac T. Smith, Co. D, 2d Reg. N. J. Cav. Samuel Sanford, Co. C. 13th Pa. Res 
 Joseph Sunderlin, Co. F, 148th Reg. Pa. Vol. William H. DeLong, Co. C, 81st N Y V 
 George W. Vanlew, Co. C, 97th Pa. Vol. Joseph Den-ing, Co. I, 107th N. Y. V 
 Decatur Wykoff. Martin Bowen, Co. K, 149th Pa. V 
 
 Samuel Louck, Co. K, 97th Reg. Pa. Vol. William Morrison, Co. C, 137th Pa V 
 William P. Barr, Co. C, 16th Reg. Pa. Cav. George A. Dudley, Co. D, 75th N. Y V 
 George W. Smith, Co. A, 9th Reg. Maine Vol. Nelson B. Smith, Co. E, 83d Pa. Cav 
 Archie H. Barr, Co. C, 16th Reg. Pa. Cav. H. C. Taylor, Co. D, 1st Pa. Cav. 
 William Miller, Co. D, 1st Reg. Pa. Res. Cav. J. C. Lewis (dead), 1st Pa. Cav. 
 George W. Gore, Co. K, 199th Reg. Pa. Vol. Joshua Pair, Co. L, 112th Pa. Art. 
 Henry Thomas Earley, 11th Mich. Inf. G. J. LaBar, 1st Cav., 2d Pro. Cav. 
 
 James R. Batchelder, 15th Maine Vol. O. E. Lester, Co. D, 4th Pa. V. 
 
 David Chapman, Co. C, 16th Reg. Pa. Cav. Daniel Downey, Co. G, 123d Pa. V. 
 Enoch Conway, Co. A, 76th Reg. Pa. Vol. George M. Pfoutz. Co. D, 7th Pa. V. R.Corps. 
 Adam S. Hicks, Co. C, 16th Reg. Pa. Cav. James W. Nickerson, 33d and 30th Me. Vols. 
 John Murphy, Co. F, 141st Reg. N. Y. Vol. A. A. Moody, Co. G, 14th Maine V. 
 Levi Bows, Co. G, 51st Reg. Pa. Vol. J. R. Buckwalter, Co. C, 6th Pa. Cav. 
 
 William J. King, Co. C, 307th Reg. Pa. Vol. Jesse Swan, Co. H, 20th Iowa Inf. 
 Joseph Kissel], Co. I, 131st Reg. Pa. Vol. James C. Low, Co. C, 63d Pa. V. 
 Samuel Faucett, Co. C, 189th Reg. N. Y. Vol.0. P. Warner, Co. C, 134th N. Y. S. V. Inf. 
 Cornelius Cotter, Signal Corps. Sylvester Beldin, 46th, 199th Pa. Inf. 
 
 George Fry, 1st JST. Y. Vol. Cav. John McClennahan. Co. D, 53d Pa. Vet. 
 
 Marcellus Dickenson (dead) 143d N. Y. Inf. John Wygant, 4th N. Y. H. Art. 
 Lafayette Lockwood, 1st Pa. Cav. John A. Wykoff, 53d Pa. Inf. , 
 
 David Pearsall, 66th 111. Vet. Inf. Henry Strickland, 84th Pa. Inf. 
 
 Matthew Plioeni.x, 86th N. Y. Vol. " Karl Zimmer, 154th N. Y. Inf. 
 
 Samuel J. Wilbur, 84th Pa. Inf. D. McM. Toner, 137th Pa. Inf. 
 
 John Pepper, 3d Pa. Art. John L. Ross. 1st N. Y. Vet. Cav. 
 
 Albert F. Boardman, .56th Pa. Vol. John W. Lewis, 2d Pa, Pro. Cav. 
 
 John Adams, 84th, Pa. Vol. Joseph Farley, 42d Pa. Inf. 
 
 H. R. Dodge, 22d Maine Inf. Thomas M. Lewis, 6th Md. Inf. 
 
 James R. Hamilton, 17lh Maine Inf. Elihu Housler 84th Pa. Inf. 
 
S90 HISTORY OF CAMEKON COUNTY. 
 
 I. P. Whitmer, 27tb Mich. Inf. Michael Evans, 13th Pa. Res. 
 
 C. A. F. Keller, 187th Pa. Inf. H. B. Spence. 
 T. W. Dinniney, 107th N. Y. Inf. Sydney Parker. 
 
 George B. Bartley is the present commander, and G. W. VanLew, adjutant. 
 
 Ladies' Relief Corps No. 89 was organized July 29, 1887, with Mrs. M. 
 M. Larrabee, president; Mrs. L. Taggart, vice-president; Mrs. W. G. Sanders, 
 senior vice-president; Mrs. S. L. Stoddard, secretary; Mrs. C. L. Barclay, 
 treasurer; Mrs. O. P. Warner, chaplain; Mrs. V. A. Brooks, conductor, and 
 Mrs. Daniel Downey, sentinel. 
 
 The Ladies' Temperance Union of Cameron County was organized January 
 18, 1890, with Mrs. Dunkle, president; Mrs. Olmsted, vice-president; Lettie 
 Craven, corresponding secretary; Jennie Eenneger, recording secretary; Mrs. 
 
 D. D. Alderfer, treasurer; Mrs. D. H. Denison, superintendent of jail work; 
 Minnie Haver, superintendent of foreign work; Mrs. Thomas Gallagher, super- 
 intendent of railroad work; Mrs. Georgia Larrabee, superintendent of press 
 work; Mrs. E. Morrison, superintendent of lumber woods and mines; Hattie 
 Hackenberg, superintendent of scientific instruction; Mrs. Olive Downey, super- 
 intendent of Sabbath observation; Mrs. H. R. Wills, superintendent of legal 
 work; Mrs. J. E. Smith, superintendent of social purity and impure literature. 
 
 The Ladies' Temperance Union of Emporium was organized January 18, 
 1890, with Lettie Craven, president; Mrs. C. Bonham, vice-president; Mrs. 
 L. Taggart, secretary, and Mrs. I. K. Hockley, treasurer. 
 
 Cameron County Bible Society was reorganized in October, 1889, with the 
 following named officers: President, L. Taggart; vice-presidents. Revs. Davies, 
 Denison, Bates and Dieckhoff, and John A. Brooks, of Sinnemahoning; sec- 
 retary, Rev. J. W. Eue; treasurer, Mr. H. C. Olmsted; managers, I. K. Hock- 
 ley, Dr. DeLong, W. F. Lloyd, R. R. McQuay, Dr. E. P. Heilman, Peter 
 Sweikart, Mrs. Eev. Denison, Mrs. A. H. Gager, Mrs. J. C. Metzger, Mrs. 
 J. 0. Bonham, Mrs. Thomas Gallagher and Mrs. D. H. Lamb. 
 
 The Ministers' Association of Cameron County was organized in January, 
 1890, with Eev. C. L. Bates, president, and Eev. J. W. Eue, secretary. 
 
 Churches.— The Methodist Church of Sinnemahoning may be said to date 
 back to 1810, when James Allen, a preacher, surveyor and general utility man, 
 was sent by Coxe, McMurtrie & Co. to survey Rich Valley. E. J. Chadwick, 
 who, some years ago, wrote the history of Methodism in this section for the 
 historical record of the society at Emporium, makes the following statement: 
 
 He came to the country and saw the destitution of the people with respect to spir- 
 itual privileges, and his soul was stirred within him to do something in their behalf. He 
 proposed to hold a preaching service at the house of M. Overturf. Andy consented, and 
 sent out far and near, and notified his neighbors; far by this time quite a good number 
 of people had settled around him. The Sunday for the appointed service arrived. The 
 worshipers gathered in, bringing their dogs and guns; for it was scarcely safe to travel 
 without them, besides, as game was plentiful, it was expedient for them to be always 
 ready to supply their tables by improving the opportunities that an occasion might offer. 
 The congregation was seated — the service commenced — the text announced — and the 
 preacher fairly engaged in its elucidation, when the dogs that were outside started a 
 deer, and drove him rapidly by the house. In an instant the whole pack was in pursuit. 
 The congregation, forgetful of the proprieties of the occasion; forgetful of the courtesy 
 due the minister; forgetful of their solemn obligations, and their eternal interests, sprang 
 to their feet, crowded out of the house, and joined in rapid pursuit. Overturf alone 
 remained within the liouse, and he was temporarily disabled with rheumatism or some 
 other indisposition. The preacher was, of course, filled with perfect astonishment and 
 disgust, and lifting up his hand, and heaving a "heavy sigh, he exclaimed: "It is all in 
 vain!" Meaning the attempt in which he had engaged to spiritualize these people 
 Andy, supposing he referred to the pursuit of the deer, responded: " Oh, perchance they 
 may cat h him yet." 
 
 In 1823 the first circuit preacher was appointed to the Methodists of this 
 section, Coudersport being the station, the history of the circuit up to 1837, 
 
HISTOKY OF CAMEEON COUNTY. 893 
 
 when the Sinnemahoning circuit was established (embracing the Sinnema- 
 honing, its tributaries and the Susquehanna down to Young Woman's Town), 
 with William Lane and Samuel Pitt preachers. In 1839 Amos Worcester and 
 F. W. Conoble presided; in 1840, L. Jones and R. Goodell; in 1841, John P. 
 Kent and Jacob Stryker, and in 1842, A. J. Sellick and W. Davis. The latter 
 returned in 1843, received three months' pay for preaching three times, when 
 he left Anson D. Burlingame to fill the appointments. From this time to 1848 
 there were no preachers sent here; but in that year James Gamble, of the Bal- 
 timore Conference, filled appointments regularly. In 1849 F. Fulton, E. H. 
 Waring and J. Pattison, of the same Conference, came as far as Goshen, in 
 Clearfield county. In 1850 D. C. Wortz and John Hughes came hither; A. 
 Houghenberry and N. Shaffer in 1851; Hoffman, Giles and W. Shaffer in 
 1852; Crever, Reuben and Bathurst in 1853; Hartman and Kelly in 1854, and 
 Eyer, Hunter and Shelly in 1855. Shippen Circuit, established in 1856, with 
 B. P. King, preacher, embraced Shippen, Portage and Lumber townships. A. 
 R. Riley preached here in 1857-58, John A. Dixon in 1859, Charles Nash and 
 John T. Cole in ]860, both leaving within a few months. In 1861 John F. 
 Craig took charge; in 1862, J. R. King; in 1863-64, W. C. Hesser, and in 
 1865 the name of the circuit was changed to Emporium, and G. W. C. Van- 
 fossen appointed, who, in 1866, was succeeded by W. H. Stevens, and he, in 
 1867, by James Mullin. In 1868 the circuit became a part of the new Penn- 
 sylvania Conference, and in 1869 M. L. Drum was preacher in charge. In 
 1865 the parsonage was completed, but the society failed in its church build- 
 ing project. In 1867 the charge embraced Emporium, Portage, Rich Valley, 
 West Creek and Beechwood. A. B. Hoover was preacher in 1872, and was 
 succeeded in 1874 by J. W. Olewine, who served until the fall of 1876, when 
 H. F. Cares arrived. On January 23, 1872, the church building was dedi- 
 cated, the legal organization taking place April 20, 1866, with Joseph Housler, 
 president; L. Lucore, secretary, and George Metzger, treasurer. Mr. Stephens 
 was then circuit preacher, and the incorporation took place May 8, 1868, with 
 Leonard Lucore, Jr., William S. Hamlin, George Metzger, Richard Chadwick, 
 J. Housler, trustees. In 1878 John Vrooman was appointed preacher; in 
 1881, B. H. Crever; in 1883, R. H. Gilbert and N. H. Schenck (Cameron and 
 Sizerville being now in the circuit). During Mr. Gilbert's administration a 
 debt of $1,600 was liquidated. On the transfer of Mr. Schenck to Montgom- 
 ery, W. H. Norcross, D. L. Pitts and N. Stokely, afterward of the Messiah 
 Adventists, filled his place, Mr. Gilbert being reappointed in 1884. The cir- 
 cuit was divided in 1885— Mr. Gilbert being assigned to Emporium borough 
 and J. C. Mumper to the circuit. About this time W. A. Stephens succeeded ' 
 E. H. Yocum as presiding elder; in 1886 E. M. Stevens was appointed preacher 
 here, and served until Rev. J. W. Rue came, in April, 1889. The member- 
 ship of the society is 112, with thirteen probationers. The church building 
 and parsonage referred to above have been subjected to repairs, an<J are to-day 
 in fair condition. The members at Emporium in 1866 were Mary Byham, 
 Polly White, Emma Jinks, Minnie L. McQuarry, Mary Huff, Daniel and Bar- 
 bara Britton, James Besancon, Almon Pepper, Esther and L. Bennaway, Nancy 
 Jordan, Mary Zacariah, Thomas and Rachel Britton and William Ticziqulny. 
 In Rich Valley were L. H. Chase, Mary Adams, Kate Sweazy and Lydia Fair- 
 child; at Portage, Rachel Shulston and Ellen Gallup, and up the Portage, 
 Cameron S. Robertson, Nella E. Lucore, Clara C. Davy and Emma Holden. 
 
 Adventists.— In 1829 Nathaniel Folsom, on whom Mr. Chadwick bestows 
 the title, "Renegade Methodist," preached in the Sinnemahoning Valley, and 
 fixed the year 1842 as the period of the Second Advent. His object was to root 
 
 48 
 
894 HISTOKY OP CAMERON COUNTY. 
 
 out the churches and establish a Christian union. He succeeded in winning ad- 
 herents, but, as related, ' ' his selfish ambition being prominently visible, he lost 
 influence, and soon the union was dissolved." 
 
 In April, 1806, a meeting of Protestant Episcopalians was called to con- 
 sider the question of accepting the donation of parties in Philadelphia, toward 
 the building of a church-house. This meeting accepted the donation, and or- 
 ganized with a view of raising more funds. L. T. More was chosen president; 
 J. A. Knapp, secretary-treasurer; J. B. Newton, J. L. Cook and J. W. 
 Phelps, building committee. The donation was offered through Rev. W. P. 
 Orrick. In November the work of building was begun by M. A. S. Collins. 
 On June 19, 1868, Emmanuel Church of Emporium was incorporated on peti- 
 tion presented November 14, 1867. In the articles of association J. A. Knapp 
 and J. B. Newton are named wardens; L. T. More, J. L. Cook, J. G. Curtis, 
 J. W. Phelps and A. H. Boynton, vestrymen. The objects of association set 
 forth were '' Worshiping Almighty God according to the faith and discipline 
 of the Protestant Episcopal Church. ' ' On the first date named there was no 
 other church building at Emporium, and this church had the privilege of loan- 
 ing to other religious bodies the use of its building for purposes of worship. 
 
 The First Presbyterian Church of Emporium was incorporated February 9, 
 1870, on petition presented by John W. Phelps, James G. Mercereau, F. D. 
 Leet, B. H. Sage, H. J. Hacket, and J. B. Newton. The names of the first 
 members are Jacob Borgelt, Mrs. Eliza Borgelt, F. T). Leet, Mrs. Lavinia 
 Leet, Mrs. Susan F. Sage, Mrs. Maria Wiley, Mrs. Huldah C. Genung, Mrs. 
 Kate Overhiser, Isha Craven, Mrs. Isha Craven, Mrs. H. J. Hacket, Mrs. 
 Dennis Hall, Mr. James Mercereau, Mrs. Emile Mercereau, etc. There are 
 fifty-five members reported. 
 
 The Free Methodist Church, organized at Pekin, N. Y., in 1860, by ex- 
 members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, was introduced at Emporium in 
 May, 1873, by Eev. G. R. Harvey. About this time societies were organized 
 at iA'^est Creek and at Weedville in Elk county. 
 
 St. Mark's Catholic Church (Emporium) dates back to the time when 
 Fathers Windelhelm, Eugene Phelan, I. Hentenach, Dennis Stoltz, and other 
 Benedictines attended the people here. In June, 1874, Rev. M. Meagher was 
 appointed priest of Eidgway and Emporium, and towns between the points 
 named. When Father Meagher came he found the church building on Sixth 
 street under roof, but otherwise unfinished and heavily in debt, only $1,300 
 being paid. Services, however, were held there even before the dedication 
 July 4, 1875. The cost of the old building was $5,000. In February, 1888, 
 W. S. Brickie Was called upon to prepare plans, and in June, 1888, J. W. 
 Kriner, the contractor, entered upon the work of building. The corner-stone 
 was placed by Bishop Mullen September 9, 1888, Rev. Meagher, Dean Pat- 
 terson and Father Innocent, O. S. B. , assisting. The building committee 
 comprised Father Meagher, D. S. McDonald, N. Seger, R. Seger and Angus 
 A. McDonald. Father Meagher, assisted occasionally by the architect, super- 
 intended the building, which was dedicated in 1889. The total cost of the 
 building is estimated at 117,000. While the authentic history of the church 
 here is thus given, it is said that Father Coady, now of Titusville, held 
 services at or near Emporium thirty-five or forty years ago. The congrega- 
 tion was incorporated April 22, 1875, with Rt. Rev. Bishop Mullen, trustee; 
 M. C. Tulis, president, and M. Norton, secretary. J. W. Sheldon made the 
 nominations, which were seconded by M. T. Hogan. The first meeting to 
 consider the question of incorporation was attended by thirty-three male 
 members, presided over by Rev. M. Meagher. The congregation now num- 
 
HISTORY OF CAMERON COUNTY. 895 
 
 bers about 700. The new Catholic Church (St. Mark's) of Emporium was 
 dedicated by Bishop Mullen September 29, 1889. The building is 110|x50 
 feet, with a high basement of equal area. The foundations were built by 
 Joha Haas, of St. Mary's, Penn. ; J. W. Kriner was general contractor for 
 the exterior stone and brick work from foundation up, including roof, and P. 
 F. Flynn, of Eeynoldsville, Penn. , superintended the interior carpenter work. 
 The frescoing was done by W. H. Artzberger, of Allegheny City, Penn. ; the 
 pews were supplied by the Bunnell Seating Company, of Pittsburgh; the carved 
 white oak altar by George Faulhaber, of Cleveland. The side altar, the 
 product of the Institute of Ecclesiastical Works of Art, St. Joseph's Orphans'" 
 Jdome, Columbus, Ohio, of which Father Jessing is superintendent, was pre- 
 sented by R. Seger. The memorial stained- glass windows were manufactured 
 by S. S. Marshall & Co. , of Pittsburgh, and were presented by the C. M. B. 
 A., the Rosary Society, N. Seger, John and James Farrell, Daniel and Mrs. 
 McCormack, James Walshe, Michael Evers, William McGee, John McGee, 
 M. C. Tulis, B. Coyle, Charles Seger, A. A. McDonald, Henry Auchu and D. 
 S. and Mrs. McDonald and Henry G. Seger. The gallery windows were pre- 
 sented by John Gayney, John Mulcahy (of Cameron), Sarah Powell, Martin 
 Cummings, Mrs. Louisa Huff and D. Heher and wife. The vestibule win- 
 dows were presented by Father Meagher and Mathew O' Byrne and wife. 
 The Emporium Independent, speaking on the subject of this building, says: 
 " The new church is an ornament to the town, a substantial proof of the liberal 
 and generous spirit of Emporium people of all classes and creeds, and an ever- 
 lasting monument pointing out to future generations the self-sacrificing 
 spirit of the congregation and the zeal and energy of the pastor. Rev. M. 
 Meagher." 
 
 The old Baptist Society of Emporium was organized in 1867 with seven 
 members, and recognized April 25, 1871, when Deacons John Beers, Seth 
 Hacket and Francis Reed were present at the house of John Beers to receive 
 the delegates from sister churches. 
 
 The First Baptist Church of Emporium was incorporated Jilne 25, 1888, 
 
 with H. C. Olmsted, Charles Felt, Henry Jessop, S. Hillyard and Swietzer, 
 
 directors. H. J. Sassman was one of the incorporators. The church was or- 
 ganized November 6, 1887, and in April, 1888, Rev. D. H. Denison was 
 chosen pastor. The recognition took place June 27, 1888. The constituent 
 members were H. C. and Martha Olmsted, Alice E. Felt, C. H. Felt, C. C. Fay,. 
 0. J. Shannon, C. H. Jessop, S. Hillyard, Charlotte Hillyard and John R. 
 Charters. The site for the new brick church is on the two lots donated by the- 
 Pennsylvania Land Company, opposite the engine house, near Fourth street. 
 The present membership is thirty -four. 
 
 Zion's Evangelical Lutheran Church.— In behalf of the foreign popula- 
 tion (Germans and Swedes) from the Evangelical Lutheran persuasion the- 
 Rev. D. M. Kemmerer, missionaiy president of the Lutheran Pittsburgh Syn- 
 od, early in February, 1888, undertook an exploration tour of the neighbor- 
 hood, with a view of gathering these people into a congregation. The use- 
 of the Presbyterian Church building was secured, and services begun. In ad- 
 dition to the above element there were also found such Lutherans who had be- 
 come anglicized, for which reason it became necessary to arrange for work 
 among these and others following in their steps. April 15, 1888, the first 
 church council (vestry) was organized, where the following gentlemen were 
 entrusted with the management: Rev. A. F. Schaeffer (preaching, also, afc 
 Port Allegany and Costello, in the adjoining counties); Adam Nickler, presi- 
 dent; Peter Schweikart, secretary. The abandoned Firemen's Hall, on Chest- 
 
896 HISTORY OF CAMERON COUNTY. 
 
 nut street, having been refitted, and an organ purchased, it was found more 
 convenient to secure its use for permanent worship until such future time when 
 able to build in South Emporium (near the junction depot), a site from the Phila- 
 delphia & Erie Land Company being considered. The first communion was 
 celebrated August 5, 1888, in which forty-five persons participated. This 
 church was incorporated September 3, 1888. The representatives of the so- 
 ciety were Peter Schweikart, William Stief, A. Jaggi, Adam Nickler and Et-v. 
 A. F. Schaeffer, the last named of Ridgway. 
 
 Schools. — Much attention is given to school affairs here, as may be gleaned 
 from the record of directors elected annually, who are named in the ptiges 
 devoted to municipal affairs. In July, 1889, H. H. Weber was elected 
 principal of the schools, and the following named assistant teachers appointed: 
 Anna M. Sanderson, Jennie Reinenger, Elma G. Martin, Anna Shoemaker, 
 Maud C. Davis, Olive Herat and Mary M. Wood. 
 
 Fires. — The first fire at Emporium was that of December 11, 1862, which 
 destroyed the Emporium Hotel, then conducted by N. L. Dyke and owned by 
 the P. & E. Land Company. The location was in the lower part of town, where 
 J. L. Overhiser's building, the American Hotel, Mrs. Genung's store and Dr. 
 Bryan's store stood in 1876, and later years.... The fire of March, 1869, 
 destroyed part of the tannery and several hundred cords of bark, all valued at 
 
 16,000, but covered by insurance The fire of September, 1870, originated 
 
 in the Pelt or old block of seven stories in the lower part of the town, then 
 vacated as a place of business. The old landmark was swept away and also 
 C. C. Fay's dwelling and liquor store; Borgelt lost his furniture and mil- 
 linery goods; VanCuren, Fitch and Norris, dwelling on the second floor, lost 
 their property, while J. P. Felt lost a lot of bark. B. F. Barrett of Philadel- 
 phia, was owner of the old building. 
 
 The tire of December 18, 1872, originated in Joel Shive's building. In it 
 he carried on a grocery store, and C. H. Cowles' bakery, J. N. Campbell's 
 building, on the west, was destroyed, and also James Hogan's new house. 
 The total losses were about $9,000, partly insured. Christ. Madison,- a 
 German, was seriously injured while engaged in pulling down Hogan's 
 
 hoase The fire of January 8, 1873, originated in Cook's block, and 
 
 spread until all the territory between Narby's block on Broad street and 
 Penny's block on fourth street was destroyed, the last-named building being 
 saved with dilficulty. Among the business houses given up to the flames were 
 John Campbell's hardware store, L. Taggart's drug store and the post office, J. 
 Deubler's tailoring house, DeLong & Dillon's drug store, J. D. Mercereau's 
 boot and shoe store, W. J, Goodwin's photograph rooms, Madame Hitchcock's 
 millinery. The dwellings or residence rooms burned out were John Anderson' s, 
 J. Duebler's,M. T. Hogan's, Gallup's, W. D. White's, H. T. Taggart's, John S. 
 Douglass', William Morrison's, George Kimball's and W. J. Goodwin's. 
 
 The fire of February 12, 1874, originated in Swaney's tobacco store in Wil- 
 lard's building, where I. A. Hirsch carried on the jeweler's trade, and Will- 
 iam Webb kept a barber shop. In the adjoining building was Madame Rock- 
 well's millinery and Cowles' bakery. . . .The fire of June 15, 1874, destroyed 
 Bryan & Co. 's saw-mill, entailing a loss of $6,000, while the citizens saved an 
 immense amount of the company's property. Fagots from the mill set the 
 town on fire at several places, but the people combated the flames successfully, 
 leaving the mill to its fate. . . .The fire of November, 1874, originated in J. S. 
 Wiley's barn, and resulted in the destruction of 700,000 feet of lumber 
 valued at $15,000 The fire of December 9, 1874, destroyed Hamilton, Mar- 
 tin & Co.'s tannery, in which were 25,000 hides. . . .The fire of February 22, 
 
HISTOEY OF CAMEEON COUNTY. 897 
 
 1875, destroyed the Phelps' block, Thomas Creaton's Union Hotel, Riley War- 
 ner's hotel, John Creaton's new building,- and crossing^ Broadway destroyed 
 the Biddle House and Rockwell's new block on Fourth street. In the Phelps' 
 block were Miner & Co., H. L. Putzell, Tulis & Hogan. P. J. McDougal, Mrs. 
 Hitchcock, and the Masonic, P. O. S. of A. and I. O. G. T. halls. 
 
 The fire of March, 1876, destroyed the Burns Block on Fourth street, 
 then occupied by Olmsted & Burns as a grocery, Charles Evans' grocery, 
 Angus McDonald's saloon, while above were the quarters of William Burns, a'. 
 McDonald, Addison Gross, Mike Miller and George Hand, who barely escaped. 
 The fire-engine saved Taggart's and Holden's dwellings .... In April, 1875, 
 Leet & Olmsted's building, opposite Cook's hotel, was burned. . . .The fire of 
 November, 26, 1877, originated in the brick block where Walker. Howard & 
 Co.'s brick block now stands. J. L. Cook valued the building at $18,000, 
 but had it insured for $10,000. The Press office was destroyed, entailing a 
 loss of $3,500 on Mr. Gould; L. Taggart, who kept the drug store and post- 
 office, lost $1,000; the Masonic lodge. $1,500; chapter, $1,500; J. H. Schan- 
 backer, proprietor of the then new hotel, $300: H. T. Taggart, assignee of 
 Phelps & Matteson, dry goods, etc., $150; Dr. J. T. Lanning, William Mor- 
 rison, boots and shoes, and Union Express office. A Mr. Canfield died a few 
 days later from burns received .... Prior to this several dwellings were de- 
 stroyed, among them J. B. Newton's, Hertig's and Sowers'. Cook's hotel, a 
 large three-story house was destroyed May 2, 1884; entailing a loss of $10,000 
 of which $4,000 was insured. 
 
 The great fire of August 2, 1884, destroyed twenty-one business places and 
 $130,000 worth of property. This fire originated in the Central Hotel over 
 Heilman's drug store. The following is a list of the sufferers, commencing at 
 the corner of Chestnut Street : Parsons' block — Larrabee's book store, Gra- 
 ham's barber shop, A. Hirsch's jewelry store, Mrs. W. D. White's photograph 
 gallery and residence; Hogan' s block — Spuller's store, billiard saloon and 
 residence. H. J. Sassman's store and residence; Shives' block — Frank Shives' 
 store, the Shives House; Heilman's building — Heilman' s' drug store. Central 
 hotel, J. B. Grimshaw, proprietor; H. C. Olmsted's building — Olmsted's 
 store, the Central hotel extending over the upper rooms of the building; Doug- 
 las block — Edgcomb, Douglass & Co.'s store on first floor, three families, 
 Messrs. Avery, Woodley and Guppy on second floor; Hackenberg's store and 
 residence; Opera House block — Balcom & Lloyd's store, Walker's store, H. 
 C. Eockwell's and Adolph Jager's residences, and the opera house on third 
 floor; Metzger's building — George Metzger's store, J. C. Metzger'slaw office. 
 Odd Fellow's hall; McDonald building — J. A. Dorr & Sons' store; Newton 
 & Green's law office; A. A. McDonald's building — McDonald's billiard parlors, 
 Fred Collins' residence; J. C. Johnson's law office; Leggett's building — Mc- 
 Gee's restaurant and residence; Graham's residence; James Johnson's resi- 
 dence; house owned by George Metzger — making a total of seventeen build- 
 ings, Ibesides a dozen out-buildings, warehouses, ice-houses, sheds, etc., a total 
 of twenty- four business places, and fifteen residences. 
 
 The former Warner House was destroyed by fire November 30. 1885, the 
 fire being the result of the explosion of the hall lamp. Sheriff Smith and S. 
 H. Storrs, who had their rooms in the bank building opposite, gave the alarm 
 at 2 o'clock that cold morning, about the same moment that Riley Warner 
 gave the alarm, and the latter, with John R. Wilson, the colored porter, awoke 
 the guests — the former being severely burned in his race to save them. It was 
 now too late to find an exit by the doors, although Norman Warner led bis 
 mother and Miss Cole through the smoke to the street. Mrs. N. P. Warner 
 
HISTOEY OF OAMEEON COUNTY. 
 
 cast her child from the second floor into the arms of Riley Warner, who had 
 just leaped from that floor to the sidewalk; the mother leaped after, to a 
 mattress, escaping with a broken ankle; Miss Lizzie Warner leaped to the 
 pavement, and sprained her ankle. David Hayes, who had room No. 6, on the 
 third floor, fled to the roof, but he was so closely pursued, that he was com- 
 pelled to leap to the yard, where he was found insensible. John R. Wilson es- 
 caped from room No. 7 by the same means. Edwin Shultz also escaped, after 
 receiving severe burns, while Elmer Steele, his room-mate, descended from 
 the roof by the flag-rope and flag to the street. Henry Greeves and Charles 
 J?isher jumped from the second floor. Barney McCauley, in escaping, fell on 
 the shoulders of H. H. Mullin. Sandy McDongal de.scended by a ladder from 
 the roof. E. G. Sheldon made an effort to escape by a rope made of sheet- 
 ings, but this breaking, he fell to the ground. John Wilt leaped from the third 
 story window, Fred Hill, John Hill, S. Shadman and Henry Burns, from the 
 second story. James Kilpatriok, Domblazer and his wife took time to make 
 their bed clothes into ropes, and escaped from the second floor. A. H. Boyn- 
 ton cooly prepared for escape, put on his gloves, and calling for a plank ladder, 
 descended quietly. J. W. Phelps leaped from the second story. George Poor- 
 man, the barber, who slept in his shop near by, knew nothing of the fire until 
 he was going to breakfast. The building of the present house was at once 
 commenced, and in July, 1886, was opened. This is a large brick three-story 
 building, on the site of the former one, built especially for hotel purposes, 
 heated by steam, lighted by gas, and in every way complete. Since its open- 
 ing, the doors have never been closed, a night clerk attending to the office and 
 house with as much regularity as in the day time. 
 
 The first fire in Bast Emporium occurred February. 24, 1886, in S. S. 
 Hacket's smith and wheelwright shop. On March 2 the J. E. McDonald 
 building was destroyed, together with Charles Weller's two stores and dwell- 
 ing. Cook's stables, the Gibson House, the old saloon building, S. S. Hacket's 
 wheelwright shop, while adjoining buildings were scorched .... The old Biddle 
 House in the West ward, occupied by Housler as a flour and feed store, was 
 burned November 17, 1888 .... The fire of June, 1889, originated in the Bryan 
 Block. Before sufficient water was sent into the pipes the fire had half con- 
 sumed the block, and had communicated to the Wiley building on the west 
 and Mrs. Genung's on the east, and they both fell a prey to the devouring ele- 
 ment. In the meantime the barns of F. D. Leet and the American Hotel, 
 standing back from the street, caught fire, and were also consumed, and it 
 looked at one time as if the American and Cook's Hotels would go with the 
 others. 
 
 Flood of 1889. — The following is the estimated damage and loss in Emporium 
 borough to the parties named, by the flood of June 1 , 1889 : Reynolds & Stoddard, 
 $600; J. P. Pelt, $700; Hacket & Sons, $3,000; F. D. Leet, $300; Mrs. J. M. Judd, 
 $100; R. D. Hacket, $75; Kelly property, $30; David Murry, $100; T. N. Hacket, 
 f75; Mrs. M. E. Beers, $80; S. L. Barton, $50; Jonathan Gifford, $50; S. J. 
 Hacket, SlOO; C. C. Fay, |300; John Keller, $75; Mrs. Owens, $75; Samuel 
 Parker, $200; Dan Armstrong, $50; Elmer Klock, $150; H. J. Smith, $25; 
 Farnam property, $40; James Welch, $100; Holbrook property, $200; Mrs. 
 Maze, $200;' James Fartell, $25; Creaton Hotel, $500; Goodyear & Goodman, 
 $150; Len Taggart, $400; Frank Mundy, $50; W. B. Thompson, $300; M. C. 
 Tulis, $500; D. H. Lamb, $500; John Haver, $100; M. M. Larrabee, $600; 
 Rev. Bosworth, $1,200; C. M. Woodley, $100; Dan Sullivan, $100; B. Apple- 
 stein, $3,060; Frank Shives, $1,000; Mrs. A. E. Crane, $1,200; John Farrell, 
 1100; H. J. Sassman, $200; H. C. Rockwell, $100; Edwin Schultz, $100; 
 
HISTORY OF CAMEBON COUNTY. 899 
 
 Hockley, Bonham & Day, |2,000; Thomas Cavanauge, $200; Thomas McDon- 
 augh, $200; D. S. McDonald, $200; John Arthur, $150; Thomas Gallagher 
 $50; Bridget Hogan, $200; F. W. Yentzer, $300; I. K. Hockley, on furniture, 
 $300; Mankey Furniture Company, $500; Mrs. Kate Hennessy, $300; John 
 Yodack, $200; Pat Mundy, $150; A. Loucks, $250; P. Fitzpatrick, $200; H. 
 a Olmsted, $75; W. C. Clarke, $100; J. S. Douglass, $1,000; George Metz- 
 ger, $800; J. M. Card, $1,500; J. C. Metzger, $100; F. Hausler, $1,000; 
 William Morrison, $300; H. W. Graham, $200; C. L. Butler, $150; J. C. 
 Johnson, $100; A. A. McDonald, $800; Walker, Howard & Co.. $800; G. A. 
 Walker, $400; Riley Warner, $500; Thomas Pelkey, $200; Pat Conners, $300; 
 B. Coyle, $500; Mrs. Hurteau, $300; Mrs. R. M. Overhiser, $50; J. B. 
 Schriever, $500; Mrs. Poorman, $50; William McDonald, $200: M. Harris 
 1800; J. M. Havens, $150; W. M. Murray, $200; Mrs. D. P. Catlin, $.150; 
 Mrs. Borgelt, $300; H. L. Burns, $200; A. Montania, $40; H. S. Lloyd, $50; 
 L. Weiss, $50; William Murray, $150; William McGee, $500; R. R. McQuay, 
 $800; Henry Edgcomb, $1,500; D. Harris & Co., $1,000; Balcom & Llovd, 
 $600; M, T, Hogan, $100; Michael Burke, $75; Tom Creaton, $300; H. T. Tag- 
 gart, $150; A. L. Vogt, $100; Mrs, L. Housler, $80; Frank Spaulding, $25; 
 Mrs. Conery, $75; Dr. Heilman, $100; James Davin, $300; Mike Zimit, $50. 
 In Shippen township among the principal losers were J, S. Wiley, $12,- 
 000 to $15,000; Beech wood Lumber Company, $3,000 to $5,000; Alfred Tru- 
 man, $3,000 to $4,000; J. R. Buckwalter, $1,000 to $1,500; Allen Russell, 
 $1,000; James Matteson, $500; Whitemore & Gaskill, $1,200. 
 
 OOKCLUSION. 
 
 Emporium is the largest receiving and despatching freight depot between 
 Williamsport and Erie. The iron company paid, during 1889, the sum of 
 $55,000 to the Philadelphia & Erie Railroad Company, for freight received; 
 J. P. Felt, about $12,000; the tannery company a large sum, and the Mankey 
 Furniture Company and the Climax Powder Company proportionately large 
 sums for freight received. This is only the beginning of the end. The 
 location and natural advantages of the place, outlined in the name bestowed 
 at the close of the last century, fit it to take a leading place among the great 
 manufacturing centers of the commonwealth. A writer, speaking through the 
 columns of the Commercial Gazette, in September of 1889, says: "The mer- 
 chants are the men who have raised Emporium to its present important position 
 as a commercial center. They were the ones who started the boom that has 
 developed so substantially. They cling to progressive ideas. The land on 
 which Emporium stands was owned by the Philadelphia & Erie Land Com- 
 pany, of which B, W, Green is agent. They at one time had a thousand lots, 
 and still own a great many. These are selling at from $250 to $300 each, and 
 every one is 50x100 feet. The purchaser pays $25 at the date of sale, and the 
 same amount quarterly thereafter until the full amount is paid. And the 
 National Savings and Loan Association, of Rochester, N. Y, , has a permanent 
 board here. So it will be seen that the opportunity for building a home in 
 Emporium, cheaply and with little money to invest, is an excellent one. The 
 iron company have here in one solid body, in addition to the twenty acres on 
 which the furnace is located, more than 10,000 acres of land, fully one half of 
 which contains a second-growth of pine, hemlock and a variety of hard-wood 
 timber. Very nearly all of this land is underlaid with coal, while a three foot 
 vein of iron ore is under at least one-third of it; and it also contains an abund- 
 ance of building stone and flagstone, the excellence of which is attested by the 
 
930 HISTOEY OF CAJIEEON COUNTY. 
 
 extensive use of them in this city and elsewhere." The possibilities of Empo- 
 rium are only limited by the enterprise of her citizens. How far they may 
 carry out their designs of progress can not now be measured, but location, 
 material and men are here to warrant great things in the future. 
 
 CHAPTER IX. 
 
 GIBSON TOWNSHIP— BOEOUGH OF DRIFTWOOD. 
 
 Gibson Township Boundary and Area — Elevations and Streams — 
 
 Population and Assessments— Election, 1844— Miscellaneous. 
 
 Borough of Driftwood Origin of thfj Place— Some First Things- 
 Incorporation— Municipal Affairs— The Place in 1876- Manufactures, 
 Fires, Floods, etc.— Hotels— Churches— Schools— Societies and Associ- 
 ations—Conclusion. 
 
 GIBSON TOWNSHIP, bounded north by Lumber, west by Elk county, 
 east by Grove township, and south by Clearfield county, is twelve and a 
 quarter miles in length along its eastern line, eleven and three- quarters along 
 its western line, eight and one-third miles wide in its northern half, and seven 
 and one-eighth miles in its southern half, being the second township in point of 
 area in the county. The highest points measured are 2,252 feet above ocean 
 level, while Driftwood depot is only 843 feet above the ocean; the railroad 
 bridge, below Huntley, 872 feet; Huntley depot, 882 feet; top of hill, two and 
 a half miles from Huntley, 2,137 feet; and summit, northwest of farmhouse, 
 2,297 feet. The highway at Trump's dwelling is 2,072, and over ridge, south 
 of Trump's, 2,122 feet, above level; where the Sinnemahoning enters Clinton 
 county it is only 787 feet above the ocean, or 760 above tide level. The feeders 
 of the Sinnemahoning in this township are Mason run and Big run, rising in 
 Lumber township ; Big run,Dry run,Tanglefoot run and Grove run, flowing south- 
 west or south from the divide, the latter entering the river at Grove's Battle- 
 ground, just west of Sinnemahoning depot. A number of small streams enter 
 from the southwest, while Bennett's branch* forms a confluence at Driftwood 
 on the west side and Wykoff' s run, near the Barclay mills, at Wyside. Bennett' s 
 branch claims Mix run as principal feeder in this township, while Upper Jerry 
 run rises in the southeast comer. 
 
 The population in 1880, outside Driftwood borough (504), was 700; in No- 
 vember, 1888, there were eighty-four Eepublican and seventy-six Democratic 
 voters, and on this basis the population is now estimated at 960. Driftwood 
 gave fifty Eepublican and forty-seven Democratic votes, and by the same process 
 of calculation the population would be 582, over 400 below the true figures. 
 Wing & Getchell and Jacob Coleman were merchants in Gibson township in 
 1850, and John Brooks in 1851. There were forty-nine dwellings, fifty families, 
 332 persons, thirty-four farms and seven industries. In 1852-53, Brobst & 
 Co., J. T. Crosier & Co. and J. & W. Brooks, were the dealers. The assess- 
 ments for 1889, of township and borough, were as follows: 
 
 * This branch was so named after WllHam Bennett, who first settled at Benezette about 1811, who is 
 said to have brolien up his land with milcli cows harnessed as oxen. 
 
c5^k^<^ 
 
HISTOKY OF CAMERON COUNTY. 
 
 903 
 
 GIBSON. 
 
 290 taxables. Exempt, $7,000. 
 
 Occupation $ 6,305 
 
 Seated real estate 50,886 
 
 Unseated real estate 133,228 
 
 145 cows and oxen 1,846 
 
 134 horses 4,063 
 
 Total $185,337 
 
 Money, etc., at interest, $35,610.97 
 
 DRIFTWOOD. 
 
 161 taxables. Exempt, |5,000. 
 
 Occupation $ 4,795 
 
 Seated real estate 35,618 
 
 Unseated real estate 1,305 
 
 39 cows 468 
 
 19 horses 580 
 
 Total 
 
 Money, etc.. 
 
 .$43,766 
 
 at interest, $33,508.19 
 
 The March elections of 1861, fOr Gribson township, resulted as follows: 
 Justice of the peace. — Samuel Barr, 24; Asa Inglesbee, 17. Constable. — G. 
 W. Tanner, 27. Supervisor. — Washington Mason, 16; James Wylie, Jr., 21. 
 Auditor. — William Barr, 18; Henry Mason, 24. Election inspectors. — Isaac 
 Smith, 9; Joseph Lane, 5. Assessor. — James Mason, 16. Clerk. — Henry Ma- 
 son, 7. School directors. — Isaac Smith, 23; Henry Mason, 15. Judge of elec- 
 tion. — William Nelson, 23. 
 
 The clerks, inspectors and judge of this election, were William Nelson, Isaac 
 Smith and W. E. Jourdan. 
 
 In the records of Elk county the election returns of this township, of Feb- 
 ruary 27, 1844, appear: William Shepard and William M. Mason were elected 
 justices; James Barr and Jacob Smith, supervisors; Daniel Smith, constable; 
 Hezekiah Mix, Thomas Dent and William Montgomery, assessors; Joshua 
 Idells, treasurer; E. C. Wykoff, Ralph Johnson, James Wylie, Samuel Con- 
 way, William Barr and Joe Mason, Jr., school directors; William Montgomery, 
 clerk; John Shafer, Jos. Mason and William Johnson, poor overseers; W. 
 Brooks, W. Coleman and E. Johnson, auditors; B. Hollingsworth, judge; 
 with M. Spangler and G. Hollingsworth, inspectors of elections; Solomon Mix 
 ' and Solomon Bailey, fence-viewers. C. E. Wykoff and W. M. Mason were 
 elected justices in 1849. 
 
 The officers of Gribson township, chosen in February, 1890, are Nelson D. 
 Jordan and John E. Hicks, supervisors; George E. Wylie, clerk; John Mc- 
 Millen, constable; George W. Huntley, Jr., and W. TJ. Barr, auditors; H. M. 
 Bailey, overseer of poor. F. A. Blackwell received 69 votes, A. W. Mason 
 37, and Anson Mason 84 votes, for school directors. John W. Nelson was 
 elected justice. 
 
 Grant Station post-office, on Bennett's Branch Eailroad, twelve miles from 
 Driftwood, was established in 1873, a year before the completion of the Low 
 Grade Eailroad. 
 
 John Coleman, who died in Grove township in April, 1886, was born near 
 Muncy in 1810, and was brought to this section about that time. His father 
 owned the site of Driftwood, also the Huntley farm and lands up Bennett's 
 branch as far as Dent's. The Coleman property was sold to the Allegheny 
 Valley Eailroad Company in 1872, and their shops are located on part of this 
 purchase. Mrs. Sally Johnson, who died in May, 1889, is said to be the last 
 member of the original Coleman family, although a Mrs. Colegroye is thought 
 to be still living in Wisconsin .... Benjamin Smith, who was accidently killed 
 at Castle Garden, June 25, 1887, was born at Huntley, April 5, 1820, and in 
 1839 married Ann Eliza Mix. She died in 1868. 
 
 The Philadelphia & Erie Eailroad, begun in 1859, was completed through 
 this township in 1864, and the Low Grade Division of the Allegheny Valley 
 Eailroad, begun in 1869, was completed in 1874 .... Between the years 1804 and 
 1815 the pioneers came hither, as written in the general chapter on the settle- 
 ment of the county and in the history of Shippen township. In 1806 the 
 
■904 HISTORY OF CAMERON COUNTY. 
 
 Spanglers settled on the Driftwood branch. In 1848 Michael Spangler located 
 in Jay township, Elk county, where he died in August, 1877. 
 
 BOEOUGH OF DEIFTWOOD. 
 
 Driftwood, formerly known as ' ' The Second Forks,' ' is the site of one of 
 the first settlements of this county. The celebrated hunter, John Jordan, 
 built his cabin at this point in 1804, and following him came the pioneers of 
 industry named in the pages devoted to pioneer history. 
 
 The first store was opened by Jacob Coleman in 1834, about the sight of 
 the Lafayette House. Samuel Brobst and John Coleman built a house near 
 the south end of the railroad bridge, and opened a store there. This building 
 is still standing. G. R. Vosburg came about 1853, and then O. J. SpafPord. 
 Bates & Coryell, a little later Rothrock, DeWitt & Co., and then J. O. 
 Brookbank. In 1862-§8, during the construction of the Philadelphia & 
 Erie Railroad, the village cast aside the swaddling clothes of a hamlet, and 
 during the building of the Low Grade Railroad assumed higher pretensions. 
 The leading residents at that time are named in a document from which the 
 following paragraph is taken: The petition for the incorporation of Drift- 
 wood was presented August 15, 1871, by the following named citizens: O. J. 
 Spafford, D. J. McDonald, H. E. Gore, S. Miller, C. Y. White, J. M. Pillmar, 
 
 C. F. Laughton, T. M. Hains, Edward Hatton, W. Harkenberg, J. O. Brook- 
 l)ank, Joshua Lupole, John Kunes, Jacob Shaffer, F. Bush, Scott W. Jones, 
 Patrick Mclnerney, M. Cullinan, M. McMahon, Patrick Creevy, Frank Hagon- 
 bush, Thomas Liddey, Thomas Barrington, H. J. McDonald, J. Gleason, H. 
 E. Chamberlin, D. P. Polen, Levi Musser, George B. Patshel, J. B. Coryell, 
 Joseph L. Bates, Anthony McCabe, Ed. Vosburg, M. O'Brien, J. Lupro, J. 
 
 D. Whitman, George D. Kincaid, William Roache, John Kane, Reb. Bolton, 
 Clark Beatty, J. Doulanghautz, J. D. Withem, John McMahon. The petition 
 was considered and granted January 17, 1872, the election ordered for 
 February 6; C. F. Laughton was appointed judge, with J. O. Brookbank 
 and C. L. White, inspectors. 
 
 Municipal Affairs. — The charter election of Driftwood, held February 6, 
 1872, resulted as follows: O. J. Spafford, burgess, twenty-one votes; H. E. 
 Chamberlin, fifteen; D. B. Polen, nineteen; Joshua Lupole, six votes for jus- 
 tice of the peace; William Roach, twenty-two; D. J. McDonald, twenty-two; 
 Wesley Chamberlin, twenty-two; B. Vosburg, twenty-four; L. W. Gifford, 
 twenty-two, and David Lupro, twenty-three votes for councilmen; C. Y. 
 White, twenty- two for assessor; J. O. Brookbank, twenty-three for auditor; 
 A. J. McDonald and John Kunes, elected poor-masters; David English, twenty 
 for constable; D. J. McDonald, twenty-two for constable and collector; Levi 
 Musser, W. F. Mizhols, L. Gifford, William Roach, twenty-two votes each; 
 
 E. Vosburg andO. J. Spafford, twenty-one each for school directors. 
 The officers elected since 1872 are named in the following list: 
 Burgess.— L. Musser, 1873; J. S. Bates, 1874; Ed. Vosburg, 1875; C. Y. 
 
 White, 1876-77; Robert Rothrock. 1878-79; F. A. Blackwell (tie vote with 
 Rothrock), 1879; F. A. Blackwell, 1880; Levi Dougherty, 1881-82; James P. 
 McNarney, 1883; R. L. Earl, 1884; R. Rothrock, 1885-86; S. S. Smith, 
 1887; F. F. Kirk, 1888. 
 
 Councilmen.— J. S. Bates, 1873-75-76; E. Hatten, 1873; H. E. Chamber- 
 lin, C. F. Laughton, 1873-74; Ed Vosburg, 1873-76; A. J. McDonald, 
 1873-80-83; J. P. Horman, 1874; H, C. Gore, 1874; William Roach, 1875- 
 76; C. F. Laughton, 1875; William Gore, 1875; J. B. Earl, 1875; J. O. 
 Brookbank, 1876; Ira DeWitt, 1876; D. J. McDonald, 1876-78-79; Bernard 
 
HISTORY OF CAMERON COUNTY. 905 
 
 Nefcy, 1877-78; Jacob Shaffer, 1877; R. Eothroek, 1877-80-82-83-87- W 
 A. Hatten, 1877-78-79-80-82; 0. McMina, 1878; John I. MoCarty 1878" 
 Milo Fitzgerald, 1880; Samuel Buck, 1881; M. F. Leslie, 1881- 'Daniel 
 Nolan, 1881; S. S. Smith, 1882; A. H Parsoas, 1883; F. G. Kothrock 1883- 
 T. J. Riley, 1881-86-87; A. R, McDonald, 1884; J. B. Grimshaw, 1884; c' 
 F. Laughton, 1884; Samuel Louck, 1884, W. G. Sanders, 1884-85-86; J. 
 O. Brookbank, 1885-88; Ed. Bishop, 1885; Walter Scott, 1886; D B 
 Reed, 1888. 
 
 Jastices.— C. Y. White, 1873-74; T. 0. Page, 1876; Jerome B. Earl, 
 1879; Harry Dutoher, 1880; H. B. Mears, 1881; James Brusan, 1882; John 
 McGillis, 1883-88; J. B. Earl, 1884; B. Nefcy, 1885. 
 
 School Directors.— E. Hatten, 1873; G. H. Chamberlin, 1873; D. Lupro, 
 1873; William Roach, 18/3-75; Saul Buck, 1874; C. McMinn, 1874-78; J. 
 M. Reynolds, 1875; A. J. McDonald, 1876-79-82; S^aik Scudder, 1876; Levi 
 Musser, 1877-80; J. O. Brookbank, 1877-80; J. B. Earl, 1877-80-82; John 
 
 E. Barr, 1878-81; William Young, 1879; D. Angell, 1879-81-84; S. S. 
 Smith, 1883; R. Rothrock, 1884; John McDonald, 1885; B. Nefcy, 1886; T. 
 J. Riley, 1886; J. A. Muthersbaugh, 1887; M. J. B. Brooks, 1887; P. W 
 Householder, 1888; G. L. Smith, 1888. 
 
 Assessors.— W. A. Hatten, 1873; E. Vosburg, 1874; G. W. Smith, 1875; 
 Mark Scudder. 1876; C. F. Laughton, 1877; John I. McCarty, 1878; Levi 
 Dougherty, 1879-80-81; F. Rothrock, 1882; M. P. Whiting, 1883; J. G. 
 Grimshaw, 1884; F. G. Rothrock, 18S5; T. J. Riley, 1886-87; R. Roth- 
 rock, 1888. 
 
 Auditors.— J. O. Brookbank, 1873; M. Curdde, 1874; C. Y. White, 1875; 
 T. C. Page, 1875; F. A. Blackwell, 1876; John McGillis, 1876; W. H. Van- 
 Lew, 1877; A. C. Becken, 1878-79; Levi Dougherty, 1880; A. C. Becken, 
 1881-82; J. Grimshaw, 1883: H. D. Earl, 1884; D. B. Reed, 1885; M. P. 
 Whiting, 1886-87; G. E. Pealer, 1888. 
 
 The Driftwood elections of February, 1889, resulted in the choice of A. 
 R. McDonald, burgess; W. G. Sanders and Charles E. Pealer, councilman; 
 S. D. McCool, justice of the peace; Thomas J. Riley, Samuel Louck and F. 
 
 F. Kirk, school directors; M. Fitzgerald, constable and collector; George 
 Towers, high constable; Robert Trude, constable; J. W. Carey, overseer of 
 poor; F. B. Sanders, auditor, and P. M. Hanes, assessor. Mr. McDonald did 
 not qualify, when C. F. Laughton was appointed by the district court. The 
 constable elect failed to qualify, when the court appointed Matt. Kirk, who also 
 failed in this matter, so that the borough was, for a time, without that officer. 
 
 The officers of Driftwood borough elected inPebruary,1890, are C.F. Laugh- 
 ton, burgess; Charles E. Pealer, T. J. Riley, R. Rothrock and Charles Gleason, 
 councilmen; M. J. B. Brooks, John T. Earl and S. P. Kreider, school directors; 
 M. P. Whiting and Charles Gleason, overseers of poor; James Letz, high con- 
 stable; Wilbur Miller, constable; M. Fitzgerald, constable and collector; 
 James Fulton, justice, and William G. Miller, auditor. 
 
 Driftwood in 1876. — In September, 1876, the editor of the Lock Haven 
 Republican visited the village, and before the close of the month published 
 the following description; 
 
 There is undoubtedly more business done at Driftwood than at Emporium, or any 
 town of its size on the West Branch. We were shown through the mammoth store-room 
 of J. O. Brookbank & Co., dealers in general merchandise, and find they are carrying a 
 heavy stock, with sales reaching from $8,000 to $10,000 per month. J. O. Brookbank, 
 Robert Rothrock, J. W. Cochran and J. H. Cochran compose the firm, and they occupy 
 a room about 300x40 feet, stocked with a line of goods suitable to their trade, which em- 
 braces largely the Bennett's branch and Driftwood branch of the Susquehanna; and 
 
906 HISTOEY OF CAMERON COUNTY. 
 
 their house largely supplies the jobbers on these streams and their tributaries with such 
 articles as are needed to carry on their lumber camps, etc. It is needless to say they are 
 enterprising, reliable business men. The fact is patent. There is a Masonic hall in the 
 second story of this building, iinished in elegant style, and furnished very completely. 
 Col. J. 8. Bates, an enterprising citizen engaged in the real estate business. Is largely the 
 man to whom the fraternity are indebted for this beautiful and comfortable lodge room. 
 The Cochran Bros, are putting in about 37,000,000 feet of lumber on the tributaries to 
 Bennett's branch, etc., for different parties at Williamsport and other points along the 
 river. 
 
 A protracted meeting is now in progress under the pastorate of Rev. L. G. Heck, with 
 fine congregations and marked interest. Tlie meetings on Saturday evening and Sabbath 
 were conducted by a delegation from the district executive committee of the Y. M. C. A. 
 Presiding Elder J. J. Pearce preached on Monday evening, and the services will be con- 
 tinued for the entire week. The ladies of the town have shown great taste, and devotion 
 to the Interests of religion, by trimming the church with evergreens, and otherwise beau- 
 tifying the house of worship in which these meetings are held. There are two churches 
 in the place, a Catholic and Union meeting house, used by the difEerent Protestant de- 
 nominations. They are both neat, commodious buildings, a credit to the people of the 
 the place. Rev. James Brennan is the pastor of the Roman Catholic Church, Rev. L. G. 
 Heck, of the Methodist. 
 
 It struck us the curse of the place was the number of hotels and saloons; seven 
 hotels and two saloons we should deem a superabundance, and yet there seems to be that 
 number to be supported or starved by the citizens and visitors to Driftwood. As an off- 
 set to this, there is a Murphy organization, which seems to be thriving amid all the oppo- 
 sition from the dealers in liquors. Some new buildings are in progress, which are im- 
 provements to others already occupied, and, taken all in all. Driftwood seems to be about 
 over the crisis, and proposes to march forward, taking the advance among the up-river 
 towns. 
 
 In Centennial year the borDugh officers were: Burgess, C. Y. White; coun- 
 cilmen, J. S. Bates, E. Vosburg, William Eoach, J. O. Brookbank, Ira De- 
 Witt; D. J. McDonald; justice of the peace, T. C. Page; school directors, 
 Mark Scudder, A. J. McDonald; jadge of election, T. C. Page; inspectors, 
 William Roach, E. Vosburg; assessor, Mark Scudder; assistant assessors, Ira 
 DeWitt, John McCathy; high constable, John Lupole; auditors, Fred Blaek- 
 well, John McGillis; overseers of poor, D. J. McDonald, L. Musser. 
 
 The Catholic Church was presided over by Dr. Brennan, and Rev. L. G. 
 Heck was the minister in charge of the Methodist circuit. The hotels com- 
 prised the McDonald House, conducted by A. R. McDonald; the Sherman, by 
 John A. Gillis & Co., and the Tyler by M. V. and R. J. Gillis. The restau- 
 rants were conducted by T. H. Cartin and J. B. Earl; W. H. VanLew was 
 baker and confectioner. The great general store was carried on by the then 
 new firm of Robert Rothrock, Ira DeWitt, J. W. Cochran and J. Henry Coch- 
 ran; the drug and hardware store by O. J. SpafEord; the Brookbank store; the 
 boot and shoe store, by T. J. Robison, and the liquor store by Coleman & 
 Nefcy. A few small concerns were also in existence. . . . The postmaster was 
 J. O. Brookbank, who held the office from 1872 to 1888, when M. P. Whiting 
 was commissioned. In January, 1890, J. O. Brookbank was commissioned. 
 O. J. Spailord has also been postmaster at this point .... The Philadelphia & 
 Erie Railroad and the Low Grade Division of the Allegheny Yalley Railroad 
 were in operation as well as a lumber road, all of which are noticed in the 
 pages devoted to railroads .... The American Union telegraph line was com- 
 pleted to Driftwood via the Philadelphia & Erie Railroad in 1880, thus giving 
 four telegraph lines. 
 
 manufactures. — Miles Dent, born at the old homestead, near Mix run, June 
 16, 1823, died March 18, 1889, at Dent's run, where he settled forty two 
 years before, and where his wife died in December, 1887. He was one of the 
 leading lumbermen of the State. In 1881 he built a large saw-mill, a railroad 
 and bridge in 1883-85, and the store building in 1888. 
 
 The Brookbank & Company's lumber and stave mill at Castle Garden was es- 
 
HISTORY OF CAMERON COUNTY. 907 
 
 tablished nine years ago as a stave mill, and in 1889 saw-mill machinery was 
 
 mtroduced. This industry gives employment to six men The Standard 
 
 Shingle Company's mil] on Red run, near Driftwood, was built in 1887-88 
 S. S. Miller's stave-mill at Castle Garden, near Driftwood, is another labor- 
 giving concern L. E. Gleason & Sons' tannery, established at Drift- 
 wood in 1889, promises to equal in importance the great tanneries at Wilcox 
 Johnsonburg, Eidgway, Emporium, Costello and other places in this district' 
 The tannery is now producing one car-load of leather per week. This industiy 
 gives employment to thirty-five men. It was reported in March, 1890, that 
 another tannery would be brought into existence here this year. 
 
 Fires, Floods, Etc.— The Driftwood fire of April 14, 1875, destroyed J. B. 
 Earl's hotel and W. A. Batten's billiard saloon, and A. J. McDonald's dwelling 
 was torn down. The Patchel House was saved by great effort .... The fire of May, 
 1882, destroyed the Kelso House, Simon Brothers' store and barns, the principal 
 
 loser being A. R. McDonald In June, 1882, another fire swept away Kane's 
 
 new block, on the Kelso lot, in which was Frank Eothrock's store. Patrick 
 K&ne's loss was $3,000 and Frank Eothrock's 14,500. A month before the 
 locality boasted of the Kelso House, two stores, a dwelling, barns, etc., but 
 after this fire the old three-story Gore House was the only building on the 
 square between the post-office and depot. The forest fires of May, 1884, did 
 much damage in the neighborhood, but that summer did not pass away until 
 the fire fiend returned. On July 8 a number of oil cars were standing on 
 the siding, and it is said the cars were put in at an unreasonable speed, caus- 
 ing them to collide with the oil tanks, and setting them on fire. The burning 
 oil was thrown in every direction, and soon the heart of the town was in a 
 blaze. The barn back of the McDonald House first took tire, then Duell's con- 
 fectionery store, spreading to McDonald's block near the railroad, and then to 
 Torbert's drug store, and crossing the street to Cochran Brothers' buildings on 
 the south and the McDonald House on the east, and to the buildings east of the 
 McDonald House, destroying, in all, fifteen buildings. Losses: D. J. McDon- 
 ald's loss was as follows: McDonald House and furniture, $8,000; store build- 
 ing, $2,900; goods in store, $6,000; dwelling and household goods, $4,000; 
 Blakely House, $2,000; two warehouses, $600; barn $300— total loss, $23,800. 
 A. J. McDonald's estate, loss on store building, $2,500, fully insured; Cochran 
 Brothers, on buildings, $6,000, insurance $3,000; Torbert & Co., loss $10,000, 
 insurance $5,500; Weil clothing store, loss $3,000; Gazette printing office and 
 book store, loss $5,000, insurance $3,500; Duell confectionery, loss $500, no 
 insurance; Thomas Buck, household goods, $100; Timley Tailor saved most of 
 his goods,_ loss small; Edward Drum el, loss small in moving household goods; 
 Joseph Lechner, boots and shoes, loss $150, no insurance; George Heiserman, 
 barber, loss $150, fully insured; J. B. Earl's loss on furniture, $200, fully 
 insured; the band lost their instruments (in the Gazette office), valued at $200; 
 G. A. R. Post, No. 241, loss on furniture, $100; no insurance. . . .In October, 
 1887, B. Nefcy's house, occupied by Joe Krotzer, was burned. 
 
 The wind storm of January 12, 1890, carried away part of the roof of the 
 Hotel Lafayette, destroyed one of the large windows in Brookbank's store and 
 created other damage .... The floods of 1889 did not let Driftwood escape. 
 The waters of Bennett' s branch, as well as the Upper Sinnemahoning, met here, 
 converting the valley into a broad, rushing river. The new county bridge over 
 the Sinnemahoning creek, constructed in 1883-84, by the borough, one span 
 of which was carried away in the flood of June 1, 1889, was rebuilt in January 
 and February, 1890, by Contractor Palmer, for the county. 
 
 Since 1872 Driftwood and vicinity have become famous for the number of 
 
908 HISTORY OF CAMERON COUNTY. 
 
 accidents on railroads and in the woods. Among the number the following are 
 noticed: James Nefcy, of Driftwood, was killed by the cars August 18, 1889; 
 Charles McQuade was accidentally killed while hunting, near Huntley, in Octo- 
 ber, 1 879. William Grafius was killed on Bark Shanty run by a falling tree, 
 in July, 1888. Benjamin Smith, a native of this section, also died from the 
 results" of an accident at Castle Garden. In January, 1890, J. L. Barclay, of 
 Potter county, was crushed under the wheels of a freight train at Emporium, 
 and died a few days later. 
 
 Hotels. — The first hotel was kept by Jacob Coleman on the bank of the creek 
 near the north end of railroad bridge. Andrew Dent and others kept this house 
 prior to the building of the Lafayette House by Gore during the Civil war, 
 which ip the beginning of the modern hotels. F. F. Kirk is the genial pro- 
 prietor of the Lafayette House, having come here in 1885. John Coleman built a 
 hotel on the south side of the river (the site being now covered by railroad 
 embankment) before the war, which was rented to Corny Wainright. 
 
 The Commercial Hotel, completed in February, 1887, is one of the most 
 complete houses in the State. The building is 80x50 feet, three stories high, 
 with mansard roof; the dining-room, 26x28; office, 20x20; sample room, 
 16x18; writing-room, 17x18; ladies' parlor, 15x22, and twenty-seven bed- 
 rooms — all large and airy- — the ceilings on first and second floors being twelve 
 feet, and on third floor ten and a half feet. The plans for this building were 
 prepared by T. J. Eiley, assisted by G. T. Smith, who had charge of 
 erection. The house is papered and painted artistically, and finished in hard 
 wood. The house employs nine hands. Electric bells, steam-heaters and gas- 
 light mark the completeness of the house. 
 
 The present Curtin House was erected in 1885-86 on Driftwood avenue by 
 John Kane. The building is 116x44 feet, with a wide hall on the first 
 floor; large reading and waiting-rooms; a dining-room, 41x30; large kitchen 
 and private parlors. There are twenty-four bed-rooms on each of the upper 
 floors. The building was completed in November, 1885. 
 
 Churches. — The Methodist Episcopal society of Driftwood dates back to 
 1810, when Eev. James Allen preached to his strange audience at Overturfs 
 house, the particulars of which service are given in the history of the Meth- 
 odist society of Emporium, where also the story of the old Methodist circuit of 
 this district is related. Services were held in the old school-houses of the vil- 
 lage and neighborhood until the completion of the Union Church house, sinc& 
 which time regular meetings have been held therein. The present mem- 
 bership is fifteen. The camp-meeting at the Driftwood confluence with Ben- 
 nett's branch was held August 18, 1853, with Elders J. V. Himes, J. T. Lan- 
 ning and J. Litch in charge. 
 
 Eev. Thomas Holler died in May, 1882. He was married first at Sinnema- 
 honing, January 10, 1836, but the lady dying in 1871, he married, a second 
 time, in July, 1878. The second wife died in December, 1880, and the 
 pioneer himself on the date given, in his seventieth year. 
 
 The Messiah society hold services here at intervals, over which the preacher 
 of Kersey, Elk county, presides. 
 
 The Catholic Church of St. James is the central church of a large mission, 
 extending almost to the line of Tioga county, or to Galeton, in Potter county. 
 Germania is also included in this extensive parish. Sterling being the 
 only mission easy of access. The congregation at Driftwood is large and 
 influential, as is evident from the beautiful house of worship ahd pastoral 
 residence. The buildings are situate on the side of the mountain'above the 
 railroad depot, and command a view of the Sinnemahoning and Bennett's. 
 
HISTOBY OP CAMEBON COUNTY. 909' 
 
 Branch valleys, as well as of the town beneath. The congregation was formed 
 here about the period of railroad building, and has grown steadily since that 
 time. Monaigneur Brennan, to whom references are made in other pages is 
 the respected pastor of this church. ' 
 
 Schools. — The old school-house near the flats was built about 1870-71. 
 and in that building religious services were held by all the Protestant denomi- 
 nations. Prior to this services were held in a school-house, at Castle Garden, 
 built during the Civil war, and prior to the war, in the old school-house which 
 occupied the site of the present engine-house. Among the pupils in that old 
 building were John Coleman's children, the Wykoffs, Dents, Smiths, Wesley 
 Shafer and a few others. The contract for the present school building was 
 sold in July, 1886, to G. T. Smith, for |2,950. 
 
 Cemetery. — Oak Hill Cemetery Company, of Driftwood, was chartered Au- 
 gust 2, 1886, with S. S. Smith, W. G. Sanders, W. A. Hatten, John McDon- 
 ald, F. A. Blackwell and M. P. Whiting, stockholders. 
 
 Societies and Associations. — Driftwood Lodge, No. 532, A. F. & A. M. was 
 chartered December 2, 1874, with the following named members: J. S. Bates, 
 C. F. Barclay, Fred A. Blackwell, Mack Scudder, David B. Reed, J. Henry 
 Cochran, G. W. Huntley, G. B. Barclay, Samuel Buck, Levi Musser, J. Or- 
 lando Brookbank, James Fulton, Sylvester S. Smith, J. M. ShafFer James 
 Wylie, Jr., Alonzo Bailey, A. E. Taylor, Josiah Fink, J. S. Shirk, David P. 
 Baird, M. J. B. Brooks. The past masters have been J. S. Bates, C. F. Barclay,. 
 F. A. Blackwell, J. H. Cochran, G. B. Barclay, G. W. Huntley, S. S. Smith,' 
 
 C. G. Matson, J. O. Brookbank, J. H. Fink, W. G. Sanders, C. W. Beldin, L. W. 
 Sanders, present master. The office of secretary has been filled first by David 
 B. Reed, followed by F. A. Blackwell, J. C. Martin, W. A. Hatten and F. A. 
 Blackwell, who is now serving. The hall was completed December 2, 1874. 
 This lodge claims seventy-six members. The officers for 1890 are as follows- 
 J. C. Martin, W. M. ; D. P. Baird, S. W. ; F. B. Sanders, J. W. ; C. F. 
 Barclay, treasurer, and F. A. Blackwell, secretary, in December, 1889. 
 
 Washington Camp, No. 310, P. O. S. of A., was instituted under charter 
 April 19, 1888, with the following named members: W. E. Dougherty, J. T. 
 Earl, A. C. Winslow, F. S. Kirk, I. E. Hatten, J. D. Tinsley, C. E. Pealer, 
 S. P. Kreider, S. D. McCoole, E. L. Means, D. B. Reed, J. P. McNarney, 
 P. M. Hanes, M. A. Lane, M. M. Smith, Nate Ives, Joseph Krotzer, G. B. 
 Richardson, V. E. Crum, W. E. Rothrock, H. Clay, M. C. Crum, C. E. Haues, 
 E. D. McCracken, T. F. McCracken, John C. Zell, C. McCracken and E. S. 
 Vosburg. The first president was J. P. McNarney, and S. P. Kreider is pre- 
 siding at present, with P. M. Hanes, recording secretary. There are now 
 thirty-eight members. The officers elected in December, 1889, are John T. 
 Earl, P. ; E. L. Means, P. P. ; W. E. Dougherty, V. P. ; S. D. McCoole, M. 
 of F. and C. ; William VanLew, C. ; John F. Miller, O. G. ; P. M. Hanes, I. 
 G. ; C. E. Pealer, S. ; E. D. McCracken, P. S., and W. E. Rothrock, T. 
 
 In July, 1880, the first cornet band of Driftwood was organized, with J. H. 
 Cochran, president; G. W. Huntley and D. J. McDonald, vice-presidents; H. 
 Mitchell, secretary; Levi Dougherty, corresponding secretary; W. A. Hatten, 
 treasurer; John T. Murphy, manager; Thomas Dougherty, R. Rothrock, D. 
 
 D. Angell and A. R. McDonald, trustees. Of the musicians in the old band 
 only one, Eddie Dougherty, is a member of the present band. 
 
 The officers of Lieut. D. W. Taggart Post, No. 241, G. A. R., elected in 
 December, 1889, are: G. B. Barclay, C. ; J. R. Buckwalter, S. V. C. ; G. W. 
 Gore, J. V. C. ; Almeron Chapman, O. D. ; G. A. Dudley, O. G. ; D. D. Col- 
 cord, surgeon; P. O. Chelson, C. ; J. O. Brookbank, Q. M. ; Lemuel Lucore 
 
910 HISTOEY OF CAMERON COUNTY. 
 
 and M. M. Larrabee, delegates, and T. W. Deninney and Sam Faucett. altern- 
 ates. The history of this post is given in the pages devoted to Emporium. 
 
 The W. R. C. elected the following named officers in January, 1890: Mrs. 
 Marion Thompson, P. ; Mrs. Helen Taggart, S. V. ; Mrs. Deninney, J. V. ; 
 Mrs. A. Dougherty, treasurer; Mrs. Downey, chaplain; Mrs. Jane Brooks, 
 conductor; Mrs. Mary VanLew, guard; Mrs. Adams, Julia Earl and Helen 
 Taggart, delegates; Miss Maria Brookbank, secretary; Mrs. Mattie Slagle, 
 assistant conductor, and Mrs. D. Mumford, assistant guard. 
 
 A. O. H., Division No. 1, of Driftwood, was organized May 12, 1889, with 
 E. G. Bishop, P.; P. O'Connor, V. P.; John McMahon, secretary; Rev. Dr. 
 T. F. Brennan, treasurer, and W. H. Roach, financial secretary. The present 
 president is P. O'Connor, and vice-president, M. Hacket. There are forty- 
 two members in good standing. 
 
 CONCLUSION. 
 
 Driftwood of pioneer days is no more. Here, in years long passed, a few 
 of the earliest settlers of the county gathered and withstood the rigors of 
 climate and deprivations of pioneership, as well as the daily excitements of the 
 times. There is in the history of this old river settlement a poetic romance 
 and rustic simplicity that fascinates ; but the days of old Driftwood are gone 
 forever — good old days — and in their place have come the hurry and ameni- 
 ties of civilized times. The cabins have disappeared with the solemn woods — 
 all the past is wiped out save in memory, and on its ruins appears the modern 
 town, with its churches, schools, secret, benevolent and literary societies, and 
 municipal government. 
 
 CHAPTER X. 
 GROVE TOWNSHIP. 
 
 Geove Township Boundary — Elevations and Streams— Population and 
 
 Assessment — Indian History— Industries, 
 sinnemahoning survey and sale of village lots — historic apple 
 
 Tree— First Business in the Place — Hotels— Mails— Early Schools— 
 
 FiKBS— Church, etc.— Societies. 
 
 GROVE TOWNSHIP is bounded north by Potter county, south and east by 
 Clinton county, and west by Lumber and Gibson townships. The lowest 
 point is where the Sinnemahoning enters Clinton county, the elevation being only 
 787 feet above ocean level, and the highest known point, four and one-half miles 
 northeast of Shafer's hotel (807 feet), at the head of Arksill creek, 2,287 feet, 
 while the hill between First Fork and Bailey run is only 1,932 feet. The First 
 Fork flows in a tortuous course through the center of the township, from north 
 to south, entering the main stream three-fourths of a mile west of Sinnemahon- 
 ing depot, or at Old Town. This fork receives from the eastern summits the 
 following named creeks: Rattlesnake, Muley, Lorshbaugh, Bailey, Short 
 Bend, Wood Rock, Bronson, Gugs', Arksill and Ellicott's, all native streams 
 from one to four miles long. South of Sinnemahoning the main river receives 
 from the southwest divide, Wykoff's, Upper Jerry and Middle runs, with 
 
^ly/y/j/ 
 
 ( 
 
 
HISTOEY OF CAMERON COUNTY. 913 
 
 numerous small streams, while above the village a number of petty streams 
 flow east into the First Fork, such as Logue's, Norcross, Mill, Brooks, House 
 Log, Lick Island and Pepperhill runs. 
 
 The population in 1880 was 494. In November, 1888, there were ninety- 
 nine Eepublican and sixty-five Democratic votes cast, the total, 164, multiplied 
 by six, giving 984 as the present population. The large lumber industries and 
 mills at Wyside, and up Wykoff's run, contribute largely to this increase in 
 number of inhabitants. The assessment of 1889 was as follows: 187 taxables; 
 exempt, $2,000; occupation, $6,345; seated real estate, 130,314; unseated real 
 estate, $159,143; 102 cows and oxen, $1,382; sixty-five horses, $2,676; total 
 $299,860. Money, etc., at interest, $8,355.96. 
 
 The recorded Indian history of Cameron county begins at Sinnemahoning; 
 but so much has been gathered from John Brooks and others, relating thereto, 
 for the pages of the general history, it is unnecessary to repeat it in this chapter. 
 The tree near which the Groves killed their red enemies remained among the 
 old settlers several years. Mr. Brooks calls it "Peter Grove's tree," and de- 
 scribes it as a scraggy one, with a large branch six feet from the ground. He 
 thinks that the tree was carried away before the time named by Chadwick. 
 
 Owing to the historic character of this section of Cameron county, a large 
 part of the chapter on pioneers has been devoted to a review of the men and 
 events of early years; so that, like the Indians, their records find mention in 
 the general history of this county, and in that of Elk county. 
 
 In 1829 Wykoff's saw- and grist-mills stood near where Barclay's lumber- 
 mills now are, but were decaying prior to 1840. John Miller had a saw-mill 
 and corn-cracker three miles up the fork, in 1824-25, which also decayed. 
 Baird' s mill at Cook' s run below, was also in existence. Joseph Mason and 
 sons took down six rafts of square timber in 1829, to Middleton, the timber 
 selling then at 3 cents per foot. 
 
 Barclay Brothers' present lumber-mill was built in 1881, on the south side 
 of the river, below Sinnemahoning. The capacity is 50,000 per day, employ- 
 ing thirty-five men in the mill and forty outside. The lumber is taken from 
 the First Fork valley and from Wykoff's run. The buildings were designed 
 and erected by G. A. Barclay. Wilmot, Quinn, Sherman & Co., was organ- 
 ized in November, 1887. In May, 1888, the company began the construction 
 of saw-mills on Wykoff's run, one-eighth of a mile above the Sinnemahoning. 
 At this time the company had seventy-five men in the woods, bark-peeling and 
 cutting timber. The mills were opened July 4, 1888, and give employment, 
 generally, to twenty men. The company also erected two large double resi- 
 dences on the river bank, a large store building on the railroad, and five single 
 houses at the mills, together with other buildings in the woods and adjacent to 
 the mills, costing with machinery, $16,000. The mill role averages thirty 
 men, and the company own 11,000 acres on Wykoff's ran. The locality was 
 named Wyside by the railroad company, in 1888, on account of the " Y " used 
 on the track. 
 
 The Barclay Brothers' railroad up Wykoff' s run, three and one-half miles, 
 was constructed in 1888, with a view of extending it as the timber lands fall 
 back from the river, one and one-half miles of road being projected this year. 
 This road is also used by Wilmot; Quinn, Sherman & Co. 
 
 The of&cers of Grove township elected in February, 1890, are George S. 
 Hill and D. B. Johnson, supervisors; E. F. Smith, clerk; Joseph Summerson, 
 constable; Joseph T. Drum, auditor; C. W. Beldin and Adam Miller, over- 
 seers of poor; J. H. Haynes and Henry Swartz, school directors. 
 
914 HIBTOBY OF CAMERON COUNTY. 
 
 SINNEMAHONING. 
 
 Sinnemahoning was surveyed on lands owned originally by Overturf & 
 Shaffer about 1805, which passed into the hands of Phelps & Dodge in 1846, 
 and later became the property of Lyman Truman. In 1811 John Brooks pur- 
 chased from Truman, and the same year made the survey and sold the lots, 
 D. P. Baird buying the lots on which his dwelling and store now stand, Crane^ 
 Dr. Reese, D. J. Wykoff and D. A. Fulton being among the first lot buyers. 
 
 The historic apple tree was planted in 1811, by Joseph Brooks, among 
 others. The tree in question measured three feet six inches in diameter. It was 
 cut down in April, 1889, to make way for Barclay's hardware and furniture 
 warehouse. A similar one was planted in Benezette township in 1812, by 
 Ealph Johnson. 
 
 Mrs. Jordan, who died at her home near Sinnemahoning, in September, 
 1889, was over 100 years old, and credited with being the oldest person in 
 Cameron county. 
 
 Some time about the year 1820 Buckman ClafHin settled at Sinnemahoning, 
 and engaged in mercantile business. He was the father of Victoria (Mrs. Wood- 
 hull) and Tennessee (Tennie C. ), who were born at that place and lived there 
 till from three to five years of age. 
 
 William Montgomery, a trader or pedlar, did business here prior to 1820. 
 Some years later (Mr. Brooks thinks about 1829-30) Buckman Clafflin built a 
 store-house, the same which was burned down years ago, near the site of Bar- 
 clay's present store. Jacob Coleman, a brother-in-law of Clafflin, opened a 
 store at Driftwood, the first at that point in 1834. Both pioneer merchants 
 kept houses of entertainment, but John Coleman built the first house for hotel 
 purposes. The building was destroyed and the railroad and public road pass 
 over the location. The first house at Sinnemahoning was built in 1808, pur- 
 chased in 1810-11, by Joseph Brooks, from Ned Bitchey. It stood where J. 
 M. Shafer's hotel now is. The WykofPs built, in 1812, where the Barclay 
 mills now are. A store-house was built just east of the fork, near Barclay's 
 grist-mill, about 1842, by John Brooks and Henry S. Shafer. This building 
 was moved five years later, the counters being in Baird' s post-office at the 
 present time. Shafer moved to Driftwood where he was burned out, and left 
 the coanty, while Mr. Brooks gave his attention to his lumbering and mercan- 
 tile business on Driftwood branch. 
 
 Wilson established a store here about 1861, but sold his house to Barclay. 
 During the flood of 1861 there were three feet of water over the counters. 
 Mr. Baird, who bought lots from John Brooks in 1861, succeeded Wilson as rail- 
 road agent, and established his store, Roberts & Barclay opening out a stock in 
 the old Wilson store. The large frame block at the corner of Grove and Main 
 streets was erected by Brooks, in 1870, at a cost of $10,000, the lumber being 
 sawn at his mill up the run, and planed at Swift's West Creek Planing Mills. 
 
 The old Clafilin House which stood on the site of the Shafer House was burned 
 in 1856, and the present Shafer House built the following winter by Sackett, 
 Woodford & Co., under the superintendency of John Martin. G. W. Huntley 
 carried on the house for some years, but in 1870 Joseph M. Shafer purchased 
 the house, and has conducted it down to the present time. 
 
 The mails were carried from Smethport to Lock Haven by courier, for a 
 number of years. Among the early postmasters at Sinnemahoning were James 
 Shaffer, William Holden, John M. Floyd, W. A. Simpson, Josiah Fink (in 1860), 
 P. F. Wilson, G. B. Barclay, D. P. Baird (in 1885), who held the office in May, 
 1889. 
 
 In 1842-43 Joseph M. Shafer's school days commenced in the old log 
 
HISTORY OF CAMERON COUNTY. 915 
 
 house which James Shaffer erected years before for school and church purposes 
 where is now the cemetery. Eiley was the teacher; McCarthy was here a few 
 years later. Miss 8arah Bennett, whose father kept the hotel where the 
 Shafer House stands, presided over the next school in 1844. This lady was 
 preparing a flag for the July celebration of that year, and after it John Camp- 
 bell, a member of the committee, came in haste. Miss Bennett plied the 
 stiches faster, but as she progressed she espied the youthful scholar named 
 above engaged in antics even uncommon for him. Calling him to her side, she 
 placed him on the flpor by her side, and while the lady stitched the young urchin 
 Ciiught sight of her heavy calfskin shoes and long buckskin laces. The oppor- 
 tunity for mischief was not lost, for the youth tied the laces round and round 
 the shoes, entangling the lady in a way which held her prisoner for some time, 
 so that when she stood up to present the flag she fell to the floor. The boy of 
 1844 has served as school director for sixteen years. 
 
 The first fire of any importance, other than that of 1856, was that which 
 destroyed Barclay Brothers' store. A few small buildings were destroyed by 
 fire, while at the forks John Brook's employes' house was burned. Forest 
 fires have devastated large tracts in the neighborhood. 
 
 The Sinnemahoning Camp-meeting Association was organized in 1879, 
 and incorporated that year, although the record gives January 20, 1883. The 
 following named were the directors: J. H. Cochran, D. D. Angell, Levi 
 Musser, David Chapman, C. F. Barclay, James Fulton and John Brooks. 
 Of the 1,000 five-dollar shares authorized, seventy-two were purchased at the 
 date of organization, the owners being the members named in the record of 
 the Methodist Episcopal Church incorporation. In February, 1882, B. V. 
 Wykoff and J. S. Langin leased the grounds. The boarding house was 
 burned in 1884. The circular of 1881 is signed by John Brooks, president, 
 James Fulton, secretary, and C. F. Barclay, treasurer. It is a prospectus of 
 the encampment and reads as follows: 
 
 Tliis encampment is situated among the evergreen bowers of the valley of Grove 
 CTt-ek, a rapid mountain pebbled stream of pure water, and is about half a mile from the 
 Sinnemahoning station, on the Philadelphia & Erie Railroad, having express, telegraph 
 and mail facilities. The buildings are new and well constructed; the scenery delightful 
 and inspiring; the air balmy, ozonized and exhilarating; and the encampment a pleasant, 
 healthful resort, not inferior to any. To all who admire, and love to worship in " God's 
 first temples" (the groves) the place is especially inviting. Excursion tickets over the 
 Philadelphia & Erie Railroad, from Williamsport on the east and St. Mary's on the west, 
 will be issued as heretofore. The grounds of this encampment will be open for those 
 who desire to occupy their tents on July 20th. Price of rents of tenis is five dollars- 
 for tents on the first floor, and four dollars on the second floor. Persons desiring tents can 
 be accommodated so long as any remain by applying to C. F. Barclay, at Sinnemahoning. 
 The Association are improving their grounds. A commodious boarding house, com- 
 missary and restaurant are being erected. A fountain of pure mountain water will be 
 established on the grounds for the convenience of all. The auditorium will be enclosed by 
 seventy-two cottage tents, and the area next the oratorium will be canopied so as to pro- 
 tect the congregation from rain. Good boarding will be furnished on the grounds at 
 fair rates, not to exceed eight dollars for the term of eleven days. One dollar for a single 
 daj' and forty cents for a single meal. The managers of this camp meeting will spare no 
 effort in making the appointments of the session to conspire for the promotion of the 
 material comfort and spiritual enjoyment of all God's people of every name who are 
 cordially invited to the meeting, and who delight to worship God in " the Cathedral' 
 boundless as our wonder, whose quenchless lamps the sun and moon supply; its choirs- 
 the winds and waves, its organ thunder; its dome the sky." The aim of this camp 
 meeting is the advancement of our common Christianity, and the spiritual good of all, for 
 this we hope, and for this we pray; and earnestly ask the Church to invoke the blessings 
 of Heaven to fall upon the encampment, and give signal success. 
 
 Churches. — The first Methodist Episcopal Church of Sinnemahoning was 
 incorporated January 25, 1878, with D. A. Fulton, L. G. Heck, John Brooks, 
 
916 HISTOEY OF CAMEBON COUNTY. 
 
 William Shaffer, Jacob Shaffer, of Sinnemahoning; D. D. Alderfer and G. H. 
 Mayo, of Cameron; L. A. Musser, of Driftwood, and Eli Bowker, of Sterling, 
 incorporators. The first board of trustees comprised George Chapman, G. B. 
 .Barclay, L. A. Musser, D. P. Baird and B. V. Wykoff. The object of this 
 legal action was to acquire rights to build and own the parsonage, the Brooks 
 office, and later a private sehool-houae. The society now meets in Brooks' Hall. 
 
 Societies. —Washington Camp, No. 133, P. O. S. of A., was organized at Sin 
 nemahoning July 7, 1889, the charter members being Almeron Chapman, V. 
 A. Brooks, J. H. Darrin, M. J. B. Brooks, A. W. Wylie, J. W. Brooks, D. J. 
 Wykoff, Jos. B. Shaffer, T. J. Cupp, J. L. D. Foultz, J. D. Thompson, 
 Joseph M. Shafer, D. P. Baird, C. A. Reese, J. K. P. Shaffer. 
 
 The Knights of Pythias of Sinnemahoning organized a lodge July 17, 187 1 , 
 with Thomas Greenly, V. P. ; V. A. Brooks, W. C. ; John D. Shirk, V. C. ; 
 James Shaffer, G. ; M. J. B. Brooks, scribe; James Pulton, scribe; E. E. 
 Houston, banker; D. A. Pulton, I. S.; William Van Lew, O. S. P. 
 
 Star of Enterprise, Lodge No. 306, I. O. G. T. , was chartered February 
 14, 1888, with the following members: V. A. Brooks, J. E. Brooks, Eva 
 Brooks, Minnie S. Gilmore, Laura A. Cupp, Bertha Fulton, A. H. Shafer, P. 
 D. Walker, H. J. Cupp. Stella Foultz, H. B. Wykoff, J. H. Pulton, Emma 
 Wolf, H. O. Shafer, J. H. Baird, W. P. Norcross, Ella M. Brooks, Blanche 
 Ludlum, Frank Fay, N. W- Culborn, J. D. Shirk, Josephine M. Shirk and 
 Joe Shafer, Jr. 
 
 Sinnemahoning in 1873 claimed Lodge No. 136, P. O. S. of A. , W. H. Van- ■ 
 Lew, president, and V. A. Brooks, recorder; Glen Lodge No. 303, K. of P., 
 with C. W. Welton, C. C, and M. J. B. Brooks, K. of R. & S. ; Star of Enter- 
 prise Lodge No. 657, L O. G. T., with J. D. Shirk, W. C. T., and J. W. 
 Heath, W. R. S. 
 
 CHAPTEE XI. 
 
 LUMBER TOWNSHIP. 
 
 Boundary— ToroGRAPHY— Population and Assessment— Elections in 1861— 
 Forest Fiees. 
 
 Sterling Origin and Survey of the Place— Business and Improve- 
 ments— Fires— Postmasters— Societies— Churches, ETC. 
 
 Cameron Survey and Commencement — Fires, etc. — Catholic Church. 
 
 LUMBER TOWNSHIP is bounded on the north by Portage township, on 
 the west by Shippen, on the south by Gibson, and on the east by Grove, 
 the northeast corner bordering on Potter county. 
 
 The greatest elevation occurs on the Kinzua, Emporium, Cross-flexture and 
 Rattlesnake anticlinal in the southeastern corner, where a height of 2,227 
 feet above ocean level was reached, being 1,375 feet above the level of the 
 river at Gibson township line. Logues, Norcross and Brooks creeks run east 
 from the divide into the First Fork; Plank-road, Hunts, Still House, Square 
 Timber, Mason and Big runs flow west or southwest from the divide into the 
 Driftwood branch, while Sterling run flows southeast from the Boon's Moun- 
 tain divide into the main river at the village of Sterling, and Canoe run, from 
 the same divide, enters above Cameron. 
 
HISTOKY OF CAMERON COUNTY. 917 
 
 The population in 1880 was 902, including the 263 inhabitants of Cameron 
 village and 411 of Sterling. In November, 1888, there were seventy-five 
 Eepublican and eighty-four Democratic votes recorded, the population based 
 on same being 954. The Cameron Company's iron and coal mines, with their 
 coke-ovens, will give employment to 300 men this year. 
 
 The assessment for 1889 is as follows: 287 taxables; exempt, $10,000; 
 occupation, 110,517; seated real estate, $39,548; unseated real estate, 172,619- 
 118 cows and oxen, $1,456; 111 horses, $2,455; total, $126,595; money, etc ' 
 , at interest, $9,173.77. > ' j> •> 
 
 Two miles west of Sterling is the "Devil's Elbow," a gulch in the 
 form of an elbow, through which the road winds along. One mile and a half 
 south of Sterling, at the tannery, is the peculiar cap rock which projects 
 from the mountain peak. At the tannery also is the ice spring, a mineral 
 water which is considered of some value. 
 
 When digging the cellar under the Widow Earl's present store, about six- 
 teen years ago, eighteen skeletons were exhumed. On the spot a large maple 
 had grown, so that had this improvement not been made this ancient burial 
 ground would still be unknown. One skeleton measured seven feet eight inches; 
 in the mouth of another was found a pipe. An earthen pot was also found. 
 The March elections of 1861 for Lumber township were presided over by 
 Samuel Smith, judge; George Chapman and James Strawbridge, inspectors; E. 
 W. Grunnels and D. C. Chapman, clerks. The following were the candidates 
 and number, of votes: Justices of the peace. — Richard Eldred, 12; David 
 Chapman, 12. Constable. — R. W. Grunnels, 12. Supervisors. — John Straw- 
 bridge, 9; David Chapman, 11; J. W. Whiting, 2. Auditor.— George Chap- 
 man. Election inspectors. — R. M. Lewis, 4; William Smith, 6. Assessor. — 
 R. M. Lewis, 9; assistant assessors. — P. W. '\Vhiting, 8; Samuel Smith, 8. 
 School directors. — E. B. Eldred, 11; John Chapman, 10; James Strawbridge, 
 9. Judge of election. — James Strawbridge, 10. 
 
 Lumber township elected the following named officers in February, 1890: 
 B. E. Smith, clerk; Matt. Phenix, constable; M. W. Whiting, auditor; C. G. 
 Minick and Charles Morton, school directors; F. Shafer, supervisor (A. S. 
 Elston and John Morris received each forty-four votes for this office) ; Charles E. 
 Martin, overseer of the poor. 
 
 Forest fires have done much injury in this section — that of 1884, which al- 
 most wiped out Sterling, threatened to destroy the whole township. In 
 May of that year the forests on each side of Hunts run showed running tires. 
 Early in May a strong wind prevailed, fanning the fire into a raging flame, 
 which increased every moment as it came tearing along in an easterly direction, 
 catching the dry leaves and dead timber in its way, and driving a dense volume 
 of smoke ahead. It reached the Pump Station. The hose was run out for 
 three hundred feet from the boiler house, and began playing on the fire around 
 the buildings, as it approached, temporarily checking it on the west side. The 
 hose was instantly taken in and strung out in the direction of the tanks, where 
 the fire had now reached and had caught the dry log heaps within a hundred 
 feet of the immense tanks, which contained fifty thousand barrels of oil, com- 
 pletely enveloping them in a cloud of smoke and flying cinders. The entire 
 force, which consisted of only eight men, exerted themselves with a determina- 
 tion seldom excelled, in their endeavors to impede the further progress of the 
 fire in the direction of the tanks; scarcely being able to recognize each other 
 through the blinding smoke, they bravely faced this new danger, expecting 
 every moment to see the gas catch fire from some flying fragment, and fully 
 aware that in case of an explosion they would be utterly lost, as every avenue 
 
918 HISTOBY OF CAMERON COUNTY. 
 
 of escape was cut off by the fire. It was au hour calculated to try their nerves, 
 but the men succeeded in keeping the fire in check until 5 o'clock, when fortu- 
 nately the wind went down, and finally, having the flames subdued in the im- 
 mediate vicinity of the tanks, the attention was then turned toward the build- 
 ings, where the women were at work carrying water from the creek and dashing 
 it over the tire, which had almost reached the houses and already burned a 
 portion of Schrum's stable. By this brave act the women were the means of sav- 
 ing the buildings. At the Cameron mines, situated on the hill, where a large 
 number of miners are employed, the families with their household goods were 
 taken into the mines, while the men (and many women) fought the fire and 
 saved the settlement. 
 
 STEELING. 
 
 The village of Sterling was surveyed by John Brooks in 1861-62 
 near the old Sterling gristmill. Mr. Brooks, Judge Smith, the Widow Ster- 
 ling and B. J. Earl having interests in the Sterling farm. In the spring of 
 1871 a company known as Grant, Clark & Co. made purchases of land and 
 privileges of John Brooks, near Sterling, and erected a tannery, which, 
 although it has changed into other hands, has been in successful operation 
 ever since. In 1876 it was the property of B. P. Sherwood, of Utica, N. Y., 
 whose superintendent was Milo Bull, and storekeeper, P. N. Grant. The 
 tannery buildings consist of a dry-house, 256 feet long and 45 feet wide, with 
 capacity for drying 10,000. The vat house is 310 feet long and 62 feet wide, 
 and has 152 vats that will hold 150 hides each; 134 that will hold 100 hides 
 each, and six large vats that will hold 1,000 hides — making in all 292 vats 
 with capacity for 37,200 hides. Prior to 1876 water-pipes were placed from 
 the buildings to the mountain reservoir, 500 feet above. 
 
 The Sterling Gazette (moved to Driftwood in June, 1880) was issued at 
 Sterling in March, 1877, by H. D. Earl & Co., who continued it in a small 
 four-page form. Number 3 of this volume contains the report of school No. 5, 
 then ably presided over by J. P. Nelson. In November the Alpine House 
 was opened there. Daniel McCormick was proprietor of the McDonald House 
 (vice H. A. McDonald). Dr. S. S. Smith, of Driftwood, advertised in the 
 little paper, and also William Berry, the boot maker of Sterling. In 
 March, 1879, the Gazette was enlarged and converted into a newspaper. 
 The pioneer journal gave an account of the killings of bear and deer by the 
 Sterling boys, and the third volume speaks of black bears around the village. 
 
 Jerome B. Ear], born at Coadersport, in 1825 (afterward owner of Earl's 
 Testaurant, Philadelphia) came to Sterling, and in connection with the 
 Philadelphia & Erie Eailroad Company established a restaurant at that point. 
 After the house was burned, he conducted the Driftwood House until it was 
 burned. He died in 1885. 
 
 The Sterling fire of December 27, 1876, destroyed McCormick' s Cen- 
 tennial Hotel .... Andrew Kauls saw- and planing-mill at Sterling was 
 ■destroyed by fire in January, 1881, entailing a loss, above insurance, of 
 $6,000 .... The forest fire of May, 1884, commenced its work of destruction 
 above the tannery .... The first houses destroyed were about one mile above the 
 tannery, at the old mill — one unoccupied and the other Mike Loughlin lived 
 in, who lost all his household goods. The next was the Oak Hill farm-house 
 and barn, with about forty tons of hay, mowing machines and other farming 
 implements, belonging to B. P. Sherwood. 
 
 The terrible cyclone swept on toward Sterling village, consuming the Orner 
 House, occupied by John Lanning and Jacob Langlan, who lost everything. 
 
HISTORY OP CAMERON COUNTY. 919 
 
 and came near perishing in the flames. The house occupied by James Quigley 
 and the old school-house were next destroyed; the saw-mill (Hall, Kaul & 
 Co.'s) and all the surrounding buildings were in flames. Dense volumes of 
 smoke swept down the valley, covering everything from view. Boards and 
 shingles in flames, were flying through the air, propelled by the terrible gale. 
 John Summerson's residence and buildings, surrounding it, were in imminent 
 danger; also the whole upper part of the town. The people in the lower part 
 •of the town were in a terrible panic, and instead of helping those who needed 
 help, commenced packing their goods and leaving, believing the day of wrath 
 had come. But the people at the upper end stood their ground, assisted by a 
 few men, not more than ten or twelve in number, and saved Sterling, for had 
 Summerson's houses caught fire, those below would have also burned and Ster- 
 ling would have existed only in name. The losses are as follows : 
 
 B. F. Sherwood, one house and barn, household goods, hay, and other 
 losses, $4,000; John Summerson, nine houses, blacksmith shop, barn, saw- 
 mill, lumber, etc., 14,000, no insurance; Andrew Kaul, machinery, lumber, 
 etc., $5,000, insured, $3,000; M. Laughlin, household goods, $200; John 
 Lanning, household goods, $300; Jacob Langlan, house hold goods, $200; 
 •John Ritchie, household goods, $50; Jeremiah Bull, clothing and valuables, 
 1300; John Seymour, household goods, $150; James Quigley, household goods, 
 $200; A. Pardee, Oak Hill House and barn, $1,500; Henry Hamilton, 
 clothing, etc., $100; BarrBros., lumber, $50. The total number of buildings 
 destroyed in the vicinity of Sterling was twenty-three — fourteen dwell- 
 ings, eight bams and one mill, besides a large amount of fences, about thirty 
 cords of bark and 50,000 feet of lumber. 
 
 The Widow Earl was removed from the office of postmistress at Sterling 
 Run in 1884, when Judge Smith was appointed. W. P. Herrick was appointed 
 in 1889. 
 
 Sterling Grange was organized at Sterling May 26, 1876, with John Orner, 
 master, and V. A. Brooks, secretary. This was the first organized in the county. 
 
 Sterling Run Cemetery Company was organized in September, 1886, with 
 H. L. Pearsall, M. W. Whiting, A. W. Wylie, Joseph Kissell and J. E. 
 •Smith, as members. 
 
 The Church of the Messiah, at Sterling, was incorporated in 1871, on 
 petition filed April 20, that year. The. trustees named were D. R. Nelson, 
 Philip Smith, S. W. Herrick, Samuel Smith and B. J. Earl. Among other 
 names connected with the enterprise were Washington Mason, John Brooks and 
 <jr. W. Gentry. The church building was dedicated September 2, 1872. 
 
 The Methodist Church of Sterling was chartered August 14, 1871. The 
 trustees named in articles of association were George and John Chapman, 
 David Chapman, John Mason and P. W. Whiting. The building was dedi- 
 •cated September 29, 1872, by the pastor, L. S. Crone. 
 
 The Catholic Church building at Sterling was dedicated by Bishop Mul- 
 len, July 20, 1884. This church belongs to St. James' parish, and is in 
 charge of Father Brennan. In July, 1880, the contract for building the school- 
 house at Sterling was sold to Joseph Kissell, the lumber being furnished from 
 Andrew Kaul' 8 mill. 
 
 CAMEEON. 
 
 The village of Cameron was surveyed in 1859, by John Brooks for himself 
 a,nd E. B. Eldred, and they erected their store-house, the same which was carried 
 away in the flood of September, 1861. After the flood they erected a few build- 
 ings at this point and in 1864 sold their interests to the Cameron Coal Com- 
 
920 HISTORY OF CAMEBON COUNTY. 
 
 paay, having previously sold thirteen acres to the Hunt's Run Lumber Com- 
 pany, who built their mills in 1863. 
 
 The old Cameron House at Cameron was burned in June, 1873, while on 
 June 18 Earl's Hotel and the Philadelphia & Erie depot at Sterling were de- 
 stroyed .... The Cameron tire of January, 1882, destroyed the stores of E. N. 
 Mayo, — Stephens and W. L. Herron .... The collision near the Cameron coal 
 chutes, in January, 1880, resulted in the destruction of two locomotives, thirteen 
 cars and serious injury to six employes .... In the fall of 1888 small-pox entered 
 Cameron settlement, creating much havoc. 
 
 The Catholic Church of Cameron is contempory with that of Emporium. 
 The school building was purchased there about ten years ago by Rev. M. 
 Meagher and remodeled for purposes of worship. The congregation numbers 
 about 100. 
 
 The new coke ovens at Cameron, which have just been completed at the 
 foot of the incline (operated by the gravity system) extend over the waters 
 of the Sinnemahoning and up the mountains 1,000 feet. This is the terminus 
 of the railroad the iron company have just begun to build, to connect their 
 coal and ore interests with the furnace at Emporium, and about one-half mile 
 above this spot on the opposite side of the river (over which at the mouth of 
 Canoe run a railroad bridge will be erected) are the ore mines, 600 feet above 
 the level of the valley. Prom them the ore will be transported to the railroad 
 by means of the wire-rope and bucket system. The coal-mines are two and 
 one-half miles across the mountains from the top of the incline leading to the 
 coke-ovens, and are connected with the incline by a track traversed by a loco- 
 motive and many coal cars. Just before reaching the mouth of the mines, 
 which are drifts, a trestled ravine is crossed, from which the coal gradually rises 
 both to the east and west, affording a good drainage from the mines. 
 
 CHAPTEE XII. 
 
 PORTAGE" TOWNSHIP. 
 
 Portage Township Its Origin— Elevation— Streams— Population and 
 
 Assessment — Families Resident in 1859— Elections, 1861. 
 SiZERviLLE A Historic Place— Salt Works— Hotels— Fires— Cemetery 
 
 Association— Conclusion. 
 
 PORTAGE TOWNSHIP is an angular little piece of mountain land de- 
 tached from Potter county in 1860, so as to place all the inhabitants of 
 the old Portage township within easier distance of a county seat. The highest 
 (measured) point is 1,967 feet above ocean level (hill east of Shippen depot), 
 and lowest elevation 1,007 feet (one and three-quarter miles south of Sizer- 
 ville, where river crosses the town line). All the streams — Cowley run, Lu- 
 core run, Salt run and numerous spring streams — flow southwest into Sin- 
 nemahoning portage, while the headwaters of Plank Road branch and Hunt's 
 run flow south. The Portage branch enters the township from Shippen, 
 near Sizerville, flows through a beautiful valley and re-enters Shippen at the 
 fourth bridge. The Driftwood branch flows south through the southwestern 
 
HISTOBY OF OAMEKON COUNTY. 921 
 
 poriion of the township. Outside the valley limits of the Portage and other 
 creeks the township is only fit for the lumberman or trapper. 
 
 The population in 1880 was 186; in November, 1888, there were twenty- six 
 Republican and thirteen Democratic voters, on which figures the present popu- 
 lation is based at 234. The assessment of 1889 is as follows: 63 taxables; 
 exempt, 1500; occupation 12,145; real estate, $11,777; unseated real estate, 
 $24,240; 34 cows and oxen, $324; 22 horses, $565— total $39,051. Money 
 etc., at interest, $2,082. 
 
 The families residing in Portage township in 1859, the greater number of 
 whom became citizens of Cameron in 1860, were A. H. Boynton, Harris Barnes, 
 George Barnes, Daniel Britton, Henry Blish, David Blish, George Briggs, W. 
 Boylan, Z. C. Cowley, Thomas Campbell, Henry J. Cole, Eussell Carter, Jack 
 Degarnio, Cornelius Davy, William Ensign, Edinund T. Huff, J. S. Huff, L. B. 
 Jones. Lemuel Lucore. John Moore, N. P. Minard, Hiram, H. F. and E. D. 
 Sizer, Ed. Pangburn, George Emory, T. F. Puller, Martiu German, W. H. 
 Green, Oliver Hungerford, John Holmes and John Jeremat; W. L. Ensign 
 was then assessor. 
 
 The Portage township elections of 1861 were presided over by E. C. Davy, 
 judge, and Russell Carter and D. H. Gibbs, inspectors. The candidates and 
 votes are given as follows: Clerk. — George W. Barnes, 6; William Ensign, 5. 
 Supervisor. — H. F. Sizer, 7; D. Burlingame, 7; Wash. Boylan, 1. Assessor. — 
 Thompson Huff, 6. Auditors. — Daniel Britton, 5; G. W. Barnes, 5; D. Gibbs, 
 5. Election Judge. — Daniel Britton, 5. Election Inspectors. — Thompson 
 Huff, 4; E. Carter, 3. School Directors. — Russell Carter, 9; W. L. Ensign, 
 8; Thompson Huff, 9; H. P. Sizer, 9; Daniel Britton 9; C. S. Robinson, 8. 
 
 The officers of Portage township elected in 1890 are Robert McDowell and 
 E. D. Sizer, supervisors; L. Lucore, clerk; V. Burlingame, Samuel Heckman 
 and George Smith, school directors; W. R. Sizer, and P. H. Shumway, audi- 
 tors; Samuel Heckman, poor master; N. R. Covel, collector, and he with 
 Samuel Heckman, constables. 
 
 Shippen is a thriving village located in the extreme northern part of the 
 township. It is a station on the Western New York & Pennsylvania Railroad, 
 and a post-office was recently established there. Of the stores in the place one 
 is carried on by M. P. Jones, who opened out in general merchandise in 1885. 
 
 SIZEEVILLE. 
 
 Sizeiville is the capital of this section of the county. It is a historic place, 
 the salt lick in the vicinity being noted in 1788, when travelers to Canoe Place 
 passed that way. The salt-works were carried on there early in the "thirties," 
 and according to others in the second decade of this century. In April, 1887, 
 the contract for building the Sizerville Hotel was sold to C. E. Grover, of Port 
 Allegany, by Green & Westcott, of Tioga county, Penn., the projectors. The 
 main building is 36x50, three stories in height, and the wing is 20x36, two 
 stories in height. In January, 1888, the Sanitarium and Hotel Company en- 
 tered on the work of building. The site, containing forty-nine acres, is one of 
 the most beautiful, situated in a picturesque valley on the eastern slope of the 
 Alleghany mountains, free from all miasmatic influences, and the most desirable 
 spot in this country for a health institute. It is ^ittaated on the Western New 
 York & Pennsylvania Railroad, 114 miles from Buffalo, and about the same 
 distance from Rochester, N. Y., and Williamsport, Penn. 
 
 In the year 1865 a stock company, in prospecting for oil, drilled a well 
 here on land leased from Preston & Co. , known as the Cowley farm. . 
 
 The Sizer Springs Hotel was destroyed by tire October 22, 1889. J. O. 
 
922 HISTOKY OF CAMEEON COUNTY. 
 
 Kilbourn, the lessee, lost the furniture, and J. E. Green, the owner, the 
 building. 
 
 The fire of August 5, 1885, at Sizerville destroyed Goodyear' s mill, the 
 
 second time this industry at that point was burned Mrs. Bundy, who resided 
 
 at Sizerville, was burned to death October 18, 1889. 
 
 The Portage Township Cemetery Association was incorporated August 13, 
 1883, with E. D. Sizer, L. Lucore and D. Burlingame directors. E. C. Davey 
 and W. L. Ensign are named among the stockholders, and, with the directors, 
 they owned eight $5 shares each. In 1866 this society sought to be incor- 
 porated, but owing to a defect in decree the matter was left in uncertainty 
 until 1883. 
 
 CONCLUSION. 
 
 Cameron county of to-day, rejoicing in the pride of her strength, teeming 
 with wealth and glittering in prosperity's sunlight, was, even a few years 
 ago, a wilderness almost as unbroken as when the pioneers came in. What 
 prompted the pioneers to enter those valleys? Was it that spirit of adventure 
 which impelled the cavaliers of the olden time to pursue with eagerness the 
 phantom of a hope in the East? No! Was it that spirit which sent forth 
 Columbus to find a new world? Was it a sense of duty to themselves and 
 children? Yes — partly. The original object of some was to find a spot where 
 they could rest after the turmoil of the glorious Revolution; of others to hevir 
 out a home in the wilderness. Few of the pioneers are here to-day. They 
 have given place to a new people, whose enterprise is greater, whose advan- 
 tages are ten times more numerous. The grizzled grenadiers of the West 
 branch moved to a better land, leaving their children in possession of all they 
 won in the long battle with the wilderness. 
 
 CHAPTER XIII. 
 
 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES -SHIPPEN TOWNSHIP AND 
 BOROUGH OP EMPORIUM. 
 
 JOHN ARTHUR is owner of a foundry and machine shops in Emporium, 
 and of a like establishment in Williamsport, in same State. At present he is 
 residing in the former place, superintending his business. Mr. Arthur was 
 born in Scotland, August 20, 1819, and is a son of William and Elizabeth (Mc- 
 Conochy) Arthur, former of whom died in Scotland in 1835. He is the 
 youngest child in the family, and until his twenty-first year lived in Scotland, 
 where he received his education, subsequently learned the blacksmith's trade, 
 and in 1839 came to the United States. He worked for some time in New 
 York and Philadelphia, and then moved into Bradford county, Penn. , where 
 he plied his trade until 1865, in which year he went to Williamsport, and 
 there established his foundry, which was a successful venture. Mr. Arthur's 
 stay in Emporium is only temporary, as his son will before long take charge of 
 the shops and foundry, which were built in 1887. Mr. Arthur was married in 
 Bradford county, Penn. , in 1842, to Nancy A. , daughter of William and Nancy 
 (Smith) Knapp, natives of New York State, and of English origin. Mr. and 
 
BIOGBAPHICAL SKETCHES. 923 
 
 IVIrs. Arthur have four sons and one daughter now living: Elizabeth, wife of 
 •C. K. Whiting; William, a blacksmith; Lawrence, John and Oscar, mechanics, 
 the last named of whom superintends the Williamsport foundry. Mr. Arthur 
 has been for fifteen years a trustee of the Presbyterian Church, of which he 
 and his wife are members. In politics he is a Eepublican, and is now a mem- 
 ■ber of the town council of Williamsport. 
 
 HENEY AUCHU, lumber jobber and saw-mill superintendent, Empo- 
 rium, was born in Portneuf county, Canada East, November 16, 1843, and is 
 a son of Peter and Lnella (Luckey) Auchu, who were natives of France. He 
 is the eldest of seven children, and was reared in Canada, where he chose his 
 present occupation. Mr. Auchu located in Williamsport, Penn., in 1867, and 
 resided there until 1883, when he came to Emporium, where he has since 
 taken extensive lumber contracts, meeting with merited success. He was 
 married in Williamsport, in 1874, to Cordelia, a native of Williamsport, and 
 daughter of William and Ellen (Treon) Hartman, the former born at Williams- 
 port, and the latter at Muncy. Penn. , and the union has been blessed with 
 four children: Jennie, Willie, Hattie and Edna. Ml-. Auchu is in politics a 
 Republican, in religion a Catholic, and is counted one of Emporium's best 
 ■citizens. 
 
 Q. F. BALCOM, of the firm of Balcom & Lloyd, dealers in general mer- 
 chandise, Emporium, was born in Calais, Me. , June 5, 1847, and is the son of 
 J. E. and Sarah (Beady) Balcom, both of whom were natives of Nova Scotia, 
 of English descent, and who moved into the State of Maine in 1846 ; the father 
 was a carpenter and farnder. G. F. Balcom, who is the third in a family of 
 four children, resided with his parents at Calais until he was seventeen years 
 of age, when he left home and came to Cameron county. Mr. Balcom worked 
 •at farming and lumbering, and was for ten years with the firm of J. W. 
 Cochran & Brother. In 1884 he started in business as a merchant, an occu- 
 pation he still continues. Mr. Balcom was married in New York State, March 
 16, 1884, to Miss Sarah M. , daughter of James Fenton, and a native of New 
 York, of English origin. They have one child, George Waldo. In politics 
 Mr. Balcom is a Republican, and served as burgess of Emporium. He is a 
 member of Emporium Lodge, No. 382, F. & A. M., and chapter, and of the 
 I. O. O. F. and A. O. U. W. 
 
 EUGENE ORVILLE BARDWELL, M. D., Emporium, was born in War- 
 ren county, Penn., March 12, 1854. His father, R. R. C. Bardwell, also a 
 physician, was a native of Yates county, N. Y. , and was of Quaker descent. 
 He married Mary Browne, of English and German parentage, and their eldest 
 -child was Dr. E. O. Bardwell, the subject of this sketch. There were four 
 •other children as issue to this marriage, one of whom died in infancy. The 
 family moved to Penn Yan, N. Y. , when Eugene was but three years old, and 
 it was there that he received his early education. At the age of eleven he 
 entered the Penn Yan Academy as a student, and passed the Regent's examina- 
 iion of the State of New York at the age of twelve, an unusually early period 
 in life for one to attempt, let alone pass, this difficult probing into one's 
 knowledge by the faculty of an institution which is noted throughout the State 
 for its high standard of marking in studies. In February, 1879, he completed 
 his course in the medical department of the University of Buffalo, graduating, 
 as the Dean of the College expressed it, cum laude. In April of the same 
 year the Doctor began active practice at Emporium, Penn., where, by his skill, 
 he soon won a large clientage. He was made secretary of Cameron County 
 Medical Society not long after his arrival in Emporium, and in 1880 he was 
 •elected coroner by a phenomenal majority, the head of the ticket being defeated. 
 
924 HISTOKY OF CAMEEON COUNTY. 
 
 In 1882 tbe Doctor was sent as a delegate to the Pennsylvania State Medical 
 Society, of which he was made a member. This society made him a member 
 of the State District Board of Censors, and at its next meeting he was elected 
 secretary, a position he held until he left the State. In 1883 he was sent as 
 a delegate to the State Society from Elk County Medical Society, of which he 
 was at the time vice-president. In the year 1884, Dr. Bardwell moved to 
 Moline, 111. , where he practiced until called east by the serious illness of his 
 father. While in Moline, Dr. Bardwell was made a member of the Iowa and 
 Illinois Central Medical Association, of the Rock Island Medical Society, of 
 the Davenport Academy of Natural Sciences, also secretary of the Moline 
 Medical Society, and member of the staff and consulting physician at St. 
 Mary's Hospital in the city of Eock Island. Dr. Bardwell is a member of the 
 American Medical Association, and was appointed as a delegate to the Illinois 
 State Medical Society while in Moline. During the fatal illness of Dr. R. E. C. 
 Bardwell, his son remained in Penn Yan, and while there was made a member 
 of Yates County Medical Society. Upon the death of Dr. Bardwell, Sr. , in 
 1886, the subject of this" sketch, at the earnest solicitation of prominent citizens 
 of Emporium, returned to that place, and at once assumed a large and lucrative 
 practice. Politically the Doctor is a Republican, and religiously a pronounced 
 agnostic. On May 5, 1888, he was married to Miss Elizabeth Evans, of 
 Emporium, a daughter of Hiram and Cynthia (Loder) Evans, both natives of 
 this State, and of Quaker descent. The Doctor takes a particularly active 
 interest in the fire department of Emporium. He was the first foreman of the 
 Mountaineer Hose Company, the first uniformed company of the place, and to 
 his skill in organization and drill, much of the department's efficiency is due. 
 He resigned the position of foreman in January, 1889, to accept the place of 
 chief engineer, which he has been compelled to give up owing to press of pro- 
 fessional duties. A skillful physician and surgeon, and a live citizen, Dr. E. 
 0. Bardwell is a man of advanced thought and liberal ideas, and is invariably 
 in favor of those things which will inure to the benefit of his borough and 
 county. 
 
 F. X. BLUMLE, brewer, Emporium, was born in Zeughaus, Wurtemberg, 
 Germany, September 9, 1848, and is a son of Christian and Annie Mary 
 Blumle, the former a game-keeper in his native land. The subject of this 
 sketch was the eldest in a family of eight children, and passed his boyhood in 
 Germany, attending school until he was eighteen years old, when he came to 
 America. In this country Mr. Blumle learned the brewing business, and has 
 made that and farming the occupation of his life. He owns a farm of sixty- 
 six acres in Shippen township, Cameron county, where he resides, and has 
 cleared the land completely, it having been but little better than a wilderness 
 in 1876. Mr. Blumle was married, in 1882, to Frances, daughter of Joseph 
 and Annie Mary Sing, and also a native of Germany, the ceremony having 
 been performed by Rev. Meagher, pastor of St. Mark's Church, Emporium. 
 Their children are Anna M. , Theresa Mary, Francis J., Helen J. and Agnes. 
 The . family are members of the Catholic Church, Mr. Blumle being treasurer 
 of the C. M. B. A. Politically he is a Democrat. 
 
 J. C. BONHAM, superintendent of the tannery at Emporium, is a gentle- 
 man well qualified to fill his responsible position. Since he took hold of the 
 tannery the business h'as been in a flourishing condition. He was born in 
 Campbell, Steuben Co., N. Y. , August 1, 1846, and is the son of Charles D. 
 and Mary (Goodwin) Bonham, both of whom were natives of New York State, 
 and of French and English descent, respectively. The elder Mr. Bonham was 
 a farmer and died in 1847. The subject of this sketch was the youngest of 
 
BIOGEAPHICAL SKETCHES. 925 
 
 four children, and lived with his parents in early life, attending the Steuben 
 schools and seminary, and for a time was a clerk in a store. It was in the 
 year 1874 that he came to Emporium, and here he worked in different ca- 
 pacities in the tannery until 1878, when he was given his present position. 
 He is interested with others in the coal trade, but devotes his time to the 
 tannery. He was married in Steuben county, N. Y. , in 1869, to Miss Clarrissa, 
 daughter of Edward and Charlotte (Wall) Jessop. She is a native of New 
 York and of English descent. Their children are Emma L. and Guy D. Mr. 
 and Mrs. Bonham are members of the Presbyterian Church, of which he is a 
 trustee. He belongs to the Select Knights, A. O. TJ. W. 
 
 HENRY L BUENS, capitalist and lumber dealer, Emporium, was born 
 in Lancaster county, Penn., where he received his education and his first 
 start in the lumber business, which has formed the main occupation of his 
 life. Mr. Burns has met with good fortune in his lumber ventures, and 
 has successfully speculated iu other lines. He owns cc>nsiderable real estate 
 in Emporium, and in the county generally. In politics Mr. Burns is a Demo- 
 crat, and he is a Master Mason. 
 
 C. L. BUTLER, carriage manufacturer, Emporium, was born in New 
 Brunswick June 6, 1855, and is a son of Thomas Butler, a farmer. He is the 
 eldest of eight children, and attended the common schools in his native place, 
 where he also learned the carriage-making trade. Coming to the United 
 States in 1884, Mr. Butler settled at Emporium, where he has since followed 
 his trade, devoting most of his time, however, to repairing carriages. He was 
 married at this place in 1886 to Helena, daughter of William and Catherine 
 (Krug) Lewis, and of German descent. Mrs. Butler's father died in the Union 
 army during the Civil war. Mr. Butler is a Republican. He attends, with 
 his wife, the Catholic Church, and is a member of the C. M. B. A. 
 
 J. M. CARD, dentist. Emporium, although not a pioneer of the place, has 
 done much to improve the borough, having erected a substantial brick block 
 and a number of other buildings. He was born in Orleans county, N. Y., No- 
 vember 9, 1854, and is' a son of E. H. and Maria (Olds) Card, who were of 
 English and Scotch descent, and natives of Massachusetts and New York, 
 respectively. The father, who was a drover and shipper of cattle, died in 
 1860. Dr. Card is the second in a family of three children, and was reared in 
 New York State, where he received his early education, afterward going to 
 Kingston, Canada, where he studied dentistry, in which profession he gradu- 
 ated at the Royal College of Dental Surgeons of Ontario, at Toronto, in 1875. 
 The Doctor has made dentistry his chief occupation in life, although at present 
 controlling a notion store, where he carries a first-class line of goods. He has 
 been a resident of Emporium since 1886, is a Republican in politics, a mem- 
 ber of the Knights of Pythias and of the borough council. Dr. Card was 
 married in Niagara county, N. Y., to Miss A. Griswold, a native of the State 
 of New York, of English descent, a daughter of William and Sylvia (Nelson) 
 Griswold, and they have two children, Florence and Jay M. Mr. and Mrs. 
 Card attend the Methodist Episcopal Church. 
 
 J. W. COCHRAN, ex-associate jndge, and one of the best known citizens 
 of Emporium, is senior member of the firm of J. W. Cochran & Bro., 
 extensive lumber dealers; also a member of the lumber firm of Payne, 
 Cochran & Co., of Williamsport, Penn., and of the banking firm of Cochran, 
 Payne & McCormick, Williamsport; also of the wholesale and retail firm of J. 
 0. Brookbank & Co., of Driftwood, Penn. He was born in New Brunswick, 
 Canada, August 3, 1842, and is the second eldest in the family of seven chil- 
 dren of James and Mary (More) Cochran, who were ■ of Scotch-Irish lineage, 
 
926 HISTOEY OF CAMERON COUNTY. 
 
 and the greater portion of whose lives were spent at Calais, Me. , where the 
 childhood and youth of their family were spent, and where they attended 
 school. Judge Cochran moved to Williamsport, Penn., in 1862, where he 
 worked by the month for a couple of years; then in 1866 he came to Cameron 
 county, and here, in company with his brother, J. Henry, he embarked in the 
 lumber business. The firm of J. AV. Cochran & Bro. have taken more pine 
 lumber from the mountains of Pennsylvania than any other firm, and they 
 have employed as many as five and six hundred men in their different lumber 
 establishments. Judge Cochran has done much toward the improvement of 
 Emporium, and has been eminently successful in business. He was married 
 at Calais, Me., to Sarah A. Balcom, a native of that town, a daughter of James 
 E. and Sarah A. (Beady) Balcom, former of whom was of English descent, 
 latter of Yankee stock. To this union have been born six children, four of 
 whom are now living: Joseph E., Mary E., Carrie E. and Percival Max. The 
 Judge, in politics, is a Republican, and was a delegate to the Republican Na- 
 tional Convention, in 1888, that nominated Benjamin Harrison. He has served 
 as associate judge, county commissioner and school director. Judge Cochran 
 attends the Episcopal Church, of which he is a vestryman. He is a Knight 
 Templar. 
 
 BERNARD COYLE, proprietor of the Commercial House, Emporium, 
 was born in Wyoming county, Penn., September 30, 1840, and is a son of 
 Michael and Mary (Donohoe) Coyle, natives of Ireland. The father was a 
 builder and railroad contractor, and died in Pennsylvania, leaving a family of 
 ten children, all of whom are living. Bernard Coyle is the third child, and 
 received his early education in the district schools of Wyoming county. At 
 the age of twenty-two he bought an interest in a manufactory of shingles in 
 Lycoming and Centre counties, and continued in this business until 1870, when 
 he went into a hotel enterprise in the latter county, and there continued until 
 1885, when he came to Emporium and carried on his former occupation of 
 hotel keeping. Mr. Coyle was married in 1864, at Williamsport, Penn., to 
 Lena M., daughter of Peter and Sarah (Callahan) Cole, and of Scotch-Irish 
 descent. Their children are Mary E., wife of Charles Seger, a merchant; 
 John M. and George B., hotel clerks; Ella S. and Maggie B., who live at home. 
 Mr. Coyle has served as vice-president of the C. M. B. A. , and his family are 
 members of the same association. 
 
 I. L. CRAVEN, lumberman, Emporium, was born in Lycoming county, 
 Penn., December 16, 1830, a son of Joseph and Sarah Craven, natives of New 
 Jersey. He was educated in his native county and at Painted Post, N. Y., 
 and after leaving school worked in a saw-mill until twenty years of age, when 
 he came to Cameron county, Penn., where, two years later, he was employed 
 by Mersean, More & Co., as overseer of their mills, and in 1879 entered the 
 employ of F. H. Goodyear as overseer of his mills in Cameron and Potter 
 counties. He has been prosperous, and now has a pleasant home in Em- 
 porium. He is a prominent man in his township, and has served ten years as 
 justice of the peace. Mr. Craven was married August 30, 1856, to Miss Mary 
 J. Taggart, of Emporium, daughter of George and Sarah Taggart, and they 
 have had a family of four children: Olive I., at home; George A., who died 
 aged sixteen years; Sarah A., wife of Daniel Goodwin, of Buffalo, N. Y. ; 
 and I. L. , Jr. , at home. Mr. Craven and his family are members of the Pres- 
 byterian Church. 
 
 J. M. DAVISON, merchant at Emporium, was born in Chambersburg, 
 Penn. , April 7, 1 848, and is a son of H. B. and Esther E. (Schaubel) Davison, 
 who were of Scotch-Irish and German descent, respectively, and natives of 
 
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 927 
 
 Pennsylvania. Mr. Davison, Sr., was a merchant and justice of the peace at 
 Chambersburg for many years, dying there in 1880. His widow now lives 
 at Emporium with her son, J. M. Davison, whose name heads this sketch 
 Mr. Davison, who is the third of four surviving children, received his educa- 
 tion at the academy at Chambersburg. Learning the drug business, he fol- 
 lowed it as a clerk for a period of ten years, when ill health caused him to 
 change his occupation. Mr. Davison has been in Emporium since 1873, a 
 period of sixteen years, four years of which time he was engaged in clerking;, 
 the past twelve years he has been engaged in business for himself, ten years in 
 the stationery business, and two years in the coal trade, as the firm of J. M. 
 Davison & Co. In politics Mr. Davison is a Republican, but is inclined to 
 vote for men of principle rather than party. He is president of the Mount- 
 aineer Hose Company, and for eight years was the deputy postmaster at 
 Emporium. 
 
 E. C. DAVISON, agent of the Western New York & Pennsylvania Eailroad 
 at Emporium, was born in Chambersburg, Penn., May 30, 1855, and is a son 
 of Hugh B. and Esther E. (Schaubel) Davison, who were natives of Franklin and 
 Lancaster counties, Penn., and of Scotch-Irish and German- French descent, re- 
 spectively. The father, a merchant and justice of the peace at Chambersburg, 
 died there in 1880, leaving a widow and five children — four sons and one 
 daughter. The youngest son is E. C. Davison, who attended the common 
 schools in his native town, and afterward learned the printer's trade in the 
 office of the Public Opinion, a newspaper at Chambersburg. He followed 
 his trade and the occupation of book-keeping for several years, coming to Em- 
 porium in 1878, where he was a clerk in the railroad ofSce until 1880, at 
 which time he was appointed the railroad company's agent, an office he has 
 since held. Mr. Davison was married at Chambersburg, in 1879, to Carrie 
 A. , daughter of D. S. and Rebecca A. (Koontz) Fahnestoch, of Chambersburg. 
 She is of German origin, and a member of the Reformed Church. They have 
 two children: Ralph and Mary. Mr. Davison is a Republican in politics and a 
 member of the school board. 
 
 HERBERT DAY, treasurer of the Emporium Tanning Company, Empo- 
 rium, was born in Painted Post, Steuben Co., N. Y., July 21, 1860, and is a 
 son of John and Abbie (Lindley) Day, who were natives of Webster, Mass. 
 The father, who for some years practiced law in Painted Post, Steuben Co. , N. 
 Y., now resides in Boston, whither he moved in 1886, after a residence with 
 his family in Emporium of eighteen years. Herbert Day, who is the second 
 son in a family of six children, was reared in his native county, attending there 
 the common schools, and subsequently going to Lock Haven Normal School. 
 Mr. Day was employed (with the exception of two years, when he was teller of 
 the First National Bank at Emporium, and five months as book-keeper for J. 
 0. Brookbank & Co., merchants, Driftwood, Penn.) from 1882 to 1886 as book- 
 keeper for the tanning company, and in 1888 he was made the company's 
 treasurer. He was married at the home of the bride' s parents, Friendship, N. 
 Y. , February 22, 1886, to Myrtle Kate, daughter of John and Rachel (Horner) 
 Lord. Mrs. Day was born in Friendship, Allegany Co., N. Y., November 22, 
 1863. She is a member of the Baptist Church. Her parents reside at Friend- 
 ship, N. Y. , Mr. Lord being employed as bridge inspector on the New York, 
 Lake Erie & Western Railroad. Mr. and Mrs. Day have one child, Ethel 
 Blanche. Mr. Day is a Republican, and a member of the First Presbyterian 
 Church of Emporium. 
 
 W. H. DeLONG, M. D., Emporium. The gentleman of whom this sketch 
 is written, is the oldest practicing physician in Emporium, where he has a large 
 
928 HISTORY OF CAMERON COUNTY. 
 
 clientage. He was born in "Washington county, N. Y., July 17, 1840, and is 
 the son of Daniel and Anna (Coon) DeLong, former of Irish and German stock, 
 and latter of English. Both parents were natives of New York, the father, a 
 farmer by occupation, dying in Herkimer county, that State, in 1875. It was 
 in this county that the Doctor was brought up and received his earliest school 
 training. His medical studies were prosecuted at Albany, N. Y., where he 
 graduated, after a full course, in 1867. At the outbreak of the Civil war. Dr. 
 DeLong enlisted in Company C, Eighteenth New York Volunteer Infantry, 
 and served upon detached duties as a non-commissioned officer of the medical 
 staff of the Tenth, Eighteenth and Twenty-fourth Army Corps, and while thus 
 engaged he was wounded slightly in the left leg. At the expiration of his 
 enlistment he returned to New York, and there resided until his removal to 
 Pennsylvania, in 1868. It was not until 1873 that he made his home in Em- 
 porium, where he opened a drug store, and at the same time began the practice 
 of his profession. His duties, however, as a physician soon occupying all his 
 time, he relinquished his store. Since his graduation, Dr. DeLong has taken a 
 special medical course. He is devotedly attached to his profession; is a mem- 
 ber and ex-president of the Cameron County Medical Society, and belongs also 
 to the State and American Medical Associations. He is surgeon of the Phila- 
 delphia & Erie Eailroad, and United States examining surgeon and president 
 of the Board of Pension Examiners, also holding the office of examiner for the 
 E. A. U. In politics Dr. DeLong is a Republican, and in religion an Episco- 
 palian, holding in that church the position of senior warden. He was married, 
 January 27, 1867, to Miss Cordelia Maurer, a native of New York State, and 
 of German descent. 
 
 REV. D. H. DENISON, pastor of the First Baptist Church in Emporium, 
 was born in Chautauqua county, N. Y. , April 12, 1848, and is a son of Harvey 
 and Polly (Kline) Denison, natives of Vermont and Pennsylvania, and of 
 English and German origin, respectively. The father was a farmer, and with 
 him the son lived until his eighteenth year, receiving such education as the 
 graded school in the neighboring village afforded. This education has since 
 been supplemented by instructioA under private tutors, and by careful applica- 
 tion to study on his part. Rev. D. H. Denison was married, in 1869, to Ellen, 
 daughter of John and Rebeckah (Haugh) Messenger, and of German origin. 
 They have had six children, of whom four survive: John Harvey, Guy K. , 
 Roy Ernest and Charles. Mr. Denison was converted in November, 1871, at 
 May ville, N. Y. , and there united with the Methodist Church. He subsequently, 
 after careful study of the Scriptures, was led to change his views regard- 
 ing the ordinance of baptism, and severed his connection with the aforesaid 
 church. He became the pastor of the First Baptist Church of Spartansburg, 
 Penn., in 1881, continuing in that relation one year when he was called to 
 the pastorate of the First Baptist Church of Townville, Penn. - He served 
 this church very acceptably till 1884, when he received an unamious call to 
 become the pastor of the First Baptist Church of Jamestown, Penn. , where 
 he remained till he was called to his present field in Emporium, Penn., in 
 1888. He is a conscientious student, and his work as a Christian minister has 
 been characterized by success. 
 
 JAMES S. DOUGLAS, merchant. Emporium, has made mercantile pur- 
 suits a success, a result that is largely due to his diligence and determination. 
 He is courteous and obliging in his dealings, and carries one of the best assorted 
 stocks in the county. Mr. Douglas was born in Lycoming county, Penn., 
 August 24, 1857, and is a son of John and Phoebe (Tackaberry) Douglas, who 
 were natives, respectively, of Ireland and Pennsylvania. The father was of 
 
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 929 
 
 Scotch parentage, a farmer by occupation, and died in Lycoming county; the 
 mother was of Irish parentage, and also died in Lycoming county. James S. 
 is the youngest but one of six children, and was reared upon a farm, attend- 
 ing the common schools, and finally the State Normal Institution. He taught 
 for a time, and subsequently was engaged as a clerk in a diy goods store in 
 Williamsport, Penn. , coming to Emporium, Cameron county, in 1877, where 
 he superintended a store for D. E. Olmsted, of Williamsport, for the space of 
 three years. Mr. Douglas then went into business as a member of the firm of 
 Edgcomb, Douglas & Co. , but in 1885 the partnership was dissolved, and he 
 has since been alone. He is ably assisted in his occupation by his wife, whose 
 maiden name was Lena E. Youngs, a daughter of Matthew Youngs, of Ulysses, 
 Potter Co., Penn., and whom he married in Emporium, August 13, 1881. 
 They have one child, James Donald. Mr. and Mrs. Douglas are members of 
 the Methodist Episcopal Church, the former having been a steward of the 
 church for two years. He is also assistant superintendent of the Sunday- 
 school. Mr. Douglas is not a politician, but votes the Eepublican ticket. 
 
 HENRY EDGCOMB, merchant, Emporium, was born at Hollis, Me., 
 March 17, 1828, and is a son of James and Joanna (Davis) Edgcomb, both of 
 whom were natives of Maine, and of English descent, the father by occupa- 
 tion a lumberman and farmer; they had a family of eight children, of whom the 
 subject of this sketch is the eldest. Henry Edgcomb attended the common 
 schools in his native State, and afterward went into the lumber business which 
 occupied his attention until he was about fifty years of age. He came to Penn- 
 sylvania in 1864, and to Emporium in 1869, where he dealt in lumber until 
 1880, when he commenced mercantile pursuits, and has since met with success. 
 Mr. Edgcomb was married in Maine, to Lucretia T. , daughter of John Babcock, 
 and of English descent. Their children were Clara (deceased), who was the wife 
 of one Mullen, of Buffalo, N. Y., and Edith. Mrs. Edgcomb is a member of 
 the Presbyterian Church. Mr. Edgcomb is a Republican in politics, and is a 
 Master Mason. 
 
 C. C. FAY, proprietor of the St. Charles Hotel, Emporium, was 
 born in Essex county, N. Y., November 5, 1825. He was a son of Ar- 
 temus and Susannah (White) Fay, who were natives of Vermont, and of Eng- 
 lish and Welsh descent, respectively. His father was a blacksmith and farmer, 
 and died in the town of Saranac, in Clinton Co. , Minn. , in June, 1846. The gen- 
 tleman of whom we are writing was the fifth in a family of eight children, and 
 spent his early life on the farm. He attended the common schools, and when 
 about eighteen years old he started in life for himself by working at whatever 
 he could get to do. In 1856 he first embarked in the hotel business, and in 
 1859 he came to Cameron County, Penn. , and opened a house in Emporium. 
 For some time he was also interested in a saw-mill, and in 1872 he built the 
 St. Charles Hotel, which he now manages. Farming also claims his atten- 
 tion, and he possesses two hundred and fifty acres of land, seventy-five being 
 cleared. Mr. Fay married, in 1849, Christina Vanornum, daughter of Edward 
 Vanornum, and of German lineage. They have had three children, one of 
 whom, Lida R., is now living. Mrs. Fay is a member of the Baptist Church. 
 In politics Mr. Fay is a Republican, and has been a school director and a mem- 
 ber of the town council. 
 
 JOSHUA PITT FELT, Emporium. As a living example of what a life of 
 energy, indomitable perseverance and thorough business integrity can ac- 
 complish, the gentleman whose name heads this biographical memoir stands 
 prominent among the worthy and progressive citizens of, his adopted town 
 and county. Mr. Felt is the eldest son of Eli Felt, a former influential 
 
 50 
 
930 HISTORY OF CAMEBON COUNTY. 
 
 citizen and well-known lumber merchant and capitalist of Emporium, who 
 came to the place (which was then in McKean county, and called Shippen) 
 in 1849. Eli Pelt was a native of Smyrna, Chenango Co., N. Y., born April 
 3, 1819, and on April 13, 1842, he was married in that town to Olive Tal- 
 cott, a lady of English descent. The children born to this union were as 
 follows: Joshua Pitt (the subject proper of this sketch), De Witt (born June 
 2, 1847), Ida Adelaide (born June 23, 1850), Bessie Sarissa (born July 3, 
 1852), Olive Julia, born February 16, 1854), Eli Talcott (born June 8, 1856) 
 and Charles Henry (born November 8, 1860). After their marriage Mr. and 
 Mrs. Felt lived one year in Smyrna, and then moved to Big Flats, Chemung, 
 Co. , N. Y. , where he carried on a lumber business, thence moving after a 
 five years' residence to Dansville, Livingston Co. , N. Y. , and from there after 
 a sojourn of one year to Shippen, now Emporium, where he engaged very 
 extensively in the lumber business as narrated above. Here Mr. Felt built 
 several houses, a large block of stores, and the first hotel in the place, known 
 as the "Emporium House." In 1861 he removed to Philadelphia, in 1870 to 
 "Warrenton, N. C, and in 1880, to Raleigh, same State, where he departed 
 this life, February 5, 1885. Joshua P. Felt was born in Big Flats, Chemung 
 Co., N. Y. , December 7, 1844, and when five years of age was brought by 
 his parents to the town, in the growth of commercial and social progress of 
 which he was destined to become a leading factor. He received a limited edu- 
 cation at the schools of the place, and when seventeen years of age (in 1861) 
 he accompanied his parents to Philadelphia, but soon thereafter returned to 
 Emporium, and started out to earn his own living. At the age of nineteen, 
 we find him in the capacity of contractor on the Philadelphia & Erie Eailroad, 
 at that time building, and a little latei: as the owner of the only hardware 
 store in the county. His parents, however, induced him to sell this business 
 and take an interest in, and the general management of, the manufacture and 
 introduction of a proprietary medicine, with headquarters at Philadelphia. 
 This business proving distasteful to him, Mr. Felt withdrew from it, and in 
 1869 returned to Emporium, where he became interested in an extensive gen- 
 eral merchandise store, and in a lumbering and milling business. The firm 
 with which he at this time became connected did a very large and lucrative 
 trade, but unfortunately made heavy purchases of real estate, considering 
 such necessary for the further expansion of their business. Making only 
 small payments thereon, the firm found themselves unable to contend against 
 the great national panic of 1873, and had to succumb, the crash swallow- 
 ing up all Mr. Felt' s capital, and leaving him without a dollar in the world, 
 and a wife and two small children to be cared for. But Mr. Felt was not one 
 of those men who sit and bewail their loss, but cheerfully he went to work 
 to redress his reverses. In the spring of 1874, we find him filling the posi- 
 tion of manager of the "Emporium Mills," at that time a small country 
 grist-mill, which he soon had running to its fullest capacity, night and day, 
 supplying the increasing demand for flour and feed. In 1877 he was present 
 at the convention held in Buffalo of the National Millers' Association, of 
 which he had become a member. In 1878 he bought an interest in an oil 
 well then being drilled in the McKean county district, this State, which led 
 to the development of a very large and paying territory. Mr. Felt, however, 
 gave only a portion of his time to his oil interests, and in the course of 
 about two years he sold out at a handsome profit. Eealizing that it was 
 necessary for the success of the grist-mill that it should be remodeled to 
 conform to the most modern system, Mr. Felt purchased the property, in 
 1880, on favorable terms, and immediately commenced the work of enlarging 
 
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 931 
 
 and changing its methods to what was then known as ' ' the gradual reduction 
 system." This was followed, in 1883, by another enlarging of the premises 
 and remodeling to "the full-roller system," which has proved a success in 
 everyway; and Mr. Felt takes great pride in being possessor of one of the most 
 complete modern roller mills in Western Pennsylvania. Aside from his ex- 
 tensive milling plant, of which he is sole owner, Mr. Pelt has one of the pleas- 
 antest homes in Emporium; has a fine winter residence and large full bear- 
 ing orange grove in Emporia, Florida, besides a plantation of 1,500 acres 
 (bought as an investment) in North Carolina. In the general prosperity of 
 the borough of Emporium, Mr. Felt has taken an active part, being one of" the 
 first in organizing the water company, and being a director of and stockholder 
 in the same. He assisted in starting the First National Bank, of which he is 
 one of the principal stockholders and a director; took special and active in- 
 terest in getting the ' ' Cameron Iron & Coal Company ' ' and the ' ' Mankey 
 Furniture Company" located in Emporium. He is a stockholder in the last. 
 named enterprise, and a director in the Pennsylvania " Millers' Mutual Fire 
 Insurance Company." Mr. Felt was married May 24, 1869, to Alice E. Horner,, 
 and the names and dates of the birth of their children are as follows : Carl 
 Lee (February 23, 1870), Jay Paul (July 26, 1872), Leon Eex (April 11, 
 1885), and Floyd Pitt (May 31, 1888). Mr. Felt is past master of Emporium 
 Lodge, F. & A. M. , and has a handsome regalia, presented to him by his lodge 
 on the occasion of his retirement from the chair. He is past high priest of 
 Emporium chapter, a member of Knapp Commandery, K. T. , of Ridgway, 
 Penn. , of Adoniram Council, Williamsport, Penn. , and of Caldwell Consistory 
 Thirty-second degree, Scottish Rite, Bloomsburg, Penn. 
 
 DeWITT felt, miller. Emporium, has spent the greater part of his life 
 in that borough, his father, who died in 1885, having been one of the pioneer 
 settlers here, and having done in his lifetime a great deal to advance the inter- 
 ests of the place. The mother of DeWitt was Olive (Talcott) Felt, of English 
 descent, and a native of New York State. His father, Eli Felt, was by occu- 
 pation a lumberman, and his family consisted of seven children — three daughters 
 and four sons. The subject of this sketch is the second son, and was born in 
 Dansville, N. Y., June 2, 1847. The rudiments of his education were obtained 
 in the schools of Emporium, afterward completed by a course at Freeland 
 Academy. After leaving school, Mr. Felt began life as a farmer, but not liking 
 the occupation, he turned his attention to milling, for his father erected a mill 
 in 1855, and his son has now rebuilt it. Since going into the mill Mr. Felt 
 has thoroughly mastered the details of the business, and is at present the 
 managing miller and general superintendent of operations. He was married 
 in the State of Delaware, September 16, 1867, to Eliza, daughter of David 
 Stayton, a lady of English descent, and a member of the Methodist Episcopal 
 Church. The union has been blessed with two children: Rena O. and Guy S. 
 Mr. Felt's politics are Democratic. 
 
 CHARLES HENRY FELT, book-keeper at the Pelt Roller Mills, Empo- 
 rium, was born in Emporium, Cameron Co., Penn., November 8, 1880. He is 
 a son of Eli and Olive (Talcott) Felt, the former of whom was a pioneer lum- 
 berman, and one of the first to make permanent improvements in Emporium. 
 Mr. Felt is the youngest of seven children, and until he was nineteen years of 
 age he lived in Philadelphia and in North Carolina. He attended school in 
 Philadelphia and North Carolina, and afterward a business college in New 
 York, where he graduated as a book-keeper in 1880. At New Hartford, N. Y. , 
 in 1885, he married Anna M., a native of Norwich, N. Y., and a daughter of 
 C. H. and Sarah M. (Steere) Williamson, of Utica, N. Y., and has two chil- 
 
932 HISTORY OP CAMERON COUNTY. 
 
 dren: Frank Eli and Charles Williamson. Mrs. Felt is of English descent, 
 and a member of the Presbyterian Church, while her husband is a Baptist, 
 being a trustee of the church and a teacher in the Sunday-school. In politics 
 he is a Democrat. He is a member and treasurer of the Emporium Legion, 
 No. 30, Select Knights, and financier of Emporium Lodge, No. 163, A. 0. U. W. 
 
 J. A. FISHEB, blacksmith, Emporium, was born in Indiana county, Penn., 
 November 25, 1859, and is a son of S. E. and Maria (McGaughey) Fisher, 
 natives of Pennsylvania, and of German origin. The subject of this sketch, 
 who is the eldest of seven children, was reared on his father's farm, attending 
 the common schools, and early in life learned the blacksmith's trade, an occu- 
 pation he has since followed. Mr. Fisher came to Emporium in 1882, and 
 being a first-class workman, has controlled a flourishing business of his own 
 since 1885. He was married, in 1885, to Ida M., daughter of James Pearsall, 
 and of English descent. They have one child. Mr. Fisher has passed all of 
 the chairs in the A. O. U. W., and is a member of the Select Knights and the 
 I. O. O. P. In politics he is a Republican. 
 
 H. E. FORTNBY, proprietor of livery stable. Emporium, was born in Clin- 
 ton county, Penn. , May 14, 1860, a son of William and Bosanna (Baldwin) Fort- 
 ney, natives of Germany. He was given a good business education in his 
 native county, remaining there until 1887, when he came to Cameron county, 
 where he engaged in the lumber business, and July 16, 1888, he bought the 
 livery stable in Emporium, where he is now located. He keeps a number of 
 fine carriage horses, and is prepared to furnish any style of outfit desired, 
 either for pleasure or business. Mr. Fortney was married September 29, 
 1880, to Miss Mary E. Smith, daughter of R. F. and Jennie (Kichey) Smith, 
 of Clinton county, Penn., and they have two children: Ray and Rosa. 
 
 THOMAS GALLAGHER, ticket and freight agent for the Pennsylvania 
 Railroad at Emporium, was born in Chester county, Penn. , May 3, 1849, and 
 is a son of John and 'Hannah (Lynch) Gallagher, natives of Ireland, former 
 of whom was a farmer, and spent many years of his life in Pennsylvania, 
 where he died in August, 1887. There were seven children in this family, 
 five of whom are still living, the subject of this sketch being the youngest of 
 the survivors. He lived upon the farm with his parents, and attended the 
 common schools until he was eighteen years old, since which time he has been 
 connected with the railroad. From 1866 to 1870 Mr. Gallagher was a clerk 
 at Renovo, Penn., in the latter year acting as extra division agent, but was 
 soon promoted to agent at Kane station, a position he held until his transfer, 
 in 1873, to Emporium. Mr. Gallagher is a courteous oificial, and highly re- 
 spected. He was married in 1883, in Emporium, to Nancy, sister of Dr. De- 
 Long, of Emporium, and daughter of Daniel and Anna (Coon) DeLong, all 
 natives of New York. In politics Mr. Gallagher is a Democrat. 
 
 A. C. GOODWIN, farmer, P. O. Emporium, was born in New Hampshire, 
 March 19, 1834, a son of Aaron and Nancy Goodwin, also natives of New 
 Hampshire, who came to Cameron county, Penn., in 1850, and located in 
 Shippen township, but in 1853 moved to Cattaraugus county, N. Y. He as- 
 sisted his' father in clearing the land, and worked on the farm until 1855, 
 when he began working for himself. He was energetic, becoming a suc- 
 cessful farmer, and in 1882 he bought the farm in Rich Valley where he now 
 lives. Mr. Goodwin was married February 28, 1855, to Miss Susan A. Lewis, 
 a native of Shippen township, and a daughter of William and Sarah Lewis, 
 natives of New Jersey, and early settlers of Cameron county. Mr. and Mrs. 
 Goodwin have had six children, four of whom are living: Albert D. ; Anna, 
 wife of Delmont Adams, of Emporium ; Nellie M. , wife of P. A. Peterson, of 
 
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 933 
 
 Pittsburgh, and Mark A. Mary F. and Eugenia D. are deceased. Mrs. 
 Goodwin's grandfather, William Lewis, Sr., rowed the boat that carried 
 Hamilton and Burr across the Hudson river, in 1805, to fight their famous 
 duel, and the oars he used are now in a museum in Chicago, 111. 
 
 C. B. GOULD, Emporium, editor of the Cameron County Press, a news- 
 paper in the best sense of the word, was born in Cherry Valley, N. Y. , July 
 24, 1826, the youngest in the family of nine children of Cornelius and Mary 
 (Tenant) Gould, who were natives of Otsego county, N. Y., and of Eno-lish 
 and German origin, respectively. The subject of our sketch, after attending 
 the common schools in his native county, went to the city of XJtica, and there 
 learned the trade of printer. Here he worked as a compositor until 1848, when 
 he moved to DeRuyter, N. Y., and there began the publication of the Central 
 New Yorker. Subsequently he went to Homer, same State, and engaged as 
 publisher of the Homer Whig. Binghamton, N. Y. , was next the scene of his 
 labors, and while there he. acted as reporter for and business manager of The 
 Republican until the year 1866, when he left for Emporium, Penn. , and here 
 established the Cameron County Press, as shown in the general chapter on the 
 press. In politics Mr. Gould is an ardent Eepublican, taking an active inter- 
 est in the management of the party in his county, and has a wide acquaintance 
 throughout the State with public men of all parties. In national politics he 
 always had the good-will and confidence of Grant, Conklin, Logan, Simon 
 Cameron and other public men, having held the position of special agent of 
 the post-oflice department under President Grant. When he ties to a man, 
 politically, he stays by him; he is a hard fighter in political campaigns, and 
 has assisted in elevating many men to prominent positions, both State and 
 national. In social life Mr. Gould is very pleasant and jovial, and has always 
 labored for the best advancement of society, and the upbuilding of Emporium 
 and Cameron county; and too much credit cannot be given him for the ad- 
 vancement of the county seat of Cameron. Always on the lookout for some 
 plan to promote the interests of Emporium, he strongly advocated and assisted 
 most effectually in securing the location of the extensive furnace works at 
 Emporium, also the Mankey Furniture Company, and battled for years for the 
 excellent water system now in operation. He is a zealous guardian of justice, 
 as evidenced by his efforts to bring the murderer of Drum to the bar. To him 
 is largely due the arrest of the alleged criminal, for, from the day of finding 
 the body of the murdered man to the close of the trial, he l«ft nothing undone 
 toward fixing the guilt where it belonged — his training in the postal service 
 fitting him well for such a duty to the community. In his declining years Mr. 
 Gould has the good-will of all, and, as a measure of this goodwill, was com- 
 missioned postmaster of Emporium in 1889. He was married at Utica, N. Y. , 
 to Miss Mary A., daughter of Lyman Scranton, a native of Otsego county, the 
 ■ Empire State. Mr. and Mrs. Gould have four children: Ella, wife of H. H. 
 Mullin (clerk of the county commissioners); A. D. Gould, an editor, residing at 
 Eldred, Penn. ; Jennie and Mary. The family are all members of the English 
 Protestant Episcopal Church and of the Sunday-school, of which Mr. Gould 
 was for many years superintendent. 
 
 E. H. GEEGOEY, inspector of lumber, and farmer, P. O. Buckwalter, 
 was born in Sdlivan county, N. Y., April 18, 1856, a son of Hamlin and Emily 
 Gregory, natives also of Sullivan county. He was given good educational ad- 
 vantages, and was thus prepared to enter upon the duties of life. He came to 
 Cameron county in April, 1876, and entered the employ of J. E. Buckwalter and 
 the Arthurs Coal & Lumber Company as inspector, and proved himself a reliable 
 man to his employers. In 1880 he bought eighty acres of wild land on Lot 
 
934 HISTORY OF CAMERON COUNTY. 
 
 4954, Shippen township, Cameron county, which he has brought under a 
 good state of cultivation, having erected on it good buildings, and now has 
 a pleasant home. In 1882 Mr. Gregory was elected supervisor of Shippen 
 township, and made an efficient officer. He is a member of Emporium 
 Lodge No. 984, I. O. O. F. Mr. Gregory was married September 23, 1879, 
 to Miss Hattie Morrison, daughter of B. S. and Alvira A. Morrison, of 
 Shippen township, and they have two children: Bertha and Myrtle. Mr. 
 Gregory in politics is a Republican. 
 
 S. S. HAOKET. This gentleman, who is the largest tax-payer in Empo- 
 rium, Cameron Co., Penn., and is a lumberman, editor, and a very successful 
 business man, was born in Steuben county, N. Y., March 2, 1828, and is the 
 son of Seth and Electa (Kise) Racket, who were natives of New York, and of 
 Scotch and German origin, respectively. Mr. Hacket, Sr., was a farmer, 
 and his son, of whom we are writing, was the fourth in a family of eight chil- 
 dren. His parents came into Pennsylvania, and settled in Liberty township, 
 McKean county, when he was but twelve years of age. He received a common- 
 school education, and has made farming and lumbering the main business of his 
 life. He has many friends in his own and McKean counties, who have known 
 him all his life as a most industrious man. He has resided in Emporium since 
 1857, and has done much to build up the borough. He established the Empo- 
 rium Independent in 1866, and has erected a number of substantial buildings, 
 also an extensive saw-mill. In politics he is a Democrat, has been a member 
 of the school board, and has held nearly all of the offices within the gift of the 
 borough. In the year 1869 he married Phoebe L. Williams, born in Wellsville, 
 N. Y., of English lineage. They have eight children: Herbert and Delbert, 
 farmers; Ada, who married Houser, a mechanic; S. J., a successful mer- 
 chant; A. D., foreman in the mill; T. N. , master mechanic in the mill; L. T., a 
 clerk, and Nellie, married to Walter Danforth. 
 
 S. J. HACKET, proprietor of a general store at Emporium, is the son of 
 S. S. Hacket, and is the fifth in a family of eight children. Mr. Hacket was 
 born in Emporium, February 13, 1856, and entering his father's store when 
 quite young, he remained there as a clerk until 1875, when he embarked in his 
 present business, and has met with success. He married, in July, 1888, 
 Miss Ella Smith, of Portville, in the State of New York. Mr. Hacket is in 
 politics a Democrat, and was appointed postmaster at East Emporium. He is 
 a trustee of the A. 0. U. W., and treasurer of the K. & L. His wife is a 
 member of the Presbyterian Church. 
 
 CLAEK HARRINGTON, associate judge of Cameron county. Emporium, 
 was born in Otsego county, N. Y., June 5, 1824, and is a son of Rufus and 
 Sarah (Elsworth) Harrington, natives of Vermont and New York, respectively. 
 The father was a captain in the American army during the war of 1812, and 
 throughout the remainder of his life was a farmer; he died in Otsego county in 
 1866. Judge Harrington is the third in a family of five children, and received 
 his early schooling in Cooperstown, N. Y. , where he served an apprenticeship 
 to and learned the machinist's trade. He came to Emporium in 1854, and 
 for a time worked as a sawyer in a saw-mill, but his main business has been 
 that of a contracting and manufacturing lumberman. The Judge was married. 
 May 11, 1845, in Steuben county, N. Y. , to Elizabeth, daughter of Simeon 
 and Annis (Kider) Hurd, the former a native of New Haven, Conn., and the 
 latter of Yates county, N. Y. , and both of English descent. Mr. and Mrs. 
 Harrington have five children: Alice, wife of Amandus Doll; Helen, widow of 
 Alpha Stephens; Delphene, widow of James Webb; Dutta, wife of Delos 
 DoUiver, and Clarence, by trade a sawyer, and married to Jennie Millon. Mrs. 
 
BIOaKAPHIOAL SKETCHES. 935 
 
 Harrington is a member of the Methodiat Episcopal Church. Judge Harring- 
 ton is a Democrat, and has held his present office since 1885; he is a Knight 
 Templar, and a chapter member of the Masonic fraternitv. 
 
 FRANKLIN HATJSLEE, ex-sheriff of Cameron county, Emporium, was 
 born in Clearfield coianty, Penn., May 20, 1840, and is a son of N. S. and 
 Mary A. (Bailey) Hausler, who were natives, respectively, of New Jersey and 
 Pennsylvania, and were of German and French origin. The father was a 
 farmer until his death, which occurred in 1884. Franklin Hausler is the fourth 
 of seven children, only two of whom are now living. He was reared in that 
 portion of McKean county which now forms a part of Cameron county, there 
 attended the public school, and lived upon the home farm until he enlisted, 
 in 1861, in Company G, 84th Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry. Mr. Hausler was 
 shot in the left ankle at the battle of Winchester, March 23, 1862, and suf- 
 fered severely from the wound until 1883, when he had the foot amputated, 
 since when he has enjoyed good health. He has resided in Emporium since 
 1879, and for the last three years has been a dealer in flour and feed. Mr. 
 Hausler was married in Cameron county, Penn., in 1864, to Miss E. E., a 
 native of McKean county, Penn. , and daughter of Philip and Hannah Lewis, 
 natives of New York and Pennsylvania. Mr. and Mrs. Hausler have one 
 child, Alton E. In politics a Eepublican, Mr. Hausler served as tax col- 
 lector during the years 1871, 1882 and 1883, and in the last-named year was 
 elected county treasurer. He is a member of the I. O. O. F., the A. O. U. W., 
 is prominently connected with the G. A. E., and he and wife are members of 
 the Presbyterian Church. 
 
 E. P. HEILMAN, M. D. , druggist. Emporium, was born near Williams- 
 port, Lycoming Co., Penn., December 14, 1850, and is a son of John and 
 Sarah (Ulsh) Heilman, both natives of Pennsylvania and of German origin. 
 Mr. Heilman' s father was a farmer and manufacturer, and is now residing 
 at Williamsport. He was twice married, and had a family of five children, 
 the subject of this sketch being by his first marriage. Dr. Heilman was 
 reared upon the farm, and until 1865 attended the common schools, when the 
 family moved to Williamsport, where he again entered school and subse- 
 quently went to college, from which he graduated in 1874, second in a class 
 of ten, and then entered Jefferson Medical College, in Philadelphia, complet- 
 ing his course in 1876 and receiving his degree of M. D. He took a special 
 medical course in the same, and then went to Driftwood, same State, and in 
 the following year came to Emporium, where he opened a drug store in con- 
 nection with his practice. He served one term as president of Elk County 
 Medical Association, and is a member of the County, State and American 
 Medical Societies. Dr. Heilman has made his own way in the world, and to 
 enable him to secure his own education he taught others in early life, and was oc- 
 cupied variously as clerk, book-keeper, chore-boy, milk-peddler, and book agent; 
 this last occupation yielding him the best returns for his labor. In 1878 he 
 was married, in Williamsport, to Alfaretta, daughter of Nathan and Marilda 
 Ball. Mr. Ball was a carriage manufacturer in Wellsville, N. Y., and the 
 family is of German origin. ' Mrs. Heilman died in January, 1889. The chil- 
 dren were Lillian O., F. Vernon, John E., Bred E., Stella Edith, and Edna 
 M. (deceased.). Mr. Heilman was a Lutheran and his wife was a Baptist, but 
 after coming to Emporium they united with the Methodist Episcopal Church, 
 of which he is a trustee. He is a member of the I. O. O. F, Select Knights 
 (Ancient Order of United Workmen) and of the Knights of the Maccabees. 
 He has been member of the town council, and has been burgess, and twice coro- 
 ner of the county; politically he is a Republican. 
 
936 HISTORY OF CAMEKON COUNTY. 
 
 JOHN P. HERTIG-; car carpenter at Emporium, was born at Lock 
 Haven, Penn. , August 27, 1857, and is a son of John and Elizabeth ( Jenks) 
 Hertig, natives of Switzerland. They came to the United States when in 
 their youth, and settled in Clinton county, Penn. , moving from there to Em- 
 porium in 1867, where they still reside. The subject of this sketch, who is the 
 second in a family of five children, was reared in Emporium, and worked for 
 a time in the planing-mill. In 1876 he went with his parents to Switzerland, 
 where he learned the baker's trade, serving a three-years apprenticeship, and 
 then returned to America in 1880. Since then he has been in the employ of 
 the Western New York & Pennsylvania Railroad as carpenter. Mr. Hertig 
 was married, in 1884, to Elizabeth, daughter of Absalom Shade, and of 
 Scotch-Irish descent. Their children are Verena May, Ida E. and Alma A. 
 Mr. and Mrs. Hertig are members of the Presbyterian Church ; in politics he 
 is a Republican, and has been for four years one of the ward assessors in 
 Emporium. 
 
 JOHN J. HINKLE, clerk at the Warner House, Emporium, was born in 
 Wrightsville, Warren Co. Penn., September 27, 1859, a son of Philip and 
 Mary Hinkle, natives of Germany. His parents being in limited circumstances, 
 he was obliged to work when but twelve years old to assist in his own mainte- 
 nance. He learned the shoemaker' s trade, and then opened a shop in Warren, 
 Penn. , continuing in business there until 1883, when he sold out and went to 
 Ridgway, where he entered the employ of Dickinson Bros. , as general superin- 
 tendent of their lumber business. In 1885 he built a skating rink at Ridgway, 
 which he subsequently sold to Company H, Sixteenth Regiment, P. N. G. , for 
 their headquarters. March 10, 1888, he removed to Emporium, and has since 
 been employed as clerk at the Warner House. Mr. Hinkle was married 
 February 8, 1888, to Miss Lizzie Warner, daughter of Riley and Rachel War- 
 ner, of Emporium. 
 
 I. A. HIRSCH, jeweler, Emporium, was born in Germany, October 6, 
 1822, and is the son of A. and Fannie (Teller) Hirsch, both of whom were 
 born and died in Germany. The subject of this sketch is the fourth in a fam- 
 ily of nine children, and passed his early life in his native land, where he 
 attended the common schools, and learned the trade of a jeweler. Upon 
 attaining his majority he was drafted into the regular army, and served until 
 the expiration of his time, when he went to work at his trade. Mr. Hirsch 
 came to America in 1854, and located first in New York City, but subsequently 
 moved to Salem, N. Y., and from there, in 1869, to Roseville, Penn. , where he 
 stayed until his removal to Emporium in 1873. In the latter place he established 
 his present business, which is one comprising first-class workmanship and an 
 excellent stock. Mr. Hirsch was married in Germany, March 22, 1853, to Miss 
 Johana Hirsch, and they have had five children: Alfred, a carpenter ; Hettie, wife 
 of Harry S. Ness; Herman, a jeweler, with his father; Emma and Theodore. 
 Mr. Hirsch is a Democrat, and is a director of the poor board. He is a mem- 
 ber of the F. & A. M., and Chapter, of the Equitable Aid Union and of 
 the German Harugari Society. 
 
 JAMES HOBSON, farmer, P. O. Buckwalter, was born in Yorkshire, 
 England, November 11, 1848, a son of Jonas and Rebecca Hobson. He was 
 educated in his native country, and there learned the mason's trade, at which 
 he worked till September, 1869, and the same year came to the United States, 
 locating in Cameron county, Penn., October 9. Here he remained nearly five 
 years, and then returned to England, and August 3, 1874, was there married 
 to Miss Mary Victoria Cousens, of Yorkshire, near Huddersfield, a daughter of 
 John and Hannah Cousens. He returned with his wife to Cameron county, 
 
BIOGKAPHICAL SKETCHES. 937 
 
 and in May, 1875, bought 118 acres of land in Shippen township, which he 
 has improved and made a pleasant home, and he is one of the prosperous 
 farmers of the township. There were three children born to Mr. and Mrs. 
 Hobson, viz. : William Howard, Jonas Arthur and Florence May, all deceased, 
 Mr. Hobson has held the office of supervisor of Shippen township, two terms. 
 He and his wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and in 
 polities he is a Republican. 
 
 I. K. HOCKLEY is a member of the firm of Hockley, Bonham & Day, 
 merchants, Emporium, and is manager of the store and coal yard controlled 
 by the firm. He was born in Reading, Penn., December 27, 1852, and is the 
 son of C. L. and Elizabeth (Keyser) Hockley, natives of Montgomery county, 
 same State, and of Grerman origin. The senior Mr. Hockley was a farmer, 
 and now resides in Northumberland county, Penn. The subject of this sketch 
 is the fourth in a family of nine children, eight of whom are still living, and 
 was reared upon a farm in Limestone township, Montour Co., Penn., where 
 he attended the common, and in later years the normal, schools of Lycoming 
 county, Penn. Mr. Hockley was a teacher for nineteen years, and, coming to 
 Emporium in 1875, he taught the high school, continuing here for twelve 
 years, and it was largely through his exertions that Emporium has to-day 
 educational institutions so superior. He was a successful instructor, and since 
 he ceased teaching has been equally fortunate in business. Mr. Hockley was 
 married in Emporium in 1877, to Deborah S., a native of Howard, Centre 
 Co., Penn., and daughter of Rodney and Ellen (Patterson) Logan, of English 
 and Irish descent, and they have two children: Ada E. and Charles A. Mr. 
 Hockley is a member of the German Reformed Church, while his wife is a 
 Presbyterian. A Democrat in politics, Mr. Hockley served one term as deputy 
 sheriff of Cameron county, two terms as borough auditor and two terms as 
 county auditor. He is a member of the I. O. O. F., the Select Knights 
 (A. O. U. W.) and the German Harugari Society, and is the treasurer of the 
 Emporium Board of Trade. 
 
 M. T. HOGAN, grocer. Emporium, has been a resident of the place since 
 1862, when he came here and worked at the lumber business for Dodge & Co., 
 being employed at the same time as superintendent of their farm and other 
 lands, comprising several thousand acres. In 1872 Mr. Hogan entered the 
 mercantile occupation in company with Mr. Tulis; but their store being de- 
 stroyed by fire in 1875, he began dealing in groceries, and was again burned 
 out in 1884. He pluckily resumed business, however, and has since met with 
 success. Mr. Hogan was born in Susquehanna county, Penn., September 24, 
 1842, and is the son of Martin and Mary (Holtz) Hogan. The father, who 
 was a blacksmith in early life and later a farmer, died at Silver Lake, Penn. ; 
 the mother died in Ireland. The subject of these lines is the sixth in a family 
 of ten children, all of whom attained their majority, though but six are now 
 living. Mr. Hogan received a good education, and although learning no trade, 
 was foreman for a time in a saw-mill. He was married in Cameron county^ 
 Penn., to Mary, daughter of Cornelius and Jane Powell, of Emporium; she 
 was born in New York, and is of Irish descent. Mr. and Mrs. Hogan have 
 three children: Celia, Nellie and Julia. The members of the f amity are Cath- 
 olic. In politics Mr. Hogan is a Democrat, and has held most of the offices 
 in the borough, serving as burgess and school director, and is at present a 
 member of the town council. . 
 
 C. B. HOWARD, post-office Emporium, manufacturer of lumber and lum- 
 berman at Williamsport, Penn., was born in Yorkshire, England, September 1,. 
 1819, a son of John and Hannah Howard. When he was twelve years old he 
 
938 HISTOBY OF CAMERON COUNTY. 
 
 was hired to herd sheep, and followed this occupation until he was twenty-one 
 years old, when he went into a woolen factory and learned the trade of a cloth 
 maker, continuing in that business until 1852, when he came to the United 
 States, and located at Williamsport, Penn., where he bought and ran a saw- 
 mill. In 1865, with his brother, he came to Cameron county (having in 1864 
 bought 2,000 acres of land in Shippen township), where they bought ia 1882 
 7,000 acres more in same township, and built a large mill at Emporium in 1883. 
 In 1887 the brothers divided their business, C. B. Howard remaining at Em- 
 porium, and his brother taking the mill at Williamsport. Mr. Howard then 
 admitted his sons as partners in the business, the firm name being C . B. How- 
 ard & Sons. They do an immense business, manufacturing 100,000 feet of 
 lumber, 20,000 lath and 10,000 pickets per day. Mr. Howard was married in 
 June, 1850, to Miss Lydia Taylor, who died in 1852, and in 1855 he married 
 Miss Lesita Morris, of Lycoming county, Penn. He has three sons — George, 
 by his first wife, and William and Josiah, by his second wife, all living at Em- 
 porium. 
 
 J. G. JOHNSON, attorney at law, Emporium, and one of the leading mem- 
 bers of the bar of his district, was born at Lisle, Broome Co. , N. T. , Septem- 
 ber 20, 1838. He entered the College of Literature, Science and Art of the 
 University of Michigan, in 1857, and graduated therefrom in 1861. On Sep- 
 tember 29, 1862, he was commissioned captain of Company K, 149th p. V. I., 
 serving with this company as a part of the first corps of the army of the Po- 
 tomac ; was captured at Gettysburg, and held as a prisoner by the Confederacy 
 until March, 1865. On returning to the North he resumed his studies, and 
 graduated from the law school of his alma mater in 1868. In July of that 
 year he was admitted to the bar, and, locating at Emporium, soon won that 
 place in public estimation to which his legal training and military experiences 
 entitled him. 
 
 F. H. KAUPP was born in Pittsburgh, Penn., December 1, 1868, a son of 
 John and Elizabeth Kaupp, natives of Germany, who came to the United 
 States in their young days, and settled in Pittsburgh, about 1864. The subject 
 of this sketch was given good educational advantages, and when fourteen years 
 of age he entered the ofiice of the Arthurs Coal & Lumber Co. Three years 
 later he was sent to their mill at Swissmont, Penn., as assistant to their super- 
 intendent, Mr. Alfred Truman, and is still employed by them at their present 
 establishment in Cameron county. Mr. Kaupp is also book-keeper for Mr. 
 Truman in his several enterprises, is gifted with capital business ability, and is 
 regarded as one of the promising young men of Cameron county. Mr. Kaupp 
 was married June 4, 1889, to Miss Ella, Mr. Truman's eldest daughter, and 
 resides at Truman, while his parents still remain in Pittsburgh. The religion 
 of the family is Presbyterian. 
 
 JOHN W. KEINER, sheriff of Cameron county, Emporium, was born 
 in Lancaster county, Penn., March 11, 1845, and is the son of John and Hettie 
 (Wilder) Kriner, who are natives of Pennsylvania. Mr. Kriner is the seventh 
 in a f amilj"" of eleven children, and attended school in early life in his native 
 county, also there learning the carpenter' s trade, which has formed his chief oc- 
 cupation. He came to Emporium in 1863, and in 1868 he here married Hattie, 
 a native of Lewisburg, Penn. , and daughter of Stephen and Eliza Search, of 
 German origin. Mr. Kriner is a Republican, and was elected sheriff in 1887, 
 an ofiice he still holds; he was once a member of the town council. He is a 
 Knighl Templar. 
 
 M. M. LARRABEE, merchant, Emporium, was born at Almond, Allegany 
 Co., N. Y., December 7, 1842, and is a son of Willett and Rosanna (Smith) 
 
BIOGEAPHICAL SKETCHES. 939 
 
 Xiarrabee, natives of Massachusetts and of English descent. The father was 
 an attorney, and died in New York State in 1864. The subject of this sketch 
 was the youngest in a family of nine children, 'and received his early school 
 training in his native State, where he was also employed as a clerk, until 1862, 
 when he enlisted in the One Hundred and Ninth New York Volunteer 
 Infantry, and was made second sergeant of Company F. Mr. Larrabee took 
 part in the battle of Spottsylvania, and at the Wilderness was so severely 
 wounded that he was discharged. He returned home, and in 1867 came to Em- 
 porium, where he embarked in mercantile trade, in which he is still actively 
 ■engaged. Mr. Larrabee was married in Pennsylvania in 1871, to Georgiana, 
 daughter of B. S. and Mary Ann (Myrch) Mayo; she is a Methodist Episco- 
 palian, and of English descent. Their children are Marion, Don M. and 
 Clifton Sage. Mr. Larrabee is a Republican, and has been a justice of the 
 peace and a member of the borough council. He is adjutant of D. W. Taggart 
 Post, No. 241, G. A. R., and is a Royal Arch Mason. 
 
 F. D. LEET, attorney at law, Emporium, was born in Tompkins county, 
 N. Y. , July 19, 1842, and is the son of Samuel and Sarah (Douglass) Leet, 
 former a native of Connecticut, latter of New York, and both of Scotch 
 origin. The senior Mr. Leet was a farmer, and died in Pennsylvania 
 in 1876. The subject of this sketch, the youngest of four children, attended 
 school in New York State until he was thirteen years old, when he removed 
 with his parents to Pennsylvania, aud, after taking a thorough academic 
 ■course, he entered the State normal school at Edinboro, pursuing a strictly 
 classical course. Mr. Leet studied law at Albany, N .Y., graduating in 1866, 
 since which time he has practiced in Emporium, Penn. He made his own 
 way through school and through the world, and has taught in all grades of 
 instruction, from the common to the normal school. In 1886 he opened a 
 general store, which he still controls, and which, connected with other 
 interests, has grown into a large and extensive business. Mr. Leet is one of 
 Emporium's most useful, substantial men, whose liberality would cause him 
 to be greatly missed if lost to Emporium, as he is one of the mo it liberal in 
 every public enterprise as well as generous and benevolent. A Republican in 
 politics, Mr. Leet held for nine years the office of district attorney for 
 Cameron county. He was married in 1866, in Potter county, to Alice L., 
 •daughter of Amos Raymond, who, with his wife, Rhoda (Daniels), was a native 
 of Connecticut, and they were both of English descent. Mr. F. D. Leet has 
 been an elder in the Presbyterian Church, of which he and his wife have been 
 members for over twenty years, and for ten years Mr. Leet has been superin- 
 tendent of the Sunday-school. Mr. and Mrs. Leet have had four children, the 
 eldest one, Amos Raymond, dying in 1880; the living are Grace E., Iva 
 Eell and Eva Dell, the last two named being twins. 
 
 I. H. LEGGETT, farmer, P. O. Emporium, was born at Portage, N. Y., 
 June 18, 1836, a son of Eli and Catherine Leggett, natives of New Bruns- 
 wick, Canada. In 1837 his parents moved to Elk county, Penn., and settled 
 at Caledonia. They had a family of eight children: Leroy L , in Dallas, Tex. ; 
 I. H., our subject; Minerva, wife of Samuel Logue, in Wisconsin; Emery, 
 in Wisconsin; Elvira (deceased wife of Thomas Logue); Charles L., m Wis- 
 consin; Reuben (deceased), and Charlotte, also in Wisconsin. I. H. Leggett 
 worked for his father until twenty-one years old, and then worked m the lum- 
 ber camps until 1870, when he bought a farm on West creek, Shippen town- 
 ship, Cameron county, where he has since lived. Mr. Leggett was married at 
 Smethport in May, 1870, to Miss C. R. Hackett, daughter of M. K. and Sarah 
 Hackett, of Smethport, Penn., and they have three children: Pearl, Coral and 
 Harry. Mr. Leggett is a Methodist in religion, and in politics a Republican. 
 
940 HISTORY OF CAMERON COUNTY. 
 
 WILLIAM F. LLOYD, a member of the firm of Balcom & Lloyd, dealers 
 in general merchandise at Emporium, was born in Columbia, Lancaster Co., 
 Penn. , February 9, 1834, and is the son of Wesley and Eve Anna (Wier) Lloyd, 
 who were natives of Pennsylvania and of Irish descent. The father was a hatter 
 by trade, and lived until 1840. William F. is the eldest of three children, and 
 attended school in his native county, since which period he has been employed 
 as a clerk and book-keeper for a great portion of the time, being for eight years 
 in the post-office at Columbia, and for ten years in a bank. Coming to Empo- 
 rium in 1874, he entered the employ of H. C. Olmsted, and in 1882 he formed 
 the partnership given above. Mr. Lloyd was married in 1854 to Susan, daugh- 
 ter of Morris and Delilah Clark, natives of Lancaster county. She died in 
 1877, leaving five children, namely: T. B., prothonotary of Cameron county; 
 Alice, wife of Dr. Free; H. S., a merchant; W. P., a telegraph operator at 
 Buffalo, and Mabel. Mr. Lloyd is a member, trustee and steward of the 
 Methodist Episcopal Church, and superintends the Sunday-school. He is a 
 past grand of the I. O. O. F., and is a Knight Templar. 
 
 T. B. LLOYD, prothonotary of Cameron county. Emporium, was born in 
 Columbia, Penn., May 29, 1858, and is the son of W. F. and Susan (Clark) 
 Lloyd, both of whom were natives of Pennsylvania, the father being at present 
 a prominent merchant at Emporium. T. B. Lloyd is the eldest son, and 
 received his education in York and Lancaster counties, and in Emporium. 
 Mr. Lloyd began to learn the jeweler's trade, but left it to accept the position 
 of deputy-prothonotary of the county, in 1879. He was elected prothonotary 
 in 1882, and has held that position ever since in connection with the offices of 
 register and recorder. Mr. Lloyd was married in Wrightsville, York Co., 
 Penn., December 28, 1882, to Miss Mary E., daughter of L. E. Budding, and 
 three children are the fruit of the marriage: Fred B., Grace S. and Myrtle C. 
 Mr. and Mrs. Lloyd are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, of which 
 he is trustee and steward. Mr. Lloyd is also a member and past officer of 
 the I. O. O. F. and the A. O. TJ. W. , and has served five years as secretary 
 of the council of Emporium, he is also corresponding secretary of the board 
 of trade, and treasurer of the local board of the National Savings and Loan 
 Association of Rochester, N. Y. In politics he is a Republican. 
 
 JOHN D. LOGAN, agent for the Adams Express Company at Emporium, 
 was born in Centre county, Penn., in December, 1853, and is the son of Roby 
 and Ellen (Patton) Logan, the former a native of Ireland and the latter in 
 Huntingdon county, Penn. The father served in the Union army as a 
 teamster. The subject of this sketch, who is the seventh in a family of twelve 
 children, lived upon a farm in his native county until he was ten years of age, 
 when he removed to his sister's in Clinton county same State, and there 
 attended the common schools. Early in life he learned telegraphy, which he 
 followed as an occupation for five years. In 1875 he commenced his present 
 business at Emporium, and for eleven years has, in connection with his other 
 work, been a Western Union Telegraph operator. Mr. Logan married, in 
 1876, Jennie L., daughter of the late John M. and Marion B. Judd, of Em- 
 porium, natives of New York State, and of English and Irish descent, respect- 
 ively. The children born to Mr., and Mrs. Logan are Charles T. and Mary E. 
 Mr. Logan is a Democrat and a Royal Arch Mason, and he and wife are mem- 
 bers of the Protestant Episcopal Church. 
 
 R. J. LONG, manager of Alfred Truman's general store at Truman, is 
 a native of Pennsylvania, and was born in Brookville, October 14, 1868, a son 
 of J. C. and Mary Long. He was reared in his native village, and was given 
 good educational advantages, preparing him for the business of life. After 
 
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 941 
 
 leaving school he was givea a situation in the general store of Alfred Truman, 
 at Truman, and is now employed in the capacity of manager. Mr. Long is 
 an energetic young man, and has by his attention to trusts imposed upon him 
 gained the confidence of his employer. He is one of the rising young men 
 of Truman, of which place he has been a resident about three years. His 
 parents still reside at Brookville. 
 
 HENRY G. L-YON, farmer, P. O. Emporium, is a son of Alanson and 
 Elizabeth Lyon, and was born in New Jersey, January 9, 1845. He re- 
 mained at home until eighteen years of age, working on the farm for his father, 
 and in 1863 he came to Pennsylvania, where he worked in the lumber woods of 
 Cameron and Elk counties until 1870, when he bought 127 acres of land, which 
 was the homestead of the Spangler family, and he now has one of the best 
 farms in Shippen tovraship. Mr. Lyon married, in 1870, Miss Mary E. Spang- 
 ler, daughter of Christian and Eachel Spangler, and they have a family of four 
 children: Fannie J., Arthur W., George E. and Floyd E. Mr. Lyon is a 
 member of Emporium Lodge, No. 163, A. O. U. W. 
 
 DUNCAN SAMUEL McDONALD, proprietor of bottling works, Empo- 
 rium, a son of Samuel and Annie K. McDonald, natives of Scotland, was born 
 in Canada, February 2, 1828. He was educated at the district schools of his 
 native place, and worked in the lumber woods till 1855, when he came to Clin- 
 ton county, Penn. In 1862 he moved to Cameron county and commenced 
 lumbering, following same till 1868, in which year he took up his residence in 
 Emporium and opened a hotel. In 1880 he commenced his present beer bot- 
 tling business, and has met with well-merited success. September 2, 1862, 
 Mr. McDonald married Miss Caroline Heck, of Lock Haven, Penn., and by 
 her has a family of eight children; Samuel, proprietor of the Central Hotel, 
 Emporium; Annie, married to William McDonald, of Emporium; Mary, mar- 
 ried to Moses Minard, also of Emporium; John, at home (he had both legs 
 cut off by the cars in 1876), and Dora, Lena, Charles and Lizzie, all at home. 
 Mr. and Mrs. McDonald are members of the Roman Catholic Church; her 
 parents belonging to the Lutheran Church. Our subject was elected burgess 
 of Emporium in 1872. 
 
 A. A. McDonald, proprietor of wholesale liquor store. Emporium, was 
 born in Canada, June 10, 1851, a son of Angus and Mary McDonald, also na- 
 tives of Canada, of Scotch descent. He remained in his native province until 
 sixteen years of age, when he came to the United States, and worked in the 
 lumber woods of Michigan and other of the Western States. In 1871 he came 
 to Cameron county, Penn., where he worked for a lumber firm two years; then 
 hired to a Mr. Cummings to tend bar. After one year he came to Emporium, 
 where he was employed to tend bar for D. S. McDonald. In 1874 he opened 
 a saloon for himself in Emporium, which he conducted until 1886, when he 
 closed it up and opened a wholesale liquor store. March 5, 1875, Mr. McDon- 
 ald married Miss Nellie McCray, daughter of Daniel and Sarah McCray, and 
 they have three children: Maggie, Sarah and Christina. Mr. McDonald has 
 served as a member of the borough council of Emporium. 
 
 R. R. McQUAY. This gentleman, who is the owner of a general store at 
 Emporium, is a native of Northumberland county, Penn., the date of his birth 
 being November 4, 1852. His parents, William and Caroline (Smith) McQuay, 
 were born in this State, of English and Scotch descent, and had eleven 
 children, of whom the subject of this sketch is the tenth. Mr. McQuay, Sr., 
 was killed fighting for his country in the war for the Union. His son, of 
 whom we are writing, was educated in his native county, also at thp State 
 normal school at Shippensburg, and after graduation he taught for some 
 
942 HISTORY OF CAMERON COUNTY. 
 
 time. In 1879 he came to Emporium, where he was employed as a teacher in 
 the common schools for seven terms. At Turbotville, Northumberland county, 
 in 1880, he married Lydia E., a native of that place and daughter of Michael 
 C. and Louisa Welsh, of Holland-Dutch descent. Mr. and Mrs. McQuay have 
 three children: Lora Ellen, Carrie Louise and Eussell M. Mr. McQuay is an 
 elder in the Presbyterian Church, and secretary and treasurer of the Sunday- 
 school. He is a member of the I. O. O. F., the A. O. U. W., being secretary 
 of the Select Knights. His politics are Eepublican. 
 
 GEORGE MBTZGER, Jr., proprietor of jewelry store, Emporium, one 
 of the largest of the kind in Cameron county, was born in Emporium, Cameron 
 county, Penn., January 30, 1865, and is the son of George and Lora (Clark) 
 Metzger, natives of New York and Pennsylvania, and of German and English 
 descent, respectively, former of whom is a jeweler in Wilson, N. Y. The 
 subject of this sketch is the third in a family of four children, and was reared 
 in Emporium, where he attended the high school, afterward taking a course 
 at the commercial college in Williamsport, Penn. , and graduating in 1883. 
 He learned the trade of a jeweler in Emporium, and succeeded his father in the 
 store there in 1885. This business was established in pioneer days by the 
 senior Mr. Metzger, and is the oldest house in that line in Emporium. Our 
 subject is a Eepublican, a member of the I. O. O. F., and for ten years was 
 librarian of the Methodist Episcopal Sunday-school. 
 
 L. T. MOEE, farmer, P. O. Buckwalter, was born in Ticonderoga, N. Y., 
 January 7, 1811, a son of John and Wilhelmina More, former a native of 
 Scotland, and latter of the State of New York. Mr. More remained in his 
 native cox;nty, living on the farm with his parents until their death. In 1850 
 he moved to Cameron county, Penn., and bought 7,000 acres of land in 
 Shippen township, erected a saw-mill and began the manufacture of lumber. 
 The floods of 1861 .swept away about $100,000 worth of his property in logs and 
 lumber, but he has since been successful, and is now one of the most prosperous 
 citizens of his township. Mr. More was married June 15, 1838, to Miss 
 Sophronia Fuller, of Vermont, who died in 1852. They had a family of five 
 children, but two of whom are living: Helen, wife of J. E. Bond, of Port 
 Deposit, Md. ; and William, of Buckwalter, Penn. ; Wilbur, Prank and George 
 are deceased. Frank was a soldier in the war of the Eebellion, and was killed 
 at the battle of the Wilderness, May 6, 1864." September 5, 1854, Mr. L. T. 
 More married Miss Charlotte Fuller, of Vermont, and to them were born two 
 children: Mary, wife of Ed. Cummings, and Charles, the latter now deceased. 
 Mrs. More dying in April, 1859, Mr. More married. May 14, 1862, Harriet 
 Kline, daughter of John and Harriet Kline, of Lancaster, Penn., and they 
 have had five children, three of whom are living: Thompson F. (of Johnson- 
 burg, Penn.), Eichard C. and Maud; their eldest and youngest born, Harriet 
 and Addie, are deceased. Mr. More has served five years as associate judge of 
 Cameron county, and is a well-known and highly-respected citizen. 
 
 JOHN K. K. MOEEISON, farmer, P. O. Emporium, is a native of Ithaca, 
 N. Y. , born October 6, 1822, a son of Jeremiah and Elizabeth Morrison, 
 natives of New York State. He accompanied his parents to Cameron county 
 in 1844, and worked with his father on the farm until his marriage, 
 when he bought 100 acres of land on West creek, which he improved and still 
 makes his home. He is one of the enterprising farmers of Shippen township, 
 and his land is under a high state of cultivation, his building improvements 
 being models of convenience and comfort. Mr. Morrison was married May 
 27, 1855, in McKean county, Penn., to Miss Celestia Bliss, who was born in 
 Centreville, Elk Co., Penn., a daughter of Thomas and Sally Bliss, natives 
 
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 943 
 
 of New York State. Mr. and Mrs. Morrison have had a family of four children- 
 Celestia E., wife of R. B. Avery, of Sheffield, Warren county; Mary B 
 (deceased); John K., and Bessie K. Mr. Morrison is a Methodist in religion^ 
 and in politics is a Republican. 
 
 B. S. MORRISON, farmer, P. O. Emporium, was born in Ithaca, N. Y. , 
 November 22, 1826, a son of Jeremiah and Elizabeth Morrison, natives of 
 Pennsylvania. He attended the schools of Allegany county, N. Y., and in 
 1844 accompanied his parents to Cameron county, Penn., who located on 
 West creek, where they bought 120 acres of land, which he assisted in clear- 
 ing and improving, and it is now his pleasant home. Mr. Morrison was mar- 
 ried May 30, 1858, in Norwich, McKean Co. , Penn. , to Miss Alvira A. East- 
 erbrook, a native of Steuben county, N. Y. , and daughter of George and Mar- 
 rilla Easterbrook, also natives of New York State, who moved to McKean county, 
 Penn., in 1854. Mr. and Mrs. Morrison have had a family of six children': 
 Hattie, wife of E. H. Gregory, of Buckwalter, Penn.; Tillie A., deceased; 
 Alice, wife of N. A. Ostrum; and Walter G., Maud and Mabel, at home. Mr.' 
 Morrison is the sixth in a family of nine children, the names of the others 
 being as follows: Martha A., wife of James Towner, of Emporium; Lydia 
 B. and Hannah, deceased; John K. ; Elizabeth P., wife of James Piersall; 
 Rachel C, wife of Henry Gifford; David J., of Michigan, and R. H., of 
 Beechwood, Penn. Mr. Morrison, with his family, is a member of the Meth- 
 odist Church, and in politics he is a Republican. 
 
 R. H. MORRISON, farmer and lumberman, P. O. Beechwood, was born in 
 Allegany county, N. Y., October 13, 1833, a son of Jeremiah and Elizabeth 
 Morrison. He was eleven years old when his parents moved to Cameron 
 county, Penn., and here he was reared, living with his father until twenty - 
 five years of age. He then worked for his brothers in the saw-mill for 
 a time, and in 1860 engaged in the lumber business on his own account, 
 which he has since continued; he has also given his attention to the work 
 of his farm in Shippen township. Mr. Morrison was married February 6, 
 1859, to Miss Alzina Bliss, daughter of Thomas and Sally Bliss, of Allegany 
 county, N. Y., and they have had a family of six children: R. M., residing 
 at Beechwood; K. R. M. , at Tyler, Clearfield county, Penn.; Emma, wife of 
 J. Rhodes, also of Tyler; Myrtle and Bertie, both at home; and Jennie, 
 deceased. Mr. and Mrs. Morrison are members of the Methodist Episcopal 
 Church. Mr. Morrison has held various township offices, and is a prominent 
 man in the township. 
 
 WILLIAM MORRISON, boot and shoe manufacturer, Emporium, was 
 born in Ireland June 4, 1839, and is a son of Thomas Morrison, who was 
 a branch pilot and a fisherman on the coast of Ireland until his death, which 
 occurred in the year of his son William's birth. The subject of this sketch 
 attended the graded schools in his native land until he was ten years of age, 
 when he went to sea, finally crossing the ocean at the age of sixteen and 
 settling at Bristol, Penn., where he learned the trade of a shoemaker. In 
 1861 he enlisted at Lock Haven, same State, in Company C, One Hundred 
 and Thirty -seventh Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry, and served as a non- 
 commissioned officer until the expiration of his three years' term of service, 
 when he returned to Lock Haven, and from there went to Bradford county. 
 Mr. Morrison came to Emporium in 1867, and soon after began the manu- 
 facture of boots and shoes, in which he has since been actively engaged. 
 He was married to Miss Eleshia, daughter of James Purcell, and of Irish 
 descent. They have two children: James T. , who is in business with his 
 father, and Ella, wife of H. J. Swain. The family are Episcopalians, and 
 
944 HISTOEY OF CAMERON COUNTY. 
 
 Mr. Morrison is in politics a Eepublican, having at one time been a member of 
 the town council. He belongs to the G. A. E., the I. 0. O. F., and is a 
 Royal Arch Mason. 
 
 HENRY H. MULLIN, son of Rev. James and Caroline (Osborne) Mullin, 
 was born at Carlisle, Penn., January 24, 1851. The grandparents of Henry 
 H. , Joseph and Ann Mullin, were the first of the family to leave Ireland for 
 the United States, and, arriving here, settled at Mt. Holly Springs, Penn., 
 where Rev. James Mullin was born, August 10, 1826; he moved to Carlisle when 
 a young man, and subsequently to Emporium, where he was pastor of the Metho- 
 dist Episcopal Church for two years. Henry H. Mullin came here with his father 
 in 1867, and entered the Press office, with which office he has since been con- 
 nected, being associated with Mr. C. B. Gould in the management. He was 
 married August 1, 1883, to Ella M., daughter of C. B. Gould. In 1884 he 
 was elected clerk of the borough of Emporium, and re-elected in 1885; 1886, 
 1887, 1888, 1889, and in January, 1885, was also chosen clerk to the county 
 commissioners, and now holds the position. He is a charter member of the Odd 
 Fellows lodge, and has served as permanent secretary from that period of 
 organization down to the present time, except the year he presided over the 
 lodge. In 1888 he was chosen member of the Republican State Committee, 
 in recognition of his earnest, well-directed work in the interest of his party. 
 Into his local official life politics do not enter, and this, in conjunction with 
 the excellent manner in which his office is administered, insures him the con- 
 fidence and good will of citizens of every shade. In all matters relatingto the 
 advancement of Emporium, his voice and pen have been always in service, 
 and his zealous efforts have had no small share in drawing to this location the 
 important industries of the town. 
 
 PRANK MDNDT, harness maker, Emporitim, was born in Schuylkill county, 
 Penn., July 14, 1852, and is a son of Frank and Anna (Calhoun) Mundy, who 
 were natives of this State, and of Scotch-Irish origin. The father, who was a 
 miner, died in 1862, while in the field with the Union army. The subject of 
 this sketch was reared upon the farm in his native county, attending school 
 until 1869, and in the following year he began learning the trade, which has 
 formed his occupation ever since. Mr. Mundy was married in New York, in 
 1875, to Miss Kate Burns, who is of Scotch lineage, and a member of the 
 Methodist Episcopal Church. They have had three children, but only one, 
 William, now survives. Mr. Mundy is a Republican in politics, and a 
 member of the borough council of Emporium. He belongs to the I. O. O. F. , 
 and is a master Mason. 
 
 H. C. OLMSTED, a well-known leading Emporium merchant, is a brother of 
 Judge A. G. Olmsted of Potter county, Penn., where he was born October 26, 
 1846. He is a son of Daniel and Lucy (Scofield) Olmsted, natives of the 
 State of New York, and of English descent. Mr. Olmsted, Sr., was a 
 farmer, and his son, who is the subject of this sketch, is the youngest of his six 
 children. He attended school, living upon the farm until he attained his ma- 
 jority, and continued to make Potter county his home until he was twenty-eight 
 years old, when he came to Emporium, and for one year kept a meat market, 
 afterward adding to it a store, and here for several years he has been engaged 
 solely in mercantile pursuits. He was married, in 1873, to Miss Martha, 
 daughter of Leavitt Cushing, of English descent, and they have seven children: 
 Florence, Lucy, Clara, Herbert, Bert, Myrtle and Vera. Miss Lucy was a 
 member of the iirst graduating class of Emporium high school, in 1889. Mr. 
 and Mrs. Olmsted are members of the Baptist Church, he being a deacon in 
 same, and superintendent of the Sunday-school. Mr. Olmsted usually votes the 
 
BIOGKAPHICAL SKETCHES. 945 
 
 Eepublican ticket, and has served four terms on the school board, of which he 
 is now president. He is a member of the I. O. O. F., the A. O. U. W. (Se- 
 lect Knights), and is a past officer in the two organizations. He has been bur- 
 gess of the borough of Emporium, and owns an interest in four stores in Pot- 
 ter county. 
 
 J. F. PAESONS, a successful business man of Emporium, was born in 
 Muncy, Penn., March 3, 1841, his parents being Joseph and Ann E. (Fribley) 
 Parsons, natives of Pennsylvania and of Irish, German and English descent. 
 In early life his father was a contractor, but later became an attorney, and now 
 resides in Lock Haven. J. F. Parsons, the subject of this sketch, is next to the 
 eldest of seven children, and after receiving an academic course of instruction, 
 he attended an institute at Fort Edward, N. Y. Early in life he entered mer- 
 cantile trade as a clerk, and was employed as a salesman for ten years, when 
 he started a store for himself. In 1867 he came to Emporium, where he has 
 since carried on a general store, and has dealt extensively in real estate. Mr. 
 Parsons is president of the Water Company, and superintendent of the water- 
 works. He has made his own way in the world. His wife, whose maiden 
 name was Ella A. Freeman, is the daughter of Seneca and Lydia C. Free- 
 man, and is a native of Pennsylvania, of English descent. Mr. Parsons is, 
 politically, a Democrat. He has acted as burgess of Emporium, as assessor 
 and as a member of the school board. 
 
 JAMES PEAESALL, farmer, P. O. Buckwalter, was born in Livingston 
 county, N. Y., January 27, 1822, a son of John and Nancy Pearsall, natives 
 of Connecticut. He lived in his native county until 1844, when he moved 
 to Cameron county, Penn., and bought an interest in a saw-mill on West 
 creek, which he operated, and also engaged in farming until March, 1866, 
 when he sold his property and went to Michigan, where he bought a farm 
 and lived until 1877. He then returned to Cameron county and bought 
 the farm where he now lives in Shippen township. Mr. Pearsall was married 
 January 23, 1848, to Miss Elizabeth P. Morrison, daughter of Jeremiah and 
 Elizabeth Morrison, and they have had a family of five children: Maria, wife 
 of Edwin Close, of Truman, Penn. ; Evangeline, wife of O. D. Bishop, of 
 Michigan; George and William, in Michigan, and Charles, at home. Mr. and 
 Mrs. Pearsall are active members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. 
 
 H. L. PEAESALL, superintendent of the Cameron county public schools, 
 Emporium, was born in Sharon township. Potter Co., Penn., in October, 
 1854, and is a son of Solomon and Eaehel (Warner) Pearsall, who were of 
 English descent, and natives, respectively, of New York and Vermont. The 
 father was a pioneer settler of Potter county, where he died in 1874. H. L. 
 Pearsall received his education at the common schools, Erie Academy, and at 
 the State (Pennsylvania) Normal School, where he graduated in 1876. He has 
 devoted his time ever since to teaching, having been employed for three years 
 at Sizerville, Cameron county, and since 1883 has held his present position. 
 He was married, August 13, 1884, to Irene, daughter of J. M. and Elizabeth 
 (Collins) Herrick, and of English and Irish descent. Mr. and Mrs. Pearsall 
 attend the Methodist Episcopal Church, of which he is a trustee and Sunday- 
 school superintendent. They have two children: Beva C. and Arthur H. Mr. 
 Pearsall is a member of the F. & A. M. 
 
 GEOEGE EEA.D, proprietor of meat market, Buckwalter, was born in 
 London, England, December 4, 1852, a son of Daniel and Eliza Eead, who 
 were also natives of England. He remained with his parents until he was 
 sixteen years of age, attending school and assisting his father, and then began 
 to learn the blacksmith's trade, also served an apprenticeship at the butcher's 
 
946 HISTORY OF CAMEEON COUNTY. 
 
 trade, at which he worked until 1882, when he came to the united States and 
 located at Emporium, Penn. He worked for P. D. Leet one year, and then, 
 removed to Buckwalter, where he opened a meat market, and also bought 100 
 acres of wild land. Mr. Eead was married October 5, 1884, to Miss Nellie 
 Enault, a native of Paris, France. They are members of the Episcopal 
 Church of Emporium. 
 
 H. C. ROCKWELL, druggist, Emporium, was born in Pennsylvania, June 
 8, 1837, and is a son of Hiram and Hannah (Watkins) Rockwell, former a 
 native of New Hampshire, and latter of Vermont, both being of English 
 descent. The subject of this writing passed his early days in Cattaraugus 
 county, N. Y., where he attended school and also learned the millwright's 
 trade, an occupation at which he worked in what is now Cameron county as 
 early as 1856. Mr. Rockwell entered into the drug business at Emporium in 
 1886, and has met with success. He was married in this county, December 
 10, 1867, to Margaret, daughter of Benjamin and Mary A. (McCarty) Elliott;, 
 she is of Scotch-Irish and English descent, and a member of- the Episcopal 
 Church. Mr. and Mrs. Rockwell have one child, Editha A. , who is now Mrs. 
 Samuel T. Howard, of Williamsport, Penn. During the war for the Union 
 Mr. Rockwell was in the South, assisting in the construction of military rail- 
 roads. Politically he is a Republican, and he is a Knight Templar. 
 
 ALLEN RUSSELL, farmer, P. O. Emporium, was born at Wyoming 
 county, Penn., January 15, 1830, a son of Albion and Jane Russell, natives of 
 Connecticut. His father dying in 1834, he was reared by his widowed mother, 
 and remained on the farm with her until 1850, when he left home to seek his 
 fortune alone. In 1864 he moved to Cameron county, where he bought 
 seventy acres of wild land in Shippen township, where he now lives. He 
 has a fine farm, all well improved, and is one of the prosperous men of the 
 township. Mr. Russell was married November 20, 1855, to Miss Frances 
 Jenkins, a daughter of Benjamin and Polly Jenkins, and they have two chil- 
 dren: Ada L. and Mary E. (wife of Matthew Leadbetter, of Emporium). 
 
 N. SEGER is a prominent business man of Emporium, having sold wear- 
 ing apparel of all descriptions at the place for years. He was born in Baden, 
 Germany, July 18, 1836, and is a son of Landolin and Sabina Seger, the 
 former a merchant tailor who had five children, of whom Mr. N. Seger is 
 the second. The subject of these lines received a collegiate education, and 
 learned the tailor's trade in Germany. Coming to America in 1862, he 
 landed at New York, where he worked at his trade until 1865, since when 
 he has been a merchant tailor, establishing, in 1882, his present business in 
 Emporium, at which he has made a marked success. Mr. Seger has been 
 compelled to make his own way in the world, and his prosperity is due entirely 
 to his own earnest efforts. He married Elizabeth Cook, in New York, in 1864; 
 her parents were Adam and Susana Cook, natives of Bavaria, Germany. Mr. 
 and Mrs. Seger have eight children: Charles, Josephine (wife of Joseph 
 Woodley) Henry (a salesman), Rosa, Mary, Emma, Frank and Clara. Mr. 
 Seger, with his family, attends the Catholic Church. He is a Republican, a 
 director of the First National Bank of Emporium, also of the schools and 
 water- works, and at one time was in the town council. 
 
 R. SEGER is proprietor of the most extensive merchant tailoring establish- 
 ment in Emporium, where he does work of the highest order, carries an exten- 
 sive line of imported goods, and by all means in his power endeavors to satisfy 
 his customers. He was born in Baden, Germany, February 16, 1846, and is 
 a son of Landolin and Sabina Seger, both of Baden. His father was also a 
 merchant tailor, and both parents passed their lives in Germany. The subject 
 
BIOGKAPHICAL SKETCHES. 947 
 
 of this sketch is the third in a family of five children, and came to New York 
 Gity in his eighteenth year. Not long after he went to Ohambersburg, this 
 State, and after living there for one year, he went to Baltimore, Md. , where 
 he worked at his trade until 1869, when he came to Emporium, and after work- 
 ing for others until 1882, he established his present business. Mr. Seger was 
 married in Elk county, Penn., to Miss Elizabeth Cimet, a native of Elk county, 
 Penn. , daughter of Adam and Elizabeth Cimet, who were both born in Bavaria^, 
 Germany. Mr. and Mrs. Seger have three children: William, Fritz andi 
 Edward. The family are members of the Catholic Church, and Mr. Seger is- 
 past officer of the C. M. B. A. of Emporium. 
 
 S. S. SMITH, physician, Emporium, was born near Kingston, Province of 
 Ontario, Canada, August 12, 1845, and is a son of Hiram and Mary (Leonard)' 
 Smith. He was reared and educated in his native country, and began the 
 study of medicine in the spring of 1866, in the office of Dr. O. K. Knight, of 
 "West Brook, Ontario, entered Eush Medical College, Chicago, 111., same year,, 
 and was graduated in July, 1869. He began the practice of his profession iui 
 Chicago, in 1868, and September 23, 1869, located at Driftwood, Cameron Co.,, 
 Penn. , where he built up a good business. The Doctor has recently located in 
 Emporium. He married, January 10, 1871, Mary, daughter of Asa Brown of 
 Wyoming county, Penn. Dr. Smith is a member of the Pennsylvania State 
 Medical Society, and of the Cameron County and Elk County Medical Socie- 
 ties. He is a member of the P. & A. M. ; was elected coroner of Cameron coun- 
 ty, in 1888. In politics he is a Democrat. 
 
 JAMES A. SPANGLEE, farmer, P. O. Emporium, is a native of Cam- 
 eron county, Penn., born December 30, 1844, the only son of James W. and 
 Susan Spangler, natives of Pennsylvania. His father died when he was very 
 young, and his mother took her son and returned to her father's house, where 
 he was reared, remaining with them until twenty-two years old. March 22, 
 1866, he married at Bronson, Mich., Miss Annie Thayer, of Sherwood, Mich., 
 a native of Williams county, Ohio, and daughter of John and Annie Thayer, 
 natives of Vermont. To this union have been born four children — George W. , 
 Dora B. (wife of Alonzo Cheesbro, of Emporium), Charles M. and Cora E., 
 the last named being ten years of age and weighing 165 pounds. He lived in 
 Michigan until 1868, when he returned to his native county, and for ten years 
 worked for farmers by the day. In 1878 he bought seventy-six acres of 
 land on Lot 4950, Shippen township, where he has erected a pleasant resi- 
 dence, and now has a good home. He is one of the prominent citizens of the 
 township, and has served two terms as supervisor. Mr. Spangler is a member of 
 Emporium Lodge, No. 168, A. O. U. W., and is a Select Knight of the same, 
 order. 
 
 L. TAGGAET, merchant and lumberman, Emporium, was born in Whar- 
 ton, Potter Co., Penn., April 6, 1845; a son of George and Sarah Taggart, both 
 natives of Vermont. He was a mere boy when his father died, and he was 
 obliged to assist in the support of the family, remaining with his mother untU 
 1861, when he enlisted in Company G, Eighty-fourth Pennsylvania Volunteer 
 Infantry, and in 1862 was discharged on account of disability. In August, 
 1864, he again enlisted, this time in Company D, First Pennsylvania Volunteer 
 Cavalry, and served until the close of the war, when he returned home and for 
 two years ran a dray in Emporium, and then was employed by Stoors, Phelps 
 & Co., as clerk in their general store. A year later he bought their drug 
 department, and continued the drug business until 1879, when he went to 
 Eixford, Penn. , and engaged in the production of oil ; at the same time he was: 
 engaged in the manufacture of lumber in Cameron county, in company witk 
 
948 HISTORY OF CAMEEON COUNTY. 
 
 J. R. Buckwalter, but subsequently sold his interest to P. H. Goodyear, of 
 Buffalo, N. Y., and for five years was employed by Mr. Goodyear as superin- 
 tendent. In 1886 he resigned his position with Mr. Goodyear, and again 
 embarked in business for himself, in a general mercantile line, and also in the 
 lumber trade at Keating Summit and at Austin, Potter Co. , Penn. Mr. Tag- 
 gart was married at Jersey Shore, Penn., November 13, 1872, to Miss Helen 
 M. Cole, a native of Jersey Shore and a daughter of William C. and Sarah 
 Cole, who were of Scotch-Irish descent, and both now deceased. To this 
 union have been born the following children: George Cole, born December 16, 
 1874; Birdie Leona, born October 16, 1878, and Flossie Fay, born June 23, 
 1880. In 1880 Mr. Taggart was elected to represent Cameron county in the 
 State legislature, and served two years. He has held various township and 
 borough offices, and for eight years was postmaster of Emporium. He is a 
 member of Emporium Lodge, No. 384, F. & A. M. ; Emporium Chapter, 
 No. 227, R. A. M., and Lieut. D. W. Taggart Post, No. 241, G. A. E. Mr. 
 Taggart' s parents came to Emporium in 1846, being among the first settlers 
 of the borough. The father held the office of justice of the peace several 
 years. They had a family of eleven children, as follows: Elizabeth, wife of 
 Almeron Nelson, of Coudersport, Penn.; Hollis T., of Emporium; Daniel W., 
 who died of disease while serving in the war of the Eebellion ; Samuel D. , who 
 was also a soldier in the Eebellion, and died from the effects of wounds 
 received at the battle of Five Forks; Mary J., wife of I. L. Craven; Elliott, 
 deceased; Henderson, who was drowned in the first fork of the Sinnemahon- 
 ing river; L. , the subject of our notice; Annis, the wife of Beldin Burt; 
 A. E., wife of John Wamsley, of Eidgway, Penn., and Flora, wife of James 
 Eyan, of Leadville, Colo. Mr. Taggart is now engaged in the drug trade 
 at Emporium, Penn., as proprietor of the Old Eeliable Drug Store. 
 
 W. B. THOMPSON, furniture dealer and funeral director, Emporium, was 
 born in Eeading, Penn., October 3, 1854, and is a son of C. C. and Catherine 
 (Bodder) Thompson, natives of Pennsylvania and of Dutch origin. W. B. 
 Thompson, who is the eldest of five children, attended the common schools, 
 and in early life was clerk in a clothing store. He came to Emporium in 
 1876, and worked at farming and lumbering until 1888, when he established 
 his present business, soon proving himself an industrious and energetic man 
 of affairs. Mr. Thompson was married to Sarah, daughter of Edward Cush, 
 and of Irish and English descent. Mr. and Mrs. Thompson are members of 
 the Presbyterian Church. In politics he is a Eepublican, and he is a member 
 of the I. O. O. F. 
 
 ALFRED TEUMAN, P. O. Truman, is a native of Nottingham, England, 
 born December 14, 1843, and is a son of Sylvester and Mary Truman. He 
 -worked in his father's bobbin and carriage factory, where he learned to run a 
 stationary engine until 1861, when he came to the United States, and settled 
 in Brookville, Jefferson Co., Penn., where he was employed to run a sta- 
 tionary engine at that place. In 1868 he bought a tract of wild land, which 
 he improved; but in 1877 he sold his farm and took a contract to manufacture 
 lumber, which he continued until 1883, when he entered the employ of the Ar- 
 thurs Coal & Liimber Co. , at Swissmont, and a year later was appointed super- 
 intendent of their lumber mill, conducting a retail store on his own account at 
 the same time. In 1887 the company's plant was removed to Truman, where 
 he still has charge of the entire business. The mill has a capacity of 60,000 
 feet of lumber and 20,000 lath daily. Mr. Truman was married July 15, 
 1865, to Elizabeth Ford, daughter of George and Sarah Ford, who caine from 
 England to Jefferson county, Penn., in 1842. Mr. and Mrs. Truman have 
 
BIOGEAPHICAL SKETCHES. 949 
 
 five children: Ella„ Lorrena, Frank, Fred and Ealph. Of these, Fred, a boy 
 nine years old, is frequently engaged to run one of his father's switch engines 
 in the mill yard and on the tram-road. He is remarkable for his ability, and 
 is possibly the youngest engineer living. By perseverance and industry Mr. 
 Truman has accumulated a fortune, and has recently bought an interest in a 
 large lumber operation in Alabama, to which State it is his intention to move 
 as soon as the present operations are completed. 
 
 M. C. TULIS, merchant and county commissioner. Emporium, was born 
 in Eome, Oneida Co., N. Y., September 25, 1842, and is a son of John and 
 Mary (Lynch) Tulis, who were natives of the County Mayo, Ireland. M. C. 
 Tulis is the second in a family of four children, and spent his early life in New 
 York State, where he attended the common schools. His first work was as a 
 peddler of Yankee notions. He came to Emporium in 1863, and in 1872 ven- 
 tured his all in mercantile pursuits. He had the great misfortune to be burned 
 out in 1875, lost everything, and was forced to return to his peddler's pack, 
 with which he was so successful that he was again able to open a store in 1882. 
 He was married in New York State, in 1869, to Miss Anna, daughte rof Thomas 
 and Margaret (Feeny) White, and of Irish lineage. Mr. and Mrs. Tulis have 
 two children, John E. and Eobert Emmett. The family are members of the 
 Catholic Church. Mr. Tulis is a Democrat, was elected a county commissioner 
 in 1887, and has filled various offices of trust in the borough of Emporium, in 
 which he resides, and where he enjoys the full confidence and respect of his 
 fellow-citizens. 
 
 JAMES T. WALKEK, harness maker, of the firm of Mauck & Walker, 
 Emporium, is a native of Armstrong county, Penn., and was born Novem- 
 ber 18, 1849, a son of Robert and Elizabeth (Lockhart) Walker, who were of 
 English and Scotch descent, respectively. Eobert Walker, who still resides 
 in Armstrong county, Penn. , is by trade and occupation a carpenter and farmer. 
 James T. , the subject of these lines, who is the eldest in a family of twelve 
 children, received his education in the common schools of his native county, 
 and served an apprenticeship at the miller's trade. In 1883 he came to Em- 
 porium, and for a long time was employed.in the roller flour-mills. In 1889, 
 however, he joined Mr. C. E. Mauck in the harness business, and is co-equal 
 with him in carrying on that business under the firm name of Mauck & 
 Walker. In 1884 Mr. Walker married Ida, a native of Armstrong county, 
 Penn. , and daughter of Frederick and Love Yockey, of German origin. They 
 have two children: Stella and Frederick. Mr. Walker is a Eepublican in 
 politics, a master workman in the A. O. XJ. W., and senior workman of the 
 Select Knights. Mrs. Walker is a member of the Baptist Charch. 
 
 GEOEGE W. WAENER, ex-associate judge of Cameron county, and at 
 present engaged in the lumber business, is a pioneer settler of Emporium, and 
 one who has always taken an active interest in the advancement of the borough 
 and county. He was born in Chenango county, N. Y. , November 13, 1827, 
 and is a son of Eobert and Priscilla (Bixby) Warner, who were of English 
 origin. In his youth the Judge attended the common schools, and lived upon 
 the farm in his native county. He came to Emporium in 1851, and engaged 
 in farming and lumbering, which have constituted the main business of his 
 life. Judge Warner was married in Emporium, November 10, 1861, to Julia 
 daughter of John and Anise (Taggart) Earl, who were of English descent, and 
 natives, respectively, of New York and Vermont. Judge and Mrs. Warner 
 have one child, Eobert B., who is a farmer and lumberman, residing in Em- 
 porium. Judge Warner has held many positions of trust, such as member of 
 the school board and of the borough council, justice of the peace, and bnr- 
 
050 HISTORY OF CAMERON COUNTY. 
 
 gess of Emporium; also served as county treasurer, as associate judge, 
 one term in 1876, and as a member of the legislature in 1887. Mrs. Warner 
 was born near Coudersport, Penn. ; she is an active member of the Episcopal 
 Church. Of a family of six sisters still living, five are members of the same 
 church, all earnest Christian mothers. 
 
 EILEY WAENEE, proprietor of the Warner House, Emporium, was 
 born in the State of New York, March 27, 1828, and is the son of Philip ajid 
 Mary (Preket) Warner, who were of English and Dutch origin, latter being 
 descended from famous Holland- Dutch stock. The family's history shows 
 them to have been farmers and tillers of the soil for generations. The father 
 of the genial landlord of the Warner House, whom this writing concerns, was 
 a carpenter and contractor as well as a farmer. He lived to be seventy-four 
 years old, and died after bequeathing to the world sixteen children, of whom 
 twelve grew to be men and women. Mr. Eiley Warner, who is the third child 
 in the family, spent his early years on the farm, attending at the same time 
 the public schools. When about twenty years old he went to Bradford coun- 
 tv, Penn., and there learned the trade of a blacksmith. Subsequently he 
 moved to Wyoming, Penn. , where he followed farming for the space of two 
 years, aPter which the hotel and livery business claimed his attention, and the 
 major portion of his life has been passed in this line of accommodation for 
 the traveling public. For a number of years he controlled a stage line in 
 Wyoming county, from Tunkhannock toTowanda, a distance of forty- three 
 miles, and during the Civil war he was extensively engaged in the buying of 
 government horses. For a time he kept a livery stable at Lock Haven, Penn., 
 but in 1867 he removed to Emporium and bought a small hotel, of which he 
 was proprietor until it was destroyed by fire in 1875. That same year his fel- 
 low-citizens elected him sheriff of Cameron county, an ofiice he held for three 
 years, at the end of which time he again embarked in the business of hotel 
 keeping, in which he has been employed until the present day. In 1886 Mr. 
 Warner erected the building which he now occupies for hotel purposes; it is 
 a neat and substantial brick structure, in height four stories, well lighted and 
 well ventilated. He is a model landlord, and his house is first-class in every 
 respect, a fact recognized by commercial travelers, who make it their head- 
 quarters while at Emporium. In 1849 Mr. Warner married Eachel L., 
 daughter of Peter O. Dunlap, and of Scotch and German origin. She has 
 borne four children: Norman P., Lnlia, Elizabeth N. and Margaret E. In 
 politics Mr. Warner is a Democrat, and, besides the shrievalty, has held the 
 office of school director and member of council. He is a master Mason. 
 
 H. H. WEBEE, professor in the Emporium schools, of which he is also 
 principal, was born in Centre county, Penn., September 6, 1860, and is a son 
 of Joseph and Eebecca (Hackman) Weber, natives of Pennsylvania, and of 
 German descent. The father combined the occupation of a farmer and mer- 
 chant. The Professor is the tenth in a family of fourteen children, twelve of 
 whom are living. In his boyhood he lived on the farm, and attended the 
 common and normal schools. When only seventeen years of age he began 
 teaching, and since that time this has been his occupation, his fields of labor 
 being principally in the boroughs. Prof. Weber had taught eleven years when 
 he came to Emporium, and the schools are in a flourishing condition under his 
 management. He is a Prohibitionist, a past officer of the Good Templars, a 
 member of the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania, and of the I. O. O. F. 
 
 JOHN M. WEISS, farmer and lumberman, P. O. Beechwood, was born in 
 Williamsport, Penn., August 31, 1861, a son of Martin and Elizabeth Weiss, 
 natives of Germany. In 1878 his parents moved to Beechwood, Cameron 
 
BIOGBAPHICAL SKETCHES. 951 
 
 county, and bought the farm where they now live. They have a fa,mily of five 
 children: Elizabeth, wife of Sylvanus Emery, of Elimsport, Penn. ; Mary H., 
 wife of W. H. Harley, of Curwinsville, Penn. ; Sophia, wife of Benjamin Sykes, 
 of Curwinsville, Penn. ; Dorothy, wife of George Market, of Truman, and John 
 M., the only son. John M. Weiss was given good educational advantages,, 
 remaining with his parents until manhood, and has since been engaged in 
 farming and lumbering. He was married, February 14, 1887, to Miss Adelia 
 Benson, a native of Maine. In politics Mr. Weiss is a Democrat. 
 
 J. M. WHITE, engineer at the Emporium Rolling Mills, was born in Maine, 
 July 11, 1839, and is a son of Michael and Catherine (Driscoll) White, the for- 
 mer of whom was born in Ireland, of English parentage, the latter being a 
 native of Maine, and of Irish origin. The subject of these few lines, who was 
 the eldest in a family of four children, received his early education in Maine, 
 and later attended the United States Naval School. At the age of seventeen 
 he went to sea, and studied engineering. He enjoys the distinction of having 
 been on board the Monitor during the famous fight with the Merrimac, shortly 
 after which he was promoted to full engineer. In 1868 he was married to 
 Isabella Ellis, a native of Iowa, and of English origin, a daughter of Levi 
 Ellis. The children born to Mr. and Mrs. White are Nellie, wife of G. M. 
 Eerris; C. E. ; Lewis; Eay B., and J. L. W. Mr. White is a Republican and 
 a member of the town council. He is deputy grand master of the A. O. U. W., 
 and is district commander of and a major in the Select Knights. 
 
 J. S. WILEY, Emporium, is one of the associate judges of Cameron 
 county, and one of the most popular men of that locality. He is an extensive 
 manufacturer and dealer in lumber, and a farmer with large landholdings, over 
 6,000 acres being now in his possession. Judge Wiley's fortune is due 
 entirely to his own exertions, as he was left an orphan when a mere child. He 
 was born in Steuben county, N. Y. , January 22, 1837, and is of English and 
 Scotch descent, his father having been Capt. Robert W^iley, and his mother 
 Elizabeth Ellise Wiley. The Judge is the eldest of six children, all of whom 
 are still living. He was reared in New York State, and attended the district 
 schools until he was in his eighteenth year, when he went to work by the 
 month. Mr. Wiley was married July 22, 1863, to Miss Louise Smith, daugh- , 
 ter of William and Almira Smith, of Angelica, N. Y. , of German and English 
 descent, respectively. Their children are Justina, Grant, Sarah and Charles. 
 Judge Wiley is a Republican ; he was elected associate judge in 1886, an office 
 he still holds, and has been for nearly twenty-one years a school director, for 
 about one-half the time serving as president of the board. He is a Knight 
 Templar, and has hosts of friends. 
 
 CHARLES ZARPS, blacksmith. Emporium, was born in Germany, April 
 18, 1830, and is a son of Fred, and Christena (Fraley) Zarps, natives of Ger- 
 many. The subject of these lines was reared on his father's farm, attending 
 the common schools until he was fourteen years old, when he came to the 
 United States, and at Baltimore, Md., he learned the trade of a blacksmith, 
 which he has since made his occupation. Mr. Zarps has been a resident of 
 Emporium for more than a quarter of a century. He was married at Elmira, 
 in 1856, to Mary, daughter of Matthew and Earnstena Haupt, all natives of 
 Germany. Mr. and Mrs. Zarps have two children: Henry, who is in the hard- 
 ware, dry goods and grocery business with Walker, Howard & Co., Emporium, 
 Penn. , and Katie. The family are members of the Presbyterian Church. In 
 politics Mr. Zarps is a Demorat. 
 
952 HISTOEY OP CAMERON COUNTY. 
 
 CHAPTER XIV. 
 
 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES— GIBSON TOWNSHIP AND 
 
 BOEOUGH OF DRIFTWOOD— GEOVE, LUMBER 
 
 AND PORTAGE TOWNSHIPS. 
 
 GIBSON TOWNSHIP AND BOEOUGH OF DEIFTWOOD. 
 
 HEZEKIAH M. BAILEY, farmer, P. O. Sterling Run, was born in 
 what is now Gibson township, Cameron Co., Penn., April 18, 1832, and is a 
 son of Aaron and Savilla (Myers) Bailey, formerly of Lycoming county, 
 Penn., and among the pioneers of Gibson township, where they cleared and 
 improved a farm on which they lived and died. Aaron Bailey was twice mar- 
 ried; his first wife was Mary Rutty, a daughter of John Rutty, of Tioga 
 county, Penn., by whom he had two children: Susan (Mrs. William Sterling) 
 and Samuel. By his second wife, Savilla (Myers), he had five children: Solo- 
 mon, Mary A. (Mrs. Nathan Housler), James, Hezekiah M. and Elizabeth 
 (Mrs. Charles Barr). The subject of these lines has always resided in Gib- 
 son township. In 1858 he settled on the farm he now occupies, all of which 
 he cleared and improved. He was married in September, 1858, to Jemima, 
 daughter of William and Sarah (Miller) Barr, of Gibson township, and they 
 have three children, Monroe, McClellan and Ella. Mr. Bailey has held 
 several offices in Gibson township; in politics is a Democrat. 
 
 AMOS BARBER, farmer, P. O. Driftwood, was born in Maryland, Otsego 
 Co., N. Y., June 12, 1829, and is a son of Darius and Rachel (Bishop) Bar- 
 ber. He was reared in his native county, came to what is now Cameron 
 county, in 1853, and has resided on the farm he now occupies in Gibson 
 township since 1865, a part of which he cleared and improved. His wife 
 was Ann E. , daughter of Robert and Elizabeth (Paul) London, of Delaware 
 county, N. Y., and they have one daughter: Mary (Mrs. James Beal). Mr. 
 Barber is a representative farmer and citizen; has held office as supervisor, 
 councilman, collector and treasurer, and in politics is a Republican. 
 
 ALLEN BARR, lumberman and farmer, P. O. Dent' s Run, Elk county, was 
 born in what is now Gibson township, Cameron Co. , Penn, April 28, 1827, and 
 is a son of William and Sally (Miller) Barr. His paternal grandfather, John 
 Barr, a native of Ireland, settled in what is now Clinton county, Penn., in 
 1787. He was a soldier of the Revolution, under Washington, and served seven 
 years and six months. John Miller, the maternal grandfather of our subject, 
 and who settled in Gibson township, Cameron Co., Penn., in 1811, was also 
 a soldier of the Revolution, serving three years and six months, and was with 
 Washington when he crossed the Delaware near Trenton, N. J. William 
 Barr, father of Allen, was a farmer and lumberman by occupation. He was a 
 pioneer of Gibson township, and cleared and improved the farm now occupied 
 by hia grandson, James F. Barr, where he died April 28, 1886. His, children 
 were fourteen in number, thirteen of whom grew to maturity: Elias, Oliver, 
 Delilah (Mrs. James Overturf), Charles, Selana (Mrs. David F. Marsh), Allen, 
 Jemima (Mrs. Hezekiah Bailey), Loruhama (Mrs. Solomon Mix), Emily (Mrs. 
 
BIOGEAPHICAL SKETCHES. 953 
 
 James Thomas), Martha (Mrs. Henry Loophole), Darius, Wesley (killed in the 
 battle of the Wilderness, in the Civil war) and Alice (Mrs. George Ingerson). 
 Allen Barr has always resided in Gibson township. He began life as a 
 lumberman, which occupation he has since followed, -and cleared and improved 
 'the farm he now occupies, besides other lands. He married Nancy, daughter 
 of James and Kate (Overturf) Mix, of Gibson township, and they have four 
 children: Marshall, James, Flora (Mrs. Alex. McPhee) and Merritt A. Mr. 
 Barr is a prominent citizen of his township, and has held the office of school 
 director eighteen years; politically he is a Republican. 
 
 F. A. BLACKWELL, lumberman, Driftwood, was born in Somerset 
 county. Me., December 23, 1852, and is a son of N. Eussell and Sarah H. 
 (Nye) Blackwell. He was reared and educated in his native State, and at the 
 age of sixteen years came to Pennsylvania, where he worked in the woods of 
 Clearfield county one year. Later he located in St. Mary's, and entered the 
 employ of the Philadelphia & Erie Railroad Company, with which he re- 
 mained eight years, six of which he spent in Driftwood, as assistant agent of 
 the freight department. He then engaged in business for himself, as con- 
 tractor in stocking logs by the thousand, near Driftwood, where he has made 
 his residence since 1876. He married, in 1876, Isabel, daughter of Jonathan 
 Bell, of Holton, Me. , and they have two children : Eussell and Nellie B. He 
 is a representative and enterprising citizen of Driftwood, a member of the F. & 
 A. M. , R. A. M., and K. T. Commandery, of Pittsburgh; politically ha is a 
 Republican. 
 
 RT. REV. MGR. T. F. BRENNAN, D. D., is at present pastor of St. 
 James' Catholic Church at Driftwood. He is a Roman Prelate and Chaplain 
 of Honor extra urbem of His Holiness, the Pope. He was born near Caahel, 
 in Ireland, thirty-three years ago, and came to America at the age of eight, 
 entering college soon after to study for the priesthood; he spent some years at 
 St. Bonaventure's, near Olean, N. Y. In 1873 he went to France, where he 
 finished his classical education, and thence to Germany, where, entering the 
 University of Innsbruck, in the Tyrol, he graduated with the title of doctor of 
 divinity. After having spent a year studying canon law at the Roman Uni- 
 versity, he returned to the diocese of Erie, Penn. , and was first assigned as 
 assistant to Greenville, Mercer Co., Penn., later in the same capacity to Du- 
 Bois, Penn., and Frenchville, and lastly to Driftwood, Penn., his present 
 pastorate. He twice visited Europe, passing also through portions of Africa 
 and Asia — once as delegate of Bishop Mullen to the Pope's Jubilee, and on 
 another occasion to visit the scenes of his school days. When last in Rome 
 the Pope conferred on him the exalted title of Monsignor. He speaks and 
 writes twenty languages, and, besides his charge at Driftwood, has charge of 
 the parishes of Sterling Run (Cameron county), Benezette (Elk county), and 
 Germania and Galeton (Potter county). 
 
 JAMES O. BROOKE ANK, merchant. Driftwood, was born in Ebensburg, 
 Cambria Co., Penn., March 8, 1843, and is a son of John and Hannah (Davis) 
 Brookbank. He was reared and educated in his native county, and in 1866 
 located in Driftwood, where he engaged as a clerk with O. J. SpafPord, in general 
 merchandise, with whom he remained two years. Two years later he again 
 engaged with Mr. Spafford, in whose employ he continued until the latter sold 
 out to Coryell & Bates, and was in their employ one year. Then Col. J. S. 
 Bates purchased his partner's interest, and Mr. Brookbank continued with Mr. 
 Bates in the store until 1873, when he embarked in the lumber business with 
 the Colonel. The partnership existed one year, when he sold his interest to 
 Col. Bates. He then returned to the store for Col. Bates, remaining in his 
 
954 HISTOKY OF CAMEKON COUNTY. 
 
 employ until January, 1875. In June, 1875, Eothrock, DeWitt & Co. pur- 
 chased the business. In June, 1876, he became a partner, and the firm was 
 re- organized under the firm name of J. O. Brookbank & Co., which comprised 
 Mr. Brookbank, Joseph W. and J. Henry Cochran and Eobert Rothrook. In 
 1879 they purchased another mercantile business from O. J. SpafPord, and in 
 1881 Mj. Eothrock sold his interest in both stores to J. O. Brookbank & Co., 
 and the latter company sold their interest in the Spafford store to Torbert 
 Bros. Since 1881 the present establishment has been conducted by Mr. 
 Brookbank and the two Cochrans, and is the largest and principal store in 
 Driftwood, and also in Cameron county. Mr. Brookbank has been twice mar- 
 ried. His first wife was Mary E., daughter of Hezekiah and Alma (Overturf) 
 Mix, by whom he had two children — Maud and James. His present wife, nee 
 Clara L. Mis, is a sister of the first wife, and they have one daughter — Eachel. 
 Mr. Brookbank participated in the Civil war, being mustered in the service 
 August 8, 1862, as sergeant of Company F, One Hundred and Thirty-third 
 Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry, and was honorably discharged May 26, 1863, 
 at the expiration of his term of service. He re-enlisted and was enrolled February 
 28, 1865, in Capt. Daniel Schock's company. Seventy-seventh Pennsylvania 
 Volunteer Infantry, and was discharged, March 26, 1865, to accept the pro- 
 motion of second lieutenant in Company F, Seventy-seventh Pennsylvania 
 Volunteers; was discharged as second lieutenant October 25, 1865, to be mus- 
 tered as "first lieutenant and quartermaster of regiment, and was finally dis- 
 charged December 6, 1865. Mr. Brookbank was postmaster of Driftwood 
 from October 24, 1872, to November 9, 1887. He is a member of the G. A. 
 R., F. & A. M., and of the Methodist Episcopal Church. He has filled posi- 
 tions of quartermaster, adjutant and commander of Lieut. D. W. Taggart Post, 
 No. 241 (Driftwood), Department of Pennsylvania G. A. E. , and worshipful 
 master of Driftwood Lodge, No. 532, F. & A. M. He has held the office of school 
 director and councilman of Driftwood a greater part of the time since residing 
 there. Politically he is a Eepublican. 
 
 JOHN BROOKS, real estate agent and land surveyor, P. O. Sinnemahon- 
 ing, was born on a farm now in Lock Haven, Penn., June 17, 1814, and is a 
 son of Benjamin and Mary (Wood) Brooks. His father was of English and 
 Irish descent, a native of Bucks county, Penn., born in 1753; was a soldier 
 of the Revolutionary war, and participated in the battles of Germantown and 
 Brandy wine. The mother of John was a native of Monmouth county, N. J., 
 and of English and Welsh descent. They settled in what is now Gibson 
 township, this county, in 1817, and engaged in clearing and improving a farm, 
 on which his father died in 1839. Benjamin Brooks was twice married; his 
 first wife waa Elizabeth Harkins, by whom he had nine children: James, 
 Joseph, William, Benjamin, David, Rebecca, Margaret, Jane and Mary; by 
 his second wife (Mary Wood) he had two children: John and Washington. 
 In 1876 Mr. Brooks had 450 descendants living mostly within twenty miles of 
 Sinnemahoning. John Brooks was reared in Cameron county, Penn., from 
 four years of age, and received from his mother his education. He learned 
 surveying, which he has followed all his life, as well as lumbering extensively, 
 and dealing largely in real estate. Since 1873 he has been agent for the Tru- 
 man estate and other lands. He married, in 1841, Martha, daughter of 
 Joseph and Margaret (Grugan) Mason, who settled in Gibson township in 
 1811, and the issue of this union was ten children: Victor A., Mary (Mrs. D. 
 J. Wykoif), Marcellus J. B., Locina (Mrs. Charles Barclay), Josephine (Mrs. 
 J. D. Shirk), John W., Whitfield M. (deceased), Flavius, Mishael N. and 
 Ella M. Mr. Brooks is a prominent and influential citizen. He was one of 
 
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 955 
 
 the first eommiasioners of Elk county, Penn., and has served three terms in the 
 State legislature. In politics he has always been a Republican. 
 
 VICTOR A. BROOKS, surveyor and merchant, Sinnemahoning, was born 
 m what IS now Gibson township, Cameron Co., Penn., May 15, 1842 and is 
 a son of John and Martha (Mason) Brooks. He was reared and educated in 
 his native county, and began life as a lumberman and surveyor, residing in 
 Sterling from 1873 to 1886, where he was engaged in the lumber business 
 and conducted a grist-mill. In 1886 he returned to Sinnemahoning and 
 embarked in the grocery business in 1887, in which he is still engaged He 
 married. May 15, 1872, Jane E., daughter of David A. and Leah (Knisley) 
 Fulton, of Sinnemahoning, and they have three daughters: Evangeline V A 
 Charlotte J. M. and Grace L. M. Mr. Brooks has held the office of county 
 surveyor several terms, is a member of F. & A. M., K. of P., Patriotic Order 
 Sons of America, Sons of Temperance and Union League. In politics he is a 
 Republican. 
 
 MARCELLUS J. B. BROOKS, railway postal clerk, Driftwood, was born 
 in what is now Gibson township, Cameron Co., Penn., August 28, 1845, and is 
 a son of John and Martha (Mason) Brooks. He was reared and educated in 
 his native town, and began life as a book-keeper in the lumber office of his 
 father, at which he was engaged for twelve years. In 1876 he was engaged 
 as shipping clerk for Churchman & Huntley," and in 1877, located at Sterling, 
 where he conducted a general store, as manager for Hall, Kaul & Co. , until 
 1884, when he was appointed railway postal clerk on the low grade division 
 of the Allegheny Valley Railroad, between Driftwood and Redbank Furnace, 
 which position he held until September, 1887. He was in the employ of 
 the Adams Express Company at Driftwood, from that time until May, 1888. 
 May 1, 1889, he was re-appointed to his former position of railway postal 
 clerk, which position he now tills. He married, January 1, 1874, Margaret A., 
 daughter of John L. D. and Sarah (Shaffer) Foultz, of Gibson township, 
 and they have three children: Thaddeus L., John H. and Waldo E. Mr. 
 Brooks is a member of the F. & A. M. and P. O. S. of A. Politically he is a 
 Republican. . 
 
 WILLIAM DENT, farmer, P. O. Driftwood, was born in what is now Gib- 
 son township, Cameron Co., Penn., February 21, 1818, and is a son of Thomas 
 and Betsy (Overturf) Dent. His father, a carpenter, was a native of England. He 
 was among the first settlers of Gibson tovsmship, and cleared and improved the 
 farm now occupied by Thomas Dent, where he died. His children were ten 
 in number: Rachel (Mrs. Andrew Overturf), Andrew, Mary A. (Mrs. Reuben 
 Lewis), William, Thomas, Eliza (Mrs. Isaac Smith), Emeline (Mrs. G. Gray), 
 Ellen (Mrs. John Mahon), Susan (Mrs. Charles Miller), and Rosie (Mrs. Jacob 
 Miller). William Dent was reared in Gibson township, where most of his life 
 has been spent. He was for many years engaged in the lumber business, and 
 he cleared a part of the farm he now occupies, where he has resided for many 
 years. He married Nancy Miller, daughter of John and Betsy (Logue) Miller, 
 •of Grove township, and they have six children: Emeline (Mrs. Michael Keenan), 
 Charles, John, William, Mary (Mrs. John C. Campbell) and George. Mr. 
 Dent has been constable, supervisor and collector of Gibson township; in poli- 
 tics is a Democrat. 
 
 THOMAS DOUGHERTY, wood superintendent for the Pennsylvania Joint 
 Lumber & Land Company, Driftwood, was born in Centre cgunty, Penn., 
 May 6, 1823, a son of Edward and Sophia (Dukeman) Dougherty, the former a 
 native of Ireland and latter of Centre county, Penn. Thomas was reared in 
 Clinton county, Penn. , from one year of age, and began life as a farmer. He 
 
956 HISTORY OF CAMEEON COUNTY. 
 
 followed the occupation of carpenter and millwright for twelve years, and 
 since 1866 has been engaged in his present business— originally Dodge & Co. , 
 then Dodge, James & Stokes, and now Pennsylvania Joint Lumber & Land Com- 
 pany. Mr. Dougherty located inBenezette township. Elk Co., Penn., in 1869, 
 and in 1873 came to Driftwood, where he has since resided. His business 
 interests are in Cameron, Clearfield, Elk and Potter counties. He married 
 November 11, 1849, Phcebe A., daughter of Luke and Anna (Hewitt) VanEman, 
 of Pine Creek, Lycoming Co. , Penn. , formerly of New Jersey, and they have 
 six children living: Emma (Mrs. Samuel S. Miller), Levi, Samuel, Thomas, 
 W. Edward and Minnie M. Mr. Dougherty is a leading and prominent citizen 
 of Driftwood; politically he is a Democrat. 
 
 JOHN T. EAEL, editor and proprietor of the Gazette, Driftwood, was 
 born at Sterling Eun, Cameron Co., Penn., June 16, 1868, a son of Jerome B. 
 Earl, who, at that time, was landlord of the Sterling Hotel, which was situated 
 on the site now occupied by the Philadelphia & Erie Railroad depot. John T. 
 spent his childhood in his native town, and in 1874 moved with his parents to 
 Driftwood, where his father became proprietor of the Driftwood House, where 
 the family remained until 1875, when the hotel was destroyed by fire. John 
 attended the public schools of Driftwood until about fifteen years of age, and 
 was a bright pupil, always standing at the head of his class. As early in life 
 as thirteen years, his love for writing showed itself, and many well- written 
 essays and debates from his pen were published in the Driftwood Gazette and 
 Cameron county Press, all of which showed his natural aptitude for such work. 
 At the early age of fifteen years, he entered the Driftwood Gazette ofSce to 
 learn the printing trade, his father's consent for such a move being reluctantly 
 given, as he desired John to continue at school and eventually adopt the pro- 
 fession of law. But his mind was set on the " art preservative," and all objec- 
 tions made by his parents were swept away by the enthusiasm of the boy, and 
 he entered upon a three-years apprenticeship in the Gazette office, then owned 
 by H. D. Earl & Co. He served here faithfully and well until July 1, 1884, 
 when the printing office and the business portion of the town were swept 
 away by fire. Not wishing to'be idle until the office was rebuilt, he at once 
 accepted a situation on Lincoln Farm, with the intention of staying there 
 until the Gazette office was in running order, but as the progress made was slow, 
 and having been ofl'ered a good position at St. Mary' s in the Elk County Gazette 
 office, owned by Mr. G. C. Brandon, he decided to accept, and went there 
 about September 1, 1884, where he remained until the April following, when, 
 being offered a more lucrative salary at his old home, he returned to 
 Driftwood, and again went to work on the Gazette force. In December, 1885, 
 the Gazette office was offered for sale, and he bought a half interest, Mr. D. 
 B. Eeed purchasing the other half. Thus at the age of less than eighteen, 
 he was the editor and one of the proprietors of a paper nearly as old as him- 
 self, with a wide circulation for a county weekly, and wielding considerable in- 
 fluence. In December, 1886, Mr. Eeed sold his interest to Mr. Earl, who thus 
 became sole proprietor, and who has since remained such. Mr. Earl is now 
 twenty-two years old, just at an age when he is capable of doing his best work. 
 He is a capable printer, a fluent and entertaining writer, and has always been a 
 hard-working young man. Having no bad habits, he has always commanded 
 the confidence of the citizens, and the good- will of all his acquaintances. Un- 
 der his careful guidance, the Gazette is a prosperous journal, and is encouraged 
 by the citizens, because of its unswerving devotion to the interests of Driftwood, 
 Cameron county and vicinity. Its circulation is as large as that of any paper 
 in the county, and new names are constantly being added to its subscription 
 
BIOGEAPHICAL SKETCHES. 957 
 
 list, thus widening the sphere of its usefulness. Mr. Earl is a skillful musician, 
 and an enthusiastic and influential member of the P. O. S. of A. In politics 
 he is a strong Eepublican, but never allows his political faith to make any 
 difFerence with his news or editorial columns. ' ' The Gazette is independent, but 
 not neutral, ' ' criticising the acts of officials of both parties, when they deserve 
 criticism, and praising them when they deserve praise. 
 
 J. L. D. FOULTZ, retired, P. O. Sinnemahoning, was born in Lancaster 
 county, Penn., January 22, 1823, and is a son of John and Elizabeth J. (Von- 
 dersmith) Foultz. He was reared in his native county, where he learned the 
 trades of tailor and cigar-maker, and in 1847 settled in Sinnemahoning, where 
 he has since resided. For a number of years he worked at tailoring, and for 
 five years was clerk for William A. Simpson, who carried on a lumber and mer- 
 cantile business. He then embarked in the mercantile and lumber business 
 for himself, at which he continued up to 1861, when the flood of that year 
 wiped him out. Since that time he has been engaged in various occupations, 
 principally farming. His wife was Sarah, daughter of James and Mar- 
 garet (Brooks) Shaffer, of Sinnemahoning, by whom he had ten children: 
 Florence (Mrs. Thomas Cupp), John B. , Maggie (Mrs. M. J. B. Brooks), Will- 
 iam .A. , George B. Mc. , Laura (Mrs. F. J. Norton), Jesse, Amos N. , Stella M. 
 and Ward. Mr. Foultz is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, of 
 which he has been steward for many years. He is now one of the jury com- 
 missioners of Cameron county, and politically is a Democrat. 
 
 DAVID A. FULTON, carpenter and funeral director, Sinnemahoning, 
 was born in Dillsburg, York Co., Penn., February 13, 1830, and is a son of 
 Alexander and Mary (Deardorif) Fulton. He was reared in his native State, 
 received a common- school education, and served an apprenticeship of two and 
 a half years at the carpenter' s trade. He came to Sinnemahoning, Grove town- 
 ship, Cameron county (then part of Clinton county), in 1850, where he followed 
 his trade up to 1859, when he returned to his native town, remaining there 
 until 1 864, when he came back to Sinnemahoning, where he has worked at his 
 trade, carried on an undertaking establishment, and resided ever since. In 
 July, 1850, he married Leah, daughter of John and Betsy (Sulseburger) Knise- 
 ly, of York county, Penn. , and they have six children living, viz. : Thomas J. , 
 Jane E. (Mrs. Victor A. Brooks), John K. , David E. , Bertha and James H. Mr. 
 Fulton is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and in politics is a 
 Democrat. 
 
 JOHN M. HICKS, farmer, P. O. Dent's Eun, Elk county, was born in what 
 is now Gibson township, Cameron Co., Penn., November 25, 1837, a son of 
 John C. and Mary E. (Conway) Hicks. His paternal grandfather was Levi 
 Hicks, who settled in Driftwood in 1804, and later on the farm now owned by 
 John E. Hicks, which he cleared and improved. He died in Benezette town- 
 ship, Elk Co., Penn. His children were John C, Jacob, William, Jane (Mrs. 
 John English), Peggy (Mrs. Ira Green), Nancy (Mrs. George English), Hetty 
 (Mrs. John Smith) and Polly (Mrs. Thomas Smith). Of these the eldest, John 
 C., spent nearly all his life in Gibson township, where he died in June, 1887, 
 at the age of eighty- six years. He had eleven children: Levi, Eebecca (Mrs. 
 Charles Winslow), Elizabeth (Mrs.Eben Winslow), Jane (Mrs. Eobert Eothrock), 
 Sarah (Mrs. Coleman T. Johnson), Eeese, Leah (Mrs. Isaiah Murray), John M., 
 Ellen (Mrs. Norton Eothrock), Adam and Emery. The subject of this sketch 
 was reared in Gibson township, where he has always resided, and cleared a part 
 of the farm he now occupies, on which he has resided since 1872. He married, 
 in 1861, Alzina, daughter of James and Martha (Barber) Peterson, of Otsego 
 county, N. Y., and they have eleven children: Clara (Mrs. John McAulay), 
 
958 HISTORY OF CAMEEON COUNTY. 
 
 Emery G. (married to Nancy E. Farley), William E., Julia A., Henry A., 
 Jennie E. , Hattie E. (married to James A. Barr), Kebecca 0., Levi J., Julia M. 
 and Vernie E. Mr. Hicks is a representative farmer and citizen of his tovsfn- 
 ship; in politics he is a Republican. 
 
 EGBERT L. HICKS, farmer, P. 0. Dent's Run, Elk county, was born 
 March 21, 1860, in what is now known as Gibson township, Cameron Co., Penn. , 
 on the farm where he now resides, and is a son of Levi and Olive J. (Whalen) 
 Hicks. His paternal grandparents were John C. and Mary E. (Conway) 
 Hicks, and his great-grandfather was Levi Hicks, who settled in Gibson township 
 in 1804. The father of Eobert L. was a farmer by occupation, who cleared the 
 farm now occupied by his son, and died there. His children were Eobert 
 L. , John E., and William J. (deceased). Eobert L. Hicks has always lived on 
 the old homestead, and is one of the prominent young farmers of the township j 
 politically he is a Republican. 
 
 JOHN E. HICKS, farmer, P. O. Dent's Eun, Elk county, was born in Gib- 
 son township, Cameron Co. , Penn. , July 20, 1862, and is a son of Levi and 
 Olive J. (Whalen) Hicks. His paternal grandparents were John C. and Mary 
 E. (Conway) Hicks, and his great-grandfather was Levi Hicks, who settled in 
 Gibson township in 1804. John E. was reared in Gibson township, and occupies 
 a part of the homestead. He married, December 25, 1886, Mary, daughter of 
 Miles and Lydia E. (Miller) Dent, by whom he has two children: Ethel M. 
 and Bessie. Mr. Hicks is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church; in 
 politics he is a Eepublican. 
 
 JAMES O. JORDAN, farmer, P. O. Driftwood, was born in what is now 
 Gibson township, Cameron Co., Penn., December 10, 1838, and is a son of 
 Peter and Mary (Barr) Jordan. His paternal grandfather was James Jordan, 
 formerly of Northumberland county, Penn. , who settled in Gibson township in 
 1807, and his maternal grandfather was Robert Barr, a pioneer of Gibson 
 township, and a son of John Barr, a native of Ireland, and a soldier in the 
 war of the Revolution, who settled in what is now Clinton county, Penn. , in 
 1787. The subject of this sketch has always resided in Gibson township, and 
 in 1865 settled on the farm he now occupies, which he cleared and improved, 
 and where he has since resided. He was in the Civil war, enlisting August 
 15, 1862, and was assigned to Company F, One Hundred and Forty-eighth 
 Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry, in which he served nine months, when he 
 was discharged on account of disability. In 1860 he married Sarah J., daugh- 
 ter of Reuben and Anna (Berfield) Miller, of Grove township, and they have 
 ten children living: Orrin H., Anna (Mrs. Lester E. Losey), Leona, Mary 
 (Mrs. William H. Carson), Thoipas, Sarah, Reuben, Elizabeth, Lewis and 
 Ray. Mr. Jordan is a member of the G. A. R., and is a Republican. 
 
 JOHN S. JORDAN, farmer and lumberman. Driftwood, was born in what 
 is now Gibson township, Cameron Co. , Penn. , March 18, 1847, and is a son of 
 Peter and Mary (Barr) Jordan. His paternal grandfather was James Jordan, and 
 his maternal grandfather was Eobert Barr, both pioneers of Gibson township. 
 James Jordan had eleven children: William, Hannah (Mrs. Andrew Overturf), 
 Mary (Mrs. John Overturf), Elizabeth (Mrs. Thomas Logue), Susan, Jane 
 (Mrs. Samuel Sweezy), Eose A. (Mrs. John Collins), Kate (Mrs. John Moore), 
 Amanda (Mrs. Solomon Yound), James and Peter. The last named helped to- 
 clear the homestead where his father first settled. His children were James 
 O., Sarah A. (Mrs. Amos Klock), Eliza J. (Mrs. George Gore), Samuel, 
 John S., Emma (Mrs. Harrison Luprow), Elizabeth (Mrs. David Fraley) and 
 Francis. John S. succeeded to the homestead at his father's death. He mar- 
 ried Anna, daughter of Sylvenus and Diana (Peasley) Byam, of Potter county, 
 Penn., and they have four children: Albert, Minnie, Ida and Alice. 
 
BIOGEAPHICAL SKETCHES. 959 
 
 F. F. KIEK, proprietor of the Hotel Lafayette, Driftwood, was born ia 
 Lycoming county, Penn., March 6, 1842, and is a son of Joseph and Maria 
 (Blaker) Kirk. He was reared and educated in his native county, and was in 
 the Civil war, enlisting May 30, 1861, in Company C, First Pennsylvania 
 Eifles, Forty-second Volunteer " Bucktails;" was wounded in the hip a»t Fred- 
 ericksburg, Va , December 13, 1862; was taken prisoner, and was in Libby prison 
 twenty-seven days, when he was paroled, and later exchanged; was again taken 
 prisoner at Bethesda Church, May 30, 1864; paroled December 23, 1864, after 
 spending time in Libby, Danville, Salisbury, Andersonville, Charleston and 
 Florence prisons. He was sergeant of his company, and was honorably dis- 
 charged from the service July 3, 1865. In 1867 he engaged in lumbering, and 
 was fourteen years in the business at Williamsport, Penn. In February, 1883, 
 he became manager of the DuBois House, at DuBois, Penn. , which he suc- 
 cessfully conducted two years, and in January, 1885, he took charge of the Hotel 
 Lafayette, at^ Driftwood, of which he has since been the efficient and popular 
 proprietor. He was married March 1, 1864, to Ophelia A., daughter of Thomas 
 and Anna (Bowman) Harrison, of Northumberland county, Penn. , by whom he 
 had five children: Fred S., Matthias H., Carrie (deceased), William H. and 
 F. Eoy. Mr. Kirk is a member of the I. O. O. F. and G. A, E. ; has always 
 been an active Eepublican, and in August, 1889, was a delegate to the State 
 convention at Harrisburg. He held several offices in the city of Williamsport, 
 and has been burgess of Driftwood for one term. 
 
 SAMUEL P. KEEIDEE, clerk, Driftwood, was born in Juniata county, 
 Penn. , September 6, 1 856, is a son of John F. and Catherine (Bayson) Kreider, 
 and was reared in his native county until thirteen years of age, when he re- 
 moved to Driftwood, and engaged as a brakeman on the Philadelphia & Erie 
 Eailroad up to 1876; he then held the position of flagman at Driftwood two 
 years, and in 1878 again went on the railroad as brakeman between Eenovo 
 and Kane, at which he continued until 1880, when he engaged in lumbering 
 on Mason Hill two winters; farmed one year, and, in 1882, accepted a position 
 as clerk in the store of J. O. Brookbank & Co., where he remained for seven 
 years. He married, April 24, 1882, Helena, daughter of William and Mary 
 A. Lane, of Gibson township, and they have three children: Audrey V. 
 Hafwal S. and Eotha A. Mr. Kreider is a member of the I. 0. O. F., and 
 Patriotic Order Sons of America; in politics he is a Eepublican. 
 
 WILLIAM J. LANE, farmer, P. O. Sterling Eun, was born in Philadel- 
 phia, Penn., December 14, 1833, and is a son of William and Sarah (Smith) 
 Lane, who settled in Gibson township, in 1835, and cleared and improved a 
 farm on which they lived and died. They were natives of England. Their 
 children were Eachel, Mary (Mrs. James Gorman), Sarah A. (Mrs. James 
 Cole), Lamira (Mrs. H. Lindsley), William J., Joseph, Eobert and Hughburn. 
 William J. Lane was reared in Gibson township, and in 1866 settled on the 
 farm he now occupies, all of which he cleared and improved. Prior to 1886, 
 he operated a blacksmith shop at Driftwood for fifteen years. He has been 
 twice married; his first wife was Mary, daughter of William and Eosamond 
 (Jordan) Nelson, of Gibson township, by whom he has seven children living: 
 Alma (Mrs. Byron Hevener), Myron, Albon Elmer, Sarah H. (Mrs. Samuel 
 Kreider), Jennie (Mrs. Wesley Marsh), Lamira and George. His present 
 wife is Nancy, daughter of Daniel and Mary (Hevener) Miller, of Gibson 
 township, by whom he has one daughter, Ava. Mr. Lane is a member of the 
 Second Advent Church; politically he is a Eepublican. 
 
 HAEEISON LOGXJE, farmer, P. O. Driftwood, was born January 2, 1820, in 
 what is now Gibson township, Cameron Co. , Penn. , on the farm he now occupies, 
 
960 HISTOKY OF CAMEEON COUNTY. 
 
 and is a son of Thomas and Elizabeth (Jordan) Logue. His father settled in 
 what is now Grove township, Cameron Co. , Penn. , about 1818, and soon after 
 located in Gibson township. He had three wives; by his first wife, Amanda 
 (Mead), he had four children: Lemira M. (Mrs. William Stamp), Alvira (Mrs. 
 Collins Lyman), Mary (Mrs. Henry Mix) and Amanda (Mrs. W. Shaffer); by 
 Nancy ('Brooks), his second wife, he had born to him three children : Jane (Mrs. 
 J. L. Johnson), Julia A. (Mrs. Jerome Earl) and Henderson; by Elizabeth 
 (Jordan), his third wife, he has one son, Harrison. Harrison Logue was reared 
 in Gibson township, and married Elizabeth, daughter of David and Elizabeth 
 (Laschbough) Nelson, and they have eight children: Nancy (Mrs. Clark Johnson), 
 Malvin, David, William, Mary (Mrs. Alonzo Nelson), Emeline (Mrs. James E. 
 Whitney), Elizabeth (Mrs. Ambrose Marsh) and Enoch. Mr. Logue is a lead- 
 ing farmer and citizen of Gibson township; politically he is a Republican. 
 
 AEOHIBALD R. McDONALD, Driftwood, was born in Glengary county, 
 Upper Canada, June 1, 1839, and is a son of Reynold and Mary (Kennedy) 
 McDonald. He was reared and educated in Canada, and in 1854, when six- 
 teen years of age, came to the United States, locating in Steuben county, N. Y., and 
 worked in the lumber woods of that section up to August, 1856. He then 
 located in Lock Haven, Penn., which point he made his home until the break- 
 ing out of the war of the Rebellion. In July, 1861, he enlisted in Company 
 D, First Pennsylvania Reserve Cavalry. He was taken prisoner at Culpeper, 
 Virginia, in August, 1862, and detailed to remain with the wounded until 
 September 15, 1862, when he was sent to Libby prison, and remained until 
 November 15; was then paroled and exchanged in December, 1862, rejoining 
 his regiment at Fredericksburg, Va., December 14, 1862, and was honorably 
 discharged from the service, by General Order 312, June 17, 1865, as captain 
 of Company M, First Pennsylvania Veteran Cavalry. He then returned to his 
 home in Lock Haven, where he remained until 1871, and during that time was 
 engaged in the lumber business in Elk and Cameron counties. In 1871 he 
 removed to Dent's Run, Elk county, residing there until 1874, when he 
 removed to Driftwood, and conducted the McDonald House two years. He 
 then refitted the Sherman House, which he kept about six months. In 1877 
 he rented the Kelso House, which he conducted until he was burned out in 
 1882. He then took charge of the New Kelso (now Parnell) for nearly a year, 
 after which he was proprietor of the Hotel Lafayette two years. He then con- 
 ducted a hotel at Renovo two years, returning to Driftwood in 1888. His 
 wife was Annie E., daughter of David and Rachel (Micheltree) Carpenter, of 
 Jersey Shore, Penn., by whom he has two children living: Delia and Agnes. 
 He is a member of the Catholic Church, and a member of the G. A. R. In 
 politics he is a Republican. 
 
 DAVID F. MARSH, farmer, P. O. Sterling Run, was born in Wayne 
 county, Penn., May 13, 1828, and is a son of Ambrose and Susan (Cox) Marsh. 
 He was reared in Pike county, Penn., and came to what is now Grove town- 
 ship, Cameron county, in 1852. In 1869 he settled on the farm he now occu- 
 pies, most of which he cleared and improved, and where he has since resided. 
 In December, 1855, he married Selena, daughter of William and Sally (Miller) 
 Barr, of Gibson township, by whom he has five children: Ambrose, Thomas 
 S. , Delbert, Wesley and Nellie. Mr. Marsh enlisted in the Civil war Septem- 
 ber 5, 1864, in the United States navy, and was honorably discharged August 
 17, 1865. He has served Gibson township as school director, and in other 
 minor ofSces. He is a member of the G. A. R. ; in politics he is a Republican. 
 
 JOHN MASON, farmer and lumberman, Sterling Run, was born in what 
 is now Gibson township, Cameron Co., Penn., March 22, 1822, and is a son of 
 
BIOGEAPHIOAL SKETCHES. 961 
 
 Joseph and Margaret (Grugan) Mason, who settled in Gibson township in 
 1811. His paternal grandfather was Jacob Mason, who, while on a hunting 
 trip, froze to death in Lycoming county. His maternal grandfather was Alex- 
 ander Grugan, a pioneer of what is now Clinton county, Penn. John Mason 
 was reared in Gibson township, and in 1847 settled in Wharton, Potter Co., 
 Penn. , where he was engaged in lumbering fourteen years. He then returned 
 to Gibson, and pui-chased apart of his father's homestead and land adjoin- 
 ing, a good share of which he cleared and improved, and where he has resided 
 since 1861. He married, in 1845, Elizabeth, daughter otBenjamin and Nancy 
 (Jordan) Brooks, of Grove township, Cameron county, and they have eight 
 children: Maranda (Mrs. Elisha Lewis), Nancy A. (Mrs. Hiram Smith), John 
 G., Jane (Mrs. Elihu Devlin), Garibaldi, James B. Mc, Julia (Mrs. Jane 
 Strawbridge) and Joseph A. Mr. Mason is a prominent citizen of Gibson 
 township. He was the first jury commissioner of Cameron county, and in pol- 
 itics is a Democrat. 
 
 HENEY MASON, farmer, P. O. Sterling Eun, was born October 18, 1819, 
 in what is now Gibson township, Cameron Co. , Penn. , on the farm he now 
 owns and occupies, and is a son of Joseph and Margaret (Grugan) Mason. His 
 father was born in Philadelphia in 1775, and came to what is now Gibson 
 township, Cameron county, in 1809, and removed his family there in 1811, 
 settling on the farm now occupied by Henry, which he cleared and improved, 
 and resided there until his death, in 1858. He had ten children: James, 
 William, Alexander, Joseph, Jane (Mrs. Henry Shafer), Nancy (Mrs. John 
 Mason), Martha (Mrs. John Brooks), Henry, John and Margaret (Mrs. John 
 Summerson). Henry Mason was reared on the old homestead, where he has 
 always resided. He was twice married; his first wife was Mary, daughter of 
 James and Sally (Berfield) Wylie, of Gibson township, by whom he had one 
 daughter, Mandana (Mrs. Frederick Sheffer). His present wife is Margaret, 
 daughter of Benjamin and Nancy (Jordan) Brooks, of Grove township, by 
 whom he has four children: Alexander W. , Nancy E., Mary F. (Mrs. Eichard 
 Eeid) and William H. Mr. Mason is one of the oldest residents of Gibson 
 township, and is a respected citizen; politically he is a Democrat. 
 
 JAMES W. MASON, farmer, P. O. Sterling Eun, was born April 19, 1835, 
 in what is now Gibson township, Cameron Co. , Penn. , on the farm where he 
 now resides, and is a son of James and Euth (Lewis) Mason. His paternal 
 grandfather, Joseph Mason, settled in Gibson township in 1811, and James 
 Mason cleared and improved the farm now occupied by his son, James W. , on 
 which he resided until his death, in October, 1888. His children were thirteen 
 in namber, eleven of whom grew to maturity: Washington, Elizabeth (Mrs. 
 Merrick Housler), Margaret (Mrs. Saul Barr), Almira (Mrs. John Barr), Mar- 
 tha (Mrs. Jacob Miller), James W., Mary (Mrs. Fred. Shafer), Nancy (Mrs. 
 Frank Sterling), Jane (Mrs. William Smith), Ruth (Mrs. John G. Smith) and 
 Marion. James W. Mason was reared on the old homestead, where he has 
 always resided. He has been married twice, his first wife being Hannah 
 HuUen, and his present wife (nee Martha Shaffer) is the adopted daughter of 
 Fred. N. Shaffer, of Lumber township. By her he has four children: Joseph 
 M., Fred. W., Cora E. and Lewis P. Mr. Mason is 'a prominent farmer; in 
 politics he is a Democrat. 
 
 PHINEAS H. MASON, farmer, P. O. Sterling Eun, was born April 1, 
 1836, on what ia now Gibson township, Cameron Co., Penn., on the farm he 
 now occupies, and is a son of William and Eliza (Coleman) Mason. His 
 paternal grandparents were Joseph and Margaret (Grugan) Mason, who settled 
 in Gibson township in 1811. His maternal grandfather was Hugh Coleman, 
 
 52 
 
962 HISTORY OP CAMERON COUNTY. 
 
 who settled in Gibson township in an early day, clearing and improving the- 
 farm on which he lived and died. The father of Phineas was a farmer by occu- 
 pation, and cleared a part of the homestead on which he resided until his death,, 
 in 1854, at the age of forty-nine years. His children numbered nine: Amber- 
 son, Nancy (Mrs. James White), Phineas H., Jieuleta (Mrs. Jacob English), 
 Ann E. (Mrs. William Krebs), Coleman, Amelia (Mrs. Koss Meeker), Anson and 
 Alexander. Phineas H. Mason has always resided on the old homestead, 
 where he was born and reared, a part of which he cleared and made all present 
 improvements in buildings. He married, August 9, 1860, Ellen, daughter of 
 Benjamin and Nancy (Jordan) Brooks, of Grove township, and has one son, 
 Anson Mason, who married Metta Carnill, of Gibson township, by whom he 
 has four children : Wright, Annie, Harvey and Zoe. Mr. Mason is a repre- 
 sentative farmer and citizen, a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church,, 
 and in politics he is a Democrat. 
 
 JACOB MILLEE, farmer, P. O. Driftwood, was born in what is now Gib- 
 son township, Cameron Co., Penn. , June 25, 1833, and is a son of Daniel Mil- 
 ler, born November 6, 1803 ; and Mary (Hevener) Miller, born January 2, 1809,. 
 pioneers of Gibson township. The father was a farmer by occupation, and 
 settled on what is known as the Miller farm, now occupied by Jacob, where he 
 died July 25, 1875. His children were as follows: Lydia (Mrs. Miles Dent), 
 born October 15, 1829; Jane, born February 9, 1831; Charles, born April 7, 
 1832; Jacob, born June 25, 1833; Sally (Mrs. Nelson Jordan), born Novem- 
 ber 13, 1834; Catyann (Mrs. Philander Brockway), born June 28, 1836;, 
 George Washington, born March 25, 1838; William Wesley, born June 17, 
 1839; Emily (Mrs. John Johnson), born March 8, 1841; Hezekiah, born Aug- 
 ust 8, 1842; Almina (Mrs. Edward Fletcher), born March 27, 1844; Mary 
 Elizabeth, born February 2, 1846, died August 31,. 1847; Nancy Ellen (Mrs. 
 W. J. Lane), born September 2, 1847; Artemissa (Mrs. Armstrong Bailey),. 
 born November 27, 1849; Adaline (Mrs. Clarence Williams), born May 6, 
 1852. Jacob Miller has always resided in Gibson township, and occupies the- 
 old family homestead. April 6, 1854, he married Martha, daughter of James 
 and Ruth (Lewis) Mason, of Gibson township, and they have seven children 
 living: Hannah (Mrs. Charles Williams), John P., Herman, Irvin, William, 
 Oscar R. and Clarence J. Mr. Miller is a member of the Advent Church, has 
 held the offices of supervisor and school director, and in politics is a Democrat. 
 
 HENRY MIX, farmer, P. O. Driftwood, was born in what is now Gibson 
 township, Cameron Co., Penn., April 19, 1826, and is a son of James and 
 Catherine (Overturf) Mix. His paternal grandfather was Amos Mix, who set- 
 tled in Gibson township in 1814, and his maternal grandfather, Andrew Over- 
 turf, settled in Driftwood in 1804. James Mix was born in Connecticut, June 
 9, 1791, and his wife November 24, 1794; they were married January 2, 1815, 
 and reared a family of six children: Hezekiah, Ann Eliza (Mrs. Benjamin Smith), 
 Solomon, Henry, Nancy (Mrs. Allen Barr) and James J. Henry Mix resides on 
 a part of the old homestead. He was in the Civil war, serving sixteen months 
 in Company G, Eighty-fourth Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry, and was hon- 
 orably discharged on account of disability. He was twice married: His first 
 wife was Mary M. , daughter of Thomas and Amanda (Mead) Logue, by whom 
 he had three children: Amanda (Mrs. Hiram Moat), James S. and A.my (Mrs. 
 John Caldwell) ; his present wife is Lydia C. , daughter of James and Mar- 
 garet (Miller) Barr, and by her he has four sons: Newton, James, Warren and 
 David Wait. Mr. Mix is a representative of the oldest families in Cameron 
 county; politically he is a Democrat. 
 
 J. J. MIX, farmer and lumberman, Driftwood, was born in what is now Gibson 
 
BIOGKAPHICAL SKETCHES. 963 
 
 township,OameronCo.,Penn. .September 5, 1833, and is a son of James and Cath- 
 erine (Overturf) Mix. His paternal grandfather was Amos Mix, who settled in 
 Gibson township in 1814, and his maternal grandfather, Andrew Overturf, settled 
 in Gibson township in 1804. J. J. Mix was reared in Gibson township, where 
 he has always resided, and has followed lumbering as an occupation for many 
 years. In 1860 he married Mary M. Buohheit, of St. Mary's, Penn., by whom 
 he has eight children living: Mary, Mrs. George W. Billing; Katie E., Mrs. 
 Andrew J. Dent; George A., John, Henry, Laura, Charles and Fred. Mrs. 
 Mary M. Mix was born September 29, 1838, in Alsace, France, and is a daugh- 
 ter of Francis X. and Catherine (Dresler) Buchheit. The maternal grand- 
 parents of Mrs. Mix were George and Elizabeth (Einenagel) Dresler, and her 
 parents came from France to St. Mary's in June, 1840. Mr. Mix has held 
 several of the offices in his township. In politics he is a Republican. 
 
 CHARLES E. PEALER, druggist, Driftwood, was born in Dushore, Sulli- 
 van Co., Penn., April 5, 1862, and is the son of Thomas and Adeline (McHenry)i 
 Pealer. He was reared in Lock Haven, Penn., attending the public schools 
 until thirteen years of age, when he entered the drug store of B. S. Derby, of 
 Lock Haven, to learn the business, remaining with him six years, during the' 
 latter part of which time he attended the night school of E. J. Armstrong. He 
 graduated from the Central State Normal School, Lock Haven, in 1882, 
 after which he again entered the drug business, clerking in different stores at 
 Renovo and Driftwood. In September, 1886, he embarked in business in part- 
 nership with W. H. Roach, at Driftwood, Penn., in which he has continued to 
 the present time, and has built up a lucrative business. He is a member of 
 W. C. 310, P. O. S. of A., of which he is senior past president, and is serving 
 his first term as councilman of the borough of Driftwood. He is a Democrat. 
 
 THOMAS J. RILEY, general merchant and proprietor of the Commercial 
 House, Driftwood, was born in the Province of Quebec, Canada, December 
 16, 1849, and is a son of James Riley. He was reared and educated in his 
 native province, and in 1871 located in Driftwood, this county, soon after 
 engaging as a clerk in the general store of D. J. McDonald, with whom he 
 acted in that capacity six years. He then conducted a hotel in Driftwood for 
 Mr. McDonald, one year, and in 1878 rented the hotel, which he successfully 
 conducted up to 1883, when he was burned out. In the fall of the same year 
 he embarked in mercantile business, in which he has since been engaged, and 
 in the fall of 1885 began the erection of his present hotel, which was com- 
 pleted in 1887, and opened to the public in April of the same year. It is 
 claimed to be the best built and best appointed hotel building in Driftwood. 
 Mr. Riley married in February, 1878, Lucy J. McDonald, of Driftwood, and 
 they have one son, John. Mr. Riley is a member of the Catholic Church. He 
 has been councilman and school director of the borough of Driftwood, and 
 secretary of council and school board. In politics he is a Democrat, and is an 
 enterprising and public-spirited citizen. 
 
 ROBERT ROTHROCK, lumber and real estate dealer. Driftwood, was 
 born in Belief onte, Penn,, March 23, 1829, and is a son of John and Julia 
 Rothrock, who settled in Caledonia, Elk county, in 1850, where the father, 
 who was engaged in the lumber business, died in 1851. Robert Rothrock 
 was reared and educated in his native town, and in 1847 came to Elk county, 
 where, at Caledonia, he embarked in the lumber business, which he successfully 
 carried on until 1873, in which year he moved to Williamsport, same State> 
 where he resided for three years. He then, in 1876, located in Driftwood, 
 Cameron county, where for seven years he was a member of the firm of J. O. 
 Brookbank &Co., general merchants, at the same time continuing his lumber 
 
964 HISTOEY OF CAMERON COUNTY. 
 
 business, in which he is still interested in various parts of Pennsylvania, Michi- 
 gan and Kansas. In September, 1851, Mr. Eothrock married Miss Jane, 
 daughter of John C. and Mary B Hicks, and granddaughter of Levi Hicks, who 
 settled in Driftwood in 1804. To Mr. and Mrs. Bothrock have been born four 
 children: Julia, John, Curtin and Frank. Mr. Eothrock is one of_ the promi- 
 nent, live and enterprising citizens of Driftwood, and a leading 'man in his 
 county. He is a stanch Eepublican in politics, and has served Cameron coun- 
 ty as commissioner and treasurer, each one term. He is a Knight Tem- 
 plar, and a member of the Protestant Episcopal Church. 
 
 ISAAC SMITH, farmer, P. O. Driftwood, was born in what is now Gibson 
 township, Cameron Co., Penn. , February 15, 1840, and is a son of Benjamin and 
 Ann E. (Mix) Smith. His paternal grandfather was Samuel Smith, a pioneer of 
 Gibson township, on whose porch the two burglars, Conley and Lewis, were shot 
 in an early day. The children of Samuel Smith were Solomon, Jacob, Isaac, 
 Benjamin and Jordan. Of these, Benjamin, father of Isaac, was a farmer and 
 lumberman by occupation, and was run over and killed by the cars on the 
 Allegheny Valley Eailroad. His children were Isaac, Julia A. , Hezekiah M. , 
 Kate (Mrs. Powell Barr), Henry, Jordan and Ellen (Mrs. John McMullen). 
 The maternal parents of Isaac were James and Catherine (Overturf) Mix, 
 pioneers of Gibson township. Isaac Smith was reared in Gibson township, 
 where he has always resided, and, since 1868, has occupied his present farm, 
 ■which he cleared and improved. He married Eoena, daughter of James Kyle, 
 of Bingham, Potter Co., Penn., and they have six children: Benjamin, Ann 
 E. (Mrs. Gary Mason), Adelbert J., Alma, Dorothy and Alfred. Mr. Smith was 
 in the Civil war, serving thirteen months in Company G, Eighty-fourth Penn- 
 sylvania Volunteers; politically he is a Eepublican. 
 
 ADAM E. SMITH, farmer, P. 0. Sterling Eun, was born in what is now 
 Lumber township, Cameron Co., Penn., July 11, 1842, and is a son of Jacob 
 and Eliza (Hurd) Smith, both natives of Clinton county Penn., and among 
 the pioneers of Lumber township, where they resided until their death. The 
 father was a farmer, and cleared and improved the farm where he died. He 
 had seven children who grew to maturity: George H. , Samuel, Philip, John 
 G. , Michael, William H. and Adam E. Adam E. Smith was reared in Lumber 
 township, and settled in Gibson township in 1871, where he has since resided, 
 and cleared and improved a part of the farm he now occupies. January 1, 
 1868, he married Mary E., daughter of Solomon and Amanda (Jordan) Yound, 
 of Gibson township, and has two children: Chaunoy L, and Jacob S. K. 
 Politically Mr. Smith is a Democrat, and an advocate of prohibition. 
 
 GEOEGE L. SMITH, clerk. Driftwood, was born at what is now Sterling 
 Eun, Cameron Co., Penn., August 26, 1851, and is a son of Philip and Eve 
 {Shaffer) Smith. His paternal grandparents were Jacob and Eliza (Hurd) 
 Smith, both natives of Clinton county, Penn., and pioneers of Lumber town- 
 ship, Cameron county. Mr. Smith was reared at Sterling Eun, received a com- 
 mon-school education, and when he attained his majority began life for him- 
 self as a clerk in a store at Sterling Eun, where he remained until 1883, when 
 lie came to Driftwood, and entered into the employ of J. O. Brookbank & Co., 
 as chief clerk in their general store, which position he has satisfactorily filled 
 to the present time. He married in 1874, Hattie, daughter of Thomas Hussey, 
 of Smethport, McKean Co., Penn., and thej' have one daughter, Myrtle. He 
 is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, in politics is a Democrat, and 
 fills the office of school director. 
 
 M. P. WHITING, postmaster. Driftwood, was born near Emporium^ Penn., 
 April 7, 1854,. and is a son of Philip W. and Nancy J. (Huff) Whiting. His 
 
BIOGEAPHICAL SKETCHES. 965 
 
 father was a a native of Connecticut, and was reared in New Hampshire, com- 
 ing to what is now Cameron county in 1847, where he engaged in lumbering 
 extensively until 1875, and is now a resident of Sterling Run. His family 
 consisted of six children: Alina (Mrs. John N. Brooks), Melvin P., Milton W., 
 Elmer E. , Edward E. and Carrie M. The maternal grandfather of Mr. Whit- 
 ing was Edmund Huff, a native of Pennsylvania, and a pioneer of Shippen 
 township, residing near Emporium ; he was a farmer by occupation, and reared 
 a large family. M. P. Whiting was reared in Cameron county, received a 
 common-school education, and began life as a lumberman, and later was clerk 
 in a store at Sterling Run. In 1881 he came to Driftwood, where he has been 
 book-keeper for J. O. Brookbank & Co. , to the present time, was appointed 
 postmaster of Driftwood, in November, 1877, which position he still holds. He 
 married in April, 1877, Delia, daughter of William W. and Margaret (Krusen) 
 Arnold, of Ellisburg, Penn., now of Sterling Run, Cameron county, and they 
 have three children: El via, Louis and Reta. Mr. Whiting in politics is a 
 stanch Democrat; has been a member of the Democratic county committee 
 eight years; served as county auditor three terms, borough auditor of Driftwood 
 two terms, and assessor one term. 
 
 WILLIAM WYLIE, farmer, P. O. Sterling Run, was born in what is now 
 Grove township, Cameron county, Penn. , May 6, 1829, a son of James and Sarah 
 (Berfield) Wylie. His father was a native of Scotland, and came to America 
 in 1818, locating in Lumber township, Cameron county. He later lived in 
 Grove township, and in the fall of 1834 settled in Gibson township, on the 
 farm now occupied by his son, William (a part of which he cleared and im- 
 proved), and died there in February, 1869. He had a family of nine children: 
 Susanna (Mrs. George Chapman), Mary (Mrs. Henry Mason), William, Stephen, 
 Emily (Mrs. Ralph Johnson), James, John, Alpheus and Martha (Mrs. J. H. 
 Darin). William Wylie was reared in what is now Cameron county, and for 
 many years was engaged in lumbering. He succeeded to the homestead at his 
 father's death, and cleared and improved a part of it. He married, September 
 12, 1861, Kate, daughter of Samuel and Catherine (Shaffer) Chapman, of Lum- 
 ber township, and they have three children : George, Zella and Bertha. He is 
 a prominent farmer, and in politics is a Democrat. 
 
 ftKOVE TOWNSHIP. 
 
 ALONZO BAILEY, lumberman, Sinnemahoning, was born in what is now 
 Grove township, Cameron Co., Penn., September 12, 1849, a son of James 
 and Mary (Coleman) Bailey, former a native of Williamsport, Penn., and a 
 son of Daniel Bailey, a pioneer of Wharton township. Potter Co. , Penn. Hugh 
 Coleman, maternal grandfather of Alonzo Bailey, was a pioneer of Driftwood, 
 Cameron Co., Penn., and at one time owned a large tract of land in Gibson 
 township, that county. James Bailey, father of Alonzo, was an -early settler 
 of Driftwood, where he did considerable work as a millwright, but in 1833 he 
 removed to Grove township, and here engaged in lumbering and farming, clear- 
 ing and improving the property now occupied by his son Alphonzo, and died 
 there in 1875. He had ten children: AVashington, Israel, John, Alonzo and 
 Alphonzo (twins), Eliza (Mrs. Archibald Logue), Sarah (Mrs. Peter Keck), 
 Harriet (Mrs. Isaac Bowen), Helen (Mrs. Ralph M. Williams) and Angelina 
 (Mrs. J. W. Phillips). James Bailey was a prominent citizen of his day, and 
 was one of the first associate judges of Cameron county. Alonzo, the subject 
 proper of this sketch, was reared in Grove township, and most of his life has 
 been spent in lumbering. He is a Republican in politics, and served one term 
 as sheriff of Cameron county. 
 
96U HISTORY OF CAMERON COUNTY. 
 
 DAVID P. BATED, railroad agent and merchant, Sinnemahoning, was 
 born in Hyner. Clinton Co., Penn., March 13, 1835, and is a son of Benja- 
 min and Ellen. (Summerson) Baird, who were among the early settlers of Clin- 
 ton county, Penn., former of Scotch parentage, latter a native of England. 
 The subject of this biographical memoir was reared in his native county, and 
 educated in the common schools and at Dickinson's Seminary, Williamsport, 
 Penn. After reaching his majority, he commenced as traveling agent for a Lock 
 Haven, Penn. , fire insurance company, at which he continued more or less up to 
 1863, and in 1864 he located in Sinnemahoning, where he embarked in his 
 present mercantile business. He has also been station agent for the Pennsyl- 
 vania Railroad Co. , at this point, continuously from that time to the present. 
 In October, 1863, Mr. Baird married Maggie, daughter of Alexander and Ra- 
 chel (Coleman) Grugan, of Grugan township, Clinton Co., Penn., and has 
 four children: Herbert L., Eugene H. , Jackson H. and Ella M. Mr. Baird 
 is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Politically he is a Democrat, 
 and has represented the district composed of Cameron, Elk and Jefferson 
 counties in the legislature two terms, 1873-74; was appointed postmaster of 
 Sinnemahoning in October, 1885, and served until July, 1889. 
 
 CHARLES P. BARCLAY, merchant and lumberman, Sinnemahoning, 
 was born in Owego, N. Y., May 9, 1844, and is a son of George A. and Eliza 
 (Allen) Barclay. His paternal grandparents were Samuel and Mary (Bartholf) 
 IBarclay, natives of Sussex county, N. J., and his maternal grandparents were 
 Ebenezer and Fanny (Williamson) Allen, of Owego, N. Y. Mr. Barclay's 
 father was reared in Owego, N. Y., where he learned the carpenter's trade. 
 In 1838 he went the entire length of lake Michigan and back again with two 
 Indians, in a bark canoe, on a fur-trading expedition. Prior to this, as well as 
 afterward, he worked at his trade, and was employed on bridge construction for 
 the Ithaca & Owego Railroad. Until 1845 he resided in Owego, where he held 
 the office of under sheriff for several years, and in May, 1845, he settled in 
 Wharton, Potter Co., Penn., where he was engaged in farming, lumbering 
 and mercantile business until 1867. Selling out in that year, he moved to 
 Cheboygan, Mich., where he conducted a lumber business for twelve years, 
 though his residence has been in Sinnemahoning, Cameron Co., Penn., 
 since 1865. In 1839, Mr. Barclay married Eliza Allen, of Owego, N. Y., by 
 whom he has had three children: George B., Mary E. (Mrs. R. Z. Roberts), 
 and Charles F. Mr. Barclay during his residence at Wharton was postmas- 
 ter there fifteen years, and has represented Cameron county in the legislature, 
 two terms. 
 
 Charles F. Barclay, the subject proper of this sketch, was reared in Potter 
 county, Penn., and received a high school education. August 16, 1862, he 
 enlisted in Company K, 149th P. V. I. (Second Bucktails), and at the first day's 
 fight at Gettysburg (July 1, 1863) he was taken prisoner. He was confined in 
 Libby, Danville, Macon, Savannah and Charleston prisons, being placed under 
 fire at the latter place, and then sent to Columbia, S. C, where he was ex- 
 changed. Re-joining his Company at Elmira, N. Y. , he was there honorably 
 discharged as captain of same, July 2, 1865, and same year he embarked in 
 mercantile trade with his brother, George B., at Sinnemahoning, in which 
 he has successfully continued. Since 1867, he has been extensively engaged in 
 the lumber business, operating one large mill, to which four miles of railway 
 bring the logs. The mill turns out about 8,000,000 feet of lumber per annum. 
 Mr. Barclay was married August 22, 1872, to Margaret A. L., daughter John 
 and Martha (Mason) Brooks, of Sinnemahoning. He is a prominent member 
 of the F. & A. M. and of the G. A. R., and in politics is a stanch Republican. 
 
BIOGBAPHICAL SKETCHES. 967 
 
 J. R. BATCHELDER, teamster, Sinnemahoning, was born in Waldo 
 ■county, Me. , March 4, 1849, and is a son of Benjamin P. and Abigail C. (Thicket) 
 Batohelder. He was reared and educated in his native State, and came to 
 Pennsylvania in 1872, locating at Sinnemahoning, where he has since resided, 
 having been most of the time in the employ of Barclay Brothers, lumbermen. 
 In June, 1873, Mr. Batchelder married Ida E., daughter of Randall and 
 Eleanor (Wykoff) Walker, of Grove township, Cameron Co., Penn., by whom 
 he has three children: Corella, George W. and Susan E, Politically he is a 
 Republican, and has held the office of constable and tax collector three years. 
 
 CHARLES W. BELDIN, wagon maker and county commissioner, Sin- 
 nemahoning, was born in Tioga county, N. Y., November 12, 1841, a son of 
 Lindsey and Jane Beldin, who settled in Wharton, Potter Co., Penn., in the 
 early part of the "fifties," and later in Sinnemahoning, Cameron county, 
 where the father died in 1873. Charles W. Beldin was reared in his native 
 •county and in Potter county, Penn. In 1872 he came to Sinnemahoning, 
 where he learned the wagon maker' s trade, and^where he has since resided. 
 In October, 1864, he enlisted in Company B, One Hundred and Ninety-ninth 
 P. V. I. ; was taken prisoner at Appomattox Court House, but was paroled the 
 same day, and was honorably discharged June 26, 1865. In 1866 he married 
 Martha, daughter of Morris and Eliza Walker, of Tioga county, N. Y., and 
 they have two sons: Edward and Adelbert. Mr. Beldin is a member of the 
 P. & A. M. and the G. A. R. In politics he is a Republican, and has been 
 constable and collector of Grove township nine years in succession; he was 
 also elected one of the commissioners of Cameron county in the fall of 1887. 
 
 J. VINE HANSCOM, sawyer and justice^ of the peace, Sinnemahoning, 
 *was born in Hartland, Me. , June 28, 1850, and is a son of Henry and Eliza- 
 beth (Hamm) Hanscom, who located in Bradford county, Penn., in 1854, where 
 the father (who is a farmer by occupation) still resides. Our subject was 
 reared in Bradford county, and received a limited education in the common 
 schools. He first located in Sinnemahoning in 1869, where for three years he 
 held the position of sawyer in the mill of Barclay Brothers; then removed to 
 Benezette, Elk Co. , Penn. , where he spent five years in the employ of Hall, 
 Kaul & Co. ; was afterward a resident of Lock Haven, Clinton County, Penn. , 
 several years, and, returning to Sinnemahoning in 1885, he has here since been 
 in the employ of Barclay Brothers as a sawyer. In 1876 Mr. Hanscom mar- 
 ried Maggie A. , daughter of Andrew and Margaret (Housel) Kline, of Will- 
 iamsport, Penn., and has five children: Frank H., Jennie V., Ethel L., Jessie 
 P. and Fred. Mr. Hanscom was elected justice of the peace for Grove town- 
 ship in 1888. Politically he is a Republican. 
 
 JACOB MILLER, farmer, P. O. Sinnemahoning, was born in August, 1830, 
 in what is now Grove township, Cameron Co. , Penn. , on the farm he now occu- 
 pies, and is a son of John and Elizabeth (Logue) Miller, pioneers of Grove 
 township, who located on land now occupied by their sons, Jacob, Alexander 
 and John. Here the parents made the first improvements, and here they died. 
 Their children were ten in number, as follows: George, Mary (Mrs. James 
 Shaffer), Nancy (Mrs. William Dent), Charles, Adam, Elizabeth (Mrs. Saul 
 Vandivier), Jacob, Alexander, John and' Jane (Mrs. Richard Crum). Jacob 
 Miller has always resided on a part of the old homestead, and married No- 
 vember 9, 1856, Roxie, daughter of Thomas Dent, of Gibson township, Cam- 
 eron Co., Penn., and they have six children: Angeline (Mrs. James Farrell), 
 Ella (Mrs. George B. Foultz), Cora (Mrs. P. G. Gray), Jennie, Jesse and 
 Emma (Mrs. L. G. Hersey). 
 
968 HISTOEY OF CAMERON COUNTY. 
 
 JOE M. SHAPER, proprietor of the Sinnemahoning House, Sinnemahon- 
 ing, was born in what is now Grrove township, Cameron Co., Penn,, April 
 22, 1838, and is a son of Henry and Jane (Mason) Shafer, who came to Grove 
 township in 1817, and later removed to Gibson township, where they resided 
 until their death. They had nine children: Margaret (Mrs. James Fulton), 
 Nancy (Mrs. Josiah Fink), Joe M., James A., Christopher C, Luzerna (Mrs. 
 G. W. Huntley), Martha J. (Mrs. William Robinson), William B. and John H. 
 The subject of this sketch was reared in Grove township, and has resided there 
 and in Gibson township most of his life. He was for several years engaged in 
 lumbering, and has conducted his present hotel business since 1871. In 1862 
 Mr. Shafer married Francelia, daughter of A. G. and Louisa (Miller) Huntley, 
 of Grove township, and they have seven children: Albert, Dessie, Joseph, 
 George, Alonzo, Cassius and Hattie. Mr. Shafer is a popular landlord; is a 
 member of the F. & A. M. ; is a Democrat in politics, and has served one 
 term from this district in the. State legislature. 
 
 JAMES SHAFFER, farmer, miller, etc. , P. O. Sinnemahoning, is a son of 
 James and Margaret (Brooks) Shaffer, the former of whom was born in 1788, and 
 the latter in January, 1790. James and Margaret Shaffer were the parents of 
 fifteen children, born in the following order: William (married to Jane Ber- 
 field), Henry (married to Jane Mason), Rebecca (married to John Berfield), 
 Benjamin B. (married to Elizabeth Caldwell), James, Jr. (married to Mary 
 Miller, daughter of John and Elizabeth (Logue) Miller, of Grove township), 
 Joseph (married to Jane Sterling), John (married to Elizabeth Richie), Mary 
 (married to Jesse Hall), David (married to Sara Jane Wykoff), Wesley (mar- 
 ried to Savila Sterling), Washington (married to Amanda Logan), Jacob (mar-, 
 ried to N. E. Johnson), Elizabeth (married to Adam Houghenberry, and after- 
 ward to Dr. French), Margaret (married to Coleman Grugan) and Sarah Jane 
 (married to J. L. D. Foultz). James and Margaret (Brooks) Shaffer settled 
 in what is now Grove township, Cameron Co. , Penn. , in 1816, and there died, 
 the father in 1872 and the mother in 1876. James, whose name heads this 
 sketch, was reared in Grove township, and has followed lumbering, milling 
 and farming for many years. Politically he is a Democrat, and has held all 
 the offices of Grove township; he was once auditor of Clinton county (from 
 which Cameron has since been cut off), and was also elected one of the first 
 commissioners of Cameron county, by the citizens of which he is held in high 
 esteem. 
 
 JOHN A. WYKOFF, lumberman, P. O. Sinnemahoning, was born in 
 what is now Gibson township, Cameron Co., Penn., February 20, 1836, and 
 is a son of Cyrenus E. and Hannah (Dougherty) Wykoff. His paternal 
 grandfather was E. Wyhoff, a native of Monmouth, N. J., who commenced 
 clearing at Rich Valley, near Emporium, Cameron Co., Penn., about 1812, 
 and soon thereafter, at Wykoff run, Sinnemahoning, Grove township, where 
 Barclay's mill now stands, and here died. The father of E. Wykoff was a na- 
 tive of Germany, and a major in the Revolutionary war. Cyrenus E. Wykoff, 
 after his marriage, located where Bainbridge V. Wykoff now lives in Gibson 
 township, Cameron Co. > Penn. , and cleared and improved that farm. In later 
 life he settled in Grove township, on the farm now owned by William E. Wy- 
 koff, which he also cleared, and here resided until his death. He was twice 
 married, and by his first wife Hannah (Dougherty), he had five children: AVill- 
 iam E., Bainbridge V., John A., Decatur J. and Cyrenus M. By his second 
 wife, Catherine (Miller), hQ had five children: Jefferson R., Washington, Har- 
 rison, Millard and Warren. He was justice of the peace in Cameron county 
 from the time of its erection, and also while it was included in Elk county. 
 
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 969 
 
 The subject proper of these lines was reared in Gibson township, but came to 
 Grove township when eighteen years of age, and in 1866 settled on the farm 
 he now occupies, part of which he cleared and improved; both before and since 
 the war he also has been engaged in lumbering. Mr. Wykoff enlisted October 
 14, 1861, in Company G, Fifty-third Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry, was 
 wounded at Gettysburg, and was honorably discharged on account of his 
 wounds, April 30, 1864. He was married March 31, 1863, to Mary J., daugh- 
 ter of William B. and Sarah (Swartwood) Taylor, of Wharton, Potter Co., Penn. 
 Mr. Wykoff is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and of the G, 
 A. E. ; politically he is a Eepublican, and has served one term as commissioner 
 for Cameron county, and three years as jury commissioner. 
 
 LUMBER TOWNSHIP. 
 
 D. D. ALDEEFEE, merchant, Cameron, was born in Montgomery county, 
 Penn., September 6, 1839, a son of John and Eliza Alderfer, also natives of 
 Pennsylvania. He received a practical business education, attending Freeland 
 Seminary, at Collegeville, Penn. He remained on the farm with his father 
 until eighteen years old, and then taught school until 1862, when he en- 
 listed in the United States service, in Company C, One Hundred and Seventy- 
 ninth Pennsylvania Infantry, and was elected lieutenant-colonel, and served 
 nine months. In June, 1865, he came to Cameron county, and entered 
 the employ of the Portage Oil and Mining Company, as superintendent, 
 remaining with them until 1866, when he revisited Montgomery county, 
 but, in 1867, returned to Sizerville, Cameron county, and engaged in the 
 lumber business until December, 1869, when he moved to Cameron, and was 
 employed as scaler and inspector of timber for the Hunt's Eun Lumber 
 Company, until the spring of 1883, and then worked for the Sterling Run Tan- 
 ning Company a short time, and in September, 1883, he bought a stock of mer- 
 chandize in Cameron. February 17, 1866, he married Miss Sarah Pox, daugh- 
 ter of Jonas and Catharine Fox, of Collegeville, Penn. , and they have five sons, 
 Henry, John, George, Arthur and Clement, and one daughter, Mamie E. Mr. 
 Alderfer has held the ofiBce of county auditor three terms, and has been justice 
 of the peace since 1870; he was also school director over twenty years. He 
 and wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. 
 
 GEOEGE CHAPMAN, farmer, P. O. Sterling Run, a son of Samuel and 
 Catherine Chapman, was born in Lycoming county, Penn., September 7, 1815. 
 April 20, 1826, his parents moved to Sterling Eun, now in Cameron county, 
 and bought a tract of wild land, making the journey up the river in a canoe. 
 They built a log cabin, with no floor or door, building their beds on blocks of 
 wood. They had a family of six children, George being the eldest son. He 
 learned the carpenter's trade, and worked for his father and the neighbors, 
 being the only carpenter in the settlement. After reaching his majority he 
 bought a tract of wild land, and after his marriage began to clear it of timber 
 and make a farm. He has been successful, and now owns one of the best 
 farms in the township. October 16, 1845, he married Susanna Wylie, daugh- 
 ter of James and Sarah Wylie, former a native of Scotland. They have one 
 son, James W. Mr. Chapman organized the first school board of Lumber 
 township. He has held the office of county auditor one term, and various other 
 township offices. 
 
 JOHN CUMMINGS, proprietor of the Cummings House, Cameron, was 
 born in Schuykill county, Penn. , August 15, 1859, a son of Martin and Mary 
 Cummings, natives of Ireland. He was given a practical business education, 
 attending the district schools of Schuykill, Elk and Cameron counties. His 
 
■970 HISTOEY OF CAMEEON COUNTY. 
 
 parents moved to Shawmut, Elk county, in 1858, and from there to Cameron 
 in 1870, where they opened a hotel, and here John learned the details of the 
 business of hotel-keeping, working for his father in various capacities, and 
 since his father's death has had control of the hotel. October 26, 1881, Mr. 
 Cummings married Miss Bridget Crayton, daughter of John and Mary Crayton, 
 of Cameron, and they have one child, Charles. 
 
 J. A. DICE, agent for the Pennsylvania Railroad Company at Cameron, 
 was born in Clinton county, Penn., June 22, 1844, a son of Benjamin and 
 Mary Dice. He received a practical business education in the schools of Clin- 
 ton county, remaining at home until February, 1865, when he enlisted in the 
 United States service, in Company G, One Hundred and Ninety-second Penn- 
 sylvania Infantry, and served until July 24, 1865, when he returned home and 
 soon afterward was employed as brakeman on the Pennsylvania Railroad, and 
 after a short time was promoted to baggage master, a position he held four 
 years. He then, for three years, was engaged in different lines of business, 
 and in 1878 again entered the employ of the railroad company, and was assist- 
 ant agent at St. Mary's four years, and in 1882 was appointed to his present 
 position. Mr. Dice was married September 20, 1870, to Miss Fannie Sykes, 
 a daughter of Thomas and Mary Sykes, of York county, Penn. They have 
 two children: Charles A. and Delia M. Mr. and Mrs. Dice are active mem- 
 bers of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Mr. Dice is also an active member 
 of the Knights of the Golden Eagle, and was instrumental in establishing the 
 first castle in Cameron county, Penn. He was the first setting past chief of 
 said castle, besides being appointed district grand chief of Cameron county, 
 Penn., for two. years, which position he now holds in said order. 
 
 B. A. FURLONG, proprietor of the Alpine House, Sterling, is a native of 
 Ireland, born in County Wexford in 1845, a son of Thomas and Mary Pur- 
 long. In 1849 his parents came to America, and located in Canada, where 
 they both died the same year, when he was taken by a family in Canada and 
 lived there until he was sixteen years old, when he began working in the lum- 
 ber woods, and followed that occupation until October 26, 1865, when he came 
 to Pennsylvania and worked at lumbering until 1874, in which year he bought 
 a hotel at Sterling, which was burned in 1876. He has built again on the 
 same foundation, and now has one of the best hotels in Sterling Run, and has 
 the reputation of being an efficient and genial landlord. Mr. Furlong was 
 married, August 21, 1879, to Miss Mary A. O'Rourke, daughter of Patrick and 
 Nora O'Rourke, natives of Ireland, and they have a family of three children: 
 Mary A. , John T. and James P. Mr. Furlong is a member of Warren Lodge, 
 No. 1, E. A. U. He has held various official positions in his township, and 
 has served with great acceptability to his fellow-townsmen. 
 
 W. P. HERRICK, lumberman, Sterling, wa-s born in Steuben county, N. 
 Y. , May 4, 1830, a son of Pierce and Ann Herrick, natives of New York 
 State. He was given a practical education, remaining with his father until 
 eighteen years of age, when he went to Geneva, N. Y. , to learn the carpenter's 
 trade, at which he worked until 1858, when he came to Emporium, Cameron 
 Co., Penn., and was employed by More, Mercer eau & Harrower, as foreman of 
 their lumber business, remaining with them about five years. In 1863 he went 
 to Cameron and operated a saw-mill until 1866, when he came to Sterling and 
 formed a partnership with John Brooks in the lumber business. In 1868 he 
 sold his interest to his partner, but continued with him as foreman until 1870, 
 when he bought a grist-mill, which he ran until 1873, and since then has en- 
 gaged in farming, and also carries on a lumber business. In 1878 he bought 
 the farm near the town in which he lives, which is one of the best farms in the 
 
BIOGEAPHICAL SKETCHES. 971 
 
 township. Mr. Herrick was married in 1855 to Miss Mary E. Moshier, of 
 Chemung county, N. Y., and they have three children: Ella, principal of Ster- 
 ling schools; Susan, wife of J. L. Wright, M. D., of Kane, Penn., and 
 George, a telegrapher at Sterling for the Philadelphia & Erie R. R. Company. 
 
 JOSEPH KISSEL, farmer, P. O. Sterling Run, was born in Lycoming 
 county, Penn., January 14, 1838, a son of Isaac and Nancy Kissel, natives of 
 Pennsylvania. He attended the common schools in his boyhood, and when 
 nine years old left home and began working for farmers and lumbermen, which 
 he continued until 1862, when, in August of that year, he enlisted in the ser- 
 vice of the United States in Company I, One Hundred and Thirty-first Penn- 
 sylvania Infantry, and served nine months, when he returned home. In De- 
 cember, 1865, he located on Bennett's branch, Cameron county; about 1868 
 he came to Sterling Ran, and for several years worked in the lumber camps 
 of Cameron county. In 1875 he bought a house and lot in Sterling, but in 
 1883 sold his village property and bought the farm where he now lives. Mr. 
 Kissel is at present a member of the board of Lumber township, and has held 
 various other official positions. He was married December 31, 1875, to Miss 
 Flora A. Posmer, a daughter of Ira and Lydia (Lyman) Posmer, and they 
 have six children: Bessie M., Nettie R., Nellie Z., Blanche A., Ada F. and 
 John J. 
 
 E. N. LACEY, blacksmith, Sterling, is a native of what is now Wyoming 
 county, Penn., born September 9, 1815, son of Ebenezer and Zeraiah Lacey, 
 also natives of the Keystone State. He was educated in the schools of his 
 native county, and in youth began to learn the blacksmith's trade of his father, 
 with whom he worked until he was twenty-one years old. He then bought 
 twenty acres of land of his father, and continued to work for him until 1846, 
 when he began lumbering, which he followed until 1861. In 1863 he moved 
 to Sterling, and worked ia the lumber districts as well as at blacksmithing, for 
 a number of years, and then devoted his entire time to his trade. He has 
 been successful, and by hard work and good management has now a pleasant 
 home in Sterling. Mr. Lacey was married in October, 1836, to Miss Clarinda 
 Fox, a daughter of Asa and Lydia Fox, and, she dying in 1862, he married in 
 1863 Miss Sarah F. Thompson, of Wyoming county, Penn., who died in 1865. 
 August 1, 1879, Mr. Lacey married Miss Elizabeth E. Gross, of Emporium. 
 Mr. Lacey has held the office of justice of the peace for seven years. He is a 
 member of Franklin Lodge, No. 263, F. & A. M. 
 
 R. A. LORD, farmer, P. O. Cameron, is a native of what is now Cameron 
 county, Penn., born October 14, 1860, a son of Albert and Elizabeth (Richey) 
 Lord. He attended the district schools in his boyhood, remaining on the farm 
 and assisting his father until twenty-one yesrs of age, when he went to work in 
 the lumber woods, and subsequently was employed as fireman in the pump 
 station of the National Transit Company, in Cameron county. March 4, 1888, 
 he sent $1 to the Louisiana State Lottery, and March 14, same year, received 
 a check for 115,000. He bought a farm with his money, and now has a good 
 home. Mr. Lord was married July 6, 1886, to Miss Mary Smith, a daughter 
 of Sylvester Smith, of Sinnemahoning, Penn., and they have one child, Jessie. 
 
 DANIEL McCORMICK, proprietor of the Cameron House, Cameron, was 
 born in Alexander, Ontario, Canada, December 24, 1839, a son of Alexander 
 and Anna G. McCormick, natives of Scotland. He was educated in the public 
 schools of his native place, and when twelve years old he left home, and began 
 to work in the lumber woods, in which occupation he continued until August 
 12, 1862, when he came to Cameron county, Penn. Here he was employed in 
 the lumber districts until 1872, in which year he rented a hotel in Cameron, 
 
972 HISTOKY OF CAMEKON COUNTY. 
 
 which he has since conducted. Mr. McCormick was married May 1, 1869. to 
 Miss Mary McDonald, daughter of Alexander and Sarah McDonald, and they 
 have a family of six children: Sarah 0. and Mary A. (twins), Daniel, Angus 
 J., Roderick and Alexander. 
 
 C. G. MINICK, superintendent of the Sterling Run Tannery, was born in 
 Huntingdon county, Penn., February 10, 1857, a son of John and Mariah 
 Minick, natives of Pennsylvania. He was given a good education at Millin- 
 wood Academy, at Shade Gap, Penn. His father was a merchant tanner, and 
 he learned the same trade, working for his father until 1884, when he came to 
 Sterling, Cameron county, to accept the position of book-keeper for the tannery 
 company, and in 1886 he was appointed manager of the tannery. In 1888 the 
 tannery changed hands, being purchased by H. G. Lanham & Co., of New 
 York City, but Mr. Minick was retained as superintendent. He was married 
 November 28, 1875, to Miss Minnie Lupfer, daughter of Joseph and Lydia 
 Ltipfer, of Shade Gap, and they have a family of three children: Judd L.. 
 Ruth J. and Don C. Mr. and Mrs. Minick are members of the Methodist 
 Episcopal Church. He is a popular man in the township, and has held various 
 official positions. 
 
 JOHN MULCAHY, section boss for the Philadelphia & Erie Railroad 
 Company, at Cameron, was born in Ireland, January 16, 1832, a son of Grant 
 and Mary Mulcahy. His parents moved to America the year of his birth, and 
 settled in Clinton county, Penn., where he was reared and educated. He 
 learned the brick maker's trade when a young man, at which he worked eight- 
 een years; then in 1870 entered the employ of the Philadelphia & Erie Rail- 
 road Company, and in 1880 was appointed section boss at Cameron. Mr. 
 Mulcahy was married July 1, 1860, to Miss Ellen Sheehan, a daughter of 
 Thomas and Elizabeth Sheehan, and they have had a family of six children: 
 Sarah E., wife of Charles Gager of Bradford; Dennis J., in the employ of 
 the Philadelphia & Erie Railroad Company at Renovo, Penn. ; Annie, Maggie, 
 Beatrice and Joseph W. 
 
 SAMUEL SMITH, postmaster, Sterling Run, was born in Lycoming county, 
 Penn., August 18, 1824, a son of Jacob and Eliza Smith, natives of Germany. 
 The parents came to Cameron county, Penn., in 1826, and settled on a farm 
 in Lumber township, where they lived until their death. They reared a family 
 of nine children, of whom seven are still living, Samuel being the second son. 
 He was educated in the district schools of Cameron county, remaining with his 
 father until his marriage, when he engaged in farming and lumbering on his 
 own account until 1870, when he was elected by the Democratic party associate 
 judge of Cameron county, and served five years. Prom 1875 till 1886 he 
 worked at the carpenter's trade, and superintended the work of his farm, and 
 in the latter year was appointed postmaster at Sterling Run. Mr. Smith was 
 married December 23, 1845, to Miss Sarah Summerson, daughter of David 
 and Elizabeth Summerson, who settled in Sterling Run in 1826. Mr. and 
 Mrs. Smith have had seven children: H. J., deceased; J. E., a merchant of 
 Sterling run; Sophronia, wife of T. J. Fulton, of Emporium, Penn.; M L. ; 
 Elida, wife of A. A. Ogden, of Cortland, N. Y. ; Victoria, deceased, and B. 
 E., a clerk in his brother's store. Mr. Smith is a member of Emporium 
 Lodge, No. 382, F. & A. M. 
 
 JOHN E. SMITH, merchant. Sterling, a son of Samuel and Sarah Smith, 
 was born at what is now Sterling Run, Cameron Co. , Penn., November 4, 1847. 
 He received a practical business education at the common schools, and worked 
 on the farm with his father until fifteen years old, when he began to learn 
 telegraphy, but worked at it only a short time. He then entered the employ 
 
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 973 
 
 of B. J. Earl as a clerk in a general store and remained with him five years 
 and then went into the mercantile business with his brother, and a year later 
 bought his brother's interest in the store and stock. He has been successful 
 in his business, his sales in 1888 amounting to over $25,000. June 12, 1872, 
 Mr. Smith married Miss Laura Arnold, a daughter of W. W. and Margaret 
 (Krusen) Arnold. Mr. Smith has held various official positions in the town- 
 ship. He is a member of Emporium Lodge, No. 382, F. & A. M. 
 
 PHILIP SMITH, farmer, P. O. Sterling Eun, a son of Jacob and Eliza 
 Smith, was born at what is now Sterling Eun, Cameron Co., Penn., January 
 20, 1827, and was reared and educated in his native township. He remained 
 at home, working for his father when not in school until he was eighteen years 
 of age, and then began to work for the neighboring farmers and in the lumber 
 woods, which he continued until his marriage, when he bought an interest in 
 his father's farm. He has been an active, energetic man, and is one of the 
 prosperous farmers of Lumber township. Mr. Smith was married July 15, 
 1847, to Miss Eve Shaf er, a daughter of John and Elizabeth Shaf er, and they 
 have a family of six children: Leonard, George L., A. H., Arnold D., Frank 
 S. and Orlo O. Mr. Smith has served one term as jury commissioner of 
 Cameron county, and is now commissioner of the Lumber and Wharton State 
 road. He and his wife are members of the Messiah Church. 
 
 P. W. WHITING, lumberman. Sterling, was born in Connecticut, Decem- 
 ber 8, 1821, a son of Daniel and Elizabeth Whiting, also natives of the Nut- 
 meg State. When a child he went to New Hampshire, where he lived with a 
 brother-in-law until he was twenty-one years old, working for him on a farm. 
 In 1847 he came to Sterling and worked as a common laborer one year, and 
 then became a member of the firm of Noyes & Co., lumbermen, and later 
 bought a farm, which he has carried on in addition to attending to his other 
 business, and has been successful in all his operations. He has been a promi- 
 nent man; in 1862 was elected county commissioner, and served three years. 
 December 15, 1850, Mr. Whiting married Miss Nancy HuS, a daughter of 
 Edmund and Polly HufP, who settled in Cameron county in 1823. Mr. and 
 Mrs. Whiting have six children: Lina (wife of Newton Brooks), Melvin, Mil- 
 ton, Elmer, Edward and Carrie. 
 
 PORTAGE TOWNSHIP. 
 
 D. BUELINGAME, farmer, P. O. Sizerville, was born in Keating township, 
 McKean county, Penn., September 22, 1829, the second son in a family of 
 five children of Isaac and Sophronia Burlingame, natives of New York State, 
 who came to Pennsylvania in 1819. When fifteen years old he started in life 
 on his own account, and worked for farmers until twenty-one, when he bought 
 a piece of land in Hamlin township, McKean county, and began to clear it of 
 timber, which he converted into lumber. He afterward sold this land and 
 bought the homestead of the Hiram Sizer estate, where he now lives. He has 
 been successful in his farming, and now owns one of the best houses in Port- 
 age township. Mr. Burlingame was married January 24, 1855, to Miss Elvira 
 Sizer, daughter of Hiram and Polly Sizer, natives of Massachusetts. They 
 have a family of six children: Homer D., Verna E., Sidney S., Buell W., 
 Eosa A. and F. E. Mr. Burlingame is a popular citizen of his township, and 
 has held various official positions. 
 
 WILLIAM L. ENSIGN, farmer, P. O. Sizerville, was born in Erie 
 county, N. Y., July 28, 1823, the only son in the family of nine children of 
 William and Mary Ensign. He moved with the family to Potter county, 
 Penn., in 1847, and bought a small farm in Portage township, which he has 
 
974 HISTORY OF CAMERON COUNTY. 
 
 since carried on. Mr. Ensign was married May 2, 1854, to Miss Melissa 
 Lucore, of Emporiuro, and they have had a family of eight children, of whom 
 Mary E. (wife of T. W. Titterington) and Fannie M. are deceased; those liv- 
 ing are Cora A. (wife of W. H. Edwards), Datus W. (at home), Clara B. (wife 
 of J. F. Wesley),. Edgar S. (in Wisconsin), and Alva L. and Milo C, the 
 youngest (both at home). March 22, 1884, Mr. and Mrs. Ensign adopted a 
 daughter named Mary K. In politics Mr. Ensign is a Republican, and he was 
 a delegate to the first county convention of that party held in Cameron county 
 in 1860. He has always taken an active interest in the public afPairs of the 
 township, and has held -various official positions. 
 
 M. P. JONES, merchant, Shippen, is a native of what is now Shippen, 
 Cameron Co., Penn. , born January 1, 1852, a son of L. B. and E. E. Jones, 
 natives of Vermont. He was reared and educated in his native township, 
 remaining with his father until sixteen years old, when he began working in 
 the lumber woods. He subsequently began working as hostler and taking 
 charge of engines for the Western New York & Pennsylvania, Railroad Com- 
 pany. In August, 1885, he opened a general store in Shippen, which his wife 
 has charge of, he continuing in the employ of the railroad company. Mr. 
 Jones was married December 25, 1880, to Miss Elna Kaufman, a native of 
 Copenhagen, Denmark, and they have three children: Elsie May, Eva E. and 
 Stanley H. Mrs. Jones is a member of the Lutheran Church. In politics 
 Mr. Jones is a Democrat. 
 
 LEMUEL LUCORE, JR., farmer, P. O. Sizerville, was born at Em- 
 porium, Penn. , May 1, 1828, a son of Lemuel and Rebecca Lucore. He worked 
 on the farm with his father until 1855, and then began working in the lumber 
 districts of Cameron county. August 1, 1861, he enlisted in the service of the 
 United States, in the First Pennsylvania Reserve Cavalry. He was captured 
 and confined in Libby Prison four months. August 12, 1864, he was dis- 
 charged and returned home. Mr. Lucore was a delegate to the first county 
 convention in Cameron county. He has held the office of justice of the peace 
 since 1870, and in 1887 was elected a member of the board of county commis- 
 sioners. December 10, 1865, he married Miss Nancy Ensign, daughter of 
 William and Mary Ensign, of Shippen township. They have three children: 
 Mary R., born July 7, 1868, is the wife of William J. Frazer, of Sizerville, 
 Penn. ; Marcus F., born March 7, 1870, and Arthur M., born May 16, 1872. 
 Mr. Lucore's father came to Cameron county in 1819, and settled on the pres- 
 ent site of Emporium. He had a family of ten children: Sabra, born April 
 22, 1823; Wealthy A., July 4, 1824; Clara C, March 31, 1826; Lemuel, May 
 1, 1828; Allen, August 22, 1830; Melissa, December 5, 1832; Alva M., March 
 3, 1835; James B., August 23, 1837; Mary R., August 27, 1842; Ella R., 
 May 5, 1846. 
 
 P. H. SHUMWAY, proprietor of the Sizerville Bottling W^orks, was born at 
 Wellsboro, Tioga Co. , Penn., December 6, 1854, a son of Joseph and Margaret 
 Shumway, natives of Pennsylvania. He attended school until seventeen years of 
 age, and then traveled extensively through the Western States, remaining 
 until 1877, when he returned home and went to the Bradford oil fields, and 
 was there employed until 1880, when he went to Olean, N. Y. , and for sev- 
 eral years engaged in bottling mineral water for the market. In 1887 he 
 came to Cameron county, Penn., and leased the Sizerville Mineral Spring 
 and opened his bottling works. Mr. Shumway was married November 8, 1881, 
 to Miss Etta Bullemer, daughter of George and Mary Bullemer, of Buffalo , 
 N. Y. They have two children: Florence M. and Earl P. Mr. Shumway is. 
 
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 975 
 
 a member of Olean Lodge, No. 252, F. & A. M., and also of Olean Chapter, 
 E. A. M., No. 150. 
 
 W. E. SIZER, merchant, Sizerville, is a native of what is now Cameron 
 county, Penn., born in Sizerville January 26, 1855, a son of E. D. and Louisa 
 Sizer. His paternal and maternal grandparents were natives of Massachu- 
 setts, and settled in Portage township, Cameron Co., Penn., in 1819. He was 
 given good educational advantages, attending Alfred "University, in Alle- 
 gany county, N. T., and graduating from Westbrook College, at Olean, 
 N. Y. He was employed in his father's store until 1883, and was then given 
 a partnership, which was continued until the spring of 1888, when his father 
 retired from business, and W. R. has since conducted it alone. He built his 
 present commodious store building in the spring of 1888, and now has one of 
 the finest and best conducted mercantile establishments in the county. Mr. 
 Sizer was married February 22, 1883, to Miss Bertha Earl, who was born at 
 Emporium, August 14, 1863, a daughter of John and Annie Earl, her grand- 
 father being the first white settler on the present site of Emporium. Novem- 
 ber 16, 1889, to Mr. and Mrs. W. R. Sizer was born their first child, Edward 
 Day. Mr. Sizer is a member of Emporium Lodge, No. 382, F. & A. M., of 
 Chapter, No. 227, R. A. M., and of Olean Commandery, St. John's, K. T., No. 24. 
 
HISTORY OF POTTER COUNTY, 
 
 S3 
 
POTTER COUNTY. 
 
 CHAPTEK I. 
 TOPOGRAPHY AND NATURAL HISTORY. 
 
 Origin of Name of County— Area and Elevations— Topographical Con- 
 formation—Fossils AND Strata, eto.—Lumbering— Giant Saw-mills— 
 Lumber Camps— Experiences of the Woodsman— Technicalities of the 
 Trade— Kafting and "Driving"— Cyclones and Natural Phenomena. 
 
 JAMES POTTER, after whom the county is named, came into the Susque- 
 hanna country soon after the treaty of 1768. He served under Washing- 
 ton or Lafayette during the Revolution, and, when the new purchase was 
 made, he was the agent and surveyor of the land company on the Sinnema- 
 honing. 
 
 This county, extending south from latitude 42° thirty-six miles, borders 
 the line of New York State for thirty-one miles, and embraces 1,071 square 
 miles, prairie measure. It is bounded on the west by McKean county; south- 
 west by Cameron county; south by Clinton county, and east by Tioga county. 
 The acreage, prairie measure, would be about 685,440, but owing to the great 
 number of high, cone-like hills, the figure given is far below the area which a 
 true measurement would credit. The population is estimated at about 24,000. * 
 
 The altitudes, based on reports made to the geological bureau, are given in 
 the introductions to the township historical sketches, but for the purposes of 
 this chapter, the altitudes of the following-named places are given: Coudersport 
 depot, 1,661 feet above ocean level; Roulette, 1,537; southeast corner of Pike 
 township, east of Galeton, 1,300; near Port Allegany, 1,508 feet; Port Alle- 
 gany, 1,481; Keating Summit, 1,881 ; Cobb Hill, near Raymond, is said to be 
 2,500 feet; Summit, southeast of river and opposite quarry at Coudersport, 
 2,302; hill, northeast of river, one-half mile from town, 2,250; Lament Sum- 
 mit, 2,297; Newton and Bigby's dam, on Oswayo Creek, 1,525; Hebron Hill, 
 2,887; near Sharon Centre, 2,320. But the general elevation may be placed at 
 2,500 feet, from which heights the waters of the great rivers of northern Penn- 
 sylvania pour out. The synclinals or troughs occasioned by the dip or incline 
 of their rocks to the center, number seven, named in the order of districts to 
 which they belong, thus: Blossburg basin, in the southeast; Kettle Creek basin 
 next; Mill Creek; Pine Creek basin; Cowanesque basin; Coudersport basin, 
 Oswayo basin and a fraction of the Ceres basin, in the extreme northwest. Th& 
 synclinals traverse the county from southwest to northeast, and are separated 
 by the anticlinals or valleys, the rocks of which dip outward toward the base 
 of the synclinal walls. There are six of such valleys in the county: the Stew- 
 ardson, two miles wide, between the Blossburg and Kettle Creek; next the 
 
 * C. Lyman, the census assistant marshal of Potter county in 1840, reported a population of 3,400, in- 
 cluding six cliilaren of one mother born within five years, where ten years before there were only 1,265 in- 
 habitants. 
 
980 HISTOBY OF POTTEK COUNTY. 
 
 New Bergen, three or four miles wide; then the 0— F, irregular in width, 
 except at county line; next the central, from the corner of Cameron, McKean 
 and Potter counties to north fork in Harrison township — called the Ulysses — 
 Homer, anticlinal, two miles wide on the west and six on the northeast; and 
 in the northwest the Roulette-Hebron-Bingham, from two to three miles 
 wide, and the broad Sharon, from five to six miles wide. The geological 
 structure of the clinals, in each section of the county is shown in the pages 
 devoted to township history, where also the attempts to develop gas, oil, coal, 
 lime, building sand and glass sand are noted. 
 
 Among the shells discovered in Potter county are orthoceras, cypricardia 
 and rhynchonella in Fishing creek near Stearns; spirifer at Sharon Centre 
 saw-mill, and spirifer and sanguinolites in Fishing creek. In the Catskill red 
 beds of West branch peculiar lithological specimens were found; one and 
 three-fourths miles from Coudersport, on the Homer road, were found stig- 
 maria with long, narrow stems, and one stem eighteen inches long by two .and 
 one-half wide. Plant stems of other species were also found here. In 1876 
 the little archiBDpteris was found in Roulette in railroad cut; a mile below the 
 village of Harrison Valley, on Holcomb' s f arm, a grindstone grist was found, in 
 1876, in the upper Chemung strata, and in a similar strata in Sharon, conglom- 
 erate pebbles and small rocks were discovered, and again in the railroad cut 
 near Roulette, plant stems, fish scales, pieces of plants and obscure lamelli- 
 branchita were exhumed. 
 
 The mountain sides and valleys of Potter county were formerly covered 
 with a luxuriant growth of timber, pine and hemlock* greatly predominating. 
 This timber, were it upon the stumps to-day, would yield a wonderful capital; 
 but at this date (1887) the last straggling pines are being gathered. This year 
 will probably finish up the pine lumbering of our section, and the hemlock is 
 beginning to fall rapidly beneath the woodman's ax, more for its bark than for 
 its lumber. It would naturally be supposed by those who know nothing of the 
 history of the county that the marketing of this great mass of timber would 
 have made at least a few of our citizens very wealthy, and have greatly im- 
 proved the financial standing of many mOre, but this is not the case. We know 
 of no Potter citizen who has been made wealthy by the pine of Potter, and 
 very few who have been benefited even to a moderate degree therefrom. On 
 solution of this problem we will advance the first and most important reasons, 
 ■and this is that the bulk of the land in the county has been and still is owned 
 by capitalists living without the county — in Philadelphia, New York, Williams- 
 port and elsewhere. In an early day, when a piece of land was sold to an 
 actual settler, there was little chance of marketing, and the forest was chopped 
 down and the logs burned in the log heaps of the fallows, many of the fine 
 pines being cut into rails. Later, as the pine became more valuable, when a 
 piece of land was sold the pine was reserved, as is still done, giving the settler 
 so much for preparing it for market, or the land was held until the pine was 
 taken off of it. There were no large mills in the county to manufacture the 
 lumber, and thus bring money into the community. The logs were peeled by 
 gaags of men, and rafted or driven along the stream.s into the great booms be- 
 yond the borders of the county. Many logs went to Pittsburgh, down the Alle- 
 gheny, in an early day, but of late years the pine has found its way to the 
 boom at Williamsport, to be manufactured in the giant saw- mill at that city, 
 either by way of Pine creek or the Sinnemahoniug and Susquehanna. A great 
 majority of the men working in the lumber camps of the county came from 
 
 * In 18S8 Potter county yielded 130,000 cords of bark, and McKean 225,000 cords, with millions of feet 
 of lumber. One hemlock on Pine creek yielded thirty rings of bark, showing the tree to be peeled for 150 
 feet. 
 
HISTOEY OP POTTER COUNTY. 981 
 
 beyond the limits of the county. Some camps were made up entirely with 
 loggers from Maine, and even from Canada and other remote points. It was 
 necessary to the prosperity of the owners and jobbers that this should be so 
 for Potter could not supply the men to do the work. There has ever been 
 sufficient work in the woods for all of the citizens of Potter. But aside from 
 the wages of the rough men, there has been comparatively little of the great 
 profits of the business which has remained in the county. An evil this system 
 has brought is that farms were neglected, and that tracts of land have been 
 left unimproved. One can realize this in an instant when entering a section 
 where a little pine is left, and where lumbering has not yet ceased to tempt 
 the settlers from their homes. A great part of the farms lay in old slashings, 
 with the tree stems lying where they fell. The houses are very primitive' 
 small and uncomfortable. The cattle have a lean, half-starved look, and the 
 people you meet are more or less costumed in the bizarre fashion of the back- 
 woods. Their language overflows with coarse slang, and with the men it is 
 mingled with much profanity. The fences about the farms are tumble-down 
 affairs constructed of mossy rails, logs or brush, slashed in windrows. A gen- 
 eral air of dilapidation crowns the whole of the landscape. It is not until this 
 section is entirely cleared of its lumber camps that we may begin to expect 
 improvements upon the farms, whilst a more civilized manner of dressing, and 
 a more Christian-like use of language would be desirable. This same lumber- 
 ing business which invaded Potter at an early day, and has bound it in slavery 
 down to the present time, is to blame for the uncultivated condition of the 
 greater portion of our county to-day. It has kept us fifty years in the rear of 
 sections unhampered thereby. Many have been ruined by attempting to work 
 as contractors in a business they did not thoroughly understand. Others have 
 lost their years' work by working for unscrupulous contractors or those who 
 were unlucky and insolvent also. Men have been made rich by dealing in the 
 pine of Potter county, but they were foreigners, and they took their money 
 with them to spend elsewhere. Whatever others may have done, our county 
 has been made poorer in every way by the pine forests which at one time beau- 
 tified its mountain slopes. Could the pine have belonged to our citizens, it 
 would not have been so bad, and even this, we doubt not, would not have made 
 the difference which some believe. As soon as there was a way to market, the 
 pine would have been cut and sold, with more or less of the demoralizing in- 
 fluences at work, the effects of which we now deplore. Potter has been dis- 
 poiled of her pine, while where it stood are vast barrens to remind us of what 
 once was our pride. 
 
 Of the hemlock, much land has been cut over for the bark for tanning pur- 
 poses, and this has been nearly as demoralizing to the denizens of the hem- 
 lock districts as the cutting of the pine. Thousands of acres have been 
 slashed for this purpose, and the timber left to rot and the ground to grow up 
 to fire cherries and briars. At present the prospect is more cheering, as mills 
 are rapidly being built to manufacture the hemlock lumber, with now and then 
 a giant in its way like the great saw-mill at Austin, capable of manufacturing 
 100,000 feet per day, or ], 000, 000 feet every ten days; the colossal mill at 
 Galeton, and the large mill to be built at Nelson by the Lackawanna Lumber 
 Company. Millions of feet of hemlock logs are now being cut eveiy year, 
 and the advantage to us is that we shall reap some benefit from the industry 
 of home manufacture. Beyond the immediate earnings from the lumber busi- 
 ness we shall probably have more railway facilities, and be brought nearer en 
 rapport with the vast world of life, an action which lies beyond our borders. 
 
 It will now be in place to give some description of how the work has been 
 
982 HISTORY OF POTTEB COUNTY. 
 
 done of marketing our pine, the modus operandi and the manner of living of 
 the men who take part in this perilous enterprise, for perilous it is. Many a 
 finely organized man has suddenly been stretched in death in the lumber 
 woods, or been drowned during the "drive," or from the timber raft. The 
 camps usually are built in as nearly a central position to the tract to be chopped 
 as possible. Still, as the pine recedes beneath the blows of the ax, the camp is 
 left farther from the scene of labor, until the lumberman finally has to walk 
 two and three miles to and from work. These camps are located near springs 
 of water, and are built of logs chinked with mud and moss, and the roofs cov- 
 ered with hand-made shingles. The interior is divided, usually, into two 
 large rooms below, with pantry, store-room and two bed-rooms, one of the lat- 
 ter for the jobber and his wife, if she accompanies him, the other for the 
 female cook. Often a man is employed as cook. One of the large rooms is 
 kitchen and dining-room combined, the other is supplied with benches, and is 
 dubbed the "bar-room," it being the lounging place for the men in the even- 
 ing. The second story of the building embraces but one ropm, and as the 
 building is but a story and a half affair it brings this room immediately under 
 the roof. This is the sleeping apartment of the men. Here are rows of 
 roughly-made bunks, covered with heavy blankets and often hay or straw 
 pillows. About this camp the trees are cut away to avoid the danger of hav- 
 ing them blown upon the building by heavy winds. Flanking this cabin are 
 the stables and the blacksmith shop. There is much business for the black- 
 smith here during the life of the job; horses and oxen must be shod, pevy or 
 pike levers and cant hooks must be ironed, chains mended and spikes for the 
 timber slides formed. This cluster of buildings constitutes the camp. The 
 food is of the heartiest sort: pork, beef, potatoes, bread, butter, molasses, 
 turnips, Indian bread, beans, cheese, pie and cake, and the invariable cup of 
 coffee in the morning and at noon, and tea at supper. Some jobbers are noted 
 for their stinginess with their larder, and they often run short of their crew of 
 men in consequence of this reputation, for although the woodsman may wear 
 coarse clothing he likes " good living," as he calls his food. Where the camp 
 has a crew of Maine men the ''bean hole" is ever to be found. It is a hole 
 dug in the ground somewhat in the .shape of an egg. When beans are to be 
 cooked a fire is started in the " bean hole," and is kept going until a fine bed 
 of coals is formed. Into this furnace is plunged the bean kettle, with the 
 right amount of beans and pork in it, . and covered with a strong iron cover. 
 Upon this cover and about the kettle are piled coals until it is literally em- 
 bodied in fire. Upon the top are thrown ashes, and upon this earth, which is 
 firmly packed upon the " bean hole. " The beans are usually put in the 
 "hole" at night and allowed to remain there until next morning, when they 
 are ready for the table, and it is said that they are delicious. 
 
 The clothing of the woodsmen varies in form, but all wear the long stock- 
 ings drawn up to the knee over the trousers, where they are held in place either 
 by a strap or a red cord with tassels. Heavy rubber shoes cover the feet. 
 These shoes are usually one or two sizes too large, in order to admit of the 
 person wearing two or more pairs of coarse woolen socks beneath the long red 
 outside hose. In the spring during the " drive ' ' boots are worn, with a strap 
 buckled around their tops to prevent the water finding too easy ingress. The 
 soles and heels of these "driving" boots are filled with spikes from a 
 half inch to an inch and a half in length, the longest spike being set in the 
 heel. This is to prevent slipping upon the wet logs, which, as they have been 
 divested of their bark, are almost as smooth as glass. They wear heavy, 
 coarse woolen shirts, slouch hats or knit caps with a tassel depending there- 
 from, altogether presenting a somewhat picturesque appearance. 
 
HISTORY OF POTTEE COUNTY. 983 
 
 The woodsmen are rough and uncouth in their ways, but full of life and 
 fun, and are hardy, and have proverbially splendid appetites. They are re- 
 quired to be at their place at daylight, frequently even in summer. At night 
 they usually go to bed as soon after supper as they can manage to smoke their 
 pipes, supper usually taking place at dark. While smoking their pipes they 
 lounge about the "bar-room" telling stories, joking each other and singing 
 songs not calculated for the drawing-room. 
 
 The work in the woods consists of "falling" the trees, sawing them into 
 logs of proper length, peeling and skidding. From the skids, upon which the 
 logs are scaled, they are taken to the slides or trails, and along these to the 
 place for " banking" on the stream, along which they are to be driven when 
 the spring floods come. The trailing is done with teams where, the ground is 
 level. The trail is a shallow trough made usually of timbers pinned to the 
 ground; or, at times, what is known as a "ground trail" is constructed by 
 plowing two or three furrows in the earth, and afterward drawing a log back 
 and forth through it until it is compacted into a smooth trough. When' the 
 .-.nows come, the trail becomes very slippery, and long trails of logs, from ten 
 to twenty, can be pushed by a single team, the team being hitched to the rear 
 log. When there is a deficiency of snow, with cold weather, the trails have 
 to be "watered," that is, water is poured into them and allowed to freeze, 
 and upon this ice the logs are slid. Where the trail has sufficient inclination 
 for the logs to run by their own gravity, it is called a slide. In some places 
 where the slides are very steep it is necessary to drive spikes into the timbers 
 composing them to retard the running of the logs, for if they arrive at too 
 great a velocity the logs are split and broken into fragments by striking among 
 the logs already at the landing place at the foot of the slide. It is wonderful 
 with what momentum the logs are forced at times. Any old woodsman will 
 tell you wonderful tales thereabout. We have seen a tree two feet in diameter 
 cut off by a log jumping from the track, thirty feet from the ground, and with 
 such force that it took out a length of the tree trunk equal to the diameter of 
 the flying log, whilst the top portion of the tree descended by the side of its 
 stump, standing in its original perpendicular position. Logs have been 
 known to jump from the track, being forced out by heavier logs striking them 
 from the rear, and going up the steep mountain side for from fifteen to twenty 
 rods ; and they have been known to spring from the slide, whirl about a stand- 
 ing tree and be flung back into the slide to continue their lightning course to- 
 ward the valley. A number of years ago we were called to a lumber camp on 
 the Pine creek to see a man who had been fatally injured by a log which en- 
 circled a tree. He had been working upon the slide, and as he started down 
 the mountain along the slide, he looked back and saw a large log coming with 
 a weaving movement. His practiced eye told him that this was a dangerous 
 customer, and he sprang behind a tree. The log swayed out far enough to 
 catch this tree and was thrown entirely around it, crushing the woodsman 
 against it. The man was dead before we reached the camp; his name was 
 Frank Ehodes. Upon some mountain sides it is so steep that the tree, as soon 
 as it falls beneath the ax, starts for the valley below with terrific velocity; 
 stripping off all of its branches in the descent, and sometimes being shivered 
 into splinters. Generally the slide or trail reaches the "banking" ground. 
 By the term "banking" is meant where the logs are heaped upon the side of 
 the stream until the flood comes. When the waters rise the logs are rolled from 
 these huge heaps into the water. This is a time of great peril to the log 
 driver. He may be working out logs from the bottom of the pile near the 
 water, when the whole heap may give way and come thundering down upon 
 
984 HISTOEY OF POTTEE COUNTY. 
 
 him, and he is caught in a "dead fall." The banking frequently extends to 
 the bed of the stream so that the stream is filled bank high from bank to bank 
 for a mile or more. On some of the smaller streams " splash dams" are con- 
 structed. These are simply large and high dams constructed across the valley 
 with two great gates where the stream passes through. These gates are 
 closed when it is desired to fill the pond. Logs are rolled into the bed of the 
 stream below the dam to be ready to be floated by the ' ' splash. ' ' When the 
 pond is full, the gates are opened and the flood pours forth which carries away 
 the logs, in readiness for it, into the larger main stream beyond. The gates 
 are so fastened that a blow upon a lever unfastens them, so that the person 
 attending to this part of the work is in no danger. 
 
 The construction of rafts is now a thing of the past, so' far as log-rafts are 
 concerned. Occasionally lumber rafts are sent down the river, but in the old 
 days of lumbering in Potter county, the logs found their way to market in rafts, 
 going to Pittsburgh, and even below, by the Allegheny, and as far as Chesa- 
 peake Bay down the Pine creek and Sinnemahoning into the Susquehanna 
 river. Many are the adventures told by the old raftsmen of their voyages; of 
 their sharp work in the rapids of the Barbers of Pine creek; of the short turn 
 to be made at Hanging Eock and Falling Spring; the running of the dams 
 and chutes at Muncy and Shamokin, and the perilous ride through the break- 
 ers of Kanawaga Falls, on to Columbia and Havre de Grace; then returning 
 to their mountain homes on foot, walking often as far as fifty and sixty miles 
 in a day. These raftsmen were a vigorous set of men, and a tough lot to 
 encounter. Like life upon the canal, the raftsmen were expected to be ready 
 to fight or drink at a moment's notice, and some of them, like Abram (or Brom) 
 Rohrabacher, became noted the entire length of the route for their strength 
 and skill. The men, or crew, of the raft slept and ate upon their low-running 
 craft, having a shanty built upon the raft for a kitchen and dormitory; their 
 fare continuing to be the same as that to which they were accustomed in the 
 woods. Now, however, the logs are "driven" down the stream in a loose 
 mass, carried along by the swift, swollen current, some of the drives upon 
 Pine creek amounting to as high as 15,000,000 to 20,000,000 feet of logs at 
 one time. A large crew of. men accompany these "drives," wearing their spike- 
 shod boots and carrying their cant hooks. No matter how cold the water is, 
 and it may be filled with running ice in an early flood, they must plunge into 
 it to loosen logs that have stranded upon bars, or caught upon rocks or points of 
 land, the logs frequently floating, but would remain there until the water went 
 down if they were not thrust out again into the cui'rent. This must be done by 
 men often wading to their armpits in the water, so cold that their clothing freezes 
 as soon as they step upon the land, and yet, with all of this immersion in icy 
 waters, from morning until night, for days together, very few are made sick 
 by it. In some instances rheumatism may follow or the legs may become sore, 
 but that is usually the extent of the injury done by this severe exposure. An 
 ' ' ark, " as it is called, a large flat-boat covered with a shanty, follows the 
 "drive," as a hotel for the "crew." Here the meals are prepared, and here 
 the men sleep at night, often in their wet clothing. It often happens that the 
 flood goes down before the "drive " reaches its destination. In this case the 
 work ceases and the ' ' drive hangs up, ' ' which simply means that the logs will 
 not float. If you inquire of a log-driver upon his return at such a time: " How 
 far did you go?" he will reply, "We hung up," or "the drive hung up" at 
 such a place. One of the greatest dangers to the log-driver, during the flood, 
 is the log jam, or briefly, "the jam." A log catches upon a rock or bar in 
 such a manner as to obstruct the channel, other logs rapidly collecting about 
 
i^^S^r^r /^^^^^^--^^^^^~^' 
 
HISTORY OP POTTER COUNTY. 987 
 
 it, until the entire stream, perhaps, is cholied with a seemingly inextricable 
 tangle of logs. They are lixed in this jam in every conceivable position, from 
 horizontal and criss-cross to perpendicular. To the uninitiated it would seem 
 impossible to extricate the logs from their tangle with the fierce current of the 
 raging stream locking them together as in a vice; but now comes as cool a 
 piece of pluck and skill as ever was seen in the life of the soldier upon the 
 battlefield— the professional "jam-breaker," there always being one or more 
 of these experts accompanying the drive (frequently those who have learned 
 their trade upon the turbulent Aroostook and other logging streams of Maine). 
 One of these men, divested of all unnecessary clothing, but with his feet 
 securely spiked, jumps upon the "jam." He carries his pike lever with him, 
 and upon this instrument alone he is to win the victory over the maddened 
 stream. He holds his life in his hand; a single false move often means his 
 death, but he is cool and determined. It is known to veteran jam-breakers 
 that there is usually one log in the mass which, if detached, will loosen the 
 entire jam so that it will break with a rush; this is called the "key-log." 
 The first duty of the jam-breaker is to find the " key-log; " this found he goes 
 straight to work to loosen it. Other men may have to be called upon the jam 
 to assist him; but when the last hitch of the cant hook is to be given which will 
 free the key-log (if the business is not precipitated by some unforeseen event), 
 all of the men, save the jam-breaker, run for the shore. With a final twist of 
 his lever the log springs from the mass of writhing logs and shoots out upon 
 the current, but not so quick but that it bears a living freight. The jam- 
 breaker, with the agility of a cat, strikes the spikes of his boots into its slip- 
 pery side, and is leading a crashing, tearing mass of logs and water which 
 chase madly in his wake. By long practice he easily balances upon the rolling, 
 pitching log, which he gradually works to the shallow water and springs 
 ashore, after, perhaps, having ridden a mile or more upon his unstable craft. 
 This is the modus operandi of breaking a jam where everything works to the 
 wish; but often the jam breaks at an. inopportune moment, and the men are 
 hurled here and there into the seething flood animate with rushing logs. If all 
 come out of the peril with their lives they are indeed fortunate, even if they have 
 fractured limbs and contusions. Woe to the man who sinks beneath the logs — 
 they close above him, and he is crushed to death or drowned. There is deadly 
 danger lurking at every step, from the falling of the tree in its native wilds 
 until the logs are secured in the boom, where the Potter county boy leaves 
 them. To be sure the danger goes on with the milling of the lumber, and in 
 the mills of Potter county lives have been lost. It is but a few years since 
 Isaac Baker was sawn asunder by a circular saw in a mill belonging to Dr. O. 
 T. Ellison, in Coudersport. Aside from the danger attending logging, the 
 life of the lumberman is an agreeable one to him. 
 
 On March 21, 1834, came a hurricane or cyclone which swept down much 
 timber and destroyed Lymansville. Its track lay through Roulette, crossing 
 the intervening country, and making huge windfalls on the mountain sides. It 
 seemed to strike with redoubled force at Lymansville, and logs which were em- 
 bedded in the roads were torn out. All of the water was blown out of the mill 
 pond, and saw-logs scattered over the flats. Houses and fences were utterly 
 demolished, boards were found in West Union, Steuben Co., N. Y., and in Har- 
 rison township that had been carried by the tempest from Lymansville, a dis- 
 tance of no less than thirty miles. At Roulette the blow did not do as much 
 damage as at Lymansville. According to the statement of Joel Fessenden, hail- 
 stones fell as large as hens' eggs, and marks of where they struck upon the side 
 of Burrel Lyman's barn were visible for twenty years after. This barn, which 
 
<j88 HISTORY OF POTTER COUNTY. 
 
 was built in 1818 is still standing. After the storm passed the boys threw 
 these monster hail-stones at a mark. No storm since has equaled this in sever- 
 ity, until the cyclone came which annihilated Shongo a few years ago. 
 
 In September, 1856, a wind storm swept over the county from Couders- 
 port to Wellsville. Fire destroyed twenty-three buildings, and the wind many 
 more. In June, 1888, a wind storm destroyed an orchard and other property. 
 
 During the last thirty years several severe storms have been chronicled, but 
 none of them took the form of the terrible cyclone of 1834, at least in this 
 county, as the high hills present a barrier which breaks up the storm king. 
 
 James Bassett o^ Coudersport, who is looked upon as the veteran stage- 
 driver of the section, tells some romantic tales of the days when he handled 
 the ribbons over the route from Coudersport to Oleona. Upon one occasion 
 while driving along, just at dusk at Indian run, not far from where Hub 
 Starkweather had his "Whetstone Factory," about half way from New Bergen 
 to Oleona, at a point on the mountain side where a thin vein of coal had been 
 discovered, Bassett saw what he supposed was running fire in the woods. The 
 flames appeared to be feeding upon the dry leaves, and was creeping along in 
 a zigzag fashion with dancing flames which now and then would embrace the 
 undergrowth, and leap several feet above the ground . Hastening on to Oleona, 
 he alarmed the inhabitants, who turned out en masse to fight> the fire, but when 
 they arrived upon the ground no fire was to be found. Bassett went over the 
 ground the next day, but could not find even a leaf scorched. He looks upon 
 this as a mystery past any solution he can give. Similar phenomena were 
 witnessed in the Indian Ocean some years ago, and near the Faro Islands in 
 May, 1889. 
 
 Among the curiosities along Bassett' s route, he tells of two beech trees that 
 grew upon the Patterson place west of Cherry Springs that stood about ten feet 
 apart, but were united by a branch which grew at right angles into the two trees. 
 A hunter from Dansville, N. Y., robbed Potter of this freak of nature. To 
 the east of Cherry Springs stood a tree known to many as the ' ' Indian tree, ' ' 
 having the profile of an Indian's face' carved upon its trunk. This curiosity 
 was destroyed by some vandal who built a fire against the tree. Two beeches 
 which were united as the above, but not distant more than three feet from each 
 other, used to stand about a mile from Sunderlinville, near the farm of Samuel 
 Decker, and many natural curiosities of this kind have been noted by hunters 
 and woodsmen from time to time. 
 
HISTORY OF POTTEE COUNTY. 
 
 CHAPTER II. 
 
 INDIAN AND PIONEER HISTORY. 
 
 Indian Settlements, Grain Storehouse, Relics, etc.— First White Settlers, 
 Marriage, etc.— Early LandTransfers— Religious Exercises— Price of 
 Commodities— Two Interesting Letters— Customs and Doings of the 
 Early Times— Some Pioneer Names— Indian and White Hunters. 
 
 OF the Lenni Lenape, the third tribe or division, were the Wolves (Minsi), 
 who occupied the region which embraced the land aloDg the Allegwi Lipu 
 {Allegheny river) to its bead waters. So the aborigines, who held the land 
 now embraced by Potter county, were the Minsi, or Monseys, as called by the 
 whites. A portion of the Monseys joined their tribe on the head waters of the 
 Allegheny after the sale of their lands, from which they were driven, on the 
 Susquehanna, as late as 1768. As before noticed, the village of Muncy takes 
 its name from this tribe of the Lenape, who once owned the lands upon which 
 it stands. The largest settlement of the Minsi was at the mouth of the Tionesta, 
 and above upon the Allegheny river to the swamp from which its waters rise, 
 the Minsi held the land. There is evidence of various encampments along the 
 stream where it passes through Potter. That there was a large granary of 
 corn at Roulette is proven, and some of the carbonized grains are still in ex- 
 istence. It stood upon the ground now used as the burying- ground above the 
 village of Roulette. This granary was burned, and according to the traditions 
 of the early settlers it was both roofed and floored with hemlock bark, as the 
 charred bark was found both above and below the burnt corn. This corn, it is 
 evident, was not raised in this country, as the forest was dense and unbroken, 
 but had been brought up from the corn fields of the Tionesta and the Brokenstraw, 
 probably in canoes, and this depot of supplies established, either for the con- 
 venience of hunting expeditions or to be kept for an emergency, in case the 
 Indians were driven from the lower river by their enemies, the ' ' pale faces. ' ' 
 Upon the Mills farm at Colesburg, and the adjoining farm of Edwin Haskell, 
 many arrow-heads and other implements have been found. Mr. Haskell in- 
 forms me that in one place a large quantity of flint chips and imperfectly 
 formed arrowheads were found, showing that there was at one time a manu- 
 factory of instruments of the chase, and that when taking out a stump of an 
 elm, the stem of which was at least three and one-half feet in diameter, he 
 found exactly beneath it, under a foot of black mold, a stone tool, used by the 
 Indians in skinning their game. A year or so ago there was discovered in a piece 
 of woods, about one and one-half miles from Andrews Settlement, in a north- 
 westerly direction just over the line in Genesee township, a mound about 
 fourteen feet in diameter, walled up by a stone cairn, about three or four feet 
 high. Upon the top of the mound grew a beech about two feet in diameter. 
 Some curious persons dug into the side of this mound and brought to light the 
 skeleton of a man of gigantic size, also the bones of a dog, nearly all of the 
 bones crumbling upon exposure to the air. The jaw-bone is in the possession 
 of Mr. Alva Andrews, of Andrews Settlement. With the bones were found 
 numerous flint arrow-heads, and some stone ornaments, and about a pint of 
 
990 HISTORY OP POTTER COUNTY. 
 
 small shells, which also soon disintegrated upon exposure. There has been 
 no thorough exploration of the mound; the specimens above referred to are 
 scattered about among the settlers of the neighborhood. In other parts of the 
 county relics of the departed race are found, along the Pine creek (Indian 
 name Tiadaghton) and the Sinnemahoning, which retains its Lenape name. 
 
 It is claimed that Thomas Butler, a deserter from the British army, was the 
 first to settle in the wilds of Potter, but at what date he came or departed is 
 unknown to the writer. The first settlement of which we have any date, and 
 which probably was the first bona fide settlement, was that of a Frenchman 
 by the name of Jaundrie, who, " in 1806, settled on the Oswayo at a point now 
 called Shinglehouse. He built a house on the south bank of Oswayo creek, 
 at the mouth of the run which still bears his name. The house was sided with 
 shingles, put on like roofing, and the butts of the same were rounded to a half 
 circle. From that house the place (Shinglehouse) took and retained its 
 name. ' ' [L. H. Kinney, Sharon Township. ] All histories of the county have 
 claimed that William Ayers was the first settler in 1808, but Mr. Kinney has 
 shown that the first settlement of the county took place two years earlier. We 
 find on Book A of the register and recorder's office the entry of a deed dated 
 October 25, 1806, by which instrument Robert Wain and others conveyed to 
 Isaac Wharton 400,000 acres of land in Potter county for the sum of 
 $50,150. Maj. Isaac Lyman let a job of clearing ten acres of land on the 
 Keating farm, in Sweden, to a man by the name of Carson. The Keating 
 farm is situated about three miles above Lymansville on the road from Cou- 
 dersport to Brookland, and is now owned by Nathan Adams, who lives upon 
 the place. This is the first clearing we know of being made in the county, 
 unless Jaundrie had made one on the Oswayo at Shinglehouse. In 1808 
 William Ayers moved his family into the county, and settled upon the Keating 
 farm, where the body of a log house had been erected in 1807. His family 
 consisted of his wife and three children: George, Nancy and James, and a 
 negro boy whose name was Asylum Peters, who is referred to in the history 
 of McKean county. In 1809 Maj. Isaac Lyman moved into the country 
 and settled on the Keating farm also. He came as the land agent of Keating. 
 In 1810 Maj. Lyman built a saw-mill where Lymansville now stands. The 
 lumber for this mill was cut on the Keating farm with a whip-saw. This was 
 the first saw-mill in the county. In 1811 Maj. Lyman constructed the first 
 grist-mill; this was also located at Lymansville. 
 
 In 1810 also occurred another notable event. It was the first marriage in 
 the county. It was celebrated at Lymansville in the autumn of that year. 
 Silas McCarty, of Muncy, Penn., wedded Miss Laura Lyman, daughter of 
 Maj. Isaac Lyman. In 1811 the first white child born in the county first 
 saw the light at Lymansville — Eulalia Lyman, named from the township of 
 Eulalia, which at this date comprised the entire county. It is claimed that 
 John Ives, Sr. , a Kevolutionary veteran, settled in Pike township somewhere 
 from 1808 to 1810. In 1811 Solomon Walker settled at the mouth of Fishing 
 creek. Benjamin Burt also settled in what is now known as Roulette town- 
 ship, where Burtville now stands, May 4, 1811, he being the third settler in 
 the county. John Peet moved into Potter county on the 23d day of May, 
 1812, taking up a piece of land one mile below where Coudersport now stands. 
 At this time court was still held at Williamsport, and was continued there 
 until February, 1823, making a long journey through the forests, generally 
 on foot, necessary to the settlers of the new land. The first person who died 
 in the county was a Mr. Beckwith, who was passing through to his home in 
 McKean county. He was buried upon the farm now occupied by Mortimer 
 
HISTORY OF POTTER COUNTY. 991 
 
 Benson. No one living can tell the exact spot of the grave. The birth of 
 the first child was attended by a German midwife, Mrs. Platman, who resided 
 in Bradford county. The first regular physician was Dr. Eastman, who 
 divided his time between Lymansville and Smethport. AVhen in Lymans- 
 ville he boarded with Maj. Lyman, and to add to his earnings he taught 
 school ._ The first nurse and midwife resident in the county was Eunice Nel- 
 son, wife of Cephas Nelson, who attended families upon the Pine creek and 
 Allegheny river. John K. Burt was the first male white child born in the 
 county. The first mortgage put on record was given by Isaac Lyman to 
 Keating and Roulette October 16, 1812. In this same year the Pine creek 
 road was laid out by William W. Walters, Isaac Lyman, A. Parmateer, 
 John Lyman, John Peet and Amos Mix, viewers. A Fourth of July cele- 
 bration took place in 1812 at Maj. Isaac Lyman's, and was a grand aflPair, 
 nearly every resident of the county attending. A flag was raised upon one 
 tree, and a pair of deer's antlers upon another. Dinner and drinks followed, 
 of course. About this time, 1812-13, Samuel M. Losey moved into what is 
 now known as Pike township. He was a prominent character in the early 
 days of the county, particularly on Pine creek. Hon. J. M. Kilbourne writes 
 me (1887): "I came here [Pikej fifty- six years ago, and Losey was an old 
 settler then, and postmaster. " He settled on the right-hand side of Phenix 
 creek, the east line of his farm being also the dividing line between Potter 
 and Tioga counties. Just over the line his father-in-law, John Phenix, settled. 
 Losey was noted as a jovial man, and was always present at all the merry- 
 makings for miles around. 
 
 In these early days it was the custom of the members of the bar and 
 the judges of the various courts of the judicial district to ride the circuit 
 on horseback. On one occasion, when the legal cavalcade was moving from 
 Wellsboro to Smethport, Losey, in lieu of a horse, took a black bull from 
 his team, and rode with the procession as far as Lymansville, where he 
 stopped to take part at a dance. Samuel M. Losey lived to the age of 
 one hundred and six years. He was blind for many years before his death. 
 He attended the first courts of Potter and McKean counties as juror. Obediah 
 Sartwell was the first settler where Coudersport now stands. He built a 
 house on the west side of the Allegheny river, on the lot now occupied 
 by C. A. Stebbins. The house stood about where the wood-shed of Mr. 
 Stebbins' residence stands now. Mr. Sartwell built and worked in the first 
 blacksmith' s shop in the county. This stood near where the Coudersport Hotel 
 now stands. He became disgusted with his location, and removed to the 
 mouth of Sartwell creek, in Roulette township, the stream bearing his name. 
 October 16, 1813, Keating and Roulette deeded to Benj. Burt 50 acres of land 
 for $1, and on January 12, 1813, Keating transferred to Jacob Vannatter 
 50 acres of land for |1. May 15, 1813, Keating and Roulette deeded to John 
 Peet 52 acres and 116 perches, and usual allowance of 6 per cent for roads, 
 for the sum of |5.45. January 28, 1813, Keating & Roulette deeded to Wm. 
 Ayers 200 acres of land for $100. November 19, 1813, William Wattles deeded 
 to Burrel Lyman 50 acres of land for $130. These were the first deeds for farms 
 recorded in the county. In 1813 the first tavern kept in the county was opened 
 by Isaac Lyman, at Lymansville. The first medical student in the county was 
 Harry Lyman, who went to study medicine with Dr. P. Powers, of Lawrence- 
 ville, Penn. , in 1816. Dr. Lyman practiced long in the county, dying in Oswayo 
 in 1856 or 1857. John Taggart came into the county in 1816, from Vermont, 
 and took, up a farm upon the river about one mile below Coudersport, moving 
 his family here the following year. About this year (1816) the first mail 
 
992 HISTOKY 0¥ POTTER COUNTY. 
 
 route was established, from Olean to Jersey shore. The first postmaster was- 
 Isaac Lyman, at Lymansville. The next post-office was at Ceres, where John 
 King was the postmaster. The mail was carried on horseback by a man 
 named Wallace, from Lycoming county; afterward by James Otis, of Jersey 
 Shore. During this year the first religious meetings were held in the county, 
 at Lymansville, by Elder Davenport from Massachusetts, a Baptist missionary. 
 John King, was the first county treasurer, appointed in 1816. The Eulalia town- 
 ship taxes for 1815 were |15; for 1816, $8; for 1817, $14.50. Taxes were 
 first collected in Roulette in 1817. Wolves in those early days were plentiful, 
 and did much damage to the flocks of the pioneers. A bounty of 18 was paid 
 for wolf-scalps, and we find that Jacob Vannatter secured this sum for a scalp 
 in 1815. From February to May 31, 1816, he captured seventeen wolves, and 
 on the last date named he brought in seven wolf puppies. George Ayers was 
 also noted as a slayer of these creatures. Daniel Clark moved his family to 
 Potter, from Windham county. Conn., in 1816, coming all of the distance by 
 wagon, and .the journey requiring seventeen days. The children who came 
 with him were Nelson, Daniel, Jr., Speedy and Lucy. They at first moved 
 into the log house, which Obediah Sartwell had built, where Coudersport now 
 stands. On the 10th of June of the same year he moved into a log house two 
 miles north of Coudersport on the farm still occupied by Nelson Clark. 
 Daniel Clark was a surveyor, and made the first map of Potter county, for 
 which he received $150 from the State. Mrs. N. B. Palmer colored the map. 
 This first chart of Potter can still be seen at Harrisburg. While surveying 
 the Cowanesque road, with Jacob Vannatter and John Lyman, with help of 
 the dogs, he killed a bear with his Jacob' s-stafP. John Dingman and wife, 
 Nathan Turner and family and Abram Dingman came from Chenango county,, 
 N. Y. , and settled below Coudersport in 1816, on the farm lately occupied by 
 Justus Mehring. The mother of John Dingman died at the house of her son, 
 aged one hundred and one years. Nathan Turner was accidentally shot by 
 George Taggart, who mistook Turner for a deer, in the summer of 1834, on 
 the old salt-works road. 
 
 In 1820 the first convert to Christianity was baptized, Burrel Lyman being 
 the candidate. During the year following, John Lyman and wife were also 
 baptized. John Taggart was appointed county treasurer, and during this year 
 the first tax sale of lands took place. Joshua Jackson moved in below Cou- 
 dersport, at the Mehring place, from Broome county, N. Y. Daniel Books, a 
 man by the name of Doty and Levi Andrews came into that section, now em- 
 braced in Bingham township. Cephas Nelson came also this year from Lake 
 George, Washington Co., N. Y. , town of Putnam. Alva Clark, a blacksmith, 
 came to Lymansville in 1821, and built a shop. He remained in Lymansville 
 until his death in 1830. Thomas Bellew settled near Lymansville in 1821; he 
 came from Washington county, N. Y. In 1821 the first election was held in 
 the county. In 1821 John King was again appointed comity treasurer, and in 
 1822 Joseph Otto of McKean county, succeeded him. FebruaTy 6, 1823, Har- 
 rison was erected into a township, embracing parts of Hector, Ulysses and Bing- 
 ham. Benjamin Burt, Eeuben Card and Jacob Streeter were appointed by the 
 court to divide Eulalia township. During the year 1821 Jesse Treat and family 
 moved into what is now the town of Clara. Nelson Clark helped to move his 
 household stuff. Nelson Woodcock and Silas Nelson came from Washington 
 county, N. Y. , and settled near Lymansville. In 1823 Reuben Clark and wife 
 came from Washington county, N. Y. , and located above Coudersport. Levi 
 Kibbe came into Bingham with Truman Stevens and others. In 1823 or 1824 
 John Dingman built what was known as the "little red mill," on the right- 
 
HISTOBY OF POTTEE COUNTY. 993 
 
 hand bank of Dingman run, about one mile below Coudersport. Taxes were 
 first collected in Harrison in 1824. Commissioners first met in Coudersport. 
 Evert Rose moved from Tompkins county, N. Y., to Hector. David Kil- 
 bourne built a saw-mill in Pike township, about eighty rods west of the county 
 line. In this year Sylvester Wright came from the lower Sinnemahoning, and 
 settled above Coudersport. Chester Corsaw settled in Sweden, on the farm 
 now known as the Corsaw place. In April, 1823, Theodore Carpenter came from 
 Grroton, N. Y. , and cleared a piece of ground and built a log house in Bing- 
 ham. In 1825 he moved his family, a man named Lancaster bringing in his 
 things with an ox team. There was no lumber nearer than Westfield, Tioga, 
 county. Lancaster let Carpenter have his sled box to make a door for his 
 cabin. Having been directed by E. O. Austin, of Austin, to his ' ' Eeminis- 
 cences of Potter," published in the Potter County Journal, several years ago 
 for early matters, we take the liberty of making some use of the following in- 
 teresting items from those exceedingly fascinating and instructive papers: 
 John Keating, who, in connection with John Roulette was an extensive land 
 owner in Potter, treated the first settlers with great liberality. To the number 
 of forty he gave each fifty acres of land. In a few instances he gave 100 acres, 
 besides giving employment. The owner of the first saw-mill or grist-mill in a 
 town was entitled to fifty acres of land also. The nearest mill was at King's 
 Settlement (Ceres), but frequently this was not running, and the settlers were 
 compelled to go to Jersey Shore or elsewhere. It is stated that the groves of 
 wild plum trees, which are found along the old roads down the Cowanesque and 
 Pine creek, originated from teamsters while on their shopping and milling 
 trips. In camping out on the way, they dropped the pits of the plums, which 
 they brought from the west branch of the Susquehanna and the Chemung. 
 From 1808 to 1812 tea was worth from 10 to 12 shillings per pound; chocolate, 
 25 cents per pound; whisky, 50 cents a gallon at Jersey Shore. It was used 
 on all occasions, being kept in every family. At dances, logging-bees, raisings, 
 weddings, births, funerals, and in justice courts it cut a prominent figure. It 
 cost $1 a gallon in the settlement. Three-quarter shirting of medium quality 
 cost 50 cents per yard; wider, 60 and 75 cents per yard. Calico was 50 to 55' 
 cents per yard. The peddler was a welcome individual, a sort of connecting 
 link with the outside world. Lead was scarce and worth 50 cents per pound. 
 One man made a bullet from a lead button, with which he shot and killed five 
 deer, extracting the bullet from the carcass of the slain game. The lack of 
 mechanics was such that every man must be a jack-at-all trades. Mr. Austin 
 tells us that the men often wore deer-skin roundabouts and breeches, with skin 
 caps, cloth caps also were made conical in form, and with a tassel or button at 
 the point. People often went to court with rifle and knapsack, and camped 
 out upon the road. 
 
 The two following letters, written by John Peet and Benjamin Burt, re- 
 spectively, will very appropriately come in place in this chapter at this point. 
 The writers came into the county as early as 1811-12. These letters come 
 down to us like a revelation, odorous with the perfume of the forests, and bring to 
 our ears the sighing of the winds of spring time amid the branches of the 
 pines. We force our way with the hardy pioneer through the tangled under- 
 brush of the wilderness, and sink to sleep by the flickering light of the camp- 
 fire, lulled into the first drowse by the babbling of the brook. But we have an- 
 other vision: The north wind comes crashing through the branches; the trees 
 clash and moan; the frost bites and stings; the snow falls and whirls, and 
 through the dreary scene steals the moaning cry of a child begging for bread. 
 The mother's heart beats in sympathy — she too, is hungry. She has given her 
 
994 HISTOBY OF POTTER COUNTY. 
 
 last morsel to her child, and the longing eyes strive to pierce the snow wraith 
 to forestall the coming of the father, who she knows is struggling home from 
 the mill. And what a glad shout breaks from her lips, and what brightness 
 dances in her eyes as the frosty heads of the oxen come in sight beneath the 
 hemlock branch bending with its weight of snow. The steam rises from the 
 nostrils of the tired cattle as they wallow along the unbroken way. The tired 
 driver wades wearily behind, his clothing heavy with snow and ice. The sled 
 looks like a moving snow-drift, but it holds in its depths the gold of life to the 
 family of the pioneer — the yellow meal of the Indian corn. The wolf of famine 
 is again driven from the cabin door, and a new lease of life is taken. 
 
 [Letter from John Peet.] 
 
 It will be twenty -three years the 33d day of May, 1834, since I moved into Potter county. 
 Old Mr. Ayers was in the county at that time, and had been in the county about five years 
 alone. In the fall before I came three families (Benjamin Burt, Major Lyman and a Mr. 
 Sherman) moved to the county. The east and west State road was cut out the year be- 
 fore I moved in. It was very lonesome for several years. People would move in and 
 stay a short time and move away again. It has been but a few years since settlers be- 
 gan to stick. I made some little clearing and planted some garden seeds, etc., the first 
 spring. We brought a small stock of provisions with us. On the 3d d ay of July I started with 
 my yoke of oxen to go to Jersey Shore to mill to procure flour. I crossed Pine creek eighty 
 times going to and eighty times coming from mill; was gone eighteen days; broke two 
 axletrees to my wagon, upset twice, and one wheel came oflE in crossing the creek. 
 
 Jersey Shore was the nearest place to procure provisions, and the road was dreadful. 
 The few seeds that I was able to plant the first year yielded but little produce. We, 
 however, raised some half -grown potatoes, some turnips and soft corn, with which we 
 made out to live, without suffering, till the next spring at planting time, when I planted 
 all the seed that I had left, and when I finished planting we had nothing to eat but leeks, 
 cow-cabbage and milk. We lived on leeks and cow-cabbage as long as they kept 
 green, about six weeks. My family consisted of my wife and two children, and I was 
 obliged to work, though faint for want of food. The first winter the snow fell very 
 deep. The first winter month it snowed twenty-five days out of thirty, and during 
 the three winter months it snowed seventy days. I sold one yoke of my oxen in t|je 
 fall, the other yoke I wintered on browse, but in the spring one ox died, and the other 
 I sold to procure food for my family, and was now destitute of a team, and had noth- 
 ing but my hands to depend upon to clear my lands and raise provisions. We wore 
 out all our shoes the first year. We had nothing to get more, no money, nothing to sell 
 and but little to eat, and were in dreadful distress for the want of the necessaries of 
 life. I was obliged to work and travel in the woods barefooted. After awhile our clothes 
 were worn out. Our famil3' increased and the children were nearly naked. I had a 
 broken slate that I brought from Jersey Shore. I sold that to Harry Lyman, and bought 
 two fawn skins, of which my wife made a petticoat for Mary; and Mary wore the 
 petticoat until she outgrew it, then Rhoda took it till she outgrew it, then Susan had 
 it until she outgrew it, then it fell to Abigail, and she wore it out. 
 
 [Letter from Benjamin Burt.] 
 
 In tlie year 1808 an east and west road was opened through Potter county. John 
 Keating & Co., of Philadelphia, who owned large tracts of land in the northwest part 
 of the county, agreed with Isaac Lyman to undertake the opening of the road. In the 
 fall of 1809 Mr. Lyman came in with several hands and erected a rude cabin, into which 
 he moved in March, 1810. He then had but one neighbor in the county, who was four 
 miles distant. I moved in on the 4th of May. 1811, and had to follow the fashion of the 
 country for building and other domestic concerns, which was rather tough, there 
 being not a bushel of grain or potatoes, nor a pound of meat, except wild, to be had in 
 the country. But there were leeks and nettles in abundance, which, with venison and 
 bear's meat, seasoned with hard work and a keen appetite, made a most delicious dish. 
 The friendly Indians of different tribes frequently visited us on their hunting excursions. 
 Among other vexations were the gnats, a very minute but poisonous insect, that an- 
 noyed us far more than mosquitoes, or even hunger and cold, and in summer we could not 
 work without raising a smoke around us. 
 
 Our roads were so bad that we had to fetch our provisions fifty to seventy miles on 
 pack horses. In this way we lived until we could raise our own grain and meat. By the 
 time we had grain to grind Mr. Lyman had built a small grist-mill, but the roads still 
 being bad, and the mill at some distance from me, I fixed an Indian samp mortar to 
 pound my corn, and afterwards I contrived a small hand-mill, by which I have ground 
 many a bushel, but it was hard work. When we went out after provisions with a team 
 
M 
 
 -cl_ 
 
HISTOEY OP POTTEE COUNTY. 997 
 
 we were compelled to camp out in the woods, and, if in the winter, to chop maple trees 
 for our cattle to browse on all night, and on this kind of long fodder we had to keen our 
 cattle a good part of the. winter. 
 
 When I came here I had ahorse that I called "Main Dependence," on account of 
 his being a good, steady old fellow. He used to carry my whole family on his back 
 whenever we went to a wedding, a raising, a logging-bee, or to visit our neighbors for 
 several years, until the increasing load comprised myself , my wife and three children— live 
 in aU. 
 
 We had often to pack our provisions eighty miles, from Jersey Shore, sixty miles of 
 the road being without a house. In the winter, when deep snows came on and caught us 
 on the road without a Are, we should have perished if several of us had not been in com- 
 pany to assist each other. 
 
 The want of leather, after our first shoes were worn out, was severely felt. Neither 
 tanner nor shoemaker lived in the county. But "necessity is the mother of invention." 
 I made me a trough out of a big pine tree, into which I put the hides of any cattle that 
 died among us. I used ashes for tanning them, instead of lime, and bear's grease for oil 
 The thicker served for sole leather, and the thinner, dressed with a drawing knife, for 
 upper leather. And thus I made shoes for myself and neighbors. 
 
 I had fourteen miles to go in winter to mill with an ox-team. The weather was cold and 
 the snow deep, no roads were broken, and no bridges across the streams. I had to wade 
 the streams, and carry the bags on my back. The ice frozen to my coat was heavy as a 
 bushel of corn. I worked hard all day, and only got seven miles by the first night, when 
 I chained my team to a tree, and walked three miles to house myself. The second night 
 I reached the mill. My courage often failed, and I almost resolved to return, but when I 
 thought of my children crying for bread I took new courage. 
 
 In 1825, according to the remembrance of Mrs. Mary A. Ross, whose memory 
 I have found to be unusually clear, there were between the Tioga county line 
 and Canoe Place (Port Allegany), upon the direct road, twenty-seven families 
 living. Beginning at the Tioga county line, and giving them in order, they were : 
 Samuel Lasey, John Ives, Keating House, William Earl, Samuel Taggart, Silas 
 Nelson (Benson place, near Lymansville), Cephas Nelson, Dr. Harry Lyman, Maj. 
 
 Isaac Lyman, Mr. Clark (Gordnier place, near Lymansville), John Reed (at 
 
 Coudersport), John Peet, John Earl, Henry Dingman, Leonard Taggart, Squire 
 Taggart, Mr. Turner, Mr. Reed, John Lyman, Burrel Lyman, Isaac Lyman 
 three families of Streeters, owners of saw-mill, John Burt, the Colemans, 
 and Mr. Lillibridge. In this year Mrs. Ross' stepfather, J. L. Cartee, came 
 to Coudersport, and opened the Cartee House, the first hotel built or kept at 
 Coudersport. The building was begun in 1824, but not finished until the year 
 following. It stood upon the ground now occupied by the county jail. Mrs. 
 Ross was at that time fifteen years old, and in the summer she taught school 
 at Lymansville. In this year the settlement of Ayers Hill consisted of the 
 families of Jacob Vannatter, William Ayers, Mr. Hinckle, George Ayers, Joshua 
 Jackson and one vacant house. 
 
 North Hollow was inhabited by a family by the name of Bellows and the 
 Woodcocks. About this time "Father Conant," as he was called, a Methodist 
 missionary, use to come through the country, from the Pine creek way, hold- 
 ing religious services in the houses of the settlers. He lived, it is said, upon 
 the Cowanesque, where Westfield is now, at that time known as Priestville. 
 John Peet, who was a member, as he was wont to say, of the " Church of Eng- 
 land," used to read sermons at first to the people at Lymansville, and after- 
 ward to preach extemporaneously, giving opinions in an eccentric way that is 
 still remembered by his old-time hearers. But, although somewhat eccentric, 
 he is recalled by those who knew him as a good man. In this year Jacob 
 Bump and. Thomas Toweer moved into Hector. 
 
 There are some things connected with Potter county which are close] y 
 alljed to the lives of our hunter settlers which, although they might be passed 
 over, are still interesting and, therefore, as being a portion of the early events, 
 deserve a place here. That the lives of our old settlers had much romance 
 
 54 
 
908 HISTOBY OF POTTER COUNTY. 
 
 and adventure, mingled with the terrible hardships they underwent, cannot be 
 gainsaid. The untimely meeting of an enraged bear, or a panther, meant at. 
 times a life-and-death struggle — a narrow escape at all events. 
 
 The Jamison fork, a small stream running into the East Pork of the Sinne- 
 mahoning takes its name from a tragical incident which took place at or near 
 its mouth. An Indian, known as James Jamison, while hunting in the 
 East Fork country, was attacked by a panther that sprang upon him from a 
 tree, as local tradition has it. The Indian having but a knife to defend him- 
 self with, the fight was a terrible affair, which had its termination in the killing 
 of both the Indian and the panther. W. W. Thompson, who gave us this 
 item, slew a bear upon the same ground. This is still a fine hunting territory. 
 
 A little, clear, dancing brook that runs for perhaps a mile before joining 
 the Allegheny river, flowing from north to south, and situated about three 
 miles above Coudersport, bears the name of Steer Brook, from the fact that a. 
 panther killed a steer by the side of or in the shallow water of the stream, a 
 few rods above the house lately occupied by the late Dr. E. V. Post. The 
 pine log from which the panther sprang upon the steer was afterward cut up 
 and drawn to the mill, and the boards sawn from it were used to floor the 
 kitchen of Dr. Post's house. This house is now occupied by Willis Clark. 
 In the early days of the county when there were wild beasts, that caused havoc 
 among the flocks of the pioneers, which roamed at their own sweet will through 
 the dark pine and hemlock forests, it became an imperative duty to wage a 
 war of extermination against the blood-thirsty depredators. The other por- 
 tions of the State having been settled to the exclusion of the northern, together 
 with the settlements upon the New York side, the combination acted as a 
 mighty ' ' round-hunt ' ' that had concentrated the beasts of the wilderness in 
 the region of forest now brought under the gentler rule of civilization. 
 When the panther, which was looked upon as royal game, made known his 
 presence in the neighborhood of a settlement, by his blood-curdling cry, which 
 resembles the shrill shriek of a woman in deadly peril, or the carcasses, partially 
 devoured, of sheep or young cattle, at times numbers being killed, apparently 
 for the love of killing or for the blood of the prey, as no portion was eaten, 
 or by the footprints in the swampy places, the rifles came from far and near, 
 and were shouldered by determined men; the dogs were called away from 
 their woodchuck hunting, and every one was on the qui vive to close in upon 
 the tawny cat and rush it into some tree top, from which a leaden messenger 
 would dislodge it and bring it down. Many were the dogs that bit the dust 
 beneath the cruel claws of the wounded beast when in its death agony, and 
 we remember hearing the old men of Hector township tell of a hunt after a great 
 panther that made a track "as large as a saucer," and how by organizing a 
 " round-hunt," and with the help of the dogs, they finally treed it; how one of 
 the hunters shot it in the "sticking place," and tumbled it from its lofty 
 covert. One of the claws of this panther was used by John Havens, Sr., of 
 Snnderlinville, years afterward as a charger for his rifle. As we remember the 
 dimensions, the carcass measured ten feet from the tip of the nose to the end 
 of the tail. 
 
 Charles Carlin, of Hector, went to a "lick" upon the Pine creek waters 
 to watch for deer; he was two or three miles from a clearing; the "blind" was 
 in the top of a fallen hemlock; the forest about was thick and dark, and the 
 mountain side rose abruptly a short distance away. Sunset passed and the 
 twilight deepened into night — a starless darkness. Carlin had no lantern and 
 had forgotten his matches. No deer had come to the lick, so there was noth- 
 ing for him to do but to remain in the blind until daylight, and accept the sit- 
 
HI8T0K1 OF POTTEE COUNTV. 999 
 
 uation as philosophically as possible. Charley was an old woodsman, and the 
 idea of staying alone in the forest during the night gave him no uneasy thoughts. 
 The great owl hooted from the pines on the mountain side; mice and small 
 nocturnal animals sprang about and rustled the dead leaves, and now and then 
 the soft leaping of the rabbit could be heard. But there was no danger in these 
 sounds, and finally our hunter settled himself as best he could, with his head 
 resting against the stem of the tree in whose top he was sitting. He had just 
 got into a drowse when he became aware that there was something alive upon 
 the trunk against which he leaned. His ear was upon the log and he felt, 
 rather than heard the pat, pat, of something that must be at the farther end' 
 of the tree. The sound was muifled and indistinct. He raised his head, but 
 could hear nothing; yet laying his ear against the tree again, he heard the 
 sounds once more. He tried to penetrate the darkness, but his vision failed. 
 He might as well have striven to pierce the blackness of a thunder cloud. At 
 last he became nervous about it, and determined at all hazards to discover the 
 true inwardness of the mysterious sounds. He turned himself stealthily about 
 and cocked his trusty rifle. Of course, taking aim was out of the question, as- 
 neither the sights upon the barrel of the gun nor the object could be seen,. 
 but getting the lay of the tree as best he could, he held his gun in as direct a 
 line as possible above and along it, and drew the trigger. The next instant 
 his heart was in his throat; there was a snarl and a spring in his direction; a 
 second and third in rapid succession, and a swiftly- followed fourth, that car- 
 ried a body just over the head of the now frightened hunter and into the tree- 
 top; a scramble and a spring to the mountain side, and then rang out upon 
 the blackness of the night the hair-raising scream of a panther. The animal 
 did not pause, however, in its flight, but again and again its weird scream 
 came back and echoed from the opposite mountain side, until it passed over 
 the ridge far above. Carlin did not even doze again that night, and his im- 
 agination peopled the forest with crouching panthers in all directions. When 
 daylight gladdened his vision he crept along the log, and near the farther end 
 where it had broken from its roots, he found a line of reddish grey hair that 
 his bullet had evidently cut fi'om the side of the animal. 
 
 A panther was known to be ranging the forest of the eastern part of the 
 county, as lately as 1873, the writer hereof having visual evidence of the fact. 
 He was treating a case at a lumber camp upon the mountain, near the head of 
 Johnson brook, between the Phenix and Pine creek waters, and started one 
 morning at 3 o'clock, in company with Perry Fillmore, of Hector, to make 
 the ascent of the mountain. We reached the camp on foot, just before sun- 
 rise, it being in the month of June. After making the professional visit, we 
 started upon our return trip, alone, Mr. Fillmore being engaged at the camp. 
 About fifty rods from the camp the road passed through a laurel swamp, 
 through "Vhich a corduroy road was laid. Passing over this corduroy bridge, 
 just at its end where the wheel of a wagon would drop off of the logs upon 
 the ground, was a deep hole made by the wheels of the supply wagon that 
 brought provision to camp. In a piece of mud drawn from this rut by a wheel, 
 and fallen upon the dry road, just beyond, was the track of an animal of the 
 cat species, fully five inches in diameter. The mud was of just the proper 
 consistence to preserve every line and marking of the bottom of the foot. The 
 track was a fresh one, and must have been made during the past night, as the 
 supply wagon that drew out that piece of mud passed into camp just be- 
 fore me, when I made my daily visit the day before, late in the afternoon. This 
 was undoubtedly the track of the beast that was seen from time to time in that 
 section; and about the same time ravages among the sheep upon the Genesee 
 
1000 HISTORY OF POTTEE COUNTY. 
 
 fork of Pine creek were frequent, as many as fifteen sheep being killed in one 
 night. Upon the side hill where some of these sheep were killed many tracks 
 were foimd where the animal had jumped, and apparently missing his victim, 
 his claws had torn along in the down hill slide for several inches. The distance 
 between the tracks, from where the spring began to where it terminated, were 
 from sixteen to twenty feet. About this time an animal which was called the 
 ' ' lone wolf ' ' was ravaging the flocks of the county. This animal was at that 
 time and still remains a mystery, old and experienced hunters differing in 
 opinion regarding this ravenous beast's identity, judging from its method of 
 capturing its prey and its habits of wandering. One night sheep would be 
 killed perhaps in Pike township, and the next night the victims would belong 
 to Allegheny or Oswayo. The ravages of the succeeding night would frequently 
 be twenty-five miles apart. Still the tracks when found, and the mode of at- 
 tack, indicated the same animals. Some claimed that it was a panther, others 
 that it was a stray wolf ; thus the name of the ' ' lone wolf ' ' was given it. In 
 1875 there hung in the post-office at Coudersport a subscription list, offering 
 in all $100 for the capture of the "lone wolf," and we understand the late 
 Xieroy Lyman, the most noted nimrod of the county, offered a considerable 
 sum in addition to any one who would bring him into the reach of this much 
 desired animal. Soon after this (1875), the mystery disappeared and has not 
 been heard of since. As late as 1874 a large wolf was shot between the 
 waters of the Phenix and the Pine creek. It was what is known as a black 
 wolf, the ends of the hair being of that color. The bounty on this wolf was 
 •S24. It has been held by many that a deer could not be held by a man, and 
 we really think it a very dangerous undertaking to attempt it, but that it has 
 been tried the following anecdotes will reveal. , 
 
 A resident of Hector township started one day for some tools that he had left 
 at a shanty upon the mountain side, where he had been making shingles. There 
 had been a light snow crusted over by a light rain which had frozen, so that 
 the woods were what the hunter terms " noisy, ' ' the snow crunching beneath the 
 footstep. This man was followed by his dog, which was a famous deer hun- 
 ter, and had killed several while hunting on his own account; also being fol- 
 lowed by the dog of a neighbor, noted as a good deer dog. The man (we may 
 as well call him Charlie, for the reason that it will make the relation of the tale 
 easier and because, also, that that was his real given name) had proceeded 
 perhaps a half mile up his mountain way when he came upon the fresh track 
 of a deer. The dogs took the scent, and in a moment had disappeared along 
 the track in the direction the deer had taken through an extensive laurel thicket. 
 With the instinct of a deer hunter, Charlie calculated that if the deer was still 
 in the thicket it would try to escape by a well-known "runway" which passed 
 hj a large elm tree a little farther down the hill. Although our hunter had no 
 gun, the thought came to him that if he could reach the tree in time it might 
 be possible to hide behind it, and spring upon the deer as it passed, throw it 
 and cut its throat before it had time to struggle. Kunning back he reached 
 the tree just as he heard the crunching of the snow that announced to him that 
 his conjecture so far had been correct. Hastily getting out his knife he saw 
 the brush moving as the deer approached, and an instant later the deer was 
 beside him. With a quick spring, Charlie threw himself upon the back of the 
 deer, and at the same time caught the fore leg of the animal upon the opposite 
 side and dragged it upon its back, throwing himself upon it, but as the deer struck 
 upon its back, its hind legs were drawn up, and in another instant our friend was 
 flying into the laurels, with nearly all of his clothes torn from his body, and 
 the agile creature was away. By this time, however, the dogs were near at 
 
HISTOBY OF POTTER COUNTY. 1001 
 
 hand, and followed upon the trail. Patching himself up as well as he could, 
 Charlie looked for his knife, but could not find it, and heard the deer bawling 
 a few rods up the moxintain. He knew that the dogs had it, and burning for 
 revenge he went as fast as possible to the help of his four-legged companions. 
 He found that his dog had caught the deer by one of his hind legs just as it 
 was in the act of clearing a high log, and so held it at such disadvantage that 
 it could only hang over the log. Charlie helped to drag the deer back, but 
 he had no weapon to finish the hunt. He thought with the help of the dog he 
 could hold the deer until he had strangled it ; he got the deer' s head among some 
 roots and began to choke it. At that moment the neighbor's dog pitched into 
 Charlie's dog for a fight, the dog broke his hold upon the deer to resent the in- 
 sult, and the deer, nearly stripping Charlie of his remaining rags, was away 
 like the wind. A convenient club soon terminated the dog fight, and a mo- 
 ment later the dogs were in full chase again, but our friend had had enough 
 of it. He went on to the shanty and secured his tools, and in returning 
 home he stopped in a saw-mill and related his adventure. While talking, he 
 looked a little way and saw his dog rolling in the snow, he knew by this that 
 the hunt had ended and the dog had been victorious. Accompanied by the 
 saw-mill owner he went to where his dog was, and taking the back track he 
 soon came upon the carcass of the dead deer with the neighbor' s dog busily 
 at work making a meal from the entrails. This dog was killed a short time after 
 by a spike buck which, while at bay, ran one of his horns through his heart. 
 Another time this same hunter shot a buck that ran a little distance and lay 
 down upon the opposite side of a log, in every appearance being very sick. 
 Not thinking it .necessary to give the game another shot, Charlie set down his 
 gun, and reaching over the log took the deer by his antlers, and with the other 
 hand reached over with his knife to cut the animal's throat. At the same in- 
 stant the deer sprang up and charged him, and he deemed it the most prudent 
 thing to spring behind a small tree, against which the deer struck his head and 
 sank upon its knees. Another foolhardy thought went flashing through the 
 brain of our friend, and he laid hold of the antlers upon either side of the 
 tree, and, bracing himself, supposed that he could hold the animal until so 
 weakened by the loss of blood that it would be in his power. But again and 
 again the deer would arise to its feet and strain every muscle in our friend's 
 body to hold it, and, what was most astonishing, appeared to grow stronger, 
 until Charlie became alarmed for his safety, and began calling for help, the 
 road being but a few rods away. Two men heard the alarm, and went to his 
 assistance. These men claimed that if tbey had not happened along as they 
 did the deer would have killed our friend. 
 
 A number of years ago Ephraim Bishop, of Hebron, was hunting upon the 
 mountain back of the old Mills place at Colesburg. About 9 a. m. he shot at 
 and wounded a buck, as in the case of the above narrated incident. The deer 
 lay down behind a log and was, apparently, "sick unto death." So Bph 
 set up his gun by a tree, took out his knife and prepared to give his victim the 
 coup de grace, laying hold of the antlers with one hand. As the point of the 
 knife pricked the deer's neck, it suddenly arose to its feet, with bristling hair 
 and a dangerous light in its eyes. The knife was knocked from Eph's hand 
 in the struggle, and our hunter saw that he could not easily escape being 
 pinned by the buck's horns if he broke his hold to run, so he instantly deter- 
 mined to fight it out. He now caught the deer's antler's with his other hand, 
 and a struggle began that lasted more or less determinedly until 5 o' clock in 
 the afternoon. Eph had no help whatever, as his dog had followed another 
 deer away. Part of the time Eph was on top, and part the time the buck. 
 
1002 HISTOBY OF POTTER COUNTY. 
 
 Whenever the buck would rise to his feet, Eph would wring him down by- 
 twisting his neck. Together they rolled down the mountain side through a 
 briar patch and over roots and stones. At times the deer would lie quietly a 
 few moments to rest, and then the fight would begin again. But Eph says 
 that he had the deer so he kept pretty still toward the last. About 5 p. m. the 
 dog came back, and with its assistance the game was slain. Eph was too tired 
 to go back up the mountain after his gun, and sent Jerry Burrel for it. 
 
 Speaking of this adventure of Ephraim Bishop, brings up a tale which, for 
 the time, made our hunter famous over all of the county. It happened in the 
 year 1843, and Eph was at that time in his full vigor. In a deal which he 
 made with William Jones, of Coudersport, he had given a note, which stipu- 
 lated that he should liquidate with venison at three cents a pound. As Bishop 
 had been busy at work, some time had elapsed during which he had failed to 
 make a payment on his note. One day he met Jones, who asked him in rather 
 a bluff way, if he ever expected to pay his note. Eph replied, banter- 
 ingly, that if Jones wanted his pay in venison he must take it " on foot. ' ' 
 This reply brought about some word sparring, which resulted in a verbal con- 
 tract, by which Jones offered to pay Bishop $25 for a live, unwounded deer, 
 which must be run down and caught by the hunter himself. Eph knew where 
 five deer were herding upon Steer brook, in Hebron township. At that time 
 the only clearing upon Steer brook was a small opening made by Dr. R. V. 
 Post, in which his house was situated. Bishop stayed at Dr. Post's during 
 the night preceding the day of his supreme effort in catching the deer. The 
 morning of the day which was to give him glory came, and there was a light 
 but deep snow upon the ground. He left his dog at the house, to be let out 
 at a given signal, and passed around a spicewood thicket, in which he discov- 
 ered the deer were staying. When he^had selected his position, he gave the 
 signal for his dog to be let loose, and the sport began. Before the deer got 
 out of the thicket, the dog caught and killed one of them. The other four deer 
 evaded Eph, and were not seen again by him for three hours. During this time, 
 however, he was upon the trail, which enclosed in a circle a section of country at 
 least five miles in circumference, over which path he went three times. When 
 coming toward Steer brook for the third time, he came upon the deer in the 
 old King road, at a place known as Burrel' s point. The deer were not more 
 than four rods from him when he saw them ; with a yell he and his dog were 
 upon them. In their fright one of the deer jumped into a brush heap and the 
 other three upon it, one of them rolling off upon the opposite of the heap, which 
 was caught and killed by the dog. Two of the deer escaped, whilst Eph 
 sprang upon the one which had sank deepest in the brush. He had hard work 
 to prevent his dog from killing this one also; as it was the deer received some 
 slight wounds in the neck. With some rope, which he had in his pocket, Eph 
 tied the deer's feet and the deer to a tree. Finding that he could not induce 
 his dog to follow him, he stripped the bark from a moose wood bush with which 
 he made a thong to lead his dog. He procured a hand-sled of a settler and 
 brought his game to Harry Lent' s barn, from which, in due time, he took it 
 ■to Coudersport, and William Jones paid him his $25 according to contract. 
 There were now but two survivors of the herd on Steer brook. Having had a 
 taste of the <rictor' s meed, Eph became ambitious to achieve more, so he says he 
 determined to make another haul, going this time along the trail of one of the 
 deer which had taken to the water. Following the tracks in the snow, he came 
 at last to Nelson Clark's mill pond, where he came up with his game, a fine 
 doe. The deer, as soon as discovered, sank herself in the water of the pood 
 until nothing of her body but her nose was visible. Eph calmly waited until 
 
HISTORY OF POTTER COUNTY. 1003 
 
 she could stand the immersion no longer. The deer, upon coming out, started 
 directly up the stream (the river) toward what are now known as Stern' s flats, 
 Eph keeping in the old road which ran nearly parallel with the river at this 
 place. The deer at last sprang into the road, and here Eph had a clear course 
 and "fair sailing," which he improved. After arriving upon the flat, the doe 
 turned up the mountain side on the east side of the valley, Eph by this time 
 ■close at its heels. Says he: "A hundred times I had that deer by the hind 
 leg and it pulled away, while going up the mountain. I had the mitten of 
 one hand in my teeth, and was going on my feet and one hand — three legged. ' ' 
 The mountain side is very steep, and, when within a couple of rods of the sum- 
 mit, the doe suddenly turned and jumped squarely over Bishop's head. Eph 
 turned, and a terrific race took place down that mountain side. Running, fall- 
 ing, rolling and sliding until the flats were again reached. Coming upon the 
 level ground Eph succeeded at last in tiring out the deer, until making feints 
 to spring upon it, the victim did not flinch; then flinging himself upon his 
 victim, Eph bore it to the ground. After a moment's struggle. Bishop says 
 that the doe became as tame as a dog. He tied a string about its neck, and it 
 followed him submissively. A cutter belonging to Eev. Cool, the only vehicle 
 of that description in the country, was brought by two of the Lent boys. Into 
 this Eph mounted and the doe followed him, lying down at his feet. The 
 cutter was drawn to Harry Lent's barn, and the deer was placed in the stable. 
 
 An unusual streak of luck came to "Uncle" Wat Trowbridge, of Hector, 
 in the panther line. Mr. Trowbridge was one of the early pioneers of the 
 •county, and noted as a hunter. Few animals that came into the sights of his 
 rifle escaped the bullet. ' ' Uncle Wat, " as he was called far and near, had an 
 iron make-up and a nerve that carried him successfully through adventures 
 where many hearts would have quailed. Eheumatism, however, attacked the 
 brave old man in the later years of his life and rendered him a cripple. The 
 incident we have alluded to took place during one of Uncle Wat's hunts. He 
 found a nest of kitten panthers, three in number. These he killed with his 
 tomahawk, but had just finished the job when he found himself face to face 
 with the mother of the litter; but a cool head and a well-planted ball saved 
 him from a furious onslaught. He had just got his gun loaded when the 
 male panther came bounding toward him. The panther ran up a leaning tree 
 in his path and was in the act of springing upon the intruder in his family 
 affairs when a well-directed shot cut short his existence. As the animal fell, his 
 neck caught in the forks of a tree and held the carcass suspended. The tree had 
 to be cut down with the hatchet with which the kittens were killed before 
 Uncle Wat could skin his game. 
 
 The most famous hunter of Potter county died a little more than a year 
 ago, aged about sixty- six years — Leroy Lyman, of Roulette, a son of Burrel 
 Lyman, and a grandson of Maj. Isaac Lyman. Leroy Lyman was more than 
 a mere hunter; he was a man of sound judgment and of some education, well 
 read and full of push and perseverance. Being of a speculative turn he had 
 ventured in the mica mining business in New Hampshire, and into gold min- 
 ing into Georgia, and bid fair to accumulate much wealth, when he was 
 gored by a bull belonging to him. After partially recovering from this, he 
 had still another collision with the bull, and from this last attack he never re- 
 covered. The chase was his delight, and he made -a business of it in the 
 season, of late years going to Michigan and Wisconsin after deer, and hiring 
 one or two men to accompany him in these hunting expeditions. Mr. Lyman, 
 did a good business in sending to the city markets the product of his 
 rifle and traps, besides much venison bought of the Indians. As soon as 
 
1004 HISTORY OF POTTEB COUNTY. 
 
 he was old enough to carry a rifle he became a ranger of the forests. Later 
 on, when his hunts became a business with him, he kept a field book in which 
 he entered a memorandum of ^11 the game killed by him. He also became an 
 expert taxidermist. At the time of his death he was building an addition to 
 his house to be used as a museum, in which he intended to store his specimens, 
 and he intended compiling an autobiography from his diary. The num- 
 ber of deer slain by this mighty nimrod ran up into the thousands; hun- 
 dreds of bear fell before his rifle, as well as wolves, elk and a cloud of 
 smaller game. 
 
 Xdtb.— Among the hunters named in the records of 1S2'2 were James Avers, who received $12 for 
 pantlier certificates; the Indian, Shineboy, who received S24.25; Jonatlian Pitcher, $12; Jacob B. Vannat- 
 ter, $12 ; the Indian, Shanlis, $25, and the Indian, William Shanks, S2,44, all for panthers killed. The 
 wolf slayers of that year were Nelson Clarlc, J. B. and Jacob Vannatter ; an Indian named John Shanks, who 
 brousht in lame numbers of wolf puppies ; an Indian named Logan, equally celebrated : Cephas Nelson 
 and Thomas IL Summers. Joshua Jackson and Charles Lyman were the fox killers of the period ; San- 
 gwa, an Indian, came on the scene in 1823; also one named Thomas Trimsofl. In the fall of 1823 John 
 Lorschbaugh brought in panther puppies ; Horatio Nelson, fox scalps ; Jedediah Smitli, wolf scalps ; also the 
 Indians, Isaac Hutchlns and John. Joshua Moses was a panther hunter ; also Thomas Hudson and Samuel 
 Freeman. Burrel Lyman, Dave E, Smitli, William Furman, Jolin Earl and William Freeman were the prin- 
 cipal wolf killers. John Mohawlc and Plnlip (Indians), Leonard Foster, John Lovell, Seth Taggart, John 
 Jordan, Sylvester \¥riglit, Thomas Bellows, James Ayers, Blue Coat (an Indian), James Carpenter, Sam. 
 Hoover, D. Parks. Henry Nelson, Mahon, John Nelson, Little David and John Spruce (two Indians), the 
 Indian, William .Johnston JTames Eead, Jow (an Indian), Moses (an Indian), Eichard Lewis, Jonathan Edge- 
 corali, David (an Indian), Tliaddeus Stone and Fred Jeanerett were great hunters here prior"to 1828, each 
 of them receiving financial reward for their prowess in the chase. Jacob Vannatter, an old Potter county 
 Inmter, had a serious battle with a bear in tlie " twenties." It is related by O. J. HamUn that bnnn tore 
 the clothes off his antagonist, left several life marks, and then drove the hunter to flight.— [Editob]. 
 
 CHAPTER III. 
 TRANSACTIONS OF THE COMMISSIONERS. 
 
 Establishment of Potter County— First Proceedings of the Commission- 
 ers—Laying OFF of Roads— Tax Sales of Lands— Building of Court- 
 house— The New Jail— Prohibition in Potter — Lists of Officers. 
 
 THE act of March 26, 1804, established Potter county out of a part of Dun- 
 stable township, Lycoming county, to which county it remained attached 
 for judicial purposes for many years after. The name was given in honor of 
 the Revolutionary hero, Gen. Potter, and the name of one of the first town- 
 ships, Eulalia, in honor of a daughter of John Keating, who was the principal 
 owner of lands in all this section. In the notes cff the survey of Coudersport, 
 begun September 6, 1807, and continued in 1808, by Surveyor John King, a 
 record of the lots then laid out is made. In April, 1810, Silas McCarty sur- 
 veyed eight lots— the mill lot, T. Lyman's and Daniel Brown's lots being 
 named. 
 
 In 1815 the first county commissioners for Potter and McKean were ordered, 
 by act of assembly, to be elected by said counties in conjunction — two com- 
 missioners from McKean and one from Potter at the first election; thereafter, 
 one from Potter and McKean each year, alternately. 
 
 In 1824 Potter was detached from McKean for election purposes, although 
 united to her for judicial purposes. This was accomplished by an act of the assem- 
 bly to take effect after the second Tuesday of September of this year (1824). In 
 that year the Jersey Shore Turnpike Company was incorporated. The April (1816) 
 court, appointed Isaac Lyman, N. B. Palmer, Peter Knickerbocker, Jacob Whit- 
 
HISTORY OF POTTER COUNTY. 1007 
 
 ney, John Taggart and Calvin Ellis to lay off a road ' ' from a point on the State 
 line through which the Genesee river passes, and in a southern direction to the 
 Jersey Shore road near the 'ten-mile tree.'" This is now the road from 
 Genesee Forks to Coudersport, with slight variations. This year the Alle- 
 gheny river was made a highway, Pine creek having been constituted a high- 
 way in 1805; Sinnemahoning, in 1801; Oswayo, in 1807. In 1808 the east 
 and west road was laid through the county. John Bureau laid out the Boone 
 road from Ceres, McKean county, to Young Woman's creek, in Clinton county. 
 Joseph Williams, from Williamsport, laid out and built the State road, from 
 the Tioga county line on Pine creek to the McKean line at Burtville. In 1810 
 a road was granted by the court at Williamsport from Coudersport to Ceres - 
 town. The viewers appointed were John King, Sampson Crawford, Isaac Ly- 
 man, William Ayers, Josiah Freeman and John Lyman. 
 
 The first deed book of Potter county was opened February 2, 1808, and 
 closed June 27, 1831 (582 pages), containing all the record work of the twenty- 
 three first years of the county. Strange contrast with the present! The large 
 page volume (Y Eecord of Deeds) now in use, begun October 6, 1888, was 
 covered by the precise script of A. L. Eennells, the present recorder, to pase 
 442, by May 16, 1889. 
 
 In June, 1818, 11,000 acres of the John Barron, Jr., warrant (of which 
 the North American Land Company were original owners) were offered for 
 sale by John Crain. John Taggart, for the use of J. Greenlief bid for each 
 tract of 1,100 acres the sum of 169. 87 J. In 1822 E. Wright and S. Cochran 
 purchased at tax sale lands on the J. B. Smith, H. Wykoff and H. Dunbar 
 warrants, and in November, Paul E. Scull purchased three 990-acre tracts on 
 the Jonathan Ehay warrant for the tax and costs on each tract, $15. 17. In 
 1828-32 Samuel Maxwell, Abner Stoner, Daniel Books, Webber & Oviatt, B. 
 Eeed, Asa Sartwell, John King, John H. Eose, Eobinson Nelson and E. E. 
 Griffith purchased large tracts at tax sales, 1,100 acres selling for the tax $11, 
 and costs, $8.62|^. The first order book of Potter county is dated January 
 8, 1822. David Crow received $90 for building a bridge over the Portage ; 
 John King, $3.75 for stationery; Isaac Lyman, 63 cents for postage; Thomas 
 Hayse, "late prothonotary, " $1.62; John Taggart and Isaac Lyman received 
 several small orders for services as commissioner; Tunison Carroll for print- 
 ing; John Lyman and Jacob Streeter, supervisors of roads in Eoulette town- 
 ship; Thomas Bellows and John Taggart, supervisors of Eulalia, who replaced 
 Leonard Taggart and Israel Merrick, the supervisors for 1821; Cephas Nelson 
 and Almon Woodcock, for chopping a road from Cold brook to the Cowanesque; 
 P. Murphy and Isaac Merrick, for transporting books; David Smith, for mak- 
 ing road; Eeuben Scott, for office rent; Hiram Sizer, Brewster Freeman and 
 Nathan Turner, for making roads in Eulalia township; Lucretia Edgecomb, 
 Sally Bellows, Otis Lyman and Laura Lyman, witnesses in the case of the 
 State vs. Patience Lyman; Nancy Hinkle and James Ayers, witnesses in the 
 case of the State vs. Nancy Ayers. A bridge over Fishing creek was erected 
 in 1823; Peter Knickerbocker viewed a road to the south branch of the Sin- 
 nemahoning, a former road in that direction being opened by Nathan Turner. 
 In December, 1824, E. Taggart and P. Palmer were paid $10 for building a 
 bridge over the Allegheny. In January, 1826, John Peet was allowed 6 cents 
 for supplying the county officers with goose-quills, while Lorenzo D. Strafford, 
 who was sent for said quills, received 1 2^ cents. 
 
 The oldest record of transactions in possession of Commissioners' Clerk 
 Eennells is dated at Coudersport, November 15, 1824. Harry Lyman was 
 appointed temporary clerk, and Ephraim Fuller, elected a commissioner, under 
 
1008 HISTOEY OP POTTEB COUNTY. 
 
 the acts of March 28, 1824, organizing Potter and McKean counties, qualified 
 before John Lyman, a justice of the peace, who also signs the record as com- 
 missioner. Leonard Taggart, who was appointed commissioner November 29, 
 1824, by the judges of quarter sessions of Lycoming county, qualified here De- 
 cember 7, 1824, and took his seat. On the 14th a tax of one-half cent per dollar 
 was authorized, and from this period to April 21, 1828, the records are filled 
 with memoranda of elections and qualifications of county officers. On the date 
 given John King agreed with the commissioners to pay taxes for the following- 
 named owners of lands in Potter county: John Keating & Co., Francis 
 E. Wharton, David Lewis & Son, Samuel Slaymaker, Jesse Wain, L. H. 
 Doubigney, Fred Ravisier, Robert Wain, Jane Humphrey, Stephen I. 
 Guerea, Richard Gernon, John P. Garrische, A. B. Deschappelle, Theo. 
 Gouzaud, Pierre Provenchere. 
 
 In 1835 the county was organized for political and judicial purposes. W. H. 
 Warner, Samuel Gushing and Elisha Mix were commissioners. The contract 
 for building the first court-house was sold to Judge Ives and Almon Woodcock, 
 who had their work completed by September, and the first court was held 
 therein that month. Three years later the northern townships were surveyed, 
 although they were established in 1828. 
 
 As early as 1810 the establishment of townships was commenced. Eulalia 
 was set off from Dunstable township, Lycoming county, by order of the court 
 of Lycoming, December 5, 1810, embracing all of Potter county. . . .Roulette 
 was set oil by the same court from Eulalia January 29, 1816, embracing the 
 territory now composed of Roulette, Clara, Pleasant Valley and Sharon town- 
 ships .... Harrison was set ofP February 6, 1823. Benjamin Burt, Reuben Card 
 and Jacob Streeter were appointed, by same court, commissioners to divide 
 Eulalia township, the new township to be called Harrison, running from north- 
 east corner of the county south nine miles and ninety-nine perches; west eight 
 miles and twenty-eight perches, embracing Harrison and parts of Hector, 
 Ulysses and Bingham. The southwest part of the county, under the name of 
 Wharton, was erected May 3, 1826, containing within its limits the present 
 townships of Wharton, Sylvania and Portage, and parts of Summit, Homer and 
 Keating. 
 
 In 1828 the north half of the county was divided by a decree of the court 
 into townships six miles square, which were surveyed ten years later by L. B. 
 Cole. The survey commenced at the north-west corner of the county, on the 
 State line. The townships were named in the following order: First tier — 
 Sharon, Chester, Loudon, Bingham, Harrison; second — Milton, Hebron, Den- 
 mark, Ulysses, Hector; third — Roulette, Eulalia, Sweden, Jackson, Pike. 
 
 Sweden was organized in February, 1828, with Jackson, Pike and Ulysses at- 
 tached thereto Sharon was organized in December, 1828, with Chester and 
 
 Milton attached. The name of Chester was subsequently changed to Oswayo, 
 the Indian name of a branch of the Allegheny river, which runs through it. 
 The name of Milton was changed to Clara .... Bingham was organized in 1830. 
 .... Loudon was organized in 1830, and the name changed to Genesee, a river 
 by that name running through it .... At the same time Denmark was changed to 
 Allegheny . . . , Hector was erected in 1830, and the election appointed to be 
 held at Benjamin Wilber's. . . .Pike was organized in January, 1832, with Jack- 
 son attached .... Hebron was erected in 1832 ; election to be held at the house of 
 Asa Coon .... Ulysses was erected in December, 1832; election to be held at the 
 house of Stephen Brace. Jackson now forms part of this township .... Alle- 
 gheny was erected in September, 1835. 
 
 Clara township, as it became considerably settled, was found in its physical 
 
HISTORY OF POTTER COUNTY. 1009 
 
 geography to be very inconvenient. Sartwell creek ran nearly through the 
 west half, and Fishing creek through the east half, each joining the Oswayo 
 waters at the summit. The mountain was very high between the two sections, 
 roads being impracticable, elections and public municipal business could rot 
 be, so the township was divided, in 1847, the western half on Sartwell creek, 
 to be called Pleasant Valley, and a pleasant valley it is indeed .... Abbot was 
 
 erected in 1851 Homer, Stewardson, West Branch and Summit were erected 
 
 in 1853 Oleona (or East Fork) is still a part of Eulalia township for judi- 
 cial and other purposes .... Keating and Sylvania were erected in 1858. 
 
 In the erection of Cameron county, in 1860, the inhabited portion of Por- 
 tage township was set off to that county; it was re-organized in 1871, a part of 
 Sylvania being attached to it. 
 
 In 1835 the first court-house was erected and opened in September of that 
 year. The present court-house was finished in 1858. William Bell was the 
 contractor, and his estimate, made in 1852, was 111,000. This house may be 
 said to have been rebuilt in 1889, at a cost of about $25,000, after plans by 
 H. Hall. G. A. Wilber, Charles H. Cole and Bryan McGinnis were commis- 
 sioners. The interior is all modern, but the exterior retains much of the sim- 
 plicity of forty years ago. The first services held in it were the funeral cere- 
 monies of Mrs. N. L. Dyke, in October of same year, the Methodist Episcopal 
 Church not being built as yet, but in process of construction. The bell of the 
 court-house had just been placed in the tower, and was rung for the first time 
 on this occasion. The first court held in the new court-house was in Decem- 
 ber of that year. 
 
 In 1869 the legislature authorized Potter county to levy a tax and issue 
 bonds for the purpose of raising funds to build a new jail. It was at first 
 proposed to build a jail that should cost in the neighborhood of $30,000; 
 but when the building was finished the price had reached to about $50,000. 
 L. R. Decker was the contractor and builder. Hon. Isaac Benson advanced 
 the funds and took the bonds, thus becoming the principal creditor of the 
 county. The building is square, built of sandstone, most of which was 
 obtained from the farm of Dr. O. T. Ellison, within the borough limits. 
 It is two stories high, and contains twelve cells, together with rooms for the 
 family of the sheriff. The building is nearly enclosed on three sides by a 
 high stone wall. It is provided with water by the Coudersport Water Com- 
 pany. In 1886 three of the cells were lined with boiler iron, to be used for 
 dangerous prisoners. Several prisoners have escaped from this jail by various 
 means, still it may be regarded as a first-class county prison. During the 
 time the new jail was being built the prisoners of Potter county were confined 
 in the Cameron county jail; and in 1875 the prisoners of McKean county were 
 placed for safe keeping in the jail at Coudersport, while the McKean county 
 jail was being rebuilt. In 1871 Potter county was attached to the Western 
 Penitentiary District with prison at Pittsburgh, prior to which the prisoners 
 convicted were required to spend their time in the Philadelphia prison. 
 
 The sale of liquor was prohibited in Potter county by special act of as- 
 sembly, in 1860. Hon. S. B. Elliot represented this assembly district in the 
 legislature. But this special law was brought about, it is said, by the influ- 
 ence of Hon. John S. Mann. It is occasionally spoken of as the " Mann Law." 
 This law has remained in force to the present time. Potter county is noted as 
 the only county in the State that has a special law prohibiting the sale of 
 intoxicating liquors, except for medicinal or mechanical purposes, and this 
 only on the prescription of a regularly practicing physician. Prior to the pas- 
 sage of this law, the sale of liquors was for years attempted to be controlled 
 
1010 
 
 HISTORY OF POTTER COUNTY. 
 
 by the election of anti-license associate judges. The anti-license party 
 carried the day for some years before the passage of the above-mentioned bill; 
 but as liquor was sold in spite of the measures attempted to suppress it, the 
 special law was brought into effect. The W. C. T. IJ. are working with 
 praiseworthy perseverance, and have been instrumental in keeping the law in 
 active force, in a large measure, for the past few years. A number of attempts 
 have been made to kill this special prohibition law, but, by means of remon- 
 strances and other methods used to defend it, it is still in full force. Potter 
 county gave a majority of twenty-nine votes for the prohibition amendment 
 out of 3,121 votes cast, June 18, 1889. Germania's one voting place gave 
 one for and 156 against the amendment. 
 
 Following is a list of the State representatives from Potter county; also 
 lists of several of the county officers to the present date. A record of the other 
 county officers will be found in the succeeding chapter. 
 
 REPRESENTATIVES FROM POTTER COUNTY IN THE ASSEMBLY. 
 
 1839, L. B. Cole. * 
 1844, Lewis Mann. 
 1845-47, Timothy Ives. 
 1851-53, J. M. Kilbourne. 
 1856-57, Isaac Benson. 
 1858-59, Lewis Mann. 
 
 1863-64, A. G. Olmsted. 
 1865-70, John 8. Mann. 
 1873-73, 0. S. Jones: 
 1874, Conrad HoUenbeck. 
 1876, D. C. Lari-abee. 
 1878, W. Shear. 
 
 1880, E. L. White. 
 
 1883, T. W. Burt. 
 
 1884, Elymus Hackett. 
 1886, John H. Chase. 
 1888, G. W. Dodge. - 
 
 COUNTY COMMISSIONERS. 
 
 1838, Isaac Strait and Uriah 1853, 
 Briggs. 1854, 
 
 1839, Hosea Gushing. 1855, 
 
 1840, Thaddeus Stone. 1856, 
 
 1841, Philander Heed. 1857, 
 1848, D. F. Ellsworth. 1858, 
 
 1843, Belos Dwight. 1859, 
 
 1844, Lewis W. Lyman. 1860, 
 
 1845, Isaac Thompson. 1861, 
 
 1846, David Kilbourne. 1863, 
 
 1847, Gardner H. Olmsted. 1863, 
 
 1848, Chester Andrews. 1864, 
 
 1849, Almeron Nelson. 1865, 
 
 1850, Charles Monroe. 1866, 
 
 1851, G. G. Colvin. 1867, 
 1853, Willis Young. 1868, 
 
 William McDougall. 
 Harrison Rosa. 
 Duick Whipple. 
 Stephen Rosooe. 
 L. H. Kinney. 
 Nelson Clark. 
 Edwin Thatcher. 
 M. D. Briggs. 
 S. S. Robertson. 
 C. P. Kilbourne. 
 R. L. Nichols. 
 E. O. Austin. 
 C. P. Kilbourne. 
 Samuel Monroe. 
 E. O. Austin. 
 Capt. W. Starkweather. 
 
 1869, G. W. Colvin. 
 
 1870, R. L. White. 
 
 1871, L. D. Estes. 
 1873, M. A. Nichols. 
 
 1873, G. W. Colvin. 
 
 1874, R. L. White. 
 
 1875, Chas. Grover, C. P. Kil- 
 bourne and James Cole. 
 
 1878, Wm. Greenman, Dana 
 
 Drake and A. B. Crowell. 
 1881, S. H. Spencer, Burt 01- 
 
 sen and Fordyoe Nelson. 
 1884, Bryan McGinnis, W. 
 
 Matteson and G.C. Lyon. 
 1887, Bryan McGinnis, W. 
 
 G.WilberandC. H. Cole. 
 
 REGISTER AND RECORDER. 
 
 Until 1857 the office of prothonotary was united with that of register and 
 recorder. 
 
 1839, Isaac Strait, 3 years. 1857, fAp pie ton Butter- 1880, Erastus E. Lewis. 
 1843, Samuel Haven, 9 years. worth. 1887, Albert L. Rennells. 
 
 1851, H. J. Olmsted, 3 years. 1860, Dan Balier, 6 terms. 
 
 1854, Thos. B. Tyler, 3 years. 1878, O. J. Rees. 
 
 *Born in Dutchess county, N. Y., settled in Potter county in 1832; was admitted to the har in Septem- 
 ber, 1835, served in the legislature as first representative of the county; was the first county surveyor and 
 justice of the peace from 1850 to the time of his death in 1880. His poetry won some attention from the 
 press. It was he who surveyed the northern townships in 1838, ten years after their estabUshment. 
 
 t Died in office ; Timothy Ives appointed to fill imexpired term. 
 
HISTOKI OF POTTER COUNTY. 
 
 1011 
 
 1824, Dr. Harry Lyman. 
 1826, Timothy Ives. 
 1828, B. G. Avery. 
 ■ 1830, James Rose. 
 1832, Burrel Lyman. 
 1834, O. A. Lewis. 
 1836, L. B. Cole. 
 
 1839, B. F. Hamlin. 
 
 1840, Isaac Thompson. 
 
 1841, G. W. G. Judd. 
 1848, Burrel Lyman. 
 
 COUNTY TEEASUEEES. 
 
 1846, Stephen Outman. 
 1848, John Lyman. 
 1850, Nelson Clark. 
 
 1853, Joel Raymond. 
 
 1854, Henry Ellis. 
 1856, W. H. Hydorn. 
 1858, *Eli Rees. 
 1860, Woolsey Burtis. 
 1862, Lewis Lyman. 
 1864, Arch. F. Jones. 
 1866, J. .W. Stevens. 
 
 1868, A. B. Horton. 
 1870, A. L. Harvey. 
 1872, J. M. SpafEord. 
 1874, Martin Dodge. 
 1877, M. V. Larrabee. 
 1S80, Edwin Hasltell. 
 1883, David Raymond. 
 1886, A. A. Swetland, 
 1889, Newton J. Peck. 
 
 1839, Elisha English. 
 
 1840, H. A. Nelson. 
 
 1841, Geo. Taggart. 
 
 1842, Benj. D. Dolbe. 
 
 1843, Wm. Crosby. 
 
 1844, Versal Dickenson. 
 
 1845, Lewis B. Cole. 
 
 1846, Benj. L. Grover. 
 
 1847, Horace Leet. 
 
 1848, Noah H. Hallock. 
 
 1849, B. D. Dolbe. 
 
 1850, Joseph Mann. 
 
 1851, Edgar F. Austin. 
 1853, Harrison Rosa. 
 
 1853, Aaron Rice. 
 
 1854, Samuel Palmer, H. L. 
 
 Simons. 
 
 COUNTY AUDITOES. 
 
 1855, W. B. Graves. 
 
 1856, H. F. Sizer. 
 
 1857, John C. Bishop. 
 
 1858, W. B. Graves. 
 
 1859, Spencer A. Slade. 
 
 1860, James B. Jones. 
 
 1861, E. O. Austin. 
 
 1862, Andrew Rose. 
 
 1863, 8. H. Martin. 
 
 1864, Lucien Bird, W. B. 
 Graves. 
 
 1865, J. C. Thompson. 
 
 1866, A. Sidney Lyman, S. 
 H. Martin. 
 
 1867, S. S. Greenman. 
 
 1868, M. R. Swetland. 
 
 1869, Earnest Wright. 
 
 1870, J. H. Cole. 
 
 1871, J. M. Hamilton. 
 
 1872, D. W. Havens. 
 
 1873, Samuel Beebe. 
 
 1874, Geo. Rees. 
 
 1875, Geo. Rexford, J. G. 
 Stroele, H. S. Lent. 
 
 1878, Dewitt Chase, Robert 
 McDowell, T. Coulston. 
 
 1881, L. D. Ripple, Dan Ba- 
 ker, Thos. Coulston. 
 
 1884, H. A. Gridley, Philip 
 Lawrence, Jasper Card. 
 
 1887, John Bodler, L. B. 
 Lewis, J. H. Dexter. 
 
 1838-50, L. B. Cole, Sr. 
 1853, W. M. McDougall. 
 1856, Z. F. Robinson. 
 1861-65, Lucien Bird. 
 
 COUNTY SUEVEYOES. 
 
 1868, C. L. Hoyt. 
 1875, W. A. Crosby. 
 1880, Fayette Lewis. 
 
 1883-86, O. J. Rees, appoint- 
 ed by the court. 
 1889, O. J. Rees. 
 
 1839, Amos French. 
 18il, H. H. Cheeseboro. 
 1844-47, Amos French. 
 1850, H. S. Heath. 
 1853, Amos French. 
 
 C0E0NEE8. 
 
 1856, Andrew Stout. 
 1859, H. H. Munson. 
 1862, J. M. Spaflord. 
 1865, W. C. Blakeslee. 
 1868, W. B. Graves. 
 
 1871-77, Charles Meine. 
 1882, Frank Buck. 
 1885. J. B. Colcord. 
 1889, Dr. George C. Rees. 
 
 The fall elections of 1889 show 2,366 Eepublican, 1,791, Democratic and 
 188 Prohibitionist votes for State treasurer. Daniels (E.) received 2,346 votes, 
 Hellwig (D.), 1,885, and Smith (P.), 96, for sheriff; Peck (R.), 2,334, Clark 
 (D.), 1,898, and Burt (P.), 116, for treasurer; Brightman (R.), 2,238, and 
 Scoville (D.), 2,057, for district attorney. 
 
 ♦Killed while In office; Arclilbald F. Jones filled term. 
 
1012 HISTOKY OF POTTER COUNTY. 
 
 CHAPTER IV. 
 COURTS AND BAR. 
 
 First Court and Judges— Jurors— Primitive Causes, etc.— List of Lawyers, 
 Dates of Admission, etc.— Judges, Pkothonotaries, District Attorney 
 AND Sheriffs- Crimes and Punishments. 
 
 n'^^HE early history of the courts and bar of McKean county contains many 
 _L names connected with Potter. In 1833 the two counties were organized 
 as a separate judicial district with the place of meeting at Smethport. In 
 1835 a change v/as made which placed Potter county on an equal footing with 
 McKean, and under this new law the first term of court ever held in Potter 
 county was opened September 28, 1835, Associate Judges Timothy Ives and 
 Seneca Freeman being present. ' The pioneer lawyer, O. J. Hamlin, moved 
 the admission to the county bar of John E. Niles, Hiram Payne and L. B. 
 Cole, while Niles moved the admission of Horace Bliss. In December follow- 
 ing James Gamble was admitted to the bar. 
 
 The first grand jurors were Chester Prouty, Hezekiah Bently, George W. 
 Daniels, Isaac Jones (foreman), Uriah Briggs, Edward Brace, Jesse Lewis, 
 Simeon Cannon, Lemuel V. Lovell, William Atherton, Anthony Jones, Richard 
 Chappel, David Henry, Philander Post, John Leary, Ashabel G. West, Henry 
 Kulan, Clark Haskins, Samuel W. Stone, Lyman Nelson, Thomas Kinyon, 
 Ezekiel S. Main, James S. Lamb. Traverse jurors were John Taggart, Almon 
 Woodcock, John Nelson, Jr., John Reed, Silas Nelson, George Rossman, H. 
 A. Nelson, Rufus A. Freeman, Noah Hallock, Nathan Miles, Hector Atwood, 
 Lyman K. S. Crum, Elijah Gridley, Orange A. Lewis, Levi Stone, Giles T. 
 Hurlburt, Thomas Crittenden, Palmer Briggs, Ashabel West, Erastus Mulkin, 
 Peter Campbell, John Post, Jr. , Alexander Lamphere, Joshua . Thompson, 
 Amos Lewis, Cornelius Ives, Chester L. Corsaw, Mathew Ostrander, Jeremiah 
 Hall, James Whiting, Asa Coon, David Wilber, Jacob Bump, Reuben Card, 
 Francis L. Metzger and Benjamin Wilber. The first constables to appear at 
 the first session of court, September 28, 1885, were David R. Smith, Pike; D. 
 F. Ellsworth, Jackson; Stephen Outman, Harrison, and Mathew Ostrander, 
 Hebron. The first case was Commonwealth vs. W^illiam Caldwell, defendant 
 discharged without trial. The first civil case was John Earl vs. V. Dickenson. 
 This was continued as were all of the cases on the list. 
 
 May 23, 1836, F. B. Hamlin, Benjamin Bartholomew and Joseph Wil- 
 son were admitted to the bar. The matrimonial state seemed to be no more 
 agreeable and secure in those old days than now. The first divorce case that 
 came before the court was filed May 23, 1836 — Samuel Fosmer vs. Dorcas Fos- 
 mer, which was followed upon the next day by a plea from James Hawley 
 against Catherine, his wife. At this term of the county court the first hotel 
 license was granted. It was given to Samuel B. Strait, of Coudersport. In 
 the year 1837 the first criminal case was tried in the county court, February 
 term: Commonwealth vs. Abel Cummings, larceny. The jury were Joseph Car- 
 penter, Elijah Carpenter, Nathan Main, George W. Lewis, Jesse M. Greenman, 
 Charles Gill, Orry Millard, William Carson, Horace Nelson, Joel C. Fessenden, 
 
HISTORY OF POTTEB COUNTS. 1013 
 
 Hezekiah Kibbe and Walker Smith. A verdict of not guilty was returned. 
 From 1835 to 1838 the several courts of Potter county had been held by the 
 associate judges. Now for the first time a president judge appears upon the 
 bench— Nathaniel B. Eldred. At the above mentioned' term of court A. V. 
 Parsons, of Jersey Shore, was admitted to the bar, and the old law circle was 
 complete. 
 
 For ten years the circuit lawyers visited Coudersport, winning some acces- 
 sions. L. F. Maynard was admitted in 1840, after coming from Tioga county, 
 Penn. He practiced here twenty years, moved to Indiana, where he died! 
 John S. Mann read law in the office of 0. W. Ellis, and was engaged here in 
 all the affairs credited to him in the general and local history. Wales 0. But- 
 terworth studied also in Ellis' office, was admitted in 1842, and practiced here 
 until his death. Charles B. Cotter was also admitted in 1842. In June, 1844 
 Isaac Benson was admitted at Warren, Penn. , where he studied law under 
 Struthers & Johnson, and has been in active practice down to the present time; 
 he came, in 1845, to Coudersport, and has been one of the leading citizens of 
 the borough. He is the senior lawyer of the old district, unless Henry Sher- 
 wood, of Wellsboro, may be considered so. Edward O. Austin, who "studied 
 under Mr. Benson, was admitted in 1848. Judge Olmsted studied in the office 
 of J. S. Mann, and was admitted to the bar in 1850, when he was chosen the 
 first district attorney. Twelve years later he was elected representative, and 
 during his last term was speaker of the House. In 1868 he was elected State 
 senator, and, after his term expired, was appointed president judge of Bucks 
 and Montgomery counties ; in 1874 he was Republican candidate for lieutenant- 
 governor, but was defeated; eight years after he was chosen additional law judge 
 of the Fourth district, and in 1883, president judge of the Fort^-eighth dis- 
 district, comprising Potter and McKean counties. Prior to Judge Olmsted's 
 admission to the bar. Judge McCalmont attended court here, and Horace Wil- 
 liston was president judge at the time (1850), having been appointed in 1848. 
 F. W. Knox studied in Judge Knox' s office at Wellsboro, Penn. , where he was 
 admitted in September, 1850, and in 1851 he came to Coudersport to reside, hav- 
 ing previously taught the academy here, in 1848. He has done much for the 
 commercial advancement of Coudersport, and is now president of the C. & P. 
 A. E. R. , a short line, but a very prosperous one. P. Wetherbee, who studied 
 under Mr. Knox, was admitted in 1851. Crosby W. Ellis, who came from 
 Wayne county, was admitted here, and practiced for twenty years, when he 
 moved to Cincinnati, Ohio, where he died about 1870. 
 
 B. C. Rude, of Allegany county, N. Y. , was admitted to practice here in 
 1871; Conrad HoUenbeck studied under Isaac Benson, was admitted in 1871; 
 C. J. Curtis, who studied under Olmsted & Larrabee, in December, 1870; Frank 
 M. Johnson, who studied in Isaac Benson's office, same year; Silas L. Green- 
 man, who studied in the same office, in 1869; Jefferson Harrison, in 1873; P. 
 E. Cotter and John V. Leach, both of Tioga county, were permitted to prac- 
 tice here in 1874; C. H. Seymor was admitted in 1864; D. C. Larrabee, in 
 1866; Frank D. Leet, 1866; Arthur B. Mann, 1867; Seth Lewis, in Olmsted's 
 office, 1867; M. W. McAlarney, in I. Benson's office, 1867; John C. Johnson, 
 studied in F. W. Knox's office, 1866; Thomas B. Tyler, 1857; F. B. Hackett, 
 1860, in A. G. Olmsted's office; John H. Jones, 1857; J. O. Parker, 1869; 
 Silas S.Greenman, in I. Benson's office, 1869; Joseph James and William H. 
 Metzger, in I. Benson's office, 1873; Harry Lord, in I. Benson's office, 1873; 
 J. C. Strong, 1868; John Ormerod, in J. S. Mann's office, 1877; James L. 
 Knox, 1874; S. W. Smith, 1874; F. G. Bishop, 1876; Frank F. Drake, 1875; 
 T. C. Saunders, 1876; Eugene E. Mullin (permit), 1876; W. A. Stone (per- 
 
1014 HISTOBY OF POTTEE COUNTY. 
 
 mit), Lyman H. Cobb, 1876; W. I. Lewis, 1878; Horace B. Packer, 1878; C. L. 
 Peck (1872), 1877 ; George W. Merrick (permit), Harry A. Scoville, in I. Benson' s 
 office, 1879; Delano E. Hamlin, 1879; M. E. Olmsted, J. M. Judd and N. 
 Hiblich (permits), M. L. Foster, 1880 (the latter in I. Benson's office); S. E. 
 Cheeseman and O. L. Snyder, 1880; Edson Hyde, in I. Benson's office, 1880; 
 F. N. Newton, in Olmsted's office, 1881; J. T. Gear, 1881; A. L. Cole, 1881; 
 C. F. Huntington, 1879; L. B. Siebert, of Austin, 1882; D. W. Baldwin, 1883; 
 L. A. Hollenbeck, in I. Benson's office, 1883; Clark Metzger, 1881; Amos 
 Hollenbeck, in I. Benson's office, 1882; George King, in John S. Mann's 
 office, 1882; R. J. C. Walker, Benjamin R. P. Allen (permit), 1880; N. T. Ar- 
 nold, 1884; James B. Benson, in McVeigh & Bishop' s office, Philadelphia, 1884; 
 T. A. Morrison, 1884; N. J. Peck, 1885; Barney McAlmont, of McKean county 
 (permit), in 1883; Chester Howe, in I. Benson's office, 1885; W. B. Bright- 
 man, in Olmsted's office, 1884; S. C. White, 1885; I. P. Collins, 1885; H. C. 
 Dornan, of McKean (1869), 1883; John T. McNeil, 1886; John S. Ryan, 1886; 
 Rush Culver, 1886; F. C. Leonard (1885), 1887; Henry A. Ashton, J. E. 
 Rounseville (in I. Benson's office), S. C. McCormick, George B. Tassell, W. 
 L. Lillibridge (permit) and F. M. Leonard, 1888. Oscar D. Knox, who studied 
 under his father, was admitted to the bar in 1870, but in April, 1871, moved 
 to Bolivar, Mo. , was appointed trial lawyer for the St. Louis & San Francisco 
 Railroad Company, but while pleading before the circuit court of the district, 
 in 1885, was attacked by brain fever, and died within five weeks. 
 
 In 1851 Robert G. White was appointed president judge, and served for 
 twenty years, until succeeded, in 1871, by Henry W. Williams. A year later 
 the business of the courts called for an additional law judge, and S. F. Wilson 
 was appointed, Mr. Benson refusing to oppose him. In 1881 A. G. Olmsted 
 was appointed additional law judge, and when, in 1883, Potter and McKean 
 counties were erected into the Forty-eighth judicial circuit, Judge Olmsted 
 was honored with the presidency of the district. Judge Morrison being the sec- 
 ond judge. 
 
 The following are lists of the associate judges, prothonotaries, district attor- 
 neys and sherifPs up to the present time: 
 
 Associate Judges. — 1835, Timothy Ives, Seneca Freeman; 1851, O. A. 
 Lewis, Joseph Mann; 1856, Joseph Mann, Gaylord G. Colvin; 1861, G. G. 
 Colvin, C. S. Jones; 1866, Woolsey Burtis, John P. Taggart; 1871, Lyman 
 Nelson, J. M. Kilbourne; 1876, N. C. Hammond, Atlas Bennett (Bennett died 
 without qualifying), Samuel Beebe appointed by the governor in A. Bennett's 
 place; 1877, E. W. Chappel; 1881, E. N. Hammond; 1883, Burton Lewis; 
 1886, Consider Stearns, whose term expires in 1891, and, 1887, H. T. Reynolds, 
 whose term expires in 1892, are the present associate judges. 
 
 Prothonotaries. — 1839, Isaac Strait; 1842, Samuel Haven; 1851, H. J. 
 Olmsted; 1854, Thomas Tyler; 1857, H. J. Olmsted; 1875, P. A. Stebbins, 
 Jr.; 1878, Orson H Crosby; 1881, W. A. Crosby; 1887, W. A. Crosby. 
 
 District Attorneys.— 1850, A. G. Olmsted; 1853, F. W. Knox; 1859, L. 
 F. Maynard; 1861, W. B. Graves; 1868, Seth Lewis; 1871, C. J. Curtis; 
 1874, W. M. Metzger; 1877, J. L. Knox; 1880, L. H. Cobb; 1883, John 
 Ormerod; 1886, H. A. Scoville; 1889, W. B. Brightman. 
 
 Sheriffs.— IS ";5, Ansel Purple; 1838, Miles Thompson; 1841, Orange A. 
 Lewis; 1844, Mi es Thompson; 1847, Miles White; 1850, Frank Jones; 1853, 
 P. A. Stebbins, Sr. ; 1856, Alva Taggart; 1859, William T. Burt; 1862, D. 
 C. Larrabee; 1865, W. W. Brown; 1868, H. T. Reynolds; 1871, S. P. Rey- 
 nolds; 1874, Walter Wells; 1877, J. M. Covey; 1880, Daniel Monroe; 1883, 
 E. S. Worden; 1886, Daniel Monroe; 1889, William Daniels. 
 
* ' i!^',^"'i' 
 
 f^k 
 
HISTORY OF POTTEB COUNTY. IQI7 
 
 11 TJoV^'*,?'''?®" ^"1*^%"°^*^ was committed on the morning of August 
 11, 18^8, m the township of Genesee, by Joshua Jones, who killed his wife in 
 her bed, shootmg her through the head with his rifle. After committing the 
 deed he laid his rifle upon the bed by the side of the body, and coolly went 
 aiter his cows. Perhaps he hoped that some of the neighbors might happen 
 to come in, and the deed be looked upon as a case of suicide. After returning 
 with his cows he alarmed the neighbors with the report that his wife had shot 
 herself, but his story was not believed and he was arrested. Jones was 
 brought to trial December 28, 1838, found guilty of murder, and sentenced at 
 the February term, 1839, to be hung May 31, 1839. He afterward confessed 
 his crime, and sold his body to Dr. Amos French, of Coudersport It is said 
 that he bought luxuries with the money paid for his body, and became fat 
 while in jail. It seems that when he sold his body to Dr. French he had stipu- 
 lated that the doctor should endeavor to resuscitate him, and this idea is given 
 in a doggerel poem, which appeared some time after the hanging, purporting to 
 have been written by Jones' "ghost." On the evening of May 21, 1839, 
 Jones, who had got possession of a file by some means, relieved himself of 
 his shackles, and, breaking the lock of his cell door, escaped. This was sup- 
 posed to have been accomplished early in the evening. His disappearance was 
 not discovered by the sheriff, Miles Thompson, until the next morning. The 
 sheriff offered a reward for the recapture of Jones, the advertisement being as 
 follows in the Potter Pennant of May 23, 1839: 
 
 $200 KEWARD. 
 
 Broke jail on Tuesday night the 21st inst. Joshua Jones, convicted of the murder of 
 his wife at February court, last, and to have been executed on the 31st inst. Said Jones 
 is about five feet nine or ten inches high, of slim build, light complexion, projecting fore- 
 head, black eyes, dark, curly hair, a downcast yet scrutinizing expression of countenance 
 and a very soft and slow manner of speaking. Had on, when he left, a blacli, straight 
 bodied coat, a pair of grey pantaloons, with patches on the knees, a single-breasted vest 
 of the same material, a high-crown, narrow-brimmed hat, considerably worn, and coarse 
 cowhide shoes with nails in the heels. |200 reward will be given for his apprehension 
 and delivery at the jail in Coudersport, or $100 reward if lodged in jail where he can be 
 secured. 
 
 Miles Thompson, Sheriff. 
 Coudersport, BJay 22, 1839. 
 
 The editor of the Potter Pennant in the same issue announces by post- 
 script to an editorial notice: 
 
 Since the above was in type Jones has been taken and safely lodged in jail. He was 
 found in Genesee township in the woods near Mr. VanNorman's, about twelve miles 
 from this place. Much credit is due to the sheriff and his posse for their indefatigable 
 perseverance in his apprehension. 
 
 The two men who took Jones were William Hill and Almeron Nelson. 
 He was hung as sentenced, May 31, 1839, in the court-house square. 
 The scaffold was erected about midway of the present court-house, on the 
 west side, just beyond, toward Second street where the band stand is now. The 
 hanging was witnessed by a large crowd of spectators. Dr. Amos French 
 was the attending physician at the execution. The sheriff became nervous and 
 sprung the trap sooner than was expected, which came very near dropping Dr. 
 French through the trap with the condemned man. The body of Jones was 
 handed over to Dr. French, who took it to Whitesville, and in conjunction 
 with Dr. Thorp, of that place dissected it. The skeleton is still in Couders- 
 port, the property of Dr. C. S. French, a son of Dr. Amos French, and who is a 
 practicing physician here. This was the first and only execution that evei 
 took place in this county. Other murders have been committed, but the per- 
 
 55 
 
1018 HISTORY OF POTTER COUNTY. 
 
 petrators have thus far escaped with their necks unencircled by the hang- 
 man's noose. 
 
 During the later years of the war the central portion of the county was overrun 
 by a band of thieves known as the " Widger gang " — in fact, two gangs — which 
 were more or less united in their deeds of darkness. One of these parties was 
 headed by an ex-officer of the Union army, Capt. Widger, who, it is alleged, 
 was dishonorably dismissed from his position in the army. On his return to 
 Potter county, he, in connection with a brother, organized a band of outlaws. 
 The other branch, headed by a man by the name of Howard, was known as 
 the "Howard gang." There were two brothers by the name of Howard with 
 this band. Their stealings were of a varied nature, as they seemed to be im- 
 pelled to take anything that touched their hands. It is said that they began 
 by stealing honey, then sheep and cattle. This last business was carried on in 
 a very thorough manner, slaughtering the animals stolen, and selling the meat 
 at lumber camps or shipping it, and salting down barrels of meat which they 
 could not dispose of in a fresh state. The robberies extended to washings 
 from clothes lines, dry goods, hardware and cutlery. At last people became 
 suspicious of some of the members of the gang, and when William McDou- 
 gall's store at Oswayo was burglarized of a quantity of dry goods, etc., a 
 search was instituted, which resulted in the finding of the stolen goods in a 
 box sunk in the ground at the head of a narrow valley back of where the 
 Widgers lived, above Nelson Clark's place, a little over two miles north of 
 Coudersport. Ephraim Bishop discovered a quarter of mutton stolen by one 
 of the gang, by moving the chair that the thief's wife sat in, much against her 
 will, the mutton tumbling from beneath her skirt. He also helped to find 
 some beef buried in the garden of another of the gang, and was also with the 
 party who found the case of stolen goods in the woods. A grindstone stolen 
 from Hon. J. S. Mann was also discovered. The entire band was captured, 
 and one of them turned State's evidence, which testimony sent the remainder 
 of the gang to the penitentiary. 
 
 It is thought by many that the murder of an army chaplain, by the name 
 of Patterson, lay at the doors of the Widger gang. This alleged murder took 
 place about the third year of the war. Chaplain Patterson had returned from 
 the front with from 11,500 to |2,000 of soldiers' money sent by them to their 
 friends at home. Patterson was last seen starting from Moore's hotel in Olean 
 in a cutter with a stranger. He was supposed to have been killed by the How- 
 ard division of the Widger gang, and buried near the Five Corners in Hebron 
 township. Sarah Cole, a daughter of Hon. L. B. Cole, while digging spignet 
 in the woods, near this point, shortly after the disappearance of Chaplain Pat- 
 terson, came upon a spot which she always thought was the grave of the mur- 
 dered man. Digging into it, a stench drove her back, and the supposition that 
 it might be the burial place of Patterson so frightened her that she ran from 
 the place and did not return. 
 
 In addition to the murders of Mrs. Jones and Chaplain Patterson there are 
 others as follows: May 1, 1867, Charles Razee killed Henry Young with a club, 
 near Ulysses. Razee was indicted by the grand jury June 18, 1867, and con- 
 victed of manslaughter at the December court of the same year; was sentenced 
 to the State prison for five years and nine calendar months, but was pardoned 
 after three years. George Haynes and Mrs. Susan Graves were charged with 
 the poisoning of Mrs. Graves' husband, H. D. Graves of Millport, Sharon 
 township, June 24, 1874. All of the parties bore a bad reputation. It is . 
 alleged that Haynes had purchased the permission, to use Mrs. Graves as a 
 mistress, of her husband, the spring before the murder, for the consideration 
 
HISTOKY OF POTTEK COUNTY. 1019 
 
 of a razor and razor strop and one day's work. Haynes was sent to the peni- 
 tentiary to serve out a life sentence. Mrs. Graves, after a protracted trial, was 
 discharged. George Chisholm, of Hector township, shot William Watrous 
 October 2, 1882, Watrous dying October 4, 1882. Chisholm was found guilty 
 of manslaughter, and sentenced to the State prison at Pittsburgh for four 
 years, at the March term of court, 1883. He was pardoned after two years. 
 The body of a man was found in a mill pond at Galeton, with the throat cut, 
 in May, 1885. This last murder remains a mystery. The victim's remains 
 were identified as those of a man who had worked at the tannery at Galeton, 
 but his murderer is unknown. 
 
 CHAPTER V- 
 
 MEDICAL. 
 
 Early Physicians— Trials of the Pioneer Doctor— Names of all Phy- 
 sicians Attainable in the County. 
 
 AMONG the early physicians of Potter county, first mention should be made 
 of Dr. Stout, of Ulysses, and Dr. French, of Coudersport, who came here 
 in 1836 and 1837, respectively, and were the only practicing physicians in the 
 county for some time. Dr. French's ride took him down the Sinnemahoning 
 to Canoe Place (Port Allegany) and over about Oswayo and Clara. Going over 
 this territory with a sulky or carriage in those early years was no small under- 
 taking, in fact, out of the question. The journeys made by day and by night, 
 through storm and sunshine, must be accomplished on horseback. Blind roads 
 must be followed through deep forests ; finding near cuts through the trackless 
 woods, down valleys and over mountains, disturbing the bear and deer, and 
 being howled at by wolves. Cold, rain and fatigue fell to the lot of the settle- 
 ment doctor. He must be a man of dauntless courage, with an imm^se stock 
 of perseverance and patience. He must be able to fast by day, and to go with- 
 out sleep at night; must treat those from whom he could hardly expect remu- 
 neration, and be willing to take a saddle of venison or a bushel of corn for his 
 visit and advice. All of these qualifications were embodied in Dr. French. 
 He was a tall man, of dignified bearing, but whose sense of humor was remark- 
 ably acute. As a story-teller he was without a peer. He was born in 1808. 
 In the later years of his life he engaged in the drug trade in Coudersport. 
 The fire of May 18, 1880, destroyed his store, and he never rebuilt. He had 
 accumulated some property, and during his last years he lived upon the rental 
 of his tenant houses. He died of bronchitis May 15, 1886. He frequently 
 affirmed that he had attended, during the practice of his profession, the births 
 of between two and three thousand children. 
 
 Dr. Daniel Olney died in March, 1883, after practicing at Harrison Valley 
 for thirty years. Dr. Brown, of Ulysses, may be named among the old phy- 
 sicians. Dr. Gage, his partner, Tyler and his father-in-law. Dr. Dean, who 
 kept a drug store, moved to Wisconsin in 1856. Another physician, Hiram 
 Heath, who built Judge Olmsted's present residence, left the town early in the 
 "fifties." Dr. Stout was stationed at Lewisville for twenty years before 1856, 
 
1020 HISTOBY OF POTTER COUNTY. 
 
 about which time Dr. Pierce came. Dr. Joerg resided in the Kettle creek 
 district. Dr. O. T. Ellison came in 1856, when his circuit extended from Ceres 
 to a point fifty miles southeast, and to Driftwood and up the Benezette branch. 
 Dr. Drake remained for a short time after the war; Dr. Buck, Dr. Mat- 
 tison and Dr. Ashcraft practiced at Ellisburg some time before moving to 
 Coudersport. 
 
 The physicians who registered here in 1881, under the laws of the common- 
 wealth, are named as follows: Richard V. Post, 1881, resided at Hebron; C. 
 W. Taucher, 1881, at Clara; Elvin H. Ashcraft, 1881, at Coudersport; Edgar S. 
 Mattison, a native of Geneva, N. Y., 1881, now twenty-three years in practice 
 at Sunderlinville and Coudersport; Franklin Buck practiced at Westfield and 
 Lewisville before moving to Coudersport; Charles H. Sharp, Oswayo; Charles S. 
 French, born at Coudersport, where he now resides, practiced at Millport; Will- 
 iam H. Turner, at Oswayo since 1853; A. E. Porter practiced in Sharon sixteen 
 years prior to 1881; Charles Meine is an old resident of Germania, but a 
 native of Oldendorf, Germany; O. T. Ellison came to Coudersport in 1856-57, 
 and is to-day one of the leading physicians of the county; Edelbert U. Eaton 
 was physician at Lewisville in 1881; Orville L. Barney, who practiced at 
 Shongo, N. Y. , for fifteen years, resided at Genesee Fork in 1881; Samuel B. 
 Hartman was an itinerant specialist in 1881; Mrs. Laura A. Brooks, now 
 of Roulette, was physician in Pleasant Valley in 1881 ; Dan. Olney, at Harrison 
 Valley; Lyman Cobb Presho, in Allegheny township; Amos French, who came 
 in 1837, was here in 1881; Charles W. Breesenick, now of Costello, was at 
 Coudersport in 1881; J. M. R. Pritchard, at Harrison Valley; Asher J. Reming- 
 ton, at Shinglehouse ; Moses M. Cunningham, of Petrolia, Butler county, and 
 of Bradford, McKean county, visited Potter county in 1882 ; Charles G. Ficher 
 was at Roulette; William H. Tassell, at Hebron; Squire J. S. Reynolds, at 
 Sunderlinville; Charles H. Lane, a traveling physician, in 1884; J. B. Colcord 
 practiced at Coudersport in 1885; Alonzo Kibb, at Pike's Mills; George C. 
 Rees, at Costello; Mrs. E. M. Fanning, at Millport; and Byron Clark, a travel- 
 ing specialist, registered in 1885; James T. Hurd, of Pike's Mills, registered in 
 1886; also F. A. Sunger, of Tioga county; Miles E. Reed, of Genesee Forks, 
 and William P. Burdick, of Keating Summit. In 1887 Dr. Martin Maynard 
 practiced at Oswayo and Sharon; William R. Palmer resided at Port Allegany; 
 Mary D. Rukgaber, in practice since 1871, resides at Austin; Fred H. Hough- 
 ton, at Austin, and James S. Wells, at Keating Summit; Charles M. Blakeslee 
 resided at Muncy.in 1888; R. J. Sharp, in practice since 1882, came to Austin 
 in 1888; A. W. Cummings, at Oswayo; Charles DeWitt Voorhees, at Shingle- 
 bouse, and Charles S. Floyd, at Austin in April, 1889; in May, Elmer E. 
 Horn; in September, John W. Elliott; in February, 1890, Horace F. Webster, 
 and in March, 1890, Charles H. Reed. 
 
HISTORY OF POTTER COUNTY. 1021 
 
 CHAPTER VI. 
 
 JOUENALISM— EDUCATION. 
 
 Journalism — Some Account of the Press of Potter County— The "Sur- 
 vival OF THE Fittest." 
 
 Education Sketch of the Schools of Potter County— Names of Edu- 
 cators—Interesting Statistics. 
 
 joubnalism. 
 
 THE first newspaper published in the county was the Democratic Republican, 
 issued at Coudersport in 1839. The name of this paper was changed to 
 the Potter Pennant, and this name was merged into the Potter Pioneer. F. B. 
 Hamlin was the editor of the Pennant, and he with Timothy Ives, Jr. , and W. 
 Caldwell were the owners. In 1844 C. B. Cotter, a lawyer, took charge of the 
 Pioneer as editor. On his retirement, in May, 1850, E. C. Cannon and L. P. 
 Maynard became editors, continuing until the Potter County Union was 
 established. 
 
 The Potter County Union was published in 1851 by Judge Charles Lyman, 
 who died in Iowa, in March, 1888. Mr. Haskell believes that the Union was 
 the political successor of the Pioneer, and that a man named James was the 
 editor, and that Judge Orvis, of Centre county, was a compositor in the 
 office. Miles White, who was sheriff from 1848 to 1850, and has been justice 
 of the peace from 1852 to the present time, was the owner until 1855, when the 
 Union ceased publication. 
 
 The Potter Journal, subsequently named the Potter County Journal, should 
 take precedence of the Union, had not the latter been the successor of the 
 Pioneer. The Journal was established in 1848 with William McDougall editor. 
 He held entire control until 1853, when Edwin Haskell, John S. Mann and the 
 original editor claimed ownership. At this time the title was changed to the 
 People's Journal, with Edwin Haskell editor. In 1855 this name was in 
 existence, and it is believed continued so until about the beginning qf the war 
 for the Union. In the spring of 1861 a suspension of three weeks' duration 
 marks its history, and in June, 1861, it was revived by M. W. McAlarney, 
 who purchased the office from T. S. Chase, and who, it is said, gave it its old 
 name — the Potter Journal. In 1868 W. W. Thompson and Vesta Dyke were 
 the publishers, but in 1870 J. S. Mann was sole owner. Early in 1883 D. W. 
 Butterworth took charge, and, later that year, was joined by Dr. Mattison, who 
 edited this paper until the sale of the office to Edwin Haskell, January 1, 1884. 
 Mr. Haskell is now editor and publisher of the Potter County Journal. 
 
 The Highland Patriot was established at Coudersport in 1854 by C. B. 
 Cotter and Dwight James. Within a short time the Patriot gave place to the 
 Northern Democrat, which, after a little while, went the way of many hopeful 
 journals. 
 
 The Item was issued at Coudersport in 1874 by S. P. Hamilton, but it was 
 merged into or consolidated with the Journal within a few months. 
 
 The Potter Enterprise dates back to 1875. On April 16, 1875, a company 
 was organized for the purpose of publishing the Enterprise at the county 
 seat, with S. P. Reynolds, Isaac Benson, C. HoUenbeck, W. W. Thompson, 
 William Dent, F. W. Knox, Isaac Benson and L. N. Whiting, directors. 
 There were twenty-four stockholders, residents of the county, holding 151 ten- 
 
1022 HISTOKY OF POTTEE COUNTy. 
 
 dollar shares. In 1880 W. W. Thompson became sole owner of the stock, and 
 continued editor until December, 1886, when the office was sold to D. W. 
 Butterworth & Co. In 1887 it was understood that James Benson was owner, 
 while later Scott Winfield was credited with the ownership. On Mr. Butter- 
 worth's return from Austin, early in 1890, he resumed editorial charge of the 
 Enterprise. 
 
 The Workman, established in 1887, with Thomas Harrington, editor, ceased 
 publication at Coudersport, in June, 1889, when the office was removed to Elk 
 county, where A. J. Quimby publishes the Clarion Breeze. 
 
 The Ulysses Sentinel was issued at Lewisville by A. E. Owen, August 25, 
 1881, who sold to Seth Lewis in 1882. The latter carried on this journal un- 
 til January, 1888, when the office became the property of A. J. Evans and C. 
 W. Bailey, editor and publisher, respectively. In September, 1888, Mr. Evans 
 became sole owner. The circulation is about 800. The present editor was 
 born in Steuben county, N. Y. , and moved with his parents to Potter county 
 in 1874, where he was educated and taught school for eleven years. He gradu- 
 ated from the State normal school at Mansfield in 1884, when he took charge 
 of the Ulysses schools. 
 
 In 1882 Rev. Mr. Kelly, of the Methodist Church of Lewisville, and a Miss 
 Monroe established a church journal there, which continued publication for a 
 short time. The Valley Mail was established at Harrisonville about five years 
 ago by George F. Wood. Business was carried on in the Doud Building for 
 less than a year. The name was changed to The Banner, and shortly after the 
 journalistic field was abandoned. The Palladium, a Greenback journal, was 
 issued at Shinglehouse, with Mrs. George Pearsall, publisher. Later the name 
 was changed to The Signal, and subsequently to the Sharon Leader. In 1889 
 The Leader and the The Ceres Courant consolidated under the name Oswayo 
 Valley Mail, with Mr. Herrick in charge. This paper is published at Ceres. 
 The Austin Autdgraph was established in September, 1887, by the father of the 
 McKean county press, A. J. Hughes. In April, 1889, D. W. Butterworth, of 
 the Enterprise, purchased this office, and on his return to Coudersport, Mr. H. 
 D. Caskey, the present editor, took charge. 
 
 EDUCATION. 
 
 Concerning the growth of education in Potter county we are indebted for a 
 great deal of the information that follows to J. W. Allen, late superintendent of 
 schools for Potter county, to whom much of the prosperity of the schools in 
 Potter from 1866 to nearly 1880 was due. During his terms of office the 
 County Teachers' Institute was brought into being, and the superintendent 
 threw himself, heart and soul, into the cause of education. 
 
 "In the winter of 1816 and 1817 Harley Knickerbocker taught by sub- 
 scription, on Ayers' Hill, the first school in this county. About a dozen schol- 
 ars attended, and it continued three months. Not long after this, Israel Mer- 
 rick taught a similar school about half a mile east of Lymansville, and after- 
 ward one in Coudersport, near the site now occupied by the jail. As the in- 
 habitants increased, schools were temporarily established in other parts of the 
 county. With scarcely an exception these schools were taught by schoolmas- 
 ters.' The branches taught were reading, writing, spelling and arithmetic. 
 Corporal punishment with the rod was ' the rule,' which had few exceptions. 
 
 "In the winter of 1842-43, P. A. Allen taught, on Crandall Hill, his first 
 school. When he was examined he was only required to make a pen from a 
 goose quill, to write with it a copy, and sign his name: He afterward taught 
 at Lymansville and Coudersport. 
 
 "In 1862 twenty-six male and One hundred and forty-five female teachers 
 
HISTORY OF POTTEB COUNTY. 1023 
 
 ■were employed. In 1866 there were thirteen males and one hundred and six- 
 ty females; in 1876, forty-six males and one hundred and fifty-eight females 
 taught. In 1862 there were one hundred and nine schools; in 1866, one 
 hundred and thirteen, and in 1876, one hundred and twenty-one. 
 
 " In 1807 John Keating, an extensive land owner in this part of the State, 
 offered to give to the trustees of the county district of Potter one square in 
 the town of Coudersport, and one hundred acres adjoining the plat of said 
 town for use of academy or public school, and also 1500 for the purpose of 
 erecting a suitable building on said plat for use of such school." 
 
 During the session of 1836-37, the legislature incorporated the " Couders- 
 port Academy, for the education of youth in the English and other languages, 
 and useful arts, science and literature, ' ' with six trustees empowered to 
 erect necessary buildings for this school and to manage the affairs thereof. 
 The next year the legislature authorized the State treasurer to pay to the 
 treasurer of the trustees of this academy $2,000, to be used in erecting suit- 
 able buildings, and for purchasing, at their discretion, the necessary library 
 and apparatus for the use of this school. In the same act our county com- 
 missioners were authorized to convey to the trustees of this academy all the 
 lands which had been conveyed to them and then held by them, for any pub- 
 lic school in the county, and also any balance of funds in their hands, except 
 funds received from the State treasurer for the use of common schools. In 
 1846-47 the legislature authorized the county commissioners to pay the trus- 
 tees of this academy $200 annually for five years, beginning June 1, 1847, 
 provided twenty students had attended each quarters. In 1851 they were 
 authorized to pay 1800 annually for five years with the same provisions. This 
 was repeated in 1857. This school from the first was a strong educational 
 agency of the county. 
 
 "In 1881, by act of the legislature, the academy building and all of 
 the property connected therewith was conveyed to the school district of Cou- 
 dersport, to be used for the purpose of a graded school. The same act author- 
 ized the school board to establish, in connection therewith a high school, and' 
 students entering were required to pay a tuition fee. Thus this school offered 
 academic advantages. In September, 1869, the graded school opened with 
 B. B. Slade, as principal. The average number of pupils was one hundred and 
 fifty." 
 
 The principals of the Coudersport Academy and graded school from its 
 opening to the present year, are named in order as follows, beginning with 
 the first, in 1840: Profs. Maxson, Depew, I. B. Pratt, Smith, W. B. Slaugh- 
 ter, H. J. Olmsted, F. W. Knox, J. B. Wentworth, Bloomingdale, Joel Hend- 
 ricks, Elliot, J. W. Allen, Mrs. Culver, Miss Stockwell, B. B. Slade, Weaver, 
 McFerran, J. R. Groves, McDowell, W. T. Palmer and Prof. John C. Silsley, 
 the present principal (elected in April, 1889). The old academy building was 
 used for school purposes until the spring of 1887, when it was sold by the 
 school board to the highest bidder, Chauncy Stacy, of Coudersport, to whom 
 the building was knocked off at $35; the material he wished to use in build- 
 ing a private house upon his lot west of the academy site. He was required 
 to pull down and convey away the building by a given time. This was done, 
 and upon the ground where stood the old building, so well known to all of the 
 inhabitants of Potter county, has just been completed an elegant brick struct- 
 ure at the cost of about $11,000. It is furnished with a heater, which is in 
 the basement of the building, and cost $1,300; it ventilates the entire build- 
 ing, summer and winter. It is, in fact, a model school edifice, standing upon 
 
1024 HISTOEY OF POTTER COUNTY. 
 
 an elevated plateau, which overlooks the valley of the Allegheny and the 
 borough of Coudersport. 
 
 "In 1859 a building for an academic school was erected in Lewisville, by 
 subscription. Burton Lewis, O. A. Lewis, A. B. Bennett, Hon. D. C. Larrabee, 
 Benoni Pearce and Seth Lewis were among the chief contributors. Prof. J. A. 
 Cooper was the first principal, who opened the school in September, 1859. He 
 was followed by Profs. Seth Lewis, E. E. Campbell, F. M. Johnson, J. L. 
 Davies, B. B. Slade, H. H. Kies, D. H. Cobb and Evans. These may not be in 
 order or all of the principals." 
 
 "In 1873, by act of the legislature, in conjunction with the board of school 
 directors of that borough, a graded school, similar to the one at Coudersport, 
 was established. B. B. Slade was the first principal." 
 
 A little incident regarding the erection of the Lewisville Academy may be 
 interesting. The building is octagonal in form, the posts of it being twenty- 
 four feet long. Either the last of May or the first of June, 1859, just after the 
 frame was raised, a heavy wind blew it down. There were but two persons 
 upon the frame at the time, Mr. Swift, who was somewhat jarred by the fall, 
 and Hon. D. C. Larrabee, who escaped by sliding down a post, receiving no 
 injury save from a multitude of fine hemlock slivers in his arms. The damage 
 done to the frame amounted to $200. 
 
 "Under the law of 1854, Dr. Gage was first commissioned as (county) super- 
 intendent. Rev. J. B. Pratt resigned the following year. Rev. Joel Hend- 
 ricks was appointed to fill out the unexpired term, closing June 1, 1857. He 
 was elected to succeed himself. After him followed Seth Lewis, R. T. Claf- 
 lin, J. W. Allen, Amos F. Hollenbeck, Miss Anna Buckbee, H. H. Kies (1887), 
 the present superintendent. 
 
 "Under Superintendent Joel Hendricks the first Potter county teachers' 
 association was held at Coudersport, in the fall of 1857. 
 
 "The chief instructors were C. W. Sanders, W. W. Woodruff, H. S.Jones, 
 F. A. Allen, Rev. N. L. Reynolds, J. A. Cooper, C. H. Yerrill, A. N. Raub, 
 Flora T. Parsons, Anna Randall Deihl, Emma Garfield Martin and Emma S. 
 Stilwell. Until December 17, 1835, all of the money used for the support 
 of the schools in this county came from private individuals, either by sub- 
 scription, donation or taxation. At that date, in accordance with the school 
 law of 1834, the State appropriated $72.81 for our schools. The appropria- 
 tion for 1887 was 1860.40. The receipts from taxation of property in the 
 county that year was $8,486. 20, and the total expenditures for school purposes, 
 $10,834.24. The average cost per month for each scholar was 82 cents. The 
 expenses of the first institute, held in September, 1867, and paid by the county, 
 and since then (to 1877), from $100 to $200, have been paid by the county. 
 The average annual salary paid by the State to county superintendent for the 
 fifteen years ending 1877, was $820;" since raised to $1,000. 
 
 The report on the schools of Potter county for the year ending June 4, 
 1888, presents the following statistics: 145 school-houses, or 161 rooms; 8 
 graded schools, two districts which supply text books free; 61 male and 203 
 female teachers; 2,222 male and 2,138 female pupils, of whom 3,034 attend 
 school; tax for school purposes, $32,237.09; State moneys, $4,085.08, total 
 revenue, $43,675.44; paid teachers, $21,754.47; total expenditure, $36,361.01. 
 
 During the two last years remarkable progress in efiSciency and correspond- 
 ing increase in school population and expenditure have been reported, and 
 several buildings erected. 
 
^ ^fh /.J. *^ ft 
 
 /Irch^.r Jones, 
 
HISTORY OF POTTER COUNTY. 1027 
 
 CHAPTER VII. 
 
 MILITAEY HISTORY. 
 
 roTTER County in the Civil War-Enlisthent of Volunteers-Relief 
 Committees, etc.— Forty-sixth, P. V. I.— Fifty-third, P V I —Fifty- 
 eighth, P. V. I.— One Hundred and Forty-ninth, P. V. I.— Two Hundred 
 AND Tenth, P. V. I.— Xew York State Regiments— Lists of all Soldiers 
 Who Entered the Service from Potter County— The Battles in 
 Which They Were Engaged, etc.— Miscellaneous. 
 
 IN April, 1861, Thomas L. Kane came to Coudersport to recruit, acoom- 
 panied by Dr. Freeman, of Smethport, and F. B. Hackett. The meeting, 
 held at the court-house, was addressed by Gen. Kane and the popular leaders 
 of Potter county. In response to their appeals, several men (eighteen) enlisted, 
 among whom were Sherman Baker, Perry Brigham and Erastus Lewis, who 
 elected A. E. Graves captain. The little command moved to Harrisburg, 
 where, on account of delays in organization, the Potter county men scattered, 
 some enlisted in New York regiments, others returned home, and some en- 
 listed in Pennsylvania commands or waited to enter the original Bucktails. In 
 April, 1861, the commissioners appropriated $1,000 to aid families of volunteers. 
 In September the commissioners and associate judges formed a board of relief. 
 On August 9, 1862, a loan of $5,000 was authorized — the money to be expended 
 in relieving soldiers. John S. Mann was appointed to receive this loan from 
 Isaac Benson, and distribute it among volunteers actually mustered in at the 
 rate of $50 each. In February, 1864, the commissioners agreed to give a 
 bounty of $300 to each volunteer required to fill the county's quota. Under 
 this last resolution 293 men enlisted who received $87,300 from the county 
 between March 7, 1864, and July 15, 1868, the bounty being payable in three 
 yearly installments of $100 each. 
 
 fokty-sixth regiment, p. v. I. 
 
 The 46th Eegiment, P. V. I., dates its beginning to April, 1861, when five 
 compaEies responded to the governor's call for troops to defend the Capital. 
 The Logan Guards of Mifilin county was the leading company of the old 
 three months' regiment, and, when re-organized for three years, that company 
 entered as Company A. The regiment assembled at Camp Curtin September 
 1, 1861, when Joseph F. Knipe was elected colonel; James L. Selfridge, 
 (captain of the Northumberland Guards or Company C in the three months' 
 regiment), lieutenant-colonel, and Arnold C. Lewis, major. Maj. Lewis, while 
 engaged in carrying out discipline, was shot and killed, September 22, 1861, by 
 a soldier, when Capt. J. A. Matthews was promoted major. John Laneham, 
 the soldier mentioned, was court-martialed and executed December 28, 1861. 
 The command joined Banks' Army of the Shenandoah in September, being 
 assigned to the Second Division of Crawford's First Brigade, under Gen. 
 Williams. In January the regiment moved with the brigade to support Gen. 
 Shields in his pursuit of Stonewall Jackson; and when the pursued turned on 
 the pursuer at Kernstown, three companies of the Forty-sixth, under Matthews, 
 
1028 HISTORY OF POTTER COUNTY. 
 
 ■were present and contributed to the defeat of Stonewall, who, however, won 
 the day at Cedar Mountain, where the Forty-sixth lost heavily, Lieuts. 
 Robert Wilson, S. H. Jones and W. P. Caldwell being killed; Col. Knipe, 
 Maj. Matthews, Capts. Lukenbaugh, Brooks and Foulke, and Lieuts. Matthews, 
 Craig, Caldwell and Selheimer being wounded. September 17 this regiment lost 
 Capt. G. A. Brooks and five others, killed. Soon after Col. Knipe was pro- 
 moted brigadier-general; Lieut. -Col. Self ridge, colonel of the Forty-sixth, 
 (Maj. Matthews being commissioned colonel of the One Hundred and Twenty- 
 eighth) ; Capt. W. L. Foulke, lieutenant-colonel and Cg,pt. Cyrus Strouse, major. 
 At Chancellorsville Strouse and Lieut. O. R. Priestly were killed with two 
 others of the command. At Gettysburg the regiment suffered lightly and 
 afterward, to the close of the year, was fortunate in the success of service and 
 lightness of casualty list. At Eesaca, in May, 1864, the regiment lost only 
 three killed and five wounded, Lieut. Knipe, of Company I, being among the 
 killed, while the affairs around Dallas and Kenesaw Mountain caused a loss of 
 fourteen killed, including Capt. D. H. Cheeseboro and Lieut. J. W. Phillips. 
 July 20, 1864, the regiment lost ten killed and twenty-two wounded, Capt. S. 
 T. Kettrer, of Company E, Lieuts. Sam Wolf, D. C. Selheimer, H. J. 
 Davis and L. R. Whitman being among the killed, also Sergt. C. C. Cavan- 
 augh, of Company G. Oa Hood renewing the attack, the command lost six men, 
 killed. On the surrender of Atlanta, September 1, 1864, the regiment's fight- 
 ing days ended, leaving it the glory of sharing in the closing battles of the 
 war under Sherman. When Johnson surrendered, April 26, 1865, the regi- 
 ment returned, being mustered out at Alexandria, Va. , July 16, 1865. Potter 
 county was represented in this command by Company G and Company H. 
 The following tells the story of Company G: Capt. James H. Graves mustered 
 in September 13, 1861, resigned October 5, 1862. November 1, D. H. Cheese- 
 boro was appointed, and served until killed at Dallas, Ga. , May 25, 1864. W. 
 L. Shattuck was commissioned captain July 27, 1864 (having been a prisoner 
 from August 9 to September 18, 1862, the position of second lieutenant 
 awaiting his return), and served until muster out in 1865. Lieut. Truman 
 Bacon resigned September 11, 1862; Lieut. James M. Miller died at Harrisburg 
 June 18, 1863 ; Horace C. Jones, of Company C, was promoted to second lieuten- 
 ant, in March, 1862, and to first in September, 1863, resigning in 1864; James H. 
 Cole was commissioned May 22, 1865, and was mustered out in July with rank; 
 M. M. Rathbone, the original second lieutenant, was discharged Feb. 15, 1862, 
 Sergt. Consider E. Lovell was mustered out as second lieutenant in 1865, 
 while Sergt. Jerome B. Stewart was discharged, on surgeon's certificate, in 
 December, 1862. Sergts. James I. Lockwood, William R. Clark, George S. 
 Kennedy and L. Brizzee served until July, 1865 ; John C. Wilkinson was dis- 
 charged in 1862; Charles A. Estes mustered out September 18, 1864; Hosea B. 
 Harris died from wounds received near Atlanta, Ga. , and C. C. Cavanaugh 
 was killed there. Corps. E. A. Richmond, Wells Kenyon, George Markham, 
 James P. McKee, O. M. Cavanaugh, F. W. Lovell, G. N. Manning and Eli 
 G. Lovell served until muster out; H. H. Cheeseboro, and James Kenyon 
 were mustered out under general order June 8, 1865; Noyes Snyder was dis- 
 charged for wounds, April 26, 1862; Geo. W. Pearsall, was mustered out in 
 September, 1864; Josiah T. Rathbone was discharged for disability in February, 
 1863, and Wm. J. Brown in June, 1862; Geo. H. Barnes was killed in the 
 railroad accident of December 11, 1863; Samuel C. Grace, died April 11,' 
 1865, and Thomas Kenyon left the service January 19, 1863. The musicians 
 were Geo. Washington, discharged for disability February 4, 1863, and Les- 
 ter Stone for the same cause. Jay Cheeseboro and James Livermore were 
 
HISTOBY OF POTTEB COUNTY. 1029 
 
 •discharged June 15, 1865. The private troops, who died on the held or from 
 wounds, etc., are named as follows: Collins S. Brigham, Nathaniel Bradley, 
 Eosswell Burton, John W. Clark, Eichard J. Everett, Walter Manor, Daniel 
 S. Garnett, John W. Green, Wm. Wilcox, Wm. J. Brizzee, Enos Munson, 
 John Hay, John Harris, James Hoyle, Geo. and Jacob Eomigh, James Mul- 
 holland, David Marsh, Asa Shaber, Gilbert Kenyon, Orson Kenyon, John 
 Phillips, Wm. Bobbins, Martin V. Eyan, Jeremiah Springer, Joel Terwilliger, 
 and Fred Walters, nearly all of whom died from the effects of wounds received 
 in action. Henry Cummings was killed July 20, 1864; Patrick McDermott, 
 August 9, 1862; Newton Nelson, July 20, 1864; Isaac E. Seely, April 26, 
 1862; James H. Snath, July 20, 1864; Harvey J. Warner, at Winchester, Va., 
 May 25, 1862, and Charles Walshe, at Cedar Mountain, August 9, 1862. 
 
 There were discharged on account of wounds, Noah G. Armstrong, wounded 
 at Antietam, Henry Kinsey, Eobert F. Harris, Albert Evans, Wm. A. Hodge, 
 Lafayette Johnson, Volney D. Sackett, H. M. Signor and Henry Terwilliger, 
 and on account of disability on surgeorfs' certificates: Silas Andrews, Peter 
 Beatman, Simon Bryan, Ed. Bradshaw, Leonard Briggs, Chauncey Bryan, Ed. 
 A. Cobb, C. A. Gilbert, Alva A. Goff, Ichabod Graham, O. C. Hopkins, 
 John S. Healy, M. H. Ingraham, David Mascho, H. M. Munson, H. H. Nichols, 
 Titus V. Nichols, F. S. Olney, Fergus O' Connor, M. E. Phillips, Joe Eein- 
 hart, A. W. Bobbins, John G. Staysa, Andrew J. Swift, W. A. Whittaker, 
 Wm. J. Wallace and Wm. Hysong. 
 
 The men discharged under general order of June 15, 1865, and other 
 orders were A. -S. Freeman, Wm. Annis, Geo. W. Bradley, A. D. Burdick. 
 Sol. I. Bartges, Geo. Boyle, Martin Black, A. A. Brooks, Ed. Brizzee, Eli 
 Bailey, Hosea B. Brooks, Sam. Belcher, James A. Bosworth, John W. Craw- 
 ford, Wm. Carnagey, Thomas Cotton (sick at muster out), W. W. Dwight, 
 John Dennis, James Dickson, Leander Eastman, Wm. M. Earl, A. Evans, 
 Lorenzo D. Bstes, Ed. Gilbert, Abram Goodnoe, Ezra A. Graves, A. N. Higley, 
 Sam. Hunter, A. D. Hill, Tom Jackson, P. Kuhns, N. W. King, VanEens. 
 Kenyon, Wm. Keck, A. H. Lambert, Joe Lawton, James H. Leach, J. Long- 
 necker, I. Lyman, J. E. Meanor, E. J. H. Mace, Jacob Morgan, Benj. Miller, 
 L. B. Mygrautz, Anthony Myers, Sol. Noble, C. A. Palmatier, Dave Potts, I. 
 Phillips, Eeuben Plants, James M. Poe, Albert Eeed, Geo. Eeynolds, H. L. 
 Eaught, I, C. Staysa, Sam. Smith, Steve B. Sweet, Lorin Shepherd, S. C. 
 Shepherd, C. A. W. Swift (V. E. C), Abelina Crane (V. E. C), Tom Thomp- 
 son, Jacob Wyland, John Williams and John E. Young, while Joseph Young 
 was under arrest at date of muster out. 
 
 The men who returned without orders are listed as follows: S. G. Andrews, 
 F. Brizzee, Napoleon Brockway, Eeuben Collar, Alex. HoUiday, Wm. Kibbe, 
 Ehen. Miller, Ellas Pennoyer, F. A. Smith, John H. Symonds, and Hiram F. 
 Warner. 
 
 Company H of the Forty-sixth Eegiment was recruited in Potter county, 
 and mustered in September 13, 1861, with Wm. D. Widger, captain. On his 
 resignation December 27, '1861, Nathaniel J. Mills was commissioned, and after 
 his discharge in June, 1862, Alex. W. Selfridge (transferred from the Twenty- 
 eighth Eegiment as second lieutenant in February 1862) was commissioned 
 captain December 21, 1862, brevetted major in March, 1865, and mustered out 
 with company July 16, 1865. L. Hinninghauser, the original lieutenant, re- 
 signed in August, 1862; Thomas B. Gorman, sergeant, was first lieutenant in 
 February, 1862, and discharged in March that year; Orlando J. Bees was pro- 
 moted second lieutenant, then first lieutenant in February 1863, and discharged 
 in August, 1864, while absent in hospital; Norman M. Vance rose gradually. 
 
1030 HISTORY OF POTTER COUNTY. 
 
 being appointed first lieutenant December, 18, 1864, and served to the close ; 
 Geo. W. White, a second lieutenant, was discharged in Pebruary, 1862; in 
 June, 1862, Merrick Jackson was promoted second lieutenant, but dismissed in 
 May, 1864; Charles N. Barrett entered the company as corporal, was pro- 
 moted to first sergeant, then reduced, wounded near Caasville, Ga. , and re- 
 promoted to second lieutenant, and served until July 16, 1865 ; Sergt. Joseph H. 
 Austin died at Hancock, Md. , in February, 1862 ; Bonneville Schlegel, a ser- 
 geant, was mustered out in 1865, also Daniel D. Tompkins, Wm. F. Green, 
 Charles Eiant and Elno E. Burdick; Sergts. C. Darling and A. Eeed were 
 discharged for disability; Elisha S. Horton was discharged by special order 
 in January, 1865, L. E. Sinsabaugh, in 1864, and Daniel H. Judd, in 1862; 
 Corps. James Quigley, W. Hollenbeck, John W. Axx, W. A. Butler, 
 Oliver J. Parker, H. J. Epler, Allen Jordan, John G. Hollenbeck, John S. 
 King, Michael Dunn (wounded May 26, 1864, at Pumpkin Vine) and Amos R. 
 Stillman were discharged in July, 1865; Geo. W. M. Heister, in 1862; Henry 
 Rogers, C. H. Rusher (wounded) and Ben. P. Bishop, in 1863; Steve Dar- 
 ling, transferred to V. R. C. , in 1863; Seth McMuUin, killed at Winchester, 
 in May, 1862; Philo S. Baker, died at Atlanta, October 21, 1864; Geo. A. 
 Post, wounded at Peach Tree Creek, died July 29, 1864; Ransom R. Higley, 
 died at Alexandria, Va. , February 27, 1864, while John W. Crosby was not en- 
 rolled. The musicians, Michael H. Mengis and Mil<4)n Patterson, were mus- 
 tered out July 16, 1865, and A. G. Leonard was discharged for disability in 1862. 
 
 The private troops killed in battle were D. B. Baker, J. P. Deremer and 
 Lewis H. Yeomans, at Cedar Mountain August 9, 1862; Mahlon Deremer, at 
 Kenesaw Mountain, June 16, 1864; Nicholas Palmatier, at Chancellorsville,May 2, 
 1S63; Horace B. Pratt, at Pine Knob, Ga., June 15, 1864; William Ross, 
 near Dallas, Ga., May 25; Sylvester Morrison, at Resaca, Ga. , May 15; Heze- 
 kiah J. Wright, at Peach Tree Creek, Ga., July 20, 1864; and Robert M. Craw- 
 ford, near Fayetteville, Tenn., December 21, 1863. 
 
 The deaths from wounds, etc., recorded during the war are as follows: 
 Marcus A. Bliss, at Decherd, Tenn., October 18, 1863; G. W. Barr. at Han - 
 cook, Md., February 27, 1862; Niles K. Bessy, at Atlanta, Ga., October 26, 
 1864; George N. Cooper, May 28, 1864, at Chattanooga; Dan. Clark, wounded 
 at Cedar Mountain, died August 20, 1862; Henry W. Corl, at Resaca. May 18, 
 1864; John Dingman, at Nashville, Tenn., June 25, 1864; G. S. Keighlinger, 
 at Chattanooga, August 8, 1864; Chester Miles, July 15, 1864, Ben. F. Mc- 
 Coy, at Alexandria, Va. , September 23, 1863 ; John D. McCahan (wounded at 
 Peach Tree Creek), July 20, 1864; Sam Patterson, at Atlanta, September 
 26, 1864; Cassius M. Strong, died at Indianapolis, April 9, 1864; Henry Sear, 
 died at Chattanooga; Andrew J. Ward, at Hancock, Md., January 28, 1862; 
 John Peet, at Muddy Branch, Md. , December 21, 1861 ; Adam Stellar, March 
 15, 1865. 
 
 The private troops discharged in 1865 were Robert Allen, John Adams, L. 
 S. Baker, I. B. Baker, Joe Butler, George Burdick, Ransom Beardsley, H. 
 H. Cronk, Eben Cain, William P. Card, George Clinton, J. C. Dickson, Will- 
 iam Dingman, Anderson Dye, Isaiah Eddy, A. H. Farrand, Charles Gray, 
 James Green, John Gibson, John Homer, William M. Holmes, W. H. Harri- 
 son, John Havlin, Edward E. Kelly, George W. Kenyon, C. H. Lilley, John 
 Luce, R. E. Munnell, J. D. Marshall, William Muer, wounded; Nei Marshall, 
 Phillip Mead, J. C. Mushall, H. L. McCandless, C. S. Nelson, John Nesbitt, 
 A. H. Ostrander, E. D. Ostrander, John Oliver, Sid. L. Parker, R. N. Preston, 
 wounded; A. D. Pickering and William L. Peoples, sick at muster out; Orson 
 Eossman, Amos Rouse, Josiah A. Rumsey, F. A. Sheldon, Birney Stillman, 
 
HISTOEY OF POTTER COUNTY. 1031 
 
 Eph. Schlesser, Andrew Stanley, Wash Snodgrass, T. M. Sinsabaugh, A. C. 
 Scoville, Dave Smith, Joe Tuttle, J. B. Vanmater, Jacob Vanmater, C. War- 
 ren, J. H. Wolf, A. H. Warren and G. S. Youngglove. Among other mem- 
 bers were Phil. L. Jones, wounded December 18, 1864, in hospital in 1865; 
 William James, missing after the affair at Middletown, Va ; John Luce, sick 
 at the time; William Muer, absent on account of wounds; Thomas J. Mills, H. 
 F. Stoner, Clark A. Lament, David B. Lawrie, James I. Ryan in 1864, on ex- 
 piration of service term; Lerger Smith, sick at this time; William Smith; An- 
 son J. Cone, not mustered into the United States service; Charles Ayers and 
 
 E. M. Anson discharged for disability in 1862; John Adams, in 1865; Sylves- 
 ter Belden, Orrin Courtwright, D. Courtwright, E. R. Dimmick, Henry Peas- 
 ter, Stephen B. Green, C. H. Wykoff, William Wirt, Charles Swank, Reuben 
 M. Post, James J. Palmeter tod Luther P. Quick, for disability, in 1862, and 
 D. F. Eitchey, in 1864. Emanuel Stukey left the 46th and joined an Indiana reg- 
 iment, and served to the close of the war. John W. Crosby enlisted for service 
 in the 46th, but was transferred at once to a regiment of N. Y. H. A. 
 
 FIFTY-THIKD REGIMENT, P. V. I. 
 
 The 53d Eegiment, of which Company G was recruited in Potter county, 
 was formed in September and October, 1861, and organized at Camp Curtin, 
 .with John R. Brooke, colonel. November 7, 1861, the command moved to 
 Washington; March 12, 1862, it was at Manassas Junction, and April 3, it was 
 transferred to McClellan's army, participated in the siege of Yorktown, in the 
 affair at Fair Oaks, Junel, where Maj. Yeagerwas killed, and where ninety-six 
 men were lost in killed, wounded and missing. At Gaines' Mills on the 27th, Peach 
 Orchard on the 29th, at Savage Station and White Oak Creek, all in June, 1862, 
 the 53d maintained the honor of Pennsylvania. July 1 the command was at 
 Malvern Hill, and on the last day of that month at Centreville, protecting the 
 exposed flanks of the retreating Union army, barely escaping capture at Chain 
 Bridge. It was held in reserve during the battle of South Mountain, but 
 on September 17, shared as leader in the fight at Antietam Creek, losing 
 twenty-eight men in killed and wounded. On December 11 the regiment was 
 before Fredericksburg, crossed the river on the 12th, marched into the city on 
 the 13th, and made that terrible charge, losing 158 men, Lieuts. McKernan, 
 Cross and Kerr being among the killed. Returning to Falmouth, the com- 
 mand remained there until February 1, 1863, when three companies were as- 
 signed to participate in the Wilderness campaign. After the affair at Chan- 
 cellorsville we find the command at Falmouth. On July 2 it arrived at Get- 
 tysburg, where six were killed, sixty-seven wounded and six missing in the ter- 
 rible fights of that and the succeeding day. At Mine Run, in the fall of 1863, 
 at Rappahannock and on other fields, it closed the year's work, and was fur- 
 loughed. In May, 1864, the 53d re-entered the field at Chancellorsville ; was 
 in active service to the close of the year, and in April, 1865, was in front at 
 the surrender of the Confederacy; in May participated in the great review at 
 Washington, and was mustered out June 30, 1865. 
 
 Company G of the 53d Regiment was raised in Potter county, under Arch. 
 
 F. Jones, commissioned captain, October 29, 1861. On his discharge, July 
 24, 1864, Jason W. Stevens took command, and served until muster out, June 
 80, 1865. Reuben Z. Roberts, the first lieutenant, was discharged June 12, 
 1864, and W. W. Brown commissioned, who served until January, 1865. Ben- 
 jamin J. Gushing succeeded, serving until April, and in May, George W. 
 Stevens was promoted, who was mustered out iwith company, June 30, 1865. 
 
1032 HISTOBY OF POTTEB COUNTY. 
 
 Matt. O. Crosby, the first second lieutenant, died January 10, 1862; Harry 
 Baker, his successor, resigned in 1863, when Arthur B. Mann was promoted 
 from the ranks, and served until August 3, 1864. Asa Toombs, the first ser- 
 geant, served until muster out, and John A. Wykofif was discharged for dis- 
 ability May 1, 1864. The sergeants were George Musto, John A. Fleck and 
 Alberto. Evans, mustered out in June, 1865; G. W. Butterworth, promoted 
 to sergeant-major in Jiine, 1865; Martin Weimer, killed at Cold Harbor; Charles 
 H. Barr, wounded at Spottsylvania ; Lewis A. Wood, E. L. Burnside, A. W. 
 Wright and Orange A. Lewis, not on the muster-out roll. The record of 
 corporals gives the following facts : C. W. Gridley (wounded in March, 1865, 
 discharged), George F. Cole, J. H. Foster, Daniel Eastwood, William Snyder, 
 L. W. Tompkins, Lyman J. Jones, Edwin H. Bassett; George W. Davidson, 
 L. W. Gushing, H. McKerg, 0. H. Loucks, George H. Shutt and A. W. 
 Joseph were mustered out in June, 1865, while Eason Hyde, S. P. Finch and 
 S. F. Hamilton, with musicians O. B. Gould and F. M. Jenkins were not on 
 the roll at the time of disbanding. 
 
 The private soldiers who fell on the field or died of wounds or disease are 
 named in the following list: L. Armstrong, buried at Alexandria, March 25, 
 1864; James T. Blackman, killed at Wilderness; John T. Blackman, died April 
 30, 1864; Judson Brown, died in Andersonville, July 80, 1864, also Daniel D. 
 Butler on same day; Ira Chandler was killed at Spottsylvania, May 12, 1864; 
 Wilson Carson, killed in action, June 16, 1864; Al. M. Cheeseboro, killed at Get- 
 tysburg; Abel O. Card, died at Glendale, N. C. ; Peter Davis, at Philadelphia, 
 May 15, 1864; Simeon Ellis, in Andersonville,' August 31, and Robert E. Fos- 
 ter, September 30, 1864; W. S. 0. Goodwin, killed on picket duty, October 
 16; William Haynes, at Spottsylvania, May 12; L. T. Hagadorn, died 
 in Florence prison, October 29, and J. T. Douglass, September 15, 1864; Ed- 
 ward Houston, died June 8, 1865; George W. Haight, died at Alexandria, Va., 
 December 15, 1863; Charles Johnson in Andersonville, September 2, 1864; 
 Frank Kruk, Volney Mix, Samuel Stone, killed at Spottsylvania, May 12, 
 1864; Joe Khyle, killed at Gettysburg; Daniel Monroe, died May 3, 1864, 
 buried at Washington, D. C. ; Elijah McNamara died at Alexandria, Decem- 
 ber 11, 1863; William F. Stone, in Andersonville, July 12; George Vincent, 
 killed in action, June 16; Henry Williams died June 16, at Arlington, Va., 
 and Austin M. Weeks died in Andersonville, August 31, all in 1864; Alon J. 
 Waggoner, killed in action, March 24, 1865; O. I. Webb, died at Washington, 
 D. C. , January 14, 1863, and John H. Young, who died in Salisbury (N. C.) 
 prison, February 2, 1865. There were twenty-seven drafted men accounted 
 for at muster out, and seventeen substitutes. There were eleven of the men 
 wounded in action named in the roll of June 30, 1865, while only three desert- 
 ers are recorded. 
 
 FIPTy-EIGHTH EEGIMENT, P. V. I. 
 
 The 58th Pennsylvania Infantry included Ira B. Carpenter, W. M. Hart, 
 Jerome Harvey, Alf. Chestnut, in Company D; William Daniels, Ezra 
 Daniels (who died at Fort Monroe), in Company H; J. Q. Merrick, Davis (of 
 Pike township), James Booth, Jerry Coon, Hants Hansen, Ole Hansen, of Rou- 
 lette, and others, such as Calvin Sheppard and Lieut. C. L. Tubbs. Z. B. 
 Barnes, brother of Allen, who died in Andersonville, was also interred there, 
 and has the last ration he drew in that terrible prison. It consists of a pint 
 of corn and cob ground together, mixed with a little coarse salt. It is a grim 
 relic of a grim fractricidal war. 
 
HISTOKY OF POTTER COUNTY. 1033 
 
 * ONE HUNDRED AND FORTY-.NINTH REGIMENT,' P. V. I. 
 
 The 149th Kegiment (or New Bucktails) was organized to perpetuate the 
 name and service of Lieut. -Col. Kane's battalion of the 42d, who remained 
 with McDowell in Virginia, and of Major Stone's battalion, who served in the 
 Peninsula, under McClellan. In July, 1862, the war department authorized 
 Maj. Stone to raise a Bucktail brigade, and within twenty days twenty com- 
 panies were organized and the 149th and 150th Regiments formed; but before 
 the brigade strength was attained, the two regiments were ordered to Mary- 
 land to repel the Confederates— the 149th, under Col. Roy Stone, Lieut. - 
 Col. Walton Dwight and Maj. George W. Speer. The companies were from 
 Potter, Tioga, Lycoming, Clearfield, Clarion, Lebanon, Allegheny, Luzerne, 
 Mifflin and Huntingdon, all wearing the terrible insignia of the old battalions! 
 The regiment, with the 150th and 143d, formed the second brigade of the First 
 Corps, and went into the Chancellorsville campaign in April, 1863, and the 
 Gettysburg campaign in June of same year. On July 1, Lee's advance ap- 
 peared near the toll-gate on the Gettysburg and Chambersburg road, and was 
 engaged with Buford's cavalry. The Bucktails were four miles away, but were 
 soon on the field, and without firing rushed from the second ridge beyond the 
 Seminary, drove the enemy from the fence, and held the position throughout 
 the day, although at noon the position was made the objective point for the 
 enemy's artillery; and later their advance toward it begun, and the new Buck- 
 tails began to show the rare stuff of which they were made, carrying all their 
 points, but leaving two-thirds of their number dead or wounded on the field, 
 every field officer (including Col. Stone), except one, being wounded. In retiring 
 through the town from the barricade in rear of the Seminary, many were made 
 prisoners, leaving the remnant of the 149th to reform with the brigade on 
 Cemetery Hill. On the morning of July 2 the brigade assisted Hancock's 
 corps, and shortly afterward the 149th and 150th rescued two guns, and on 
 the morning of the 3d looked on at the defeat of the Confederates, in the 
 repulse of Pickett' s celebrated charge. On the 7th, the brigade moved for- 
 ward with the army in pursuit of Lee (too late to eflPect immediate good), re- 
 membering that the 149th lost thirty-four killed, 171 wounded and 181 missing. 
 During the fall and winter the command recruited, and in May, 1864, entered 
 on the work of the Wilderness campaign, encountering the enemy on the log 
 road May 5, and losing heavily in the labyrinth. On the 6th the battle was re- 
 newed, when Division Gen. Wadsworth was killed, while at the front with the 
 149th, the regiment which later captured the hill at the forks of the Chancellors- 
 ville and Plank roads. In the two days' affair the command lost fifteen killed, 
 ninety-nine wounded and ninety-two missing. On the 8th, the Laurel Hill 
 battle opened, losing in the three days' fight three killed and fifty-six wounded. 
 On the 12th and 13th it sustained further losses in the terrible fight, and on 
 the 2l8t joined in the advance of the army. At North Anna, on May 23, the 
 regiment lost four killed, sixteen wounded, and ten prisoners, and on June 1, 
 opened the affair at Bethesda Church, holding their well-won position until 
 the 5th, with the loss of one killed and eleven wounded. On the 18th, near 
 Petersburg, one man was killed and twenty-two wounded, and from that day 
 to August 18, when the command assisted in the assault, it was engaged in 
 the siege of Petersburg, losing two killed, seven wounded and four missing 
 in the assault. In the raid on the Weldon Railroad, December 7, one man was 
 killed, eight wounded and three missing. After the three days' affair near 
 Dabney's mill, the 149th and 150th of the brigade were detached from the 
 army of the Potomac, moved to Elmira, N. Y. , and guarded the prisoners' camp 
 there until muster out, June 24, 1865. 
 
1034 HISTOEY OF POTTEE COUNTY. 
 
 Company K, of the One Hundred and Forty-ninth, was raised in this dis- 
 trict. Walton Dwight was captain until promoted lieutenant-colonel, August 
 29, 1862, when John 0. Johnson, now representing Cameron county in the leg- 
 islature, was promoted from first lieutenant. He was captured at Gettysburg 
 on the first day of the battle, returned, and discharged May 15, 1865. Lieut. 
 C. L. Hoyt, promoted from second lieutenant August 29, 1862, was discharged 
 March 25, 1863; Lieut. Henry T. Reynolds, promoted May 1, 1863, was 
 wounded at Gettysburg, and discharged in March, 1864; Charles F. Barclay, 
 promoted second lieutenant in March, 1863, was captured at Gettysburg, re- 
 turned, promoted lieutenant May 16, 1865, and mustered out in June; A. L. 
 Hawley was sergeant when wounded at Gettysburg, promoted second lieuten- 
 ant in April, 1864, and first lieutenant May 16, 1865, was mustered out in 
 June; John V. Brown, sergeant when wounded at Petersburg, Va., was pro- 
 moted second lieutenant in May, 1865, and mustered out. 
 
 Orrin Courtright, sergeant, prisoner from May, 1864, to February, 1865, was 
 mustered out in June, while Sergt. John Bodler has the same record. Elisha 
 Willoughby and Sylvester Cheeseboro, sergeants, were mustered out in June, 
 1865; Sergts. Robert H. Smith, N. Buck and D. L. Raymond were discharged 
 for disability, and Joseph J. Carey, for wounds at Gettysburg, in 1863, and 
 Leroy "West, wounded at Spottsylvania, died at Washington May 27, 1864. 
 
 Corp. A. L. Rennells, wounded at Gettysburg, and again at Spottsyl- 
 vania, was absent at muster-out, in June, 1865 ; Syl. Johnson and Lyman Mer- 
 rill, wounded at North Anna river; W. B. Yost, at Petersburg; A. D. Tillott- 
 son, Norman Chapman and Eph. E. Howe, at Gettysburg, were mustered out, 
 also Seth S. Baker, William H. Hazen and Almeron Nelson; W. B. Lents, 
 injured near Falmouth, Va. , was transferred to V. R. C. ; George E. Torey 
 died at Washington in 1862; Isaac W. Rounds was killed at Gettysburg; L. 
 P. Warriner died at Washington in 1863; Samuel R. Stilson, wounded at 
 Gettysburg, died at Philadelphia, and Ben S. Higley was killed at the battle 
 of the Wilderness. 
 
 The private troops killed were Austin J. Ayers, at Gettysburg, also Albert 
 O. Card, David Dayton, and Washington Wilson. Frank L. Samber, Abram ^ 
 Courtright and James Delany were killed at the Wilderness. The private troops 
 wounded are named as follows: Daniel Berchard, Jr., Abram Courtright (after- 
 ward killed), John Evlin, John Eastman, L. J. Carpenter, John J. Jones, 
 Charles M. Phillips and Alonzo Shattuck, at Gettysburg; John M. Baxter, 
 Albert Brown, Matt. Canning, Michael P. Darr, Joe Fessenden, William Good- 
 man, Henry C. James, Isaac Dawley (terribly wounded and prisoner), Abram 
 Lusk, Henry S. Miller and Sam. Ream, in the Wilderness battles; William H. 
 Barkey, Ed. Taubert and John Weidt, at Spottsylvania; John E. Grandy, at 
 Weldon Railroad, and Robert R. Kingsbury, at Laurel Hill. The private sol- 
 diers who died from the effects of wounds, from prison life or other causes, 
 were Jacob Carnes, in Andersonville, September 19, 1864; Lewis J. Fisher, 
 at Washington; William Marsh died in Andersonville September 20, 1864; 
 William McKean died at Washington; M. V. B. Orwan, in Andersonville, Sep- 
 tember 20, 1864; Hosea Perrin, at Elmira, N. Y. ; Henry Ream died in Ander- 
 sonville August 21, 1864; John Stockton, at Culpeper, January 16, 1864; 
 Daniel E. Smith, at Washington, October 22, 1862; Arnold Shearer died in 
 Andersonville August 12, 1864; Charles Wilson, at Washington, and John 
 Haynes. The old soldiers of the company mustered out at the close of term, 
 June 14, 1865 (except those named above), were Darius Ellsworth (promoted 
 quartermaster), A. J. Heggie (promoted hospital steward), Partrick H. Bar- 
 tron, S. Barley, J. V. Bowman, Sam. Bowman, David L. Campbell, Isaac Con- 
 

 U 
 
HISTOKY OF POTTER COUNTY. 1037 
 
 rad, Adam Foust, Sam. S. Green, Lyman E. Heggie, Michael McCauley, Ben 
 Norris, John PofF, William Eeed, Charles L. Smith, G. R. Wilber, J. B. 
 Carpenter, G. M. Estes, G. W. Ward, Jacob Wise, T. B. Webb and John Y. 
 Yeomans. There were fifty-one drafted men in this company, many of whom 
 are named in the above lists of casualties, while the others were mustered out 
 in June, 1865. Bassett Byron was discharged in 1863, also J. J. Carman, J. 
 Cole, Hiram Cornell, Isaac Dawley and Asa Downs; Jossin Hoskin, in 1865; 
 J. E Harder, N. W. Herring, J. T. Harrison, C. T. Halleck, A. Knowlton, 
 Joe Knapp, A. Montania (transferred to V. R. C), W. L. Mayer (transferred 
 to V. R. C), F. Palmatier, I. Pearce, M. J. Quick, J. Roberts, M. W. Sackett, 
 J. H. Stilson (transferred to V. R. C), John Weimer. Among the unassigned 
 men or recruits were seven substitutes, not one of whom was accounted for at 
 muster-out; twenty-eight enlisted men were unaccounted for, and only the 
 three drafted men were mustered out June 28, 1865. 
 
 TWO HUNDRED AND TENTH REGIMENT, P. V. I. 
 
 The 210th Regiment Pennsylvania Infantry was raised in 1864 with A. T. 
 Kinney, now sheriff of Branch county, Mich., commanding Company P. 
 Among the Potter county men were Charles McKinster, killed at Five Forks, 
 Va., John S. Pearsall, S. V. Warner, George Barnes, Julius Prindle, two or 
 three of the Brizzee and three of the Estes families, also others whose names are 
 not remembered by Capt. Kinney. G. F . Rowley was lieutenant in Company 
 F, and Stephen Vanguilder, Willis Nichols, John Lockwood and James Brad- 
 ley, privates, of the 210th, now members of the G. A. R. Post at Oswayo. 
 
 NEW YORK STATE REGIMENTS. 
 
 The 37th New York Infantry was organized in June, 1861, by Col. Mac- 
 con, in New York City. In Company H of this command were Jerome Wat- 
 terman and James Barlow. The former was wounded severely at Fair Oaks, 
 Va., in May, 1862, and again at Chancellorsville in 1863. Barlow died in 
 1863, near Richmond. Little is known of his death, beyond the fact that he 
 was sent to hospital near Pair Oaks and was taken prisoner subsequently. 
 Nothing was ever ascertained relating to him. Eugene Colegrove, of the 
 161st New York, and Washington Jennings, went from this township, and 
 Andrew J. Barlow, of 2d New York Dragoons. The 189th New York Infantry 
 claimed H. N. Stone, A. S. and M. R. Swetland, N. W. Hubbard, A. D. Er- 
 way, O. L. Stone, the two Snyders, William Statham and John Daniels. 
 
 Company D, 85th New York Infantry, was mustered in September 7, 1861, 
 with A. A. Kinney, captain; William L. Starkweather and J. E. Terwilliger 
 (who died of wounds and is buried at Sharon Centre), lieutenants, and E. M. 
 Bedford, first sergeant. Among the private troops from Potter were *B. F. 
 Jones, P. C. Maxon (now cashier of bank at New Richmond, Wis.), *Henry 
 Pierce, f A. Chappel, fL. R. Preston, fH. Mead, f J. D. Burbank, fS. Press, 
 fW. H. Brighton, fJoe Pierce, fP. Rockefellow, fM. Hopkins, fRichard Mat- 
 teson, fD. Terwilliger, f A. W. Kinney, fEdmund Duel, fJ. W. Vesper, fC. 
 H. Johnson, fW. Peterson, *Elisha T. Blanchard, fL. Allen, fEd. Griffith, 
 fFrank Norwood, fA. C. Barnes, fE. C. Gilbert, fM. C. Whitney, fGeorge 
 White, fH. Pierce, fW. E. Rockefellow, fW. Hopkins, fK. Snyder, fB. Ter- 
 williger, fE. D. Kellogg, fH. Hitchcock, fS. Blanchard, fF. Vanliew, fW. 
 Wheeler, fWilliam S. Moore, fM. Sherwood, fJohn Peckow, fThomas Ter- 
 williger, George H. Leach. The company was captured at Plymouth, N. C, 
 April 16, 1864, interned in Andersonville, where nearly all died. Capt. Kin- 
 
 *Died after the war. tKilled, or died in Andersonville, or died on the field. 
 56 
 
1038 HISTOEY OF POTTEB COUNTY. 
 
 ney resigned on account of disability, but held his rank, and was attached to 
 Gen. Foster's staff from November 27, 1862, to February, 1864, when he was 
 sent on detached service to Eoanoke, Va. , shipping store, and thus escaped the 
 Plymouth catastrophe. In June, that year, he was discharged after nearly three 
 years' service. The captain was the organizer of this company, beginning enlist- 
 ment immediately after the first Bull Eun, under commission of Gov. Morgan,, 
 of New York. Col. Davis, who organized the regiment, resided over the State 
 line, and won to his standard many residents of northern Potter county. Zal- 
 mon Barnes, now residing near Honeoye, was in Company C, with S. J. 
 White; Boyce Kinney served in the 2d Iowa Cavalry, died after the war; 
 Alanson T. Kinney served two years in the 85th New York Infantry, and was 
 commissioned captain of Company F, 210th P. V. I. 
 
 In the foregoing record the great majority of soldiers from this county 
 find mention, others are named in the sketches of Grand Army Posts through- 
 out the county, while other names of men who died on the field or after the 
 war, not given previously, are perpetuated on the monolith at Coudersport: 
 Charles Heilrecht, M. Fretzer, F. Schultheis, Jacob Braun and Dan Boligh, 
 of Abbot; D. H. Judd, A. I. Nelson, John Boss, J. J. Burd, Geo. Cole, 
 Henry and George Byam, W. Eogers, Perry Brown, Wm. James, A. Hatch, 
 J. D. Burd, C. Bunnell, H. Smith and Darius Brown, of Allegheny; Allen 
 Bennett, L. H. Merrick, W. N. Howe, G. M. Perry, John Graham, E. Kile, 
 V. C. Merrick, Levi Hann, Abram Williams, C. C. Crum, Calvin Morris and 
 W. W. Eddy, of Bingham; John Staysa, D. S. Morey, H. Smith, O. S. 
 Chandler, Geo. Wakely and Uriah Eobinson, of Clara; B. F. Stebbins and 
 Asa Toombs, of Coudersport; Wm. McCarn, E. C. Cannon, Loren Haggedorn, 
 Sam Schofield, Uriah Glace, Lorentus Cole and Frank Crook, of Bulalia; John 
 Amedon, Denis Clancy, J. M. Barlow, Eoger Eooney, Ira Downs, John V. 
 Plants and Matthew Eoach, of Genesee; John Blackman, Eansom Fessenden, 
 C. H. Hydorn, G. W. and Lewis Higley, F. Davis, L. J. Clark, A. W. Estes, 
 Burdsell Harris, Geo. W. Luce, Martin White, Edward Bickford, Almerou G. 
 Burdick, M. Monroe, N. Campbell, H. Hollenbeck, Wm. VanWickle, John 
 Phillips, S. B. Finch, E. Vanwegen and Henry Ingram, of Hebron; A. Leach, 
 Thomas, John and Eook Wilkinson, Warren and Joshua Owen, J. Abbott, 
 James Brooks, W. W. Little, Francis Surdam, H. Button, J. Persing, O. 
 Sunderlin, S. L. Loucks, Samuel Eogers, A. Martin and Sylvester Burdick, of 
 Hector; Wm. B. Ayers, A. M. Cheeseboro, H. Hadley and G. C. Eossiter, of 
 Homer; John A. Thomas, John Springer, John Harrison, James Colton, Geo. 
 Kennedy, Geo. and Levi Ellis, A. and Burt Palmatier, Wm. H. Eaymond. 
 Menassa Courtwright; Geo. Kibbe, Samuel Stone, R. Springer, Leonard Will- 
 iams, L. Fletcher, Geo. Morgan, Wm. Corsting, Peter Van Sickles and 
 
 Cady, of Harrison; Geo. Haight, of Jackson; Joe A. Dingee, of Keating; J. 
 E. and Henry M. Munson, Benjamin E. and Nathan A. Goff, J. D. Barger, 
 J. P. Miller, W. Hyatt, Jonathan Oles, Henry Snath, Orson Kenyon, John 
 Brizzee, C. M. Cole, Ed. Morley, W. W. Bobbins, A. B. Harris, James Bad- 
 ger, Edgar Furman, Milton Merwin, Silas Andrus and Geo. K. Hodge, Jr., 
 of Oswayo; E. A. Kilbourne, Walter S. and Sam D. Youngs, C. McCumber, 
 Geo. W. Howd, James Alvord, W. B. Trask and Hiram Wilcox, of Pike; 
 Henry McDowell, A. Eastwood, John and Philip Haynes, of Pleasant Valley; 
 Stephen Eedson, of Summit; J. N. H. Bell and Gottlieb Hundredmark, of 
 Sweden; M. B. Carson, James Logue and Geo. Cooper, of Sylvania; John S. 
 Hulbert, C. Terrett, Cyrus Warner, Henry Maddison, Eobert Bessy, Wm. 
 Hitchcock, Geo. Wakeley, Henry Carpenter, Ed Burslem, John Haynes, W. S. 
 
HISTORY OP POTTER COUNTY. 1039 
 
 Coats, Marvin Corwin (of Sickles' brigade, killed at Cedar mountain), Boscoe 
 Warner, W. H. Hanyan, L. A. Wood, J. B. Perry, C. Christman, Monroe 
 Barnes, John Hay, John Tompkins, Hosea Perrin, Nicholas Bradley and John 
 Covert, of Sharon; John Jordan, Jr., Dan Courtwright, Horace Taylor, Wm. 
 Horton, Thomas Logue, George Cooper, Brewster Foster, Chris Corwine and 
 Warren Mahon, of Wharton; O. A. Lewis, A. Byam, Abram Close, D. Whip- 
 ple, Jr., O. Johnson, E. Calhoun, Edward, Melville and Nathan Torrey, Nel- 
 son Labar, James Haddock, Russell Perkins, Eph. E. Howe and A. Van- 
 Gelder, of Ulysses; W. W. Wetmore, of West Branch; W. R. Pomeroy, John 
 Maltby, J. Tompkins, F. Reed, George Barr, L. A. Fisher, M. Weimer, Riley 
 Pomeroy, Almeron Lyman, John McDowell, Angelo Cropsey and Gardner Shel- 
 don, of Roulette; C. Knickerbocker and James Thurston, of Stewardson. 
 
 MISCELLANEOUS. 
 
 The first soldiers' memorial service was held at Coudersport May 31, 1876. 
 The question of erecting a monument was discussed so early as September 20, 
 1869, but the column was not raised until December 20, 1874. It bears the 
 names of 318 soldiers who died in battle or from the effects of war — all, 
 with a few exceptions, belonging to Roulette township, who had passed away 
 prior to that time pending mention. In April, 1887, the statue of a soldier was 
 placed upon the shaft, and the ceremony of unveiling performed June 8. 
 
 Soldiers of foreign and Pennsylvania commands, now belonging to the G. 
 A. R. Post at Dswayo, who were not charter members of that post, are W. Pal- 
 mer, 109th N. Y. ; A. W. Lee, 189th N. Y. ; Michael Hamer, 1st Pennsylvania 
 Artillery; Perry Wilcox, 71st New York; C. Scriber, 104th New York; John 
 Morley, 3d New York Artillery ; Frank Rowlee, New York Light Artillery; John 
 Rooney, Dennis McGinnis, S. M. Bly, Bryan McGinnis and Patrick Clark, 
 170th New York; John Carney, 13th Ohio Infantry; I. Whitter, 64th New 
 York; J. R. Higby, 72d New York; W. H. Sherwood, 76th Pennsylvania; 
 James S. Barnes, 184th Pennsylvania; F. S. Gillett, 94th New York; A. C. 
 Sturdevant, 207th Pennsylvania; J. M. Buchanan, 64th New York; Eugene 
 Colegrove, 161st New York; R. Swift, 136th New York; J. C. Hollett, 179th 
 New York; B. P. Lyman, 16th Pennsylvania Cavalry; A. P. Vaughn, 130th 
 New York; L. Lowton, 93d Pennsylvania; W. Miller, 4th Artillery. 
 
 The county was still in its wilderness state when the devoted patriots of 
 older counties were engaged in making those solid foundations on which the 
 Republic rests. In later years some of the very men who took part in that 
 struggle of patriotism against tyranny settled here, and later, before the 
 echoes of Perry's victorious cannon on Lake Erie died away, others made their 
 homes here. The widow of Thomas Ryan, a soldier of the Revolution, died 
 at her son's house in Genesee township, in April, 1857, aged ninety years. 
 Stephen Taylor, a soldier of 1812, died at Neri Taylor's house in 1878, aged 
 eighty-two years. Mrs. Ruth Gibbs, who died in Sharon in June, 1888, was 
 the widow of a soldier of 1812, and an old resident of Potter county. The 
 old soldier is buried at Sharon Centre. Sons and daughters of heroes of the 
 Revolution selected the wilds of Potter county for homes, and as related 
 in the pages devoted to biography, children, grandchildren and great-grand- 
 children of Revolutionary sires dwell here to-day, enjoying the liberty which 
 their predecessors won for them. 
 
1040 HISTOEY OF POTTEB COUNTY. 
 
 CHAPTER VIII. 
 RAILROADS— AGRICULTURAL— STATISTICAL. 
 
 Railroads Projected and Completed Railroads — First Passenger 
 
 Train— Establishment of Railway Mail Service. 
 
 Agricultural Society— Results of Not Working in Harmony. 
 
 Statistical Statistics of Population— Valuation— Receipts and Ex- 
 penditures. 
 
 kailboatis. 
 
 BENJAMIN REYNOLDS, in 1837-38, assisted the surveyors in running 
 their lines for the proposed railroad up the Allegheny, across the divide 
 and down Pine creek. The enterprise was a just one, but owing to the wild 
 character of the country and the difficulty of obtaining men, even for the survey, 
 the project was abandoned. The surveyors tried many routes, even going 
 down the Allegheny portage and again crossing Bunker Hill. Mr. Reynolds, 
 after half a century, remembers Miller, the chart man, Fitzgerald, the man of 
 levels, and Powers, of the transit. 
 
 The Jersey Shore, Pine Creek & State Line Railroad Co. was chartered 
 in 1856, but little was done toward the construction of the line. In 1864 
 Francis Hughes presided over the revived company, the route was surveyed, 
 and a full effort made to obtain a bonus from the farmers and others along 
 the line, but the enterprise again collapsed. In 1870 the name was merged 
 into the J. S., P. C. & B. R. R., and Sobieski Ross elected president. Under 
 him the road bed was perfected to within four miles of Coudersport; but the 
 Reading Railroad Company, the new helpers of the scheme, became em- 
 barrassed, and the officers of the reorganized Reading did not look with favor 
 on expenditures in this diretion, so that in 1876 work ceased. In 1877 Judge 
 Ross died, when John S. Ross succeeded him as president, and served until 
 1881, when Gen. George Magee, representing a new company, took control, 
 and sold the right of way between Coudersport and Port Allegany to the 
 Coudersport & Port Allegany Railroad Company. John S. Ross died 
 December 14, 1882. 
 
 In 1881 citizens of Coudersport and Olean, headed by A. G. Olmsted and 
 IP. W. Knox, negotiated for the purchase of right of way and grading, with 
 the railroad men, represented by Gen. George Magee, of the J. S., P. C. & B. 
 R. R., from Coudersport to Port Allegany — seventeen miles. The right was 
 bought, with the proviso that Magee could have it back any time after ten years, 
 by paying back to the stockholders all moneys expended by them in fitting and 
 equipping the road. The organization at first (1881) was named Coudersport 
 & Olean Railroad, but in 1882 the name was changed to the Coudersport & 
 Port Allegany Railroad. The capital stock, 1150,000,. was divided into 1,500 
 shares at 1100 each. Eight directors were chosen: P. W. Knox (president); 
 A. G. Olmsted and Isaac Benson, of Coudersport; P. H. Root, of Buffalo; 
 A. M. Benton, of Port AUeganv; B. D. Hamlin, of Smethport; C. S. Cary and 
 C. N. B. Barse, of Olean, and F. H. Arnold, of Port Allegany. B. A. McClure 
 was appointed superintendent. On September 26, 1882, the first passenger 
 train passed over the road. 
 
HISTORY OF POTTER COUNTY. 1041 
 
 The officers of the Coudersport & Port Allegany Eailroad at present are 
 P. W. Knox, president; C. S. Gary, of Olean, vice-president; A. B. Mann, 
 secretary; M. W. Barse, of Olean, treasurer, and B. A. McCIure, general 
 superintendent. In December, 1888, the question of adopting the standard 
 gauge was looked on favorably, and this work was commenced April 1, 1889, 
 under Mr. McClure's supervision, and in July the cars were run over the broad 
 gauge road. The length of the road is seventeen miles. The freight carried 
 in 1888 amounted to 30,848 tons, 11,250 being local freight, and the numberof 
 passengers carried was 21,924. It is now (March, 1890) stated upon author- 
 ity that this road will extend their line to Lymansville, thence to Sweden Val- 
 ley and beyond. 
 
 The officers of the Coudersport & Port Allegany Railroad elected in Jan- 
 uary, 1890, are F. W. Knox, president; C. S. Gary, vice-president; M. W. 
 Barse, treasurer; B. A. McClure, superintendent; A. B. Mann, secretary; A. G. 
 Olmsted, F. H. Boot, B. D. Hamlin, C. S. Gary, Isaac Benson, F. H. Arnold, 
 W. K. Jones and James L. Knox, directors. In March, 1890, the proposition 
 to sell the Goudersport & Port Allegany Railroad to a New York syndicate was 
 made. The latter propose to connect it with the Lackawanna system, or by 
 using the roadbed already graded and bridged, via Geneva, N. Y., to connect 
 with the New York Central. The Coudersport & Port Allegany road is to be 
 extended south forty miles to Ansonia, to connect with the Reading system, 
 or to Weedsport, to connect with the Pennsylvania system. 
 
 In May, 1883, a gang of laborers entered on the work of grading the Gou- 
 dersport & Gaines Railroad, but an injunction by the S. L. , B. & P. G. R. R. 
 Go. ended the matter. The Cowanesque branch to Harrison Valley was 
 begun in April, 1883, and completed that year to the east end of the village, 
 and is now being constructed to Mills. The survey of the proposed ex- 
 tension of the C. , G. & A. R. R. from Mills to Lewisville, made in July, 
 1883, showed a grade of 100 feet per mile for three and three-fourths miles, 
 up the Worden Summit from Mills, and of ninety-two feet per mile for four 
 miles up the Marsh Creek Summit. In December, 1888, the railway mail 
 service was introduced on the Fall Brook Company's railroads, the first postal 
 car, under Fred. W . Bailey, coming in December 3. 
 
 The proposed Hornellsville, Goudersport & Lackawanna Eailroad, with 
 headquarters at Hornellsville, is a project with a promise of success. The 
 company was organized in October, 1888, with the following named officers: 
 President, D. C. Larrabee; treasurer, H. J. Olmsted; secretary, G. L. Peck; 
 directors, P. A. Stebbins, William Dent, A. B. Crowell, W. B. Perkins, F. A. 
 Raymond, Amos Raymond, Thomas Coulston. In April, 1889, a meeting of 
 stockholders was held at Gold to elect a president, vice D. C. Larrabee, de- 
 ceased. The honor was conferred on N. J. Peck. The following-named officers 
 were elected in January, 1890: N. J. Peck, president; C. L. Peck, secretary; 
 H. J. Olmsted, treasurer; A. B. Crowell, Thomas Coulston, P. A. Stebbins, 
 William Dent, W. B. Perkins, F. A. Raymond and Amos Raymond, directors. 
 From a statement prepared by C. L. Peck, of Coudersport, it is learned that 
 there is an average daily production of lumber to be reached by this road of 
 750,000 feet at present, which can be increased to 900,000 feet. It is safe to 
 say that there are 5,000,000,000 feet of lumber, of which 4, 500,000, 000 is hem- 
 lock. The average daily production of bark at the present time is 500 cords, 
 which the building of this road will increase to 600 cords. 
 
 The Coudersport & "West Branch Railroad Company elected N. J. and C. L. 
 Peck to their positions as above, with A. B. Crowell, treasurer; W. B. Cutter, 
 
1042 HISTORY OF POTTEE COUNTY. 
 
 P. A. Stebbins, Thomas Coulston, W. J. Grover, P. A. Raymond, A. Carpen- 
 ter and C. H. Armstrong, directors. A New York syndicate is said to have 
 taken this road in hand, with the intention of building it and the Couders- 
 port & \Yest Branch Railroad during the coming season. Engineers were on 
 the ground in February, 1890, preparing estimates. The same syndicate is 
 trying to buy the Coudersport & Port Allegany Railroad, and have offered a 
 large premium for the stock of the road. 
 
 The AVellsville, Coudersport & Pine Creek Railroad elected in February, 
 1890, the following named officers: John McEwen, president; E. J. Farnum, 
 vice-president; H. K. Opp, secretary; H. N. Lewis, secretary; Rufus Scott, 
 attorney, and they, with G. H. Blackman, W. B. Coats and Charles Day, 
 were directors. The stock is subscribed, and ten per cent of the amount paid, 
 while the road is mostly graded between Wellsville (N. Y.) and Genesee Forks 
 (Penn. ). The contract for regrading the road-bed has been sold, and an assess- 
 ment of ten per cent has been levied for the purchase of ties. 
 
 The Sinnemahoning Valley Railroad is completed and running from Keat- 
 ing, in Keating township, to Costello, in Sylvania township, and is now being 
 rapidly constructed toward Galeton, in Pike township. 
 
 In the southeast corner of the county there is a short line, known as the 
 Slate Run Railroad, connecting Slate Run, in Lycoming county, with Black 
 Forest, in Stewardson township. Potter county. 
 
 In Pike township is a portion of the Addison & Pennsylvania road, con- 
 necting Gaines, in Tioga county, with Galeton; and from this line a short 
 branch, called the PhcEuix Railroad, runs to Davidge, also in Pike township. 
 
 In 1872 the building of the B., N. Y. & P. R. R., cutting through the edge 
 of the county at Keating Summit, was begun, and was finished in November of 
 that year. 
 
 AGRICULTURAL. 
 
 The Potter County Agricultural and Horticultural Society was organized in 
 1860. But one fair was held prior to the war, which broke up all further action 
 upon the part of the society until Peace again spread her white vnngs over the 
 land. April 25, 1878, W. B. Gordnier, having been appointed commissioner 
 by the managers of the Potter County Agricultural and Horticultural Society, 
 purchased of J. M. Spafford the grounds between Coudersport and Lymans- 
 ville, now used for the fair grounds of this society. These grounds had here- 
 tofore been leased by the Driving Park Association. 
 
 For a few years back a fair has been held annually at Lewisville, at the 
 Driving Park in that borough, with a considerable degree of success. Con- 
 nected with the fairs, both at Coudersport and Lewisville, have been the races 
 of the driving associations. For reasons heretofore given regarding agriculture 
 in Potter county, the fairs have not equaled those in older counties, and, owing 
 to the little animosities and antagonisms of different portions of the county, a 
 worthy enterprise has been injured. 
 
 STATISTICAL. 
 
 The statement of property assessed in the several townships of the county, 
 for 1889, prepared by Commissioners' Clerk Rennells, relating to the number 
 of taxables, total valuation and population in 1880, is given as follows: 
 
HISTORY OF POTTER COUNTY. 
 
 1043 
 
 
 No. 
 
 ^'aluation. 
 
 Populati 
 
 Austin, 
 
 389 
 
 $ 48,071 
 
 
 Abbot, 
 
 186 
 
 148,436 
 
 633 
 
 Allegheny, 
 
 190 
 
 80,355 
 
 673 
 
 Bingham, 
 
 364 
 
 89,301 
 
 833 
 
 Clara, 
 
 94 
 
 39,150 
 
 338 
 
 Coudersport, 
 
 458 
 
 73,053 
 
 677 
 
 Eulalia, 
 
 324 
 
 195,318 
 
 554 
 
 Genesee, 
 
 389 
 
 73,971 
 
 883 
 
 Harrison, 
 
 590 
 
 133,693 
 
 1,163 
 
 Hebron, 
 
 379 
 
 69,138 
 
 835 
 
 Hector, 
 
 337 
 
 90,768 
 
 958 
 
 Homer, 
 
 108 
 
 73,705 
 
 189 
 
 Keating, 
 
 186 
 
 61,771 
 
 304 
 
 Le-wisville, 
 
 306 
 
 33,814 
 
 365 
 
 No. 
 Oswayo, 306 
 
 Pike, 330 
 
 Pleasant Valley, 101 
 
 Portage, 
 
 Roulette, 
 
 Sharon, 
 
 Stewardson, 
 
 Sweden, 
 
 Summit, 
 
 Svlvania, 
 
 Ulysses, 
 
 West Branch, 
 
 Wharton, 
 
 69 
 350 
 434 
 
 70 
 151 
 
 57 
 211 
 339 
 154 
 133 
 
 Valuation. 
 
 I 77,326 
 
 79,341 
 
 47,445 
 
 71,794 
 
 81,733 
 
 64,885 
 
 146,989 
 
 69,555 
 
 107,879 
 
 83,415 
 
 166,909 
 
 137,816 
 
 140,086 
 
 Population. 
 883 
 381 
 311 
 114 
 648 
 1,055 
 333 
 416 
 303 
 314 
 638 
 374 
 346 
 
 The total number of resident tax-payers is 6,385, and this total multiplied 
 by 4, equals 25, 540, giving a fair estimate of the number of inhabitants, while 
 the number of voters, 4,616 multiplied by 5 gives only 23,080. The political 
 character of the county is shown by 2,570 Bepublican, 1,692 Democratic, 172 
 Prohibition, and 182 Union Labor voters, the figures representing the vote cast 
 for the several presidential electors in 1889. It may be said that the census of 
 1890 will show double the population of 1880, which was 13,797. The popu- 
 lation of the undivided county, in 1810, was 29; in 1820, it increased to 186; 
 in 1830, to 1,265; in 1840, to 3,371; in 1850, to 6,048; in 1860, after division, 
 to 11,470, an-d in 1870, it decreased to 11,265. 
 
 The receipts and expenditures of the county of Potter, for the year ending 
 December 31, 1888, are as follows: 
 
 RECEIPTS. 
 
 Balance in treasurer's hands, by auditor's 
 
 report > 
 
 Received from collector, county tax for 
 
 1887 
 
 Eeceived from collector. State tax for 1887, 
 Received from collector, county tax for 
 
 1888 
 
 Eeceived from collector, special tax for 
 
 1888 
 
 Eeceived from collector. State tax for 1888, 
 Received from collector, unseated county 
 
 tax for 1886 
 
 Beceived from collector, unseated county 
 
 tax for 1887 
 
 Eeceived from collector, unseated county 
 
 tax for 1888 
 
 Eeceived from collector, unseated special 
 
 tax for 1888 
 
 Eeceived from collector, seated returned 
 
 tax for 1886 
 
 Eeceived from collector, seated returned 
 
 tax for 1887 
 
 Eeceived from collector, seated returned 
 
 tax for 1888 
 
 Eeceived from money refunded by E. N. 
 
 Stebbins (error in bill). 
 
 Eeceived from check of O. J. Eees (error 
 
 in footing bill) 
 
 Eeceived on bond to Walter Wells for 
 
 bridge purposes 
 
 Eeceived on bond to Mary E. Stebbins for 
 
 court-house repairs 
 
 Eeceived on bond to M. E. Olmsted for 
 
 court-house repairs 
 
 Eeceived on redemption of T. U. Thomp- 
 son's land (Stewardson township) 
 
 Eeceived from Pike township (order to 
 
 pay commissioners' service on bridge), 
 Eeceived from sale of brick, lumber and 
 
 simdries from court-house 
 
 Eeceived on note of T. H. Coulston 
 
 Eeceived from commonwealth costs and 
 
 fines 
 
 Eeceived from poor districts on account of 
 
 money paid Warren Hospital 
 
 Eeceived from Sharon township and 0. H. 
 
 Cole to balance bridge account 
 
 758 5i 
 
 1,601 31 
 511 44 
 
 6,472 23 
 
 758 72 
 1,338 87 
 
 8,491 41 
 
 8,442 12 
 
 3,547 75 
 
 709 46 
 
 45 07 
 
 57 03 
 
 1 66 
 
 440 
 
 3,000 00 
 
 2,000 00 
 
 8,000 00 
 
 147 47 
 
 28 50 
 
 79 13 
 221 52 
 
 99 22 
 
 1,228 84 
 i.>in no 
 
 EXPENDITUKES. 
 
 Paid assessor's Wages $ 1,480 15 
 
 Paid auditor's wages 208 88 
 
 Paid Agricultural Society lOO 00 
 
 Paid bridge expenses 1,286 75 
 
 Paid bounty and probate 29 15 
 
 Paid commissioners' wages 1,865 00 
 
 Paid commissioners' clerk's wages 800 00 
 
 Paid commissioners' attorney tor 1887 and 
 
 1888 100 00 
 
 Paid constable's returns 355 42 
 
 Paid clerk of quarter sessions 303 35 
 
 Paid commonwealth costs 1,466 98 
 
 Paid election expenses 1,823 20 
 
 Paid fuel for court-house and jail 315 21 
 
 Paid interest on debt 744 03 
 
 Paid insane hospital bills 911 25 
 
 Paid institute bill 200 00 
 
 Paid jurors (grand) 650 09 
 
 Paid jurors (traverse) 1,814 27 
 
 Paid jail (care of) 562 50 
 
 Paid penitentiary bills 680 45 
 
 Paid road views ■ 716 00 
 
 Paid county treasurer's commission on 
 
 $38,979.37, at 2H per cent 974 48 
 
 Paid for printing for county 507 50 
 
 Paid for repairs and fixtures to jail 214 80 
 
 Paid for stationery 118 09 
 
 Paid stenographer's wages 253 50 
 
 Paid sheriff's costs 301 91 
 
 Paid State tax 1,349 00 
 
 Paid tipstaff and court criers 285 00 
 
 Paid jury commissioners' clerk 127 77 
 
 Paid lunacy commissioners 72 25 
 
 Paid prisoners' board 387 67 
 
 Paid Pike township bridge expenses 48 BO 
 
 Paid referee bills 170 00 
 
 Paid miscellaneous 929 IB 
 
 Paid for court-house repairs and altera- 
 tions to January 7, 1889 14,086 03 
 
1044: HISTORY OF POTTEE COUNTY. 
 
 The total receipts amounted to $47,699.69, all of which was expended 
 except $7,514.67. The estimate of receipts for 1889, including this balance, 
 is $58,858.77; being $4,299.52 under the estimate of necessary expenditures, 
 which includes $10,000 to apply on completing court-house, and $2,000 for 
 county bridges. 
 
 CHAPTER IX. 
 EULALIA TOWNSHIP— BOROUGH OF COUDERSPORT. 
 
 Eulalia'.Township General Topography— Oil Wells, etc.— Population 
 
 —Assessors' Statistics— Elections in February, 1890— Laying off of 
 Roads— Early Tax-payers— Miscellanbo us. 
 
 Borough of Coudeksport Survey— Some First Things — Reminiscences 
 
 OF Mrs. Mary A. Ross— Post-office and Postmasters— Schools, etc.- 
 Resident Tax-payers in 1848— Municipal Matters— The Germans— Early 
 Events— The Great Fire of 1880— Lumbering—Churches— Societies, 
 ETC. — Business. 
 
 EULALIA TOWNSHIP, named in honor of John Keating' s daughter is, 
 marked by the picturesque canon of the Allegheny, which flows in a 
 general course from the northeast to the southwest, through this division. The 
 walls of the valley are mountains of Catskill, capped with Pooono sandstone 
 or Conglomerate. Immense masses of this conglom are grouped here and there, 
 a formidable group existing just east of the Coudersport limits. Almost 
 within the limits the grey sandstone is developed, and also on the Homer road, 
 while southeast is the brown sandstone with its rare fossils. Up Dingman's 
 run, 7,000 or 8,000 feet, and, in fact, in all the valleys around Coudersport, 
 great conglomerate boulders are scattered, while on the hill tops the remnants 
 of coal beds may be found, particularly where the mines of 1839 were opened, 
 but the bed does not average more than fourteen inches, while on the east side 
 of Nelson run a trial shaft was put down, only to find a twelve-inch vein 
 separated by flag rock from a three-inch vein, and, of course, unprofitable to 
 Work. On the hills west of Dingman's run coal deposits have been found, 
 but time has worn away, not only the tops of the old hills, but also the under- 
 lying rocks, the coal beds and some of the strata on which they rested. 
 
 Mr. Sherwood, in his geological report, says: "The topographical feature of 
 most interest in the geology of northern Pennsylvania is exhibited in this town- 
 ship, namely: the drainage in opposite directions inward toward the anticlinal 
 axis. This involves the striking phenomenon — nowhere better exhibited than 
 here — of the branches of a stream all heading in broad anticlinal valleys, and 
 breaking into a central mountain mass through gates, and flowing through the 
 center of that mass in a common stream. ' ' In the Coudersport neighborhood, 
 glacial moraine material shows itself, and also some peculiar detachments 
 of rock foreign to the district. Sherwood' s collections, on the road to Homer, 
 one and three-quarter miles from Coudersport, on top of the mountain, in 
 "Catskill grey," comprise stigmaria? stem 18" long, 2^" wide; plant stems, 
 rugose ; plant stems, slender, straight, rugose ; stigmaria ? impressions of long 
 narrow stems, and lepidodendron. 
 
H.H.DeFvt. 
 
HISTORY OF POTTEK COUNTY. 1047 
 
 In July, 1885, the Nelson oil well, five miles west by south of Coudera- 
 port, was drilled to a depth of 1,460 feet, when thirty-five feet of oil sand 
 was struck, and another well drilled on Dingman's run, both by Watson. In 
 January, 1886, the 2,200-feet well at Coudersport was drilled. Joe Tait 
 found oil in the most improbable places in McKean county, but when he came 
 to Potter county, fortified with his former success, he was stranded, so to 
 speak, among the unlucky crags, and found a well so dry that it blew dust in 
 his face. He was not contented, and grappled with another well in 1881, 
 which proved as profitless as any of the numerous failures which marked 
 nearly every township in the county. Jim Chambers, for the Germauia Oil 
 Company, drilled one well about eight miles from Coudersport, in 1881. This 
 company drilled about a half a dozen wells in various parts of the county with- 
 out success. Olmsted station, No. 2, Tide Water Pipe Co. , is located three 
 miles south of Coudersport, thirty miles from the Rixford pump station. The 
 tornado of March 20, 1834, won from the pen of Burrel Lyman seven verses 
 descriptive of the storm, which were published in Hiram Payne's Forester at 
 Smethport. One verse, in particular, deals with the force of the hurricane at 
 Lymansville thus: 
 
 The mill-pond, full forty rods it was thrown; 
 Large logs from their old beds were blown; 
 They were rolled to and fro like cobs on a floor, 
 Like the power of a god in the days of a Noah. 
 
 The population in 1880 was 554, while in November, 1888, there were 92 
 Republican, 68 Democrat, 1 Prohibition and 11 Union Labor votes cast, 
 representing 860 inhabitants. The number of taxables in 1889 was 224, and 
 the assessed valuation $195,318. The assessor' s statistics of 1889 give Couders- 
 port 458 resident tax-payers, 150 horses, 4 oxen, 80 cows. Seated real estate 
 was valued at $68,349, and moneys at interest $286,311. The population in 
 1880 was 677, while in November, 1888, there were 296 qualified voters (179 
 Eepublicans, 86 Democrats, 3 Prohibitionists and 28 Union Labor), repre- 
 senting a population of at least 1,480. 
 
 The officers elected in February, 1890, are as follows : Justice of the peace, 
 Alva Taggart; supervisor, J. D. Earl; constable, Fred. Schadenberger ; col- 
 lector, L. E. Toombs; treasurer, Charles Reuning; town clerk, Julius Colcord ; 
 auditor, T. B. Abbott; school directors, Henry Reeves, J. P. Lehman, Wm. 
 Frink; overseer of the poor, George Shelden; judge of election, Sherman 
 Baker; inspectors of election, F. Gage, Justice Mehring. 
 
 In 1810 a petition to open a road from Coudersport to Ceres was granted 
 by the court of quarter sessions of Lycoming county, when John King, Samp- 
 son Crawford, Isaac Lyman, Wm. Ayers, Josiah Furman and John Lyman 
 were appointed viewers. The return of this road, or report thereon, was made 
 May 7, 1812. In September, 1811, a road from Lymansville, near Couders- 
 port, southeast to Tioga county line, was authorized. 
 
 Eulalia township originally included within its boundaries the whole of the 
 southern portion of the county, from which new townships were from time to 
 time carved out, until the tovrnship was left in two disconnected parts (one of 
 which the map-makers, without any authority, labeled Oleona), this part being 
 as much a portion of Eulalia as the part which is marked Eulalia. At the 
 time the legislation for the Coudersport graded school was obtained, leading 
 citizens of Eulalia were consulted, and that part of the township marked Ole- 
 ona was attached to Coudersport school district, with the understanding that 
 the people of Eulalia should have the same privileges in the graded schools to 
 
1048 HISTORY OF POTTER COUNTY. 
 
 be established as the people of Coudersport would have; aad in accordance 
 therewith many of the children of Eulalia have been educated in this school, 
 and all of them attend whenever they wish to do so. In addition to this the direct- 
 ors erected a house prior to 1882, on the East fork, and supported a school there 
 the proper number of months in each year. On December 5, 1810, the Lycoming 
 court, in answer to a petition of residents of Potter county complaining of the 
 inconveniences arising from being attached to Dunstable, established Eulalia 
 township within the boundaries of Potter. The name was given in honor of a 
 daughter of John Keating. In 1828 the Oartee House was made a polling- 
 place." A pane of glass was taken from one of the windows, through which 
 the tickets were passed. Mrs-. M. A. Ross thinks that elections were held at 
 the Cartee House prior to this date. There were but three families in Couders- 
 port this year — the Hiackles, Timothy Ives' and the Cartees. 
 
 William Bingham paid to the county and State, for taxes of 1834, the sum 
 of $1,466.59 on unseated lands in Potter county. John H. Eose was his agent 
 at that time. John Keating & Co. paid through their agent, O. A. Lewis, 
 $467.10 State and county taxes on their lands in Eulalia township, $163.82 on 
 lands in Roulette, $75.55 on lands in Sharon, $8.83 on lands in Sweden, and 
 1135.81 on lands in Wharton; Robert and Jesse Wain paid $271.81 State, 
 county and road tax on their lands in Eulalia for 1834; the De Neuvilles, 
 $8.92, Vaux & Stewartson, $151.44; David Lewis, $46.72; Henry Drinkes, 
 $22.24; Thomas Stewartson, $151.36; William Wain, $53.24; Dan. Knight, 
 $8.41; F. R. Wharton, $19.74; Moses Levy, $149; George Kress, $11.22; 
 Jane Humphrey, $68.50; Fred Ravissee, $9.21; A. B. Deschapelles, $6.96; 
 Theo. Gouzaud, $13.36; Louis H. Doubigney, $13.36; Peter Provencher, 
 $6.67; John Cole, 68 cents; Nichtin Griffith, $29.39; Samuel Webb, $112.45; 
 Jacob S. Wain, $29.69; Barnev DufPy, $14.85; Brewster Freeman, 133.10; 
 George Cleadin, $6.90; James Hopkins, $88.28; Robert E. Griffith, $37.08; 
 Thomas I. Wharton, $23; Hannah M. Wharton, $16.70; J. R. Smith, $30; 
 Ketland, Yard & Co., $22.26. 
 
 Eulalia township, in 1836-37, claimed the following named resident tax- 
 payers : Seth, George and John Taggart, Joshua Vincent, Betsy Van Etter, 
 A. Woodcock, William, James and George Ayers, the colored freeman (Peter 
 Asylum), Moses Strong's saw- and grist-mills, Leonard Taggart, Alanson An- 
 drews, David Brooks, Thomas and Isaac Bellows, Hezekiah Bentley, Thomas 
 Booth, John L. Cartee, Strait & Benson's saw-mill, L. Strong, Joseph Surong 
 (blacksmith), L. D. Spafford, William Crosby, Reuben Clark, Nelson Clark 
 (saw-mill), L. B. Cole, C. Chantabarger, Versal Dickinson (tavern, store, tan- 
 yard), William and Josiah Earl, John Earl (merchant), Jason and John 
 Wadsworth, Jonathan Edgecomb, Dr. D. N. Hunt, Denis Hall, B. F. Hoxsie, 
 Hilyer & Boswick, F. B. Hamlin (freeman), T. J. Ives (merchant), B. H. 
 Ives, B. Lull, C. Lyman, P. Lyman, Ed. Lyman, Eben. McDougall, James 
 and John Nelson, Jr. , Cephas Lilas, Horace Nelson, H. A. Nelson (grist-mill), 
 E. Prouty, C. Prouty, John Peal, H. I. Payne, Ezra Reynolds, George C. 
 Reynolds, David Ross. 
 
 The first store built in Potter county was erected in 1826 at Lymansville 
 by Dr. Harry Lyman. Noble Howland, father-in-law of A. Rounseville, of 
 Coudersport, came from Lisle, Broome Co., N. Y. , that year. His wife lived 
 until the summer of 1887, dying at the home of her son. Perry Howland, near 
 Lymansville. John Dingman* built his second grist-mill on the Turner place, 
 about five miles below Coudersport, in 1828. He built his third grist-mill the 
 
 *In 1825, Mrs. Boss states, Dingman's grist-mill stood near where is now the tannery. Tills was the 
 first grist-mill in the county .... The saw-mill at Lymansville was an old institution at that time. 
 
HISTOKY OP POTTEB COUNTY. 1049 
 
 following year on what is now the Benson place, above Lymansville. Henry 
 Nelson died July 2, 1888. Sixty-eight years before, when he came to this 
 section with his parents, there were only twenty-one families within the bound- 
 aries of Potter county. Some twelve or fifteen years prior to his death, farm 
 work being too hard for his advancing years, he removed to Coudersport. 
 
 Ladona post-office (Lymansville) was established in December, 1889, with 
 L. R. Toombs, postmaster. 
 
 H. J. Olmstead, writing in 1889 on the question of constitutional prohibi- 
 tion, gives a few points relating to the township and borough of a historical 
 character. He says: "My acquaintance with Coudersport and vicinity com- 
 menced in 1848, forty-one years ago this last March. At that time there wore 
 three licensed hotels; all the stores in town sold liquor except one. In one 
 place -was a rectifying establishment, and that one establishment prepared 
 more whisky at that time for consumption in this county than all that is used 
 in the county at this time. I do not hesitate to emphasize this. Then the 
 population of Coudersport and vicinity was not more than one-fourth what it 
 is now, possibly not that. And within the limits of the township of Bulalia 
 (perhaps a little beyond the limits in some direction) there were twelve to fif- 
 teen confirmed inebriates at the time. ' ' 
 
 In July, 1876, the Enterprise published a story connected with' a well- 
 known family, which, like the foregoing reminiscence of forty years ago, is 
 too interesting to omit: " Seth Taggart, the well-to-do farmer whose death 
 we recorded last week, a short time ago requested Mr. Coleord, his son-in-law, 
 to take a pick and shovel and dig in a certain part of the cellar, and without 
 telling him the purpose. Mr. Coleord did as requested, but, after excavating 
 a considerable space, found nothing. He was then directed to another place. 
 After digging in the second place as directed he came upon a black and par- 
 tially decayed package, and to his utter astonishment found it to contain coin. 
 It was then removed, washed and cleaned and found to be just $1,000 in gold 
 and silver. It seems this was deposited by Mrs. Taggart, who has been dead 
 nearly nine years, long years ago for her daughters, and Mr. Taggart, with 
 religious reverence, left it undisturbed for years. Her wish was carried out, 
 and the coin was there divided. Little did these daughters dream that mother 
 earth was the ' safe deposit bank ' of their long ago deceased parent. A por- 
 tion of the coin we have seen, and none bears date later than 1854, and one 
 piece is dated 1782, the year the war of the Revolution closed, and without 
 doubt is among the few coins to be found of that date, now near one hundred 
 years old. Some of this money, it is understood, was placed in a like strange 
 deposit under the old house forty or fifty years ago, and removed to its recent 
 resting place when the family removed from the old to the new house. The 
 pieces we saw, although of great age, now that the mold of years is washed 
 away, seem as bright as the coin of 1876." 
 
 BOROUGH OF COUDEBSPOET. 
 
 The survey of Coudersport was begun in 1807. In King's survey notes, he 
 states: "Left home to commence surveying and lodged at 14|- mile tree 22d 
 of the 7th mo. 1807. On 23rd went to where our provisions were left and built 
 a camp, it being rainy we proceeded no further. 24th, went down the Allegheny 
 to the Forks, and began to build a camp at Coudersport. 25th, finished the 
 camp. 26tb, went for remainder of our provisions and marked the road to the 
 camp. 27th, split a number of stakes for the corners of lots in the town and 
 altered some of the lines of the town. 28th, began to measure and stake out 
 the lots of the town." On the 18th of the eighth month of 1807 the survey was 
 
1050 HISTORY OF POTTEE COUNTY. 
 
 completed, the Indians went home and the surveying tools were taken to Ceres 
 by Sampson Crawford. It appears that Thomas Lightfoot had made a survey 
 here prior to this, in 1805, and that there was a small island in the river in 
 1807. 
 
 The deed by John Keating & Co. to the trustees of Coudersport (recorded 
 p. 94, Vol. A Deeds, dated June 3, 1808), conveys two-thirds of the lots in 
 Coudersport, then surveyed, two public squares, one for court-house and one 
 for academy, together with 150 acres adjoining the town site to the county. 
 He also donated |500 for the erection of a school building, and asked that the 
 name he had given the location, in honor of a friend, Judge Couder, should be 
 retained. In 1822 John Dingman and John Lyman contracted to clear the 
 public square. In April, 1823, Isaac Lyman was granted $27 for clearing 
 land at Coudersport, and in June $10 for clearing town plat. Peter Knicker- 
 bocker continued the clearing in 1824. In 1835 the first court-house was 
 erected. In 1849 wort on the present court-house was begun by Contractor 
 Bell (who completed the McKean county court-house in 1847-48), and the 
 building was completed in 1851. Eli Rees had the contract for carpenter 
 work, which he completed in 1852. June 26, 1888, remodeling was com- 
 menced, and the work finished in May, 1889, Architect Hall and Com- 
 missioner Wilber being the superintendents. The moneys then appropriated 
 amounted to $17,000, to which liberal additions were made to complete the 
 work. The following reminiscences of the early days of Coudersport are con- 
 tributed by Mrs. Mary A. Eoss, for sixty-five years a resident of the borough: 
 
 ' ' John L. Cartee (Cartier), my stepfather, came to Potter county from Mas- 
 sachusetts in June, 1824, for the purpose of selecting a home, locating same 
 year in Coudersport, where he bought for $16, a village square, whereon the 
 jail now stands. Here, in the fall of the same year, he commenced to build a 
 house, but scarcity of lumber, and the early setting in of cold weather, com- 
 pelled him to discontinue operations. The county commissioners had cleared 
 three or four squares, which they leased to Mr. Cartee, who sowed them to 
 wheat. In the spring of 1825 he moved his family, consisting of wife, step- 
 daughter and little son, together with two hired men, and on May 10 they 
 reached Coudersport, a desolate looking place, no house or building of any 
 kind, except a small commissioners' office, which had been erected the year 
 before. 
 
 " On what is now called the south side, the Keatings had a few acres cleared 
 with a barn erected thereon, and apart from this clearing the place was a dense 
 wilderness, our nearest neighbor being nearly a mile west of us. The Bulalia 
 Keating Farm, as it was called until recently, is a body of land on the south 
 bank of the Allegheny river; a portion of the village known as the South 
 Side, and containing nearly one-half of the population of the whole town, is 
 built on this farm, and on lands belonging to the Boss estate on the eastern 
 part of this division of the village. 
 
 "Ere we reached Coudersport we stopped for a short time at Lymansville, a 
 thriving village founded by Isaac Lyman, who located at the place in 1809. 
 His daughter, Eulalia was the first white girl born in Potter county. Isaac 
 Lyman had the then best house in the county, and John Keating and his gen- 
 eral agent, John King, used to make it their stopping place on their annual 
 visits, and the county elections were held there for a long time. Mr. Lyman 
 died in 1827. In September, 1825, the elections were held at the residence of 
 John L. Cartee, and in 1826 (and many years thereafter) John Keating and 
 his agent made Mr. Cartee' s house their headquarters in this section. 
 
 " But to return to my original narrative of the Cartee family. We had a 
 
HISTORY OF POTTER COUNTY. 1051 
 
 in 
 
 late dinner with Cephas Nelson (son-in-law of Isaac Lyman), who had been .. 
 the county about eight years, and we reached Coudersport late in the after- 
 noon, and set about arranging for ourfirst night in our wilderness home, which 
 at that time consisted of a cluster of board tents erected in the course of a 
 few hours, and a shanty built the previous fall. There were plenty of boards 
 and shingles on hand, but scantling, joists and rafters had to be hewed out of 
 logs and small timber. In ten days we moved into the addition erected by the 
 side of the large frame. We had to cook out of doors; but Mrs. Cartee being 
 a Yankee woman could not get along without an oven, so soon after a stone 
 oven was built, and then a fireplace, although there was neither brick nor 
 lime nearer than a distance of from forty to sixty miles. 
 
 "Our neighbors west of us, John Peet and family came to Potter county 
 from New Jersey in 1811, and settled about a mile below Coudersport, then a 
 dense wilderness. Two miles north of Coudersport there were two or three 
 families. Daniel Clark, an Eastern man, settled with, his family on a farm 
 owned and still occupied by his son Nelson, and died' in 1829. Two miles 
 west there was another prominent family — the Taggarts. ' Squire ' Tag- 
 gart located in Potter county in about 1817, four sons and three daughters 
 coming with him. In 1825 he had a large farm well cleared, and some of his 
 sons and daughters settled around him. 
 
 " Mr. Cartee soon began making arrangements for erecting a grist-mill, suc- 
 ceeding in constructing a dam across the Allegheny river, and in 1826 he 
 erected a frame building for the mill. In the fall of the same year a flood 
 carried away the dam, and the mill was never completed. One of the mill- 
 stones brought from Jersey Shore for the proposed industry is now in Mrs. 
 Boss' gi-ounds. Mr. Cartee was public spirited, but, trying to do more than 
 he could accomplish, he became discouraged and dissatisfied with the country; 
 so in 1838 or 1840 he went west, only occasionally revisiting the scenes of 
 his pioneer labors; he died in the far west about 1863. Mrs. Cartee died at 
 Coudersport in 1858, at my house. 
 
 " When we came to Coudersport in 1825, people could, if they were indus- 
 trious, live comfortably. Bread was the hardest article of food to get. After 
 the first two or three years, Mr. Cartee gave up raising wheat, but grew 
 vegetables abundantly. Game was plentiful, and the river and creeks swarmed 
 with trout. For many years much of the necessaries of life was brought 
 from Jersey Shore, Lycoming county. 
 
 "In 1825, and for several years thereafter, Moses Haney, a lad of eighteen 
 or nineteen years of age, brought the mail once in two weeks on horseback 
 from Jersey Shore, Lycoming county, through Coudersport, to Clean, N. Y. , and 
 back again through Coudersport, and from Ayers' Hill, Potter county, through 
 to Jersey Shore, then a dense wilderness, there being only one house in the 
 entire distance. Letter postage was twenty-five cents. 
 
 " In 1825 Timothy Ives, the second inhabitant, was elected treasurer of Pot- 
 ter county mce Dr. Harry Lyman. Mr. Ives built a store for general merchan- 
 dise, and a dwelling house in Coudersport the following year. In 1827 Michael 
 Hinkle came to the place, built a house where he carried on blacksmithing. 
 Mrs. Hinkle died early in the ensuing winter — the first death at Coudersport. 
 In the fall of 1827 or 1828 Versal Dickinson put up a building and partly finished 
 it for tavern purposes, where the Coudersport House now stands. Capt, Strong 
 came about 1828, and in three or four years succeeded in clearing a few acres, 
 erecting a grist-mill, a saw-mill and a comfortable dwelling house. Dennis 
 Hall came with his family in the winter of 1829, and built his residence in 
 following summer; he had some rooms plastered, the first in the village; the 
 
1052 HISTOKY OF POTTEB COUNTY. 
 
 building is still standing, occupied as a tenement house, and is the property of 
 the Ives estate. Maj. McDougall came to Coudersport early in the 'thirties; ' 
 he had a general store, and built several houses. Same year came also a family 
 by the name of Bishop. Dr. Pratt, the first physician in the village, stayed a 
 few months, and then' left. Dr. Gifford, the next physician, died in 1834, and 
 Dr. Hunt succeeded him, but remained only a short time. 
 
 " C. S. Jones, a prominent merchant and resident of Coudersport for over 
 forty years, had been associate judge, a member of the legislature, and from 
 its first organization a deacon of the Presbyterian Church ; he died in March, 
 1879.* 
 
 " In 1834-35 the first court-house was built, and the first court was held in 
 September, 1835, Judge Eldred or Judge Herrick being the first president 
 judge to officiate in the county, with Timothy Ives as one of the -associate 
 judges. Previous to this, from 1826 or 1827 Potter county was attached to Mc- 
 Kean, and before that period to Lycoming, court being held at Williamsport, 
 about seventy-five m'iles distant. A.bout the time of holding courts at 
 Coudersport, lawyers began to settle here, among them being Crosby W. 
 Ellis, L. F. Maynard, Arch. McDougall, F. B. Hamlin and others, all long 
 since gone. About the year 1839 John S. Mann, a lawyer, came to the place, 
 and here lived until his death in 1879. A brother, Hon. Joseph Mann, lived 
 in Potter county forty years or more, and in Coudersport twenty or twenty-five 
 years; he was associate judge at one time, and died in 1885 or 1886, leaving a 
 large estate to his only daughter, Mrs. P. A. Stebbins. The Olmsteds, three 
 brothers, came late in the 'forties,' and became very successful, prominent 
 men in their several vocations. 
 
 " The county commissioners moved their office in 1835, and the old office was 
 used for several years as a school-house, and a new building was erected for 
 the district school in 1842-43. At present there is a fine brick building for 
 the graded school. After 1835, when the first court-house was built, it was 
 not only used for courts of justice, but for many religious purposes, for lect- 
 ures, political meetings, conventions, etc., and so continued to be used occa- 
 sionally until the new court-house and earlier churches were built. 
 
 " In 1852-53 the present court-house was erected, the builder being Mr. 
 Bell; in 1888-89 it was rebuilt at more than the original cost. 
 
 "In 1831 a Mr. Babcock, from the Smethport Methodist circuit, came to 
 Coudersport on missionary work, continuing through the summer, and, when 
 Conference met, itinerant ministers were sent here. 
 
 " The first church built in Coudersport was a Presbyterian house of worship, 
 in about 1850, erected mainly through the persevering energy of the pastor, 
 Eev. David Brown, who had been with the people several years. The first 
 Presbyterian clergyman in the place was Kev. Mr. Bliss, who came here in 
 1832, remaining, however, only a few months. 
 
 " The Protestant Episcopalians commenced as early as 1842-43, when they 
 formed a small communion of members under the pastorate of Rev. Mr. Pratt, 
 but he soon became discouraged and left. One or two other attempts were 
 made to support a clergyman, but failed after a short trial. Rev. William 
 Marshall, the present rector, has been here some seven or eight years, during 
 which time the congregation have succeeded in building a stone church. 
 Other church organizations in Coudersport were formed later, and the Epis- 
 copal, Lutheran and Catholic Church buildings have been put up within the 
 past ten years." 
 
 *Mrs. Eoss also makes mention of several other pioneers, whose histories appear in their several 
 biographical sketches.— [Editor.] 
 
HISTORY OF POTTER COUNTY. 1053 
 
 The first post-oface in this district was at Lymansville, Isaac Lyman being 
 first postmaster. Later Cephas Nelson filled the office for several terms. The 
 postoffice at Coudersport is said to have been established May 14, 1818, with 
 Isaac Lyman, postmaster, who held the ofBce ufitil April 21, 1827. His suc- 
 cessors were appointed and served as follows: Timothy Ives, Jr. , from April 1 
 1827, to July 1, 1832. William McGall, from July 1, 1832, to September 1, 1832! 
 Dennis Hall, from September 1, 1832, to October 1 , 1834. Isaac Strait, from Octo- 
 ber 1, 1834, to January 1, 1836. Benajah H. Ives, from January 1, 1836, to Jan- 
 uary 1, 1838. Samuel Haven, from January 1, 1838, to April 1, 1839. Wales 
 C. Butterworth, from April 1, 1839, to April 1, 1840. A. H. Butterworth, 
 from April 1, 1840, to June 30, 1841. William McDougall, from June 30, 
 1841, to March 20, 1845. Charles B. Cotter, from March 20, 1845, to January 
 5, 1849. William T. Jones, from January 5, 1849, to July 5, 1849. Frank 
 L. Jones, from July 5, 1849, to November 1, 1850. Abiather Eounseville, 
 from November 1, 1850, to April 18, 1853. John M. Judd, from April 18, 
 1853, to September 9, 1859. Samuel Haven, from September 9, 1859, to 
 March 13, 1861. Lewis Mann, from March 13, 1861, to September 9, 1861. 
 John S. Mann, from September 9, 1861, to January 4, 1866. Don C. Larra- 
 bee, fi-om January 4, 1866, to August 29, 1866. Eli O. Eees, from August 
 29, 1866, to March 29, 1869. M. S. Thompson, from March 29, 1869, to 
 March 15, 1887. Edward N. Stebbins was appointed March 15, 1887, and is 
 the present incumbent. In March, 1883, Coudersport was created a presiden- 
 tial oflice. 
 
 In 1838 the county was startled by the suicide of John Kose, who was a 
 clerk in the Bingham estate office. Daniel Cobb was at that time the agent of 
 the Binghams. The suicide was committed by shooting, in a barn belonging 
 to Timothy Ives. This barn is still standing in Coudersport, on the north 
 side of Third street, near the river, directly opposite the barn of H. J. Olm- 
 sted. 
 
 In 1828 Versal Dickinson taught one of the first schools in Coudersport. 
 The legislature appropriated |2,000 toward the building of an academy at 
 Coudersport in 1838. John Snow was the contractor who erected the building 
 upon the side hill west of West street, between Fifth and Sixth streets. The 
 first term of school was held in this academy in September, 1840, Prof. Max- 
 well being principal. A school was taught in Coudersport in 1838, by Charles 
 Taylor, of Smethport, but could not have been taught in the academy build- 
 ing. Land had been given for school purposes (one square) as early as 1807, 
 by John Keating, together with $500 in money. The grant was accepted by 
 an act of the assembly. The district school building was at the corner of 
 West and Fourth streets. At this time a great deal of the ground upon which 
 Coudersport now stands, west of Main street, was a swamp, composed of pools 
 of water, willows and bogs. Many people, not much past the middle age, can 
 remember poling their rafts, constructed of loose boards, where the residences 
 of Z. J. Thompson, R. L. . Nichols and D. C. Larrabee now stand. The old 
 district school-house is now the property of Hon. A. G. Olmsted, and used as 
 a tenant house. As late as 1841 there were but five or six dwelling-houses in 
 the borough. There could have been, certainly, no more in 1838, at the time 
 the academy was built, as there had been no fires to destroy the place. 
 
 Mrs. Mary T. Kent came to Coudersport from Delaware county, N. Y. in 
 1843; she taught a select school in 1845; taught the district school for 
 eighteen months; made an extended visit to her old home in New York 
 State; returning to Coudersport in 1852, she has since resided here. In 
 
1054 HISTORY OF POTTEE COUNTY. 
 
 1868 she was appointed agent of the H. H. Dent property in Coudersport, and 
 has retained that position until the present. Mrs. Kent is a well-informed 
 woman, of much more than ordinary ability. Her mind is exceedingly clear 
 upon the happenings in the county during her life here, not only of a minor 
 nature, but also of those things which have acted the part of important factors 
 in the growth of the county and State, political and otherwise. Mrs. Kent is 
 still an active woman, with a step as springy as many maidens, although her 
 locks are white with the rime of age. 
 
 In the pages devoted to borough elections the names of school directors 
 are given. The cost of the new school building, according to a report pre- 
 pared in April, 1888, by C. L. Peck, W. P. Junge and A. B. Mann, was 
 112,452.22. O. H. Crosby is president and A. B. Mann secretary of the 
 school board, while the teachers are John 0. Silsely, principal; Miss Jennie 
 Thomas, preceptress; Miss Lettie Palmer, grammar department; Miss Jennie 
 White, A primary; Miss Belle Haskell, B primary; Miss Eosa Crane, C primary; 
 Mrs. C. L. Peck, music. The present principal succeeded Mr. Walter T. Palmer. 
 
 The Coudersport Library Association was organized in 1840, by a few 
 women, who at first held sewing circles to raise money for the purpose of 
 buying books. Several years ago a literary society was formed in connection 
 with this association, since when it has been called the ' ' Coudersport Library 
 and Literary Association. ' ' The literary society has not held meetings for 
 many years. Miss C. A. Metzger has the library at her ladies' furnishing 
 store, in Coudersport, and has been the librarian for a long time. This was 
 the only circulating library save Sunday-school libraries, in the county until 
 quite recently. One was started as a private enterprise at Galeton about a 
 year ago, but has been recently sold out. During the last summer M. S. 
 Thompson & Co. started a circulating library at their drug and book store in 
 Coudersport, this is still in active life. H. H. Dent, late of Brookland, Penn. , 
 was president of the board of trustees of the Coudersport Academy, and took 
 much interest in its welfare. On January 18, 1854, he presented to each of the 
 students a fine volume. 
 
 Abiather Eounseville came to Coudersport, in 1841, the place at that time 
 being merely a huddle of five or six houses besides the court-house and jail. 
 Mr. Eounseville describes Coudersport at this time as one of the worst places he 
 ever saw for its dimensions. At the old Hickory House a daily orgy of drunk- 
 enness was enacted, and fighting was of almost daily occurrence. One of the 
 first things he did after his arrival at the county seat of Potter was to assist 
 in arresting a local pugilist, who was full of liquor at the time. The capture 
 was finally affected by throwing a noose over the arms of the bully, and several 
 men dragging at the end of the rope, drawing their prisoner through the mud 
 face down, so that it was necessary to relieve the prisoner' s nose and mouth of 
 the mud with a chip. Soon after he came he took the job of making a cell in 
 the crazy old jail which would hold a prisoner. He built this cell of two-inch 
 maple planks thickly bolted. Two prisoners, however, escaped from it by the 
 use of tools. He was for many years a commissioner of State roads in this sec- 
 tion. He was at this time an ' ' Old-line Whig ' ' in politics. He speculated in 
 land and securities, but his trade was that of carpenier and joiner. Mr. 
 Eounseville has the keystone of the first court-house of Potter county, under 
 the porch of his East street residence. 
 
 Archibald F. Jones' late residence was built in 1841, and at the time was 
 looked upon as one of the finest residences in the county. 
 
HISTOEY OF POTTEB COUNTY. 1057 
 
 The resident tax-payers of Coudersport in 1848 were: C. Aylesworth (mill- 
 wright), A. Aldrich (mason), A. T. Aldrich (blacksmith), S. E. Alvord (a single 
 fi-eeman), George Ayers, A. H. Butterworth (shoemaker), W. C. Butterworth 
 (attorney), L. Bell, Jr. (wheelwright), G. A. Barclay, D. E. Bennett, L. M 
 Benson (attorney), Isaac Benson (attorney), E. W. Bishop, Daniel Clark, Se- 
 clinda Cartee, C. B. Cotter Csaid to be the first newspaper publisher here) 
 John Crittenden, L. B. Cole, I. E. C. Coe (tailor), N. L. Dike, Dan. Dewey' 
 William Dikeman, Versal Dickinson, D. F. Ellsworth (assessed $50 for a gold 
 watch), Amos French, W. C. Gray (blacksmith), D. T. Hall, Haskin & Smith 
 (merchants), John M. Hamilton (agent for Bingham estate), Lysander Herring 
 (shoemaker), James Hawley, Samuel Haven (prothonotary), William Haven, 
 C. B. Haven, L. M. Howard, Noble Howland, Edward F. Jones (cabinet'- 
 maker), F. L. & C. S. Jones, E. A. Jones, C. S. Jones (artist), A. F. Jones, 
 W. T. Jones & Brother (merchants), Timothy Ives, Jr., Horace Leet, Joseph 
 Mann, John S. Mann (attorney, agent for Keating estate), W. G. McLelland, 
 John Mann, W. W. McDougall (printer), William McDougall, E. W. Niles, l! 
 F. Maynard (attorney), Maynard & Knox (attorneys), H. J. Olmsted, J. ' m! 
 Packer (printer), C. E. Pradt and N. H. Peck (joiners), David Eoss (tanner), 
 Sobieski Eoss (surveyor), C. D. Eogers (harness-maker), Jacob and John B.' 
 Eeckhow, Benjamin Eennells (blacksmith), John Eeckhow (wheelwright), A. 
 Eounseville (joiner), D. W. Spencer, H. L. Simons, F. H. Smith, G. ' W. 
 Strong (cabinet-maker), G. M. Smith (assessed $25 for a silver watch), A. W. 
 Smith (teacher), Isaac Thompson, Samuel Thompson, Nathan Woodcock, James 
 William Casey (joiner, was assessed $75 for a gold watch). Woodcock & Strait 
 Miles White (sherifF), Brown and A. G. Olmsted. 
 
 Municipal Matters. — The borough of Coudersport was chartered by an act 
 of legislature in 1848. The first record of an election of ofScers is dated 
 February 18, 1848. Isaac Benson received 32 votes for burgess, and was 
 elected. For councilmen, L. F. Maynard received 31 votes; W. T. Jones 14- 
 N. L. Dike, 29; W. C.' Butterworth,. 16; W. G. McClelland, 12; C. B. Cotter^ 
 12; Amos French, 4; John S. Mann, 8; Horace Leet, 1; 0. D. Eogers, 2, and 
 Samuel Haven 1. For justice of the peace, George A. Barclay received 23 
 votes, Versal Dickinson, 18, and D. F. Ellsworth, 14. L. M. Howard was 
 elected constable, and A. H. Butterworth street commissioner. 
 
 In 1849 Isaac Benson was re-elected burgess, with Jones, Butterworth, Ham- 
 ilton and Eeckhow councilmen; John S. Mann, W. W. McDougall, J. W. 
 Smith, H. J. Olmsted, I. Benson and Abel Aldrich school directors. In 1850 
 David Eoss was chosen burgess; L. B. Cole, justice of the peace; C. S. Jones 
 A. F. Jones and J. M. Hamilton, councilmen, and W. C. Butterworth and D. F. 
 Ellsworth, school directors. Miles White was elected justice in 1851; Berak 
 Niles, burgess; William Crosby, I. Benson, Ch. Jones, N. L. Dike and W. S. 
 Eaymond, school directors; J. W. Smith, C. W. Ellis, Lucas Cushing, J. M. 
 Hamilton, Nathan Woodcock and J. M. Packer, councilmen. In 1852 L. B. 
 Cole was chosen burgess; F. B. McNamara, Amos French, Sobieski Eoss and 
 C. E. Pradt, school directors; Eli Eees, Benjamin Eennells, J. W. Smith and 
 L. F. Minard beitig among the coancilmen. 
 
 The office of burgess has been filled as follows, since 1852: John M. Ham- 
 ilton, 1853; Thomas B. Tyler, 1854; Frank L. Jones, 1855; Isaac Benson, 
 1856; A. F. Jones, 1857, decided by drawing lots with J. Ives; D. F. Glass- 
 mire, 1858; G. B. Overton, 1859; A. G. Olmsted, 1860; F. W. Knox, 1861; 
 John S. Mann, 1862-63-65; Collins Smith, 1864; D. C. Larrabee, 1866-67- 
 68-78; Benjamin Eennells, 1869; Joseph Mann, 1870-71-72-73; P. A. Steb- 
 bins, Jr., 1874-75; Charles S. Jones, 1876-77; A. F. Jones, 1879; W. K. 
 
 57 
 
1058 HISTOBY OF POTTEB COUNTY. 
 
 Jones, 1880; F. W. Knox, 1881-82-83-86; J. W. Allen, 1884; David White, 
 1885; N. J. Peck, 1887; M. S. Thompson, 1888-89. The vote cast for bur- 
 gess in 1888, was 170 for M. S. Thompson and 69 for John R. Groves. Mr. 
 Thompson was elected in 1889 without opposition, as were nearly all the other 
 officers, only 78 voters polling. 
 
 Councilmen.— F. W. Knox, 1853; A. F. Jones, 1853-74; Ben. Eennells, 
 1853-66-72; Eli Rees, 1853-57; Collins Smith, 1854-67; H. J. Olmsted, 
 1854-78; D. F. Ellsworth, 1854; William Crosby, 1854; A. G. Olmsted, 1855; 
 S. M. Mills, 1855; Jacob Reckhow, 1855; Cyrenus S. Jones, 1855-70; Lewis 
 Mann, 1856-61; J. M. Hamilton, 1856-58; N. Schoomaker, 1856-60; D. F. 
 Glassmire, 1857-59-62-64-81; D. W. Spencer, 1857; W. H. Metzger, 1857-59; 
 Z. J. Thompson, 1857-62-67-75; D. Ross, 1858; G. B. Overton, 1858; A. B. 
 Goodsell, 1858; S. D. Kelly, 1859; George Manley, 1860-61-63; S. P. Minar, 
 1863; W. B. Gordnier, 1864; C. H. Warriner, 1864; C. H. Armstrong, 
 1865-68-73-79; L. A. Ensworth, 1865; M. W. McAlarney, 1865-67; P. A. 
 Stebbins, Jr., 1866; N. H. Goodsell, 1868-74-85; Charles Reissmann, 1869-72- 
 78; James Pearsall, 1869; Charles Kernan, 1870-77; A. B. Mann, 1873; John 
 S. Ross, 1875; JohnOrmerod, 1876; O. H. Crosby, 1876-79; D. Y. Stevens, 
 1877; Earle Cram, 1878; Abram Jones (vacancy), 1879-80; M. L. Gridlev, 
 1880; P. A. Stebbins, 1880-83; D. C. Larrabee, 1881; Isaac Benson, 1882; 
 Charles Armstrong, 1882; H. A. Scoville, 1885; Charles S. Jones, 1883; James 
 L. Knox, 1884; W. K. Jones, 1884; J. R. Groves, 1886; W. B. Rees, 1886; 
 
 B. J. Fickler, 1887; D. E. Kendig, 1887; John DenhofP, 1888; Watson T. 
 Dike, 1888; W. W. Thompson, 1889; A. S. Olmsted, 1889. The officers elected 
 in February, 1890, are: Biirgess, P. A. Stebbins; councilmen, O. E. Arm- 
 strong, C. D. Keihle; school directors, A. B. Mann, C. C. Breunle; high con- 
 stable, W. H. Rounseville; collector, Ed Gillon; constable, Ed Gillon; over- 
 seer of the poor, E. G. Crane; auditors, Harry Snyder, T. J. Gilbert; judge 
 of election, H. A. Scoville; inspectors of election, D. W. VanWegen, Patrick 
 Gorman. 
 
 School Directors.— Eli Rees, 1853; C. W. Elhs, 1853; W. C. Butterworth, 
 1853; A. Rounseville, 1853-56-57-59-62-65-68-70-74-77; A. G. Olmsted, 
 1854-57; P. A. Stebbins, 1854; J. Reckhow, 1854; J. M. Hamilton, 1854-63-66; 
 S. P. Goodsell, 1856; D. B. Brown, 1856-59; N. Schoomaker, 1857; C. Smith, 
 1857; J. S. Mann, 1858-60-68-72; Ben. Rennells, 1858; Z. J. Thompson, 
 1858-61-62-65-69-78; Jacob Jenkins, 1858; C. S. Jones, 1860-64; J. B. 
 Smith, 1860; G. C. Manley, 1861; A. F. Jones, 1861-67; A. S. Armstrong, 
 1862; H. J. Olmsted, 1862-64-67-76-79; O. H. Crosby, 1863-66-69-81-84- 
 87; E. Starkweather, 1864; P. A. Stebbins, Jr., 1873-88; D. C. Larrabee, 
 1869-73-76-79-85; W. B. Gordnier, 1870-74-77-80; W. Shear, 1872-75-80; 
 
 C. A. Doerner, 1875-78; A. B. Mann, 1881-84-87; W. H. Rounseville, 1882; 
 C. L. Peck, 1882-85-88; C. A. Stebbins, 1883; W. F. Young, 1883-86-89; J. 
 Vv. Allen, 1886-89. 
 
 Justices.— Lewis B. Cole, 1855-60-65-75-80; Lucas Gushing 1856-61-67- 
 72; J. C. Davidson, 1874; JohnOrmerod, 1877; O. J. Rees, 1878; Miles White, 
 1882-87; Daniel Baker, 1883; John R. Groves, 1888-89;' Z. J. Thompson, 
 1888-89. 
 
 Water Company. — The Citizens' Water Company was originated by A. G. 
 Olmsted, F. W. Knox and R. L. Nichols. Early in 1882 the company bought 
 five acres of land on Dent's run, northwest of the town, north of the Niles 
 road, and right of way through Miss Kate Dent's land, for |1,000. William 
 Bassett built the dam, sixty feet long and twelve feet high, and cleans pool, for 
 the contract sum of $175. A four-inch main was laid from the reservoir to 
 
HISTORY OP POTTER COUNTY. 1059 
 
 Main street, this being the size of mains throughout the town. The first 
 purchase was sixty tons of this pipe (2,240 pounds to the ton), costing $46 
 per ton. The first fire plug was tested at Ooudersport, April 20, 1885, the 
 hydrant with two others being placed by the water company. 
 
 Fire Company. — The first fire company was organized in May, 1885, with 
 P. A. Stebbins, president; C. L. Peck, secretary; J. L. Knox, treasurer; W. 
 K. Jones, engineer; B. A. McClure and W. I. Lewis, assistant engineers. In 
 April, 1889, the following named officers were elected: President, A. B. Mann; 
 treasurer, J. L. Knox; secretary, Charles ^jelson; chief engineer, W. K. 
 Jones; first assistant engineer, Clarence Kiehle; second assistant engineer, A. 
 S. Olmsted. 
 
 Hook and Ladder Department. — President, N. J. Peck; secretary. Earnest 
 Wentworth; foreman, W. C. Eennells; first assistant foreman, E. B. Tracy; 
 second assistant foreman, Daniel Monroe. 
 
 Hose Department. — President, D. E. Kendig; secretary, C. H. Nelson; 
 foreman, M. L. Gridley; first assistant foreman, W. T. Dike; second assist- 
 ant foreman, E. M. Gillon. 
 
 The Germans. — The first Germans who settled about Ooudersport came in 
 1854. Christian Breunle, Sr. , being among the first to come. He had thought 
 of going to Germania with the first colony there, but, not liking the terms of 
 organization, he came on to Ooudersport, and settled upon the mountain south 
 of the town, where he lived until his death, which happened a few years ago, a 
 much respected citizen, leaving a large and respectable family. Mr. Pourness 
 was among the original colony in 1854. Many others followed, so that at 
 present the Germans living in and about Ooudersport form a considerable 
 community. They are frugal and economical, accumulating money and in- 
 creasing in possessions. They are generally good citizens, and accommodating 
 neighbors. In their dealings with the world at large they are honorable. 
 There are some who can not speak English, and do not try to; but the ma- 
 jority, from their constant mingling with the people, speak the language of the 
 land fluently. A Lutheran Church was organized in 1886, by Eev. H. 0. 
 Grossman; the number of the membership reaching to nearly one hundred. 
 This organization is in a prosperous condition. There are a number of 
 Catholics among the Germans here, though the majority of them are of the 
 Lutheran faith. 
 
 Early Events. — In 1852 the first brick house in the county was erected by 
 Collins Smith, who built a brick store on the same lot, in Ooudersport. This 
 lot is now the property of Hon. Isaac Benson, the house being used by him as his 
 residence until 1887, when it was torn down to make way for a residence of the 
 modern style. In 1854 Sobieski Ross erected his house. Charles S. Jones, 
 who died October 27, 1889, came with his brothers, Frank and Edwin, to 
 Ooudersport in 1847, and established a store where is now H. J. Olmsted's 
 residence. William T. Jones, who in 1842 opened a store near the corner of 
 5th and Main Streets, and in 1844 built a store where P. A. Stebbins & Bro.'s 
 store now stands, died at CosteUo September 17, 1889. At that time goods 
 were hauled from Dansville, N. Y. , the nearest point on the Brie Canal. 
 
 On July 4, 1855, while celebrating the nation's birthday at Ooudersport, a 
 .canon, planted near where the Presbyterian Church now stands (this church 
 being at this date on West street), bursted. By this accident E. D. Halbert 
 had a leg so mangled that it was found necessary to amputate it. But we see 
 by the People's Journal, issue of August 16, 1855, that the unlucky man was 
 so far recovered from his injury as to be able to ride out the day before (Au- 
 
1060 HISTOEY OF POTTER COUNTY. 
 
 gust 15). By the bursting of this cannon, a piece was hurled across West 
 street, and sent crashing through the side of the house where C. A. Doerner 
 now lives. A window now occupies the site of the damage. 
 
 Great Fire of 1880.— The Coudersport fire, May 18, 1880, destroyed the 
 business portion of the town, including the Glassmire House, H. J. Olmsted and 
 Norton & Doane, hardware; N. M. Glassmire, sewing-machine office; M. S. 
 Thompson & Co. and Dr. Amos French, drug stores; E. N. Stebbins, C. S. Jones 
 and P. A. Stebbins & Bro., dry goods stores; Charles H. Armstrong, Edward For- 
 sterand Andrews & Olmsted, grocery stores; E. O. Rees, jewelry store; Pierce & 
 Lovell and Charles Reissmann, furniture stores ; D. F. Glassmire, Sr. , dry goods ; 
 W. B. Gordnier, foundry; Z. J. Thompson, L. B. Cole, wagon shops; Dr. E. 
 S. Mattison, office; Abram Jones, restaurant and bowling alley; Carl Zimmer- 
 mann, meat market; W. W. Thompson, Potter Enterprise; A. C. Perkins, 
 George Brehmer, blacksmith shops; I. Griesel, harness shop. Arch. F. Jones 
 & Son, bankers; Olmsted & Larrabee, law office; Mrs. Samuel Havens, dwell- 
 ing house; F. E. Neefe, wagon shop; Rose Anton, millinery; L. B. Cole & 
 Son, insurance office; D. P. Glassmire, Jr., livery stable; Charles Reissmann, 
 old dwelling house. The fence about court-house square and fine shade trees 
 were burned, all entailing a loss of 1140,000, while the insurance was about 
 175,000. In December, 1880, M. S. Thompson's new store took the place of 
 the old building which stood there for almost fifty years before the fire. P. A. 
 Stebbins, Jr., & Bro. had their new building completed about this time, on 
 the site of their old frame, which, after almost a half century's use, was the first 
 to fall in the fire of 1880. 
 
 This great fire may be said to have ended the old town of Coudersport. As 
 stated, the work of rebuilding was soon entered upon, and to-day two sides of 
 the public square are covered with modern commercial buildings, while toward 
 the depot the street is well built up. 
 
 Lumbering. — In 1881 Benjamin Rennells purchased the hardwood, hem- 
 lock and small pine on the grounds south of where the Commercial Hotel, 
 the depot and Catholic Church now stand, for $1,600, from the Keating estate. 
 Out of this tract he took about 12,000 feet of pine, 1,300 cords of hemlock 
 bark and about 2,000,000 feet of hemlock lumber, which was sawn at a mill 
 that was built that year, about one-fourth mile south of the town, by Van- 
 Wegen, Quimby & Co. This mill was moved two miles down the river in 1886. 
 P. A. Stebbins purchased about 200 acres of this and adjoining lands from 
 the Keatings, except the square donated to the Catholic Church, and the town 
 lots surveyed. The building of the Coudersport & Port Allegany Railroad 
 played no small part in the drama of re-establishing the town, and introducing 
 the new era of progress. 
 
 Churches. — James B. Roach, of the Tennessee Methodist Conference, was 
 sent to Coudersport in 1823, his circuit extending 18 miles down the Allegheny 
 river to Canoe Place; thence up the Allegheny portage 10 miles to the dividing 
 ridge; thence to the Portage settlement, 14 miles down the Sinnemahoning 
 portage to its confluence with the main creek, an unbroken wilderness of 24 
 miles, if we except the primitive houses of Hiram Sizer and Brewster Free- 
 man, 6 miles up the portage. (Mr. Chadwick tells that the road was very 
 rough, with 27 fordings, some of them troublesome when the water was high, 
 wild animals very abundant, and it was not uacommonto meet a pack of hungry 
 wolves in close pursuit of a tired deer, or to find the carcass of a deer covered 
 up in the leaves after a panther had killed and taken a meal out of it). From 
 the portage 3 miles to the mouth of North creek, back 2 miles to the mouth of 
 West creek; thence by bridle-path 7 miles up West creek to the mouth of Big 
 
HISTORY OF POTTER COUNTY. 1061 
 
 run; thence by bridle-path over the mountains, 23 miles to the Kersey settle- 
 ment, now Centreville — in all 30 miles by bridle-^path, through an unbroken 
 wilderness; thence 12 miles to Brockway's settlement, near Bennett's 
 branch ; thence 23 miles to the confluence of Bennett' s and Driftwood branches ; 
 thence 16 miles to the mouth of the Sinnemahoning; thence 15 miles to 
 Young-woman's Town (North Point); returning to Bennett's and Driftwood 
 branches, up the Driftwood 18 miles to Portage (Emporium) settlement; thence 
 by North creek bridle-path 17 miles to Potatoe creek; thence 10 miles to 
 Smethport; thence over the mountains 10 miles to Canoe Place, and thence 
 to Coudersport, or 249 miles. James Hazen succeeded Roach on the circuit 
 in 182-1; Nathan Mills (succeeded by John Bowen) came in 1825. There 
 were no appointments from 1826 to 1830, when John P. Kent came. In 1831 
 Samuel E. Babcock, and, in 1832, "William Butt and Samuel Gregg were the 
 circuit preachers. The circuit was extended to Farrandsville, on the Susque- 
 hanna, in 1833, with T. J. Jennings, B. Preston and Joseph. Hallock, preach- 
 ers. They were succeeded, in 1834, by J. H. Tackitt, S. Hill, Bryan Auren 
 and Gazee Smith. John Dunning, of Erie Conference, had sole charge in 1835, 
 but in 1836 L. Whipple and John Hanna assisted him. During this year the 
 class of the old school-house at Smethport claimed 150 members, the revival 
 of that year being the cause. This class at once entered on church-building, 
 but, undertaking a house much larger than their subscriptions, the building could 
 not then be finished, and many fell away from the church. The Rev. Burrows 
 was the first presiding elder, and the first quarterly meeting of this denomi- 
 nation was held in Lymansville in 1832, and this year (1832) saw the regular 
 organization of both the Presbyterian and Methodist Episcopal Churches. In 
 1839 Mr. Crandall came here, since which time the following named have had 
 charge of the circuit. 
 
 In 1845-46 Coudersport was detached from Smethport, and Rev. Horace Har- 
 ris, the former circuit preacher, appointed preacher in charge of the new station. 
 He was followed, in 1847, by E. B. Pratt; in 1848, by B. Williams; in 1849, 
 by Joseph Latham, and in 1850, by W. B. Slaughter, then principal of acad- 
 emy. In 1851-52 S. Y. Hammond was here, and presided at the dedication 
 of the church, February 21, 1855. In 1852 J. B. Wentworth, principal of the 
 academy, had charge, followed by J. H. Delamater in 1853; S. C. Smith, in 
 1854, and W. H. Shaw, in 1855. The preachers in and since 1857 were as 
 follows: A. M. Mclntyre, 1857; M. H. Rice, 1858; Charles Strong, 1860; 
 H. H. Lyman (L. P.), 1861; J. J. Roberts, 1862; L. A. Stevens, 1864; T. S. 
 Hartley, 1867; Edwin Wildman, 1868; C. B. Sparrow, 1869; E. Williams, 
 1870; O. M. Leggett, 1872; S. Milward, 1875; Elijah Wood, 1876; T. E. 
 Stratton, 1879; Cornelius Dillenbeck, 1881; A. A. Craw, 1882; J. W. Wright, 
 1884, and Mr. Jervis, 1887-89. 
 
 The Presbyterian society built the first church edifice at Coudersport, in 
 1850, on the side-hill on West street, south of the academy, where George 
 Olmsted now resides. Rev. David Brown, who recently resided near Ceres, 
 was the pastor at the time, and for some years before and after presided here. 
 This is said to be the first church building in the county. The Presbyterian 
 society was incorporated February 25, 1854, on petition of P. A. Stebbins, A. 
 G. Olmsted, F. W. Knox, H. J. Olmsted, N. L. Dike, M. R. Gage, F. L. 
 Jones, C. W. Ellis, D. F. Ellswdrth. L. T. Maynard, Charles S. Jones, A. F. 
 Jones, A. L. Bird, William H. Metzger and William Crosby, presented in 
 December, 1853. The trustees elected in 1853 were William H. Metzger, C. S. 
 Jones, H. L. Bird, O. H. Butterworth and W. W. McDougall. Rev. Mr. 
 Crumrine has served this church for some time. 
 
1062 HISTORY OF POTTER COUNTY. 
 
 Christ Church, English Protestant Episcopal, was reorganized under act of 
 incorporation of February 22, 1855, on April 18,1881. The vestrymen then 
 elected were Miles AVhite, Isaac Benson, P. A. Stebbins, Jr., W. K. Jones, 
 M. S. Thompson, Charles A. Stebbins, E. N. Stebbins, A. G. Olmsted, W. E. 
 Womelsdorf, John S. Ross, James L. Knox and H. E. Whittaker, some of 
 whom were members. On May J , services were held in the Knights of Honor 
 hall. In'l883 the question of building a house of worship was considered, 
 work commenced, and the present house was opened November 9, 188 4-. Eev. 
 William Marshall is rector. 
 
 The Baptist Church was erected upon the south side of the river, on Alle- 
 gheny avenue over forty years ago. The chief promoter of the erection of this 
 edifice was John M. Hamilton, who died here in 1887. Mr. Hamilton was a 
 man of fine mental endowments, and of good education; a strong supporter 
 of liquor prohibition, and promoter of morality in general. Although some- 
 what eccentric, he was a good citizen, whose loss was felt. He was for a 
 number of years a clerk in the land office of Fox & Ross. 
 
 The Allegheny River Baptist Association was organized in October, 1887, 
 with A. D. Bush, of Coudersport, moderator; C. H. Dodd, clerk; D. Simpson, 
 of Turtle Point, treasurer; A. N. Peck, of Coudersport, 0. S. ; and E. H. 
 Hovey, of Annin creek, J. Jack, of Eldred, and the moderator, missionary 
 committee; Annin creek, Coudersport, Port Allegany, Roulette and Turtle 
 Point, regular Baptist Churches, were represented. 
 
 The Roman Catholic Church dates back to the "forties." Among the 
 early members, prior to 1858, were John Sullivan and son, Thomas Lenahan, 
 James and M. Sullivan, John Ryan, Widow Scholard (now Mrs. Shannon, of 
 Roulette), Patrick Carey, J. J. Carey, Calahan and Jerry McCarthy, Michael 
 Fitzpatrick and several others, who are not remembered by Mark Gillon, who 
 came that year. Eev. John L. Madigan, who then resided at Sartwell creek, 
 in MoKean county, visited the village occasionally, and also attended the 
 church in Genesee township, taking in Bradford, Kane, Alton, Emporium and 
 other old settlements, having been a resident priest at Coudersport during the 
 building of the church, and, until succeeded by Father Flood, who is resident 
 priest at Genesee. The congregation numbers 200. In May, 1888, it was 
 resolved to erect a church building on the lands donated by the Keatings 
 years ago. The plan adopted was that of the church at Port Allegany 
 (which was dedicated August 26, that year). Not, however, until August 9, 
 1885, was the building dedicated by Bishop Mullen. 
 
 The Universalists of Coudersport were attended by Eev. L. F. Porter, 
 in 1856. 
 
 St. Paul's Evangelical Lutheran Church was organized. May 16, 1886, 
 with seventy-one communicant members under the Eev. Grossman, the 
 work of ingathering having been done mostly by the Rev. J. Sanders, of 
 Ridgway, Penn. Services were held in a hall, and conducted in the Ger- 
 man and English languages. After a pastorate of six months (April to No- 
 vember, 1886), Rev. Grossman resigned. The present incumbent, the Rev. 
 E. J. Meissner took charge of the field, composed of Coudersport, Olmsted 
 and Roulette, in May, 1887. A lot was purchased on Allegheny avenue, 
 and September 18, 1887, the corner-stone was laid for a chapel; the neat 
 edifice, semigothio in style, was dedicated. the year following. August 5, with 
 solemn ceremonies, the pastor_ being assisted by the Rev. L. M. C. Weichsel, 
 of Renovo, Penn. 
 
 Societies, Etc. — Eulalia Lodge, No. 342, A. Y. M., was chartered March 
 4, 1861, with Timothy Ives, master; B. S. Colwell, S. W. ; Joseph Williams, 
 
HISTORY OF POTTEE CODNTY. 1063 
 
 J. W. ; Samuel Havens, secretary; Dr. Joerg, treasurer; C. H. Warriner, J. 
 C. Cavenaugh, G. W. G. Judd and D. C. Larrabee, unofficial members. 
 Prior to the fire of May 18, 1880, the room was in the Temperance hall. In 
 September, 1880, work on the present building was begun, the site being 
 formerly the location of 0. S. Jones and F. E. Lyon's store. On September 
 9, 1880, the corner-stone was placed, among the souvenirs enclosed being a 
 copy of the Potter Pioneer, of February 4, 1848, and one of a small temper- 
 ance journal published here in 1849. The past masters were D. C. Larrabee, 
 William Shear, J. W. Allen, N. H. Goodsell, R. L. White, W. A. Crosby, O. 
 H. Crosby, W. W. Thompson, C. A. Stebbins, W. K. Jones, N. Pinney, James 
 L. Knox, Milton S. Winfield and Willis I. Lewis, the present master. W. W. 
 Thompson is secretary. The officers for 1890 in the order of lodge rank are 
 Harry A. Scoville, D. W. Van Wegen, S. A. Phillips, William W. Thompson, 
 Benjamin Rennells, Rev. A. D. Bush, G. H. Grabe, A. R. Buck, C. L. Peck, 
 L. R. Bliss, Levi S. Quimby and W. G. Wilber. 
 
 Coudersport Chapter, No. 263, E. • . A. • . M. • . was chartered Oct. 17, 1882, 
 by D. • . D. • . G. • . H. • . P. • . Joseph Simonds, of Bradford. The first officers 
 were L. W. Crawford^, D. C. Larrabee^, W. K. Jones^, David White, W. 
 W. Thompson*, J. L. Knox'', C. A. Stebbins^, R. L. White, W. I. Lewis^, 
 A. S. Lyman and W. J. Brown. The numbers refer to Past High Priests to 
 which the name of Peter A. McDonald must be added. In 1889 Burton A. 
 McClure was H. " . P. ■ . , with Willis I. Lewis, secretary. This chapter elected 
 the following named officers December 4, 1889: Samuel A. Phillips, H. P.; 
 N. H. Goodsell, K. ; N. A. Pinney, scribe; W. J. Brown, treasurer, and James 
 L. Knox, secretary. 
 
 A dispensation was issued in March, 1890, by the right eminent grand 
 commandei; of Knights Templar of Pennsylvania, granting the right to cer- 
 tain Knights Templar here, to open a new commandery here to be known as 
 Potter Commandery, N6. 69. This dispensation holds only until the first of 
 May. The Grand Commandery of Pennsylvania will meet in May, when the' 
 members will apply for a charter which, if obtained, will put them upon a per- 
 manent footing. The present officers are W. K. Jones, eminent commander; 
 James L. Knox, general; Willis I. Lewis, captain-general. There are twelve 
 members, and over twenty petitions for membership were presented at first 
 meeting. 
 
 Knights of Honor. — This society was organized May 6, 1879, with twenty 
 charter members. First officers were : C. L. Peck, P. D. ; M. L. Gridley, D. ; 
 J. L. Knox, V. D. ; L. P. Andrews, Asst. D. ; H. C. Olmsted, R. ; F J. Norton, 
 F. E. ; E. N. Stebbins, T. ; W. W. Thompson, Chap. ; W. B. Eees, G. ; A. 
 F. HoUenbeck, G. ; W. C. Rennells, Sent. 
 
 Knights of the Maccabees, Coudersport Lodge, No. 49, was chartered 
 November 11, 1887, with T. Harrington, J. Moran, M. J. Wolcott, William 
 Schutt, W. H. Palmer, Frank Gordnier, F. M. Ashcraft, J. Eyan, W. Wilson, 
 J. Griesel, Ora Nichols and Elmer Gavlord, officers in the respective positions 
 from S. K. C. to S. K. P. D. B. Neefe was P. S. K. C. at time of organ- 
 ization. 
 
 Coudersport Lodge, No. 815, 1. O. O. F., was chartered August 9, 1888, with 
 H. C. Dornan, N. G. ; E. H. Ashcraft, V. G. ; K. E. Hodskin, secretary; A. 
 Zacharias, A. S., and J. E. Forster, treasurer. The lodge grew into impor- 
 tance rapidly, and now has about one hundred members, the past vice-grand 
 now presiding. The present officers are H. E. Whittaker, N. G. ; Carl Breunle, 
 V. G. ; H. T. Nelson, secretary; C. J. Marble, treasurer. 
 
 A. F. Jones Post, No. 20, G. A. R., was charted April 20, 1881. The 
 muster roll contains the following names: 
 
lOO-i 
 
 HISTOEY OF POTTER COUNTY. 
 
 Adams, N. B., 136th N. Y. V. 
 
 Ayers, S. F., 46th P. V. • 
 
 Abbott, John, 58th P. V. 
 
 Allen, ■W'esley, 188th N. Y. V. 
 
 Bassett. Byron,** 66th N. Y. 7. ,11th P. R 
 
 Boyer, G. W.,** 31st P. V. C. 
 
 Buck, F., 3d B. 9th C, 1st P. Rifles, and 
 
 hospital steward 207th P. V. 
 Brine, W. S., 1st P. Art. 
 Balcer, Hiram, i87th P. V. 
 Bridges, Hiram, 141st N. Y. V. 
 Barrett, C. N".,* 46th P. V. 
 Barr, C. H.,D, 58d P. V. 
 Boniwitz, Wm., 143d P. V. 
 Bundy, James, 48th P. V. 
 Bates Richard,* 2d N. Y. C. 
 Bishop, E. M.,5th N. Y. V. 
 Baldwin, George, 149th P. V. 
 Blodgett, Merrit, 171st P. V. 
 Brine, Jesse, 77th P. V. 
 Barnes, C. H., 189th N. Y. V. 
 Butler, Chas. A., 86th N. Y. V. 
 Boyer, Andrew, 34th N. Y. V. 
 Babcocli. Benj. F,, 151st P. V. 
 Butler, Wm. A., 46th P. V. 
 Card, Orrin M.,** 199th P. V. 
 Courtright, Orrin, 46th P. V. 
 Colcord, Amos D.,*d, 5th U. S. 0. 
 Covey, John M., *d, 89th N. Y. V. 
 Clinton, Geo., 171st P. V. 
 Colcord, Albert, 76th N. Y. V. 
 Cunningham, M. F., 168th P. V. 
 Carr, E. D., 149th P. V. 
 Chappel, F. H., 11th P. V. C. 
 Clark, Porter, 8th P. C. 
 Calkins, D. J., 1st P. Art. 
 Clark, Thomas, 56th N. Y. V. 
 Cornell, Hiram, 149th P. V. 
 Calkins, John P., 4th N. Y. H. A. 
 Coykendall, Philo H., 1st P. C. 
 Duel, Henry L., 1st P. Rifles. 
 Dolway. John B., 100th N. Y. V. 
 Dingman, Henry, 53d P. V. 
 Davidson, J. B., 161st N. Y. V. 
 Dingee, E., 53d P. V. 
 Davenport, Fred., 89th N. Y. V. 
 Davis, Leonard, 16th P. G. 
 Dingman, William, 46th P. V. 
 Earl, John D., 53d P. V. 
 Everett, D. A., 1st P. Art. 
 Everett, D. D.,* 171st P. V. 
 Fox, George H., d, 51st P. V. 
 Fournes, Edward, 76th P. V. 
 Foster, C. E., 1st P. C. 
 Fickler. E. J., 65th N. Y. V. 
 Freeland, Samuel, 43d P. V. 
 Frame, Arthur, 56th N. Y. V. 
 Gridley, M. L., ** 12th P. V. C. 
 Grodevant, W. M., *» 57th P. V. 
 Green, S. R., 46th P. V. 
 Green, B. A., 58th P. V. 
 Gordnier, John, 2d Iowa V. 
 Green, Ephraim, 58th P. V. 
 Grossman, H. C.,* 138th and 65th P. V. 
 Groves, John R., 5th P. C. 
 Hyde, Edson,** 53d P. V. 
 Hosley, W. T.,** 3d U. S. S. S. 
 
 Haskins, Leroy, 199th P. V. 
 Havens, John P., 211th P. V. 
 Haskins, Ira, 99th P. V. 
 Hewitt, Jefferson, 131st P. V. 
 C.Haynes, R. H., 16th P. C. 
 Hurst, Thomas,* 106th P. V. 
 Hurlburt, Harvey,* 85th N. Y. V. 
 Hazen, Wm. H., 149th P. V. 
 Haynes, B. A., 53d P. V. 
 Hall, Philander, C.,d, 7th P. 0. 
 Hall, M. E.,* 58th P. V. 
 Hartwick, Adam, 17th P. C. 
 Harrington, Thomas, U. S. Navy. 
 Hoyt, Harvey, 164th IST. Y. V. 
 Haskins, Pardon, 99th P. V. 
 Hollenbeck, G. W., 76th P. V. 
 Jackson, Merrick, 46th P. V. 
 Johnston, James, 144th P. V. 
 Jordan, Allen, 46th P. V. 
 King, L. 0.,** 161st and 68th N. Y. V. 
 Kline, Valentine,** 65th N. Y. V. 
 Knowlton, Aaron, 149th P. V. 
 Luckey, Emanuel, 46th P. V. 
 Lamont, C. A., 46th P. V. 
 Larrabee, Cyrenus,* 85th N. Y. V. 
 Lewis, Almon,* 45th and 99th P. V. 
 Lent, Wm B., 149th P. V. 
 Lane, R. B., 136th N. Y. V. 
 Lewis, George C, 5th N. Y. C. 
 Lyman, A. S., 12th N. Y. C. 
 Lewis, Wm. H. H., 16th N. Y. H. A. 
 Lillie, Harrison, 143d N. Y. V. 
 Marble, C. J.,** 107th N. Y. V. 
 Mann, R. L., 49th P. V. 
 Metzger, John, 136th and 207th P. V. 
 Mattison, Wm. H., 18th N. Y. V. and 50th 
 
 N. Y. Eng. 
 Mitchell, George W., 86th N. Y. V. 
 Marsh, Miles, 53d P. V. 
 Moore, W. W., 93d N. Y. V. 
 Meyers, H. L., 93d and 50th P. V. 
 Morris, John, 1st N. Y. Dragoons. 
 Mattison, iohn,D, 48th P. V. 
 MclSTamara, F. B., 61st P. V. 
 McKinnev, Philander, 53d P. V. 
 McNeil, John T.* 5th N. Y. C. 
 Nesbit, John, 46th P. V. 
 Norton, Seymour,** 171st P. V. 
 Owens, A. H.,* 199th P. V. 
 O'Neil, Wm.,* 69th N. Y. V. 
 Pearsall, John B.,** 11th Maryland. 
 Pearsall, G. W.,** 46th P. V. 
 Presho, D. L. C, 149th P. V. 
 Palmatier, C. A., 46th P. V. 
 Quimby, L. S., 141st N. Y. V. 
 Rees, O. J., 46th and 171st P. V. 
 Rees, W. W., 99th P. V. 
 Rennells, At L., 149th P. V. 
 Ruscher, C. H., 46th P. Y. 
 Reer, C. H., 9th Ind. V. and Invalid Corps. 
 Roberts, John, 149th P. V. 
 Rossman, O. W., 46th P. V. 
 Rhone, Wm. F., 178th P. V. 
 Reed, Luther, 97th P. V. 
 Reed, Albert, 53d P. V. 
 Rennells, George W., 149th P. V. 
 Snyder, Hiram, 53d P. V. 
 
 D Deceased. * Transferred or honoratly discharged. * * Charter members. 
 
HISTOEY OF POTTER COUNTY. 
 
 1067 
 
 Simmons, W. C, 76th N. Y. V 
 
 Schauss, C, 41st N. Y. V 
 
 Stillman, A. R., 46th P. V. 
 
 Sheldon, Chas., 93d P. V. 
 
 Snyder, Jacob, 53d P. V. 
 
 Staysa, I. C, 46th P. V. 
 
 Sinsabaugh.'Thos. L., 46th P. V. 
 
 Smock, Samuel, 160th and 78th N Y V 
 
 Story, William, 102d N. Y. V. 
 
 Sticikle, Andrew, 148d N. Y. V 
 
 Tultle, George N.,-*-* 1st P. L A 
 
 Taylor, Edwin,* 161st N. Y. V 
 
 Thomas, L. B., 86th N. Y. V 
 
 Tuttle, J. N., 46th P. V. 
 
 Toombs, Lyman R., 126th N. Y. V. 
 
 Thompson, S., 102d N. Y V 
 Traver, Wm. H.. 154th and 86th N 
 Thompson, G. W., 13th N. Y. Ind 
 Van Ammon, Richard, 1st P. R. C. 
 Wallace, John L., 86th N. Y. V. 
 Wallace, James, 85th N. Y. V 
 Whitman, L. D., 2d Mass C 
 Wright, Ernest. 141st N. Y. V 
 Weimer, John V., 149th P. V 
 Whitney, E. A., 99th P. V. 
 Weimer, Michael. 99th P. V 
 Williams, Allen E., 7th P C 
 Wright, John W., 175th P V 
 Willoiighby, Elisha, 149th P. V 
 Younglove, Geo. F., 46th P. V. 
 
 Y. V. 
 Batt. 
 
 The commanders of the post are named as follows: 0. J. Marble John B 
 Pearsall, John M. Covey, A. S. Lyman and John R. Groves, in 1889. John 
 D Earl has been adjutant for some years, and I. C. Staysa, quartermaster. 
 ihe post elected the following named officers in January, 1890: L. S Ouimbv 
 C.,- L. R. Toombs, S.Y. C. ; Ed. Fickler, J. V. C. ; J. R. Groves, chaplain^ 
 Sydney Lyman, Q. M.; W. H. Grodevant, surgeon; John D. Earl, adjutant; 
 E. M. Bishop, O. of D. ; G. S. Baldwin, O. of G., and John Metzger, QMS 
 
 Amos D. Coleord Camp, No. 121, Sons of Veterans, was chartered July 1 
 1887, with J. B. Colcord, W. J. Norton. J. S. Coleord, A. J. Quimby E H 
 Ashcraft, T. N. Quimby, M. J. Potter, W. M. Quimby, W. M. Staysa, E. N 
 Bridges, H. E. Taxbox, N. E. Buck, J. A. Quimby, C. W. Marble, Arthur 
 Gordnier, Almond Bridges, John Colcord, Jesse Rogers, Burton Roberts, J. 
 McCann, Burton Snyder, Wm. Snyder and Isaac Dingman, members. 
 
 A. F. Jones Woman's Relief Corps, No. 72, was chartered July 4, 1887, 
 with the following named members: Mesdames Charlotte E. Groves, Mary 
 Lyman, Martha Rees, Helen Smock, Keziah Baker, Sarah Davis, Delia Griesel,. 
 Vina Lilly, Sophia Viley, Louisa Marble, and Rose Bishop. Misses Sarah Ly- 
 man, Carrie Presho, Nellie Perkins, Matilda Deemer, Eda Doerner, Nealia 
 Marble, Lettie Palmer, Mary Palmer, Kate Kernan, Inez Metzger, Nora Metz- 
 ger, riorence Mattison, and Isabella Crane. The first officers were installed 
 March 10, that year. 
 
 In 1849 the temperance movement came into notice, and the advocates of 
 this virtue established a little newspaper here. In November, 1853, there were 
 nine Good Templar lodges in the county. Like the greater number of such 
 societies they disbanded, and others with a similar object were organized. 
 Eulalia Division, Sons of Temperance, celebrated its eighteenth anniversary 
 June 22, 1867, being a portion of the veteran reserve corps of temperance in 
 the State. Forest Division of Sons of Temperance was organized March 
 25, 1887, with thirty-five charter members. List of officers : O. J. Rees, W. P. ; 
 Lettie Gordnier, W. A. ; W. H. Rounseville, P. W. P. ; J. E. Rounseville, R. 
 S. ; Carrie Presho, A. S. ; L. R. Bliss, F. S. ; D. W. Butterworth, T. ; Rev. 
 Bush, Chap. ; Frank Gordnier, C. ; Mary McCormic, A. C. ; Ora Nichols, I. S. ;, 
 Lewis Reissmann, O. S., and C. L. Peck, D. D. 
 
 The Coudersport Prohibitory Amendment Club was organized April 30, 
 1889, with Isaac Benson, president; J. W. Allen, vice-president, and C." L. 
 Peck, secretary. The call for the meeting to organize tvas signed by eighty- 
 three citizens. 
 
 The Women's Christian Temperance Union (Coudersport) was organized. 
 August 29, 1879, with Mrs. G. A. Glassmire, president; Mrs. M. E. Stebbins, 
 
 D Deceased. * Transferred or honorably discharged. ** Charter members. 
 
1068 HISTOEY OF POTTER COUNTY. 
 
 vice-president; Mrs. M. W. Mann, corresponding secretary; Mrs. E. W. Ham- 
 ilton, recorder, and Mrs. Mary E. Jones, treasurer. Among the members 
 named in the minutes were Mrs. C. E. Groves, Mrs. Burton Rees, Mrs. D. C. 
 Larrabee, Mrs. Charles H. Armstrong, Miss E. Wright and Mrs. D. S. Haines. 
 The official circle was unchanged in 1880, but in 1881 Mrs. C. H. Armstrong 
 was chosen president, Mrs. P. A. Stebbins, treasurer, and Mrs. D. C Larrabee, 
 recorder. In 1883 Mrs. Mary Jones was elected president, and Mrs. R. 
 Nichols, vice-president. In 1884 Mrs. Allen and Mrs. O. J. Rees filled the 
 offices just named, while Mrs. Nichols took the place of Mrs. Mann, Mrs. Steb- 
 bins being still recorder. There were no changes made in 1885 nor in 1886, 
 but in 1887 Mrs. C. L. Peck was elected correspondent, and Mrs. C. Arm- 
 strong, librarian. The officers elected in September, 1888, were Mrs. J. E. 
 Jones, president; Mesdames W. S. Lewis, C. H. Armstrong and W. A. Crosby, 
 vice-presidents; M. E. Stebbins, recorder; C. L. Peck, corresponding secre- 
 tary, and C. M. Thompson, treasurer. Mesdames M. W. Mann, Haskell and 
 Carrie Eees formed the journal committee; Mesdames M. E. Jones, George 
 Glassmire and C. H. Armstrong, workman committee; with Mesdames Eees, 
 Lewis, Nichols, Stebbins, White, Mann and Larrabee, superintendents of the 
 several departments into which the work of the union is divided. On January 
 6, 1890, the following named officers were chosen: President, Mrs. Louisa 
 Marble; Sr. vice-president. Miss Sadie Lyman; Jr. vice-president, Mrs. Eose 
 Bishop; treasurer, Mrs. Anna Staysa; secretary. Miss Nealia Marble; chaplain, 
 Mrs. May Bell Mattison; conductor, Miss Susie Staysa; guard, Mrs. Delia 
 Griesel. 
 
 The Young Women's Christian Temperance Union, of Coudersport, was 
 organized in September, 1889, with Sarah Lyman, president; Nellie Perkins, 
 vice-president; Jennie Crosby, recorder; Anna Boyer, correspondent, and 
 Eose Armstrong, treasurer. 
 
 The W. C. T. IT. of Potter county elected the following named officers in 
 October, 1889: Mrs. Sarah M. Wells, Oswayo, president; Mrs. Vina Rees, 
 Austin, vice-president; Mrs. M. A. Vincent, West Pike, secretary; Mrs. M. 
 W. Mann, secretary, and Mrs. M. R. Jones, both of Coudersport, treasurer. 
 Mrs. C. S. Eees, president of Costello Union, Mrs. Groves, with Mrs. Glass- 
 mire, Mrs. M. J. Larrabee, of Coudersport, Mrs. W. W. Crittenden, of Os- 
 wayo, Mrs. Eees, Mrs. Hall and Mrs. Jennie Wood, of Eoulette, Mrs. Eliza 
 Foster and Mrs. M. A. Vincent, from West Pike, were present. 
 
 Forest Encampment No. 283, I. O. O. P., was organized August 30, 1889, 
 with the following charter members : H. C. Dornan, C. P. ; Adam Hartwick ; 
 M. A. Harvey; William Lent; George Gale; M. E. White; E. H. Ashcraft, 
 S. W., now H. P.; O. S. Blackman; M. G. Watters; G. C. Eees; A. W. Burt; 
 C. E. Peckham; B. Matteson; G. B. Eooth, H. P., now chief patriarch; Aaron 
 Eobbinson; N. J. Peck, treasurer; W. T. Dyke, now S. W. ; H. T. Nelson; 
 John Phelps; Jerry Gallager; M. J. Potter, scribe; Charles Neefe; F. F. Cut- 
 ler; James Anderson; C. W. Marble; E. Griesel; C. A. Zacharias; John Den- 
 hoof, now J. W. ; W. H. Sullivan; James O'Hara; E. C. Barnes; N. M. Glass- 
 mire; P. J. Lent; J. H. Miller; S. S. Baker; J. M. Kilbourne; G. W. Adams; 
 J. H. Johnston; Byron Bassett; W. H. Chappel; P. L. Eeedy; S. B. Haskins; 
 G. B. Sharp; H. D. H. Snyder, J. W. ; Henry Haskell; G. H. Doane; W\ S. 
 Gates; J. Perce; Pat Gorman; J. H. Freeman; C. J. Marble; E. M. Baker; E. 
 E. Hubbard, scribe; P. J. Maloney; E. Lambert; W. B. Brightman; M. Z. 
 Hurlburt; E. Bishop; I. C. Staysa; John E. Stives; G. W. Hayes; Peter Green; 
 E Welch. 
 
HISTOBI OF POTTEE COUNTY. 1069 
 
 Business.— The Bank of Coudersport was established by Archibald F. 
 Jones & Son in 1873, but fqr some time prior to this a small banking business 
 was transacted in connection with their mercantile house. In 1879, on the 
 death of the senior owner, the business became the property of W. K. Jones, 
 who, in connection with Judge Olmsted, owns the building. In January, 1881, 
 this bank was entered by bank robbers, Cashier Doerner imprisoned in the 
 vault, and $914. 50 abstracted. N. A. Pinney was connected with the bank as 
 book-keeper and teller, and W. W. Harvey as clerk. 
 
 In 1867 the insurance agency of A. B. Mann was opened in Coudersport. 
 It is still in existence, and from it policies are issued throughout the county. 
 
 In 1850 the first cabinet shop in the county was established here by James 
 Bassett, and in 1851 the first planing-mill and turning lathe. Prom that 
 period to the present time many saw-mills have been put in operation, a few 
 of which are still carried on. 
 
 Hammond's tannery, on the J. W. Allen and C. Eeissmann farms, was 
 established in 1880 for the manufacture of sole leather. Francis Hammond, 
 the owner, was superintendent and H. R. Whittaker was foreman. This is 
 one of the great industries of Northern Pennsylvania. The principal build- 
 ings were erected about 100 feet apart to provide against fire, and the forty 
 dwelling houses were erected on the same principle. The annual product is 
 placed at 1,500,000 pounds, and the number of men employed in connection 
 with the works is about 150. 
 
 The Keystone Floui'ing Mills, the property of the Dwight estate, W. B. 
 Gordnier's saw-mill, carding-mill and foundry, O. T. Ellison's saw-mill, A. 
 Eounseville' s and Nelson Goodsell's planing- mills, Pearsall's and Neefe's 
 wagon shops, the C. S. Jones tannery, and Allen & Millard's ironing table 
 and clothes-rack factory were in existence prior to 1889, and in this year the 
 new factory west of the depot was completed. The works were purchased in 
 February, l890, by the Hoyt Bros. , of New York. S. Burr continues in charge 
 with Watson Dike in charge of store. 
 
 In the pioneer chapter of the general history, as well as in this chapter, ref- 
 erence is made to the hotels kept by Cartee, Dickinson and Ives .... The old 
 Glassmire house stood on the vacant corner southwest of the square, and 
 another house (hotel) stood where the Vielly House now stands .... The old 
 Hickory House, which stood near where the jail is, was a two-story frame 
 
 building In 1869 the American Hotel, S. D. Kelly, proprietor, was burned. 
 
 It stood upon the ground now occupied by the residence of Orson Crosby. 
 
 The Commercial House was built in 1882, and opened in September by 
 James Turner. Early in 1883 the house became the property of Lyman Cobb, 
 who leased to James Johnson; Fred. Davenport carried on the house later, 
 until George Eogers became lessee in 1884. Maj. Sibert carried on the house 
 until March, 1885, when L. S. Quimby purchased the building and furniture. 
 He carried on the hotel until December, 1888, when A. R. Moore leased the 
 house. At the close of 1889 Mr. Quimby returned as landlord, succeeding 
 
 Mr. Moore The Coudersport House was erected a number of years ago by 
 
 Schoomaker, who carried on a store there for some years, when the building 
 became untenanted; was again used as a store by H. Nelson until the building 
 was purchased by Daniel Baker, who fitted the house for hotel purposes. The 
 house has been carried on by D. Baker, Kelly & Brown, Erastus Lewis, Matt. 
 Gridley, J. O. Edgecomb, John Covey and Nathaniel Glassmire, who purchased 
 the house in 1887. In September, 1889, A. B. Crowell, of Ulysses, purchased 
 the site of the old Coudersport Hotel, on the corner of Main and Second streets. 
 He commenced work on a three-story brick building for a hotel, intended to be 
 
1070 HISTORY OP POTTER COUNTY. 
 
 first-class in all modern conveniences and appliances .... On May 3, 1883, the 
 work of construction on the Coudersport & Harbison Valley Telephone line 
 was begun, and within a week was completed. .. .Tbe Coudersport & Port 
 Allegany Telegraph line was put up in 1887 by the Coudersport & Port Alle- 
 gany Railroad Company. 
 
 The business circle at the beginning of 1889 comprised the following: W. 
 A. Shear, groceries; M. S. Thompson & Co., druggists; H. J. Olmsted & 
 Sons, hardware; Eaymond & Eobinson, general store; Jones & Hodskin, 
 general store; W. F. Junge, groceries; J. E. Forster, groceries; S. Deiches, 
 clothing; G. H. Doane, hardware; P. A. Stebbins & Bro. , general store ; Charles 
 Reissmann, furniture; Z. J. Thompson, groceries; N. K. Hollenbeck, millinery; 
 K. Zimmerman, groceries; M. L. Grridley, flour and feed; French & Chase, 
 druggists; C. H. Armstrong & Co., general store; O. E. Armstrong, jeweler; 
 G. B. Chamberlain, variety store; William M. Metzger, one billard and two 
 pool tables; G. H. Grabe, furniture; John Schafer, groceries and bakery; C. 
 W. Welton, one billiard and one pool table; A. J. Quimby, groceries; K. R. 
 Hodskin, clothing; E. N. Stebbins, clothing; C. W. Niles, grocery and bakery; 
 F. Hammond, general store; Thomas Lyon, groceries and oysters. 
 
 CHAPTER X. 
 
 ABBOT AND ALLEGHENY TOWNSHIPS. 
 
 Abbot Township Confokmation — First Inhabitants — Settlement of 
 
 Gekmania— OLE Bull's Colony— Haedsiiips of the Pioneers — Interest- 
 ing Accounts— Some First EveStts and Things— Miscellaneous. 
 
 Allegheny Township The Summit Township of Potter — Topography 
 
 —Population and Assessment — Early Names, Churches, Business, etc. 
 
 ABBOT TOWNSHIP, adjoining Stewardson on the north, bounded east by 
 Tioga county, is a wilderness in its southeastern sections, along the heads 
 of Kettle creek, while the new Bergen anticlinal through the northwestern 
 sections shows a valley of about four miles in width, watered by the several 
 runs forming the head of Cross forks, which cut through the Catskill for- 
 mation and expose the upper Chemung rocks. The valley is about eleven 
 miles long by the given width, broken by high and steep hills, and singularly 
 picturesque. All the rock formations common to this section are found here, 
 and even the mysterious boulder is present to entertain the traveler. 
 
 There were 58 taxpayers listed in 1853; in 1889 there were 186, with 
 property valued at $148,426. The population in 1880 was 623, including 101 
 in Germania village, and in 1888 there were 40 Republicans, 105 Democrats, 
 14 Prohibitionists, and 1 Union Labor, representing 800 inhabitants. Abbot 
 township was established in 1851, and the assessment made in 1852. The as- 
 sessment roll gives the names of the following residents: Henry Anderson, 
 clerk, valuation $200; Ole Bull, $549; David, John and William Conway, 
 Wm. V. Dann (surveyor), Olans Salberg (baker), Geo. Wran, Peter Yochum, 
 Adam Yoh, Hubbard Starkweather, J. Clausen, and Wirts Seeker, farmers; 
 Otto Raas (teacher), Elling Lawsen (farmer), Andreas Brunker, B. A. and Ole 
 Bergeson, Aug. Amandsen, Peter Anderson, Brede, Ole and Staver Eversen, 
 
HISTOKY OF POTTER COUNTY. 1071 
 
 S. E. Evenson, Dan. Erickaen, Paul Eahnsen, E. Jacobsen, Haas Halm, Ever 
 Huberget, E. Kulmsee, Petter Lamo, M. and C. Mathiesen, N. Nielsen, seven Ol- 
 sons, Ole Pedersen, Lars Peytg, Gua. Skoyen, Axel Saxtorph, Toley Tostensen 
 Tasten Farrensen, — Wiese and Witte, all day laborers; John Zerbee w' 
 Mealin, Wm. Mure, Peter and John Dilcamp, E. Dun, Sam. Barks and Sol. 
 Baligh, owners of 100- acre tracts of hills. 
 
 In 1855 Germania was settled by a number of Germans under the leader- 
 ship of Dr. Chas. Meine. Of the early experiences, Dr. Meine writes as 
 follows: "When I came here to Potter county, October, 1855, to begin the 
 German settlement, about eighteen Dane and Norwegian families, the remain- 
 der of Ole Bull's settlement, were left here in Abbot, beside the settlement on 
 Yochum Hill, which was started before the Ole Bull settlement. The German 
 Company, Wm. Eadde, New York, bought out these Danish and Norwegian set- 
 tlers, who moved, mostly, to Wisconsin. In November, 1855, we built our 
 first log-house, the starting point of Germania. I helped cut the first tree for 
 fire-logs in front of our bough house, it being so cold that we had to take the 
 ax along to cut the ice if we wanted some water for tea. In January, 1856, we 
 put the roof on this log house. It was so cold that a nail touched by the 
 naked hand was instantly frozen to the fingers. We were four men, and in 
 order to keep us from freezing one had to keep two stoves red hot. We had 
 regular two-hours watch in turn; no bedding, two woolen blankets for four 
 men; nothing to eat in five weeks but buckwheat cakes and molasses. I went 
 one Sunday, in 1855, through the whole of Abbot township for bread, and did 
 not find a mouthful— plenty of dry buckwheat cakes though. A poor Norwe- 
 gian felled a tree on his cow, and had to cut her throat. He reported this, 
 crying, to us, who were overglad to buy the beef. In the spring of 1856 the 
 company had some land cleared off, a saw-mill was erected, and the hotel, a store 
 and dwelling house, by the company. Some families moved in; I built my 
 house; we had hard times; nearest railroad station forty-two miles off — Tioga 
 village. We commenced to clear lands, build roads, etc. With the motto 
 ' stick to it, ' we have created a nice settlement in the wilderness, with good 
 roads, school-houses and churches. Good farms, and the people are satisfied 
 with their situation. ' ' 
 
 We are indebted to Conrad M. Miller for the following additional items 
 regarding the settlement of Germania: " In 1856 there were living in the 
 town of Germania Dr. Charles Meine, Mr. Martin, Mr. Heinewitz, Mr. Miller, 
 Isaac Miller, Michael Schwarzenbach and others. Otto Meine, son of Dr. 
 Meine, was the first male child born in Germania. The house of Isaac Miller 
 was used for a school-house, and the pupils were taught by a Mr. Allen." 
 Mr. G. M. Miller, himself, was the second male child born in the settlement, 
 having first seen the light November 6, 1858. 
 
 The first store was opened in Germania by Fred T. Sahr and Christian 
 Petersen. The first school-house was built on Yochum Hill, and the first 
 teacher was David Conway .... The business circle of to-day comprises Otto 
 Braum, general store; C. A. Meissner & Son, general store; Charles Hepp, 
 one pool table; Paul Milde, groceries and oysters; S. Theis & Son, general 
 store; John Bodler, boots and shoes. . . .In 1859 the first grist-mill was built 
 in Abbot by the Germania Land Company .... In 1867 the first church organi- 
 zation took place in Abbot, at Germania — -Lutheran. The first preacher was 
 Eev. Fred. Quensch .... The Germania Cemetery Association was organized in 
 September, 1874, with Dr. C. Meine, C. Sandbach, F. Scheinkonig, M. Hand- 
 werk and M. Gutzsell, trustees. There were ninety-six members, residents of 
 West Branch and Abbot townships, who subscribed 15 each to the capital 
 
1072 HISTOEY OF POTTER COUNTY. 
 
 stock. ..A child of Jobn Shawl, a pipe-line inspector of New Bergen and 
 postmaster at that point, was lost in the woods. The afPair created much 
 sympathy for the parents, and the people turned out en ynasse to search; but 
 in vain — not a trace of the little girl was ever found .... In February, 1878, 
 two Indians from Salamanca visited Coudersport. They stated they were on 
 a bear hunt, but the people credited their visit to their knowledge of the lead 
 deposits in the Kettle creek and Pine creek neighborhoods. In May, 1889, 
 the Little Kettle Creek Improvement Company, W illiam Dent, Charles Meine, 
 August Schwarzenbach, Ezra Canfield, Emil Peltz and others petitioned for a 
 charter, with the object of clearing, widening, straightening and deepening of 
 Little Kettle creek in Abbot and Stewardson townships, from its confluence 
 with the Main Kettle creek at Oleona, to its source, a distance of less than 
 twenty miles. 
 
 New Bergen, or Carter Camp, and Germania, are the principal post-office 
 centers of this township. 
 
 The officers of the township elected in February, 1890, are as follows: 
 Justice of the peace, Henry Theis; constable, Peter Zepp; collector, Peter 
 Zepp; assessor, Peter Zepp; supervisor, Louis Gnau; treasurer, John Zenger- 
 lee; town clerk, Fred Woelfel; auditor, Paul Milde; school directors, Will- 
 iam Tomke and Henry Gressel; overseer of the poor, George Schultheis; 
 judge of election, Emanuel Schwarzenbach; inspectors of election, Conrad 
 Henser and John C. Hay. 
 
 ALLEGHENY TOWNSHIP. 
 
 Allegheny township, formerly called Denmark until the change of name 
 in 1830, is undoubtedly the summit township of Potter. Near its center are 
 the heads of the Allegheny, the Oswayo, and of the west branch of the Gene- 
 see, while Miller' s branch of that river rises near Eaymond' s, and south of Ray- 
 mond' s is the head stream of Gushing creek, thus connecting the springs of 
 this township with the north and south Atlantic and the Gulf of Mexico. 
 Rose lake, in the northwest quarter is a reservoir cut in the Chemung rock 
 by nature. Red soil, red rock and slate prevail, while in the Cobb settlement, 
 near the village of Raymond's the wonderful loafing conglom boulder claims 
 the attention. 
 
 The population in 1880 was 672; the tax-payers in 1889, 19,0; the votes 
 in 1888, Republican 100, Democrat 50, representing a population of at least 
 750. The assessed value in 1889 was 180,255. 
 
 The township was assessed along with Genesee prior to 1837. In that year 
 Chester Andrews, assessor, found here Levi Andrews, John Abby, George 
 Bence, Robert Butler, Thomas Chatterton, Cornelius Canon, Simeon N. Canon, 
 Daniel Corwin, Daniel Clark, John Dwight, Consider Ellis, John Erwin, Com- 
 fort D. Felt, Lemuel V. Lowell, Oliver, William and John Lowell, Henry Nel- 
 son, Timothy Ives, Jr. , John Pye, Isaac Quick, Cyrenus and Henry Lynch, 
 Sam. Newell, Sam. Hunt, Dan. Raymond, Truman Burr, Henry King, Jona- 
 than Biam, Marion and Levi T. Moore, John Jacobs, D. and C. Reynolds, 
 George Judd, and Eli and Elisha Chamberlain; Robert Blackwell, William 
 Bingham and T. M. Welling were the owners of unseated lands at this time. 
 Harry Lent, a native of Bradford county, Penn. , came in about fifty-six yeairs 
 ago, but his name does not appear on the tax list. 
 
 On May 15, 1867, the Presbyterian Church of Raymond was opened, J. L. 
 Swain being principal in urging the building. The house stands on a lot do- 
 nated by Mr. Cobb. Prior to this time the old school-house was used by all 
 Protestant denominations for worship. Since 1867 they have been permitted 
 
HISTORY OF POTTER COUNTl. 1073 
 
 to use the church building, but in May, 1887, the question of joint owmership 
 was raised. 
 
 The Union Church society of Allegheny was incorporated in 1888, with B. 
 F. Bishop. C. E. Tucker and W. A. Gardner, managers. The object was to build 
 a house of worship for the use of the Methodists, Presbyterians, Baptists and 
 Universalists of Andrews Settlement, to be controlled by the Methodists. 
 There were fifteen members at organization in March, 1888. The building 
 was dedicated January 24, 1889, B. F. Bishop, C. B. Tucker andW. A. Gard- 
 ner being the managing committee. Andrews Settlement Cemetery Association 
 was incorporated in February, 1888, with B. F. Bishop, Charles Coats, D. W. 
 Rogers, E. A. Andrews, E. Ellis and E. H. Estes directors. At Raymond 
 is the general store of Conable Bros. (W. E. Freeman kept the general store 
 here in the seventies), at Colesburg is A. Veley's general store, and at Andrews 
 Settlement is the store of W. H. Matteson. John C. Cavenaugh, one of the old 
 settlers who has been for thirty-five years a tipstaff of the court, and is now 
 living with his son, James Cavenaugh, in Coudersport, came into the county 
 in 1836. He settled in this township on the farm now occupied by Warren 
 Gardner. At this time there were not more than twelve or fourteen voters in 
 the township. The elections were held at the house of Levi Andrews, the only 
 dwelling house at the time where now stands Andrews Settlement. The elec- 
 tions were held at that time for Allegheny and Genesee townships together. 
 There was a log school-house at Andrews Settlement. The school was taught 
 by a Mr. Cannon. 
 
 In July, 1889, the Sons of Temperance of Andrews Settlement elected the 
 following named officers: Lena Andrews, Clara Scoville, Almond Scoville, 
 Charles Bishop, Ella James, Allen Gardner, John Bishop, W. Simons, Mrs. 
 Hall, Lewis Dwight and Lulu Burch. 
 
 The officers of this township elected in 1890 are the following named: Su- 
 pervisor, R. A. Andrews; constable, W. E. Weaver; collector, W. E. Weaver; 
 town clerk, E. A. Haskell; auditor, D. L. Raymond; treasurer, W. B. Perkins; 
 overseer of the poor, B. F. Bishop; school directors, E. Miller and H. Steb- 
 bins; judge of election, M. A. Veley; inspectors of election, M. Hattenstein, 
 F. P. Leet, and for the Woodville independent district the following named 
 school directors were chosen : James Bird and Philo Stonemets. 
 
 CHAPTER XI. 
 BINGHAM TOWNSHIP. 
 
 Geology of the Township— Tornadoes— Population and Values— Names of 
 Settlers— A Number of First Things— Educational and Religious- 
 Miscellaneous. 
 
 BINGHAM is the second in the northern tier of townships. The Catskill 
 claims this township almost totally, surrendering a small space in the 
 northwest and southwest to the Pocono, knd at the mouth of Turner's creek to 
 the Chemung. The Genesee river. Turner's creek and small streams, with 
 Marsh brook and other heads of the Cowanesque, drain this territory. Near 
 the southwest corner on the middle branch of the Genesee, at the old Lyon, 
 
1014 HISTORY OF POTTER COUNTY. 
 
 Pooler & Whitney saw- mill, and on the Genesee line, there is an exposure of 
 about fifty feet of greenish-gray sandstone, light gray sandstone, reddish sand- 
 stone, red shale' and greenish shale; the latter containing fish remains and the 
 light gray or green sandstone, fucoidal impressions. Fish remains are also 
 visible in the reddish sandstone of this section, some of which show a distinct 
 false bedding. Plant stems and the traces of ferns are visible in the greenish 
 shales; and the dip of the whole exposure is decidedly toward the southeast; 
 that is, toward the Coudersport synclinal axis. Red soil and red rock are com- 
 mon with some sandy loam and some dark, loose, gravelly loam; while near 
 Bingham Centre weathered boulders and sandstone blocks may be seen. The 
 tornado of 1837 tore down a large area of the forest. In July, 1883, a heavy 
 wind storm did much damage to houses, farms, orchards and cattle. Deacon 
 Raymond being among the heavy sufPerers. 
 
 The population in 1880 was 832; the number of voters in 1888 was 202 (or 
 139 Republican, 41 Democrat, 20 Prohibition and 2 Union Labor), represent- 
 ing 1,010 inhabitants. The number of taxables in 1889 was 264, and the assessed 
 value, $89,801. The resident tax-payers in 1831-32 were Theodore Doty, 
 Jr. and Sr. (the father died about forty-seven years ago), William P. Doty, 
 Daniel Rooks, Sr. (died fifty years ago), Phineas Miller, Francis Wilber, Ad- 
 lum Muarn, Dr. Benjamin Van Campin (an herb doctor, died about fifty-five years 
 ago ; he set out roots, which grow on the Raymond farm) Jeremiah Chapman, 
 Levi Andrews (father of the Andrews Settlement, settled on the Asahel Howe 
 place; died at Post Town, N. Y.), Peter Covenhoven, Truman Stevens, William 
 Kibbe, Levi Kibbe, Alanson Andrews, John M. Rider, Lesley Lawrence, 
 William Howe (killed by his horse forty-eight years ago), Alvin Spenser, Mary 
 Jones, William M. Jones, E. P. Bouges, Abel P. Russell, Mattison, David 
 Lanbartin, Hezekiah Kibbe (died on the Colston farm), I. Howe (died here), 
 Henry McCarn (a carpenter), William Carpenter (moved away forty years ago), 
 Amasa Finch, Theo. Carpenter, Moses Miniek, Hiram and Ezra Niles (lived 
 near Bingham Centre), Seth Warner, James, Daniel and Salmon Hawley, John 
 Brown, David Tanner, Cornelius Ives (a brother of Timothy Ives and son of 
 Timothy, who was crazy for a number of years), George W. Rose, Joshua 
 Thompson, John H. Rose (shot himself about fifty-one years ago), Ashbel Monroe 
 (the leading farmer of olden days), Jacob Graham (who died of heart disease), 
 Ephraim Wright, John Kile, Joseph Gahan, George W. Daniels (the Adventist, 
 who bought a wagon from Joel Raymond on condition that should Christ come 
 the note would be settled), Oliver Warner, J. W. Jones, Benjamin Milkes (a 
 shoemaker), William Kibbe, David and Lewis Turner, Lisander Smead and 
 William S. Kibbe. Cornelius Ives was assessor and Theo. Carpenter collector. 
 William Howe's saw-mill was assessed $150, the Binghams giving him fifty 
 acres of land as bonus. The mill is gone, and the lands are grown over. The 
 first farm was opened by Theodore Doty at the northeast corner of the township, 
 on the State road. Daniel Rooks had the next farm, followed by John S. Rooks, 
 Dr. Van Campin, Jeremiah Chapman (or Chatham), Levi Andrus, Truman 
 Stevens and William Howe. They were all farmers except Chapman, who 
 owned twenty-five acres, and attended to postal, blacksmith and other affairs 
 rather than to his small tract. Alva Carpenter was the first male child born in Bing- 
 ham, in 1826. His father, Theodore, came with his wife and son George in 
 1825. Abigail Kibbe was the first girl in the settlement to be married, Will- 
 iam Howe being the happy man on the occasion. He l:\jiilt the first frame 
 house in the township. The first person buried in the beautiful cemetery at 
 North Bingham was Mrs. Sarah Ives, in 1834. Dr. Van Campin was the next. 
 In June, 1889, a petition for the incorporation pf the cemetery was presented 
 
HISTORY OF POTTER COUNTY. 1077 
 
 by Attorney N. J. Peck, representing P. W. Lawrence, J. L. Eaymond, G. W. 
 Colvin, D. T. Hauber, W. W. Ensworth, Lyman Books and others. 
 
 Li February, 1829, Ashabel Monroe settled on a farm in Bingham town- 
 ship, where he lived and died. This farm is still known as the Ashbel Mon- 
 roe place. And about this time Joshua Thompson moved in a more northern 
 portion of Bingham. C. H. Grover came with his father, David, in 1834; 
 David died in 1859, while C. H. Grover resides on the Ulysses and Spring Mills 
 road, near Ira Carpenter's. Benjamin Atwood settled between the Ira Car- 
 penter and C. H. Grover farms. He came about the time that the Thompsons 
 and other families arrived. When Ira Carpenter was moving to his present 
 farm in 1839, he saw the Isaac Jones barn, north. Ora Millard, at whose log- 
 house the first elections were held, resided where P. W. Lawrence's black- 
 smith shop now stands. Ben Van Campin was the first, and Gideon Turner 
 was the second justice, serving until 1836. David Grover was elected under 
 the new constitution, and was. also town clerk. 
 
 Isaac Wickson and Daniel Rooks were Revolutionary soldiers; Marshall 
 Bobbins, William Kibbe, Timothy Howe, Owen Gardner and Levi Madison, 
 soldiers of the war of 1812, while the soldiers of the Civil war are named in 
 the military chapter. Jeremiah Chapman was the first postmaster. Joel Ray- 
 mond succeeded him in 1841, and held the office, east of Chapman's, for 
 twelve years, when it was moved to Jones' Corners (North Bingham), and 
 James Jones appointed master. N. L. Dike was appointed later, under whom 
 the office ceased after the war, the people having to go to Spring Mills. On 
 the re-establishment of the office, William G. Raymond was appointed in 1878, 
 and has held the office down to the present. In 1828 Isaac Wickson sold goods 
 in Bingham, on the farm of Gideon Turner, northwest of North Bingham. 
 This was the first thing in the way of a store in the Bingham settlement. To- 
 day there are stores at West Bingham, Bingham Centre and North Bingham, 
 conducted, respectively, by O. A. Buckley, R. H. Howe and J. L. Raymond. 
 Before the present Hawley mill existed, James and Philander Hawley built a 
 log grist mill below the present mill, which was burned in 1839. The present 
 Hawley mill was erected in 1840. Truman Stevens built a saw-mill above 
 Howe's mill, early in the "thirties." David Turner had also a mill near Bing- 
 ham Centre. Harry Crittenden built a water saw-mill in Ludington, or Steam- 
 mill Hollow, in 1830-31. Ludington & Pearce built a steam saw-mill in the 
 "fifties," which was used until the pine was exhausted, when the machinery 
 was moved. 
 
 The first school-house was erected between 1826 and 1830, on the State 
 road, which was opened by Mr. Sanders. Prior to this, one year before — it is 
 said in 1 826 — Delila Kibbe presided over a small class in a barn belonging to 
 Truman Stevens. The mother asked Delila what a fortification was, when she 
 answered: " Why, mother, its two twentyfications. " After her marriage to J. 
 L. Rooks, the great frost occurred, and, in speaking of it, she said that " it 
 killed everything in the garden except the cabbage and turnip." Benjamin 
 S. Grover followed Delila, then C. B. Ball, Tracy Scott, Charles Newland and 
 W. H. Rogers, all identified as teachers with the pioneer schools. In 1839, 
 when Ira Carpenter came, there was a school-house on the State road, on the 
 State line, opposite the cemetery. The Brown school-house was on the Gideon 
 Turner farm, presided over by B. L. Grover, while another house stood on the 
 old John Kile farm (now owned by S. S. Carpenter), presided over by Squire 
 Grover; a fourth in the south center, on the George W. Daniels farm, kept by 
 L. S. Hoag; and a fifth, the Lancaster, was where Abel Bishop's farm now is. 
 The Turner school-house, at West Bingham, was built in 1850, Ira Carpenter 
 being one of the builders. 
 
 58 
 
1078 HISTOBY OF POTTEK COUNTY. 
 
 The first religious services were held in a log school-house, a little west of 
 the North Bingham Cemetery, in 1833, by the Baptists. In 1836 a Baptist 
 society existed at North Bingham, the Kibbes, John Rooks, Cornelius Ives, 
 Deacon J. H. Lee, William G. Raymond, Joel Raymond and others, holding 
 meetings in the school-houses. Messrs. Chase, Newlon and Scott were early 
 preachers. Benjamin Capron preached about thirty- one years ago. The first 
 church-house in the township was completed in June, 1881, on land donated by N. 
 W. Lewis. The building committee comprised Joel Raymond, N. W. Lewis, 
 David T. Hauber, A. N. Clark, P. W. Lawrence and John H. Chase. The 
 cost was about $2,000. Prior to this time meetings were held in school build- 
 ings, but since 1881, Baptists and Methodists have worshiped in the union 
 house. In 1837 Deacon Raymond joined this church, was with it when it dis- 
 banded in 1853, and, on its re-organization in 1857, was ordained deacon. 
 
 In 1836 a Methodist class, of which Marshal Robbins was leader, existed, 
 and meetings held with some regularity. Mr. Crandall was preacher in 1839, 
 Hiram Niles' house being the place of meeting. Mr. Crandall got into some 
 social difficulty, which broke up the society here, but recently some members 
 
 of this denomination formed a class and worshiped in the union church 
 
 In 1889 there were only three persons living in the township who were heads 
 of families when Ira B. Carpenter came, in 1839 — the Widow Bethiah Lewis, 
 
 of Bingham Centre, and Amasa Robbins and wife, of Perryville North 
 
 Bingham, West Bingham and Bingham Centre are the post-offices of this town- 
 ship. 
 
 The officers for Bingham township, elected in February, 1890, are the fol- 
 lowing named: Justice of the peace, I. B. Carpenter; constable, F. T. Ran- 
 som; collector, F. T. Ransom; supervisor, Charles Allen; town clerk, J. H. 
 Holbert; treasurer, R. S. Carpenter; school directors, James Patterson, J. H. 
 Holbert; overseer of the poor, Charles Allen; judge of election, Chester Grover; 
 inspectors of election, Clint McElroy, R. N. Howe. 
 
 CHAPTER XII. 
 
 CLARA, HEBRON AND PLEASANT VALLEY TOWNSHIPS. 
 
 Clara Township Its Topography— First Tax-payers and Early Elec- 
 tions— Settlers— Schools, ETC.— Elections in February, 1890. 
 
 Hebron Township Date of Establishment— Population— Residents in 
 
 1839— Sad Accident— School— Church and Cemetery— Elections in Feb- 
 ruary, 1890. 
 
 Pleasant Valley Township Locality— Taxables— First Church and 
 
 School — Elections in February, 1890. 
 
 CLARA TOWNSHIP (known as Milton in 1828) does not difFer much in 
 formation from Hebron on the east and Pleasant Valley on the west. 
 Clara creek runs north to feed the Oswayo, and Roulette creek runs soath to 
 swell the stream of Pishing creek. The Oswayo synclinal hills have a 
 width of six miles here, and on warrant 3439 is the boulder -covered summit 
 about 2,330 feet above ocean level. In the neighborhood of Clara post-office is 
 the celebrated outcrop of green sandstone. 
 
HISTORY OF POTTER COUNTY. 1079 
 
 The population in 1880 was 238. In 1888 there were 41 Republican, 16 
 Democrat, 2 Prohibitionist and 4 Union Labor votes cast, representing 315 
 inhabitants. The number of taxables in 1889 was 94, and the assessed value, 
 $89,150. The resident tax-payers of Clara in 1836-37 were R. W. Allen, David 
 Brown, G. Fosmer, J. C. Fessenden (assessor), Jacob, Isaac and Luke Cole, 
 Phil. Hawes, H. Leroy, John and Isaac Lyman, M. Lamphere, Nathan Phillips, 
 Samuel, Nathan and Robert Wakely and Nathan West. In 1860 there were 
 35 voters, and in 1869 there were 69 resident tax-payers. 
 
 The first record of an election in Clara was of one that took place on the sec- 
 ond Friday in February, 1836, at which Nathan Phillips was elected supervisor 
 and Maxon Lamphere, A. G. West and R. W. Allen, auditors. The town 
 meeting was held at the house of R. W. Allen. The general elections were 
 held in a log-house in Millport, in conjunction with Sharon. In 1847 Clara, 
 township was divided, and the western half was named Pleasant Valley. In 
 1832 Richard W. Allen and Garret Fosmer moved to Clara. Mr. Allen was a. 
 blacksmith, and his forge was erected in a shingle shanty, which was burned in; 
 1834. Just before this Shelden Bradley moved into the township. Reuben 
 Clark went over from Eulalia to assist at the raising of Bradley's house. He 
 took his dinner with him, but, staying all night, he had to catch some trout from 
 the stream now known as Bradley run for his breakfast. These he roasted at 
 a fire in the open air. The Greenmans, one of whom resides at Bldred, were 
 among the old settlers. About the year 1835 in Clara, N. Phillips, Garret 
 Fosmer, David Brown, M. Lamphere, Philip Haynes, Nathan Wakely and R. 
 W. Allen met and built a log school-house on the farm of R. W. Allen. It 
 was a cold, cheerless affair, but it demonstrated by its existence that the first 
 settlers' heads were sound, for it was the first step toward giving their children 
 an education. The first winter school was taught by David Hall, and the first 
 summer school by Harriet Allen. 
 
 Rodney L. Nichols, who resided near the north corners of Clara and Hebron 
 townships, when ageilt for the land owners, had the carriage which was used 
 by Daniel Webster. A few years ago the old vehicle was sold, and is now said 
 to belong to a farmer on Eleven Mile creek. 
 
 Clara post-office is located in the northeast corner of the township on a 
 branch of the Oswayo .... Frederick P. Brooks, who died at Lodge Pole, Neb. , 
 January 6, 1890, aged seventy-two, and Lydia Brooks, who died on January 9, 
 same year, aged sixty-seven, resided there five years, having previously lived 
 in Clara township for forty-two years. 
 
 The officers of the township, elected in February, 1890, are as follows: 
 Justice of the peace, J. L. Allen; constable, O. E. Corsaw; collector, O. E. 
 Corsaw; supervisor, Odell Fowler; treasurer, J. M. Tyler; town clerk, F. B. 
 Stevens; auditor, A. Weimer; overseer of the poor, H. Baker; school direct- 
 ors, E. L. Fish, John Tauscher; judge of election, Samuel Ferguson; inspect- 
 ors of election, Madison Bridges, M. E. Baker. 
 
 HEBEON TOWNSHIP. 
 
 Hebron township is divided by the R. H. & B. anticlinal, with the Cou- 
 dersport synclinal hills in the southwest corner, and the Oswayo synclinal hills 
 in the northwest. Dent brook and Steer brook rise in the southeast corner, 
 and flow across the south line into the Allegheny through deep ravines. Fish- 
 ing creek flows from a point near Hebron post-office, southwest to Roulette, 
 while Whitney's creek, South Branch and other feeders of the Oswayo rise in 
 the north half of township, and flow northwest through magnificent gulches. 
 A mile southeast of East Hebron, massive boulders of conglom lie around in con- 
 
1080 HISTORY OF POTTEE COUNTY. 
 
 fusion, and in a few other places those evidences of Nature's whims are to be 
 seen. Two and one-half miles from Hebron, on the Clara road, is the moun- 
 tain top, 2, 397 feet above ocean level, or 280 feet above the level of the village. 
 
 The population in 1880 was 835. In 1888 there were 122 Republican, 
 45 Democrat, 9 Prohibitionist, and 17 Union Labor votes, representing 965 
 inhabitants. The number of tax-payers in 1889 was 279, and the assessed value, 
 $69,138. The township was established in 1832, and in 1839 the resident 
 tax-payers were Martin Britt, Samuel Baker, Shelden Bradley, D. C. Brian 
 (or O'Brien), Eleazer Chamberlin, Ezra Carpenter, Hiram Cheeseboro, Daniel 
 and Nelson Clark, Noah Crittenden, Julian Coon, Versal Dickinson, B. D. 
 Dolbee, L. D. Felt, J. M. Greenman, W. H. Hydorn, Judson Kine, Moses 
 Haney, Gard. Hall, Luke Seaman, C. Lincoln, Nathan and Ezekiel Main, Joe 
 Milham, John Pearsall, Foster Eeynolds, John Bead, George, Anson and 
 George W. Stillman, Ozias Sparks, Louis Wood, John Wells, James C. Whitney 
 (saw-mill), James Whitney, John White (assessor), Joab H. Ross and Seth Tag- 
 gart. In 1834 there was one school-house at least, in Potter county, built in 
 1833, on the G. W. Stillman farm, in Hebron township. 
 
 Dr. Mattison. in his history of this township, says: "Up to 1829 the only 
 families in Hebron were those of Peabody, Whitney, Reuben Card and John 
 White. A colony of Seventh Day Baptists from Alfred came into the town. In 
 1833 Nathan Main, of Hebron, was killed by a falling tree while chopping a fal- 
 low in Hebron. There were so few settlers at this time that this first fatal 
 accident in the county cast a gloom over the entire community. 
 
 ■' W. H. Hydorn came from Rensselaer county, N. Y. , and settled in Hebron, 
 this year. The Seventh Day Baptists organized their church in Hebron in 
 1833. Their first pastor was Rev. N. V. Hull. The first saw-mill in the town 
 was built by a man named Whitney. H. Lord and John Dwight, kept the 
 first store on Oswayo creek. A covenant was entered into by the early settlers 
 of this township not to use liquor, a resolution that was rigidly kept. In 
 1833 the first wedding was celebrated in this township between Jeanette Coon 
 and Ezekiel Main. The first birth was that of Amanda Crandall. The first 
 school was taught in 1834 by Elias Wells." 
 
 The Seventh Day Baptist Church of Hebron was incorporated September 
 23, 1869, with J. M. Greenman, J. H. R. Greenman, W. C. Reynolds, W. H. 
 Hydorn, G. W. Stillman and S. Greenman, officials. The Hebron Cemetery 
 Association was organized in February, 1882, with the object of establishing 
 a burial ground near Hebron post-office. The directors were Svlvester Green- 
 man, L. R. Burdic, W. Hydorn, G. W. Stillman and J. T. Randall In 1889 
 
 the John Schollard store at East Hebron was assessed as a first-class store 
 .... The post-offices of the township are Hebron, in the southwest corner, and 
 East Hebron, in the east center. 
 
 The officers of the township elected in February, 1890, are as follows: 
 Supervisor, Mark Harvey; constable, E. D. Clare; treasurer, Edwin Hollen- 
 beck; collector, H. W. Press; town clerk, John Schollard; auditor, F. M. 
 VanWegen; overseer of the poor, E. E. Swift; school directors, R. H. Peet, 
 C. H. Sherwood; judge of election, Albert Eggleston; inspectors of election, 
 Floyd Estes, Miles Higley. 
 
 PLEASANT VALLEY TOWNSHIP. 
 
 Pleasant Valley varies in formation from Clara only in the greater width of 
 elevated plateau. Sartwell creek flows south, and the feeders of Bell's run of 
 the Oswayo runs north. The Chemung formation forms a narrow strip along the 
 northern section, as an introduction to the fairer land of Sharon. The hills are 
 
HISTOBY OP POTTER COUNTY. 1081 
 
 bold and steep, and the canons narrow and deep, except in the agricultural 
 valley of Sartwell creek. The population in 1880 was 211, increased, by 1888, 
 to 300, the latter figure being based on the twenty-five Republican and thirty- 
 five Democratic votes cast. The number of tax-payers in 1889 is 101, and the 
 assessed value, $47,445. 
 
 Pleasant Valley township was assessed, in 1855, by Israel Burt, who found 
 here S. M. Beckwith, L. Benjamin, Joseph Clark, George Coss, J. C. Fessen- 
 den, Rodney, S. R. and William Fessenden, Nelson Fluent, D. Hause, "William 
 Jackson, Isaac Lyman, Louis Lyman, Hannibal Lad, Matthew and Henry 
 McDowell, William Monroe, "William North, Jacob Palmer & Son, Jame» 
 Read, J. J. Roberts, D. P. Roberts, George Weimer, J. T. Warren, William 
 Warden and Dan. Yentzer. 
 
 In 1832 religious meetings were held from house to house, in Pleasant Val- 
 ley, by Elder Pasco. More lately a congregation of United Brethren was 
 organized. About this time, and later, the Indians built a lodge upon the 
 land of George Weimer, which they used for their chief camp while hunting 
 and fishing in this region. In 1846 the first school-house was raised by J. 
 C. Fessenden (who suggested the name of the township after it was set off from 
 Clara), and Miss Sally Standish was called to teach. Isaac and Peter North 
 erected the first grist-mill in this township in 1851, at the head of Bell's run. 
 It was a little concern of one run of stone, and used more as a corn-crusher 
 than as a grist-mill. Simeon Beckwith opened the first blacksmith shop in 
 1868, and in March, 1884, Pleasant Valley post-office was established, with 
 Pulaski Reed, master. The only post- office now in the township is Willis- 
 ton .... In 1857 the first store was established, by Luther Benjamin. 
 
 The officers of Pleasant Valley township, chosen in February, 1890, are as 
 follows: Justice of the peace, N. C. Hammond; constable, John McDowell; 
 supervisor, Henry Yentzer; clerk, Wilson McDowell; treasurer, I. V. Reed; 
 collector, John McDo,well; auditor, Elmer Deming; judge of election, D. T. 
 Yentzer; overseer of the poor, A. M. Beckwith; inspectors of election, E. B. 
 Keeler, B. A. Haynes; school directors, J. L. Yentzer, H. D. North. 
 
 CHAPTER XIII. 
 
 GENESEE TOWNSHIP. 
 
 Boundaries— Settlement— Names of Pioneees— First Store — Schools- 
 Church— Villages— Elections IN February, 1890. Genesee Forks 
 
 Postmasters— Orders and Societies. 
 
 GENESEE TOWNSHIP, bounded north by the New York State line, shows 
 the Chemung lands along the border and in the valleys of the west and 
 middle branches of the Genesee river. Those streams in the eastern half flow 
 north, while the sources of the Oswayo here flow west, leaving the great Pocono 
 mountain in the center, bounded by the Catskill hills. At Genesee Forks the 
 two branches named join the Genesee river, while from the east come in Cot- 
 ton and Mundy brooks. 
 
 The population of the township in 1880 was 888. In 1889 there were 
 86 Republican, 99 Democratic, 7 Prohibition and 3 Union Labor votes 
 
1082 HISTORY OF POTTEB COUNTY. 
 
 cast, representing 975 inhabitants. There were 289 tax-payers in 1889, 
 assessed $73,971. This township, appears to have been established under 
 the name of Loudon, but in 1830 the present name was given. The resi- 
 dent tax-payers in 1831 were Cornelius Grannon, William and Wells Chaf- 
 fee, George S. and T. Cady (later of Ulysses), N. Doty, Ben. D. Dolbee, Rich- 
 ard, Consider and Harry EUia (whose sons reside at Ellisburg), Russell GofP, 
 John, Oliver and Lemuel Lovell, George Maynard, Horatio A. and Henry Nel- 
 son, William Peet, John H. Rose, William Atherton and Fred Tanner. H. A. 
 Nelson was assessor, assisted by Consider Ellis and Lemuel V. Lovell. Among 
 the taxables was Goff's saw-mill, Richard Ellis' grist- and saw-mill, at Ellis- 
 burg, and Ben. Dolbee' s saw-mill, just north of Genesee Forks. The first 
 settlement made in the Irish colony was in 1841, by Martin Moran, an Irish- 
 man, and James Osborne and the Owens family, Americans. Mr. Moran 
 died about eighteen years ago. His son, Matthew, was the postmaster of Ore 
 Bed, a post-ofSce established in 1884 at the Irish settlement, now discontinued. 
 Patrick Burke, Martin Moore, Patrick O'Donnell, M. O'Donnell and John 
 Shamus were the first settlers at this point, coming in 1842 ; the Morans settled 
 in Oswayo; and others, named in other pages, were also here; John Hart, M. 
 McHale, Lawrence Moran and Peter Cunningham came in 1846. Henry Roche 
 opened the first store in the Irish settlement, in Genesee township, in 1871. 
 The first school-house in that settlement was built in 1850, and the first school 
 was taught by B. Avery. There are now six schools in the settlement. 
 
 The Catholic Church of Genesee township (St. Mary's) was founded in 1844, 
 when Bishop O' Connor, Rev. Smith and Rev. Gallaher visited this point. Rev. 
 John Burns came next, followed by Father J. P. Cody. In 1848-49 Patrick 
 Burke donated one acre for church building, and the old church building, still 
 standing, was erected. Rev. J. R. Madigan succeeded Father Cody, and 
 remained eleven years, attending all the churches of McKean and Potter 
 counties, or the district now attended by five priests. The present large church 
 was commenced in 1879, and dedicated by Bishop Mullen June 28, 188l. Rev. 
 Madigan and Rev. Pue were here after the war; Rev. Martin Meagher came 
 in March, 1871; Rev. J. L. Madigan, in March, and Rev. P. Cosgrove in 
 June, 1874. The same year Father Madigan returned, and on his removal to 
 Coudersport, in 1883, Rev. M. R. Flood, the present pastor, was appointed. 
 
 Ellisburg, at the confluence of the head streams of the west branch of the 
 Genesee, is a village on the roads which run from Genesee Forks to Coudersport 
 and Raymond' s Corners. In 1870 the old Stannard and Dickinson hotels fronted 
 on the latter; the school-house, the houses of J. E. Munroe, S. G. Rouse, J. 
 C. Cavenaugh and Mrs. Thompson, on the former; the Ellis store and dwel- 
 lings, the saw-mill, Ellis' harness shop and the Harlow dwelling, on the main 
 road. In 1886 Richard Ellis' dwelling and grist-mill were the only buildings 
 there. This mill was erected by Ellis in consideration of a large land bonus. 
 The general stores of Webster & Wilson and R. E. Henry are credited with a 
 large business. 
 
 In December, 1886, W. H. Scoville, of Andrews Settlement, discovered a 
 mound at Ellisburg. On exploring it were found parts of the skeleton of a 
 man measuring between seven and eight feet. A large birch tree grew on the top 
 of this mound, and round it were hemlocks two and two and one-half feet in 
 diameter. 
 
 Keeoh post-office, on West creek, was established in July, 1883, with James 
 H. Tilburgh, postmaster. Elias Keech erected a saw-mill here in 1844-45 .... 
 Perryville, at the confluence of the Middle branch and Genesee river, early in 
 the seventies was made up of H. O. Perry's woolen factory and dye house, 
 
HISTOBY OF POTTER COUNTY. 1083 
 
 a saw-mill, G. W. Hackett's grist-mills, and the dwellings of H. O. and A. H. 
 Perry, G. W. Hackett, 0. W. Hickox, F. Howard, T. Moon and W. Hill. 
 
 The officers of the township, chosen in February, 1890, are as follows: 
 Supervisor, Thomas Maxwell; treasurer, John Simons; constable, H. G. Hard; 
 collector, H. G. Hurd; town clerk, F. S. Alexander; school directors, Ira 
 Easton, J. A. Keech; overseer of poor, N. Chapman; judge of election, James 
 McNulty; inspectors of election, J. F. Collins, D. O'Donnell. 
 
 Genesee Forks. — The first post-office at the Forks was established on the 
 hill before the war, with Isaac Annis postmaster, and Isaac Dawley mail-car- 
 rier to Joel Eaymond's office at North Bingham. Seth Eoberts came next, 
 then Eesolva Easton, next Mr. "Whittaker, followed by Easton, all before the 
 war. About 1867 Jerome Diamond built the first hotel in the present village, 
 and carried on the office until Mr. Carpenter was appointed in 1880 or 1881. 
 J. B. Robbins was appointed by the late administration, and served until S. F. 
 Alexander was appointed in 1889. He established his store here in March, 
 1886, buying the interests of Hiram L. Jones, the first tenant of the store. 
 
 The Waterman House was built in 1886, for Jerome J. Waterman, at a 
 cost of about $4,000. On December 25 that year it was opened by a party of 
 117 couples. The first store at Genesee Forks was established, twelve years 
 ago, by John H. Carpenter, who is in business now. He started in the old 
 cheese factory, now the Waterman House barn, and continaed one year until 
 he built his present store. 
 
 Martin V. Ryan Post, No. 372, G. A. R., was chartered October 17, 1883, with 
 the following members: Jerome J. Waterman, 37th New York; Patrick Kane, 
 Pennsylvania Artillery ; A. H. Perry, 53d Pennsylvania; W. A. Whittier, New 
 York Infantry ; Isaac Dawley, 149th Pennsylvania; G. A. Leach, 85th New 
 York; M. R. Grover, 53d Pennsylvania; George Barlow, 53d Pennsylvania; 
 James Ryan, 46th Pennsylvania; W. D. Atherton, — Pennsylvania; Isaac Har- 
 ris, James Tilburgh, T. R. Tracey, B. F. Bishop, John Collar, C. G. Woods, 
 William Hawks, J. Odell, A. J. Barlow, E. L. Fuller, E. Hackett, J, A. 
 Keech, Isaac Harvey and Lewis Fish. J. J. Waterman was first commander, 
 followed by M. R. Grover, James Briggs and Amos C. King, the present com- 
 mander. T. R. Tracey has served as adjutant since 1883, except for a short 
 term when the position was held by J. Tilburgh. 
 
 Dennis Clancy Camp, S. of V., No. 205, was organized June 22, 1888, with 
 D. W. Kane (captain), F. Dawley, George Gray, N. Wright, T. T. Gray, B. L. 
 Chapman, C. B. Kenyon, M. W. Briggs, G. O. Briggs, G. Kenyon, C. W 
 Tracey, Patrick H. Kain, J. D. Clancy, E. Hawks and W, M. Berry. T. T. 
 Gray is now captain. 
 
 TheK. of H., No. 2016, was chartered August 27, 1880, with Norman 
 Chapman, B. F. Sherman, I. E. Easton, F. M. Teater, E. L. Fuller, A. C. 
 Ellis, V. M. Stannard, J. J. Waterman, C. L. Crum, 0. J. Hackett, D. Lewis, 
 J. Lewis, S. Robbins, A. L. Robbins, John Ahearn, J. Carpenter, W. C. 
 Whittaker, W. W. Howard and A. A. Elliot. 
 
 Genesee Forks, E. A. U.,No. 366, was organized December 20, 1883, withC. 
 L. Palmer, F. B..Bingley, W. C. Hawks, Willard Hickox, Stephen C. Hurd, 
 A. Childs, William Atherton, C. W. Parker, James Patterson, Geo. Leach, 
 D. Freeman and Elsworth Hawks, officials. 
 
 Acme Division, No. 136, Sons of Temperance, was organized August 9, 188b, 
 with Mesdames A. H. Briggs, R. A. Cassy, E. J. Genung, E. C. McCarn, S. T. 
 Smith, A. C. Race and Julia Slawson; Misses Cora Robbins, lone Briggs, 
 Carrie Gates, Kate Roche, Gertie Easton, Kate Tilburgh and Ella Ellis, and 
 fourteen male members. 
 
1084 HISTORY OF POTTEE COUNTY. 
 
 Genesee Forks Cemetery Associatioa was incorporated in Septernber, 1887, 
 with Thomas Coulston, J. J. Waterman, John C. Keech, Ira Easton and Gra- 
 ham Hurd, directors. 
 
 The frame for a church building was erected at Genesee.Forks in 1850, but 
 this was the extent of the venture. The various Christian associations have 
 representatives there, however. The mercantile circle comprises M. D. Briggs, 
 J. H. Carpenter and W. C. Alexander & Son, general merchants, and Jerome 
 J. Waterman, hotel-keeper. 
 
 CHAPTER XIV. 
 HARRISON TOWNSHIP. 
 
 Early Names and Locations— First School Teacher— Early Churches 
 
 —Business Houses, Hotels, Mills, etc. Harrison Valley Business 
 
 Circle- Methodist and Baptist Churches, Societies, etc. The Village 
 
 of Mills Its Lumber and other Interests — I. O. O. F.- Township 
 
 Officers Elected in February, 1890. 
 
 HARRISON TOWNSHIP occupies the northeast corner of the county. 
 Here the headwaters of the Cowanesque wander .everywhere through 
 Chemung valleys, all productive as well as picturesque. The Catskill forma- 
 tion, however, covers the greater area, with Pocono just peeping in from the 
 south and east. A grit of grindstone outcrops a mile southeast of Harrison 
 valley, on the old H. Holcomb tract, distinct layers appearing above the 
 Cowanesque, while in the northeast corner a ferruginous limestone exists in 
 the junction layers of the Chemung and Catskill, which supplies a good lime 
 for agricultural purposes, and may be used for mortar. The old lime-kiln is 
 remembered by N. H. Stone for forty -five years; but Mr. Stevens states that 
 there was no lime burned there since he arrived. 
 
 The population in 1880 was 1,162. In 1888 there were 288 Republican, 
 77 Democrat, 19 Prohibitionist and one Union Labor votes, representing 1,925 
 inhabitants. In 1889 there were 590 tax-payers, while the assessed value was 
 $123,693. Thaddeus Stone and William H. Warner came in 1825, settling one 
 mile west of White' s corners, and immediately after immigration flowed in until 
 1881. There were in the township the following tax-payers: William, 
 Thomas and Hiram Colvin (moved to Mercer county) ; Abel (died in Michigan) 
 and Calvin (died here) Commings; Joe H. , Francis and Thomas J. Cornish 
 (all dead) ; Peter and Lewis Chamberlin, Joseph Cole (who settled on the old 
 John White farm), Henry A. Cousens, George Champlin, Silas Billings, S. R. 
 Barton, George Bowman, Samuel Baker, Leonard Brace, Squire Benjamin, Theo. 
 Doty (lived in Bingham) and son, Thomas English (died six years ago), George 
 Doty, Elisha English (died in New York State), John Erway (died many years 
 ago), John Foy, Alb. Ferris, Amasa Finch, William Gleeson (moved away), 
 Samuel, Owen and George Gardner (Owen Gardner killed his wife by accident), 
 Samuel Goodrich, Giles Hurlbut (died half a mile below the village), David 
 Holmes, Samuel Ingersoll, Joseph Johnson, Archibald Knox, Aaron Kelly, 
 Steve Hall, Charles H. Metcalf, Stephen Outman (died fourteen years ago), 
 Ansel Purple, Asa Perry (lived on North fork, and hanged himself about forty- 
 
HISTORY OF POTTER COUNTY. 1087 
 
 eight years ago), Bazle, Robert and Levi Phelps, James Rose, Dennis Hall 
 Dan Eooks (died about 1879); Thaddeus (died in 1885), Eensallaer, Levi K.' 
 and Levi Stone; Horace Streeter, Henry Stebbins, Nathaniel Summers (moved 
 to Mercer county, Penn.), Zalnathan Smith, Samuel W. Stone (died in 1888), 
 Joseph Shoargoun, Martin Snyder, Miles Thompson (died on Kettle creek),' 
 Eli and Hiram Taylor (died here in early years), Isaac Thompson (saw-mill 
 owner and Baptist deacon), James Trowbridge, Elijah Tubbs, "William H., 
 Samuel and Nathaniel Warner, Dan Wise, Philander Wise and Charles h! 
 Richman; William H. Warner (who died west of White's corners about twenty- 
 eight years ago, and had an old-time buggy or gig), and Elisha English and 
 Thomas Colven, the assessors; Zalmon Robinson, who was an old surveyor, 
 resided here, and also Samuel Robinson, the Whites, Phil McCutcheon', 
 Jonathan Smith and the Pearces, one of whom was killed by a tree. 
 
 The early locations are pointed out as follows: Half a mile southwest of 
 the village was Springer's log cabin, in 1849. Deacon Thompson had a frame 
 house where the village of Mills now is, also Jerry Thompson, his son ; while 
 between the settlers named was a deserted house, afterward occupied by B. 
 Stillson; Kenny's log-house was just west of that village, while, beyond, Aaron 
 Webster held the present Hubbard Harrison farm; the Beebe and Puller farms 
 being beyond this. At the foot of the Beebe hill, one Commings was killed 
 during a quarrel, in 1851 or 1852. On the old State road to Genesee fork 
 lived Ira Ellis, about half a mile beyond H. N. Stone's present house; while 
 beyond was the log-house of Elijah Ellis, and still farther, Arnold Hunter, 
 then Ephraim Olney, Amos English, — Head, Thomas and Elisha English,, 
 the Schofields, Thomas Cornish, Willard Pearce, Aaron Marble, and Solomon 
 Burtis; Benj. Tubbs (father of Elijah, named above) was one of the oldest 
 settlers; Samuel Haynes was here prior to 1849, when Kelsey Stevens' family 
 arrived. There were several farms cleared along the valleys, in 1849, but 
 where Harrison Valley now is, only one house, Goodman's, existed then, which 
 was a frame; while below, where Henry Commings' widow resides, was a 
 double log-house, built by Harvey Metcalf before the "thirties;" but when Mr. 
 Stevens came in 1849, a farmer named Daggett resided there. Thomas 
 Colvin's house was a half mile below where Rednor now resides, near the 
 tannery in which he kept hotel; half a mile farther down was Hiram's house, 
 still standing and looking almost as well as it did in 1849; Nathaniel Sum- 
 mers, Israel Doge's saw-mill, the Erways, Mr. Courtright (a soldier of 1812), 
 the Sacketts, Claus Warner, Scoville and Daniel Rooks (one of the pioneers). 
 On the road to White's corners were S. W. Stone, and one-half-mile north 
 Ezra Commings, on the H. Laughton place; also Thomas Laughton. When 
 the Stevens family arrived they purchased the next farm owned by Abel 
 Commings, who moved to Michigan, next Calvin, Ezra, Henry and Alfred 
 Commings; Samuel Howe, Thaddeus Stone, Henry Hurlbut, Giles Hurlbut, 
 Samuel Robinson; then Samuel Howe and Harvey Metcalf (west of the main 
 road) ; the Taylors lived above Robinson; Samuel Haines (now part of the Erway 
 farm), then Stephen Outman; next the Smiths, Aaron Marbles, Dr. White, a 
 pioneer physician (Dr. Rich resided here before 1849), the Hunts, and the 
 Warners; John White (the merchant), Sol Burtis (who held the Tubbs farm), 
 the Lattas, William H. Warner and sons, and the Dickeys resided on the Rose 
 farm, and so on to the three corners, where the settlements ended. The 
 following named also resided on the road down the creek: the Riehmonds, 
 the Wykoffs (where Dan Metcalf lived in 1849), and between the Colvins 
 was Sol. S. Robinson. Scattered throughout the township, in 1849, were 
 -Samuel Metcalf, Oliver Potter, Theo. Holcomb (came later), Theo. Metcalf. 
 
1088 HISTORY OF POTTER COUNTY. 
 
 Charles Gill, Silas Fox (a soldier of 1812, whose widow is now a pensioner), 
 Charles Gill, Oliver Jacob, Isaac Herbert (where is Fletcher's farm), the Jacobs 
 and Bazil Phelps. In another district were the Hubbards, the Cottons, David 
 Kibbe (on the Whistler, owned by H. N. Stone for the last thirty years), Phil. 
 McCutcheon, Lewis White (on the Alex. White farm); William Gill has resided 
 on the Whitney farm for the last forty years. East of White's corners were 
 Morgan Johnson and DeWitt White (who lived on the old Pearoe farm for forty 
 years); Thomas Statham has resided on the Asa Perry farm for forty years; the 
 Steadman farm was occupied by J. Smith; also Henry Clark's farm, and, north, 
 the Statham farms. 
 
 East of the Statham farms, toward the northeast corner of the county, were 
 Octavus Steadman and Nelson Gill, while on the Tioga county line were Simeon 
 Lewis, the Wilkinsons, Joseph Lilly, Reuben Harris (the peddler and store- 
 keeper at North Fork, who made potash and black salts), Ezekiel Hotchkiss (the 
 blacksmith, whpse wife used the camp-fire for a kitchen), J. I. Harris and 
 Samuel Warner (an old gray-haired man in 1849, who traveled on, his bare 
 feet). 
 
 David Gardner' s water saw-mill was erected near the lime-kiln which is in 
 running order still. On the cross road running west were Eber and Lyman 
 Dibble, Thomas J. Kibbe, Joe Cotton; and west from E. Hotchkiss' house 
 were James Snyder, Frank Steadman and John Snyder. White's Corners Cem- 
 etery, and sundry graves on the bank of the river, near the Harrison Valley 
 lumber mills, show where many of the early settlers were buried, Mrs. Giles 
 Hurlbut being among the first adults buried there. Mrs. Rensallaer Stone, 
 now a resident of Hector, was one of the first school teachers in Harrison. 
 
 The post-offices in Harrison township are as follows: Elmer, Harrison 
 Valley, Mills, North Fork and White's Corners. 
 
 The Baptist Church of Harrison Valley was incorporated September 22, 
 1855, on petition of J. C. Thompson, Isaac Thompson, J. B. Watrous, Thomas 
 A. Watrous, Kelsey Stevens, O. Watt, B. W. Stillson, Lewis S. Robertson, P. W. 
 Griffin, S. S. Rasco, S. K. Stevens and George Hurlbut, the trustees, and other 
 members, but prior to this the Baptists of the district were Lewis Manning, Will- 
 iam Gill and Elder Thomas. In 1837 John Rooks, the clerk of the society here, 
 reported thirty-five members. In 1850 the society was received into the Canisteo 
 Association, and in 1862 the association assembled at HarrisoQ Valley. The 
 Methodist Church of Harrison township was incorporated in December, 1855, 
 with Thomas Statham, Edwin Statham, Henry Clark, Merrill Sackett and Nel- 
 son Gill, trustees. A church house was built by the society at North Fork, 
 which is still in use. White's Corners Cemetery Association was organized 
 December 15, 1874, with W. J. Latta, James Ladd, W. L. Warner, Lewis 
 White and E. Statham, trustees. The cemetery is about as well kept as that 
 at Ulysses. The general stores of W. H. Warner and H. O. Chapin are 
 located in this old settlement. At North Fork is the O. H. Snyder store, and 
 at Elmer is that of Manning & Dodge. 
 
 The township officers elected in February, 1890, are: Justice of the peace, 
 A. A. S wetland; supervisor, Frank Steadman; constable, Fred Harrison; 
 town clerk, L. G. Stevens; treasurer, George White; collector, McKinney 
 Erway; school directors, O. W. Strang, J. W. Stevens; auditor, C. Van Debo; 
 overseer of the poor, H. N. Stone: judge of election, J. O. Potter; inspectors 
 of election, G. E. Havens, E. Outman. 
 
 HABRISON VALLEY. 
 
 The first post-office Mr. Stone remembers at Harrison Valley was at Col- . 
 
HISTORY OF POTTEE COUNTY. 1089 
 
 vin' 8, and Bennett, who lived there in 1849, was postmaster. Among the old 
 postmasters were Henry Commings, Widow Fletcher, Hamilton White (who re- 
 signed and left the settlement without an office), Norman Buck (appointed about 
 1865), Jason W. Stevens (appointed in 1869, and served until succeeded by 
 Hamilton White in 1885). In April, 1889, 0. H. Doud was appointed. The 
 first store at Harrison Valley was that of Eichard Goodman, who was in bus- 
 iness here about 1844. Henry Commings opened a grocery and notion store 
 some time later. Lewis Stone opened a stock in 1852-53. In 1860 Simon 
 Wilcox built a store-house, which is now the rear of the Opera House. Nor- 
 man Buck followed Wilcox, and continued business from 1863 to 1870; Morris 
 Kizer followed in 1870-71, when Brown & Noble rented the store from 
 Buck, while S. K. and J. W. Stevens purchased Kizer' s stock. The pioneer 
 store was continued by Widow Goodman from about 1855 (the time of her 
 husband' s death) to 1867, when G. W. and S. K. Stevens rented the building 
 and purchased the stock, which, next year, was sold to L. S. Robertson & 
 Son, who in 1869 sold to J. W. Stevens, who carried on business in the old 
 house until 1876, when he erected his present store-house. In 1878 Mrs. 
 Goodman resumed business in the old house, and continued two years, after 
 which the house was variously occupied. In 1884 G. W. Stevens & Son built 
 their present store adjoining the old building. 
 
 The first hotel, other than Col vin' s, which stood where the Harrison Valley 
 House now stands, was an old log-house, built about sixty years ago by one 
 Stratton, and the hiU, where H. N. Stone's house is, was called Stratton Hill. 
 Purple followed about 1835, and he was followed by Hiram Colvin, next by his 
 widow, then by Richard Goodman, next by Sam. Goodell or Bartholomew, 
 Jed. Thompson, G. W. Stevens and H. N. Stone; the latter bought Stevens' 
 interests and sold to Isaac Hurlbut twenty- one years ago. Hurlbut sold to 
 Phillips, who rebuilt the house, and sold to Mrs. Rosalind Hurlbut. Early 
 in the " seventies" the village was made up of Hurlbut' s hotel at the cross 
 roads; N. Buck's store, opposite; Kruser's grist-mill and blacksmith shop, 
 on the northwest corner; the Baptist Church, northeast of the hotel; J. W. 
 Stevens' store; Justice Beebe's office; J. P. Simmons' general store; E. H. 
 Robinson, blacksmith and wagon shops; Drs. H. R Kendall's office, and the 
 dwellings of the persons named, with those of J. Dunham, J. K. Burton, 
 Charles Doud, McKinney Erway, J. Jennings, Mrs. Commings and Mrs. Good- 
 man. The Erway House was built in 1876 by McKinney Erway, who has 
 since conducted the house. J. Bottom & Co., grain dealers, 1883, were the 
 first raUroad agents here and at Nelson (they erected a grain warehouse) ; then 
 Dewitt Baxter, who was succeeded' in December, 1888, by W. A. Ellison. The 
 depot was built in 1883. 
 
 In 1860 Thompson & Wilson built a grist-mill between where the G. W. 
 Stevens' store and residence now stand. The concern was burned in 1870. 
 Evans & Vandeusen's grist-mill on Main street, near the bridge, was built in 
 1885, and continued in operation until destroyed by fire in February, 1889. 
 N. Brown has been identified with the milling industry for years. The Davis 
 & Co. planing mill and sash, door and blind factory was organized in April, 
 1889, at a meeting over which H. N. Stone presided. G. B. Davis was chosen 
 president; Lesley Stevens, secretary and treasurer; G. W. Stevens, W. L. 
 Haskell, G. E. Stone, W. Calkins, T. A. English, A. E. Martin, and the pres- 
 ident, directors. The capital stock is $10,000. In June the buildings were 
 completed and machinery introduced, and, later, the railroad was extended up 
 the Cowanesque to this new industry. The Harrison Valley Tannery was 
 erected for WaH.er Horton & Co. in the fall of 1881, while near the Ime of 
 
1090 HISTORY OP POTTER COUNTY. 
 
 Tioga county, are the acid works of Parkhurst & Go. The tannery is a large 
 concern of the character of those in Elk and McKean counties, giving employ- 
 ment to 55 hands, and producing over 100,000 sides of sole leather, annually, 
 and using over 8,000 cords of bark. There are 21 tenement houses and a large 
 boarding-house, in connection with the tannery. The Parkhurst Chemical 
 Works were established on the Judd farm in 1880. 
 
 The business circle comprises the general stores of J. W. Stevens, built in 
 1876; W.L. Haskell, in 1885; B. F. Begell and C.N. Church; the clothing stores 
 of G. W. Stevens & Son and Geo. Kettle; the drug-store of W. B. Stevens, built 
 by Phillips, in 1877; the hardware stores of G. A. Sheldon, built by Phillips, 
 in 1879. and Chapin & Hubbard, built in 1885; the furniture store of F. L. 
 Harrison, and the older store and undertaking establishment of C. H. Doud, 
 partly built in 1860 and additions in 1887; Mrs. Chrisman's, Mrs. Erways and 
 Miss Mulligan's millinery stores; Leonard & Brway's livery; Jenning's shoe 
 store; Miller's and Kent's barber shops; Geo. Coykendall's meat-market; 
 Heath's and Boss' blacksmith shops; the Harrison Valley House, and the Erway 
 House. W. M. Manley's store is located near the tannery. The professions 
 claim W. B. Brightman, an attorney; W. L. Col well, a dentist, and the phy- 
 sicians named in the general chapter, among whom is Dr. M. R. Pritchard. 
 
 The Methodist Church of the township, noticed hitherto, embraced the 
 members residing in the village. The society here was incorporated March 14, 
 1881, with N. W. Hubbard, James Predmore, H. Harrison, C. Eawson, D. 3- 
 Whitney and W. B. Fox, trustees. Among other names on the petition were 
 Burt. Richardson, Jacob Burtis, C. Predmore, Amos King and D. D. Chapin. 
 Prom this time until the completion of the house of worship, in the summer of 
 1883, services were held in the Baptist Church. The Baptist Church was built 
 about 1859-60, during the pastorate of L. S. Robinson, at a cost of $1,500, 
 Nelson & Sylvanus Gardner being the contractors. This was the first church 
 building here. Elder Ben. Thomas, who came to Harrison Valley in 1851, pas- 
 tor of the Baptist Church there for twenty years, died in February, 1888. 
 Rev. L. V. Bovier was here in 1887. 
 
 John H. Thomas Post, G. A. R., Harrison Valley, is named after a soldier 
 who was wounded at Cold Harbor, and died at Washington. It was organized 
 in May, 1889, with the following named members: 
 
 J. W. Stevens, 53d P. V. A. B. Holcomb, 5Sd P. V. 
 
 L. J. Knight, 86th N. Y. V. L. A. Dorland. 
 
 M. R. Swetland, 189th N. Y. V. Fred Graham. 
 
 W. B. Fox, 53d P. V. Burr Robinson. 
 
 C. L. Stone, 189th N. Y. V. R. S. Wright. 
 
 Stephen Edwards. S. K. Stevens, 189th N. Y. 
 
 Geo. Coykendall, 53d P. V. John Smith, 10th N. Y. 
 
 A. A. Swetland, 18yth N. Y. V. G. W. Parker. 
 
 H. O. Chapin. Ambrose D. Erway, 189th N. Y. 
 
 Isaac Hurlbut 82d P. V C. H. Hubbard, 85th N. Y. 
 
 H. N. Stone, 189th N. Y. V. Jason Haskins, 149th P. V. 
 
 E. Tadder. J. M. Baxter, 149th P. V. 
 
 Jerome Stetson, 9th N. Y. V. C. H. Doud, 53d P. V. 
 
 Geo. Whitman, 53d P. V. T. F. Holcomb, 136th P. V. 
 
 C. G. Tripp. 
 
 The Harrison Valley Aid Union, No. 522, was organized January 18, 1887. 
 In 1889 the following named persons were members: George Smith, C. H. 
 Doud, C. L. Donaldson, Eugene Pickett, Irvin Wright, A. E. Holcomb, R. 
 S. Wright, Mrs. Wright, Mrs. George Smith, Mrs. Carr, C. R. Judd, Dr. 
 Webster, Dell Doud, Roy Gustin, John White, Mrs. Jane Mattison, Mrs. 
 Jane White, Miss Gettie Mattison, Mrs. Mosher, Mrs. Hunt, Mrs. Webster, 
 MissEdda Hunt, J. H. Harrison, Mrs. J. H. Harrison, Mrs. Kennedy, H. 
 
HISTOBY OF POTTER COUNTY. 1091 
 
 Gustin, Mrs. Pickett, Zengerin Markson, John A. Bobbins, George B. Mosher, 
 Mrs. George B. Mosher, Mr. Kennedy, Mrs. Kennedy, Mrs. Webster, Mrs. 
 Pickett. 
 
 Harrison Valley Cornet Band was organized in June, 1886, with R. W. 
 Swetland, president and leader; W. Denson, secretary and treasurer; Frank 
 Stevens, ' Dell J. Stone, Geo. E. Stone, Henry Swetland, 0. Stevens, J. M. 
 Baker, G. O. Metcalf, W. Dildine, C. E. Burt, John Schwitzer and Roy 
 Gustin. The instruments were purchased for about $150. 
 
 VILLAGE OF MILLS. 
 
 The lumber manufacturing village of Mills, two miles west of Harrison 
 Valley, was established by William Lawrence about fifteen years ago. The 
 mills have been operated by a few different firms, each of whom made an im- 
 provement, until now the old mill has disappeared in the surrounding build- 
 ings of Stanton & Shaff. Swetland & Walters' mill was established about 
 thirteen years ago, and has been subjected to several improvements. George 
 W^ alters was killed by accident while at work in this mill, May 21, 1889. 
 The Fallbrook Railroad Company have extended their road to Mills. 
 
 The old Hemlock House was erected by Swetland and Walters prior to 
 the building of the mills, and is still conducted by Abner Carey .... The stores 
 
 of Stanton & ShaflF, F. P. Badgero and B. W. Harrison are at this point In 
 
 June, 1888, Widow Commings' house, on the road between Mills and Harrison 
 Valley, was blown up. It appears her son, Ray, placed some dynamite car- 
 tridges in the oven to dry, and the destruction of the house and narrow escape 
 of his mother resulted. 
 
 Potter Lodge, L O. O. F., No. 799, was organized at Mills, May 2, 1889, 
 vnth twenty members, viz. : B. W. Harrison, P. G. : L. T. VanWie, N. G. ; 
 A. C. King, V. G. ; Henry Clark, Sec. ; G. A. Walter, Treas. : P. E. Crow, 
 Chap. ; H. H. Swetland, Asst. Sec. ; J. E. Leonard, warden; George Kettle, O. 
 G. ; W. A. Stickley, I. G. ; C. A. Swetland, S. B. ; E. Havens, S. B. ; A. Coe, 
 R. S. ; F. P. Badgero, L. S. ; H. G. Howe, R. S. ; W. L. Howe, L. S. ; H. 
 L. Grover, Con. ; and G. A. Sheldon, L. A. Elliott and James Brown, unoffi- 
 cial members. The number now belonging is seventy, with property valued 
 at $400. The names of George A. Walter, who was killed May 21, 1889, and 
 George Kettle, of the original members, are the only ones on the death roll. 
 
1092 HISTORY OF POTTER COUNTY. 
 
 CHAPTER XV. 
 HECTOE AND PIKE TOWNSHIPS. 
 
 Hector Township Its Surface, Population and Taxables— First Re- 
 ligious Society— Equitable Aid Union— Signal Station— Elections in 
 February, 18S)0. 
 
 Pike Township Its Lumber Interests, Population, etc.— School and 
 
 Tavern— Galeton— Its Business, Church and G. A. K. Post— West Pike- 
 Blue Run and its Tragedy— Township Elections in February, 1890. 
 
 HECTOR TOWNSHIP may be called the birthplace of the Genesee Forks, 
 which cuts its way south through the western half of the township, and 
 passes near the west line of Chemung valley. Phoenix creek heads in the 
 mountain, which stretches along this valley, confining it to the south and 
 southeastern part of the township. Each creek has several feeders, generally 
 flowing from the hills into which they have carved deep ravines. The waters 
 of the Cowanesque rise in the northeastern corner, and flow northeast to the 
 river. In the mountain, four miles northwest of Sunderlinville, some coal ex- 
 ists, and also, it is said, along the tributaries of the Cowanesque; gray sandstone 
 boulders exist along the Genesee Forks, and Catskill red-rock in the southeast 
 corner. The population in 1880 was 958, while in 1888 there were 183 Re- 
 publican, fifty-seven Democrat and one Prohibition votes, representing 1,205 
 inhabitants. There were 387 tax-payers in 1889, assessed $90,768. The resi- 
 dent tax-payers of Hector township in 1834-35 were Henry Allen, Albert 
 Bishop, Jacob and Hiram Bump, B. G. Chamberlin, James Corsaw, Abel 
 Dickens, John Havens & Son, Elias T. and Joseph T. Morton, Nathaniel Owen, 
 Joshua Pierce, Matthias Persing, C. R. Skinner, Joseph Sunderlin, Benona Si- 
 monds, Robert Tubbs, Caleb Trowbridge, Benj. Wilber, David, Benjamin, Jr., 
 and John L. Wilber, C. R. Skinner, B. G. Chamberlin and Joe Throckmor- 
 ton were the assessors. In 1826 David and Benjamin Wilber settled in this 
 section. Ten years later Joseph Sunderlin erected the first grist-mill, and 
 about this time he was appointed first postmaster; in 1837 the first school 
 was opened by Sally Ann Harrington, who married Chester L. Corsaw, now 
 residing in Sweden township. In 1848 there was not even a spring wagon 
 here. In 1839 when Mrs. Baldwin, who died in 1883, settled in Hector, there 
 was only one active religious society there — Seventh Day Adventists, which 
 she and her husband, David, joined. 
 
 Dr. Mattison states that the first religious society in Hector township was 
 the Methodist Episcopal, organized by C. P. Kilbourne. The first preacher was 
 Rev. McEU^eny. This was in 1845, and the year following Pearce and Corey 
 built the first saw-mill in the township. In the year 1836 Joseph Sunderlin, 
 from whom the village of Sunderlinville took its name, built the first grist-mill 
 in Hector township. He was also the first postmaster. In 1853 Edward Hiirl- 
 but opened the first blacksmith shop. In 1855 Francis Strang opened the 
 first store in Hector township. The first hotel in the township was the 
 "Evergreen," built by Stephen Dickens in 1869 or 1870. The mercantile circle 
 of Sunderville in 1889 comprised Perry Fillmore, groceries; J. L. Havens & 
 Co., general store; James C. Mahon, groceries; J. V. MiUer, general store. 
 
HISTORY OP POTTER COUNTY. 1093 
 
 The Equitable Aid Union of Hector was organized January 6, 1887 The 
 list of officers in the order of rank is as follows: M. H. Abbev, A. D. Eedner 
 E. S. Worden, Lizzie Worden, Josephine Dickens, Addie kilbourne, J m' 
 Swimlar, Curtis Kilbourne, D. W. Kilbourne, Charles Corey, Mrs. E. A Eeyn- 
 olds, C. G. Dickens, J. S. Eeynolds and J. A. Wilber. 
 
 In the summer of 1881 the Oswayo land stampede was caused by Henry 
 Sherwood maintaining that unoccupied lands were State lands and open to 
 entry in tracts of 160 acres. Joseph Persing entered 137 acres in Hector 
 township, but finding that it was patented in 1792, withdrew. 
 
 A signal station was built in a tree in this township, in 1884, on the farm 
 now owned by John Downey. C. P. Kilbourne, who reported its existence, 
 did not know the purpose in view ; but it has since been learned that the ob- 
 ject was the same as that for which the look-out near Harrison Valley was 
 erected, from which point the observer could look into Syracuse, N. Y. 
 
 The post-offices in Hector township are Sunderville, near the southeast cor- 
 ner; Louck's Mills, on the Genesee Forks, and Hector, located to the east of 
 the center of the township. 
 
 The township officers elected in February, 1 890, are the following named : Su- 
 pervisor, M. H. Tanner; constable, H. I. James; collector, C. P. Kilbourne; treas- 
 urer, S. B. Miller; auditor, D. A. Sunderlin; town clerk, C. E. Dimon ; overseer of 
 the poor, J. A. Wilber; judge of election, James Parker; inspectors of election, 
 A. E. Skinner, John Cariel ; school directors, W. E. Ferris, Prank Hurd. 
 
 PIKE TOWNSHIP. 
 
 Pike township. Between Phoenix and Pine creeks is a mountain of Pocono 
 sandstone, as is the divide between the waters of Pine creek and Beech Flats 
 brook of the West branch, though limited. Here the beautiful Chemung valley, 
 which extends through Hector, and aids in giving wealth to Tioga county, be- 
 gihs. The Genesee fork of Pine creek flows south along its western margin, 
 uniting with Pine creek at the village of West Pike, while the last named creek 
 flows in a southeasterly direction through the township into Tioga county. 
 
 A mile below West Pike village is the great gulch, through which a small 
 stream enters the river, and two miles east of West Pike is the ' ' Island 
 Mountain,' ' which another creek cuts off from Pocono mountain. In fact, Pine 
 creek, which passes through West Pike, works its way eastward through the 
 mountains to Pike Mills, where the West branch and South branch enter 
 the main stream, having cut their way through in a similar manner. Phoenix 
 creek rises in the Chemung valley in Hector township, and near the north line 
 of Pike, winds through the deep gulch along the eastetn township line joining 
 Pine creek in Tioga county. Coal beds, similar, to those in Ulysses town- 
 ship, exist on the plateau northwest of Pike Mills, and north of West Pike. 
 Along the Phcenix canon and in the ravines detached masses of conglom are 
 found, while the west sides of the mountains are of Pocono, capped by con- 
 glomerate. On the west side of the east fork of Whittemore's run, 2,187 
 feet above the ocean level, and 690 feet above the level of bank, where the 
 run enters the West branch, veins of coal two or three feet in depth exist. 
 
 In June, 1889, a syndicate of four men, C. A. Lewis, S. E. Chrisman, H. 
 J. Olmsted and D. L. Eaymond, purchased 1, 100 acres of hemlock timbered 
 land on the east side of the Genesee Fork of Pine creek, and sold the contract 
 to an Austin man for peeling 1,500 cords this season. Another syndicate of 
 three men, G. C. Marion, Seth Lewis and John McEwen, of Wellsville, pur- 
 chased another 1,100 acres, a part of the same tract. The Goodyears, too, 
 have cast their eyes in this direction, and soon, it is said, the forests will be 
 full of their men, and the valleys of their railroads. 
 
1094 HISTOBY OF POTTEK COUNTY. 
 
 Orlo J. Hamlin, speaking of his trip to Smethport in 1826, stated that he 
 stopped at the Phoeuix Tavern on Pine creek at noon. While at dinner he 
 heard the cry of the hounds, and, looking up the trail to a saw-mill, he beheld 
 a man rnnning at full speed, with a rifle in one hand and a powder horn in 
 the other, without hat, but with a torn coat of many colors. He thought the 
 man presented an ill omen of the new country — a shiftless, indolent hunter 
 and thorough backwoodsman. The Pine creek valley, then, was a forbidding 
 landscape, the flats narrow, the hills steep and high, rough and rocky, and 
 totally unfit for cultivation. 
 
 The population in 1880 was 281, and the votes recorded in 1888 were Re- 
 publicans 98, Democrats 99, or a total of 197, representing 985 inhabitants. 
 The number of tax payers in 1889 is placed at 330, and the sssessed value at 
 $79,2-tl. 
 
 The resident tax-payers of Pike and Jackson townships in 1833 — the year 
 of organization — were David Wilber, Chauncey R. Skinner, Joseph Sunder- 
 land, John Williams, Eli Wakeman, Robert Tubbs, Harvey and L. Allen, Wm. 
 Babcock, John M. Sawyer, Benoni Simons, Blisha Babcock, Dan. F. Ells- 
 worth, Wm. Ellsworth and son, Peter Knickerbocker, John Ives (saw-mill), 
 Levi Ives, Elijah and Isaac Johnson, T. Kilbourne & Roby (saw-mill), R. Abram 
 Kilbourne, Sam. M. Losey, Simeon Permon, Joe Riant and Nathaniel 
 Skinner. Dr. Mattison, writing on this section of the county, says: "In 1884 
 the first school was taught in Pike township by Miss Aurilla Cooledge. D. 
 B. Martin kept the first store. Elder Sheardown was the first minister (Bap- 
 tist, we think), who braved his way into the wilds of Pike township to preach 
 the gospel. He was followed by Father Conant. Verbeck and Wilson were 
 the first blacksmiths. Maj. John M. Kilbourne, to whom we are indebted for 
 many historical items regarding Pike township, himself an old settler, writes: 
 ' In 1832 I carried the United States mail from Wellsboro to Smethport on 
 horseback. D. F. Ellsworth was postmaster at the mouth of Gushing creek; 
 on this trip he was working on the road about two miles from home, up in the 
 Nine-mile woods, and had the key with him, and changed the mail when I 
 came up. ' The first hotel kept in Pike township was opened to the public by 
 Elijah Johnston in 1835. Of this tavern Maj. Kilbourne writes: 'It was a 
 licensed hotel. There was not as much liquor drunk then as now, according 
 to the population, and not half the drunkenness.' This, in a measure re- 
 futes the statement of some, that at an early day everybody drank whiskey or 
 rum." 
 
 The officers of Pike township, elected in February, 1890, were: Justice of 
 the peace, G. H. Haxton; supervisor, O. L. Blackman; treasurer, E. E. 
 Hyer; constable, R. E. Grippen; collector, O. D. Hammond; town clerk, W. 
 F. Hamilton; overseer of the poor, R. Eaton; judge of election, A. H. Haxton; 
 inspectors of election, John Harmen, M. V. Pi'outy; school directors, D. 
 Sutton, Jacob Kahl; auditor, J. M. Kilbourne. 
 
 Galeton, formerly known as Pike Mills, is one of the old settlements of 
 Potter county. It slept, like Roulette, on the western border, until 1881, 
 when W. & L. R. Gale's tannery, with a capacity of 600 sides a day, which, 
 with R. W. Glinton & Son's steam saw-mills, with a capacity of 40,000 feet 
 per day, welcomed the advent of the A. & P. Railroad in 1884. This road 
 was opened January 1, 1885, the first passenger coach arriving January 5, 
 and about that time the erection of buildings and stores commenced. In No- 
 vember, 1881, the W. &. L. R. Gale tannery was in full operation, and thirty 
 dwelling houses were finished in the vicinity. In 1884, the large saw-mill, 
 erected by R. W. Glinton & Go., was opened. The village has made marked 
 
HISTORY OF POTTEE COUNTY. 1097 
 
 advances during the last half decade, and now boasts of two hotels, the general 
 stores of H. M. Tice, A. H. Lehman and W. & L. R. Gale; E. E. Hyer's drug 
 store; S. Deiches' and A. Friedman's clothing stores; Koothe's grocery; Seltz's 
 bakery and grocery, and Harmon's and Christiana's pool and billiard rooms. 
 G. E. Gale was appointed postmaster in April, 1889. 
 
 The Catholic Church of Galeton is attended by Dr. Brennan, of Driftwood 
 and the Methodist Episcopal Church, by Mr. Peterson, of Gaines. 
 
 The Methodist society of Galeton was incorporated in June, 1888, with E 
 L. Clark, A. Clinton, H. M. Tice, William Gale, A. W. Clinton, H. E. Coat- 
 right, J, M. Carpenter, E. E. Hyer, E. W. Clinton and A. G. Lyman, members. 
 
 The G. A. R. Post was organized September 19, 1885, with C. O. Brown 
 31st Maine; Adam Lambert, 143d New York; Joshua Phoenix, 207th Pennsyl- 
 Yania; M. V. Prouty, 4th United States Artillery; William Cole, 143d New 
 York; Stephen Egler, 3d New York; C. Prouty, 136th Pennsylvania, and 
 Thomas Hammond, 56th New York, members. The past commanders are C. 
 O. Brown, William Cole, A. Lambert and John T. McNeil. Maj. J. M. Kil- 
 bourne is now commander. William Cole, G. E. Armstrong, 11th New York 
 Cavalry; J. M. Kilbourne, 45th Pennsylvania Volunteers, and M. V. Prouty, 
 have filled the position of adjutant. The members not named above are D. C. 
 White, A. H. Haxton, 15th New York Volunteers; J. Kassner, 104th Pennsyl- 
 vania Volunteers; Napoleon Wright, 176th Pennsylvania Volunteers; G. S. 
 McKenney, 17th Pennsylvania Volunteers; William Smith, 46th Pennsylvania 
 Volunteers; John Klein, 136th Pennsylvania Volunteers; Levis Law, 25th 
 New York Cavalry; Cas. Belling, 1st New York Infantry; Casper Newcomb, 
 17th Pennsylvania Volunteers; Eobert Kelly, 179th Pennsylvania Volunteers; 
 Adelbert Pangue, 7th New York Volunteers; George Eixford, 45th Pennsyl- 
 vania Volunteers; Stephen Cummings, 7tb Pennsylvania Volunteers; Marvin 
 Ansley, 9th New York Cavalry; Charles Reynolds, 1st Maine Volunteers; C. 
 N. Eossman, 2d New York Volunteers; E. 0. Bennett, 89th New York Volun- 
 teers; John Wade, 43d Pennsylvania Volunteers; Ira Warner, 143d Pennsyl- 
 vania Volunteers; John Buchan, 33d New York Volunteers; H. M. Tice, 136th 
 Pennsylvania Volunteers; G. M. Whittier, 188th Pennsylvania Volunteers; 
 Frank Breiley, 151st New York Volunteers. 
 
 West Pike is the trading center of a limited but rich agricultural district. 
 Here are the large general stores of James Ives and I. S. Baldwin. West 
 Pike Cemetery Association was incorporated in December, 1887, with J. M. 
 Kilbourne, P. A. Brown, Mrs. I. H. Martin and D. C. Crawford, directors. 
 
 Blue Run is situated about five miles from Gaines. It is connected with 
 the outside world by a branch track leading off from the trestle at Gurnee 
 Junction, where the road from the Gurnee mines joins the main track of the 
 Addison & Pennsylvania road, and is about six miles below Sabinsville and two 
 miles below Davis station. It is a little hamlet, located in a ravine, composed 
 of fifteen or twenty houses and a saw-mill, owned by Waite & Atwell. The 
 settlement sprung into existence about four years ago, when the mill was 
 erected for the purpose of working up the pine and hemlock timber in that 
 vicinity. At this place Frank Hancock and family resided, he being employed 
 as a fireman at the saw-mill. Hancock was a native of Potter Brook, Potter 
 county, and was married at Jasper, N. Y., eleven years ago, by Eev. T. V. 
 Moore, to Miss Libbie Wygant, of Goodyear, Cameron county, this State. Five 
 children were the result of this union: Gracie, Jason, Hannah, Susie and 
 Willie, all under ten years of age at time we write. He murdered four of them 
 while they were asleep, and then, after stabbing himself slightly several times, 
 committed suicide by hanging. 
 
 59 
 
1098 HISTOBY OF POTTER COUNTY. 
 
 CHAPTER XVI. 
 
 KEATING, HOMER AND SUMMIT TOWNSHIPS. 
 
 Keating Township General Description— Population— Assessment — 
 
 Early Settlers— Some First Things— Business, Societies Etc.— Elec- 
 tions IN February, 1890. 
 
 Homer Township Its Peculiar Location — Taxpayers in 1845— Odin and 
 
 Inez— Elections in February, 1890. 
 
 Summit Township Its General Coneormation—Population— Taxpayers 
 
 IN 1855— Elections in February, 1890. 
 
 KEATING TOWNSHIP has always battled with Summit for the honors of 
 the high divide. Freeman's fork and run drain the southeast and south 
 centre into the Sinnemahoning; Portage creek rises above Forest House and 
 runs its devious course to the old Portage branch; Lanning's and Keating' s 
 creeks flow north into the Allegheny — all through deep ravines and heavy 
 forests. Freeman's run rises in the great circus, the roof of which is the sky, 
 the walls Pocono hills and the gate posts Pocono rock, carved by time. 
 
 The population of the township in 1880 was 204; the number of tax-payers 
 in 1889, 186, assessed $61,771; and the number of voters, in 1888, was 103 
 Republican, 82 Democrat, 3 Prohibitionist and 25 Union Labor, representing 
 a population of 1,065. 
 
 The assessment of Keating, made in 1858 by Pliny Harris, gives the fol- 
 lowing named resident tax-payers: John Brooks, Joseph Coates, L. F. and 
 Eleazer Dingee, E. S. and Aurilla Finchbaugh, Jackson Grimes, Joe Halliday, 
 Caspar and John Hofmeister, Henry Harris, Mary Harris, Pliny Harris, Sarah 
 T. Hepler, Leonard Jewell (saw-mill), Jason Lewis, John Lathan, A. and L. 
 Lyman, Collins Smith, Sam Story, George Turner, Silas Tolls, E. Utter and 
 Charles Zimmers. 
 
 In 1849 Pliny Harris and Jason Lewis settled Keating township. Before 
 this there had been a few hunters' shanties built and occupied for a short 
 time, but no bona fide settlement until this year. Messrs. Harris and Lewis 
 were induced to settle here by Mr. Keating' s offer to sell to the first settlers 
 fifty acres of land for $1 per acre. Homer township, which at this time 
 embraced the section now known as Keating, opened a road four and a 
 half miles in length for these new comers. Keating also gave a fifty-acre lot 
 to a Mr. Jewell for building the first saw-mill. Mr. Henry Harris writes 
 regarding this settlement: "Long before these men settled on Freeman's run 
 the salt-works road had been built, and that noted channel dug at Seven- 
 mile hollow (now Keating Summit) that carried part of the water from the 
 spring now owned by Horace Avery into the Allegheny portage. There was 
 a hunter's shanty at Seven- mile hollow where travellers occasionally stopped, 
 when Mr. Finchbaugh built a house there, and sided it up with shiagles. 
 The place soon changed its name to Shingle House, which name it kept for 
 some years; until there had been several additions built to the hotel, and 
 Miles White changed its name to the present one of Forest House. " Elijah 
 S. Finchbaugh built his shingle hotel in 1856. la 1853 the first saw-mill 
 was built by Leonard Jewell on Freeman's run. The first school was taught in 
 
HISTORY OF POTTER COUNTY. 1099 
 
 1857 by Miss Mary Gordnier in a little shop used for weaving, which belonged 
 to Mr. Lewis. The first school-house was built in 1858. The first school 
 taught in this building was conducted by Elizabeth C. Wright. The first 
 store in the township was opened by the B. , N. Y. & P. E. R. Co. , while 
 building their road through the western portion of the town, at Keating Sum- 
 mit. There was a Methodist class organized in Keating in 1869; but the 
 first church organization was that of the United Brethren in Christ, in 1887. 
 Jason Lewis was the first preacher in the township. He was a Universalist 
 in doctrine. Eleazer Y. Dingee opened the first blacksmith shop in 1867. 
 Miles White, referred to in another chapter, began keeping hotel at Keating 
 Summit (Forest House P. O.), in 1864. He kept the house for ten years;, 
 H. A. Avery is now proprietor. Here in 1889 the following named were 
 licensed to carry on business: E. B. Chace, general store; N. C. Sturm, one- 
 pool table; D. J. Smith, one billiard and one pool table; Taggart, Hacken- 
 berg & Co., general store; D. J. Smith, general store.- Hackenberg & Thomas. 
 are now the principal merchants, M. C. Stone being manager. 
 
 Keating Cemetery Association was organized in September, 1886, with' 
 Hiram Bridges, John Bundy, Eleazer Dingee, E. A. Whitney and E. Farnuss,. 
 
 trustees A tent of the K. O. T. M. was organized at Keating Summit in 
 
 April, 1887, with the following named officers: G. M. Page, F. Zingley, F. 
 Joslin, L. Fessenden, A. Bielowski, F. N. White, J. S. Wells, W. Patterson, 
 
 F. Minard, D. C. Eima, J. J. Hamilton and J. Dempsey The Yeomans 
 
 saw-mill, located at the Big Tressel, about three miles below Forest House, 
 toward Emporium, belonging to Wallace Yeomans, was discovered to be on 
 fire April 24, 1889. An engine appeared in time to haul away eight cars of 
 loaded lumber, but two loaded cars of lumber and loaded cars of wood were 
 burned; also about 350,000 feet of manufactured lumber and 2,000,000 feet 
 of logs were totally consumed .... At Odin is the Odin Supply Company' s gen- 
 eral store .... The Sinnemahoning Valley Railroad, or the Goodyear road, was 
 completed to Austin, nine miles from Forest House, November 1, 1885, and the 
 hauling of logs to the Avery mill, G. D. Brigg's two mills and Goodyear' s 
 mill commenced. 
 
 The officers of the township, elected in February, 1890, are as follows: 
 Justice of the peace, G. C. Lewis; supervisor, Conrad Chestain; constable, D. 
 J. Smith; overseer of the poor, O. L. Hall; collector, George Waif anger; 
 treasurer, Herbert A. Avery; auditors, F. A. Grover, N. C. Sterm; town 
 clerk, E. A. Whitney; school directors, Frank Klein, Austin Crosby; judge of 
 election, A. E. Williams; inspectors of election, O. L. Hall, N. C. Sterm. 
 
 HOMER TOWNSHIP. 
 
 Homer township, between Keating and Summit townships, looks only one 
 way — southward. Sinnemahoning' s Bast Fork and First Fork find their 
 sources just north in Eulalia; south of Coudersport, and flow south. Catskill 
 formations claim a reservation here, and scarcely permit the other modest rocks 
 to outcrop. 
 
 There were forty-five tax-payers in 1853, while in 1889 there were 108 tax- 
 payers, assessed 173,705. The population in 1880 was 189, and, in 1888, 54 Re- 
 publicans, 24 Democrats, 4 Prohibitionists and 1 United Labor represented 
 415 inhabitants. Homer township was assessed by John Baker in 1845. The 
 resident tax-payers were George and J. H. Ayers, John Baker, Thomas Booth, 
 Nathan Dingman, Jonathan Edgecomb, Sol Foster, David and Dennis Hall, 
 Chester Prouty & Son, Elijah Prouty, Asylum Peters (a colored man), John 
 Palmer, Isaac Rees, Alvin Rennells, Benjamin Rennells, O. Strong, George 
 
1100 HISTOBY OF POTTER COUNTY. 
 
 W. Strong, Charles Wykoff, John Nelson, A. W. Lathrop and Thomas Gear- 
 hart. Homer was settled in 1838 by Snow and Foster, followed by Dennis 
 Hall, A. W. Lathrop and the Crosbys. At Inez are the general stores of L. 
 H. Cobb and the grocery store of E. Hachet. The part taken by the citizens 
 in the civil and military affairs of the district is noticed in the general history. 
 The township officers chosen in February, 1890, are as follows; Justice 
 of the peace, Frank Williams; constable, Eli Glaspy; supervisor, H. M. 
 Case; town clerk, J. P. Gates; treasurer, Frantz Kleasa; overseer of the poor, 
 W. H. Crosby; collector, J. B. Earle; auditor, Hiram Gates; judge of elec- 
 tion, G. F. Younglove; inspectors of election, J. E. Earle, O. H. Crosby; 
 school directors, J. P. Gates, Charles Edwards. 
 
 SUMMIT TOWNSHIP. 
 
 Summit township, however well it deserves its title, has a successful rival 
 in Allegheny. From its high lands flow feeders for the Sinnemahoning, the 
 Allegheny and Pine Creek. Here is the pretentious canon of Mill creek, and 
 here also is the happy farmer who looks out, when the spring or fall rains are 
 pouring, to see the drops select a course to pursue to the Chesapeake or the 
 Mississippi. The township is an immense plateau, cut deeply in the center by 
 the East Fork of the Sinnemahoning. In the northwest, by Miller's creek, 
 and in the northeast, by the heads of West Branch, Catskill and Pocono sand- 
 stone, conglom and other rocks are not wanting. 
 
 In 1880 the population was 202, while in 1888-89 there were fifty- seven 
 taxpayers, assessed at $107,879; 27 Republican, 7 Democrat, 1 Prohibition 
 and 1 Union Labor votes were cast, representing only 180 inhabitants. Sum- 
 mit township in 1855 claimed the following named tax-payers: Alfred Ayers, 
 Geo. Ayers, Alonzo Reed, McDonnell & Jakway, O. McDonnell, Mathias Reed, 
 Wash. Haskins, J. M. Floyd, Silas Nelson, John Lyman, James Nelson, J. M. 
 Bassett, Ira Nelson, A. J. Maxwell, John S. Barto, W. C. Cook, Mason Nel- 
 son, Merrick Jackson, Thomas Gearhart and David Burley. Ayers' Hill is in 
 the northwest corner of the township. In the southwest part is Borie post- 
 office, and about the center is the village of Prouty. 
 
 The officers chosen in 1890 are as follows: Supervisor, Leroy Haskins; 
 constable, A. O. Reed; collector, A. O. Reed; treasurer, Peter Card; auditor, 
 
 C. P. Ayers; judge of election, Martin Watson; inspectors of election, F. A. 
 Ayers, William Bonawitz; school directors, O. J. Jackson, Charles Reed, N. 
 
 D. Ayers; assessor, Lester Watson; justice of the peace, O. J. Jackson; town- 
 ship clerk, 0. Jackson. 
 
HISTORY OF POTTER COUNTY. 1101 
 
 CHAPTER XVir. 
 
 OSWAYO TOWNSHIP. 
 
 Geologic Formation— Population and Taxables— The First Settler— Pri- 
 vations OF the Early Residents— Stores and Schools— First Religious 
 Services— Churches— Societies— Ante-Tannery Days— Eleven Mile and 
 Oswayo— The Tanning Interest, etc.— Elections in February, 1890. 
 
 OSWAYO TOWNSHIP, called Chester in 1828, bounded north by the New 
 York State line, in its geological conformation, is half Chemung and half 
 Catskill. Eleven Mile creek runs southwest along the margin of the Chemung 
 country, while the head forks of the Oswayo belong to the southeast corner, 
 flowing through the Pocono and Catskill hills. Near Oswayo village are the 
 interesting boulders from the adjoining hills or some unknown region. Tribu- 
 taries of the Eleven mile and New York streams heading here, afford advanta- 
 ges in addition to those otherwise given to the northern half of Oswayo. 
 
 The population of the township and villages in 1880 was 883. In 1888 
 there were 169 Republican, sixty-seven Democratic, seven Prohibition and 
 eleven Union Labor votes cast, representing 1,270 inhabitants. The number 
 of tax-payers in 1889 was 306, and assessed value, $77,226. The population of 
 Oswayo village in 1880 was 321, while now it is estimated at about 500. The 
 resident tax-payers in 1834-35 were Geo. R. and Wm. Barber, Sheldon Brad- 
 ley (died after the war), Noah Crittenden (died fifteen years ago), Chauncey 
 (died in W^isconsin) and Thomas (died here) Kenyon, R. Nelson (assessor, died 
 in Allegheny township), Thomas Peabody, Matthew Standish, Wm. Shattuck 
 (now living in Hebron), Osias Parks, Laughton Wilcox (died in Hebron town- 
 ship) and John Wells (died in March, 1869). Twenty years later we find here 
 Dexter, Landee & Chace (saw-mill owners, where is now the tannery), Wm. 
 Dalrymple (steam saw-mill burned in 1888, and new one built by son), B. D. 
 Dolbee's, C. C. Kenyon' s, Thomas Kenyon' s, L. P. Belt's (steam), S. P. 
 Lyman's (steam), John Wells' and Wm. L. Shattuck' s sawmills. Noah 
 Crittenden's mill was erected in 1845, and G. W. Tyler's grist-mill in 1855. 
 The latter is still in existence southeast of the village. 
 
 Thomas Peabody, one of the two first settlers (Wm. Shattuck being the 
 other), was compelled to go six miles, to Allen's house in Clara township, for 
 fire to light his own hearthstone. On returning he gave the cinders to his 
 children to build the fire; then went to hunt up the cows, and on returning 
 found that the fine ''went out;" starting on his second trip to Allen's, he 
 "got there," and procuring some kindling marched back, this time insuring 
 success by setting on fire many pieces of dry wood on his trail. This Thomas 
 Peabody was the first settler of the village,' in 1829, as well as of the township. 
 His log-house on the south side of the creek, in the village, fell to decay in 
 the "forties;" the homes of W. W. Crittenden and Mrs. Richmond stand on or 
 near the site. John Wells came in the latter part of 1829 or early in 1830, 
 and purchased a log-house from one of the Barbers. He resided there until 
 1868, in a frame bouse which he built immediately after settlement. Before 
 he established his ashery, he had to make the terrible journey to Jersey Shore. 
 
1102 HISTORY OF POTTEE COUNTY. 
 
 On another occasion he and his son, Walter, went on horseback, each taking a 
 bushel and one half of wheat to mill at Beanville, but found the mill machin- 
 ery broken. During the night a heavy snow-storm set in, but undaunted they 
 proceeded to Wellsville, where they failed to have the grist ground, and pro- 
 ceeding to Scio the same day they were successful, and after three days of 
 severe travel returned to their home. In 1834 Sheldon Bradley had a hotel 
 here. George Jones, who came with his parents in the " forties," is said to have 
 killed the largest bear known in this section, in 1855. He heard the bear tak- 
 ing his preliminary winter snore, and killed hiiri. 
 
 A log school-house occupied the site of William McDougall's store at Os- 
 wayo, about 1840, but was removed before 1849— perhaps in 1847 — to make 
 way for this store-building — the first mercantile house at Oswayo. John Wells, 
 who settled a half mile above the village, had a potash factory, and the prod- 
 uct of this ashery he would haul to Rochester to exchange for groceries. The 
 groceries he would haul to his home, and there sell to the people. Mr. Walter 
 Wells has two of the kettles, one of which is used in the sugar-bush and one 
 on the farm. C. H. Simmons opened a store after MoDougall; then C. H. 
 Simmons and Walter Wells; nextKenyon, Graves and Wilkinson, about 1858, and 
 during the war Joel Haskins established the grocery now carried on by L. M. 
 Smith. S. R. Minor was postmaster in 1852, followed by C. H. Simmons in 
 1857. Dr. H. H. Munson was appointed in 1864; Walter Wells, in 1868; 
 Amasa Carmer, in 1885, and Walter Wells, in 1889. Prior to 1854 a frame 
 school-building near the old Wells homestead, on the southwest corner of the 
 Thomas Kenyon farm, took the place of a small frame building which is now 
 part of the Kenyon home. A fourth school-house (frame) was erected in the 
 iall of 1861, on the side-hill above the village, on Eleven Mile road, which is 
 now a dwelling house, the property of Walter Wells, occupied by the black- 
 smith, Charles Dezeuter. The Oswayo graded school building was erected in 
 1866, by the district. This building was opened by Reil Cobb, and continued 
 by J. C. Wilkinson. The building was burned in February, 1876. The com- 
 mon school was also presided over by the lady to whom Mr. Cobb was subse- 
 quently married. During Mr. Wilkinson's term he had no aid. In 1876 the 
 present school building was erected, and opened by J. C. Wilkinson that win- 
 ter. A. Howe and wife, Ernest Wells and Miss Myrtle Wells have also pre- 
 sided here, while Mr. Wilkinson taught for eight terms. 
 
 Walter Wells, in his reminiscences of Oswayo, is inclined to think that the 
 Seventh Day Baptists were the first regular preachers; Hiram Burdick, W. J. 
 Gillette and others were among the preachers. The Baptists organized a 
 building society in 1877, and had the frame of a church-house complete, 
 when, for want of funds, the building was abandoned. The frame was re- 
 modeled by Reynolds Bros., and now forms part of the building occupied 
 by Hiram Cheeseboro. Rev. Mr. Hart was the preacher at this time. Prior 
 to 1834 a Mr. Avery preached Baptist doctrine here. The Methodist class 
 dates back many years. The land, on which the Methodist Church of Os- 
 wayo was built, was leased May 23, 1859, by Noah Crittenden to the 
 trustees, H. H. Lyman, Joel Haskins, C. H. Simmons, Samuel Everett, J. 
 C. Wilkinson and Franklin Gale, and the building commenced that year. 
 The Catholic congregation proposes to erect a large church during the year 
 1890. The members now worship in one or other of their residences. 
 
 In 1851 a Good Templars lodge was established at Oswayo. Among 
 the members were A. B. Wood, C. H. Simmons, Mrs. L. D. Estes, Mrs. 
 Woods and others. This lodge is said to have been in active existence when the 
 Prohibitory special act was passed. Since that date two or three other lodges 
 
HISTORY OF POTTER COUNTY. 1103 
 
 of the same character have been organized. In recent years the W. C. T. U. 
 was established in this section, and Mrs. Sarah M. Wells is president of the 
 county association. 
 
 A. W. Estes Post, No. 125, G. A. R., was mustered in February 17, 1881, 
 with the following named members: John E. Lee, 9th N. Y, Art. ; J. A. 
 Peckham, 154th N. Y. ; E. E. Clark, 28th N. Y.; John F. Morse (Morss) 146th 
 N. Y. ; J. B. Stewart, 46th Pa.; W. Fessenden, 210th Pa.; J. H. Stillson, 
 24th V. R. Pa. ; Geo. V. Markham, 46th Pa. ; James Rowlee, 190th Pa. ; T. 
 Crittenden, 210th Pa. ; John Davis, 12th N. Y. Cav. ; Horace Brizzee, 210th 
 Pa. ; A. D. Ames, 1st N. Y. D. ; Maj. R. Dibble, 53d Pa. ; Chauncey Brown, 
 23d N. Y. ; G. R. Wilber, 149th Pa. ; R. Densmore, 106th Pa. ; Geo. Brizzee, 
 210th Pa. ; V. R. Kenyon, 46th Pa. ; G. F. Rowlee, 210th Pa. ; W. M. Barle, 
 46th Pa. ; H. H. Cheeseboro, 46th Pa. : R. H. Smith, 149th Pa. ; A. S. Lyman, 
 12th N. Y.. G. Crouch, 76th Pa.; Levi Robbins, 210th Pa.; W. W. Dwight, 
 46tb Pa. ; G. M. Estes, 149th Pa. ; R. N. Nichols, 8th N. Y. ; A. A. GofP, I2th 
 N. Y. ; E. H. Estes, 7l8t N. Y. ; J. T. Rathbone, 46th Pa. ; John B. Grom, 
 53d Pa.; Nathan Hill, 130th N. Y. ; G. W. Bradley, 46th Pa., and Square 
 Estes, 21Cth Pa. John E. Lee was the first commander, followed by A. S. 
 Lyman, L. D. Estes, Geo. V. Markham, C. J. .Tubbs, J. C. Wilkinson, J. F. 
 Morse and the present commander, C. A. Estes. John F. Morse was first 
 adjutant, succeeded, in 1882, by J. C. Wilkinson, who has served continuously 
 except in 1887, when C. J. Tubbs filled the position. Of the ninety members 
 enrolled, three died and seventeen were dropped. The hall is in the Estes 
 building. 
 
 Women's Relief Corps, No. 22, was chartered October 17, 1885, with Mrs. 
 S. L. Rowlee, president; Miss Clara E. Estes, secretary; Mrs. Mary E. Earle, 
 Emily A. Estes, Mary A. Wilber, Rachel Davis, Laura A. Tubbs, Nettie C. 
 Tubbs, Mary F. Wilkinson, Sally Colegrove, Eliza Crittenden and Clarissa A. 
 Estes. Mrs. John Davis is the present president, and Mrs. M. A. Wilbur, 
 secretary. 
 
 The village of ante-tannery days comprised C. A. Pinneo's steam saw-mill, 
 G. W. Tyler's saw and shingle mills, W. Dexter' s shingle mill, the Oswayo 
 Hotel, the general stores of S. Beebe, W. Wells and W. McDougall; the 
 grocery store of J. Haskins ; the offices of Dr. W. H. Turner and Attorney W. 
 B. Graves; the wagon shops of W. Colgrove, H. Snath, W. G. Graves, W. 
 M. Wilber, and the dwellings of the persons named with those of A. Moore, 
 Mrs. West, L. Shaw, H. York, N. Crittenden, Mrs. Thadkee, H. Lord, J. C. 
 Wilkinson, Dr. N. H. Munoop, E. Head and D. Moyer. The Methodist 
 church at the west end, and the school-house at the north end. The village has ad- 
 vanced considerably since that time, the McGonigal House has been established 
 and dwelling after dwelling erected. Walter Wells and J. J. Lapham & Co. 
 are general merchants; John F. Morse, hardware dealer; C. J. Tubbs, furni- 
 ture dealer; L. M. Smith and A. W. Carmer, grocers. The Lee House is con- 
 ducted by S. E. Crittenden. 
 
 The Oswayo Tannery was established twelve years ago by Sorenberg & 
 Gray, receiving from about thirty persons in the village about $3,000 bonus. 
 In 1879 they sold their interests to P. H. Costello & Co., and on the removal 
 of the new proprietors to Costello, they sold to Lapham & Co., the present 
 owners. The land for a site was donated by Thomas Crittenden. The tan- 
 nery gives direct employment to fifty men, exclusive of teamsters employed 
 in hauling raw and manufactured material to and from Ceres. There are 
 between 7,000 and 8,000 cords of bark used annually, and the capacity is 
 said to be 2,500,000 sides of leather. In 1879 the employee's homes were 
 
1104 HISTORY OP POTTER COUNTY. 
 
 built by p. H. Costello & Co., and now belong to the present owners Eleven 
 
 Mile post-office was established in March, 1857, at Stephen Potter's toll-gate 
 on the plank road, with Potter as master. The office is now near Oswayo, with 
 
 A. Butterfield, master Eleven Mile Cemetery Association was organized in 
 
 June, 1888, with twenty-five members, of whom Q. F. Rowlee, Dean Healy 
 
 and O. M. Kemp, were trustees Chrystal, the site of the Dalrymple mills 
 
 (burned in 1888), was established as a post-office with J. J. Rathbun, post- 
 master. 
 
 The township officers chosen in February, 1889, are the following: Constable, 
 John Davis; supervisor, George V. Markham; treasurer, L. M. Smith; col- 
 lector, John Davis; town clerk, S. Beebe; auditor, James T. Lockwood; over- 
 seer of the poor, W. W. Crittenden; school directors, Bela Kemp, Ed. Car- 
 mer; judge of election, D. W. D. Estes; inspectors of election, F. F. Good, 
 Frank Drake. 
 
 CHAPTER XVIII. 
 SYLVANIA TOWNSHIP. 
 
 Settlement of the Township in 1838— Some Early Eesidents— Its Growth- 
 First Church, etc. — Elections in February, 1890— Village of Costello. 
 
 SYLVANIA TOWNSHIP, north of Wharton and east of Portage, finds the 
 Sinnemahoning increasing in size among its grim forests. Above and at 
 Costello, the First fork, the South fork and Freeman's fork of this creek flow 
 together. The county is rich in material for the student of natural history, 
 while the borough of Austin and town of Costello afford subject to the student 
 of enterprise and progress. North of Costello the huge boulders, farther away 
 the red shale, and in the northeast corner, gray shale and gray sandstone, and 
 the regular dip of the rocks northwest and southwest from the centre, make the 
 township a book which the student must walk to read. The population in 1880 
 was 214. In 1888 there were 59 Republican, 61 Democrat and 16 United 
 Labor votes cast, representing 680 inhabitants, while in 1889 the number 
 of taxpayers was 211, and value of property 182,415. This township was as- 
 sessed in 1857-58 by A. C. Scovill, who found here E. O. Austin, Andrew, 
 William and Chester Burleson, John Brownlee, Thomas, Hugh and Ben. Booth, 
 Joseph Baker, William Carson, Washington Clinton, McReady Earl, Eli, 
 James and John Glaspy, T. Gearhart, Joe Hall, William and Pardon Haskin, 
 Franklin and Beaty Holliday, C. W. Ives, William and T. M. Keeler, Henry 
 Knickerbocker, James Logue, A. G. Olmsted, Lewis Payne, Chester and Eli- 
 jah Prouty, James, Isaac and C. C. Rees, A. C. Scovill, T. L. Tulle, John 
 Vanatter, Charles and Isaac Wykoff and R. H. Young. William Carson with 
 others moved upon the upper Sinnemahoning in 1836. He was a mill-wright 
 and built a small log grist-mill above the mouth of Freeman' s run, at the up- 
 per end of the Costello tannery, in Sylvania. The old mill (a block or log build- 
 ing) was in existence until recent years. The Webb colony, referred to in the 
 history of Costello, settled here in 1835-36. 
 
 In 1838 Eli Rees and John Glaspy moved from Philadelphia into the forest, 
 
i \ 
 
 
HISTORY OF POTTER COUNTY. 1107 
 
 what is now the township of Sylvania, near the forks of the First fork of the 
 Sinnemahoning, at the place now known as Rees Settlement. They came into 
 the country by the way of Jersey Shore, and, as there were no roads after leaving 
 the turnpike, they were obliged to chop their way through the woods. Their 
 nearest neighbor, John Nelson, lived five miles south, and in the other direc- 
 tion George Ayers, on Ayers' Hill, was their nearest neighbor, nine miles dis- 
 tant. The children of Eli Rees were: Sons— Eli, Jr., Columbus, James, Isaac, 
 Thomas and Miller; daughters— Mary Ann (Mrs. John Glaspy), and Hannah 
 (Mrs. Corry). The children of John Glaspy were James, Edward, Miller, 
 Eli, Elizabeth (Mrs. Wheeler) and Mary (Mrs. Logue). Eli Rees, Jr., while 
 county treasurer, was accidentally shot and killed by D. D. Reed, in 1859. Eli 
 Rees, Sr., came here as an agent for the Webb lands, receiving for himself 400 
 acres. He laid out a village plot where the tannery town of Costello now 
 stands. Every man who bought a farm received the deed of a village lot. 
 Farms were sold and the land brought under cultivation, but the village re- 
 fused to grow until many years after, when manufacturing interests gave it a 
 push. Within two or three years after the arrival of Rees and Glaspy, Ches- 
 ter Prouty came into the country. The first blacksmith was Isaac Rees. He is 
 still living at the advanced age of seventy-seven years. 
 
 Those passing the estate of Columbus C. Rees, to whom we are indebted 
 for much useful information, will notice a large pine standing in one corner of 
 the lot in which his house is built, near the creek. This Mr. Rees set out 
 when he was a boy, first in the garden, but at his father's suggestion he trans- 
 planted it to its present position. Benj. Berfield informs us that at this time 
 his father was living down the stream; remembers his father camping out with 
 two Indians, where the camp-meeting ground is now, while hunting, and also 
 remembers lying awake, when a small boy, until 1 o'clock in the morning, 
 listening for the report of his father's gun, who was lying in wait for a bear 
 that had killed his sheep. The bear when brought in tipped the scales at 400 
 pounds. 
 
 In 1835 the first church was organized in Sylvania, Methodist Episcopal in 
 creed. Rev. Butt and Rev. Gregg preached alternately once every four weeks 
 at the house of Eli Rees, Sr. But the first prayer meeting was held two years 
 before by Isaac Rees, in William Crosby's log-house, near where the church 
 stands now. Soon after this preachers came and held services in the house of 
 Widow Hamilton, and formed a class of six or seven members. Isaac Rees 
 was appointed class leader, and used to walk eight miles on Sunday to meet 
 with his class. Isaac Rees learned the gunsmith's trade in West Philadel- 
 phia, but on coming to the colony he became a blacksmith. The first school- 
 house in Sylvania township was built by David Wilson for the land owner, 
 Samuel Webb, in 1838. Isaac Rees taught the first school. The first grist- 
 mill in Sylvania was built by William Carson for Samuel Webb, in 1839. 
 There was no hotel until 1861, when one was opened by William Burleson. 
 
 The oflEicers elected in 1890 are as follows: Supervisor, George Morse; 
 town clerk, E. E. Curtis; treasurer, A. D. Jorden; constable, John F. Cadden; 
 auditor, R. P. Martin; collector, John P. Cadden; school directors, J. M. 
 Rees, A. J. Burleson, J. F. Cadden; judge of election, H. N. Rees; inspectors 
 of election, Edward Bailey, Harry Peck; overseer of the poor, Ed. Glaspy. 
 
 Costello is named in honor of the enterprising leather manufacturer, P. H. 
 Costello. Prior to 1880 he and a brother brought the old tannery at Oswayo 
 into the front rank of leather factories, and coming here that year built up 
 another great industry in the wilderness, which gives employment to over 250 
 men directly, and many more indirectly. 
 
1108 HISTORY OF POTTER COUNTY. 
 
 The first settlement at the mouth of Freeman's run was made in 1835-36 
 by the weaver, William Carson and wife, Scotch-Irish people and members of 
 Quaker Webb's "Upper Sinnemahoning colony. The Carson cabin was given 
 the name "The Saint's Eest," and the grist-mill (a little log affair) "The Set- 
 tlers' Hope." This mill stood, until recently, at the upper end of the great 
 tannery grounds, while the race forms part of the water-supply system of the 
 tannery. This mill was built by Carson for Webb, the only one of many of 
 his proposed manufacturing industries brought into existence. In 1837 he had 
 a town, Sylvania, surveyed on the site of the present town of Costello, and a 
 short time afterward a small log building was erected to point out the center 
 of settlement as well as for school purposes. Grounds for cemetery purposes 
 were also set apart at that time. 
 
 In 1878 P. C. and P. H. Costello directed their attention to this part of 
 Potter county, and decided upon selling the old Oswayo tannery, which they 
 had already made a great industry, and establishing their works on the Upper 
 Sinnemahoning. They purchased the Pratt lands together with the William 
 and Chester Burleson's farm and R. G. Stewart's farm. On the site of the 
 Burleson and Stewart lands, the Sylvania of 1837, the work of erecting tan- 
 nery buildings was entered upon in 1880, and in the summer of 1881 the first 
 hides were put in. and a yard 1,000x90 feet completed in every particular. 
 The buildings were considered adequate to meet the requirements of trade for 
 a number of years, but within a short time they proved too limited. 
 
 There are now three yards or vat buildings equaling one building 190x1200 
 leet, containing 900 vats 8x10 feet square and 5|- feet deep. To get an idea 
 of the size of such a building, compare it with the court-house in Coudersport, 
 it being more that forty-two times larger. The two beam houses are equal to 
 a building 115x160 feet, equal to three and a half such buildings. The hide 
 house is 127x171 feet, or four such buildings. The scouring and oiling room 
 is 76x136 feet, or twice as large. The dry house, finishing and shipping rooms 
 are 42x730 feet, and four stories in height, which, on the ground, nearly equals 
 a building six times as large as the court-house. Viewing it in this manner 
 an idea can be obtained of the immense structure in Costello. This latter 
 building has a capacity of drying and finishing 1,200 sides of leather a day. 
 It is heated throughout with steam; has two elevators each of 6,000 pounds 
 hoisting capacity; is equipped -with a two-foot guage railroad track, laid with 
 fifteen-pound steel rails, which aggregate over a mile in length. The leach 
 house is 50x372 feet, and contains forty-eight round leaches, each of thirteen 
 cords capacity. There are six bark mills in operation. The steam bank con- 
 sists of ten boilers, capable of producing 900 horse-power, running eight 
 engines located in different parts of the works, equalling in all 550 horse- 
 power. The water for the yard is supplied by an artesian well. It is gaseous, 
 burning freely for a moment when a match is applied. There are consumed in 
 this establishment 32,000 cords of bark, annually, mainly supplied by the 
 Goodyears. The spent bark is mostly burned in the boiler arches ; indeed they 
 are constructed to consume as much as possible. There are yearly put out for 
 market 265,000 sides of sole leather, equal to over 6,000,000 pounds, or 3,000 
 tons, about one half of which is sold for exportation, a large percentage of the 
 balance being consumed in home markets. All leather is consigned to their 
 New York house, where it is sold. The water- works for protection from fires 
 is very complete and admirable, aad the force of workmen well drilled. Steam 
 heat is used throughout, and the whole lighted by electricity. There are 
 eighty houses occupied by employes, together with a large boarding house; 
 also a general repair shop, machine shop, blacksmith and wagon shop, saw- 
 
HISTOEY OF POTTER COUNTY. - 1109 
 
 mill, extensive stables, a large acreage of farm lands in the highest state 
 of cultivation, as v^ell as 25,000 acres of hemlock timber lands. A general 
 store, 30x90 feet, two stories in height, is supplied and maintained for the use 
 of the hands, but much merchandise is sold to citizens of the surrounding 
 country; indeed, before the building of Austin it was the chief source of sap"^ 
 plies for a large surrounding region. The offices attached are large and com- 
 modious, being 24x38 feet, two stories in height, and fitted and furnished for 
 the use designed. They are connected by telephone with the neighboring 
 villages, with the Western Union Telegraph system, and the railroad offices at 
 Austin and Keating Summit. There are employed in these works about 275 
 men, at an average monthly pay roll of from 19,000 to $10,000. Many of the 
 employes are from necessity skilled workmen, and are excellent citizens. The 
 business was established by P. C. & P. H. Costello, at Camden, Oneida Co. , 
 N. Y., about 1844. From that their celebrated brand of leather took the name 
 of "Camden Sole Leather," so well known in the trade. The present com- 
 pany of Alfred Costello & Co. consists of P. H. , P. C. , Alfred and John H. 
 Costello, the latter being a resident here. 
 
 Among the leading business houses of the village of Costello, in 1889, 
 were the following: Alfred Costello & Co., general store; W. B. Eees, drugs 
 and jewelry; H. & M. J. Young, groceries; C. W. Breisenick, drugs and 
 groceries; Julius M. Harris, general store, and E. L. Brownlee, millinery and 
 fancy goods. 
 
 At Wharton, across the river, are the general stores of Westgate Bros, and 
 
 D. S. Seibert & Co, and the grocery store of B. F. Ross The Sylvania 
 
 Portage bridge over the Sinnemahoning at Costello was authorized in Decem- 
 ber, 1889, and the contracts for stone abutments sold to M. Delaney, of Glean, 
 
 N. Y The Costello saw-mill, built in 1850, was burned in 1882, but rebuilt 
 
 the following spring. This mill is now leased by Albert Lyman, and is devoted 
 to the cutting of hardwood .... In January, 1890, Daniel Lyman purchased the 
 hardwood on the lands of F. Goodyear, in the vicinity of Austin, for $50,000. 
 It is his intention to erect a large mill at this point for its manufacture. A 
 great wood-pulp factory is proposed. 
 
 St. Paul's Catholic Church dates back to 1886. A very neat church build- 
 ing was erected that year, at a cost of about $4,000 — the Messrs. Costello 
 donating the lots and a cash contribution, all estimated at $1,000. Father 
 Patterson served this part of the large parish of St. Mary's until his death. 
 Father Cosgrove is now pastor. 
 
1110 HISTORY OF POTTER COUNTY. 
 
 CHAPTER XIX. 
 
 PORTAGE TOWNSHIP— BOROUGH OF AUSTIN— WHARTON TOWN- 
 SHIP—EAST FORK (OLEONA). 
 
 PoKTAGE Township Topography— Population and T ax ables— Elections 
 
 IN February, 1890— Miscellaneous. 
 Borough of Austin Incorporation, and First Officers— Elections in 
 
 February, 1890 — Lumber Interests — Goodyear Railroad System — 
 
 School and Church— Societies— Business, Etc 
 Wharton Township Conformation — Population, Etc. — Early Land 
 
 Owners— First Assessment, 1831— First Schools, Etc. 
 East Fork (Oleona) A Wilderness— Residents, Streams, Etc. 
 
 PORTAGE TOWNSHIP is, geographically, a part of the township of that 
 name in Cameron county. Although wanting in the streams which lend a 
 picturesque charm to the sister township, with the exception of the miniature 
 caflons of Cowley's and Lucore runs; the township is a tree-covered, elevated 
 plane of Pocono sandstone, broken in the north centre by the creek cuttings in 
 the Catskill formation, and in the northeast corner by the diminutive tread of 
 the Sinnemahoning creek. The Mill-creek-Pine-creek range leaves the county 
 in the southern corner of Portage, after giving said township more than its 
 share of high land. In 1853, there were 12 tax-payers; in 1889, 69, with prop- 
 erty assessed at $71,794. The population in 1880 was 114, which has been 
 increased a little. There were 30 Republican, 18 Democratic and 6 Union 
 Labor votes cast there in November, 1888. 
 
 In 1860 a portion of Potter, McKean and Clinton counties were, by an act 
 of the legislature, erected into a county to be called Cameron, in honor of 
 Gen. Simon Cameron. Portage township in Potter county, fifteen miles long, 
 along the McKean line and five miles wide, situated in the southwest corner, 
 was thickly settled along the Portage creek to below Shippen (now Emporium). 
 The diagonal line of Potter, now seen on the maps, cuts off the portion of Potter 
 below the line, so as to take every person in the township into the new county, 
 but by the provisions of that act the township might resume its municipal or- 
 ganization whenever it contained a sufficient population. In 1871 a supple- 
 ment to the Cameron county act set off a portion of Sylvania township along 
 Freeman's run to Portage township, containing the requisite number of inhab- 
 itants, and they at once municipally organized. The Sinnemahoning at Cos- 
 tello (then North Wharton) was made the boundary line. As the Costello com- 
 pany required all their territory in their farms for their own use, the balance 
 of the town sprang up on the Young place across the river. It contains seve- 
 ral stores, markets, offices, a hotel and the usual accompaniments of a town. 
 
 In 1876 this division claimed the following named resident tax-payers: E. 
 0. Austin, C. D. Austin, P. P. Austin, C. C. Burdette, Thomas Brownlee, John 
 Brownlee (saw-mill), Robert Brownlee, William Carson, Mrs. M. E. Everett, 
 H. H. , George, Benjamin, John and D. A. Everett, Josiah, Monroe, and Dan- 
 iel Hacket, John Sullivan, Harry Tenbrook, Geo. Turner, John Van Metter, 
 William Willis, R. K. Young, and Thomas L. Young. E. O. Austin was as- 
 sessor that year, and certifies to the above, although on page 22, geological 
 
HISTORY 0^ POTTEB COUNTY. 1111 
 
 report of Andrew Sherwood, it is stated, that there were only two families 
 known to reside there that year. In the history of Cameron county a good 
 deal is related affecting the old township, as in I860 the inhabited portioa was 
 attached to that new county. In 1871 a portion of Sylvania was annexed 
 to Portage, and its reorganization effected. 
 
 The officers chosen in February, 1890, are as follows: Constable, William 
 Putman; town clerk, S. B. Haskins; supervisors, Charles Rees, John E. Brown- 
 lee; school directors, Thomas Logue, Chas. D. Austin; inspectors of election, 
 A. B. Peet, John B. Stiner; judge of election, C. W. Hungerford; overseer of 
 the poor, J. Q. Adams; treasurer, T. W. Brownlee; collector William Putman. 
 
 BOKOUaH OF AUSTIN. 
 
 This new town may be said to date back to the fall of 1886, when the build- 
 ing of the great saw-mills commenced. In February, 1887, it boasted of 700 
 inhabitants, and in May, 1889, there were 389 personal taxpayers (or 1,556 
 inhabitants on a basis of four persons to each voter). The assessed value in 
 1889 was $48,071, and moneys at interest 115,301. Austin was incorporated 
 on June 14, 1888, and the regular election ordered to be held at John E. 
 Doyle' s house in February, 1889. The special election was held in October, 
 1888. James W. Thorne received eighty-three votes for burgess. The 
 eouncilmen chosen were F. P. Austin and F. L. Blaisdell, for one year; John 
 P. Both and J. W. "Yennie, for two years; Aaron Elliott and James B. Carson, 
 for three years. John Freeman was chosen assessor, James F. Higgins, con- 
 stable and collector, and W. H. Erhard, treasurer. The school directors elected 
 were Dan. Collins and C. L. Garretson, one year; Charles Eothstein and F. 
 P. Austin, two years, and Aaron Elliott and M. Taylor, three years. In 1889 
 the two first named eouncilmen were re-elected, also the collector, with W. 
 Watkins, assessor. Messrs. Collins and Garretson, N. E. Weed and W. V. 
 Harney were chosen school directors; L. R. Walters, auditor; the treasurer re- 
 elected, and George Sharp and George O. Hellwig, overseers of the poor. 
 
 In February, 1890, there were 129 votes cast, the burgess and one or two 
 others receiving 1 28 out of that number. No fight was made except on high 
 constable, F. H. Davis being put in the field as an opponent of William Goulder. 
 The latter received a majority of seventeen votes. The officers elected are: 
 Burgess, W. H. Sullivan; eouncilmen, Joe Ireland, J. W. Yennie; constable 
 James Higgins; collector, James Higgins; auditor, F. J. Weisert; overseer of 
 the poor, C. S. Watkins; Joseph Alesworth; judge of election, F. A. Worster; 
 inspectors of election, N. E. Weed, Rufus Henderson; school directors, J. G. 
 Corbett, F. A. Worster; high constable, William Goulder. Mr. Austin was 
 first postmaster, succeeded by W. H. Sullivan. In June, 1889, Mr. Hastings, 
 the present master, was appointed. 
 
 In August, 1888, a $3,500 school building was completed. The Methodist 
 Church' of Austin was incorporated in November, 1888, with J. W. Thorne, 
 John Brownlee, A. S. Heck, C. H. Hartman, S. C. Bush, Robert Leech and 
 R. J. Gaffney, members. The society was organized in 1887 by Elder W. A. 
 Stephens, and Rev. J. Emory W^eeks commenced his duties as preacher in charge 
 April 3, 1887. On June 5, that year, a Sunday-school was organized, On 
 November 21, 1888, the church building was dedicated, and in 1889 Rev. H. 
 H. Crotsley took charge. The proposed Catholic and United Brethren Church 
 buildings are not yet begun. A tent of the K. 0. T. M. was organized at 
 Austin in April, 1887, with the following named officers: T. S. Darling, E. S. 
 Rudy, J. C. Doyle, M. E. Cleary, J. K. McDonald, S. B. Chambers, William 
 
1112 HISTORY OF POTTER COUNTY. 
 
 P. Burdick, O. A. Nelson, C. R. Unrick, John Sullivan, A. L. Pearce, E. 
 B. Fisher and L. McKerry. The charter was granted in June following. 
 
 Austin Lodge, No. 702, I. O. O. F., was instituted, August 16, 1887, under 
 charter of July 15, with the following named charter members: G. B. Booth, 
 N. G. ; Wm. H. Sullivan, Treas. ; S. H. Lewis, V. G. ; H. D. H. Snyder, Sec. ; 
 B. F. Pelton and J. B. Carson, Asst. Sees. ; G. W. D. Judd, George Hayes, J. K. 
 McDonald and Aaron Elliott. Eufus Henderson, O. C. Learn, O. C. Carmar, 
 John Keshoe, Mark Taylor, L. E. Walters, F. J. Wisert, M. J. Young, B. C. 
 Sweet, Fred Graw, A. W. Burt, E. K. Kershner, M. J. Phelps, W. P. Bur- 
 dick, N. H. Hastings, Geo. Caldwell, C. L. Garretson, Geo. B. Sharp, Geo. 
 Leonard, Eobert Looney, J. W. Thorne were admitted that night. The past 
 grands are G. B. Eooth, S. H. Lewis, H. D. H. Snyder, J. M. Phelps, and 
 Eufus Henderson, present noble grand. The past secretaries are H. D. H. 
 Snyder, Eufus Henderson, G. B. Sharp, and Sam. B. Haskins, the present 
 secretary, with Jeremiah Gallager, assistant secretary. The present number of 
 members is seventy-one. Geo. Leonard and C. L. Garretson were killed by 
 accident, and G. W. D. Judd died from natural causes. The hall is on the 
 upper floor of the Wisert block. 
 
 Arcana Lodge, A. F. & A. M., was chartered February 5, 1890, with W. 
 H. Sullivan, W. M. ; S. H. Lewis, S. W. ; W. A. Worster, J. W. ; J. G. Cor- 
 bett, secretary; E. O. Austin, treasurer, and Geo. E. Fluery, G. B. Sharp, 
 Joseph Ireland, J. B. Carson, J. E. Pomeroy, Geo. D. Helwig, R. J. Sharp, 
 Eufus Henderson and S. C. Bush, petitioners. The new lodge proposes to 
 build a hall this year. 
 
 A branch of the N. S. & L. A. , of Eochester, was organized here in Janu- 
 ary. 1890, with the following named officers: S. H. Lewis, president; Dr. E. 
 J. Sharp, vice-president; F. A. Worster, secretary; W. H. Sullivan, treasurer; 
 J. G. Corbett, attorney; A. L. Pearce, S. H. Lewis, W. H. Sullivan, appris- 
 ing committee. 
 
 Oreat Manufacturing Industries. — During the summer of 1885, while the 
 road was being built and the building of the mills talked of, Oliver S. Garret- 
 son, of Buffalo, N. Y., owner of the extensive furniture and foundry works, 
 was visiting in the vicinity, when the question arose as to the expediency of 
 utilizing the hardwood on this tract in his works at BufPalo. The result was 
 the purchase of all the hardwood upon this tract and the project of building a 
 sort of double mill, sawing the hard-wood for himself and the hemlock for 
 Mr. Goodyear. To carry out these ideas the line of the railroad was somewhat 
 altered, the plans for a mill drawn, and in September the work on the dam 
 was commenced, and soon after on the mill. A street seventy feet wide was 
 laid out to the projected depot, the house of Mr. Austin being the central point, 
 from which the present town was laid out; while his garden, one of the finest 
 in the country, had to be given up for the mill pond. It was soon discovered 
 that the plans for the mill would have to be considerably enlarged to meet the 
 demands upon it, so they were much extended. A portable saw-mill was em- 
 ployed to cut the necessary lumber for it and other necessary buildings, with 
 the supposition that some 200,000 feet would be required. This would have 
 filled the bill, had the original plans been carried out, but the plans extended; 
 the logging by rail and steam, and building a mill to correspond, was being in- 
 vented, and while the little saw-mill cut about 1,000,000 feet before it was 
 drowned out by water in the new pond, nearly 2,000,000 more were sawed at 
 and shipped from Keating Summitt and the Four Mile mills to go into this 
 structure. 
 
 The Hemlock mill was completed September 20, 1886. The mill cuts an 
 
HISTORY OF POTTER COUNTY. 1113 
 
 average of 280,000 feet each twenty-two hours. The average cut per month is 
 over 7,000,000. It is equipped with all the modern improvements in saw-mills 
 The machinery consists of three Babcoek & Wilcox safety boilers of 200 horse- 
 power each, a 400 horse- power Wright's automatic engine with steam pumps 
 and condenser, which adds greatly to the power of the engine (the condensed 
 steam, by a system of huge pipes, is carried ti the pond by which means it 
 never freezes over in the coldest weather); two circular mills with steam 
 loaders, niggers and feed, a Wicks gag, two gang edgers, an automatic trim- 
 mer, live rolls and two plainers of large capacity. On the first floor is a net 
 work of large belts and conveyors, shafts and pulleys. The largest belt is 110 
 feet long, forty-two inches wide, costing $700. The filing or grinding room is 
 equipped with five automatic grinders and two automatic swages. There is 
 dock room for loading thirty railroad cars at a time, besides three strings of 
 docks to pile lumber from, each three -fourths of a mile long. The lumber is 
 taken to the yard along the three docks on tram cars drawn by horses. About 
 five-sevenths of the lumber is shipped green. There are 175 men employed 
 at this mill whose average wages are 11. 90 per day — the pay roll amounting to 
 18,000 per month. 
 
 The other mill, or No. 2. was begun in April, 1887, and finished and 
 started in February, 1888. This mill is generally only run in the day time, 
 cutting 70,000 feet in eleven hours, 1,700, 000 feet in a month. It is equipped 
 with two Babcoek & Wilcox safety boilers of 200 horse-power each, running 
 two automatic engines of 200 horse-power each, steam pumps, feed, niggers 
 and loaders, one circular and band saw, a gang-edger, automatic trimmer, live 
 rolls, etc. The filing room has two automatic grinders and swages. There is 
 dock room for sixteen railroad cars at a time, and three strings of dock each 
 one-fourth of a mile in length. Here, too, about five- sevenths of the lumber 
 are shipped green. There are manufactured at this mill 3,000, 000 feet of hard- 
 wood lumber each, for Mr. Garretson' s own use at his works in Buffalo, cut 
 by the band-saw. The band saw saves about one-seventh of the lumber over 
 a circular, which, in the better class of hardwood lumber is a large item. It 
 is safe to say that these mills cut more lumber in a year than is cut by any 
 similar mills in the States. They are both lighted by electricity, and have a 
 fine system for protection from fires, both automatic and by powerful pump 
 and hose, aside from that afforded by the borough water system, which is ad- 
 mirable. Mill No. 2 employs sixty men at an average wage of $1.90 per day; 
 the monthly pay-roll being $2,600. The wages paid the employes of both 
 mills are about $11,000 per month, which is promptly paid in cash. There is 
 at each mill a large, circular, inclosed brick burner or crematory, forty feet 
 high, for burning the waste. For a perfect understanding of these works 
 we will give some statistics as reported to us by the proprietors themselves. 
 The hemlock mill cuts 7,000,000 per month. Teams loaded with this lumber 
 would make a nearly solid line of forty miles, and, at 10,000 feet each, would 
 require 700 cars each month to move it. The bark peeled each year averages 
 60,000 cords. If this was loaded on wagons at two cords each, the line would 
 be 380 miles long, and at fourteen tons to a rail oar, would require upwards of 
 4,000 cars to move it to market. 
 
 Of logs there are 100,000,000 feet put out to the mills yearly, and as 
 the ponds will not hold more than one day's sawing, they are moved from 
 their store ground or skid- ways in the woods daily, from eight to ten or more 
 miles away; to do this over 100 ears are used peculiarly designed for this pur- 
 pose, each car having four pairs of wheels on spring trucks connecting with a 
 platform and reach jointed in the middle so as to yield on carves, with bunks 
 
1114 HISTORY OF POTTER COUNTY. 
 
 and bolsters twelve feet long. Each car when loaded holds about three thou- 
 sand feet. From twenty to twenty-five cars, with from 60,000 to 75,000 feet 
 of logs, make the average train load, although as many as fifty cars are some- 
 times hauled at a time. It takes an average of 115 car-loads to run the mills 
 a day. Five of the " Stem-winder" engines are constantly busy drawing logs 
 and bark and doing switching. Their weight is from thirty-five tons, the 
 smallest, to eighty-one tons, the largest. 
 
 In handling the bark a large number of flat-cars is required, of which 
 there are at present 185 belonging to the road. All freight is taken to the 
 W. N. Y. & P. E. E. at Keating Summit, where it is handled by engines on 
 that and other roads. There is in connection with the main line a large 
 amount of siding and tracks leading to the mills, docks, chemical works and 
 kindling-wood factory, which in the aggregate will measure many miles. 
 
 In July, 1887, Blaisdell Brothers looked over the mills and situation in 
 Austin, and making arrangements with Messrs. Goodyear and Garretson, re- 
 solved to put in one of their celebrated kindling-wood factories. Here they 
 had an abundance of material for a large factory from one mill, with only a 
 short tram-road to it. They are the owners of several such factories; in fact 
 they are the pioneers in this preparation of kindling-wood, being the inventors 
 of most of the machinery for manipulating the wood. The 1st of July, 1887, 
 their buildings were commenced and in about one year, in August, 1888, they 
 were completed, and work in them started. Subsequently the buildings were 
 greatly enlarged, and machinery put into double the factory' s capacity. 
 
 To those unacquainted with this business the manufacture of kindling-wood 
 is a great curiosity. The main building here in which the work is done is 300 
 feet long and sixty high, not including air shafts and ventilators, which reach 
 much higher. The system of belting, shafting and piping is a spectacle to 
 strike the visitor with wonder. In addition to the factory proper there is a 
 complete carpenter and machine shop and a tiling or grinding room, employ- 
 ing several hands constantly. The machinery is run by two, or twin, engines 
 of eighty horse-power singly, which, when worked doulale as twins with con- 
 denser, afford fully 200 horse-power. The bank of boilers is large in propor- 
 tion, and set in fire-proof iron buildings some distance from the factory proper. 
 So complete is this structure, that when on fire in the summer of 1889, the 
 woodwork was almost completely burned out, yet the factory was not closed 
 for a day; indeed, almost the only damage done was by the enthusiastic fire- 
 men of the borough fire company, who burst the windows and grates in the 
 furnace by too much water thrown on them. 
 
 The wood, which is the slabs from the hemlock mill, is taken from the mill 
 to the factory by tram ears on a trestle work tram railway, in four-feet lengths, 
 as slashed at the mill, and is immediately put through the gang bolters and 
 slitters just as it comes from the mill saws; any over-plus of wood being piled 
 in the yard, of which there are usually about 5,000 cords on hand all the time. 
 The wood, after being split and slashed or cut off in blocks three inches long 
 and one and one-half inches in size, is taken by a system of carriers on endless 
 chains into the immense kilns, where it is seasoned as dry as bone by steam. 
 The system of drying is novel and peculiar to Blaisdell Bros. Some six miles 
 of steam pipe ranges through the kilns in such a manner that the dry wood is 
 always at the bottom, while a constant stream of green wood is pouring in at 
 the top. The kiln chamber is a good place to take a sweat bath in. An aver- 
 age of eighty cords of wood is run into and taken out of the kiln each day. A 
 bundle of wood is oval or egg shape in its circumference, being eleven inches 
 long, eight inches wide and three inches thick. Each bundle with card of 
 
ft t 
 
 
 ^?%^^^«i2^^. 
 
HISTORY OP POTTEE COUNTl. 1117 
 
 factory attached in the band, is bound with a tarred hemp twine. There are 
 100 bundling presses in the factory, which are mostly handled by boys and 
 girls in about equal number, from fifteen to twenty years of age. These pres- 
 ses are worked automatically by steam screw presses, with a pressure on each 
 bundle before tying of 40,000 pounds. The pressure and release is made by a 
 simple touch of the foot of the bundler. The gearing of the presses are made 
 to turn one-half inward and one-half outward; the side with the outward turn 
 being for the girls so their skirts cannot be caught in the machinery. These 
 children soon become remarkably expert, binding 700 or 800 bundles a day 
 each, while some very expert and nimble ones bind twice as many. They re- 
 ceive 20 cents per hundred bundles, which it will be seen gives them excellent 
 wages. If they are reasonably diligent their work can be done in less than 
 full time, when they can bind more or take their outing. A months' binding, 
 if laid in a solid line would reach nearly 200 miles, requiring 600 miles of 
 twine to bind them or 7,000 miles in a year' s work. The band twine for a day's 
 work in this factory costs an average of $60, and it is not uncommon for this 
 company to purchase sixty tons of twine at a time, and as much as 125,000 
 worth is sometimes purchased in a single bill. It requires on an average 100 
 railroad cars a month, loaded with 10,000 bundles each, to carry the product 
 of this factory to market. It is nearly all consigned to the company' s houses 
 in New York and Brooklyn, and from these distributed to various cities of the 
 east. The wholesale price in market is $1. 20 per hundred, which is about one cent 
 per bundle after paying for binding. It requires 170 hands to run the works, 
 about eighty being engaged in other parts than the bundling rooms. In addi- 
 tion to the machinery already alluded to, there are always seventy-five circular 
 saws in motion, namely: three gangs of eighteen saws each, and four gang 
 bolters of five saws each, which require some 225 circular saws to be constantly 
 on hand, either in motion or in the filing room. The monthly pay of the hands 
 exceeds $4,000 per month, which is always cash, the proprietors being much 
 averse to any "store trade" in their business. The genial and accommoda- 
 ting gentlemen engaged in this business here and several other places are W. 
 F., M. L., F. L., J. W. and P. C. Blaisdell. 
 
 The chemical works, under the supervision of R. J. GafFney, were erected 
 in 1888. At these works are manufactured wood alcohol, acetate of lime and 
 charcoal, made from hardwood such as, beech, maple, birch, etc. , consuming 
 in these works ten cords of four-foot wood each day, or about 2,500 cords a 
 year. Each day's work produces seventy-five gallons of wood alcohol, 2,000 
 pounds of acetate of lime, and 300 bushels of charcoal. The alcohol is used 
 in the manufacture of shellac and varnishes, and is also used for heating 
 lamps and illuminating. The acetate of lime is used in the process of making 
 white lead and calico printing and dying; the charcoal for fuel, especially by 
 tinners and braziers. The enterprise gives employment to fifteen men about the 
 works besides wood cutters and handlers, and affords quite a large amount of 
 business in transportation by the railroad. The pay roll amounts to 1700 per 
 month. 
 
 The Sinnemahoning Valley Railroad. — The great body of timber lands in 
 Keating, Portage, Homer, Sylvania and Summit townships, not already pur- 
 chased by settlers or the Costello Company, were practically untouched and 
 were mostly held by the Keating estate, up to 1884. Some time in 1884, 
 some Smethport gentlemen, one of whom had long been the agent of the 
 Keating estate, bought the entire body of lands. They found it expedient 
 with some reservations, to sell them, and in December, 1884, Hamlin, Hamlin 
 & Forrest, sold to F. H. Goodyear between 14,000 and 15,000 acres, being the 
 
 60 
 
1118 HISTOBY OF POTTEB COUNTY. 
 
 tract embraced in the Freeman's run valley. The residence and farm of E. 
 O. Austin, was centrally located on this tract, and in itself contained natural 
 advantages long since foreseen both by himself and the quaker gentleman, Mr. 
 Webb, of Philadelphia. Mr. Goodyear was interested in mills at Keating 
 Summit, and other points along the Buffalo road, and in May, 1885, com- 
 menced building a standard guage road into the nearest portion of his pur- 
 chase of December before; The hills were high, and the route a few years 
 earlier would have been thought impracticable, but under the direction of an 
 able engineer, Robert F. Ewing, all difficulties were surmounted. Much of 
 the^nearest timber was taken to Keating Summit and other mills near by. 
 In September, 1885, the road was completed to the Austin farm, where tem- 
 porary sheds were erected to cover the small amount of freight that came over 
 the road. In August, 1886, the road was completed to Costello, giving that 
 manufactury the impetus that makes it what it is to-day. Thus the main line 
 to Costello is about thirteen miles. There are no lateral lines between Austin 
 and Costello, but the aggregate above Austin is about four miles for one of the 
 main line. The road is being pushed on farther as new tracts of timber are 
 opened, the main line projected through the timber being thirty-five miles, 
 which, in the same proportion will require nearly 140 miles of lateral track. 
 This lateral is torn up and relaid as the timber is cleared from one section, and 
 a new one opened, so that never is it all required at any one time. The Lima 
 machine engine is generally used. To these engines there are no driving 
 wheels proper, but each wheel of the trucks, of which there are from four to 
 six pair to an engine, is geared to the driving power by a jointed or knuckled 
 shaft, similar to the trummelling rod to a horse-power threshing machine, so 
 that each wheel is really a driving or traction wheel. There are three pistons 
 working perpendicularly, each upon a different eccentric, so there is no dead 
 point, two of them being always so situated as to work to the greatest advant- 
 age. These engines have been found best on the steep lateral roads, and to 
 climb a 500-foot mountain on one of them in two miles, and then sail down 
 to the valley like a pigeon, is an experience always to be remembered. They 
 are not so very pretty, although much fault can not be found that way; they 
 do their work well, and like a true pulling horse every inch they get they hold. 
 There are now five of these engines on this road, and one or two more are 
 being built for it. They are popularly known as " Stem-winders." 
 
 In May, 1887, Charles W. Goodyear joined his brother Frank H. in the 
 business, forming the company F. H. & C. W. Goodyear. At the present time 
 (January, 1890) the total purchase of timber lands by the company is 72,- 
 OOO acres, and the annual output of tan bark 60,000 tons. Of saw logs, 
 which are all sawed in the mills hereabout, 100,000,000 feet are nearly all 
 sawed at Austin and all shipped from there. The length of the main line of 
 the road when completed through these lands will be about thirty-five miles, 
 reach nearly to Galeton and Pine creek, the terminus of the A. & P. R. R., 
 while the lateral lines will much exceed 100 miles. There are now in use on 
 the road eight engines, several of which have been before described as jjeculiarly 
 for this business, the others are large size traction engines of great weight; 
 others of both kinds are now being built for the road, the present force not 
 being sufficient; indeed the lack of locomotive power the first two years of the 
 mills were a great hindrance to their success. The log cars which have been 
 described number 115, and there are 185 flat cars for bark belonging to the 
 road. The round-house is sufficient for all the engines, the machine shops 
 located at Austin have all the necessary tools and facilities to make all needful 
 repairs on engines and cars, employing twenty men. All the machinery in 
 
HISTORY OF POTTER COUNTY. 1119 
 
 the shops are run by steam and lighted by electricity. The pay roll of this 
 company amounts to $70, 000 per month. 
 
 Miscellaneous. — The business circle of Austin at the beginning of 1889 com- 
 prised Hackenberg, Olmsted & Co. , general store; Hastings & Yennie, druggists; 
 M. E. Taylor, conf ectionaries ; F. H. Davis, one billiard and two pool tables; 
 William Nelson, groceries; Patterson Bros., hardware; A. Friedman, cloth- 
 ing; S. Browsky & Co., clothing; F. J. Weisert, groceries; Edwin Smith, 
 druggist; S. Deiches &Bro., clothing; Buffalo Hardware Co., general store; 
 G. D. Hellwig, druggist; C. S. Watkins, novelty goods; Chas. Mahon, one 
 pool, one billiard table;, P. J. Weiper, one billiard table. During that year 
 the trade circle of the borough increased, and great emporiums of trade sprung 
 into existence. 
 
 The lire of February 13, 1889, at Austin, destroyed John Hogan's shop, 
 Mahon' s opera and billiard halls, and O. Clafdin's dwelling. James Moyer 
 was burned to death. This fire was the incentive to the construction of a sys- 
 tem of water- works, and on March 23, 1889, a committee of construction and 
 the stockholders placed the works in the control of the borough, on condition 
 that no taxes for the maintenance and equipment of the works be collected 
 from any subscriber to the fund, until the whole amount of his or her sub- 
 scription shall have been credited in taxes so levied and for such purpose. On 
 AprU 15 the council accepted the works, and adopted the ordinance relating 
 thereto. 
 
 The manufacturing era of the town was only commenced. The great in- 
 dustries point out its possibilities. 
 
 WHARTON TOWNSHIP. . 
 
 Wharton township is bounded south by Clinton and Cameron counties, west 
 by Portage township, north by Portage, Sylvania and Summit, and east by East 
 Fork (Oleona). A branch of the Hammersly and the Lorshbaugh run rise in 
 the southeast corner, while the Sinnemahoning portage, its east fork. Birch ran 
 and Bailey's and Nelson's runs wander at will north and west of the divide, 
 but do not cut up the anticlinal plane so thoroughly as to destroy the general 
 level character of this four- mile wide plateau. The Catskill formation has 
 been washed out by the Sinnemahoning, leaving a bed of Chemung; but apart 
 from this valley and its ravines the Catskill shows at the base of each gulch 
 with walls of Pocono. The bownship presents many interesting spots for the 
 geologist, such as the fossilliferous sh^le near Swartwood's old farm, the fossil 
 shells, Chemung fish bone, and varieties of soil and red rock near Wharton 
 mills. 
 
 In 1853 there were fifty-seven resident taxpayers; in 1889 there were 133, 
 with property assessed at 1140,086. The vote in 1888 shows sixty- four Eepub- 
 licans, fifty-four Democrats and one Union Labor, representing a population 
 of 595. The officers of Wharton, elected in February, 1890, are as follows: 
 Justice of the peace, Perry Devoll; supervisor, Harrison Bailey; constable, 
 Frank Lewis; overseer of the poor, Orrin Courtright; auditor, Wilber Bailey; 
 judge of election, Eli Westgate; inspectors of election, Frank Peterson, Ed- 
 ward Card; treasurer, Emory Williams; town clerk, Ira Barclay; school 
 directors, Stephen Carman, James Logue; assessor, C. B. Berfield; collector, 
 Frank Lewis. 
 
 William Wain paid unseated tax on 11,385 acres in 1834, amounting to 
 176.77; Eobert and Jesse Wain, on 18,030 acres, $183.82; F. R. Wharton, 
 $4.20 on 890 acres; David Lewis, $17.33 on 1,485 acres; Samuel Slaymaker, 
 $8.64 on 1,006 acres; Jane Humphrey, $29.16 on 4,320 acres; James Green- 
 
1120 HISTORY OF POTTER COUNTY. 
 
 leaf, $80.12 on 9,900 acres; Wolcott & Tripp, $7.42 on 1,100 acres; Samuel 
 Webb, $72.62 on 14,911 acres; Charles Smith, $4 62 on 1,086 aci-es; Nathan 
 Dunn, on 1,564 acres, $10.55; Eobert E. Griffith, on 2,843 acres, $17.25; 
 James Hopkins, on 2,058 acres, $8.63; William C. Pool, on 125 acres pur- 
 chased from William Willich, 94 cents; Brewster Freeman, $6.80 on 1,600 
 acres of the Griffith lands; John Gibson, $14.00 on 1,100 acres purchased 
 from George Mead; Thomas I. Wharton, $3.29 on 1,980 acres of the William 
 Willich warrant, 200 acres of which was then seated; Jacob B. Smith, $15.85 
 on 1,980 acres of same estate of which 490 acres were then seated; Hannah 
 M. Wharton, $7.51 on 990 acres of Willich lands, of which 100 acres were 
 seated; John Westcott, 85 cents on 100 acres of th*e William Willich lands. 
 Charles Smith, $7.32 on 1,086 acres of William Smith's warrant; Yard & Co., 
 f29.68 on 5,500 acres of the George Mead warrant; Eli Gilbert, 48 cents on 
 110 acres; Abram Stoner, $4.21 on 990 acres of the Mead warrant; E. E. 
 Griffith, $44.52 on 6.600 acres of the Mead warrant; Samuel Maxwell, $26.93 
 on 4,400 acres, part of which was then owned by Wilcox & Kenyon and Ed. 
 Kandall; James P. Allane. $3.71 on 550 acres of the Mead warrant; Joseph 
 West, $2.70 on 400 acres of the Willich lands; Ben. D. Dolbee, $1.69 on 250 
 acres, and Potter county $5 on 740 acres. 
 
 The assessment of Wharton township was made in December, 1831. At 
 that time the resident tax-payers were James Ayers, John Berfield, Jacob 
 Burge, William Berfield, Levi and Sam Burge, John Biss (the four last named 
 being single men) P. Bents, W. Crosby, Z. C. Cowley, B. W. and Sam Free- 
 man, John Gallaspy, Clifford & Clark Haskins, S. and W. Hamilton, and Dan. 
 Bailey and Alex. Mahon, saw mill owners; Seneca Freeman, saw- mill owner; 
 Edmund Huff, John Jordai, Jr., Arch Logue, George March, Sam, Magill, 
 William Montgomery, saw-mill owners ; David, John, William and Seth Nelson, 
 Eli Reese, Isaac Reese, James Smoke, Hiram Sizer and Brewster Freeman. A 
 part of this township was set off to Cameron county in 1860 after the estab- 
 lishment of old Portage township. 
 
 May 3, 1826, Wharton township was erected. It contained at that time 
 Wharton, Sylvania, Portage, Homer, Keating and a part of Summit; and taxes 
 were first collected in Wharton this year. John Berfield, John Lorshbaugh 
 and John Nelson came to Wharton in 1816, about the same time as Judge 
 Freeman and James Willey. John Berfield was born in Muncy in 1800. He 
 moved into Wharton in a canoe, coming up the First fork of the Sinnemahon- 
 ing, thus bringing his family and household goods. There were no roads at 
 that time. He had to go down as far as Muncy with his canoe on a raft, and 
 pole his canoe, filled with provisions, back to his clearing. Deer and wild 
 turkeys were plentiful. 
 
 In 1845 the first school -house was built in Wharton. Mason Nelson was 
 one of the first teachers. The school-house was one and a quarter miles from 
 the Cameron county line, where Thomas Logue now lives. Before this, school 
 was taught from house to house. The religious camp-meeting ground was 
 laid out in Wharton township in 1870. This ground is pleasantly situated in 
 a grove of trees on the bank of the Sinnemahoning (First fork), and camp- 
 meetings of the Methodist Episcopal Church are held here yearly. Peaches 
 grew finely in Wharton until 1870. Burlingame had a large orchard of 
 peach, apple and pear trees, and used to build an " ark" every fall in which 
 he transported his fruit crop to market down the river. Joseph Berfield' s 
 general store and David Card's lumber industry made up the village of 
 Wharton. Sanders post-office is located in the northern part of the township, 
 on Sinnemahoning creek. 
 
HISTORY OF POTTER COUNTY. 1121 
 
 EAST rOEK (olEONa). 
 
 East Pork (Oleona) may be called a wilderness. For some years three or 
 four families have made it their home; but yet they have made little impres- 
 sion on the wilds. Hammersly run and the heads of the East fork of the Sin- 
 nemahoning are natives of this wild division of the county. The bed of the 
 Hammersly is Catskill rock, and the walls of the deep trench, Pocono sandstone. 
 Geologist Sherwood stated that not a soul resided here in Centennial year, but 
 like other travelers in the desert he did not explore it thoroughly, and so missed 
 a few pioneers. A reference to the history of Eulalia township will show the 
 relation of this "no-man's-land" to that township. 
 
 CHAPTER XX. 
 
 STEWARDSON, SWEDEN AND WEST BRANCH TOWNSHIPS. 
 
 Stewakdson Township Streams— Valuations in 1845— Residents at That 
 
 Date— OLE Bull and His Colonization Scheme— Some First Things- 
 Elections IN February, 1890. 
 
 Sweden Township —Its Elevation, Population, Etc.— Some First Set- 
 tlers, Etc.— Churches and Cemetery— Busines.s— Elections in Febru- 
 ary, 1890. 
 
 West Branch Township Some Geological Curiosities— Taxables and 
 
 Population— Church— School— Business— Elections in February, 1890. 
 
 STEWARDSON TOWNSHIP, bounded south by Clinton county, east by Ly- 
 coming county, north by Abbot township, and west by the unorganized 
 tract called East Fork (Oleona), claims the high lands of Kettle creek synclinal 
 in the northwest, while the anticlinal extends from the northeast corner to the 
 northeast corner of Leidy township in Clinton county, thus leaving a valley of 
 about two miles wide through the center of the township. The synclinal is about 
 five miles in width, but cut into gulches by Cross Forks and Kettle creek with 
 their tributaries. The headwaters of Kettle creek rise in West Branch, and 
 unite with Little Kettle at Germania, thence flowing southwest (receiving at 
 Oleona a branch through a gate of Pocono sandstone) past Walhalla, to the 
 junction with Cross Forks. It may be said that Kettle creek receives a tribu- 
 tary in every half mile of its course through this township, and the same may 
 be said of Cross Forks and even of Windfall run, both flowing south through 
 the western section. The several head-feeders of Young Woman's creek rise 
 in the southeast divide between them and Kettle creek, flowing south through 
 deep trenches into the Blossburg basin. 
 
 In 1853 there were fourteen resident tax-payers; in 1889 there were sev- 
 enty, assessed at 1146,989. The population in 1880 was 223, while in 1888 
 36 Republicans, 19 Democrats and 1 Prohibitionist represented 168 inhabi- 
 tants. The assessment of Stewardson was made in 1845 by John Wolfe. The 
 residents were John Arnold, Dan Allspack, Clark & Wolfe, W. T. Campbell, 
 James English, F. D. French, William Herod, D. T. Hall, George G. Hazen, 
 Samuel and O. Jenkins (three last being millwrights), Andrew Jordan, S. Pfoutz, 
 Jr., John Robert, Thomas Rahn, A. Roundsville (carpenter), Jake Shuman, 
 Hubbard Starkweather, G. Stewartson, Francis Sankey, Sim Shuman, Shiley 
 
1122 HISTOBY OF POTTER COUNTY. 
 
 Shaler, Thompson & Crittenden (saw-mill owners), Peter Yochum, William 
 Yochum and Adam Yoh. 
 
 In 1815 petitions for bridges over Kettle and Pine creeks were granted, 
 and Nathan B. Palmer, Samuel Beach, James Permeter, William W. Wattles, 
 Burrel S. Lyman and John Peet were appointed viewers. 
 
 In 1842 the west branch of Pine creek was made a highway by act of 
 assembly. May 12, 1843, Francis French and wife moved on the place, now 
 occupied by Henry Andresen. Mr. French commenced keeping travelers as 
 soon as he got his log-house up in this year, thus opening the first hotel in the 
 towQship. This house was carried on until about 1862, when the Oleona 
 House took up the business. Mr. French died in 1857. Of his wife, who is 
 still living, Burt Olson, proprietor of the Oleona House, writes : ' ' She mar- 
 ried Mr. Henry Andresen in 1853. Mrs. Andresen is a rugged and healthy 
 womaQ of seventy-four years, and does not look over fifty-five years old. She 
 has caught many a wolf in traps, and it is interesting to hear her tell of her 
 early experience in Stewardson township." 
 
 .Ole Bull, the great Norwegian violinist, conceived the plan of a scheme to 
 colonize a number of his countrymen in the United States, and so connect 
 himself with them that he could enjoy the position of a " Lord of the Manor. ' ' 
 After looking about the country he became convinced that the climate and physi- 
 cal couformation of southeastern Potter county would best suit the habits and 
 tastes of those descendants of the Vikings whom he proposed to transplant to 
 the land of the free. He purchased of John F. Cowan 11,144 acres of land 
 situated in Abbot and Stewardson townships. The land bought was mount- 
 ains clothed with a heavy growth of forest trees, among which the hem- 
 lock predominated. Into this wilderness he brought three hundred Norwegians 
 and Danes in 1852. He supplied each family with a piece of land at a fair 
 price, and laid out the plats of four villages — Oleona, New Norway, New Bergen 
 and VValhalla. At Walhalla, which was situated about one mile below Oleona, 
 Ole Bull erected what was called his "castle," a large mansion built upon the 
 summit of a hill. Of the villages laid out only Oleona and New Bergen remain. 
 The poor Norwegians had a hard time of it, for although they were accustomed 
 to a mountainous country and a cold climate they knew nothing of clearing 
 land. They took down the trees not by chopping, but by a process known as 
 "grubbing;" that is digging them up by the roots. Ole Bull soon discov- 
 ered that he had made a mistake; although he could cheer his colony with the 
 sweet notes of his violin, he could not place them in a state of prosperity. So 
 it came to pass that he became disheartened, and left his castle unfinished in 
 1853, and went again before the public with his beloved violin, while his 
 colony was scattered to the four points of the compass. Ole Bull died in Nor- 
 way in August, 1880. But a few of the colonists remained upon the purchase, 
 principal among them being Henry Andresen who came with Ole Bull as his 
 private secretary, and who is now living the life of a merchant at Oleona, and 
 Burt Olson, the proprietor of the Oleona House. The Ole Bull lands were 
 bought by Wm. Radde, of New York. 
 
 In 1845 Miles Thompson built the first saw-mill in Stewardson township on 
 Cross Fork. The saw-mill in Stewardson at the turnpike bridge was built, in 
 1850, by the Stewardsons. The first grist-mill in Stewardson was built by 
 Henry Andresen in 1858. It has not been in use for a number of years. Mar- 
 tin Olson opened a blacksmith's shop at Oleona in 1853, being the first in the 
 township. In 1854 the first store was built in Stewardson, by Henry Andresen,. 
 at Oleona. Mr. Andresen continues the business at the same point where he 
 began thirty-three years ago. He came into the county with Ole Bull's colony 
 
HISTORY OF POTTER COUNTY. 1123 
 
 of Norwegians in 1852, and settled at Oleona, where he married. He made a 
 successful mercantile venture, but through unfortunate circumstances met with 
 great losses. 
 
 The first church organization in Stewardson were the Methodists, and the 
 society was taken in charge by the Conference, Rev. A. S. Chandler being the 
 first preacher. The first school-house in Stewardson Ole Bull had built at New 
 Norway in 1853, where the present school-house stands. The first teacher was 
 Miss Beza Eock, of Jamestown, N. Y. 
 
 The township officers elected in February, 1890, are as follows: Constable, 
 James Impson; assessor, James Impson; supervisor, G. W. Slarrow; treasurer, 
 Martin Joerg; collector, Burt Olson; town clerk, Henry Andresen; auditor, Ed- 
 ward Joerg; overseer of the poor, Burt Olson; school directors, Henry Andre- 
 sen, Martin Joerg, Chas. Clukey; judge of election, Willard Andresen; inspec- 
 tors of election, Ole Olson and Edward Joerg. 
 
 SWEDEN TOWNSHIP. 
 
 This township consists of two plateaus — one small one in the northeast cor- 
 ner, and one three times as extensive in the southeast corner. The center from 
 northeast to southwest is occupied by a broad valley, through which the head 
 streams of Mill creek flow, and in which is the Kingdom of Sweden with its 
 towns of Stockholm, Sweden and Sweden Valley. Pine creek finds its direct 
 feeder near the first-named town and, by some mystery, this tributary finds a 
 course east through the southwest plateau, thus feeding the Susquehanna as 
 well as the Allegheny. This valley of Ulysses and Homer anticlinal is about 
 three miles wide and its red Catskil soil is productive. In 1880 the popula- 
 tion was 416, while, in 1888, 48 Republicans, 58 Democrats, and 2 Union 
 Labors represented 540 inhabitants. In 1859 there were 151 taxpayers, as- 
 sessed $69,555. In 1807 the body of a log-house was raised on the Keating 
 farm in Sweden township by orders of John Keating, and in the fall roofed and 
 chinced by William Ayers and Asylum Peters, who moved down from the 
 agency at Ceres. In March, 1808, Mr. Ayers, his wife, three children, and 
 the negro moved into this building, and resided there until the spring of 1809, 
 when the Lymans came. The township was established in 1828, but not or- 
 ganized until 1830. It was assessed in 1837-88 by Samuel Taggart, with Sam 
 Olney and James Corsaw assisting. The tax-payers were Chester and James 
 Corsaw, Wm. Ellsworth, Versal Dickinson, Milton DeWolf, Richard Birch, W. 
 H. Gibson, Wm. Howland, Conrad and John Hollenbeck, Steadman Luce, 
 Robert McCurdy, Eph. and Garniel Olney, Sam. Taggart and Lucas Cushin. 
 
 C. L. Corsaw was an early settler of Sweden township, and kept the first hotel. 
 The hotel is still standing, and open to the public. Upon Mr. Corsaw' s farm 
 was built the first school-house, and the first school, we think, was taught by 
 Mr. Corsaw' s father. An incident related of this old school teacher by one 
 of his sons, years ago, exhibits his originality. At that time the alphabet was 
 printed on a piece of paper, and this was pasted upon a thin piece of wood, 
 which was finished with a handle. The child took this instrument in its hand, 
 and conned its lesson. It was in the day when finely prepared and il- 
 lustrated primers for children were unknown. This son, who related the 
 story, was the pupil, and found that the letter M was unmanageable to him. 
 He could remember the names of all the letters but this one. One day his 
 father called him to his side and taking his knife from his pocket, opened it, 
 and pointing with the blade to the letter M, said: "James, what is the name 
 of that letter ?' ' James candidly replied that he did not know. His father 
 carefully cut around the letter upon the board, and lifting it upon the poiat of 
 
1124: HISTORY OF POTTER COUNTY. 
 
 his knife, said, "James, the name of this letter is em. I want you to open 
 your mouth and eat it." James did as ordered, his father placing the letter 
 upon his tongue, saying: "The name of that letter is em; you will never for- 
 get it again." And James Corsaw told me that he never did forget it. 
 
 T. B. Abbott found in the forest in the southeast corner of Sweden, about 
 six rods from the west branch of Pine creek, the body of a man, which, it 
 was evident, had lain there for some time. The skull was denuded of flesh, 
 and the. body was in an advanced stage of decomposition. Two dollars were 
 found in the pocket-book, some thread, needles and a thimble. The clothing 
 was decayed. Esquire E. L. White empanelled a coroner's jury, but there 
 was no evidence to establish the identity of the remains. The body was bur- 
 ied in the Lymansville cemetery. 
 
 The first saw-mill was built in the town of Sweden on A. G. Lyman's 
 place, by B. T. Hoxie .... James Bassett built the first grist-mill in Sweden 
 on the turnpike, in 1854. This mill is still standing, and is owned at present 
 by Henry Duel. . . .The first store in Sweden township was opened by Jacob 
 Snyder.... In 1844-45 Christian Hundredmark opened the first blacksmith 
 shop in Sweden. 
 
 The Sweden Valley Methodist Church was incorporated September 3, 1883, 
 with C. C. Chase, W. White, M. E. White, Louis Angenne, Orlando Kaple, A. 
 G. Lyman, John R. Dodd, B. F. Kaple and Abram Chase, subscribers. A 
 church building was completed June 20, 1884, at a cost of $2,000, of which A. 
 G. Lyman contributed half. 
 
 Sweden Hill Cemetery Association was organized in 1884, withM. T. Chase, 
 C. C. Chase, H. J. Neefe, Wm. Snyder and J. W. Neefe, directors. 
 
 General stores are carried on at Sweden Valley by E. Hackett, and at Sweden 
 
 by J. W. Neefe In the fall of 1881 and winter of 1881-82 an oil well was 
 
 drilled at Sweden Valley. No third sand was found, and the casing was 
 taken up. 
 
 The officers of this township, elected in February, 1890, are as follows: 
 Justice of the peace, S. O. Dodd; supervisors, David Mitchel, Henry Duel; 
 collector, F. W. Frank; constable, F. W. Frank; town clerk, William L. 
 Lyman; auditor, H. E. Tarbos; treasurer, Henry Taucher; school directors, 
 William Snyder, Jno. Bird; overseer of the poor, Chet Corsaw; judge of 
 election, Geo. Butter; inspectors of election, Geo. Mitchell, Thomas Owens. 
 
 WEST BRANCH TOWNSHIP. 
 
 West Branch, so called on account of its being the home of this straggling 
 head of Pine creek, presents a few natural curiosities. Near Wharton's is a 
 3x18 block of Pottsville conglom, which, sliding down from the mountain, 
 halted near the road to point itself out to the wondering wanderer; a half 
 mile above is the celebrated Plant Bed, an exposure of gray and bluish shale 
 and sandstone; then the Hog Back Ridge, two and one-quarter miles east of 
 the old Devin's House, on what was known as the Coudersport & Jersey Shore 
 Pike [A carriage ride on this narrow elevation is a feat fit for an Alpine guide 
 or Roman charioteer]; then the boulders, the gray sandstone, the red shale, 
 the red rock, the heavy Pottsville, the Chemung, the Pocono, and such things 
 ad infinitum. The agriculturist would be well content with one-millionth part 
 of this wealth of rock and mountain. 
 
 There were nineteen tax-payers in 1853, and 154 in 1889, with property 
 valued at $127,816. The population in 1880 was 374. In 1888 there were 
 forty-one Republican, fifty-seven Democratic and one Union Labor votes cast, 
 representing 495 inhabitants. The resident tax-payers of West Branch in 
 
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HISTORY OF POTTEE COUNTY. 1127 
 
 1849 were Harvey Allen, Cal. Burrows, Alonzo Bradley, C. C. Burdett, Eras- 
 tus Crippen, Henry Crippen, Sill. Conable, Wm. Davis, O. B. Goodman Wm 
 Gross, L. Hammond, John Ives, Joseph Johnson, Oliver Knickerbocker, Amasa 
 Knickerbocker, Thomas Padgett, Waters & Doolittle and S. Wetmore. Erastus 
 Crippen, of West Branch, writes that West Branch township was settled "in 
 or about the year 1835. The first settlement was begun on the West branch, 
 near a mile above the forks, where Pine creek and the branch come together', 
 and is the site where my farm and dwelling now is, bv Levi Ives. He was 
 killed by a falling tree shortly after he began clearing"." Z. S. Bunnel was 
 the first blacksmith. The first settlement of the southern portion of the town- 
 ship was begun by a portion of Ole Bull's colony. They were Danes and 
 Norwegians. 
 
 The first saw-mill was built in West Branch township in 1850, by Daniel 
 
 Dewey and Theodore Larrison The first school was taught in West Branch 
 
 township by Irene Skinner, in 1849 The first school-house was built in 
 
 West Branch in 1857 The first church organization in West Branch town- 
 ship took place in 1862, by the Free Will Baptists. Eev. Stillwell was the 
 
 first preacher At West Branch village is the general store of Willis 
 
 Conable . . . Cherry Spring post-office, is located in the extreme west part of 
 the township on the proposed Sinnemahoning Valley Eailroad. 
 
 The township officers, elected in February, 1890, are named as follows: 
 Justice of the peace, Willis Conable; auditor, L. Zundel; supervisor, Charles 
 French; constable, John Diseroth; collector, John Diseroth; school directors, 
 Charles Prouty, Ben Maines; treasurer, C. Shumaker; town clerk, L. P. Rice; 
 overseer of the poor, Charles Prouty; judge of election, A. P. Longee; inspect- 
 ors of election, Joseph Keller, Will Osgood. 
 
 CHAPTER XXI. 
 EOULETTE TOWNSHIP. 
 
 Topography and Natural Advantages— Population in 1880— Taxables in 
 1831 — Early Names — The Germans — Primitive Prices — Early Baptists- 
 Industries— Sohools—Misoellaneous— Elections IN February, 1890— 
 Village of Roulette Its School, Business, Etc.— Floods— Societies. 
 
 ROULETTE TOWNSHIP, located north of Keating and west of Eulalia, 
 is made up of the rich valley of the Allegheny and the foot-hills of the 
 north and south divide. The Hebron anticlinal crosses the township from 
 northeast to southwest. The Allegheny enters near the the southeast corner 
 and leaves in the west center at Burtville; near by, on the north side, is the 
 Sartwell creek confluence. This creek is fed by many rivulets from its head 
 waters in Pleasant Valley township to the mouth. At Eoulette Fishing creek 
 joins the river, flowing from the Clara divide; a few miles east of Eoulette 
 Trout brook comes down from the north, and at regular intervals swift, clear 
 streams leap down to join the parent river. Clara and Lanning creeks, with a 
 half dozen small streams, enter the river from the south, flowing from the sum- 
 mit divide. In the Trout brook neighborhood, as well as on the last-named 
 creeks, coal measures exist. In the neighborhood of Roulette glacial moraine 
 
1128 HISTORY OF POTTEE COUNTY. 
 
 material appears to cover the surface, while south of the fiver, a short distance, 
 fossilized shells, reeds, plant-stems and fish exist. Chemung shale and rock 
 and the Catskill formation are exposed at several points, while sandstone of the 
 Poeono class caps the hills. Plant and fish fossils abound in this vicinity. 
 
 The population in 1880 was 648. In 1888 there were 121 Eepublican, 
 129 Democratic, 3 Prohibitionist, and 13 Union Labor votes cast, represent- 
 ing 1,330 inhabitants. The number of tax-payers was 350, and the assessed 
 valuation 181,723. In 1815 the same persons who were appointed to report 
 on the question of erecting bridges over Pine and Kettle creeks were named to 
 divide Eulalia township, and on January 29, 1816, reported the establishment 
 of Eoulette township — the territory being 18 miles long by 5 miles and 182 
 rods wide — embracing what is now known as Clara, Sharon, Pleasant 
 Valley and Roulette. The resident tax-payers in 1831-32 were George 
 Adam, Benj. Burt (saw-mill), Elisha H. Burt (saw-mill), Silas Billings, Reu- 
 ben Card, Henry Dingman, W. Farnham, A. T. Gault, Dailatt Harr, D. B. 
 Ingram, Joseph Kibbe, John Lyman, Laura Lyman, Wm. Moore, Francis, 
 Philander R. and James Reed, Peter Limner, Burrell and Isaac Lyman, Sam. 
 Stanton, Cy. and Nathan Turner, Asahel West, Jake Wiedrich and Geo. 
 Weimer. Elisha H. Burt and Philander Reed were the assessors. 
 
 A Germany colony settled in Roulette in 1831. Some of them are still 
 living, among them being George Weimer, of Pleasant Valley, the Dehns, 
 Tauchers and Yentzers. There were but seventeen voters in the township, 
 which was much larger than at present. The first name of Roulette village 
 was Streetertown, named from the number of Streeters living there. The next 
 name adopted was Dutchtown. This from the number of Germans that set- 
 tled there. At last the name Roulette was given it, this time being named for 
 John Roulette, a partner of John Keating. During the year 1828-29 wages 
 were from four to five shillings a day. A good suit of clothes cost fifty dollars ; 
 <3orn from one to two dollars per bushel. The women spun and wove flax and 
 wool. Michael Dehn, who is now living, worked for Benjamin Burt, for seven 
 years, for |I4 a month. Settlers went to the Cowanesque, to Jersey Shore or 
 Olean, to mill, going to the latter place with their grist in a canoe. There was 
 here at this time, a densely settled region, for Potter county — eleven families, 
 within six miles. This community was almost entirely Baptist, close commun- 
 ion. Their pastor, the organizer of the Roulette Church, was Rev. Benjamin 
 Avery; and the young idea was taught how to shoot by a Mr. Kennedy, a 
 knight of the birchen-rod and Cobb's Speller. The school-house was on the 
 Wiederich farm. The first saw-mill was built by Benjamin Burt, whose son, 
 John K. (still living), was the first male white child born in the county. John 
 Keating presented the new comer with fifty acres of land, as a birthday gift. 
 This parcel of land is still a portion of Mr. Burt's farm, near Burtville. Land 
 at this time sold from 75 cents to $1 per acre. There was plenty of fish and 
 game, and wolves enough to make the farmer's heart beat for his fleecy flock. 
 
 Along the railroad, through this township, a number of new saw-mill towns 
 have sprung up within a year or so. Fishbasket, the town of the large saw- 
 mill; Mina, another town, which, in May, 1889, looked as if taken out of a 
 cabinet shop, owing to the well-built and well-painted homes of the settlers; 
 Knowlton and Pomeroy Bridge .... Burtville, so often referred to in the history 
 of Liberty township, McKean coanty, is the site of Beldin Burt's large store, 
 and also that of Ole Hanson .... Riverside Park, six miles west of Coudersport, 
 is the property of the Coudersport & Port Allegany Railroad Company. This 
 park is fitted up with all contrivances to make picnickers happy. 
 
 The officers of the township, elected in February, 1890, are as follows: 
 
HISTORY OF POTTER COUNTY. 1129 
 
 Justice of the peace, J. B. Davidson; constable, Miles Marsh; treasurer, D. F. 
 Manning; collector, Miles Marsh; town clerk, George Eimer; auditor, Milo 
 Lyman; supervisor, William Ernst; school directors, J. V. Weimer, Marcus 
 Card, William Weimer; overseer of the poor, J. M. Lyman; judge of election, 
 J. M. Lyman; inspectors of election, J. E. Ruby, J. P. Hall. 
 
 VILLAGE OF ROULETTE. 
 
 Roulette, which slept for many years, awoke when the locomotive whistle 
 sounded, and in September, 1883, the large sash and blind factory was opened, 
 Benton & Co.'s steam mill was built, and a number of dwellings and business 
 houses were constructed. (This saw-mill, at Pomeroy bridge, was burned in 
 March, 1885). In 1886 the Roulette Tannery was established, the proprietors 
 being A. J. Tucker, of Roulette, and W. T. Jackson and Henry Taggard, of 
 Boston, Mass. The business is carried on under the firm name of A. J. Tucker 
 & Co. The plant consists of a ten acre plat of ground, with a main building 
 120x45 feet, having a wing 110x45 feet, the building being two and a half 
 stories high. Besides these there are bark, leach and boiler houses. The firm 
 employ about sixty-five men, and use from 2,500 to 3,000 cords of bark per 
 year, the capacity being 300 sides per day, which is the usual output. 
 
 The Roulette Oil Company was organized in December, 1877, with Leroy 
 Lyman, B. A. Green, A. W. Johnson, R. L. White, John French, J. S. Baker, 
 Willis Weimer, Michael Dean and J. M. Lyman, ofi&cials. 
 
 Fifty- four years ago the largest school building in the county was that at 
 Roulette, known as the "Old Rod School -house. " It was the church, school 
 and meeting house, of all that section, until April, 1884, when it was vacated 
 to make way for the present school building. At that time also a union church 
 building was being erected close by, which was dedicated in 1885. 
 
 The general stores of the village, in 1889, were conducted by L. D. Rey- 
 nolds, R. L. White, John Seymour, A. M. Benton & Co., and C. W. Tauscher 
 & Co.; Dr. C. G. Fisher's drug, Eimer & Co.'s hardware, A. Goodman's 
 clothing and C. P. Reed's grocery were the leading mercantile houses. The 
 brewery was carried on by Thomas Moran. 
 
 The Lackawanna Lumber Company was established at Mina in 1887-88, 
 and then the saw-mills were built. "The capacity is about 100,000 feet per day. 
 The logs are drawn by an engine along a tram-road to the mills. 
 
 The flood of May 31, 1889, did much damage here and in the vicinity. It 
 took out Fishing creek bridge, Trout brook bridge on Main street, the bridge 
 by George Kenote's blacksmith shop, a stringer from Card creek bridge, the 
 bridge at Tauscher' s mill on Fishing creek, washed out the entire road in front 
 of W. S. Brine, so that teams had to drive through his orchard; also carried 
 away the sidewalk from Pomeroy bridge to Knowlton' s barn, tore ap the side- 
 walk from White's store to the iron bridge and carried part of it away, removed 
 some small buildings and entirely destroyed some gardens, and carried away 
 many logs from Bard's saw-mill. 
 
 The Union Church Association of Roulette was organized March 7, 1882, 
 with Leroy Lyman, C. Knowlton, R. L. White, R. C. Fessenden and L. B. 
 
 Yentzer, trustees The Baptist Church was erected in 1889-90, and dedicated 
 
 January 19, 1890, Rev. Mr. Conard, of Philadelphia, officiating as preacher at 
 the dedication. Subsequently the Allegheny River Baptist Association assem- 
 bled here The W. C. T. U. was organized December 1, 1887, with Mrs. 
 
 Hall, president; Mesdames H. N. Leavenworth, R. White and P. L. Boy- 
 ington, vice-presidents; Mrs. L. L. Reynolds, treasurer; M. L. Day and W. 
 H. Whitcomb, secretaries The John Lyman Cemetery Association of Rou- 
 
1130 HISTOBY OF POTTEE COUNTY. 
 
 lette -was organized January 29, 1878, with Joseph Samsen, D. P. Eeed and 
 Rodney Fessenden, trustees. There were twenty-seven stockholders. 
 
 Lodge No. 322, I. O. O. F. , is a comparatively new organization here. E. 
 Welch is D. D. G. M., and F. E. Rice, P. G. 
 
 The E. A. U. elected the following officers in July, 1889, in the order of 
 Union rank: I. L. Fessenden, Mrs. D. F. Manning, Mrs. L. A. Brooks, Mrs. 
 Ada Lyman, J. B. Davidson, R. L. White, Mrs. Miles Marsh, Olan Page, Rev. 
 A. Brooks, Mrs. M. Fessenden, Miles Marsh, S. B. Pomeroy, J. R. Fessenden 
 aad Mrs. Clara Fessenden. The record of installation, however, shows Mrs. 
 L. A. Brooks to be chancellor. 
 
 CHAPTER XXII. 
 SHARON TOWNSHIP. 
 
 Geological and Geoghaphical— The Boulders— Valuable Stone— Na- 
 ture's Freaks— Relics— Petroleum Interest— Population— Tax-paters 
 OF 1832— Some First Settlers and Their Privations— First Store and 
 School— Stevens, the Wild Boy— Villages— Miscellaneous. 
 
 SHARON TOWNSHIP is the extreme northwestern thirty-six square miles 
 of this county. Except a small group of Catskill hills west of Goldsmith 
 corners or Honeoye, and a small area of that formation in the southeast corner, 
 the township is occupied by the Chemung lands. Prof. Sherwood, in speak- 
 ing of the township, says: 
 
 ' ' The Chemung belt, occupying the center of the township, is about five 
 miles wide — Eleven-mile run bordering it on the south, and Honeoye creek on 
 the north. Butter creek joins the Honeoye at Goldsmith corners, within half 
 a mile of the New York line. A mile down Honeoye creek lies the village of 
 East Sharon. At the junction of Honeoye creek, with the Oswayo, lies the 
 village of Shinglehouse. Sharon Center is on the Oswayo, three miles above 
 Shinglehouse ; and Millport, on the Oswayo, is two miles above Sharon Center. 
 This unusual number of villages in the township shows the agricultural quali- 
 ties of the Chemung plain. The Catskill surface is also susceptible of culti- 
 vation, so that the whole township may be considered as fit for agriculture. ' ' 
 
 The Oswayo, rising in Genesee and adjoining townships, receives Eleven- 
 mile creek near Millport, and flows in a fairly direct course northwest into Mc- 
 Kean county. Eleven-mile creek rises in the northeast of Oswayo township, 
 flows along the southern border of the Chemung formation in Oswayo to its 
 mouth. Honeoye creek rises in New York State, northeast of Goldsmith Cor- 
 ners, and, flowing southwest, enters the Oswayo northwest of Shinglehouse. 
 Butter and Centre creeks, in the northeast, offer drainage to that section, while 
 a hundred little feeders of the streams named leave no part of the township 
 without water or drainage. The boulders northeast of Sharon Center have 
 been placed there by a freak of nature. Near Bast Sharon are the gray sand- 
 stone and the fossiliferous sandstone flags, while along the Eleven-mile and 
 Honeoye runs may be seen Chemung and Catskill rocks. Near the State line are 
 the white sandstone quarries, also on the Lane farm and in a few other localities. 
 The stone crumbles into fine white sand under the pounder, and is excellent 
 
HISTOKY OF POTTER CQUNTY 1131 
 
 for glass-making and biiilding purposes. There are three peculiar depressions 
 on the Lane farm, two of which are water reservoirs. Evidences of excavation 
 are plenty; but nothing is known of the time or people or purpose of such 
 holes. In the neighborhood arrowheads and stone pipes have been unearthed. 
 Above Shinglehouse a circular ridge is visible, resembling a fort. 
 
 O. P. Taylor, who died at Wellsville, N. Y., November 17, 1883, was the pio- 
 neer oil operator of the Allegheny field, using the first string of tools, while his 
 neighbors laughed at him. One of the stories related of Taylor's third well 
 at Alma, is that O. P. Taylor had occasion to take the tools to Bradford for 
 repairs; but being without money he sought in vain for friends. On going 
 to his house, his wife told him that she had some money, as she was compelled 
 to sell her watch to purchase necessaries of life, and of the proceeds some 
 remained. This balance she gave her husband, thus enabling him to complete 
 the well and make a fortune. 
 
 Some time after the development of the first gas well in Sharon town- 
 ship, and about the year 1880, gas was discovered on the Graham farm. It 
 appears Graham' s two boys picked up a flat sandstone on the flats, and, although 
 youths, they discovered the presence of gas. On their father returning in the 
 evening, they reported their discovery, and he at once began the work of con- 
 trolling the flow. Making a barrel suit the uses of a gas reservoir, he placed 
 a piece of gas pipe in the top, and packed clay round the bottom of this barrel 
 to confine the gas. One of the youths believing the work was complete, took 
 his seat on the top, but in a little while the barrel and boy were moved from 
 the spot by the pressure .... In June, 1884, the first producer of the county 
 was struck on the Prince farm, north of Shinglehouse, yielding eighteen 
 barrels in a day. This well is still flowing, though abandoned long ago .... 
 The Standard Oil Company leased a large quantity of land in Sharon 
 and adjoining townships in New York State in 1888, and now have three wells 
 complete at a point northeast of Capt. Kinney's farm, and the work of drilling 
 more wells continues. The reservoir is just south of the line. 
 
 Sharon township, in 1880, was credited with 1,055 inhabitants, of whom 
 forty-nine resided in Millport, and thirty-five in Sharon Center. In 1888 
 there were 148 Republican, 80 Democratic, 29 Prohibition and 33 Union Labor 
 votes cast, representing 1,450 inhabitants. The number of tax-payers was 424, 
 and value of property assessed, $64,888. The seated tax-payers in 1832 were 
 Richard Allen (blacksmith, in Clara), T. W. David and Jonathan Brown (in 
 Clara), Sheldon Bradley, William and George R. Barber, Daniel Benson 
 (near the Hickox mUl), Lewis Baldin, G. Chappel, Milton and Moses Chappel, 
 Avery Coon, Louis H. D'Aubigney (N. R.), Abel Eastman Harvy Fisk. 
 (farmer above the center), Mary Gilbert, William Lester, Elisha, Ovid and 
 Theo. Mix (lumberers and farmers), Milton Main, Luther Molby, Sheffield 
 Main, Erastus Mulkins (whose grandson is postmaster at Shinglehouse), 
 A. D. Nichols, M. McCord, Bridge & Co. (saw-mill owners on the Honeoye, 
 afterVard owned by James H. Wright), Thomas Peabody, George Sherman 
 (now living, voted for Van Buren in 1840), Sam. Stetson, Joseph Stillman, John 
 Scott (went west), Aaron Sturgis, William Shattuck (now residing in Hebron 
 township), Milo Smith, Matt Standish, Joel Woodworth, Bartlet Ward, Ashbel 
 West, Ira A. Wicks, Joseph Rew (saw- and grist-mill owner where T. J. Burdic 
 later built a mill now standing at Sharon Center), Joel H. Rose (merchant), 
 John Row, Ira Young, Benjamin Hall (where Capt. Kinney resides), 0. G. 
 Perry, N. Daton, Willard M. Toner, John White, James Whiting, Noah Crit- 
 tenden, and RufuB Cole, assessor, one of whose grandsons is now county com- 
 missioner. The old McCord mill was purchased nearly a half century ago by 
 
1132 HISTORY OP POTTEE COUNTY. 
 
 Peleg Burdic, and ultimately became the property of A. A. Newton, about 
 1866, and is still standing. Abiel Sheldon was here in 1846. Jacob Ridg- 
 way, Joseph ReW, Nathaniel White, John M. Milizet, Salmon M. Rose, 
 Richard Gernon, John Gordon, Joseph Brush, John Rew, Rensselaer Wright " 
 and Andrew Mann paid taxes on unseated lands in 1834. 
 
 In 1827 Joseph Fessenden moved from Madison county, N. Y., and built 
 the first house in Millport. He had seven boys: Charles, James, Nathaniel, 
 William, Rodney, Joel and Edmund. The family moved to the Knowlton 
 place in 1828. In 1829 he took all of his family back to Madison county, with 
 the. exception of Joel, who went to Sartwell creek. Joel Fessenden is still liv- 
 ing, and recalls the time when the settlers were three months at a time without 
 bread, living mostly upon potatoes. He relates how at one time Benj. Burt 
 took a four-ox team, and, loading his wagon with his neighbors' grists, he 
 started for mill, and that after he had started Isaac Lyman said, with much 
 feeling: "When Burt gets back I will have one good meal of bread." The 
 most of the Fessenden boys came back in succeeding years, and are nearly all 
 living at a hale old age with many descendants. Among the settlers of 
 Sharon* in the " forties " were Capt. L. H. Kinney, A. A. Newton, A. S. Newton 
 and Milo Davis, now in California. Nelson C. Newton came about 1848. At this 
 time Lewis Wood, who preached for the XJniversalists, resided at Sharon 
 Center; Robbins Brown was the blacksmith, and Ezra Graves the carpenter. In 
 1835 a vacant frame house occupied the site of Sharon Center, and in it I. W. 
 Jones and family took shelter for a short time. Subsequent to 1832 Samuel 
 Pearsall settled between the Center and Shinglehouse. I. W. Jones came in 1835, 
 and in 1837 he was postmaster at a point east of Shinglehouse. Mrs. A. A. New- 
 ton, who came with her parents in 1835, does not remember the Rose store, and 
 states that the family had to go to store at Ceres. Willard Jones came early 
 in the " thirties " and entered on the work of building a saw- mill, where Perkins' 
 grist-mill now is. On his way home from Ceres he was killed during a wind 
 storm. Arad Jones and I. W. Jones built the mill which was burned up forty 
 years ago, and a second mill erected on the site which now adjoins the grist- 
 mill which was built fifteen years ago. 
 
 The first post-office, Capt. Kinney thinks, was located at Millport. Prior 
 to 1843 the old Sharon office, near Shinglehouse, was established, John Bos- 
 worth being then master, succeeding I. W. Jones. At Millport the Oswayo 
 Lumber Company's headquarters (of which Dr. Alma was first, and next 
 W. B. Graves, now of Duke Centre, and Joseph Mann were superintendents) 
 were established, the post-office was there. Shinglehouse was established 
 as a post-office center with G. W. Mosier master, appointed during Pierce's 
 administration. East Sharon office was established later, with Nelson Palmeter 
 master. He held the office many years, in fact up to his removal to Shingle- 
 house. Orson Sherman is now master. In 1843, when Capt. Kinney came 
 to the township, there were two school buildings — one above Shinglehouse 
 (Miss Maxon' s) and the other at Sharon Center (presided over by Mr. AVitter 
 or J. H. Chase). Capt. Kinney was director and examiner. Simon Drake, 
 John Bosworth, William T. Lane, Silas Babbitt and Lorenzo Reynolds were 
 the other directors. In 1843 there was a Universalist society at Sharon Center 
 presided over by Mr. Porter. 
 
 One of the peculiar characters of the county who ranged the forests of Potter, 
 and dallied along its trout streams for years, was Lewis Stevens, or the "Wild 
 Boy,' ' which sobriquet he earned by his taste for the solitude of the wildwoods. 
 
 * Dr. Mattison states that H. I.eroy opened the first store in the township ; Lewis B. Sutherland the 
 first lilaclcsmith sliop, and Elisha Mix the first saw-mill— erected on the Honeoye. 
 
HISTOEY OF, POTTEB COUNTY. 1133 
 
 At one time he lived alone near the headwaters of the East fork, six miles 
 from his nearest neighbor. A small stream emptying into the East fork is 
 still known by the name of the "Wild Boy," fi-om its proximity to the Stevens 
 clearing. Stevens gave up his wild life several years ago, and is now living in 
 Sharon township. For a number of years he preached, and led the life of a 
 traveling tinker. He is said to be an Englishman by birth. 
 
 Sharon Center, in the Oswayo Creek valley, stretches along the Shinglehouse 
 road. In 1871 Peleg Burdic's hotel, the Eose store, Graves' carpenter shop 
 and Dodge's yard and shop made up the village. 
 
 John M. Dean established the first store on the site of the house now occu- 
 pied by L. A. Bunker. The store was burned about 1847 and rebuilt in 1848. 
 It is still standing. Jonas Willey, now a resident, worked in this store. Pe- 
 leg Burdic opened the first hotel, in June, 1861, having begun the erection of 
 this house in 1860. Mr. Dean left before the war, and E. V. Wood carried on 
 the business until after the war, when Allen Glynes took his place; Eose and 
 Dodge followed Glynes; Shear and Simeon Sherwood were also merchants. 
 Contemporary with E. V. Wood, were Newton, Stevens & Nichols, who car- 
 ried on a store in connection with the sawmill. Wallace Burdic established 
 his business in 1882, and in 1888 built his large house opposite the hotel. 
 
 The Oswayo Lumber Association was organized in Potter county, in 1837, 
 for the purpose of lumbering in that and McKean counties, with the Le Eoy 
 brothers, T. H. Newbold, Wm. H. Morris and Joshua Lathrop, members. Mr. 
 Newbold was lost on an ocean steamer, and the company disbanded about 1845. 
 
 Peleg Burdic was appointed postmaster in 1862, succeeding Ezra Graves ; 
 J. M. Dean was the first postmaster. 
 
 A post of the G. A. E. was organized here December 4, 1880, with the fol- 
 lowing named members: L. H. Bailey, 15th N. Y. Cav. ; L. H. Kinney, S. J. 
 White, 85th N. Y. ; A. A. Stevens, 184th Penn. ; Dana Drake, 13th N. Y. , 
 Henry Art, W. D. Carpenter, 184th Penn. ; W. E. Hallett, 28th Iowa; J. Fail- 
 ing, 141st N. Y. ; J. H. Cole, E. A. Graves, 46th Penn. ; Peleg Burdic, Jesse 
 Burdic, Jonas WUlie, 15th N. Y. Cav. ; Seth Drake, 13th N. Y. Art. ; J. S. 
 Pearsall, 210th Penn. ; M. S. Hitchcock, 9th N. Y. Cav. ; J. O. Blauvelt, 1st 
 Penn. Art.; and Joseph Fessenden, 149th Penn. The position of commander 
 was held by S. J. White, for three years; L. H. Kiimey, one year; A. J. 
 Barnes, two years, and Asael Christman, two years. E. A. Graves served the 
 post as adjutant for five years, and J. W. Dickinson, for over three years. 
 Dana Drake has been the general quartermaster for over eight years. The 
 membership in 1889 was sixty-five, and value of property $200. 
 
 Women's Eelief Corps, No. 130, was organized with the following members: 
 Mesdames Pratt, Nichols, Helen Drake, White, May E. (Dickenson) Barnes, Sarah 
 Graves, Jennette Dickenson, Mary J. Burdic, E. R. J. Hitchcock, Sarah E. 
 Waer, C. A. Lamb, A. Cole, Lina Burdic, Mary E. Cole, M. A. Crocker, M. 
 E. Hallett, M. Livermore, A. V. Torrey, Ann Crandall, M. Christman and Em- 
 ilen C. Kimball; Misses F. E. Drake, Nellie Drake, Mary Burdic, Ella Terwil- 
 liger. Mrs. Mary B. White is president, and Mrs. Dickenson, secretary. 
 
 Millport, at the confluence of Oswayo and Eleven-mile creeks, claimed two 
 saw-mills, R. L. Nichols and Colwell & Chase, general stores, Wm. J. Brown's 
 and G. F. Fuller's lumberyards, Ives' blacksmith shop, Staysa's dwelling and 
 the school house, in 1871. Here was made one of the first settlements, as related 
 above. To day the little village has its gas line and other conveniences of 
 modern times. 
 
 Liberty Hall Association of Millport was organized June 15, 1875, for the 
 purpose of building a hall for religious and amusement purposes at Millport. 
 
1134 , HISTORY OF POTTER COUNTY. 
 
 II. L. Nichols was first president, J. L. Allen, secretary, N. W. Herring, G. 
 T. Fuller and J. Stevens, trustees. This hall was completed at once, and is 
 now in use. 
 
 The "United Brethren Association of Millport was indorporated April 29, 
 1886, with L. W. Dibble, P. C. Witter, R. C. Witter, Emma E. Densmore, 
 W. A. Bennett, J. L. Lockwood, Orrin Cook, Estella Witter, George Hatch, 
 H. T. Weaver and J. G. Torry, subscribers; Eev. W. A. Bennett was secretary. 
 They meet for worship in Liberty Hall. 
 
 A. J. Barnes, Sons & Co.'s general store, and the saw- and shingle-mills 
 form the principal business of the village, while a good hotel stands on the 
 north bank of the creek. 
 
 Shinglehouse is named from the fact of a house sided with shingles having 
 been built there in the long ago. From references made to the location in this 
 chapter, as well as in the history of the pioneers, the reader may learn at once 
 of the antiquity of the village. In 1837 a school-house was erected here by the 
 Jones and other pioneer families, and in it Misses Stillman, Clarissa Leroy, of 
 Clara, Miranda Jones and Huldah Nichols presided as teachers. This was 
 not the first school in the township, for in 1830 Miss Elvira Craig taught in 
 Sharon, her school afterward being presided over by Miss Amarilla Maxon, 
 who married Isaac Phelps. 
 
 Rev. Mr. Scott is said by Mrs. A. A. Newton to have been the first preacher 
 who visited Sharon. He preached in the school-house near Shinglehouse. The 
 First Seventh Day Baptist Church of Shinglehouse was incorporated in Sep- 
 tember, 1883, on petition of Edson Warner, J. J. Kenyon and B. O. Burdick. 
 They completed a house the same year. Since that time the Seventh Day 
 Adventists built a house. 
 
 The Methodist Church Society of Shinglehouse was incoporated in Novem- 
 ber, 1885, with L. C. Perry, Zalmon Barnes, W. T. Lane, Mrs. Laura Newton 
 and A. J. Remington, trustees. This society contributed toward the building 
 of the Seventh Day Baptist house. The Horse Run Methodist house was 
 completed in 1886, under the superintendence of Rev. Mr. Nye. Among the 
 members are M. A. Nichols and George Day. The membership is large. The 
 Lane Methodist Church was completed in 1889. 
 
 The Jones & Newton store, originally established at Shinglehouse corners 
 by Wiley Humphrey, was sold to Benjamin Jones. On the latter' s death the 
 widow married A. S. Newton, and the business is carried on under the title of 
 Jones & Newton. The regular business houses of the village comprise 
 George Hickock, billiard and pool tables; C. D. Voorhees, druggist; L. C. 
 Kinner, general store; A. A. Raymond & Co., hardware; Jones & Newton, 
 general store; L. A. Nichols, furniture store; George W. Dodge, general 
 
 store A good hotel is carried on here, and a large saw-mill near the iron 
 
 bridge The Sharon Gas Company was incorporated January 16, 1884, 
 
 with V. P. Carter, Daniel Dodge, C. H. Cole and J. J. Roberts, stockholders. 
 They drilled one well, next purchased the old Pearsall well, and supply 
 
 Shinglehouse The Shinglehouse Gas Company located their first well. 
 
 May 14, 1887, one mile from the village, near the Carr dwelling, which now 
 supplies part of the gas, while G. W. Dodge's wells supply another part. . . . 
 The Shinglehouse grist-mill was opened in the fall of 1875. ... .A local board 
 of the N. S. & L. A. of Rochester was organized at Shinglehouse in December, 
 1889, with Levi H. Kinney, A. A. Mulkin, A. A. Raymond, C. H. Cole, C. 
 D. Voorhees and F. N. Newton, members. 
 
 The Methodist Episcopal Church building of Honeoye was dedicated 
 March 2, 1890. The building is 26x44, with a tower 8x8 and 50 feet in 
 height. The total cost was $1,462. 
 
HISTORY OP POTTEB COUNTY. 1135 
 
 The first post-office at Shinglehouse was established with Moser, postmaster; 
 Ballard succeeded Moser, and after him Eeckhow, was appointed John 
 Vorhees was appointed postmaster in 1870, and held the office until the at) 
 pointment of Mr Mulkins. Henry Edwards was postmaster toward the close 
 ot the war, with John Vorhees deputy. 
 
 Miscellaneous.—^. B. Posler's store at Honeoye, J. A. Kibbe's on the 
 Pennsylvania side of Alma, and Shay & Kinney's at Bell's run, on the line of 
 McKean county, are other business centers. At the latter place Ransom 
 Monger has a pool and billiard room. . . .Mr. Lane resides at Alma, four miles 
 above Shinglehouse, in New York State, and has his store there. 
 
 The officers of the township, elected in February, 1890, are: Constable C 
 A. Woleott; collector, C. A. Wolcott; treasurer, Wallace Burdic; supervisor 
 N. C. Newton; town clerk, Horace Pratt; auditor, A. J. Barnes; overseer of the 
 poor, John Henly; school directors, O. Wells, George Drake; judge of election 
 A. A. Raymond; inspectors of election, W. J. Brown, E. F. McDowell. ' 
 
 CHAPTEE XXIII. 
 ULYSSES TOWNSHIP— BOROUGH OF LEWISVILLE. 
 
 Ulysses Township Union of Ulysses and Jackson Townships— Genekal 
 
 ToPOGKAPHY — Population — Assessments — Original Settleiis — Some 
 First Things— Elections in February, 1 890— Villages. 
 
 Borough of Lewisyille Location and Population— Municipal Mat- 
 
 TEBs— Churches— Societies and Associations— Hotels— General Busi- 
 ness-Miscellaneous. 
 
 ULYSSES TOWNSHIP (named by Charles Parrish, of Ulysses, N. Y.), 
 with the exception of the southeast and northwest corners, is an open 
 Catskill region, about four miles wide from southwest to northeast. The head 
 waters of Gushing creek, and a few feeders of the Genesee fork of Pine creek, 
 flow southeast; the middle branch of the Genesee river flows due north along 
 the western line, and the leading heads flow northwest from the Lewisville 
 vicinity, while the very head of the Allegheny stretches across the Allegheny 
 town line. Gushing creek forms at Brookland, and flows through the canon 
 already noticed; bringing its waters to the Chesapeake, the Genesee carries the 
 floods of Miller creek into Lake Ontario, and the Allegheny, which really takes 
 shape in Allegheny township, flows into the Mississippi. Catskill red and gray 
 shale and rocks characterize this township; the principal exposure is two miles 
 northeast of Brookland, near the old F. W. Knox farm. 
 
 That portion of the township, which was formerly called Jackson, and an- 
 nexed in 1879, is south and east of the main divide, and in its northwest 
 quarter the waters of Gushing creek unite with Pine creek, while in the 
 southern half the west branch finds six leading tributaries, exclusive of the 
 streams coming down from the Swedish hills. Near the north township line, 
 on Gushing creek, the rocks, familiar to explorers below the coal strata, are 
 to be seen, while coal measures are found east and west of Whitmore run, and 
 up the run three miles a heavy flowing spring rushes through the coal-bed of 
 40 inches in depth, while opposite is another coal outcrop. About 7,000 feet 
 
1136 HISTORY OF POTTEK COUNTY. 
 
 west of the spring is the great outcrop of Pottsville conglom, while close by, 
 are the two immense detached masses of this rock, one 130 and the other 150 
 feet in circumference, and each about 25 feet high, both giving succor to a 
 grove of scrub trees. The entire district rests upon a coal-bed, the dimensions 
 of which can only be imagined. The greater part of the township (all except 
 part of Chemung valley) is still as wild as it was when the pioneers of Pike 
 township looked in upon the wilderness, and nothing less than the necessities 
 of the future will ever lead to its improvement. 
 
 In Jackson (now, as stated, a part of Ulyssess) John M. Melizet, P. E. 
 Wharton, David Lewis, J. P. Garrische, E. and J. Wain, F. Eavissee, Hannah 
 M. Wharton and Francis E. Wharton paid taxes on unseated lands in 1834. 
 The resident property owners in Jackson township in 1847 were Eeuben Har- 
 rington (proprietor of saw-mill), Alex. Bane, Wm. and Chauncey Ellsworth, 
 Eufus Thompson, Bradley Orsbeem, Thomas Eeant, John P. Losey, Allen 
 Shepherd, C Lamphier, Wm. Woodard (assessor) and Jacob McFall. 
 
 IJlysses township was assessed in 1833 by Eufus A. Freeman, who found 
 the following named residents there: Anson S. Burt, Charles Parrish, Jesse 
 and O. A. Lewis, Lester Miles, Naham Miles, John Hackett, Ashbel Monroe, 
 Clark and Eoss L. Crum, Ira Gilbert, Wm. Miles, Hector Atwood, Isom Thomp- 
 son, Sam. and Hosea Gushing, John Leonard, Anson, Dennis and James Black- 
 man, Wm. W. Wood, Willis Young, Naher H. and Thomas Halock, Ichabod 
 Grover, Edmund Bran, Steve Brace, Peter Haskell and Nancy Goff. In 
 September, 1827, John Hackett, accompanied by Orange A. Lewis, came from 
 Upper Lisle, N. Y. , and settled in Harrison township, but in 1828 moved into 
 Ulysses. In 1830 Lewis came hither and settled just south of his former 
 employer's cabin. Hackett took possession of a hunter's shanty on what is 
 now the Charles Monroe farm, and soon had for neighbors Dr. Keeler, Stephen 
 Brace, Peter Haskell; while north in Bingham township the first female child, 
 Euth Spencer, and the first male child, Alva Carpenter, were added to the 
 settlement, and Lydia, daughter of John Brace, was married to William Miles 
 in 1830, by Benjamin Van Campin, of Bingham township. 
 
 The population in 1880 was 638, inclusive of Jackson township, annexed 
 the year before, but exclusive of Lewisville borough. In 1888 the township, 
 exclusive of borough, gave 92 Eepublican, 73 Democratic and 8 Prohibitionist 
 votes, representing 865 inhabitants. There were 229 tax-payers in 1889, whose 
 property was assessed at $166,909. 
 
 Clark Crum, who died in 1887, settled on the farm (occupied by James 
 Nickerson in 1882) within the borough in 1831 ; Joshua Thompson, on the 
 Willet Lyon farm, two miles north; Willis Young, on the N. T. Jackson 
 farm, two miles west; David Crowell on the Burton Lewis farm, two miles 
 south .... The first fanning-mill was made by Philander Hawley for John 
 Hackett, the sieves being thin boards with several holes bored through them 
 . . . .L. M. Howard was the first blacksmith. . . Collins Smith was the first 
 merchant, in 1840, followed the same year by Cushing & Haskins .... Dr. 
 Andrew Stout, who in 1844 settled one-fourth of a mile south of his present 
 home, was the only physician of the Ulysses district for years. Prior to his 
 coming the physicians named in the sketches of Harrison and Bingham town- 
 ships visited the settlements. 
 
 The first school-house was erected in 1837, and is known as the Daniels 
 school-house, but as early as 1834 a small school was taught in the south 
 part of Bingham, mostly for the benefit of the children of the Ulysses settlers. 
 It was begun by Emily Lewis, but for some reason she gave up her position as 
 teacher at the end of four weeks, and the term was finished by Minerva 
 
HISTOBY OF POTTEE COUNTY. 1137 
 
 Hackett. James Hawley, with his two sons, Philander and Salmon, built the 
 first grist-mill in Ulysses. The date of the building of this mill is variously 
 given from 1830 to 1836. This mill was burned, and rebuilt in 1840. 
 
 The officers of the township, elected in February, 1890, are : Constable, J. 
 S. Hopkins; collector, J. S. Hopkins; judge of election, E. P. Johnson; town 
 clerk, 0. M. Stillman; treasurer, A. Carpenter; auditor, E. D. Leet; inspectors 
 of election, O. E. Crandal, M. S. Grum; supervisor, M. W. Gridley; school 
 directors, M. S. Crum, L. W. Gushing, G. Gridley; overseer of the poor, M. 
 W. Gridley. 
 
 So early as 1828 the location of the village of Brookland was selected by 
 Dr. Keeler as a site for his proposed saw- mill. The walls of a large log build- 
 ing were erected for this purpose, when the physician changed his mind and 
 scene of labors, moving to the mouth of the East fork of the Sinnemahoning. 
 Hosea Gushing came to this location a year or two after the Grums settled at 
 Lewisville, and a few years later Elder Sheardown preached here. 
 
 In 1853 H. H. Dent came from Washington, D. G., and located at Cou- 
 dersport. He owned extensive tracts of land in Potter county. He bought 
 the square upon which the English Protestant Episcopal Church now stands, 
 and built his residence thereon. In 1862 he moved from Coudersport to 
 Brookland, in Ulysses township, where he built his residence and formed the 
 nucleus of a hamlet. His grounds were laid out with fine taste, and the place is 
 still one of the most attractive in the county. The name Brookland was 
 given to it by Mrs. Timothy Ives, at a picnic, to which Mr. Dent invited the ladies 
 to name his new home. Mr. Dent was a man of ability, and full of public 
 spirit. He took great interest in educational matters, and presented the county 
 with the clock which still remains in the tower of the court-house. William 
 Dent, the only son of the old proprietor of Brookland, lives at the homestead, 
 and is an extensive land owner. 
 
 In 1854 a post-office was established here with Hosea Gushing, master. In 
 March, 1857, the name of Cushingville was changed to Brookland. The pres- 
 ent office is in T. G. Hull's general store. 
 
 In 1871 a Sunday-school class was organized at this point, the Dent fam- 
 ily being members. A temporary building for worship was occupied in Au- 
 gust, 1875, and in 1878 Rev. Mr. Sterritt was engaged to preach here occa- 
 sionally. In October, 1880, Rev. William Marshall came, and continued to 
 serve the church here until June, 1889. 
 
 All Saints Protestant Episcopal Society of Brookland was incorporated in 
 ■ January, 1885, with Thomas G. Hull, George and Henry Bartlett, H. T. Rey- 
 nolds, F. Jacobs and William Dent, wardens. In 1888 the present stone 
 church was erected, the stone being quarried in th« vicinity, and in the fall of 
 1889 the rectory was finished. The number of communicants is thirty- eight. 
 Thomas G. Hull is senior warden and treasurer, and John Leach and John 
 Jacobs, members of the vestry, with others named above. The building was 
 dedicated September 19, 1889, by the assistant Protestant Episcopal bishop of 
 Central Pennsylvania, and Rev. W. E. Wright, the rector. 
 
 The Fox Hill Cemetery Association was incorporated m January, 188b, 
 with sixteen members, of whom W. A. Heath, V. E. Freeman and Charles 
 Turner, of Brookland, were directors. 
 
 In 1850 there was a tannery at Kibbeville belonging to a German by the 
 name of Plagueman, who has been dead several years; his widow is still liv- 
 ing Many a youthful swain stood up to be married in boots whose leather 
 was tanned at kibbeville. No work has been done at this tannery for a num- 
 ber of years The East fork was made a highway in 1850 Lucas Ouah- 
 
1138 HISTORY OF POTTER COUNTY. 
 
 ing and M. J. N. Haakins opened a store in Ulysses township at what is now 
 known as Olmsted's corners, in 1840 .... In 1881 the residents of Gold village 
 petitioned for a post-oflice, and suggested the name Raymond; the department 
 gave the office but not the name .... The old Gold Tub Factory was moved to 
 Lewisville in February, 1883, but the industry is not now in existence .... J. 
 W. Morley & Co.'s general store is located here, and the little hamlet is fast 
 assuming village airs. The Reynolds House is well conducted by E. J. Rey- 
 nolds . . . .Newfield, on the Moore farm, is the site of W. J. Grover's general 
 store, and is one of the post-offices of the township. 
 
 BOROUGH OP LEWISVILLE. 
 
 Lewisville, generally called Ulysses, which is the name of the post-office, is 
 located in a depression of the divide between the upper forks or feeders of the 
 Genesee river, in the northeastern quarter of the township. 
 
 The population in 1880 was 365. In 1888 there were 86 Republican, 21 
 Democratic, 36 Prohibitionist and one Union Labor votes, representing a popu- 
 lation of 720. Lewisville, in 1889, claimed 206 resident tax-payers, 108 horses, 
 2 oxen, 79 cows, seated real estate valued at $29,732, while moneys at interest 
 were placed at $35,653. As stated previously, Hackett settled in the township 
 in 1828, and O. A. Lewis in 1830. From this last-named pioneer the borough 
 takes the name Lewisville. Clark Crum, a settler of 1831, and one of the early 
 hunters, died in Ulysses township, in February, 1887. His cabin was within 
 the limits of the present town. 
 
 Municipal Affairs. — The first election for Lewisville borough was held 
 February 2, 1872, when J. O. Potter was chosen burgess; Alva S. Mintonye, 
 justice of the peace; B. C. Lewis, H. C. Hosley, E. A. Wagner, H. A. Grid- 
 ley and T. W. Burt, couneilmen; S. W. Monroe, O. R. Bassett, J. R. Nicker- 
 son and J. O. Potter, school directors; H. C. Hosley, constable and assessor; 
 Austin Whipple and Moses Hackett, overseers of poor, and E. W. Ohappel, 
 auditor. George Merrill and C. M. Burt were inspectors, and Andrew Stone 
 judge of this election. The names of burgess, couneilmen and school directors 
 elected annually are given as follows: 
 
 Burgesses.— William Howe, 1873; W. T. Hosley, 1874-84: C. M. Allen, 
 1875; E. W. Ohappel, 1876; 0. G. Oushing, 1877; H. A. Gridley, 1878; A. 
 S. Mintonye, 1879-80; Perry Briarham, 1881-86; T. W. Burt, 1882; G. 0. 
 Manion, 1883; George H. Oobb, 1885; William Daniels, 1887; F. M. Bron- 
 son, 1888-89, receiving the full vote cast, or fifty-one votes. 
 
 Oouncilmen. —James Nickerson, 1873-74-77-81-83; James Gibson, 1873- 
 75-88; 0. E. Hosley, 1873-76; W. Burtis, 1874; 0. G. Oushing, 1874; E. A. 
 Wagner, 1874; Perry Brigham, 1875; A. D. Oorey, 1875-76-84; George Bart- 
 lett, 1876; E. R. Eddy, 1876-80; J. O. Potter, 1877; B. L. Easton, 1877-78- 
 81; Moses Hackett, 1878; E. Rathbone, 1879-83; Thomas Bishop, 1879; Fay- 
 ette Lewis, 1879. (In 1879 the vote against stock running at large was 47, 
 and for, 21). John Lewis, 1880; A. Cady, 1880; G. H.,or A. H., Cobb, 1880- 
 83; D. J. Ohappel, 1880; H. A. Gridley, 1881-84-88; B. J. Oushing, 1881- 
 82; 0. E. Burt, 1881-82-83; Charles Eribeck, 1881-82; E. A. Burt, 1882- 
 ■87; C. M. Allen, 1883; E. Blackman, 1883; E. Hyde, 1884; H. Hosley, 
 1884-85-86-89; H. K. Lane, 1884; George A. Farnsworth, 1884-88; G. C. 
 Marion, 1885; A. S. Burt, 1886; W. M. Hosley, 1887; 0. W. Bailey, 1889. 
 
 School Directors.— A. S. Mintonye, 1873-76; C. G. Oushing, 1873-76; 
 Seth Lewis, 1874-77; O. R. Bassett, 1874-77; James Nickerson, 1878; H. 0. 
 Hosley, 1878-81-88; J. O. Potter, 1878; Charles Eribeck, 1880; Perry Brig- 
 ham, 1880; W. W. Hamswirtt, 1881; 0. E. Hosley, 1081-82; E. U. Eaton, 
 
HISTORY OF POTTEK COUNTY. 1139 
 
 1882; B. J. Cushinff, 1882; ¥. M. Bronson, 1883-86-89; H. A. Gridley, 1883- 
 85-86-89; C. A. Lewis, 1884-87; C. M. Allen, 1884-87; George C. Marion, 
 1884-88; G. A. Farnsworth, 1885. 
 
 The officers elected in February, 1890, are as follows: Burgess, O. A. Nel- 
 son; councilmen, William M. Hosley, A. H. Lewis, Lyman Merrill; justice of 
 the peace, F. M. Bronson; constable, E. A. Hovey; collector, E. A. Hovey; 
 high constable, W. E. Turner; auditor, John F. Stone; school directors, D. 
 C. Chase, E. A. Burt; overseer of the poor, T. P. Collins; judge of election, 
 
 B. S. Easton; inspectors of election, George Nickerson, John L. Bailey. 
 
 The Lewisville Water Company was chartered September 30, 1886, with 
 Perry Brigham, Tom Brigham, C. A. Lewis, G. C. Marion and E. U. Eaton, 
 stockholders. . . . The Ulysses Hose Company was organized in May, 1887, with 
 G. C. Marion, chief, and G. A. Farnsworth, I. P. Collins and C. E. Hosley. 
 
 Churches. — The Baptist Church is mentioned in the minutes of the Canis- 
 teo Association of 1837. At that time Gardner H. Olmsted, the clerk, reported 
 thirty-three members. In 1839 there was no report made, but Harrison town- 
 ship reported through Deacon W. G. Raymond, the successor of John Books, 
 as clerk at that point in 1837. The first association meeting held within the 
 Ulysses Church was that of 1871, and the second in 1885. The first Baptist 
 society of Ulysses was incorporated January 6, 1849, with Daniel Olmsted, 
 Leavitt Cushing, Barney Hicks, G. H. Olmsted, Lucas Cushing and Erastus 
 Merrill, trustees. Among the members were Seth C. Parker, Eph. R. Slade, 
 L. L. Robertson, C. F. Parker, Judson Brown and Delos Eason. In 1858 the 
 society completed a church building. 
 
 The Methodist Church dates back to 1842-43, when C. Graham was sent 
 to preach here, holding services in the old school- house, which stood where 
 Lewis Bros.' meat market now is. In 1844 or 1845 E. Hudson came, and 
 during his time a parsonage was built on what is now the R. H. Young farm. 
 In this house Messrs. W. K. Runner, W. Jones, W. Shaffer, W. Statham and 
 E. P. Huntington, the successive incumbents of the circuit, resided. In 1858 
 S. P. Guernsey came, and deserted the old house for rooms in the old O. A. 
 Lewis House, within the village. At that time the Baptists had completed their 
 house, and in it the Methodists worshiped on alternate Sundays. H. O. Abbott, 
 J. Easter and F. M. Smith were stationed here successively, while H. Rowland 
 had charge during the last two years of the war. 
 
 In September, 1887, an effort to organize a Universalist society and build 
 a house of worship at Lewisville was made. Mrs. Kate Parker, Thomas E. 
 Gridley, John F. Stone, F. M. Wagner and A. S. Burt were chosen trustees. 
 
 Societies and Associations. — Lewisville Lodge, No. 556, F. & A. M., was 
 organized May 12, 1881, under charter granted December 6, 1880, with George 
 Marion, W. M. ; H. T. Reynolds, S. W. ; Frank Bronson, J. W. ; Seth Lewis, 
 secretary, and Ira Carpenter, treasurer. The list of past masters includes Geo. 
 
 C. Marion, Frank M. Bronson, Dr. E. U. Eaton, Fayette Lewis and E. A. 
 Burt. The master, in 1889, was P. A. McDonald. He is listed as past master 
 from his service at Wellsville, N. Y., and at Port Allegany. The followmg 
 are the officers for 1890: P. A. McDonald, P. M. ; E. A. Burt, W. M. ; I. P. 
 Collins, S. W. ; S. E. Chrisman, J. W. ; H. K. Lane, treasurer, Seth Lewis, 
 secretary; L. G. Goodenough, S. D. ; D. R. Shinners, J, D., with P. H. Miller, 
 J. J. Downey, H. U. Herritt, E. A. Hovey and H. A. Gridley filling the junior 
 
 Ulysses Chapter, No. 269, R. A. M., was chartered November 9, 1888, 
 with the following members: P. A. McDonald, H. P.; Geo. C. Marion K.; 
 E. U. Eaton, scribe; and H. T. Reynolds, H. K. Lane, Fayette Lewis, John V. 
 
1140 HISTOEY OF POTTEE COUNTY. 
 
 Miller, Byron G. Miller and George Sutton. P. A. McDonald was H. P. in 
 1889, with Homer K. Lane, secretary. In 1890 G. G. Marion pfesides, with 
 Seth Lewis, secretary. 
 
 O. A. Lewis Post, No. 279, G. A. R., was organized August 3, 1882, with 
 Wm. Daniels, C. ; A. A. Johnson, S. V. C. ; H. T. Reynolds, J. V. G. ; J. 
 O. Potter, O. of D. ; M. G. Wheaton, O. of G. ; A. D. Corey, chaplain; A. H. 
 Cobb, surgeon; T. V. Barker, adjutant; A. H. Owen, S. M. ; D. J. Chappel, 
 Q. M., and Edson Hyde, Q. M. S. A. D. Corey was commander in 1883; A. 
 A. Johnson, 1883-85-88; A. E. Wright, 1886-87, and E. M. Stewart, 1889, 
 with Judge Reynolds, adjutant. The ofiScers for 1890 are J. W. Smith, C. ; 
 H. R. Drake, S. V. C. ; Wm. O'Neill, J. V. C. ; F. M. Brown, Q. ; John Barnes, 
 S. ; E. M. Stewart, O. D. ; Geo. W. Rogers, 0. G. ; H. T. Reynolds, Adjt. ; 
 J. T. Hovey, S. M. ; Lyman Merrill, Q. M. S. ; S. N. Vanover, Chap. ; W. H. 
 Mericle, J. S. ; P. M. Jacobus, O. S. 
 
 Whipple Post, No. 2, S. of V., is a recent organization, of which D. J. 
 Whipple is adjutant. 
 
 Equitable Aid Union, No. 212, was presided over in 1883 by W. H. Mil- 
 lard, and in 1881-82-86 by Henry Hosley. J. W. Lewis was president in 
 1889, with Mary A. Blackman, secretary. E. M. Stewart is the present pre- 
 siding officer, with Mary A. Drake, secretary. 
 
 K. of H. Lodge, No. 2025, was presided over by F. M. Bronson in 1881- 
 83-85; by E. A. Burt in 1886. In May, 1889, an attempt to find the records 
 was unrewarded. 
 
 Ulysses Lodge, No. 818, I. O. O. F., is presided over by A. O. Lewis, with 
 Charles M. Brigham, secretary. 
 
 Ulysses Branch of the National Order of Independent Iron Clads of North 
 America was incorporated January 11, 1886, with A. D. Corey, W. T. Hosley, 
 E. A. Corey, G. W. Merrill, Geo. C. Marion and E. M. Stewart, directors. 
 The object was to further the cause of temperance and kindred virtues. 
 
 In February, 1887, the C. L. S. C. of Lewisville elected F. F. Cutler, 
 president. Seth Lewis, vice-president, and Minnie Cushing, secretary. 
 
 The W. C. T. U. was chartered June 20, 1884, the following named ladies 
 being members: Mesdames Ann Gerona Wagner, Sarah E. Lewis, Marcella 
 Eaton, Kate L. Stone, Clara Burt, Chios Leet, Kate E. Lewis, Nettie M. 
 Allen, Louisa A. Hosley, Estella Robbins, Mary Lewis, Charlotte Marion, 
 Martha Drake, Elizabeth Lewis, Stella T. Baker, Charlotte Millen, Aggie 
 Hosley, Clarissa Bennett, Emma Farnsworth, Lucy Lewis, Celia R. Cobb, 
 Emma Millard, Caroline Burt, Flora Bailey, Kate Burt and Mary Bronson, and 
 the Misses Carrie Stillman, Clara Hosley, Jessie Lewis and Mary A. Gridley. 
 Mrs. Elizabeth Lewis is first president, Mesdames A. G. Wagner and Charlotte 
 Marion, vice-presidents, and Miss M. A. Gridley and Mrs. K. L. Stone, sec- 
 retaries, and Mrs. Kate E. Lewis, treasurer. 
 
 The Ulysses Cemetery Association was organized February 14, 1874, for 
 the purpose of establishing a burial ground in the borough of Lewisville. 
 There were tifty-two members, of whom O. R. Bassett, James Nickerson, E. 
 C. Lewis, J. O. Potter, E. W. Chappel and Willet Lyon were trustees. 
 
 The Ulysses Driving Park Association was incorporated August 28, 1886, 
 with E. U. Eaton, Geo. H. Cobb, John F. Stone, P. M. Wagner and J. N. 
 Crowell, directors. There were thirty-seven members who subscribed for forty- 
 three and a half 125 shares. 
 
 Hotels. — The Lyman House was built about thirty years ago by C.Lyman. 
 This hotel was conducted by several persons for the last twenty years, until it 
 became the property of Perry Brigham, whose residence it now is. The old 
 
HISTOEY OF POTTER COUNTY. 1141 
 
 Lewisville House ceased years ago, and like the Lyman is used as a residence. 
 The Hosley House was built by Williard Hosley in 1883, and carried on by 
 
 C. E. Hosley until June, 1888, when the building and furniture were sold to 
 
 D. A. Corey, the present owner. There are twenty-three rooms, well furnished. 
 
 General Business. — A decade ago the general merchants were Chappel 
 Bros., Abram Bennett, Burtis & Potter, S. W. Monroe and A.Burtis; Edson 
 Hyde was a watchmaker, J. C. Davidson, a blacksmith and iron-founder; 
 B. Lewis, a hotel owner; Seth Lewis, an attorney; A. Stout and E. U. Eaton, 
 physicians, and E. Hackett, a mill owner. The academy and common-school 
 buildings were here. To-day the business houses are, in part, G. C. Marion 
 & Co., hardware; Stone, Raymond & Co., clothing; D. J. Chappel & Son, 
 general store; C. A. Lewis & Co., general store; Drake Bros., furniture; A. 
 S. Mintonye, boots and shoes; Homer K. Lane, drugs and books; Cobb & 
 White, general store; C. M. Allen, jewelry and crockery; A. D. Corey, pool 
 and billiard tables ; S. Or. Burtis, groceries. The professions are represented 
 by Seth Lewis and I. P. Collins, attorneys; B. TJ. Eaton, physician, and S. 
 A. Phillips, dentist. H. K. Lane established the first regular drug store at 
 Lewisville, in 1879, in the Chappel Block, and in 1886 he erected bis present 
 building on Main street near North. The Sentinel, noticed in the press chap- 
 ter, is a good local journal. 
 
 Miscellaneous. — The fire of April 28, 1887, destroyed A. L. Hyde's build- 
 ing and stock, and the law office of Edson Hyde. The present Hyde build- 
 ing was completed in August, 1887; the G. A. E. hall and a billiard room 
 were destroyed .... In November, 1887, the Perry Brigham steam-saw and grist- 
 mill was destroyed, with 20,000 feet of lumber and 200 bushels of grain 
 
 The storm of May 28, 1888, destroyed orchards, fences and homes. 
 
 Among the losers in Lewisville and neighborhood were A. F. Eaymond, J. H. 
 Hosley, of Gold; Alva Carpenter, George W. Carpenter, of Newfield; J. A. 
 Brown, Cale Gridley and G. H. Cady, of Lewisville, who had their barns 
 unroofed; D. Francis' barn was moved; A. Hawk's barn in Harrison town- 
 ship was partly carried away; J. W. Neal, of Harrison, had his wagon-shed 
 blown down and wagons brolsen; F. A. Crowell, and others on the Cowan- 
 esque, lost property by this tornado. 
 
1142 HISTORY OF POTTER COUNTY. 
 
 CHAPTER XXIV. 
 
 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES— EULALIA TOWNSHIP AND BOROUGH 
 
 OF COUDERSPORT. 
 
 J. W. ALLEN, land estate agent, Coudersport, is a son of Ezra and 
 Lydia Allen, and was born in East Smithfield, Bradford Co., Penn., in 1838. 
 Ezra Allen -was a native of Halifax, Vt. , and Lydia Allen, whose maiden name 
 was Chamberlain, was born in Worcester, Mass. J. W. Allen attended the 
 common schools until 1848, in which year his father died. Two years later he 
 made his home with an elder brother, remaining until twenty years of age, 
 when, having completed his education, he removed to Missouri, where he 
 taught school two years. During the late war he was for a time a member of 
 the home guard, a body organized to protect themselves against attack from 
 the secession element, but in 1861 he returned to his native place, and in 1864 
 he removed to Wellsboro, Tioga Co., Penn., where he became principal of 
 Wellsboro Academy; he was also principal of the graded school for two terms. 
 The same year, however, he removed to Coudersport, Potter Co., Penn., 
 where he was for two years principal of the graded school. In 1866 he was 
 elected county superintendent of schools, a position he held until 1878, since 
 when he has been engaged in farming and in looking after the interest of the 
 Bingham Land Estate for the agent of the trustees. He is a past master of 
 Eulalia Lodge, No. 342, P. & A. M., and is a member of the Sons of Temper- 
 ance. He is a strong temperance man, but not a third-party man. Mr. Al- 
 len married, in 1866, Miss Mary, daughter of Benjamin Bowen, of Knoxville, 
 Tioga Co., Penn., and they were the parents of three children: John, Ezra 
 and Laura, all at home but Ezra, who is a stenographer and typewriter in 
 Wisconsin, and designs soon to return and enter upon a collegiate course at 
 Bucknell College, Penn. Mrs. Allen was' president of the Woman's Temper- 
 ance Union, and was a zealous worker in that cause. She was a member of 
 the Baptist Church (which church Mr. Allen assisted in erecting, and has aided 
 in its maintenance since, and of which he has been deacon since its organiza- 
 tion). Mrs. Allen died of consumption September 28, 1889. Mr. Allen takes 
 a deep interest in not only religious but also in educational matters. 
 
 C. H. ARMSTRONG, merchant, Coudersport, was born in Tioga county, 
 N. Y. , in 1832. His parents removed to Ulysses, Potter Co. , Penn. , when he 
 was a child, and were among its early settlers. They purchased the first 
 cook stove used in that township. His father was a shoemaker by trade, but 
 partially cleared a farm in Ulysses, and in 1853 removed to Coudersport, where, 
 in 1881, he died; his widow is now in her seventy -second year. Their children 
 were C. H., Lydia R. (now Mrs. W. B. Gordnier), Chloe M. (now Mrs. O. H. 
 Crosby), Ezra R. (deceased), Amelia J. (now Mrs. Capt. Theodore Hatfield, 
 United States army, stationed at Kansas City, Mo.), Orlando E., Fred L. 
 (deceased) and Parmelia (now Mrs. H. A. Scoville). 
 
 C. H. Armstrong began his business life as a farmer in Ulysses township, 
 Potter county, but in 1861 came to Coudersport and engaged in the manu- 
 facture of shoes. In 1868 he bought a hardware store, which he conducted 
 
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 1143 
 
 until 1877, when he purchased, on Second street, property destroyed by the 
 fire of 1880, but which he at once replaced with a handsome brick build- 
 ing, containing two large stores, one 98x23, the other 85x23, and which 
 is, without doubt, the most commodious, complete and best calculated building 
 for a country store in the United States. On the second floor, in a capacious 
 room, is a store-room for crockery and room for unpacking it, with elevator of 
 modern construction; a store-room for groceries and fruits of all kinds, and a 
 separate room for smoked meats. In the cellar, which is high and dry, well 
 ventilated and light, is a buttery, and in a separate compartment is a vegetable 
 cellar, where are also kept molasses, syrups, etc. In still another compart- 
 ment are pork, fish, etc. , and in a building in the rear, disconnected from the 
 main store, is a store-room for flour and feed, and in an adjoining room a store- 
 house for salt. The main store upon one side has fine groceries, upon the 
 other side boots and shoes, and the adjoining show room has crockery on one 
 side and jewelry on the other. Mr. Armstrong has a flne opportunity to take 
 advantage of the markets on account of his vast room for storing purposes. 
 Both fronts of the second floor are used as offices. In 1884 Mr. Armstrong 
 admitted as partner Mr. E. C. Stevens, the firm name now being C. H. Arm- 
 strong & Co. In 1854 Mr. Armstrong married Adeline M. Crowell. He is a 
 Republican in politics, but is in no sense a politician, devoting his entire atten- 
 tion to his business. 
 
 EL WIN H. ASHCRAFT, M. D., Coudersport, son of Alfred D. Ash- 
 craft, wa,s born May 15, 1854, in Addison, Steuben Co., N. Y. He com- 
 pleted his classical education at the State normal school, at Mansfield, Tioga 
 Co., Penn., and studied medicine with Dr. A. L. Bottum, of Westtield, Ti- 
 oga county, after which he attended lectures at the College of Physicians and 
 Surgeons at Baltimore, Md., from which he graduated March 1, 1881. He 
 first began the practice of medicine at Ellisburg, Potter Co., Penn., where 
 he remained until February, 1882, when he removed to Coudersport, and 
 two years later took a post-graduate course at the College of Physicians and 
 Surgeons of New York City. He married Anna L., daughter of B. F. Jones, 
 of Corning, N. Y., who also graduated from the State normal school at 
 Mansfield, and was engaged in teaching in the graded school of Coudersport. 
 To them have been born two children, Florence F. and Walter E. The Doctor 
 is a member of Lodge No. 815, I. O. O. F., and the Rebekah and Encamp- 
 ment branches oE the same order, having passed the chairs in the subordinate 
 lodges and the Encampment; he is also a member of the Sons of Temperance, and 
 of Camp No. 121, Sons of Veterans, of which he was presiding officer for three 
 years; State officer for the same order three years; served one year as State 
 surgeon, and is now serving his second year as mustering officer of the State. 
 He is likewise a member of the board of examining surgeons for pensions. 
 The Doctor's father, who was A native of Connecticut, removed with his par- 
 ents to Norwich, Chenango Co., N. Y., where he married, and then removed 
 to Addison N. Y. His business was that of contractor and builder until ISbU, 
 when he purchased a farm in Tioga county, Penn., to which he removed. In 
 1864 he enlisted in Company K, One Hundred and Eighty-fifth New York 
 State Volunteer Infantry, and was wounded in March, 1865, making him a 
 
 cripple for life. . ^ -r> ^ j. xr 
 
 BENJAMIN BAKER (deceased) was a native of Rensselaer county, JN. 
 Y born December 3, 1794. He came to Potter county, Penn., m 1»'^». and 
 settled in Ulysses township, where he lived until his death. He married Miss 
 Mahala Cronk, of Hoosick Falls, N. Y., and they had a family of nine chil 
 dren- George B, died at Ulysses in 1887; Andrew, lives on the old home- 
 
1144 HISTORY OF POTTER COUNTY. 
 
 stead; Phoebe, died in 1864; Esther, the wife of L. G. Gridley; William, 
 died in infancy; S. W., lives on his farm at Lymansville; Hiram, died in 1888; 
 Russell, lives in Nebraska, and Mary, the widow of John Stanley, lives at 
 Cambridge, N. Y. 
 
 S. W. Baker, the fourth son of the family above named, was born at 
 Williamstown, Mass., April 24, 1836, and was two years old when his parents 
 moved to Potter county. He worked on the farm with his father until twenty- 
 one years old, when he went to Port Jervis, N. Y. , where he lived nine 
 years. In 1866 he returned to Ulysses, and lived on the old homestead several 
 years. In 1872 he worked at lumbering and in 1875 bought a farm near Ly- 
 mansville, where he has since lived. Mr. Baker was married in October, 1862, 
 to Bertha L. Covey, of Broome county, N. Y. , and they have one son, named 
 Benjamin S. 
 
 ISAAC BENSON, attorney at law, Coudersport, was born in Waterford, 
 Erie Co., Penn., June 8, 1817. He became a student at the academy in 
 his native town, and completed his studies at Warren, same State. Among 
 the many classes of business which presented themselves for his consideration, 
 none possessed the attractions of a profession, and being eminently qualified 
 for the bar, both by literary acquirements and natural inclination, he entered, 
 as a student, the office of Struthers, Johnson & Brown, prominent attorneys 
 of Warren. He was admitted to the bar at that place in 1844, and first began 
 the practice of law in the office of the firm just mentioned, where he remained 
 ior about one year. But the ambition of Mr. Benson was to find a wider field 
 for his abilities, and June 11, 1845, he located at Coudersport, Potter Co., 
 Penn. , which presented itself to him as more suited to his progressive ideas. 
 The immediate future of the place verified the accuracy of his judgment, and 
 he soon acquired a proud position in the borough and vicinity. J. S. Mann, 
 C. W. Ellis, L. P. Maynard and Wales Butterworth, all now deceased, were 
 the first practitioners of Potter county, and were honorable and worthy com- 
 •petitors. Gradually, however, Mr. Benson found the number of his clients 
 growing larger, his practice more remunerative, his popularity increasing, 
 until in 1856 he was elected and served as member of the State legislature, 
 and as State senator in 1859, both of which positions he filled with honor, 
 winning the approval of his constituency. Early in the Civil war, his fidelity 
 and ability being justly recognized, he received the appointment of paymaster, 
 which he, however, declined, preferring to continue the practice of his chosen 
 profession, the enjoyment of home life and his largely increased holdings, 
 which required his constant care and supervision. Mr. Benson, in December, 
 1857, married Eugenie L. , daughter of P. A. Stebbins, of Coudersport, and 
 has one son, James B. Benson, who received a classical education, graduating 
 from the University of Pennsylvania; he studied law with Wayne McVeigh, 
 of Philadelphia, and was admitted to the bar in June, 1884. Hon. Isaac 
 Benson still remains a member of the legal fraternity, enjoying the confidence 
 and esteem of the citizens of Potter county, generally, and in the evening of his 
 life finds himself crowned with honor, and in the enjoyment of the luxuries 
 well-earned wealth affords. 
 
 S. E. BUTLER, merchant, Ladona, Penn., was born in Seneca county, 
 N. Y., June 10, 1853. His father, Joseph Butler, was born in Schuylerville, 
 N. Y., and is now deceased; his widow, Jane, a native of Saratoga Springs, 
 N. Y., resides with the subject of this sketch. In 1858 his parents moved to 
 Potter county, Penn., and located in Sweden township, where he lived with them 
 until fifteen years of age, when he left home and began to work for himself , in 
 Wellsville, N. Y., at the carpenter's trade, which he followed two and a half 
 
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 1145 
 
 years, and then went on the Buffalo, New York & Philadelphia Railroad as brake- 
 man, which he continued until 1873, when he returned to Sweden township, 
 worked at the carpenter's trade two years, and then moved to Lymansville, 
 \There he followed his trade until 1880, when he was employed by a sewing 
 machine company to travel, and continued with them until 1884. In 1884 he 
 bought a saw-mill at Lymansville, and commenced the manufacture of lumber. 
 June 6, 1887, he bought out the stock of merchandise of F. L. Williams, of 
 Lymansville, and is now conducting a successful business in his line. Mr. 
 Butler was married, July 1, 1875, to Miss Sarah Angood, of Harrison Valley, 
 Potter Co., Penn., and they have two children, Maud E. and Daniel W. Our 
 subject is a member of Goudersport Lodge, No. 815, I.O.O.F. 
 
 DAVID WILMOT BUTTERWORTH, proprietor of the Enterprise, Gou- 
 dersport, was born in that borough in 1852. He comes of good ancestral 
 stock, and is the youngest child of Appleton and Mary (Wilmot) Butterworth, 
 who died when he was very young. At the age of eight years, the orphan boy 
 was taken by his uncle, the late Hon. David Wilmot, of Towanda, Bradford 
 Co. , Penn. , with whom he lived some years. In 1862 he went to live with his 
 sister, Mrs. Hugh Young, of Wellsboro, Tioga Go. , Penn. , and here, at the age 
 of fourteen years, he entered the Democrat printing office, which was owned 
 at that time by Charles Williams, brother of Hon. H. W. Williams. Mr. But- 
 terworth has continued in the printing business ever since, and in 1874 re- 
 turned to Coudersport, where he successfully published the Potter County 
 Journal about nine years. In 1887 he purchased the Potter Enterprise, and 
 is now ably conducting the same.' The Enterprise has steadily grown under 
 his clever management, and is to-day the leading paper in the county. In 
 1875 Mr. Butterworth married Lizzie Hartrick, a native of Canada, by whom 
 two children were born: Kent Wilmot and lone Lydia. Mrs. Butterworth' s 
 parents were Irish. 
 
 LAFAYETTE CARTEE, son of John L. and Seclendia Cartee (Cartier), 
 was born in December, 1823, in Tioga county, N. Y. In 1825 he was brought 
 by his father's family to Coudersport, and here he lived until 1843. He was 
 almost self-taught, having very limited opportunities of attending school, even 
 after the opening of the academy in 1840. In 1844 he traveled west, and late 
 in the same year became principal of the high school at Newport, Ky. , a posi- 
 tion he filled for two years. In 1 846 he entered St. John' s College, Cincin- 
 nati, as professor of mathematics and civil engineering, but failing health 
 compelled him to resign in 1848, and in November of the same year he took 
 passage on board a sailing vessel, bound for San Francisco, a sea- voyage being 
 recommended by his physicians. Reaching San Francisco in Jane of the fol- 
 lowing year, he found himself much improved in health. In California he 
 spent a few months, and then went to Oregon, locating in Oregon City, where 
 he remained some years. He was a member of the first territorial legislature, 
 was speaker of the house the second term, and during the following few years 
 he was engaged in surveying and engineering. In the fall of 1855 he returned 
 to Potter county, Penn., and was married during the ensuing winter to Miss 
 Mary Bell, of Ceres, McKean county, who died at Dallas, Ore., in December, 
 1862. Mr. Cartee was engineer in the construction of the first railroad in 
 Oregon— a short line, but difficult of construction. He has been a resident of 
 Boise City, Idaho, since 1868; was surveyor-general of the Territory for many 
 years, and has devoted much time and means to the raising of fruit and beau- 
 tifying his home. He has one son and three daughters, all born in Oregon, 
 now living near him at Boise City, Idaho. 
 
 0. L. CHASE, druggist, Coudersport, son of Abram and Phebe (Holcomb) 
 
1146 HISTORY OF POTTEB COUNTY. 
 
 Chase, was born ia Sweden township, Potter Co., Penn., in 1865. After com- 
 pletion of his education, he served an apprenticeship as drug clerk at Ulysses, 
 and in 1886 became associated with Dr. C. S. French, in the drug trade at 
 Coudersport, where they enjoy a very remunerative trade. His grandfather 
 Chase built the first house in Sweden township, and died when his son, 
 Abram, was about seventeen years old. Abram, father of O. L., was a native 
 of the county, boru in Sweden township in 1845, where he still resides. He 
 has had three children: Mary, O. L., and a babe that died in infancy. O. L. 
 Chase is a supporter of the Democratic party, but, like his partner, takes no 
 active part in politics. He was married April 3, 1889, to Carrie Davenport. 
 
 NELSON CLAEK, farmer, P. O. Coudersport, a son of Daniel and 
 Speedy (Grow) Clark, was born at Mansfield, Windham Co., Conn., in 1808. 
 His grandfather, Daniel Clark, was a soldier of the Revolution, and a native of 
 Connecticut, where he married Miss Mehitable Slaight, and reared a family of 
 six children: Daniel, Mehitable, James, Sarah, Enoch and Lora. . There 
 Daniel and his wife remained until their decease. Daniel, father of Nelson, 
 was also a native of Connecticut, and married Speedy, daughter of Deacon 
 Thomas Grow, of Hampton, same State. They located in Connecticut, where 
 Mrs. Clark died. Nelson and Birna were their only children, the latter, how- 
 ever, dying at the age of eighteen years. Daniel afterward married Lucy 
 Bennett, and removed to a farm in Eulalia township, Potter Co., Penn., June 
 10, 1816, which farm Nelson now owns. Upon their arrival the county was an 
 almost unbroken wilderness, their nearest neighbor, in the direction of Olean, 
 being distant twenty-two miles, and the nearest post-office seventy miles 
 away. Mr. Nelson Clark still resides upon the old homestead, having survived 
 all but two persons who were born here in or before 1816, of whom J. K. 
 Burt, the first male white child born in the county, is one. Daniel Clark, in addi- 
 tion to being a farmer, was a practical surveyor, made many of the first sur- 
 veys in the county, and was appointed by the surveyor- general to make the 
 first map of the county, for which he received $150. His children, three in 
 number, were all born in Connecticut. 
 
 Nelson Clark, the subject proper of this biography, was reared on the farm, 
 and from the fact of its being a new county, without the benefit of the educational 
 advantages now afforded, was unable to attend school in his youth. Living in 
 the woods he became a successful hunter at an early age, catching his first 
 wolf when he was twelve years old. He afterward returned to Connecticut, 
 where he attended school, and worked during the summers. Again coming to 
 Pennsylvania, accompanied by some of his relatives, he located on the old 
 home farm in Eulalia township. He was married, October 15, 1829, to Mary 
 A. Barrows, and to them have been born ten children, of whom four are living: 
 Lora (now Mrs. George Metzger, of Emporium), Sarah, B. G. , and Ella (now 
 Mrs. J. W. Snyder). Mr. Clark has served as commissioner of Potter county, 
 as county treasurer, and in various minor positions. He was a member of the 
 old anti-slavery party, then of the Republican party, up to Grant's second 
 candidacy, and has since been a Prohibitionist. He states that in the early 
 days of Potter liquor was drank to an excess. No enterprise could be accom- 
 plished without the use of it, and nearly all the inhabitants drank more or 
 less liquor, the habit keeping society at a low base, and causing the multitude 
 to strive harder for a livelihood. Thirty years ago, by a special act of the 
 legislature, a prohibition law was passed which did away with most of the 
 drinking in the county, and the people then began to thrive and the county 
 became more prosperous. 
 
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 1147 
 
 r, u"^' ^' ,^^^^' lumberman, Coudersport, son of Horace and Diana 
 Cobb, was born at Spring Mills, Allegany county, N. Y. in 1849 He 
 was educated at an academical institution, and at an early day began teaehins 
 at Woodhull, Steuben Co., N. Y. After teaching several terms, in 1873 he 
 finished his studies at Alfred University, in Allegany county, N. Y read law 
 with Messrs. Olmsted & Larrabee, was admitted to the bar in 1876 ' and prac 
 ticed law in Coudersport fi-om that time until 1886; in 1880 he was elected 
 district attorney, and served three years. Close application to business, how- 
 ever, and the enforced confinement necessitated a change of occupation and 
 he made a purchase of five tracts of land, in all 2,800 acres, valued at $42,000, 
 in about half of which he was associated with his brothers. He erected 
 twenty-four buildings in and about the borough, built two saw-mills on his 
 purchase and a shingle factory; he also has a store at Homer. In 1879 Mr. 
 Cobb married Edith, daughter of William Dickinson, of Hornby, Steuben Co. ', 
 N. Y. They have but one child living, having lost two children (twins) when 
 about a year old. Mr. and Mrs. Cobb are active members of the Methodist 
 Church, and very much interested in the cause of temperance and morality. 
 
 DAVID D. COLCOED, P. O. First Fork. Among the men most closely 
 identified with the early educational interests of Pottgr county, none are more 
 deserving of special mention than David D. Colcord, who, in 1839, at the age 
 of seventeen, came from Bath, Steuben Co., N. Y., to Coudersport to attend 
 school and complete, so far as his limited means would allow, the education 
 begun in the district schools of his native place. He attended the school then 
 held in the commissioaer's office, no school-house having then been built, and in 
 1840, the academy having been completed, he attended that institution for 
 two years. He then began teaching, and for nearly thirty years was found 
 in the schoolroom each winter, clearing and working during the summer sea- 
 sons a farm that he took up in the almost unbroken forest south of Couders- 
 port. In 1844 he married Sarah, youngest daughter of John Peet, one of 
 the earliest settlers of the county. This brave and devoted woman, early 
 inured to the hardships of pioneer life, was indeed a helpmeet, eking out, 
 with a frugal hand, the meager living yielded by the scanty wages of the teacher, 
 and the sterile soil of the farm. She died in 1877. Seven children were 
 born to them, four of whom died in the diphtheria scourge of 1862; one, Alice, 
 died in 1879, and two sons, Mahlon and Amos, are still living. In 1864 Mr. 
 Colcord enlisted in the army, and served till the close of the war. In 1868 
 he moved to First Fork, Cameron county, where he still resides, active and 
 energetic, though nearly seventy years old. Since 1870 he has devoted a 
 part of his time to the practice of medicine, which he studied while a young 
 man. As a teacher he was uniformly successful, being thoroughly in love with 
 his work, keeping abreast of improvement by prof essional reading, and attend- 
 ing educational meetings all over the county, often at serious inconvenience 
 and pecuniary loss to himself. No sacrifice was too great for him to make for 
 his school, and the salary was but a small part of his compensation. Both as 
 teacher and director, which latter office he has held for many years, Mr. Col- 
 cord has been a champion of the free- school system, and an earnest advocate 
 of the education of the masses. Generous to a fault, thoroughly honest, 
 ready to divide his last dollar with the needy, turning no one from his door 
 hungry, the acquisition of wealth has never been his ambition; and though 
 poverty may have prevented the realization of youthful hopes, and kept him 
 in the valley when he would have been at the mountain top, yet the retrospect 
 of a life devoted unselfishly to the good of others must have its compensation. 
 
1148 HISTOKY OF POTTEE COUNTY. 
 
 ORSON H. CROSBY, deputy prothonotary of Potter county, Couders- 
 port, is a son of William Crosby, and was born in Coudersport, Potter Co. , 
 Penn., January 23, 1835. He was educated at Coudersport Academy, and 
 when eighteen years of age commenced to learn the carpenter trade. This he 
 pursued until the fall of 1878, when he was elected prothonotary of Potter 
 county, in which office he has since been retained, three years as principal and 
 seven'years as deputy. He has also been a school director for eighteen years, 
 is now president of the board of education, and has always been interested in. 
 educational matters, having been active in the fight to obtain, first, a graded 
 school, and, next, a suitable building. He is a Democrat, and past master of 
 Eulalia Lodge, No. 342, F. & A. M., of Coudersport. December 1, 1858, 
 Mr. Crosby married Chloe M., daughter of A. S. Armstrong, and they have 
 had two children, one of whom is deceased; the other is now Mrs. Kate 
 Haughenbeng. Mr. and Mrs. Crosby are members of the Methodist Episco- 
 pal Church. 
 
 W. A. CROSBY, surveyor and prothonotary, Coudersport, was born in 
 Coudersport, Potter Co. , Penn. , attended Coudersport Academy, and afterward 
 studied surveying and civil engineering. His father, William Crosby, was 
 born in Cortland, N. Y., jn 1801, and married Lydia Hammond, who was born 
 in Cazenovia, Madison Co., N. Y., in 1802. Both parents are now deceased. 
 In 1872 he was elected county surveyor by both parties, and thus served for 
 about ten years. In 1881 he was elected prothonotary of Potter county, and 
 was re-elected in 1884. At this election, while Blaine's majority was forty- 
 three, Mr. Crosby's was 128 in the town, and in the county he ran ahead of 
 the ticket by over 100, and was re-elected in 1887. He is a member of Eulalia 
 Lodge, No. 342, F. & A. M. Mr. Crosby is one of the best known and most 
 popular men in Potter county. As surveyor, he has traversed almost the whole 
 of the county, and is the best posted in that section on local topography. 
 Careful and conscientious in his profession, his surveys are regarded as the 
 final solution of disputed boundaries, and his services are sometimes of almost 
 inestim.able value. As a county official he has made an excellent record, and 
 has commanded the respect and esteem of all by the faithful performance of 
 every detail of the office -business of prothonotary. June 1, 1870, Mr. Crosby 
 married Miss Susie Taggart, who bore him one child, Jqpnie, and died in 1874. 
 In 1877 he married Eugenia Willard, and to this union have been born four 
 children: Myrtle, Carl, Guy and Grace. He resides on Main street, and his 
 pleasant residence is the home of a cultured family. Mrs. Crosby is a lady 
 gifted with uncommon talent, and has produced many paintings which adorn 
 the interior of their residence. Mr. Crosby is a gentleman of pleasing manner, 
 and a conversation with him elicits much interesting and valuable information. 
 
 SAUL DEICHES, merchant, Coudersport, was born in Cracow, Austria, 
 in 1855, and received his education at Vienna, the capital, at Handel's Hoch- 
 schule, from which he graduated in 1876. He then went to London, England, 
 where he remained four years, whence he emigrated to America, landing in 
 Philadelphia in September, 1880. He first located in New York City, but in 
 1884 removed to Pike Mills (present name Galeton), Potter Co., Penn., 
 where he engaged as dealer in clothing; two years later he established a 
 branch store at Austin, the firm name then being S. Deiches & Bro. In the 
 spring of 1888, an opportunity offering, he purchased a stock of goods in 
 Coudersport, where he has an elegant brick store; 60x24 feet, on Main street, 
 opposite the court-house. To illustrate the business tact and enterprise of Mr. 
 Deiches, it may be recapitulated : In January, 1889, he bought out Edward 
 Forstor, proprietor of an old, established dry goods store, which Mr. Deiches 
 
BIOGEAPHICAL SKETCHES. 1149 
 
 conducts under the name of ' ' The Boston Dry Goods Store. ' ' This establish- 
 ment, situated at the corner of East and Second streets, Coudersport, next 
 door to the bank, has ever since enjoyed great popularity, and met with a suc- 
 cessful and profitable trade. In the same month and year Mr. Deiches became 
 sole proprietor of the store at Austin, his brother, E. Deiches, having with- 
 drawn, and the firm name changed to S. Deiches & Co. It will thus be seen 
 that Mr. Deiches is the proprietor of four stores in Potter county. He is a 
 member of the Knights of Honor of Coudersport, and also a member of Bulalia 
 Lodge, No. 342, F. & A. M. In 1881 Saul Deiches married Augusta Deiches, 
 also a native of Austria. 
 
 HARRY C. DORNAN, attorney at law, Coudersport, son of Thomas Dor- 
 nan, was born in Pottsville, Schuylkill Co. , Penn. , in 1848. There he received 
 his early education, and for a couple of years pursued his studies with a pri- 
 vate teacher, completing his classical education at the University of Pennsyl- 
 vania. Close application to study impaired his health, and for a year and a 
 half he sought to regain his health in travel, after which he studied law with 
 Hon. James H. Campbell, of Philadelphia, and also in the law department of 
 the university. He was admitted to the bar in Philadelphia in 1869, where 
 he first began the practice of law. He afterward located in Schuylkill county, 
 but removed to McKean county, thence to Coudersport, Potter county, where, 
 after a time, he became associated with Hon. Isaac Benson, in the practice of 
 law, and now has a large and remunerative practice. Mr. Dornan is an active 
 Democrat, but not an office seeker. He married, on September 7, 1880, Miss 
 Hattie, daughter of the late Ezra M. Huntley, of Herkimer county, N. Y. 
 
 J. E. FORSTER, merchant, Coudersport, was born in Austria, in 1850, and 
 emigrated to America in 1865, eventually locating at Coudersport, Potter Co. , 
 Penn. He had previously been engaged in business, principally as a wagon-maker, 
 at Philadelphia, Brookland (Potter county), Lawrenceville (Tioga county), and 
 St. Mary's (Elk county). He worked at the same business for about five years 
 in Coudersport, but in ]886, having by economy and industry accumulated 
 considerable means, he entered mercantile life as grocer and dealer in boots 
 and shoes, occupying a commodious brick store on Main street opposite the 
 court-house, known as the "Forster Block," where he has a constantly increas- 
 ing business. He is a member of Coudersport Lodge, No. 915, I. O. O. F. 
 
 C. S. FRE NCH, M. D. , Coudersport, son of Dr. Amos and Sabria French, 
 was born at Coudersport, Potter Co., Penn., March 7, 1857. His parents lo- 
 cated at that borough in 1838, and his father was among the first, if not the 
 first, to practice medicine at that point. C. S. French completed his educa- 
 cation at Alfred University, and at Parkesburg. He read medicine with his 
 father, and attended his first course of lectures at Buffalo, graduating from 
 the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Baltimore, Md., in 1879. He first 
 began the pratice of medicine at Sterling, Penn. , remaining there a year. Then 
 he came to Coudersport May 18, 1880, the day of the big fire at that place; he 
 remained for about three months, when he removed to Millport, where he lived 
 nearly two years, and then returned to Coudersport, where he has since been 
 engaged in practice. November 17, 1886, he became associated with O. L. 
 Chase in the drug trade, the firm name being French & Chase. They have a 
 large trade, their store being located on the corner of Second and Main streets, 
 in the brick block opposite the court-house. Dr. French was married May 18, 
 1880, to Eva Warner, and they have three children: Fred' Amos, Walter M. 
 and Fannie S. He is a Democrat in his political affiliations. 
 
 MARK GILLON, merchant tailor, Coudersport, is a native of Ire- 
 land, born in County Mayo, in 1839. He was educated in England, and in 
 
1150 HISTOEY OF POTTEK COUNTY. 
 
 November, 1857, came to America, locating in the following year at Couders- 
 port, Penn. He had learned the tailor's trade in his native country, and since 
 coming to America has foUovred that vocation, having nov? the leading establish- 
 ment of the kind in Ooudersport, located on Main street. He was married in 
 1856, to Mary McHale, and to them have been born eight children: Mary E., 
 Kate, Nellie, Edward M. , George T. , Celia, Anna and Stephen H. In poli- 
 tics Mr. Gillon affiliates with the Eepublican party. He and his wife are 
 members of the Catholic Church. 
 
 L. A. GLASE, proprietor of sash and door factory, P. O. Ladona, was born 
 in Lehigh county, Penn., July 17, 1848, and is a son of Jonathan and Fanny 
 Glase, both natives of Lehigh county, Penn. In 1849 his parents came to 
 Potter county and settled in Sweden township, where he was reared and edu- 
 cated, and after leaving school he worked with his father at the carpenter's 
 trade until twenty-four years of age. He then engaged in taking contracts 
 and in building until 1885, when he built a sash and door factory at Lymansville 
 (now Ladona), where he now has a good business, and is one of the enterpris- 
 ing business men of the place. Mr. Glase was married, June 27, 1876, to Miss 
 Ada Wright, of Port Allegany, Penn., and they have two children: Lula and 
 Don. He is a member of Coudersport Lodge No. 49, K. O. T. M. He has 
 held various official positions in the township, and has laeen an efficient public 
 officer. 
 
 NELSON H. GOODSELL, proprietor of planing-mill, Coudersport, is 
 a son of Daniel W. and Dinah (Barker) Goodsell, and was born in Hornby, 
 Steuben county, N. Y. , in 1833, where he remained until 1854, when he came 
 to Potter county and became a contractor and builder. He located at 
 Coudersport in 1856, and erected the planing-mill now owned by him, dur- 
 ing the Civil war, and remodeled it in 1874, making it a water-power mill, 
 and introducing the first cylinder-planer in Coudersport. Since 1880 he has 
 devoted his time exclusively to the. mill, where he does all kinds of work for 
 house building. He resides on Allegany avenue, where he has one of the 
 pleasantest places in the borough. Mr. Goodsell married, October 11, 1856, 
 Louisa M. , daughter of Hon. Lyman Nelson. Mr. Goodsell is a member of 
 Eulalia Lodge, No. 342, P. & A. M. and Coudersport Chapter, No. 263, R. 
 A. M. He is a member of the Methodist Church. In politics he affiliates 
 with the Republican party, and for ten years has been a member of the borough 
 council. 
 
 W. B. GORDNIER, of Coudersport, was born in Covert, Seneca Co., 
 N. Y., July 24, 1826, a son of Thomas Gordnier (in the original French 
 "Gordinier," many of the family now spelling the name " Gardner "), who 
 was French, his parents being among the first settlers of Kinderhook, N. Y. 
 The subject of these lines was brought up on a farm, and obtained his educa- 
 tion at the common schools. At the age of twenty he commenced peddling 
 jewelry, which occupation he followed three years. He then took up the 
 joiner's trade at Trumansburg, Tompkins Co., N. Y., with Sidney Grant, con- 
 tractor and builder, and in 1851 he came to Ooudersport, Potter Co., Penn., 
 where he engaged with Eli Rees as foreman of the joiner's work on the court- 
 house being erected at that place, continuing with Mr. Rees five years. In 
 1864 Mr. Gordnier moved to Titus ville, Crawford county, same State, where 
 he embarked in oil prospecting on the Watson Flats, starting up the wells 
 known as "Old Abe," "Continental," "U. S. Grant," etc. , and in the fall or win- 
 ter of same year he moved his family to Watson Flats. In 1865 he was among 
 the first to build up Pit Hole City in Venango county, a place of ninety days' 
 growth. Mr. Gordnier leased a lot of A. G. Morrey, 4x8 rods, paying 
 
BIOGEAPHIOAL SKETCHES. 1151 
 
 $2, 500 bonus, and agreeing to give one-half of all oil taken from the lot as 
 royalty. At this time oil was worth $10 per barrel, and there was a well lo- 
 cated nine rods distant from this 4x8 lot, which was flowing 600 barrels of oil 
 per day. So Mr. Gordnier paid $3,000 to have a well drilled 640 feet, and 
 tested, on his lot, but was disappointed, getting no oil. He had built and 
 equipped a machine shop there for making drilling-tools, etc., all of which 
 collapsed, as the city did, and everybody left there as quickly as they came. 
 Mr. Gordnier' s health having failed while he was in the oil business, he moved 
 back to Coudersport, where, after a year' s rest, he commenced business, starting a 
 foundry and machine shop, a steam saw-mill, etc., giving employment to a 
 number of men. He is of the opinion that Eulalia township has gas enough 
 for light and heat to supply all of its citizens, and he has been instrumental in 
 having a number of test wells drilled in the locality, which have confirmed and 
 strengthened his opinion. On October 29, 1854, Mr. Gordnier contracted 
 marriage with Lydia R. Armstrong, of Coudersport, and they have had seven 
 children: Flora, Mary (deceased), Charles (deceased), Frank, Harry, Lettie 
 and John. Our subject is an active business man, outspoken and firm, with- 
 out fear or favor. In religious matters he is non-committal. He is with the' 
 temperance people in the fight against intemperance, but thinks they are not 
 fighting on the right line. He believes in free whisky, and pure, and would 
 favor a law making it a penitentiary affair for any one to adulterate liquor, or 
 sell to a drunkard. Mr. Gordnier is a Republican, but not an active politician. 
 
 GUSTAVE H. GRABE, furniture dealer, Coudersport, was born in New 
 York City in December, 1851, and in 1854, he with his parents, removed to Col- 
 lege Point, New York, where he remained until his parents came to Eulalia 
 township. Potter Co. , Penn. , in 1868, where the father engaged in farming 
 and also worked at cabinet making. Herman Grabe, the father, was a native 
 of Germany, and immigrated to this country about forty-five years ago; in 1849, 
 in New York City, he was married to Catharine Grabe, also a native of Ger- 
 many. He died in 1870, and his widow now lives with her children. Their 
 children were Gustavo H. ; Louise, now Mrs. Conrad Chrastain, of Keating 
 township, Potter county; Anna, now Mrs. John Peck, of St. Johnsville, Mont- 
 gomery Co. , N. Y. ; Martha, now Mrs. Wencil Klasse, of Homer township, 
 Potter county; and Theodore, now on the old homestead. Gustave H. started in 
 business in 1881 as a dealer in furniture and as undertaker, in the same store 
 he still occupies on Main street. Mr. Grabe for a time was at Duke Centre, 
 McKean county, where he worked at his trade, that of carpenter and joiner, and 
 soon after the fire at Coudersport, in 1880, returned and was engaged at his 
 trade until he became established in his present business. He is a member 
 of Eulalia Lodge, No. 342, F. & A. M. He married Emilie Breunle in 1878, 
 and they have three sons: Herman F., Carlton A. and Almond R. Mr. and 
 Mrs. Grabe are members of the Lutheran Church. 
 
 M. L. GRIDLEY, merchant, Coudersport, a son of A. A. and Rhodentha 
 (Hubbard) Gridley, was born in Tioga county, N. Y. , in 1842. His parents 
 removed to what is now Lewisville, Potter Co., Penn., in 1848, where they 
 engaged in farming, and still live. At the time of their settlement there was but 
 one house in sight, where now there is a borough. Their children were Thomas ; 
 Sarah, now Mrs. Seth Lewis, of Lewisville; Elizabeth, now Mrs. Burton 
 Lewis, of the same place; Walter, deceased; Mary, now widow of Hon. D. 
 C. Larrabee; M. L. and Henry. M. L. Gridley removed to Couders- 
 port, having been appointed deputy sheriff. He, however, in 1863, en- 
 listed in Company F, Twelfth Pennsylvania Cavalry. He was wounded in 
 the head by a piece of shell, at Berrysville, in the Shenandoah Valley, and was 
 
 62 
 
1152 HISTORY OF POTTEE COUNTY. 
 
 mustered out of the service in June, 1865. Eeturning to Coudersport, he en- 
 gaged in the clothing trade, but sold in 1871, and became proprietor of the 
 Coudersport Hotel, which he sold, and then took possession of the Baker 
 House. In 1882 he went into the flour, feed and coal business, corner of 
 Main and First streets, where he is at present, being the only dealer in coal in 
 the borough. Mr. Gridley married Orrel Nelson, of Eulalia, daughter of 
 Lyman Nelson. Mr. Gridley is a member of Eulalia Lodge, Knights of 
 Honor, and of the G. A. E. He is also foreman of the hose company of 
 Coudersport. 
 
 J. F. GEIESBL, Coudersport, son of Franz and Eosie Griesel, was born 
 in Germany in 1856. When he was a child his parents removed to America 
 and located in Eulalia township, Potter Co., Penn., where his father engaged 
 in farming, and was also associated with Ignatz Griesel in the harness trade, 
 until his decease. His children were Anna, J. F. , Adelaide (deceased), Frank, 
 George and Eosie. Eosie Griesel, mother of J. F., for her second husband 
 married Ignatz Griesel, who continued the business in Coudersport, and be- 
 came one of its respected business men. J. F. Griesel made his home with 
 his parents, and, November 13, 1883, purchased the entire business which he 
 has since conducted, enjoying a very large and remunerative trade. Septem- 
 ber 28, 1882. he married Matilda E. Cammerer, and they have four children: 
 Frank, Alfi-ed, Georgie and Emma. Mr. Griesel is a member of the Knights 
 of the Maccabees. He and his wife are members of the Lutheran Church. In 
 politics he affiliates with the Democratic party. 
 
 JOHN E. GEOVES, surveyor, Coudersport, was born in the city of 
 Philadelphia in 1833, of Scotch-Irish parentage. His parents removed from 
 there to Delaware county, and in 1841 to Jefferson county, Penn. Mr. Groves 
 received his early education in the common schools, and later attended Alfred 
 University, in Allegany county, N. Y. , eventually graduating from Allegheny 
 College, at Meadville, Penn., in 1868. From 1868 to 1885 he was engaged 
 in teaching, in Virginia, Iowa, Pennsylvania and at Alfred University, N. Y. , for 
 ten years being principal of the graded school of Coudersport. In 1885 he 
 retired from teaching, devoting his time to surveying; in 1886 he was elected 
 to the office of justice of the peace, which he accepted at the earnest solicita- 
 tion of the citizens generally. He is a Eepublican; a member of the G. A. E. 
 Post, No. 204, having enlisted in September, 1864, in Company A, Fifth 
 Pennsylvania Cavalry, and was appointed clerk of his company. He is an 
 elder in the Presbyterian Church, his wife being a member of the Seventh Day 
 Baptist Church. He married in December, 1873, Miss Charlotte E. Dowse, a 
 graduate of Alfred University. A family of seven children blesses this union. 
 
 P. B. HACKETT, attorney at law, Coudersport, was born in Tompkins 
 county, N. Y. , July 22, 1838, and received his education at Alfred Centre. 
 N. Y. In 1858 he came to Coudersport, where he commenced the study of 
 law with Judge A. G. Olmsted, and was admitted to the bar in 1860; he then 
 went to Emporium, where he was elected district attorney in 1863. Here he 
 remained until 1868, when he moved to the western country, where he prac- 
 ticed his profession; also engaged in mining. In 1882 he returned to Pennsyl- 
 vania, and located at Ulysses, Potter county, and in 1883 he married Mrs. N. 
 T. Jackson, a daughter of Willis and Sally (Grover) Young, of Ulysses, who 
 were among the early settlers of Potter county. April 1, 1889, Mr. Hackett 
 established an office in Coudersport, where he is now practicing his profession. 
 
 EDWIN HASKELL, editor and publisher of the Potter County Journal, 
 Coudersport, like thousands of others whose parents were pioneers of the wil- 
 derness, knows but little of the genealogy of his family, being unable to trace 
 
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 1153 
 
 his ancestry back farther than his grandparenta. Even of them he knows 
 very little, further than that his grandfather on his father's side was a citizen 
 of New Bedford, Mass., of English descent; that he was a soldier under Gen 
 Wmfield Scott, and was killed October 13, 1812, at the battle of Queenstown, 
 Canada. His grandmother was a Miss Crapo, a lady of French descent, and 
 at the time of her husband's death she had three sons: John, Peter (the father 
 of the subject of this sketch) and Parmenio. After the war she married a man 
 by the name of Hill, who moved with his wife and stepsons to the township of 
 Lisle, in Broome county, N. Y. Mrs. Hill soon after died, also her son 
 John. A few years afterward Parmenio returned to New Bedford, and for 
 many years followed a seafaring life. Peter, on November 5, 1825, being 
 then eighteen years of age, married Myra Olney, a daughter of Zalotis 01- 
 ney, of Eichford, Tioga Co., N. Y. She was a few months younger than her 
 husband. The Olneys, who were of English descent, came from Nova Scotia 
 and located in Eichford at an early date of its settlement, and here reared a 
 large family of sons and daughters. In their old age they followed their daugh- 
 ter Sally, the wife of Hosea Cushing, to Brookland, Ulysses township. Pot- 
 ter Co., Penn., the latter being one of the first settlers of that township. 
 "With their daughter the old people resided, sharing with her family the vari- 
 ous vicissitudes of pioneer life until their death at a ripe old age. In 1833 
 Peter and Myra Haskell moved from Eichford, Tioga Co., N. Y., to Pot- 
 ter county, Penn., and settled two miles from Brookland, in Ulysses town- 
 ship. Their family consisted of three children: Cordelia, Edwin and Asa, 
 Edwin being about four years of age at that time. The journey of 120 
 miles was made with an ox-team, and consumed a week's time. They went 
 to work with a will, to hew out a home in the forest, but, though a good 
 start had been made in clearing up a farm, in 1836 the family was moved 
 back to Eichford, N. Y. Though so young, much that transpired in those 
 few years in the wilderness is indelibly stamped upon the memory of Ed- 
 win. In those days the stern, realities of life were early brought home 
 to the children of the pioneers. The condition of things was not much 
 better in Eichford. The township was comparatively new and backward 
 in development. The people were poor; the price for labor was low, and 
 the cost of store goods was high. To provide ordinary comforts for a 
 large growing family, it was necessary that each one should contribute some- 
 thing in proportion to his age and strength. Edwin, being the oldest boy and 
 the eldest but one in a family of eleven children, had, from the time he was 
 ten years old, not only to provide for himself, but to contribute one-half of 
 his earnings, from working out upon a farm, to help provide for younger broth- 
 ers and sisters. The wages he received were from $4 to |12 per month, 
 and board. Under such circumstances, the chances of obtaining even the poor 
 education afforded by the common schools were very small — a month or two in 
 the winter, and often under the instruction of teachers receiving a salary of 
 75 cents or $1.50 per week, whose qualifications were, in many instances, on a 
 par with the wages they received. Fortunately, however, he had acquired an 
 early taste for reading, and thus obtained a very creditable fund of general in- 
 formation, which in part compensated for lack of instruction at school. Com- 
 ing to visit his uncle at Brookland in the fall of 1848, he learned that an 
 apprentice could obtain a situation in the office of the Potter County Journal, 
 a paper that had been recently started at the county seat, as an organ of the 
 Free Soil party in Potter county. He made application for the place, and was 
 accepted as an apprentice for two years. Being a rather old " devil," he made 
 very good progress in learning to set type; but this, with chopping wood for 
 
1154 HISTORY OF POTTER OOUNTY. 
 
 office, sweeping floor, washing rollers, distributing pi, etc., was not all he 
 strove to accomplish in his first year of apprenticeship. To remedy in part 
 the deficiency of his education, he entered upon a course of self-instruction in 
 arithmetic, grammar, rhetoric and English composition. At the end of the 
 year he had mastered these subjects quite as thoroughly as have most students 
 on graduating from an academy. At the close of the year the paper upon 
 which he had been working suspended publication for a season, and brought 
 his apprenticeship to an end. Being out of employment for the time being, 
 he embraced the opportunity to attend school for two terms at Coudersport 
 Academy. After this he engaged for a season to carry chain for his former 
 employer, who was a surveyor, and to take lessons in practical surveying, but 
 in a few months he found out there was a great deal of the chain carrying and 
 very little of the lessons. Learning that his mother was dangerously sick, he 
 resolved to return to Kichford. The next year was passed in working at hay- 
 ing, teaching a term of school, and setting type in an ofiice at Owego. Re- 
 turning to Coudersport in the fall of 1851, he took charge of the publication 
 of the Potter County Journal, being associated with Hon. J. S. Mann as one 
 of the editors. On May 5, 1852, he married Laura A. Canon, an acquaintance 
 with whom had been formed during his attendance at school at Coudersport 
 Academy, and they went to housekeeping in Coudersport. The county was 
 new, and the prospects of providing for a family from the receipts of a news- 
 paper office were not very promising, although reasonable success, under the 
 circumstances, had been achieved. In the fall of 1854, he retired from the 
 Journal and went to Waterf ord, Erie Co. , Penn. , where he worked as a composi- 
 tor for nearly a year in the office of the Waterford Dispatch. Then he moved to 
 Allegany, Cattaraugus Co. , N. Y. , and, in partnership with his brother Asa, en- 
 gaged in the manufacture of window-sash for three years. 
 
 The two brothers having purchased a tract of wild land at Colesburg, 
 Potter county, in 1 859, they moved thither, and went to work in clearing up a 
 farm. Asa soon sold out his share in the property, and went back to Allegany, 
 N. Y. Edwin resided on the farm until April, 1875, when he rented and 
 moved upon the S. M. Mills farm in the same neighborhood, and engaged 
 in the dairy business for the next six years, working his own farm at the same 
 time. During his residence at Colesburg, though engaged in the most 
 laborious work — the clearing up of a wild farm — he managed to keep fairly 
 abreast of the times in general information, and to take an active interest in 
 the education of his two daughters, Edith and Bell, who were born soon after 
 he came to Colesburg. Though prospering but moderately in the acquisition 
 of wealth, Mr. Haskell was extremely fortunate in gaining the respect and con- 
 fidence of his neighbors, and of the people of Allegheny township. In township 
 affairs he always took an active part, serving many years as director and secretary 
 •on the school board, township clerk, justice of the peace, township auditor, etc. 
 In the summer of 1880 he received the nomination on the Eepublicsin ticket 
 for county treasurer, and in the fall was elected by a large majority. In 1882 
 he moved to Coudersport, to attend to the duties of his office. January 1, 
 1883, he purchased a one-half interest in the Potter County Journal, and at 
 once assumed control of the paper as publisher and editor. For the last six 
 years he has devoted his whole time to the paper. In politics, from earliest 
 youth, he has depended upon his own judgment in forming his opinions. His 
 father, brothers, and all his relatives were Jacksonian Democrats, as they 
 termed it, but he early entertained anti-slavery opinions, and his first ballot 
 was cast with the Free Soil party, in opposition to the extension of slavery into 
 new territory. In religious belief he extends to all the utmost freedom of 
 
BIOGEAPHICAL SKETCHES. 1155 
 
 opinion, believing it to be a matter solely between each individual and his 
 Creator, with which no one has a right to interfere, and that honest belief and 
 profession are always entitled to the utmost respect. 
 
 From the foregoing it will be seen that Edwin Haskell's life, has been one 
 of constant, earnest work, the relaxation in which has been chiefly in studying 
 and reading in those hours which most men devote to absolute rest or social 
 pleasures. He is not an educated man in the common acceptance of the term, 
 nor is his knowledge that of the specialist, yet the fund of information he has 
 acquired is large and varied in its nature, embracing something upon nearly 
 every topic that has claimed the attention of political, scientific and literary 
 men during the past century. He is not a "self-made man," but an in- 
 digenous product of the country which requires every man to work out his 
 own destiny to the best of his ability, under the circumstances in which he 
 is placed, in the end accounting to God, only, for the result. 
 
 KNAPP B. HODSKIN, clothier, Coudersport, son of Albert A. and Salina 
 (Johnson) Hodskin, was born at Lisle, Broome Co., N. Y., January 27, 1851. 
 His parents, who were natives of New York, removed to Potter county, Penn. , 
 locating at Coudersport, where the father was associated with C. S. Jones as 
 dealers in general merchandise, in which business Mr. Hodskin still remains. 
 The children of Mr. and Mrs. Albert A. Hodskin are as follows: Knapp E., 
 Fannie (now Mrs. James L. Knox), Julius D. (now the main spoke in the wheel 
 of the ' ' regulator, ' ' being engaged as clerk in his father' s store, also doing 
 business for himself outside), and Kittie J. (now Mrs. James B. Benson). Of 
 these, Knapp R. , at the early age of fifteen years, became an employe of A. J. 
 Crandall, of Binghampton, N. Y., as hotel clerk. He then entered the stores 
 of Harry Lyon and Aaron Sloss, both dealers in clothing and gents' furnishing 
 goods. He then worked for Abel Bennett & Co. , traveling for that house six 
 months in the year, and remaining in the retail store the rest of the time; 
 afterward became traveling salesman for the house of Marks & Clark, whole- 
 sale grocery and provision dealers. He later erected a building at Bolivar, and 
 embarked in the clothing and gents' furnishing business for himself, but came 
 to Coudersport in 1882, where he first occupied the store now used by William 
 Shear, and during that year removed to the store he now occupies on Second 
 street, in the A. B. Crowel block, opposite the court-house. In two or three 
 years Mr. Hodskin discontinued business, and became an employe of E. L. 
 Dickinson, of Corning, jobbers and wholesale dealers in confectionery. No- 
 vember 9, 1887, he severed his connection with that house, and April 1, 1888, 
 resumed business in his old store at Coudersport, as dealer in clothing and 
 gents' furnishing goods. November 9, 1882, Mr. Hodskin married Martha L. 
 Goodsell. At present he is secretary of Coudersport Lodge, No. 815, I. O. O. F. 
 Politically he affiliates with the Republican party. 
 
 W. K. JONES, banker, Coudersport, is a son of Archibald F. and Mary 
 R. Jones, and was born June 22, 1849, in Coudersport, Potter Co., Penn., 
 where he was educated, with the exception of two years, one of which was 
 passed at Collegeville. Immediately following his school days, Mr. Jones be- 
 came a practical surveyor, a profession he pursued for several years ; and after- 
 ward became associated with his father (who was then a dealer in general mer- 
 chandise) in Coudersport, where they transacted business on an extensive scale 
 under the firm name of A. F. Jones & Son. As early as 1873 they found a de- 
 mand upon them to become the private bankers for many people, and to afford, 
 to a considerable extent, banking facilities to all, which ultimately resulted 
 in the sale of their mercantile interests, and the organization of the banking 
 house known as the Bank of Coudersport. On the death of Mr. A. F. Jones, 
 
Iln6 HISTORY OF POTTER COUNTY. 
 
 March 8, 1879, the entire business fell into the hands of his son, W. K,, which 
 the latter still continues, and which has expanded with the growth of the 
 county, till now it is an institution of great magnitude and unqualified popu- 
 larity, and the executive and financial abilities of Mr. Jones have won for him 
 the confidence of the community generally. He is largely interested in all 
 local enterprises, being a director in the Citizens' Water Company and of 
 the Coudersport & Port Allegany Eailroad, also holds large realties, and is ex- 
 ecutor of theEoss estate. Beyond doubt he is one of Potter county's ablest 
 men; is unassuming, genial, liberal in his charities, and of an unimpeachable 
 character. He is a past officer in both the Masonic organizations of Couders- 
 port, and member of the Commandery at Bradford, and petitioner for the crea- 
 tion of the Coudersport Commandery. In February, 1890, he was appointed 
 D. D. G. H. P. for the counties of Potter, McKean, Cameron and Elk. Mr. 
 Jones well deserves the honor thus conferred upon him. He is a member of 
 the Republican party, was a delegate to the Chicago convention in 1888, 
 which nominated Harrison, and has frequently been a delegate to Harrisburg. 
 He is chief engineer of the Coudersport fire department, and fire marshal of 
 the borough, of which he has also served two terms as burgess. Mr. Jones 
 married, in 1887, Miss Fannie Holman, and they are the parents of two sons. 
 
 DAVID E. KENDIG, tinsmith and plumber, Coudersport, is a son of 
 Jacob and Jane (McDowell) Kendig, and was born in Orrstown, Franklin Co. , 
 Penn., in 1853. His parents had a family or sixteen children, of whom nine 
 are living: Harry B. , Joseph R , Mary E., Samuel W., Mrs. Sadie J. Kramer, 
 Josie C, David E., Maggie R. and Elmer. One son, William, was killed at 
 the battle of Antietam. Another son, Abram, was captured by the rebels, 
 escaped, and his death resulted from exposure. Joseph R. , Harry B. and 
 Samuel W. were also soldiers in the Civil war, and were all wounded in battle. 
 David E. Kendig made his home with his parents until his apprenticeship to 
 the Pennsylvania Railroad Company, with whom he served from 1873 to 1877 
 as tinner. He then removed to Colorado, where he remained for a year and a 
 half; then returned and resumed his trade at Renovo with the Pennsylvania 
 Railroad Company, remaining with them three years. In 1884 he came to 
 Coudersport, where he was engaged with Olmsted & Sons as tinsmith and 
 plumber, four years, and in 1888 began business for himself. His marriage to 
 Miss Emma Strawbridge took place in 1879. Mr. Kendig is president of the 
 Coudersport Hose Company, and he has served one term as member of the coun- 
 cil of that borough. 
 
 MRS. MARY T. KENT, Coudersport, daughter of Joseph and Polly 
 (Andrus) 'Gates, was born in Franklin, Delaware Co., N. Y., in 1812. She 
 was educated in her native town and at Delhi, the county seat. Her parents 
 removed to the city of Albany, where her mother died, her father then coming 
 to Williamsport, Penn., where he also died. Mary T., in 1831, married Rev. 
 Bloomer Kent, a Presbyterian clergyman, who was pastor of a church at 
 Delhi, but was taken sick and died in Franklin in 1839. Mrs. Kent's family 
 being afflicted with consumption, and as she was in a decline, her physician 
 advised her removal to some place abounding in hemlock timber, hence her 
 coming to Coudersport in 1842. Mary A., an only daughter, accompanied her, 
 and resides with her still. Mrs. Kent taught school, kept boarders, and man- 
 aged in every way to provide for the future, and now in her declining years 
 has secured a competency. Potter county at the time of her arrival was a 
 wilderness, and she has lived to witness its great growth and development. 
 
 HENRY H. KIES, county superintendent of schools, Coudersport. was 
 born in Pitcher, Chenango Co., N. Y. , in 1860, and with his parents, Enos J. 
 
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 1157 
 
 and Sarah M., who were natives of New England, removed to Allegheny- 
 township, Potter Co., Penn., in 1866, where his father engaged in farm- 
 ing. Mr. Kies received his education at the common schools of the county, 
 with the exception of a few terms at select schools. He began life by 
 teaching in winters, finding employment on the farm during the summers, 
 for a period of years, after which he attended Mansfield Normal School, 
 from which he graduated in 1881. He then resumed his former vocation, 
 and taught in graded and select schools until elected school superintend- 
 ent of Potter county in the spring of 1887, a position he is eminently qual- 
 ified to fill, both by study and natural inclination. He now has his resi- 
 dence in Coudersport. He is a Prohibitionist, and a member of the Sons 
 of Temperance. He is a gentleman of sterling worth, is genial and affable, 
 one whom it is a pleasure to meet. July 15, 1883, Mr. Kies married Miss 
 Carrie E., daughter of J. C. and Abigail S. Bishop, natives of Vermont. Car- 
 rie E. Bishop was a teacher of wide experience, having graduated from the 
 Lock Haven Normal School. 
 
 F. W. KNOX, Coudersport, was born in Deerfield township, Tioga Co., 
 Penn., March 8, 1824, his father, James Knox, being the first white boy born 
 in that county, on March 1 7, 1800. The grandfather of P. W. Knox, soon 
 after the close of the Revolution, was appointed, by the State of Connecticut, a 
 commissioner to take possession of and hold disputed territory between the 
 Delaware and the lakes, including a twenty-mile strip along the northern por- 
 tion of the State. These commissioners were stationed twenty miles apart. 
 The grandfather had been a soldier in the war of the Revolution, and his army 
 experience eminently qualified him for this position. Block-houses were built, 
 and trenches dug by the several commissioners. James Knox, the father, and 
 F. W. Knox, the son, were both born in the Deerfield block-house, twenty- 
 four years apart. P. W. Knox received his rudimentary education in select 
 schools at Knoxville, a village in Deerfield township, the academy at Wells- 
 boro, and later attended Alfred University, at Alfred Centre, N. Y. , most of 
 the time for five years, graduating in 1848. After leaving the university, he 
 was engaged in teaching; at the same time was a student at law under the in- 
 struction of Judge John C. Knox, then of Wellsboro, Tioga, Co., Penn., one 
 of the able and prominent attorneys of the State. During the two years fol- 
 lowing his leaving the university, most of the time was devoted to teaching; a 
 part of which time he was principal of the academy at Coudersport, and the 
 high school at Whitesville, N. Y. In 1849 John C. Knox was appointed 
 judge of the Jefferson, Armstrong and Clarion judicial district; shortly after, 
 became attorney-general and supreme justice of the State, and so continued 
 until near his death. 
 
 F. W. Knox, the subject of these lines, entered the law office of the 
 well-known Hon. James Lowrey. Under the instruction of these able jurists, 
 the subject about which we write was found well qualified, and in September, 
 1850, was admitted to the bar of Tioga county. In February, 1851, Mr. Knox 
 located at Coudersport, there opened a law office, and very soon had clients, and 
 from that date until 1884 continued in active practice, not only in this county, 
 but also had a very large collection business in McKean and Cameron counties 
 as well. For thirty-two years, practically, all the legal business of this county, 
 and much in adjoining counties, was done in four law offices here, and each 
 office was full of legal work, and continued unbroken until the death of Hon. 
 John S. Mann. Many, very many, important, intricate and interesting cases 
 were tried, and land titles were settled in our courts. During all the years 
 Mr. Knox not only continued in active practice in courts, but gave much time 
 
1158 HISTORY OF POTTEll COUNTY. 
 
 to the care and management of large landed estates placed in his charge by 
 Philadelphians, and to his credit be it said not one acre was lost by neglect in 
 not paying taxes or by occupancy. Any and everything that in his judgment 
 would beneiit his village or county found in him a willing assistant. In 1871 
 he assisted W. W. Thompson in establishing the Potter Enterprise, and gave 
 it his aid and support for some years. In 1869 he became connected with the 
 enterprise of building a railroad from Buffalo to Emporium, now known as The 
 Western New York & Pennsylvania Railroad. The subject of this brief 
 sketch became the president of the' Pennsylvania portion, but when the two 
 portions were merged, B. C. Rumsey became president, and F. W. Knox be- 
 came the Pennsylvania attorney of the road, and held the position for many 
 years. He was also largely instrumental in organizing and building the 
 Ooudersport & Port Allegany Railroad, of which he is president, and has 
 been since its organization; and to him Ooudersport, and, in fact, the cen- 
 tral portion of the county, is indebted for its facilities as regards railroad 
 transportation and communication. The Vanderbilts and Gen. George J. 
 Magee, in the winter of 1881, had procured a controling interest in the 
 Pine Creek Railway. The principal office had been held here. In March 
 Gen. Magee and party came here to attend the annual election. The railroad 
 had been partly graded west of Ooudersport. It was well known that if the Van- 
 derbilt and Magee party carried the election, the Pine Oreek line was to be 
 diverted to the lines of the above-named parties, and Potter county was to be 
 given the ''go-by." At this important crisis an interview was held, at which 
 were Gen. Magee, H. Sherwood, Judge A. G. Olmsted and the subject of 
 this sketch. The result was that the Vanderbilt and Magee party carried the 
 election, and the two Ooudersport gentlemen owned practically the partly 
 graded line from Ooudersport to Port Allegany, the grading alone costing 
 $120,000. The railroad was completed in the summer of 1882, and has 
 been a very profitable property, managed as it is with economy. Last June 
 the road was changed from narrow to standard gauge. To do this, a mortgage 
 of $75,000 was placed on the road and its franchise, and will earn the interest 
 on mortgage and fair dividend on stock. Mr. Knox also materially assisted 
 in the organization of the Citizens' Water Company, of this village, where- 
 by the citizens have pure spring water in their homes, and the town is well 
 protected from fire by ample pressure, and insurance rates have been reduced 
 one and one-half per cent. His son, J. L. Knox, is secretary of the company, 
 and, in connection with the president, manages the.affairs of the company. Mr. 
 Knox is still the owner of large tracts of valuable timbered land, and was 
 formerly engaged in lumbering with profitable results. His oldest son, Oscar 
 D. Knox, after being admitted to the bar here in 1870, took up his residence 
 in southwest Missouri, and engaged in the practice of his profession. About 
 1881 he became the trial lawyer of the St. Louis & San Francisco Railroad, 
 and during the years following was very much of the time in the courts, em- 
 bracing a large district of the southwest. While engaged in court during the 
 winter of 1884-85, he broke down, brain fever set in, and he died March 
 11, 1885. His remains were brought to Pennsylvania, and placed in the family 
 vault. His children are now here, cared for by their grandfather. His death 
 was due to overwork. He was greatly respected in his far distant home; was a 
 delegate to the Chicago convention in 1884 that nominated Cleveland for the 
 presidency, and had the reputation, in connection with Mr. John O. Day, of 
 carrying the entire delegation to Cleveland. James L. Knox, second son 
 of F. W. Knox, is an attorney at Ooudersport. A daughter is engaged in the 
 mercantile business, and has a large trade. Katie, a bright school-girl of eleven 
 
BIOGBAPHICAL SKETCHES. 1159 
 
 years, and Frankie D. , an active, bright boy of nine years, constitute the children. 
 James Knox, father of F. W. Knox, died in 1882; the mother a few years prior. 
 
 The business life of Mr. F. W. Knox has been one of great activity and con- 
 stant toil. Having a fine rugged constitution and rare good judgment, he was 
 well equipped to manage suooeasfully a large business. In church matters, 
 while not a member, he assists the Presbyterian Church liberally, and is re- 
 garded as "good help.'' 
 
 JAMES L. KNOX, district attorney, Coudersport, is one of the wide- 
 awake young attorneys of the county, having since his admission to the bar, 
 some fifteen years ago, proven himself in many ways well worthy of the popu- 
 larity, he enjoys among the legal fraternity and the public at large. He is a 
 son of F. W. Knox, and was born in Coudersport, Potter Co., Penn., at the 
 public schools of which place he received his early education, completing 
 same at Freeland University (now Ursinus College), at Collegeville, Mont- 
 gomery Co., Penn., from which he graduated. In June, 1869, he returned to 
 Coudersport, and then removed to Kansas. After a sojourn of two years, he 
 came once more to his old home, where he studied law in his father's office. 
 In 1874 he was admitted to the bar, and has since been engaged in the prac- 
 tice of his chosen profession in Coudersport. He was elected district attor- 
 ney in 1877, has occupied various official positions in the borough, and has 
 been a member of its council; he is secretary of the Citizens' Water Company, 
 and a director of the Coudersport & Port Allegany Railroad. Mr. Knox mar- 
 ried Fannie, daughter of A. A. Hodskin, formerly of Lisle, Broome Co. , N. 
 Y., and to this union has been born one child, Eathbone A. Mr. Knox is a 
 member of Eulalia Lodge, No. 342, F. & A. M, , Coudersport Chapter, No. 
 263, and Trinity Commandery, No. 58. 
 
 DON CARLOS LAREABEE (deceased). On the brilliant roll of pre- 
 eminently self-made men of our times who have achieved a large measure of 
 success, stands, among the most prominent, the name of this able jurist and 
 cultured gentleman, whose lustrous light has been so suddenly forever 
 extinguished. The deceased was born March 5, 1830, at Almond, N. Y. , the 
 eldest son of Willett and Rosanna Larrabee, the former of whom was one of 
 the pioneers of Almond, as well as one of its prominent attorneys. When 
 the subject of this biographical memoir was quite young, the family moved to 
 Whitesville, N. Y. , where the boy was mainly reared, and where he received 
 the greater part of his school training. When fifteen years of age he came to 
 Ulysses, and here entered the store of his uncle (the late Collins Smith), with 
 whom he remained in the capacity of clerk about four years; then, for a time, 
 was employed in the store of W. T. Jones & Bro., in Coudersport. Re- 
 turning to Ulysses, he was here engaged as a clerk in the store of Ambrose 
 Corey, but shortly after took up a farm west of Lewisville (still known as the 
 Larrabee farm), and for three or four years worked on the same, boarding in 
 the meantime with his uncle. Soon after attaining his majority, young Lar- 
 rabee obtained employment as a brakeman upon the Erie Railroad, and was 
 quickly promoted to conductor, a position he so successfully filled until the fall of 
 1857, that he was then advanced to the still more responsible post of train 
 dispatcher, at Dunkirk, N. Y. Leaving the railroad service, however, he re- 
 turned to his old home in Ulysses, where, in 1859, he associated himself in 
 mercantile business with Burton Lewis, under the firm name of Larrabee & 
 Lewis, carrying on business in the store now owned and occupied by D. J. 
 Chappel & Son. Soon after this he was elected justice of the peace, which 
 office he held until October, 1862, when he was elected sheriff of Potter 
 county. In 1858 his firm became Larrabee, Lewis & Co., by the addition of 
 
1160 HISTOKY OF POTTER COUNTY. 
 
 another partner, and the following season they built the Ulysses Academy. 
 When partly completed it was blown down, but Mr. Larrabee remarked to his 
 co-partners: " We' 11 rebuild it." It was rebuilt, and has ever since stood as 
 a monument of his interest in the cause of education. Upon the completion 
 of his term of office as sheriff, Mr. Larrabee entered the office of Hon. A. G. 
 Olmsted as a student of law, and in June, 1866, was admitted to the bar, be- 
 coming a partner with Mr. Olmsted, with whom he remained until January 1, 
 1883, at which time the latter was made judge. He then formed a co-partner- 
 ship with his nephew, W. I. Lewis, an arrangement which the death of Mr. 
 Larrabee terminated. In 1876 he was elected a member of the Pennsylvania 
 legislature, served one term, but declined re-election. Mr. Larrabee left his 
 home on Tuesday evening, March 12, 1889, for Harrisburg, Penn., where he 
 had some business. On his return trip, on the morning of the 14th, while 
 ■on the cars, and when about three miles below Eehovo, he was suddenly 
 stricken with apoplexy, dying almost instantly and without a struggle. So 
 beloved was he, and such was his popularity, that the special train which 
 brought the remains to Coudersport was loaded with people who had come 
 from all along the route to pay their respects to their deceased neighbor, 
 counselor and friend. The funeral, which was conducted by the Trinity Com- 
 mandery, K. T., of Bradford, Penn., took place on Sunday, March 17, the 
 public services being held in the court-house. 
 
 The following extracts from the memorial, presented by the members of the 
 bar, are expressions in enduring form of the estimation in which they hold his 
 character, their regard for his manhood, and their veneration for his memory: 
 
 " His professional character was above reproach. While possessed to a reason- 
 able extent of the frailties of human nature, yet he never so far forgot himself, 
 ■or the respect due to the court, as to allow anger to so far control his acts as 
 to cause language ever to fall from his lips unbecoming to a court-room, a 
 place where the rights of property, personal liberty and sometimes human life, 
 were passed upon. Self-control was one of the marked characteristics of his 
 professional life. To the younger members of the bar he was never patronizing, 
 but always kind, courteous and considerate. In his professional relations with, 
 other members of the bar, his word was his bond. He tried his causes upon 
 their merits, rather than upon technicalities and legal quibbles; he sought only 
 the just and legal rights of his clients, and was never willing to be a partner 
 in any way to unjust extortion or oppressive demands. Earnest and zealous in 
 the fight, he was always liberal and manly in compromise or settlement. His 
 mind was clever, logical and vigorous. He readily grasped and analyzed the 
 facts in a case, and was equally clear in his application of law; ingenious in 
 ■cross-examination, he had an unusual faculty of impressing a jury with the 
 justice of his case and his confidence in the truth of his cause. His whole life, 
 as a lawyer, has been an undying example to the younger members of the bar; 
 and to his courteous dignity and influence is due, perhaps, more than to any 
 other one cause, the almost universal and kindly professional spirit and mutual 
 confidence at present existing among the members of the bar of Potter county, 
 a credit to itself as well as to him through whose influence this result has to a 
 great extent been brought about. As a citizen, his loss falls heavily, not only 
 upon the borough of Coudersport and those within the immediate influence of 
 his daily life, but upoQ the whole county as well. The activity and usefulness 
 of his life was not confined within the walks of his profession; he was actively 
 engaged with every enterprise looking to the advancement of the public gen- 
 erally. To him was largely due the increased educational interests of Couders- 
 port, and at the time of his death he was earnestly pushing a railroad enter- 
 
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 1161 
 
 prise, the success of which would greatly promote the welfare and growth of 
 the whole county. In the midst of the period of this greatest usefulness in his 
 life work he felt the cold hand of the Angel of Death, paused to rest, and left 
 the wheels of time to move on without him, leaving the record of a life that all 
 would do well to imitate, and which entitles him to a respectful and honored 
 position in the records and history of this court, in the hearts of its members, 
 as well as in the memory of the people of Potter county at large. 
 
 "Potter county, ss. Certified from the records, this 21st day of May, A.D. 
 1889. Signed, Wm. A. Crosby, prothonotary. " 
 
 In social life Mr. Larrabee was a good citizen, a kind neighbor, a faithful 
 friend; upright in all his dealings, charitable to the poor, and to the unfor- 
 tunate ever considerate. He was a charter member of Eulalia Lodge, No. 342, 
 P. & A. M. ; a charter member of Coudersport Chapter, No. 263, E. A. M. , 
 and a member of Trinity Commandery, No. 58, K. T. , of Bradford, Penn. He 
 was identified with the Republican party as one of its most active members, 
 having been chairman of the county committee and delegate from time to time. 
 On February 2, 1858, Mr. Larrabee was married to Mary J. , daughter of A. A. 
 Oridley, of Lewisville, Potter county, and their children are Carrie M. (now 
 Mrs. S. A. Phillips, of Coudersport) and Leon E. These the husband and 
 father has left with a grief too poignant and too sacred to be commented upon, 
 but with a heritage of his pure life and noble deeds, and a blessed hope of a 
 happy reunion in the home above. 
 
 FRED C. LEONARD, attorney at law, Coudersport, was born in Elmer, 
 Potter Co., Penn., February 16, 1856, and at nine years of age removed to 
 Allegany county, "N. Y. He graduated in the elementary course at Mansfield 
 in 1874, but, however, studied another year, and taught two years at Mans- 
 field. He was also a student of Williston Seminary at East Hampton, Mass., 
 u preparatory school, for two years, graduating in 1879. He then entered 
 Yale College, and from there graduated in the class of 1883. In the fall of 
 that year he entered the office of Elliott & Watrous, of Wellsboro, as a law 
 student, and was admitted to the bar in the fall of 1885. He then studied a 
 year at Elmira, and was admitted to the bar of the State of ^ew York in Jan- 
 uary, 1887. He first began the practice of his chosen profession at Couders- 
 port, where he became a member of the firm of Cobb & Leonard, having an 
 office at Austin also. In 1884 he married Estella G. Cook, of Wellsboro, and 
 they have two children. He is an active Eepublicaa. 
 
 LAVINIA M. LEWIS, daughter of James and Abigail Hurlburt, was born 
 at Lisle, Broome Co., N. Y., in 1806, and in 1828 married O. A. Lewis, son 
 of Jesse Lewis, of Lisle, N. Y. In 1831 they removed to Ulysses, Potter Co. , 
 Penn., whither but five families had preceded them. Mr. Lewis purchased a 
 farm in what is now the center of Lewisville, which he cleared, set out an 
 orchard, built a saw-mill and engaged in sawing lumber, principally pine and 
 cherry. He was the first justice of the peace there, and after the organization 
 of the county became its first treasurer; was afterward auditor, and in 1841 
 was elected sheriff; was also appointed associate judge, serving two terms. 
 Refusing a commission at the beginning of the Civil war, Mr. Lewis enlisted as 
 a private in Company G, Fifty-third Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry, and at 
 the retreat from the Chickahominy he was taken sick, dying at Harrison s 
 Landin.^ in August, 1862. He was a highly respected gentleman, who won 
 the esteem of all. Lewisville, his former home, was named m his honor. He 
 was active as a temperance organizer, liberal in his chanties, social, and a good 
 counselor. His house was always open, and was the retreat of all in distress. 
 He was the general agent through whom people transacted much business in 
 
1162 HISTORY OF POTTEB COUNTY. 
 
 that locality, and his usefulness will probably never be replaced. To Mr. and 
 Mrs. Lewis were born three children: Elvina, now Mrs. Dennis Hall, of Keat- 
 ing; Erastus D., who took his father's place on the farm, was deputy sheriff 
 for twelve years, and register and recorder six years, dying May 13, 1888; the 
 youngest is William Henry H. Mrs. Lewis removed to Coudersport in 1871, 
 when she erected her late residence. She was liberal in her views of the 
 tenets of all churches, but preferred and was a member of the Universalist. 
 Ulysses had never given a license to this denomination, and at one time she 
 found cause to circulate a remonstrance, obtaining to it the signature of every 
 person in that township over twelve years of age, with but one exception, get- 
 ting in all 120 signatures. Mrs. Lewis departed this life February 17, 1889, 
 sincerely mourned by her family and numerous friends. Her remains were 
 interred beside those of her son, Erastus D. , in the family burying ground at 
 Lewisville, and beyond all doubt her last resting place will be kept green and 
 sacredly guarded by her surviving children. 
 
 W. I. LEWIS, attorney at law, Coudersport, is a son of Burton Lewis, and 
 was born at Ulysses, Potter Co., Penn., in 1852. He received his early edu- 
 cation at Lewisville Academy, and also attended school at Coudersport for sev- 
 eral terms. In 1872 he entered Alfred University, from which he graduated 
 in 1876, as bachelor of philosophy. He began the study of law while attend- 
 ing the university, and from July, 1876, to March, 1878, studied law with 
 Olmsted & Larrabee, of Coudersport, and was admitted to the bar in March, 
 1878. During his course of study he compiled and published the local laws 
 of Potter county, from its organization up to 1877. He began the practice 
 of law at Duke Centre, McKean county, and was associated for about a year 
 with J. C. Johnson, of Emporium, a prominent attorney of Cameron county. 
 In 1882, when Hon. A. G. Olmsted was elected judge of the district, Mr. 
 Lewis removed to Coudersport, becoming one of the firm of Larrabee & Lewis, 
 where he has acquired an enviable reputation as an able lawyer. Burton Lewis, 
 father of W. I., one of the successful men of the county, was the owner of 
 Farmers Mills, hotel property, etc., and, wishing to impress upon the mind 
 of his son the importance and nobility of labor, he retained him in all 
 these industries from 1863 to 1868. Our subject then worked a year as shin- 
 gle sawyer for E. Hackett, in Lewisville, after which he commenced his 
 education. Thus, by close application, perseverance and unswerving integrity, 
 he has worked his way up until he has become a member of a firm which 
 numbers among its clients many of the largest business interests in the 
 county — among which are railroad companies, and other corporations, tan- 
 neries, and the larger landed estates in the county — and enjoys a remunerative 
 and constantly increasing practice. Mr. Lewis is a charter member of Cou- 
 dersport Chapter, No. 263, R. A. M. , being a past high priest therein, and is 
 at present W. M. of Eulalia Lodge, No. 342, F. & A. M. He was also 
 an early member of Trinity Commandery, No. 58, K. T. , of Bradford. He is a 
 member of the Republican party, and was chairman of the county committee 
 during 1884 and 1888; but though he takes a lively interest in his party, he 
 does not aspire to political preferment. In 1879 he married Miss Lucretia 
 Rath bone, of Corning, N. Y., and is the father of one child, Robert R. Since 
 the death of his partner, Mr. Larrabee, Mr. Lewis has continued the business 
 under the same firm name, and is maintaining the business of the firm, and 
 retaining the extensive clientage of the office. 
 
 A. Gr. LYMAN, lumberman, P. O. Coudersport, son of Lewis W. and Han- 
 nah (Lewis) Lyman, was born in Sweden township. Potter Co., Penn., in 1844. 
 Lewis W. , father of A. G. , was a son of Isaac and Patience (Mann) Lyman, 
 
BIOGKAPHICAL SKETCHES. 1163 
 
 and was born at Lymansville, Pena., in 1818. Isaac, grandfather of A. G., was 
 a native of New Hampshire, was married at Mansfield, Tioga Co., Penn., re- 
 moved to Potter county, and located at Lymansville in the fall of 1809. He 
 built a log- house, and from him the place derived its name, at that time there 
 being but one house within twenty-eight miles. He returned to his former home, 
 and March 10, 1810, brought his family. William Ayers was the first settler 
 in Potter county, locating here in 1808, John Keating giving him 200 acres of 
 land to induce him to remain. Isaac Lyman was the father of nineteen chil- 
 dren: Jonathan, Lydia, Charlotte, Eunice, John, Burrell, Laura, Parthinna, 
 Henry, Harry, Isaac, Jr. , Otis, Charles, Eulalia (the first white girl born in 
 Potter county), Milo, Edwin, Lewis W., and two that died iu infancy, all now 
 deceased but Edwin and Lewis W. Isaac Lyman, Sr. , built the first saw-mill 
 in the county, in 1810, and the first grist-mill, in 1811,. and in the same year 
 the first blacksmith shop. Lewis W. Lyman married Hannah, daughter of 
 Jesse Lewis, February 11, 1839, and they are the parents of four children: 
 T. B., A. G., Arthur and W. L. He is a member of Eulalia Lodge, No. 342, 
 F. & A. M. He was elected county commissioner in 1845, and served one 
 term of three years; was also elected treasurer of the county in 1862, serving 
 a term of two years. A. G. Lyman is one of the large land-holders of Potter 
 county, and one of its heaviest lumbermen. When a young man he located in 
 Sweden township, where he has since lived, and has been heavily engaged in 
 the lumber trade. He married Adelaide A. Jackson, and to them have been 
 born two children: Alice M. and L. Winifred. Mr. and Mrs. Lyman are mem- 
 bers of the Methodist Church. He is a member of Eulalia Lodge, No. 342, 
 F. & A. M. He supports the Republican party, but is not a politician, devot- 
 ing his time and energies to his large business interests. 
 
 B. A. MoCLUEE, Coudersport, general superintendent of the Couders- 
 port & Port Allegany Railroad, was born at Elizabeth, Allegheny Co., Penn., 
 August 14, 1850. When he was a child his parents removed to Buffalo, N. Y. , 
 where he received his education, and in March, 1867, he became an employe 
 of the Cincinnati, Sandusky & Cleveland Railroad Company, and in the 
 second year of his service with this company he became superintendent of 
 its telegraph office. He was trainmaster on the Lehigh & Susquehanna Rail- 
 road for two and one-quarter years, after which he became trainmaster on the 
 Pittsburgh, Baltimore & Washington Railroad, in which capacity he served 
 for two years, and afterward was assistant superintendent of the McKean & 
 Buffalo Railroad for a period of eight years; since then he has been general 
 superintendent of the Coudersport & Port Allegany Railroad. Affable, 
 courteous and accommodating to the patrons of the road, he makes for it 
 many fi-iends, and under his able management it is in a flourishing condition, 
 its construction and shipping departments being perfect. Mr. McClure has 
 been married twice, and has two children: Gertrude and Panne. He is a 
 member of Coudersport Chapter, R. A. M., No. 263, and of St. John's Com- 
 mandery, K. T., at Clean, N. Y. 
 
 OWEN G. METZGER, lumber dealer, Coudersport, son of William H. 
 and Pomilla C. (Coolidge) Metzger, was born in Hebron township. Potter Co., 
 Penn. , in 1853. His father was a native of Lewisburg, Penn. , and located at 
 Pike Mills, Potter county, about 1830. He built the old Goodman mills, and 
 later the Metzger mills, being also engaged in the lumber business. About 
 1857 he was elected county commissioner, and was one of the prominent men 
 of Potter county. His death occurred in July, 1881, after a lingering illness 
 of seventeen years, and his widow died the following year. They had four 
 children: Francis, Margaret (now Mrs. Theodore Cobb, of Spring Mills, Alle- 
 
1164 HISTORY OF POTTEE COUNTY. 
 
 gany Co., N. Y.), William and Owea G. The last named made his home 
 with his parents until 1874, when he married Phebe E., daughter of D. D. 
 McGee, of Bradford, Penn. After his marriage he located at Coudersport, 
 where he has since lived. He embarked in the lumber trade, which he con- 
 tinued alone until 1881, when he became associated with James White in the 
 same business, under the firm name of White & Metzger, their yards being 
 located at Galeton, Potter county. Mr. and Mrs. Metzger have four children: 
 Stanley, Elsie, Frank and Alice. In politics Mr. Metzger affiliates with the 
 Democratic party. 
 
 A. R. MOOEE, one of the enterprising citizens of Coudersport, is a son 
 of Eoss Aruna and Mary E. (Gleason) Moore, and was born in Belfast, Alle- 
 gany Co., N. Y., in 1858. His father was a native of Richford, Tioga Co., 
 N.Y., and was married there December 31, 1837. He was a stone-cutter by 
 trade, and established marble works, but removed to Alma, Allegany county, 
 thence to Collins, thence to Belfast (all in the same State), where he remained 
 until 1867, when he came to Ulysses township, Potter Co. , Penn. , where he 
 purchased a farm and remained until his death, November 6, 1883 ; his wife 
 died October 22, 1881. They united with the Methodist Episcopal Church at 
 Belfast, in 1842, of which they were always faithful and consistent members. 
 He was a Knight Templar, and in politics a member of the Republican party. 
 Much might be said of his social and family relations, but it is sufficient to say 
 that he was a devoted husband, a kind and affectionate parent, and a desirable 
 acquisition to the community in which he resided. Their children are Laura 
 J., now Mrs. Charles C. Periy, of Saginaw, Mich.; Wm. W., who married 
 Mrs. Amelia Eodgers, now of Westfield, Tioga Co., Penn. ; Mary E., now Mrs. 
 Chester E. Lyman, of Cleveland, Ohio; Nancy J., now Mrs. Theodore Carpen- 
 ter, of "Ulysses; James W., who married Nellie Scott, now of Eaymond; 
 Chaunoey Z. , who married Kate E. Acker, also of Eaymond, and Alonzo E. , 
 who remained with his parents until their decease. In November, 1883, the 
 subject of these lines embarked in mercantile business at Eaymond Corners, 
 Potter Co., Penn., but in 1885 returned to the old homestead and worked the 
 farm. During that year, however, he removed to Coudersport, where he became 
 proprietor of a stage line between Coudersport and Harrison Valley, and 
 removing to the latter place in April, 1886, he became the popular landlord of 
 the Harrison Valley House. December 1, 1888, Mr. Moore leased the Commer- 
 cial House at Coudersport, its principal hotel, which at this writing he is conduct- 
 ing. In 1885 he married Miss Mary L. , daughter of Frank B. Langdon. Mr. 
 Moore is a member of Eulalia Lodge, No. 342, F. & A. M. In politics he is a Ee- 
 publican, and he and his wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. 
 
 DANIEL NEEFE, son of Edward and Anna M. (Benauer) Neefe, was 
 born in Allegheny township, Potter Co. , Penn. , in 1844. He remained at home 
 until 1864, and began his business life as a carpenter and joiner, a trade he 
 followed about two years, when he went into the carriage-building trade for 
 himself, at Brookland, where he remained until 1872, in which year he removed 
 to Coudersport. Here he was in the same . business until 1873, when he sold 
 his establishment, but has since worked at his trade as usual. He married 
 Caroline Blackman, and has two children: Bertha and Anna. Mr. Neefe is a 
 member of the Baptist Church, and hia wife of the Methodist Church. He is 
 a member of the Sons of Temperance, and of the Knights of the Maccabees. 
 In politics he is a Democrat. Edward Neefe, father of Daniel, was born and 
 educated in Sachsen-Altenburg, Germany, and came to America in 1834. He 
 located in Allegheny township, Potter Co., Penn., where he purchased and 
 cleared a farm. He married Anna M. Benauer, in 1842, and their children 
 
BIOGEAPHIOAL SKETCHES. 1165 
 
 were Daniel, Frank E., William, Adolph, Julius (deceased) and Frederick. 
 Frank E. Neefe was born in Allegheny township, Potter Co., Penn., in 1846, 
 remained at home till 1866, learned the carriage maker's trade at Brookland,' 
 Penn., and soon after went into business for himself at Coudersport, Penn.i 
 the firm name being F. E. Neefe & Co. In 1879 he married Mrs. Mira Seiblei 
 and their children are Carrie and Leon. He is a member of the Knights of 
 the Maccabees, and in politics is a Democrat. 
 
 ALMERON NELSON, Coudersport, is a son of Cephas and Eunice Nel- 
 son, and was born in the town of Putnam, Washington Co., N. Y., January 15, 
 1817. His grandfather, John Nelson, was one of four brothers — Paul, Moses, 
 John and Daniel completing the number — all of whom married and reared fami- 
 lies. John was born in Massachusetts about 1750. He removed to Washington 
 county, N. Y. , town of Hebron, where he married Mollie Hare, a lady of Scotch 
 descent, and they had a family of fourteen children :Ezekiel, John, Moses, Joel, 
 Cephas, Silas, Lyman, Isaac, David, Betsy, Polly, Sallie, Annice and Eleanor. 
 Cephas, the fifth son of John Nelson, was born in the town of Hebron, Wash- 
 ington county, near the Vermont line, and there married the daughter of Hon. 
 Isaac Lyman, whose residence was at Pollett, where he built a saw- mill over 
 100 years ago, and who was a major of the Revolution, a member of the State 
 legislature, and afterward a resident of Lake George and of Charleston, 
 Tioga Co. , Penn. Having made the acquaintance of extensive land holders, 
 who in him perceived good executive ability, his services were engaged as their 
 agent, necessitating his removal to Lymausville, Potter Co., Penn., which, later, 
 was named in his honor. There he remained as their agent until his decease. 
 Cephas and his family removed to Lake George, and eventually to Potter county, 
 locating in 1820 on the farm now owned by Almeron Nelson, at Lymansville. 
 Here Cephas and his family underwent the privations and experiences 
 incident to pioneer life. The family comprised six children: Horatio, 
 Henry, Charlotte, Lyman, James and Almeron. The eldest three are de- 
 ceased, as are also the parents. Almeron the fifth son of Cephas, after serv- 
 ing an apprenticeship at hard work, married Henrietta M. McClelland in 1844, 
 and to them were bom three children, of whom but one lives, Eunice M. (now 
 Mrs. Daniel Park, of Tioga Co., N. Y.). Almeron lost his wife in 1866, and in 
 the following year he married Elizabeth A. Taggart, and has by this marriage 
 two children: Henrietta M. and Almeron T. Mr. Nelson was elected county 
 commissioner in 1849, and jury commissioner in 1859, and served three terms 
 — nine years. He was the nominee of the Democratic party for State senator, 
 and also for judge, but was defeated. He is a member of the Methodist 
 Church, and of Eulalia Lodge, No. 342, F. & A. M. 
 
 LYMAN NELSON, retired, Coudersport, is a son of Cephas and Eunice 
 Nelson, and was born at Hebron, Washington Co., N. Y., in 1812. His 
 early life was passed in securing a common-school education, and in bard work. 
 February 15, 1832, he married Anner M. , daughter of Dennis Hall, of Couders- 
 port. They located in Eulalia township, engaged in farming, and raised a 
 family of nine children — four boys and five girls : Lydia R. (now wife of Rev. 
 Joseph Latham, of Franklinville, Cattaraugus Co., N. Y.), Louisa M. (now 
 Mrs. Nelson H. Goodsell, of Coudersport), Carthagena (now Mrs. F. A. Glea- 
 son, of Franklinville), Almeron E. (of Hinsdale, N. Y.), H. T. (of Couders- 
 port), Orrell (now Mrs. M. L. Gridley, of Coudersport), Ralph L. (of Gene- 
 see, Potter' county), Oliva A. (now wife of John J. Park, of Barton, Tioga 
 Co., N. Y.), and Alva T. (of Hinsdale, N. Y.). Mr. Nelson was elected asso- 
 ciate judge in 1870, has been justice of the peace for fifteen years, and has 
 been in the higher and lower courts for a period of twenty years. He and his 
 
1166 HISTORY OF POTTER COUNTY. 
 
 wife are members of the Methodist Church. He is a supporter of the Repub- 
 lican party. 
 
 F. B. NELSON, proprietor of meat market, drover, etc., Ooudersport, is 
 a son of Henry and Speedy (Clark) Nelson, and was born in Allegheny town- 
 ship, Potter Co., Penn. , March 14, 1837. His father's family consisted of 
 eight children; Samantha (now Mrs. Albert Presho, of Colesburg), Daniel 
 (of Jefferson county, Penn.), Amelia (now Mrs. James Booth), F. B., Sabrina 
 (the late Mrs. Uriah Butler, of Cincinnati, Ohio), F. A. (of Colesburg), Oscar 
 (of Lewisville), and Charles H. (of Ooudersport). F. B. Nelson remained at 
 home until twenty- two years of age, and was engaged in assisting his parents 
 in various ways. He married, July 24, 1863, Delphine Thompson, a daughter 
 of Samuel Thompson, and granddaughter of Miles and Elizabeth Thompson. 
 Her grandfather located in Harrison township in 1827, and was the second 
 sheriff of the county, subsequently serving another term. He was a farmer, 
 and eventually removed to Kettle Creek, where he died; his widow returned to 
 Ulysses, and there died. Samuel Thompson married Permelia Hackett in 
 1845, and located on the farm he now owns in Eulalia township, upon which 
 he has erected fine farm buildings. Mrs. Nelson is their only surviving child. 
 After the marriage of P. B. Nelson he removed to Emporium, where he en- 
 gaged in the lumber trade, remaining nine years. He then became a merchant 
 at Raymond's Corners, and later a farmer, after which he settled in Oouders- 
 port and engaged in the butcher business; associated with his son he has a 
 market at Odin. He is also a general buyer, speculator, drover, etc. His 
 children were Arthur F., Mittie Bell (who died when one year of age), Mart 
 J. and Bessie A. Of these Arthur F. married Cora, daughter of Washington 
 Wyckoff, of Sinnemahoning, and has one child, Mina Bell. 
 
 0. H. NELSON, meat market, Ooudersport, is a son of Henry and Speedy 
 (Clark) Nelson, and was born at Colesburg, Potter Co., Penn., May 11, 1856. 
 After attending the common schools and Ooudersport Academy, he taught for 
 six terms, and then graduated at the State Normal School, at Lock Haven, in the 
 class of 1881. He was in the employ of 0. H. Armstrong for a time, and then 
 accepted a position in an engineer corps, remaining three years, when he be- 
 came, in February, 1884, a butcher, with a market on Main street, where he 
 furnishes food for the epicures of the county seat. He married June 5, 1884, 
 Mary, daughter of John Evans, of Painted Post, Steuben Co., N. Y. He is 
 a Democrat in politics, a member of the I. O. O. F. , also of the Equitable 
 Aid Union, and his wife is a member of the Episcopal Church. 
 
 RODNEY L. NICHOLS, surveyor and conveyancer, and dealer in real 
 estate, Ooudersport, is a son of Col. Samuel and Sarah (Dutton) Nichols, the 
 former of whom was a soldier of the war of 1812, being present at the 
 burning of Buffalo, and who was commissioned a colonel of the New York 
 State Militia by Govs. Dewitt Clinton and Daniel D. Tompkins. In 1808 he 
 located at Arcade, N. Y., where he built a log-house, the nearest neighbors at 
 the time being fifteen miles distant; and the following year he revisited his 
 native place, Francestown, Hillsborough Co., N. H. Here he married Sarah 
 Dutton, then returned to Arcade the same year, where he began clearing up 
 his farm. He died at Arcade in 1856, his wife having preceded him in 1848. 
 John Nichols, grandfather of Rodney L. , was one of a large family, and was 
 born at Londonderry, Ireland, whence he was brought in his infancy to this 
 country by his parents, who settled in New Hampshire. He followed his 
 father, Col. Samuel Nichols, to Aroade, N. Y., where he died, aged ninety- 
 eight years, leaving a large family of children and several grandchildren. 
 The children of Col. Samuel and Sarah (Datton) Nichols were as follows: 
 
BIOGEAPHICAL SKETCHES. 1167 
 
 Eurilia (now of Arcade, aged seventy-seven years), John (deceased), Bradford 
 (now of Jessup, Iowa), Mianda (who died at Maquoketa, Iowa), Rodney L., 
 Eoxana (who died at the age of twenty-two years) and Alcina (the late Mrs' 
 Skeele). 
 
 Rodney L. Nichols is emphatically a self-made man. He was born at 
 Arcade, N. Y., October 29, 1818, and there spent the early portion of his 
 life. He taught school, commencing at the age of sixteen years, and when 
 twenty-two went to Kentucky and Tennessee, where he became a teacher in 
 slave-holding families; afterward he was principal of an academy in Fulton 
 county, 111., for three years. In 1848 he returned to Arcade, and in 1850 
 located at Millport, Potter Co. , Penn. , being connected with the Oswayo Lum- 
 ber Association. In the fall of 1851, in company with Joseph Mann, he 
 bought out their land, and was in business as merchant, manufacturer of pine 
 lumber, dealer in real estate and land surveyor at Millport from 1850 till 1877, 
 in which latter year he moved to Coudersport, where he now resides, engaged 
 in the business named at the commencement of this sketch, though he still 
 owns a farm and other real estate at Millport. Mr. Nichols has been twice 
 married, first on October 9, 1850, to Mary E., second daughter of Andrew 
 Shedd, Esq., of Sardinia, Erie Co., N. T. She died in 1871 without issue, 
 and on May 1, 1873, Mr. Nichols married his present wife, Jennie Wentworth, 
 of Portage, Wyoming Co. , N. Y. , by whom he has one daughter. Nora Sola, 
 born September 9, 1876. Mr. Nichols is a member of the I. O. O. P., and has 
 passed all the chairs in the Encampment; he is also a member of Olean Lodge, 
 F. & A. M. He is a Presbyterian of the Scotch-Irish pronounced type, which 
 faith largely predominates in the family. In polities he is a stanch Repub- 
 lican. He voted for William Henry Harrison for the presidency of the United 
 States, became allied to the anti-slavery party, and voted for John 0. Fremont 
 for the same great o£6ce, and afterward joined the Republican party, to which 
 he has given his earnest support from the day of its formation until the present 
 time. He did good and earnest work for the elevation of Abraham Lincoln to 
 the presidency; was also an ardent supporter of the martyr's war policy, and 
 rendered personal service in raising men and money for the carrying out of the 
 same. The present head of the administration, " Ben ' ' Harrison, also 
 received his vote. Mr. Nichols is still a thorough Republican, and believes in 
 a liberal pension policy in aid of worthy soldiers and their families. While a 
 resident of Millport, Mr. Nichols was school director, postmaster and justice of 
 the peace almost constantly for twenty-six years, and county commissioner 
 three years. He took a leading part in the construction of the Coudersport 
 Water Works, and is a stockholder in the Coudersport & Port Allegany Rail- 
 road. He owns real estate at Arcade, N. Y. , also extensive tracts of land in 
 the northern part of Potter county and in Iowa. Though a gentleman of 
 wealth, he never alludes to the fact, and has nothing of sham or show in his 
 conversation or manners. Mr. Nichols resides in a pleasant home in Couders- 
 port, and has a business office near the house. His life has been marked by 
 continual struggles and by indomitable perseverance. The results which have 
 come to him are not due to favorable influence or the aid of friends; on the 
 contrary, they have been the outgrowth of his own innate course and temperate 
 habits of life. 
 
 A. G. OLMSTED, Coudersport, the president judge of the Forty-eighth 
 ■Judicial District, was born September 3, 1827, at Masonville, Delaware Co., 
 N. Y. , and is a son of Daniel and Lucy A. (Scofield) Olmsted, both natives of 
 Delaware county, N. Y. At the age of nine years he moved with his parents to 
 Ulysses, Potter Co. , Penn. , where he lived until he was twenty years of age. 
 
 63 
 
1168 HISTORY OF POTTEB COUNTY. 
 
 During this time he was employed upon his father' a farm, attending the district 
 school during the winter, and this, with the exception of a short experience at 
 the Coudersport Academy, was the extent of his school advantages. He must 
 have made good use of these meager opportunities, however, for in conversa- 
 tion he is found to be well informed upon any topic. His rhetoric is almost 
 faultless, his vocabulary exceptionally large, and his choice of words most 
 happy; which acquirements, together with his impressive and pleasant manner 
 of address, make him a most successful advocate and interesting speaker. Mr. 
 Olmsted commenced the study of law with Hon. John S. Mann, and was admit- 
 ted to the bar January 12, 1850, Hon. Isaac Benson, Carlton B. Curtis and 
 Jas. Lowery comprising his examining committee. In those days Messrs. 
 Curtis, Lowery, S. P. Johnston and others used to travel what was called the 
 "circuit," generally on horseback, through Warren, McKean, Potter, Tioga, 
 Bradford and other counties. Before he was eligible to the office, at the gen- 
 eral election of 1850 Mr. Olmsted was elected district attorney of the county, 
 and served his term with credit. The office could not have been very lucrative, 
 however, for (the Judge himself being the authority for the statement) he only 
 received ninety dollars from his profession for the first three years after his 
 admission to the bar. He very soon, however, became the leading lawyer of 
 his county, his practice widening out into McKean and Cameron, and into even 
 more remote counties, so that, when he left his office for the bench, he enjoyed 
 a pleasant and extensive practice. In his own county he was identified with 
 nearly every important case on the calendar, which alone must have afPorded a 
 nice income. In 1862 he was elected assemblyman, representing Tioga and 
 Potter counties, then an assembly district having two members. In this capac- 
 ity he served three successive terms, in the last of which he was chosen speaker 
 of the house. On account of ill health, however, he was compelled to aban- 
 don public life, and was an invalid for a year or more. In 1868 he was elected 
 to the State senate, in which he took a very active part, and during his term 
 was the author of many of our most carefully drawn acts — the " Attachment 
 Act ' ' of 1869 being an instance of his skillful legislation. Upon retiring from 
 the senate, he was appointed president judge of the district, comprising Mont- 
 gomery and Bucks counties, to fill a vacancy caused by the death of the resi- 
 dent judge. He was there offered an election, if he would move into the dis- 
 trict, but this he declined, and returned to his practice. In 1874 he was the 
 Republican nominee for lieutenant-governor, but, that being an "off year," 
 he was defeated. From this time forward the Judge insisted that he was out 
 of politics — "shelved," as he styled it. In 1882, however, his popularity 
 asserted itself, and he was elected additional law judge for the Fourth Judicial 
 District, but this district having been divided, he is now president judge of the 
 Forty-eighth District, comprising McKean and Potter counties. Judge Olmsted 
 has been very fortunate in his rulings, and during the comparatively short time 
 he has sat upon the bench in this county he has kept attorneys and litigants 
 busy, holding unprecedented sessions of courts in order to dispose of the busi- 
 ness which was four or five years behind. In court he is a very patient listener, 
 quick to act and rule, and most persistent in urging business. Being possessed 
 of natural executive ability, his courts are very decorous and orderly. He has 
 a system of routine which is strictly adhered to, and the wheels of justice 
 under his direction run very smoothly. In his younger days, it is said, the 
 Judge was very diifident, and in spite of his most active public life this char- 
 acter has remained with him to such an extent that he appears, to those who 
 know him but little, of a cold and repelling disposition, though this is a mis- 
 taken idea. He does not generally seek acquaintance, but when called upon 
 
BIOGEAPHICAL SKETCHES. 1169 
 
 at his chambers or at his house he is found most entertaining and courteous. 
 On account of his economy in early life, the Judge has acquired a habit of bus- 
 iness which some would call closeness, but there is none of that element 
 in his nature. In his own town (Coudersport) he is at the head of every 
 public movement; his time, money, and business ability being always given 
 toward improvements for the public good. Ifor several years the Judge had 
 been trying to secure the building of a railroad to Coudersport, but at last, 
 becoming convinced that there was no other method, he headed the enterprise 
 himself, organized a company and constructed the Coudersport & Port Alle- 
 gany Railroad, which has proved a good investment, and a great boon to both 
 borough and county. He also organized the Citizens' Water Company, of 
 which he is president, and was also instrumental in the erection of the Soldiers'' 
 Monument, an honor to the builders. and an ornament to the borough. In all' 
 his business enterprises, which have been quite extensive. Judge Olmsted has 
 been singularly fortunate. His business interests are extensive enough now to 
 occupy any ordinary man's mind, but he has never allowed them to interfere 
 with his professional duties, nor are they ever likely to weaken aught of his 
 energies as a judge. He has just passed his sixty-second year, but having 
 always been temperate in his habits, he is a well-preserved man. The Judge- 
 married, May 8, 1860, Miss Ellen, daughter of David and M. A. Ross, natives 
 of New Hampshire, sister of Hon. Sobieski Ross, at that time a member of 
 congress from this district, and they have two children: Ellen and Robert. 
 
 H. J. OLMSTED, hardware merchant, Coudersport, was born in Mason- 
 ville, Delaware Co., N. Y., November 22, 1825, and with his parents 
 removed to Ulysses, Potter Co., Penn., in 1836, where they engaged in farm- 
 ing. He remained there with his parents until 1846, and in March, 1848, he 
 removed to Coudersport, where he attended school, and afterward taught in 
 Coudersport Academy for a year, and in the district school for a couple of 
 terms. He was elected prothonotary of Potter county in 1851, and served 
 one term, but was defeated at the next election. He then secured a position 
 as clerk at Harrisburg, in the office of the secretary of the commonwealth, and 
 in May, 1857, received the appohitment of prothonotary for Potter county, 
 and was elected at the ensuing election, which necessitated the resignation of 
 his position at Harrisburg. He then served for a period of eighteen years as 
 prothonotary, and as deputy for three years. In 1878 he engaged in hard- 
 ware trade, but in 1880 suffered from the fire which devastated the business 
 portion of Coudersport; with the characteristic enterprise of a business man, 
 however, he rebuilt, and now has a fine brick store on Main street, where he 
 has associated with him his two sons, H. C. and A. S. , the firm name being 
 H. J. Olmsted & Sons; they also have a branch store at Emporium, of which 
 H. C. has charge, A. S. remaining at Coudersport. Mr. Olmsted having lost 
 an arm in a threshing machine during the fall of 1847, fills the position of 
 book-keeper. He is interested in the Coudersport Water Company; is an active 
 Republican in politics, and has the respect and confidence of the entire com- 
 munity. He married, in 1846, E. T., daughter of Lucas Cushing, of Ulysses, 
 and to them were born ten children: M. E. Olmsted, a prominent attorney 
 of Harrisburg, Penn. , being attorney for the Pennsylvania Railroad Company, 
 and the Standard Oil Company; C. Ardella, now wife of Rev. C. B. Sparrow; 
 Clara, who died when eighteen years of age; H. Clinton, of Emporium; A. S. 
 and Sumner P., of Coudersport; Mary W., now Mrs. Frank L. Andrews; 
 George C and Daniel L., clerks in the Coudersport store; and Will E., at 
 home, who is, unfortunately, an invalid. Mr. Olmsted is a member of the 
 Methodist Church, his wife being a member of the Baptist Church. 
 
1170 HISTORY OF POTTEE COUNTY. 
 
 C. L. PEOK, attorney at law, Coudersport, was born in Farmington, Tioga 
 Co. , Penn. , in 1845, and was educated in the common schools and at Union 
 Academy, near Knoxville, Penn. His father, William Peck, was born in 
 Manlius, N. Y., and married Harriet Paul, a native of Mason ville, same State. 
 After completing his studies, C. L. Peck taught school until 1870, when he 
 became a law student with R. T. Wood, of Elkland, and later with Elliott & 
 Bosard, of Wellsboro. He was admitted to the bar in June, 1872, and first 
 practiced at Knoxville, Penn., for a period of five years, when, a desirable 
 opening presenting itself, he removed to Coudersport, where he was associated 
 with the Hon. Isaac Benson in the practice of law until 1883, when this part- 
 nership was dissolved and Mr. Peck became associated with Mr. H. A. Scoville, 
 the firm name being Peck & Scoville. In 1888 Mr. Scoville was elected dis- 
 trict attorney, and Mr. Peck has since b^en alone in business. Mr. Peck con- 
 ceived the idea of the construction of the Coudersport, Hornellsville & Lacka- 
 wanna Railroad, running from Coudersport to Hornellsville and connecting 
 with the Delaware, Lackawanna & Western, and he, with Hon. D. C. Larrabee, 
 has been instrumental in securing a sufficient amount of stock to complete the 
 organization of a company, and active in trying to make the project a success. 
 He procured the organization of a telephone company to operate a line 
 from Coudersport to Harrison Valley, of which he was entrusted with 
 charge of construction, and became its first president. Mr. Peck has for 
 eight years been attorney for the Joel Parkhurst estate, of Elkland, Penn., 
 makes large loans on real estate security in Potter county, and enjoys a re- 
 munerative and constantly growing practice. He takes a lively interest in 
 local educational matters, and was a member of the building committee in the 
 construction of what is said to be one of the most perfect school buildings in 
 the State, he having drawn the floor plans for it. It has perfect ventilation, 
 fire escape, and is heated by the Ruttan system. He has also been school 
 director for eight years. He is a member of Eulalia Lodge, No. 342, F. & 
 A. M. , and procured the organization of the Knights of Honor lodge. He is 
 an active Democrat, but has never sought political preferment, yet he pro- 
 cured the establishment of a postal service between Harrison Valley and 
 Lawrenceville, Tioga county. Mr. Peck is proud of the fact that he was 
 reared on a farm, where he remained until twenty-three years of age, and 
 which he still owns, taking a lively interest in agricultural pursuits and 
 stock-raising. He married, in 1875, Ida Stoddard, of Wellsboro, Penn., and 
 they have two children : Lee and May Peck. 
 
 N. J. PECK, county treasurer, Coudersport, was born in Gananoque, 
 ■Canada, in 1856. His parents are J. B. and Louisa Peek, the former a Meth- 
 odist minister, who was stationed for the first thirteen years of our subject' s life 
 in Canada, and was then called back to the United States, his present residence 
 being in Bath, N. Y. N. J. Peck remained in Canada with his parents until 
 thirteen years of age, as stated, when he removed to Woodhull, Steuben Co., 
 IN. Y. , and there attended an academical institution until twenty years of age, 
 when he graduated. He then taught for several years, afterward becoming a 
 merchant, and eventually studied law with L. H. Cobb, of Coudersport, Penn. 
 He was admitted to the bar in March, 1885, and is now one of the ambitious 
 and promising young attorneys of Coudersport, and the future to him is auspi- 
 cious and full of encouragement He is a member of Coudersport Lodge, No. 
 815, I. O. O. F., and of Forest Encampment, No. 283. He is a member of the 
 Republican party, was chairman of the county committee in 1887, and at pres- 
 eat is couQty treasurer. Mr. Peck married, April 14, 1878, Grace, daughter 
 of Joel L. Raymond, of Potter county, and they have two children: Louisa 
 
BIOGEAPHICAL SKETCHES. 1171 
 
 and Eaymond. November 5, 1889, Mr. Peck was elected on the Republican 
 ticket, by a flattering majority, to the o£Bce of county treasurer. 
 
 L. S. QUIMBY, proprietor of the Commercial House, Coudersport, was 
 born in the town of Caroline, Tompkins Co., N. Y., in 1821. His father, 
 Joseph Quimby, a native of Eastern New York, married Margaret Craton, who 
 was born on shipboard, her parents being then on the voyage from Germany. 
 Joseph Quimby died when L. S. was a child, and the latter began life for him- 
 self when about eighteen years of age. He was one of seven children, viz. : 
 James E. ; Maria, now Mrs. L. Perry, of Tioga county, N. Y. ; Eliza A. , de- 
 ceased wife of Furman Quick, of Iowa; John M. ; William C. ; Eachel, deceased 
 wife of Daniel Mead, of Tompkins county, N. Y., and L. S. L. S. Quimby 
 removed to Steuben county, N. Y., and worked in Addison and Woodhull, 
 where he was engaged in various occupations, and for a period of six years 
 was a commercial traveler. In 1843 he married Susan Northrup, and they 
 became the parents of six children : Alice A. , now Mrs. Eli Glossby, of Homer 
 township. Potter county ; Alda, now Mrs. Wm. Crosby, also of Homer township ; 
 Wilbur M. ; Truman N. ; A. J., of Coudersport; and J. A., of Eulalia town- 
 ship, Potter county. In 1866 L. S. Quimby, with his family, removed to the 
 township of Homer, Potter Co., Penn., where he purchased a farm, and, being 
 a carpenter, devoted his time to his trade, the boys being entrusted with the 
 management of the farm. He lost his wife in 1867, and in 1869 he married 
 Mrs. Sally M. Northup, of Oxford, Chenango Co., N. Y., and to them have 
 been born two children: Homer N. and Minnie M. In 1884 he sold his farm 
 and removed to Coudersport, where he purchased the Commercial House, now 
 one of the noted hostelries of northern Pennsylvania, and although he found 
 it in a dilapidated state and with but little custom, he built a large addition, 
 rearranged and refurnished the house throughout, and, by affability and courtesy 
 to all, has secured the immense trade the house now enjoys. In 1862 he en- 
 listed in Company G, One Hundred and Forty-first New York Volunteers, and 
 served until the close of the war. Disease, the result of exposure during that 
 period, has weakened his constitution, and he has never recovered from its 
 effects. He is an honored member of the G. A. E., and is now serving his 
 third term as senior vice-commander. He is also a member of Eulalia Lodge, 
 No. 342, F. & A. M. In religion he belongs to The Age to Come Adventists. 
 He is a Eepublican, but takes no prominent part in politics. 
 
 O. J. EEES, county surveyor, Coudersport, son of Eli and Harriet A. 
 (Jackson) Eees, was born at Ayer's Hill, Summit township, Potter Co., Penn., 
 in 1839. His grandfather, Eli Eees, was a native of Chester county, Penn., 
 but removed to Potter county in 1828, and located on Sinnemahoning creek, 
 Sylvania township. He came as agent for Samuel Webb to look after his land 
 interests here, and, as an inducement to come, was given a deed of 400 acres of 
 land and two village lots in Sylvania. Here he remained as agent for Mr. 
 Webb throughout his life. Eli Eees, father of O. J., was a native of Chester 
 county, Penn. , and came here with his parents. When eighteen years of age 
 (in 1837) he married, and in 1838 located at Coudersport, where he engaged 
 in business as contractor and builder, erecting the court-house, churches, and 
 most of the old buildings of the borough; for some time he was engaged m 
 bridge building, having constructed many of the large bridges" spanning the 
 Susquehanna river. He was elected treasurer of the county in 1856. He 
 was accidentally and fatally shot November 17, 1859, and thus terminated his 
 career when in the prime of life, and when it was full of promise for the 
 future. His widow is now in her sixty-seventh year, and living with her 
 youngest son. O. J. Eees read law with F. W. Knox, beginning at the age of 
 
1172 HISTORY OF POTTEE COUNTY. 
 
 niaeteen, but as the law required a three-years course, he gave the study up before 
 the time was completed, as he felt it his duty to volunteer his services in response 
 to his country's call for soldiers. He enlisted, in 1861, in Company H, Forty- 
 sixth Pennsylvania Volunteers, and was discharged in 1864. He then lived in 
 several of the Western States until he returned to Coudereport, in 1871. 
 Here he followed the business of contractor and builder until 1877, when he 
 lost an arm in a molding machine, which necessitated a change of occupation, 
 and in the winter of the same year he began surveying. He was appointed 
 county surveyor in 1884, was elected in 1885, and still holds that office. In 
 1866 Mr. Rees married, at Lafayette, Ind., Martha M., daughter of Joseph 
 Hitchcock, and they have three children: Leonora, Eva and William Burton. 
 Mr. Rees is a member of the G. A. R., Knights of Honor, Sons of Temperance, 
 and Eulalia Lodge, No. 342, F. & A. M. He is a Democrat, is active in politics, 
 has served as register and recorder for a period of five years, and has also been 
 justice of the peace. 
 
 CHARLES REISSMANN, dealer in furniture, Coudersport, was born in 
 Sachsen-Altenburg, Germany, in 1824. He came to America in 1854, and 
 settled in New York City, but removed thence to Stedman, Chautaiiqua Co. , 
 N. Y., and from there to Coudersport. Being a carpenter and joiner, he 
 worked here for a time at his trade, and then went into the furniture and 
 undertaking business, which he continued until the fire of 1880, in which he 
 met with a very heavy loss. He rebuilt in 1883, and has since continued bus- 
 iness on Second street, in his commodious quarters, where his enterprise is 
 meeting with the success it merits. Mr. Reissmann married Miss Catharine 
 Schmitt, a lady of German birth, and they have three children : Julius, Anna 
 (now Mrs. Shellenberger) and Kate (now Mrs. Stone). Mr. Reissmann is a 
 member of the Knights of Honor. In politics he affiliates with the Repub- 
 lican party, and has been a member of the council. He and his wife are mem- 
 bers of the Presbyterian Church. 
 
 BENJAMIN RENNELLS, Coudersport, is a son of Ezra and Lydia (Clark) 
 Rennells, and was born in Bradford county, Penn. , in 1822. He remained 
 with his parents until fourteen years of age, during which time the family 
 removed to near Coudersport, Potter Co., Penn., where Benjamin, our subject, 
 attended school. In 1836 he became an employe of Isaac Strait, at that time 
 proprietor of a hotel, with whom he remained until 1843. He then learned the 
 blacksmith's trade, which he followed until within a few years. He has been 
 continually a resident of Coudersport since the date of his coming, with the 
 exception of a brief period he passed at Port Allegany, where he was employed 
 in the lumber business. When he came here the present site of the borough 
 was an almost unbroken wilderness, the land low, in fact a swamp; in excavat- 
 ing for the cellar of his present residence, he was compelled to dig to a depth 
 of thirteen feet before reaching a good gravel foundation. While digging here 
 he found a solid white- ash log, pine knots, hemlock buds, leaves, and what, 
 under a microscope, proved to be sawdust; upon examination of the logs found, 
 with a powerful glass, it became evident that it was occasioned by the work of 
 beavers, and gave unmistakable evidences of its having been, in past ages, 
 a beaver dam. ^ Of those who are now residents of the borough that were here 
 in 1831, but two are now living — Mrs. Ross and Titus Losey. Mr. Rennells 
 is a member of Eulalia Lodge, No. 342, P. & A. M. He is an active Repub- 
 lican, and has been honored by being elected burgess of the borough, member 
 of the council, school director, and to various other positions of honor and 
 trust. In 1847 he married Maria, daughter of John Nelson, of Sweden town- 
 ship. Potter Co., Penn., and they have one son, W. C. Rennells, who married 
 
BIOGEAPHICAL SKETCHES. 1173 
 
 Ella, daughter of Isaac Strait; they also had one daughter, Martha, now de- 
 ceased. Mr. and Mrs. Benjamin Rennells, in the evening of their life, are 
 enjoying the fruits of earlier labor, and are living in Coudersport. 
 
 ALBERT L. RENNELLS, register and recorder of Potter county, Cou- 
 dersport, was born in Homer, Potter Co., Penn., in 1844. He attended the 
 common schools of that locality until 1862, when he enlisted in Company K, 
 One Hundred and Forty-ninth Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry, remaining 
 in the army for three years. At the battle of Spottsylvania he received a 
 wound, which necessitated the amputation of a leg. After recovering, he re- 
 turned to Coudersport, where he was engaged in various ways until in the fall 
 of 1887, when he was elected register and recorder of Potter county. He is a 
 member of Coudersport Post, No. 104, G. A. R. He is an ardent Republican, 
 and is thoroughly imbued with the principles of the party. He is a gentle- 
 man of good abilities, eminently qualified to fill the position he holds with 
 credit to himself and acceptability to the people of the county. Mr. Rennells 
 married, in 1867, Miss Elmina, daughter of Charles Parish, of Ulysses, Potter 
 county, and they have two children (twin girls): Mary Belle and Kate M. 
 
 CAPTAIN DAVID ROSS (deceased), a native of Grafton county, N. H. , 
 was born in 1795, and died in 1872. He was of Scotch descent on his father's 
 side, and Puritan on his mother's. His father was a soldier in the war of the 
 Revolution. David Ross, the subject of these lines, came to Pennsylvania in 
 1820, and was more or less engaged in the lumbering business in Ceres, Mc- 
 ILean county. In 1827 he moved to Coudersport, Potter county, where for 
 several years he was surveyor and local agent for the sale of the Bingham 
 lands, there being no general agent for the same in the county. He was also 
 engaged in viewing and surveying the roads that became necessary in the 
 county, for many years ; also in clearing and improving village lots, in building, 
 etc. In July, 1827, he married Mary Ann, daughter of John and Seclendia 
 (House) Knight, and born January 21, 1810, near Syracuse, N. Y. John 
 Knight was a native of Ireland, of Irish-English parentage, and about the 
 close of the eighteenth century came to America with his father's family and 
 an uncle, they being implicated in the Irish rebellion of 1798. They settled 
 in Philadelphia, and started iron works there, which still bear their name, or 
 did up to a few years ago. John Knight was educated in the Moravian school 
 at Bethlehem, near Philadelphia, and in 1807 came to Onondaga county, N. 
 Y., where, in 1808, he married Seclendia House. He was in the war of 1812, 
 and was discharged from the army early in 1815, dying in June, same year, 
 from sickness contracted by privations while in the army. Seclendia House 
 was of Puritan parentage, a daughter of Jonathan and Mary (Smith) House, and 
 born in Bennington county, Vt. , in 1788. Her father was a volunteer in the Revo- 
 lutionary war, and was with Gen. Stark at the battle of Bennington in August, 
 1777. His ancestors fought in the King Philip wars. The ancestors of Mary 
 Smith House came to this country early in the seventeenth century, and shared 
 in the privations of the early colonists at Plymouth, Mass. Jonathan House 
 and family removed, in 1797, to Onondaga county, N. Y., at that time a new 
 country with few houses and no churches. Mary Ann Knight came in May, 
 1825, to Coudersport, Potter county, with her mother and stepfather (J. L. 
 Cartee), her mother having married John L. Cartee, in 1819 (four years after 
 the death of Mr. Knight). Mary Ann Knight taught school at Lymansville, and 
 in July, 1827, as already related, was married to David Ross. The children 
 born to this union were Sobieski, Mary, Pulaski and Ellen. 
 
 Sobieski Ross, eldest of these children, was born May 16, 1828, and when 
 five years of age commenced attending the common schools. In 1840 he 
 
1174 , HISTOBY OF POTTER COUNTY. 
 
 entered the academy opened that year at Coudersport, which he attended 
 several years. At the age of sixteen he commenced surveying, and in the fall of 
 1845 we find him in the Bingham land office, his time being occupied for the next 
 year or two in that office, in teaching school, and in buying land. In 1850 
 Mr. Ross was the nominee of the Whig party for the legislature, but was 
 defeated. In 1852 he was appointed associate judge by Gov. Johnson, and 
 about the same time took charge of the Barber and Fox lands, and some 
 others, which he continued to hold until his death. In 1853 or 1854 he made 
 a large purchase still known as the Fox and Ross lands, and other purchases 
 known as the Ross lands. From this time on, for many years, he was engaged 
 in the duties of his land office, and in clearing, building and making improve- 
 ments generally, which operations gave employment to many laboring men. 
 "When the Coudersport & Port Allegany Railroad Company was organized, early 
 in the " seventies, ' ' he became president of the company, a position he filled up to 
 the time of his death. He was elected to the XLIIId Congress, and re-elected 
 to the XLIVth; in 1877 he received the nomination to the XLVth Con- 
 gress, but declined on account of business responsibilities and impaired health. 
 He died October 24, 1877. In October, 1846, Sobieski Ross married Mary 
 Spangler, who was born in February, 1828. By this marriage there were born 
 three sons and one daughter: John Sobieski, Mary, Henry Dent and George 
 Fox. The mother of these children dying November 22, 1862, Mr. Ross mar- 
 ried, in 1864, Isabella Havens (who survives him), who bore him one child, 
 Thomas Havens Ross, now a practicing physician in Buffalo, N. Y. John 
 Sobieski Ross, eldest son of Sobieski Ross, was born January 7, 1848, and died 
 December 14, 1882. He was truly a Coudersport man. Thoroughly business 
 like and upright, he contributed largely to the progress of his native town, 
 and his death, while still young, brought genuine sorrow in the community. 
 He was credited with being the most scholarly man in the village. Mary 
 Ross, said to be the only graduate of Vassar College from this county, mar- 
 ried Alfred Stanton, of Virginia, and now resides in Belmont, Va. ; George 
 Fox Ross, born June 19, 1859, died September 27, 1887, leaving a widow 
 and two children, residents of Coudersport. 
 
 Mary Ross, daughter of David and Mary A. Ross, was born in August, 
 1830, and was married in September, 1848, to Capt. Archibald F. Jones, late mer- 
 chant of Coudersport, who died March 8, 1879. To this union, one child, 
 "William Knight Jones, was born. 
 
 Pulaski Ross, second son of David and Mary A. Ross, was born in Decem- 
 ber, 1833, and died in February, 1841. 
 
 Ellen Ross, second daughter of David and Mary A. Ross, was born in No- 
 vember, 1836, and in 1860 was married to A. G. Olmsted, at present judge of 
 this judicial district. They have two children — one daughter, Nellie, and one 
 son, Robert. 
 
 JOHN S. ROSS (deceased), son of Sobieski Ross, was born at Coudersport, 
 Potter Co., Penn., January 7, 1848. He completed his education at Andalusia 
 College, Bucks Co., Penn. Being of a studious and literary nature he spent 
 much time in the study of geology, in which he took great pleasure, and as 
 helps he collected a large cabinet of geological specimens, also a library on 
 that subject. In 1872 he married MissLydia S., daughter of W. J. Colegrove, 
 of Smethport, McKean Co. , Penn. After his father' s decease Mr. Ross devoted 
 his time and energies to the proper management of the large interests which 
 that event entailed upon him. Our subject was active in politics, but was not 
 an office-seeker. He died Decem.ber 14, 1882, at Jersey Shore, Lycoming 
 Co., Penn. 
 
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHEg. 1175 
 
 iQFiQ^"'^*^"^^'^ ^' -^^^^ (deceased), son of Sobieski Eoss, was born June 19, 
 1»59, at Coudersport, Penn. He received his early education here, and attended 
 the academy at Washington, Penn. After leaving school he was engaged in 
 a bank, and in a custom and flouring mill. He married; July 3, 1878, Miss 
 Frank Brown, daughter of William Brown, of Mansfield, Tioga Co., Penn. 
 Mr. Ross died September 27, 1887. He was a young man of extended 
 acquaintance, and his prospects for future prosperity were full of promise. 
 
 JOHN SCHAPER, baker and confectioner, Coudersport, is a native of 
 Germany, born in 1850. He was reared in his native country, and in 1869 
 came to America. He first located in New York City, where he lived until 
 1875, when he moved to New Jersey, and thence, in 1881, to Coudersport, 
 Penn. He learned the baker's trade in his native country, and on coming to 
 Coudersport embarked in business on Main street, where he has built up a 
 good trade, being now one of the leading business men of the place. He was 
 married in New Jersey, in 1878, to Maggie Stucker, and they have two chil- 
 dren : Caroline and Georgie. In politics Mr. Schafer is a Democrat, but is in no 
 sense a politician. He is a member of the order of Knights of the Maccabees. 
 In religious faith he is a Protestant, but is a member of no denomination. 
 
 JASPER M. SPAFFORD, surveyor, Coudersport, was born June 16, 
 1834, on the farm he now owns at Lymansville, Potter Co., Penn., and is a son 
 of Lorenzo D. and Almira (Taggart) SpafFord. They were among the earliest 
 pioneers of Potter county, in fact the second family to become residents there- 
 of, having settled in the county in the year 1810. Lorenzo D. Spafford's first 
 home was in a log cabin, located near the site occupied by the store at Lymans- 
 ville, near which place he cleared a farm, and became a practical agriculturist. 
 He is now the father of four children: Cordelia, the late Mrs. G. B. Williams, 
 of Columbus City, Iowa; Orlo J., of Williamsport, Penn.; Jasper M., and 
 Augusta, now Mrs. John Rodgers, of Emporium. Jasper M. Spafford received 
 such educational advantages as were afforded in this then a new country, and 
 was brought up on the farm. In 1863 he married Miss Ellen Bird, and 
 located on the old homestead, where he has since resided. For twenty years 
 he followed surveying, and for ten or fifteen years carried on a general store, 
 being also largely interested in the hardwood trade and in timber lands, besides 
 various other business interests. He was elected treasurer of the county in 
 1872, and has held many official positions. Mr. Spafford is a supporter of the 
 Republican party, and he and his wife are members of the Presbyterian 
 Church. 
 
 CONSIDER STEARNS, associate judge, Coudersport, son of Rufus and 
 Polly (Wilcox) Stearns, was born in Allegany county, N. Y., in 1822. In 1841 
 he removed to Hebron, Potter Co., Penn., and engaged in farming. At that 
 time this portion of the county was a wilderness, but he cleared a farm of 130 
 acres, and later one of 150 acres; then purchased one in Eulalia, of which he 
 cleared about 100 acres. He remained on this last purchase until 1886, when 
 he bought a lot in Coudersport, upon which he built his present residence, and 
 to which he removed when elected associate judge. He is a member of the 
 Republican party, and has held various official positions in his former home, 
 both of honor and trust. Mr. Stearns married, in 1848, Sarah, daughter of 
 George Stillman, of Hebron, and to them were born two children: Roscoe 
 (who married Sarah Weimer, and resides in Coudersport), and Lydia, now 
 Mrs. Dr. Tassell, of Eulalia. Mr. and Mr. Stearns are members of the Bap- 
 tist Church. 
 
 E. N. STEBBINS, merchant, Coudersport, is a native of Hammonds- 
 port, N. Y., born in 1835. He received a common-school education, and in 
 
1176 HISTOEY OF POTTEB COUNTY. 
 
 1855 went to Green Bay, Wis., where he engaged in mercantile business, 
 but after a time returned east, and in 1857 located at Coudersport, Potter Co. , 
 Penn., becoming here a dealer in general merchandise. At the beginning of 
 the Civil war he was appointed paymaster and military storekeeper in the ord- 
 nance department, U. S. A., and stationed at Washington arsenal. Soon 
 after the close of the struggle (in October, 1865) he resigned, and located at 
 Bridgeport, Conn., where he engaged in the manufacture of hardware, having 
 a store in New York City. In 1875, under the administration of President 
 Grant, he was appointed a member of the Board of Indian Commissioners, 
 upon which he served three years, when he resigned and returned to Couders- 
 port, where he has since been one of its prominent merchants, and is one 
 of its representative men. He has cast his fortune with the Democratic party, 
 and after one of the hottest fights ever made for a post-office in Pennsylvania, 
 received the appointment of postmaster in 1887. While a resident of Bridge- 
 port he married Miss Mary T. Clapp, and they are the parents of nine 
 children, five of whom, with their parents, are members of the Episcopal 
 Church of Coudersport, which Mr. Stebbins was largely instrumental in 
 building. 
 
 P. A. STEBBINS & BEG. , general merchants, Coudersport. This well- 
 known house has been in trade for many years, and its members are known far 
 and wide as enterprising and reliable dealers. Their annual sales are very 
 heavy, and their operations in general merchandise cover every line except 
 hardware and drugs. Their store is a double one, with a large store-room in 
 the rear. The front is of plate-glass, and the interior of the store is con- 
 veniently arranged for the careful inspection of goods. The three leading 
 departments are dry goods, groceries and boots and shoes. In dry goods the 
 firm handle every texture, from the finest fabrics to substantial goods for com- 
 mon wear. Elegant novelties and ladies' tine dress goods are displayed in 
 connection with the sober colors of coarse textures, suitable for hard service. 
 In boots and shoes the firm carry lines of ladies' and gentlemen' s wear of the 
 leading makes, and can give satisfaction to parties in search of a fancy shoe or 
 a heavy boot; all styles and sizes are kept. In groceries, extra select lots of 
 teas and coffees are carried; in fact, their whole stock of family groceries has 
 been selected with great care, and can be depended upon in actual use. The 
 firm are also known as exporters of ginseng, and their transactions in this 
 article foot up to many thousands of dollars. Their establishment is a model 
 one, and their trade is exceptionally large. Both members of the firm are 
 good business men. 
 
 P. A. Stebbins, Jr. , was prothouotary of the county for a term, and is the 
 present superintendent of the fire department of the borough. C. A. Steb- 
 bins is a member of E alalia Lodge, No. 342, and of Coudersport Chapter. 
 
 Z. J. THOMPSON, grocer, Coudersport, is a native of Plymouth, Che- 
 nango Co., N. Y. , born January 3, 1820, and was there reared and educated. 
 His grandfather, Jacob Thompson, was of German descent, and was one of the 
 pioneers of Chenango county, but removed to the Western States, where he 
 died. Henry Thompson, son of Jacob, and father of Z. J., was born in 
 Smyrna, Chenango Co. , N. Y. , and was married to Jane Henry. He was a 
 farmer by occupation, and later in life followed shoemaking at Sherburne 
 Four Corners, in his native county — the first pair of shoes he made being for 
 his son Z. J. He and his wife died at Sherburne Four Corners. The subject 
 of this sketch married, October 3, 1848, Julia A. Shuart, born June 7, 1820, 
 daughter of Col. William and Hannah (Wortendyke) Shuart, natives of Ber- 
 gen county, N. J., and of Holland and French descenf, respectively. In 
 
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 1177 
 
 1849 Z. J. Thompson moved to Mansfield, Tioga Co., Penn., where he took up 
 the trade of wheelwright. He afterward went to Wellsboro, and in 1855 came 
 to Coudersport, Potter Co., Penn., where he engaged in business as a wagon- 
 maker, which he continued until the disastrous conflagration of 1880, when 
 he lost everything he had excepting his residence. He, however, erected a 
 new place of business on Second street, where he is now located in the grocery 
 trade. He has been honored by being placed in many positions of trust and 
 honor, and is at present justice of the peace. He has but one child living — 
 W. W.; a daughter, Ella J., born March 7, 1853, at Wellsboro, Tioga Co., 
 Penn., died January 13, 1874 
 
 W. W. THOMPSON, printer, Coudersport, son of Z. J. Thompson, was 
 born at Mansfield, Tioga, Co. , Penn. He was educated at Coudersport, and 
 in 1865 commenced an apprenticeship to the printing trade. In 1867 he pur- 
 chased the Potter County Journal (having become associated in business with 
 Mrs. V. C. Dyke), the oldest paper in the county. In 1871 he disposed of his 
 interest to Mrs. Dyke, spent three years in Kansas, and in 1874, upon the or- 
 ganization of a stock company, he became the principal stock-holder, editor 
 and publisher of the Enterprise, of Coudersport, Penn. He, however, was 
 one of the sufferers by the fire of 1880, and lost heavily, but at once erected 
 the building the Enterprise now occupies, and started anew. This profession 
 he continued until 1886, when he sold out the business. In 1882 Mr. Thomp- 
 son married Miss Eva, daughter of C. L. and V. C. Dyke (the latter of whom 
 was his former partner), and they have one child, two years of age. Mr. 
 Thompson is a member of Eulalia Lodge, No. 342, F. & A. M., and Cou- 
 dersport Chapter, No. 263, R. A. M. , and of Bradford Commandery, No. 58, K. 
 T. In politics he is an ardent Democrat. 
 
 M. S. THOMPSON, druggist, etc., Coudersport, was born in North Nor- 
 wich, Chenango Co., N. Y. , in 1842, where he received his education, enjoy- 
 ing such advantages as the common schools afforded. The parents of Mr. 
 Thompson were Henry and Jane (Henry) Thompson. His paternal grand- 
 father was of German descent, and his paternal grandmother of Scotch ex- 
 traction. Grandfather Henry was of Irish blood, and it is thought that the 
 name was originally McHenry. Mr. Henry's wife was a genuine Yankee, but 
 the nationality of her ancestors in unknown. M. S. Thompson came to 
 Coudersport, Potter Co., Penn., in 1859, and worked at the wheelwright's 
 trade for about three years, when he entered the employ of P. A. Stebbins & 
 Son, with whom he remained until the fall of 1866, at which time he became 
 associated with Dr. O. T. Ellison, in the drug trade, Mr. Thompson beginning 
 business on a cash capital of $100. The firm name was Ellison & Thompson, 
 which in 1868 was changed to Thompson & Mann, and in 1879 to M. S. 
 Thompson & Co. Their place of business is on the corner of Main and Third 
 streets, the mammoth double store at once attracting attention. It is 80x26 
 feet, with a rear apartment measui-ing 34x26. The building is owned by M. 
 S. Thompson & Co., and is a handsome structure built of brick, the second 
 floor being divided into offices. There are but few drug stores along the 
 main line of the Brie Railroad that will compare with this. In its construction 
 both exterior and interior, very fine work has been done. The stock is an 
 immense one, and comprises drugs, books, stationery, wall paper, fancy goods, 
 paints, oils, curtains, watches, jewelry, silverware, smokers' supplies and many 
 other lines, and Mr. Thompson also has the exclusive agency for the Sherwin- 
 Williams and the H. W. Johns paints. Physicians' prescriptions are com- 
 pounded with the utmost care. Toliet articles of every variety are here found. 
 Fancy cutlery, lamps and lamp fixtures are displayed, and school supplies are 
 
1178 HI8T0EY OF POTTEB COUNTY. 
 
 also kept. Mr. Thompson was postmaster at Coudersport from 1869 to 1887, 
 and this post-office is one of considerable importance, owing to the fact of the 
 town being the county seat. In the long period of Mr. Thompson's service, 
 he made marked improvements in the standing of the office, and placed it on 
 a iirm footing of prosperity. The interior arrangements are admirably 
 planned. The store is a noted center of trade, and people throughout Potter 
 county find it profitable to do business with Thompson & Co., owing to the 
 high standard of the stock and the low figures at which goods are sold. In 
 addition to his valuable realty, Mr. Thompson has an interest in the Couders- 
 port & Port Allegany Eailroad. • He is a member of the Bepublican party, 
 and is at present the very able burgess of the borough of Coudersport. He 
 is a public-spirited man, and takes a lively interest in all local matters, having 
 contributed toward the erection of the Soldiers' Monument, churches, etc. 
 Mr. Thompson was married September 30, 1868, to Miss Cora E., daughter of 
 John S. Mann. He has two adopted daughters : Marcia C, seventeen years of 
 age, and Marion I., eleven years old. 
 
 AMOS VELEY, proprietor of a livery stable at Coudersport, was born in Ly- 
 coming county, near Haneyville, Clinton Co., Penn. , in 1849. His parents, Mi- 
 nard and Abby Veley, were natives of New Jersey, but lived and died in Ly- 
 coming county, near the village of Jersey Shore. Their children were Barney, 
 Jeanette, Minard, Emily, Hagerman, Amos, George, Jane (deceased) and a 
 babe (also deceased). When twenty years of age Amos started in life for him- 
 self and removed to Coudersport in 1870, where he engaged in the stage and 
 livery business, his first line being from Kettle Creek to Coudersport. He 
 continued that line of business, and now has several mail contracts over as 
 many routes, in addition to which he does a general livery business. In 1871 
 he married Ella S. , daughter of William and Amanda A. (Woodcock) Benson, 
 of Lymansville, Potter Co. , Penn. , and they have two children, Edgar H. , and 
 Harry M. Mrs. Veley' s father, W. H. Benson, was born at Southport, Che- 
 mung Co., N. Y., January 17, 1814, and her mother at Hebron, Washington 
 Co., N. Y., April 26, 1821. They were married in Eulalia township. Potter 
 Co., Penn., in October, 1837. Almond Woodcock, grandfather of Mrs. Veley, 
 was one of the first settlers of Lymansville, where he lived and died. Her par- 
 ents also located at Lymansville, and they are also deceased. Their children 
 were Harvey H., William W., Dallas, Ella S., Mortimer and Wesley. 
 
 S. C. White, attorney at law, Coudersport, son of James and Mary A. 
 (Boyd) White, was born at Eichburg, Allegany Co., N. Y., January 1, 1859. 
 His parents were natives of Ireland, and emigrated to America in 1848, locat- 
 ing in Steuben county, N. Y. , removing thence to Richburg, and thence to 
 Potter county, Penn. They located in Sharon township in 1866, and engaged 
 in lumbering, from there moved to Coudersport, their present residence. 
 Their family consisted of four children : S. C. , Jennie, Amy and Homer E. , 
 the last named a resident of Chicago. S. C. White attended school at Sharon 
 Centre, and graduated at the Central State Normal School, at Lock Haven, 
 Penn., in July,'1882, Jennie, his sister graduating in the same class, and Amy a 
 year later. He read law with District Attorney L. H. Cobb, of Coudersport, 
 was admitted to the bar March 2, 1885, and at once located at Coudersport, 
 where he has since been in the active practice of his profession, and is now 
 one of the rising young lawyers of the borough. 
 
 W. G. WILBER, commissioner of Potter county, is a son of Eandall 
 Clark Wilber, and was born in Alfred Centre, Allegany Co., N. Y., in 1851. 
 In 1855 his father died, leaving four children, and in 1868 his mother re- 
 moved to Potter county, Penn. Here W. G. Wilber engaged in lumbering 
 
BIOGEAPHICAL SKETCHES. 1179 
 
 and farming until 1887, when he was elected commissioner of Potter county, 
 having previously been jury commissioner. He is a member of Eulalia Lodge, 
 No. 342, F. & A. M. He is a Republicaa, and received the appointment of 
 postmaster at Wilber under President Arthur's administration, a position he 
 held for a period of five years. Mr. Wilber married, in 1872, Miss L. A., daugh- 
 ter of John Brooks, and they have five children. 
 
 CHAPTER XXV. 
 
 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES— SHAEON, OSWAYO AND 
 GENESEE TOWNSHIPS. 
 
 SHAEON TOWNSHIP. 
 
 ANDREW J. BARNES, lumberman and farmer, P. O. Millport, was born 
 in Wayne county, Penn. , March 30, 1836, a son of Gabriel and Salena J. (Starr) 
 Barnes, who settled in Sharon township. Potter county, in 1838, where the 
 father engaged in lumbering, at which business he continued until his death. 
 He reared a large family of children, named as follows: Ann, Adeline (Mrs. 
 F. Fuller), Andrew J., George H. (killed at the battle of Chattanooga), Charles, 
 James (both in the army), Susan (Mrs. William Caldwell), Alice (Mrs. George 
 Corwin) Mary (Mrs. William McMurray), Thomas, Fremont, Rodney and Ida. 
 Andrew J. Barnes was reared in Sharon township, and began life as a lum- 
 berman. He enlisted in the Civil war in October, 1861, in Company G, Fifty- 
 third Pennsylvania Volunteers, serving eleven months, when he was honorably 
 discharged on account of disability. After his return home he re-embarked 
 in the lumber business, as agent for Weaton Bros., of Olean, N. Y., in which 
 he has been very successful. He has cleared and improved most of the farm 
 he now occupies, which was his father's homestead, and has been in the mer- 
 cantile trade at Millport since 1878. He married twice. His first wife was 
 Delia, daughter of Silas Babbitt, of Sharon township, by whom he had five 
 children: Guy S., Silas, Belle (Mrs. O. B. Howard), Charles and Jessie. His 
 present wife was Laura, daughter of William Lockwood, of Oswayo township, 
 by whom he has four children: Alfred, Leslie, Salena, and Weston (an infant 
 son). Mr. Barnes is one of the leading citizens and business men of Sharon 
 township. He is a member of the Masonic fraternity and of the Grand Army 
 of the Republic. In politics he is a Democrat. 
 
 ZALMON BARNES, farmer, P. O. Honeoye, was born in Barton, Tioga 
 Co., N. Y., November 11, 1840, and is a son of Christopher and MaryH. (Lott) 
 Barnes, natives also of Barton, N. Y. His father settled in Sharon township, 
 this county, in 1852, and cleared and improved the farm now occupied by Zal- 
 mon, who was reared in Sharon from fourteen years of age. September 10, 
 1861, he enlisted in Company C, Eighty-fifth New York Volunteers. He was 
 taken prisoner at Plymouth, N. C, and sent to Andersonville prison, where 
 he remained five months; from there he was taken to Charleston prison, and 
 one month later to Florence prison, where he also remained two months, when he 
 was paroled. He was honorably discharged at Elmira, N. Y., March 25, 1865. 
 He then returned home to Sharon township, where he engaged in farming. 
 
1180 HISTORY OF POTTER COUNTY. 
 
 and for twelve years was in the lumber business. He married, January 1, 
 1870, Eosetta F., daughter of Nathan and Clarissa (Chapel) Hayward, of Boli- 
 var, N. Y., and they have one son, Charles E. Mr. Barnes is a member of 
 the Methodist Episcopal Church and of the G. A. E. In politics he is a Ee- 
 publican. and has held the office of school director four years. 
 
 GBOEGE M. BEIGHTMAN, farmer, P. O. Shinglehouse, was born in One- 
 onta, N. Y. , June 24, 1820, a son of George and Sally (Brightman) Bright- 
 man. He was reared in his native town, and settled in Sharon township, this 
 county, in 1849, and in 1869 located on the farm he now occupies, most of 
 which he cleared and improved. His wife was Alzina, daughter of Charles 
 and Chloe (Perry) Perry, of Saratoga Co., N. Y., by whom he had seven chil- 
 dren: William, George, Charles, Warren B. (now district attorney of Potter 
 county), Minerva (Mrs. John T. Smith), Helen (Mrs. Avery Moshier) and 
 Georgia. Of these, William was in the Eebellion, and died in the service of 
 his country. Mr. Brightman is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. 
 He cast his first presidential vote for Gen. William H. Harrison in 1840, and 
 his last for the grandson, Gen. Benjamin Harrison, in 1888. 
 
 WILLIAM J. BEOWN, farmer and lumberman, P. O. Millport, was 
 born in Washington county, N. Y. , October 20, 1826, a son of William and 
 Euth (Saxon) Brown. He was reared in St. Croix, Wis. , and Tioga county, 
 Penn. In 1845 he enlisted in the Mexican war, in which he served eleven 
 months. In 1846 he settled in Sweden, Potter county, where he was engaged 
 in lumbering up to 1865. He then removed to Millport, in Sharon township, 
 where he has since resided, and been engaged in lumbering and farming. 
 July 29, 1849, he married Lucinda, daughter of Silas and Cyntha (Felt) Nel- 
 son, of Eulalia township, this county, and they have six children, viz. : Ella 
 (Mrs. Joshua Dunning), Alice (Mrs. Eansom Munger), Eose (Mrs. Charles 
 McDonald), Herbert (married to -Nettie Sloat), Fannie (Mrs. Eugene C. Drake) 
 and Charles (married to Libbie Hallett). Mr. Brown is a prominent and lead- 
 ing citizen of Sharon township. Politically he is a Eepublican. He is a mem- 
 ber of the Masonic fraternity, both lodge and chapter. 
 
 PELEG BUEDIC, proprietor of the Sharon Centre House, Sharon Centre, 
 was born in Addison, Steuben Co. , N. Y. , April 24, 1830, a son of Thomas J. 
 and Ursula (Gibbs) Burdic, who settled at Millport, Sharon township. Potter 
 Co., Penn., about 1838, where they resided two years; then moved to Sharon 
 Centre, locating on the land now owned and occupied by their son Peleg, 
 where the father engaged in lumbering for many years. They reared a family 
 of nine children, viz. : John, Peleg, George, Jesse, Eoxie, Melvin, Helen 
 (Mrs. Dana Drake), Ealph and Almira (Mrs. DeWitt Gustin). Peleg Burdic 
 was reared in Sharon, and his early life was spent in lumbering, at which he 
 continued up to 1861, when he erected the Sharon Centre House, which he has 
 since successfully conducted. December 31, 1863, he enlisted in Company L, 
 Fifteenth New York Cavalry, participated in the Shenandoah raids and was 
 honorably discharged July 4, 1865. He married Matilda, daughter of Joseph 
 and Esther (Gibbs) Manley, of Addison, N. Y. , and they have one son, Wal- 
 lace) a merchant of Sharon Centre. Mr. Burdic has been postmaster of Sharon 
 Centre since Lincoln's first administration. He is a member of the Masonic 
 fraternity, both lodge and chapter, and of the Knights of Labor. Politically 
 he is a stanch advocate of the Greenback doctrine. 
 
 DE WITT C. CHASE, retired, P. O. Millport, was born in Jerusalem, Yates 
 Co., N. Y., September 24, 1818, a son of Eev. John B. and Eebecca (Winship) 
 Chase, early settlers of Yates and Allegany counties, N. Y. Mr. Chase set- 
 tled in Sharon township. Potter county, in 1844, where, for a number of years. 
 
BIOGBAPHICAL SKETCHES. Ugl 
 
 he was engaged in farming. In 1865 he embarked in general mercantile 
 busmeas, in which he successfully continued up to 1878, when ill health com- 
 pelled him to retire. Mr. Chase is an honored and respected citizen of Mill- 
 port. He cast his first presidential vote for William H. Harrison in 1840 and 
 his last for the grandson, Benjamin Harrison, in 1888. ' 
 
 CHARLES H. COLE, county commissioner, justice of the peace and 
 lumberman, Shinglehouse, was born in Clara township. Potter Co., Penn 
 June 10, 1855, a son of William A. and Almira (Smith) Cole, the father a 
 native of Cortland county, N. Y., and the mother of Harrison, Potter Co., 
 Penn. His paternal grandfather, Jonathan Cole, was a pioneer of Sharon 
 township, and later removed to Oswayo township, and died there. His mater- 
 nal grandfather, Jonathan Smith, was a pioneer of Harrison township, this 
 county. William A. Cole was a farmer of Clara township, and there Charles 
 H. was reared and educated. He began life as a teacher in the common 
 schools, and in 1879 entered as a clerk the store of George W. Dodge, of 
 Shinglehouse, by whom he was employed four years. He then formed a part- 
 nership with Mr. Dodge, and embarked in the hardware trade at Shinglehouse, 
 under the firm name of Dodge & Cole, and carried on business for four years. 
 In May, 1884, Mr. Cole married Jessie A., daughter of Amos A. and Dolly 
 (Jones) Newton, of Sharon township, and they have two children: Harold and 
 Dolly. In 1884 Mr. Cole was elected justice of the peace for Sharon town- 
 ship, which office he still holds, and in 1888 was elected county commissioner 
 for a term of three years. He is a popular citizen and business man. He is 
 a member of the I. O. O. F. , and in politics is a Eepublican. 
 
 ABEAM DEEEMEE, farmer, P. O. East Sharon, was born in Hunterdon 
 county, N. J., July 13, 1821, a son of Joseph and Eachel (Bishop) Deremer, 
 natives of New Jersey and pioneers of Tompkins and Steuben counties, N. 
 Y., and later of Crawford county, Penn. Abram Deremer was reared in 
 Steuben county, N. Y. , where he married Caroline, daughter of Daniel and Polly 
 (Opdyke) Eichey, by whom he has six children living: Delia and Adelbert 
 (twins, former married to J. A. Smith), Alice (Mrs. Almon Pearsall), Pannie 
 (Mrs. Walter Crosby), Dora (Mrs. Edgar Smith) and Daniel. Mr. Deremer, 
 who has always been a farmer, settled in Sharon township in 1868, where he 
 has since resided, a prominent and respected citizen. In politics he is a Dem- 
 ocrat, and served as auditor of the township three years. 
 
 JAMES W. DICKINSON, lumberman and farmer, P. O. Millport, was 
 born in Tioga county, Penn., August 18, 1842, a son of James and Electa 
 Dickinson. In 1849 he removed to Sharon township. Potter county, with his 
 brother-in-law, Archibald Sloat, where he was reared and educated from seven 
 years of age. February 1, 1864, he enlisted in Company D, Eighty-fifth New 
 York Volunteers. He was captured at Plymouth, N. C, and sent to Ander- 
 son ville, where he was kept a prisoner ten months; from there was sent to 
 Eichmond and paroled, and was honorably discharged from the service July 
 14, 1865. He then returned to Sharon township, where he has since resided, 
 and followed the business of lumbering and farming, clearing and improving 
 the farm he now occupies. Mr. Dickinson married, June 17, 1861, Jeanette 
 M., daughter of Eichard and Emily Corwin, of Sharon township, and they 
 have three children: Ellsworth, Marion and Jessie. Mr. Dickinson is a mem- 
 ber of the G. A. E. In politics he is a Eepublican. 
 
 GEOEGE W. DODGE, merchant, Shinglehouse, was born in Pike, Wy- 
 oming Co., N. Y., December 21, 1843, a son of Daniel and Adelia E. 
 (Newcomb) Dodge. His father was an early settler of Sharon township, 
 Potter county, where he engaged in farming and lumbering, and resided until 
 
1182 HISTORY OF POTTEE COUNTY. 
 
 his death. By his first wife, Adelia Newcomb, he had four children: George 
 W., Catherine L. (Mrs. E. D. Holmes), Mary A. (Mrs. Ealph Burdic) and 
 Jerome D. (a physician at Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio). His second wife was 
 Jeanette, daughter of Lewis Wood, of Sharon township. George W. Dodge 
 was reared in Pike, N. Y. He was a soldier in the Civil war, enlisting Sep- 
 tember 21, 1861, in Company F, Fifth New York Cavalry. He was wounded 
 in the foot at Hagerstown, Md. , in July, 1863, and was honorably discharged 
 after a service of three years and one month. After the war he located in Sha- 
 ron township, where he was engaged in the lumber business with his father 
 for a number of years. In 1878 he embarked in mercantile business at Shin- 
 glehouse, in which he has since been engaged, and has been a member of the 
 firm of Dodge & Newton, at Kixford, McKean county, since 1879. He also 
 carries on the homestead farm. His wife is Emma, daughter of Nelson and 
 Lorinda (White) Parmenter, of Sharon township, and they have three sons, 
 Ulric S., Fred and Daniel. Mr. Dodge is a prominent citizen and merchant 
 of Shinglehouse. He is a member of the Masonic fraternity, and of the 
 G. A. R. In politics he is a Eepublican, and in 1888 was elected member of 
 assembly from his district. 
 
 DANA DRAKE, farmer, P. O. Sharon Centre, was born in Sharon town- 
 ship, Potter Co., Penn., November 4, 1844, a son of Simon and Mary D. 
 (Warner) Drake. His paternal grandfather was a pioneer of Ceres, McKean 
 Co. , Penn. , afterward removing to Illinois, where he died ; and his maternal 
 grandfather was Seth Warner, a pioneer of Bingham township, this county. 
 The parents of our subject settled in Sharon township about 1839, and cleared 
 and improved the farm now owned by Jacob Falling, his father dying in that 
 township in 1886, aged seventy-three years. Simon Drake was married twice, 
 his first wife being Mary D. Warner, by whom he had four children who grew 
 to maturity : Haline (Mrs. George Burdic), Seth B. , Dana and Mary L. (Mrs. 
 William Crocker). His second wife was Mrs. Melissa Murray, and by her 
 were born six children: John W., Lydia B. (Mrs. A. Wright), Eugene, George 
 H., Milton and Gertrude. Dana Drake was reared and educated in Sharon 
 township, and began life as a lumberman and farmer. He cleared a part of 
 the farm he now occupies, and made all the improvements in buildings. In 
 1866 he married Helen, daughter of Thomas J. and Ursula (Gibbs) Burdic, of 
 Sharon township, and they have four children: Maggie (Mrs. Horace Pratt), 
 Jesse, Eddie and Fillmore. Mr. Drake enlisted September 17, 1864, in Com- 
 pany D, Thirteenth New York Volunteers, and at the end of one year was 
 honorably discharged. He has served one term of three years as commis- 
 sioner of Potter county, and has held nearly all the local offices in Sharon 
 township; is now serving his second term as justice of the peace. He is a 
 member of the Masonic fraternity and of the G. A. R., and is a Republican. 
 
 WILLIAM R. HALLETT, veterinary surgeon, Millport, is a native of 
 Steuben county, N. Y. At the age of thirteen years he left home and located 
 in Iowa in 1857, and attended the veterinary school at Marengo, that State, 
 under the tuition of Coon, Stage & Talbert, where he remained four years. 
 In the fall of 1862 he enlisted in Company B, Twenty-eighth Iowa Volun- 
 teers. He was taken prisoner on the St. Francis, but escaped, the rest of the 
 party being paroled after four months' captivity and sent to St. Louis. While 
 a member of the Twenty-eighth Iowa he was for a namber of months on 
 detached service with the Sixth Missouri Cavalry, and after three years' army 
 service was honorably discharged . He then returned to Iowa and began the 
 practice of veterinary surgery with Coon, Stage & Talbert, of Marengo, re- 
 maining there several years; later he located in Hebron township, Potter 
 
BIOGEAPHICAL SKETCHES. 1183 
 
 county, and since 1879 has been located at Millport, in Sharon township, where 
 he has bnilt up a large practice, and a successful one. He is a member of the 
 Grand Army of the Eepublic. In politics he votes independent of party 
 
 PHILANDER D. HAWLEY, proprietor of the Hawley House, Shingle- 
 house, was born in Bingham township. Potter Co., Penn., May 9, 1849, a son 
 of Salmon and Salaria L. (Canaan) Hawley. His paternal grandfather was 
 James Hawley, and his great-grandfather was Solomon Hawley, both natives of 
 Connecticut, who settled in Bingham township in 1827, where James Hawley 
 erected a grist-mill (probably the first mill in Potter county), which, with his 
 eldest son. Philander, he conducted for several years, and it was afterward 
 operated by the latter until his death in 1851. The children of James Haw- 
 ley were six: Philander, Abigail, Salmon, Leman, Marilla (Mrs. Henry Hurl- 
 but) and Caroline (Mrs. William S. Burdick). Of these Salmon, father of our 
 subject, was a physician, began practice at Ellisburg, this county, and later 
 was at Oswayo, where he died August 18, 1855. His children were Josephine 
 O. (Mrs. Henry Park), Philander D. and Salmon B. The subject of this 
 sketch was reared in Oswayo, this county, and for a number of years worked 
 at the carpenter and joiner's trade. He then followed the occupation of a 
 miller for six years, and since 1881 has been a successful practitioner of 
 veterinary surgery. He was the proprietor of the Lee House, Oswayo, from 
 January, 1882, until April 1, 1883. In 1885 he purchased the hotel prop- 
 erty at Shinglehouse, which he has since successfully conducted. March 15, 
 1870, he married Emma C, daughter of George and Mary A. (Bryant) 
 Crouch, natives of England, who settled in Hebron, this county, in 1855. 
 Mr. and Mrs. Hawley are the parents of two children, S. Belle and George C. 
 Mr. Hawley is widely and favorably known in Potter and adjoining counties, 
 and is a popular landlord. He is a member of the I. O. O. P. and of the 
 Equitable Aid Union. In politics he is a stanch Republican. 
 
 L. C. KINNER, general merchant, Shinglehouse, was born in Tioga 
 county, Penn. , September 23, 1840, a son of James and Julia (Curran) Kinner, 
 formerly of Orange county, N. Y. , and early settlers of Tioga county, Penn. 
 The subject of this sketch was reared in his native county until seventeen 
 years of age. In 1857 he entered the employ of William McDougall, of 
 Oswayo, this county, acting in the capacity of clerk until the spring of 1858. 
 He then entered the employ of C. H. Simmons, of the same place, with whom 
 he was engaged until the breaking out of the war of the Rebellion. He en- 
 listed, ia May, 1861, in Company H, Seventy-first New York Volunteers, and 
 participated in the battles of Williamsburg, Fair Oaks, White Oak Swamp, 
 Malvern Hill, Fredericksburg, Chancellorsville and Gettysburg. He lost his 
 left leg at the latter engagement, July 2, 1863, and was honorably discharged 
 from the service in June, 1864. He then returned to Oswayo, and resumed 
 his former position of clerk in the store of C. H. Simmons, remaining with 
 him until 1873, when he embarked in business for himself, on a small scale, at 
 Shinglehouse. Here he built up a large and successful business, and has oc- 
 cupied his present commodius quarters since 1878. Mr. Kinner is one of the 
 leading and prominent merchants of Shinglehouse. He has served one term 
 as justice of the peace, is a member of the G. A. R. , and is a Democrat. 
 
 CAPTAIN LEVI H. KINNEY, farmer, P. O. Shinglehouse, was born in 
 Old SoduB, Wayne Co., N. Y., July 27, 1819, a son of Barnabas and Naamah 
 (Holcomb) Kinney, natives of Hillsdale, Columbia Co., N. Y. His paternal 
 grandfather was Barnabas Kinney, a native of Scotland, who served through the 
 Revolutionary war, and was a pioneer of Sodus, Wayne Co. , N. Y. Though ex- 
 empt from duty, he raised a company at Sodus, to participate in the war of 1812. 
 
 64 
 
1184 HISTORY OF POTTER COUNTY. 
 
 His maternal grandfather was Eeturn Holcomb, a native of Connecticut, who 
 served in the French war of Canada, went through the Eevolution, and was 
 long a resident of Columbia county, N. Y., but died in Greene, Chenango, 
 Co., N. Y. Our subject was reared in Jasper, Steuben Co., N. Y., from five 
 years of age, where he received a limited common-school education. In 1845 
 he came to Sharon, this county, where he worked in a saw-mill two years for 
 $18 per month, and boarded himself. In the spring of 1847 he purchased the 
 farm he now owns and occupies, all of which he has cleared and improved; for 
 many years prior to the war he was engaged in lumbering. In August, 1861, 
 he raised Company D, Eighty-fifth New York Volunteers, with whom he was 
 mustered into the service as captain, and served three years, when he was 
 honorably discharged. In 1839 he married Mary, daughter of Caleb and Deb- 
 orah (Silsby) Tyler, of Steuben county, N. Y. , and to them were born three 
 children: Angle, Alanson T. and Bryce B. Alanson T. was in the Civil war, 
 and served two years as a private in his father' s company, but was promoted 
 to second lieutenant; he resigned and returned home, and raised Company F, 
 Two Hundred and Tenth Pennsylvania Volunteers, with which he was mus- 
 tered in as captain; was wounded twice, and was disabled at Gravelly Eun, 
 April 4, 1865; he was mustered out with the company in June, 1865; he is now 
 the sheriff of Branch county, Mich. Bryce B. was also a soldier, a member 
 of Coinpany B, Second Iowa Cavalry, and died, in 1872, of disease contracted 
 while in the service. Capt. Kinney is a prominent and representative citizen 
 and farmer of Sharon. He has served one term of three years as commissioner 
 for Potter county; he is a member of the Grand Army of the Eepublic, and 
 politically is a stanch Eepublican. 
 
 EINALDO D. McDonald, farmer, P. O. Shinglehouse, was born in 
 Allegany Co., N. Y., April 17, 1840, son of Thomas and Catherine (Bacon) 
 McDonald, the former a native of Ithaca, N. Y., and the latter of Dans- 
 ville, N. Y. They settled in Sharon township. Potter Co. , Penn. , in 1841, 
 where they resided until 1864, then removed to Watkins, and later to Port- 
 ville, N. Y., where the mother died in 1865; the father died in Ceres, 
 McKean Co., Penn., in 1888. They reared a family of ten children: William, 
 John, Einaldo D., Leander, Adelia (Mrs. Aaron Walker), Aurora (Mrs. 
 George Metoalf), Laura (Mrs. C. J. Tubbs), Charles, Theodore and Ida (Mrs. 
 M. Manley). E. D. McDonald was reared in Sharon township. He was a sol- 
 dier in the war of the Eebellion, enlisting October 15, 1861, in Company G, 
 Fifty-third Pennsylvania Volunteers. He served faithfully over two years, 
 when he was honorably discharged on account of disability, December 31, 1863. 
 After returning home he engaged in farming. He cleared a part of the farm 
 he now occupies, and made all the improvements in buildings. In October, 
 1861, he married Victoria, daughter of William and Caroline (Savage) Cole, 
 of Delaware county, Penn., and they have five children: William B., Maude, 
 Ernest, Jennie and Harry. Mr. McDonald is a prominent farmer of Sharon 
 township. He is a Eepublican in politics, and is a member of the G. A. E. 
 
 AMOS A. NEWTON, farmer, P. O. Sharon Centre, was born in Bainbridge, 
 Chenango Co. , N. Y. , April 16, 1822, a son of Marshall and Prudence (Ayles- 
 worth) Newton. His paternal grandfather was Amasa Newton, a native 
 of Vermont and a pioneer of Chenango county, N. Y. , and was a son of Thad- 
 deus Newton, a soldier of the Eevolutionary war, also a pioneer of Chenango 
 county. His maternal grandfather was Andrew Aylesworth, of French 
 descent, also a pioneer of Chenango county, N. Y. 
 
 Amos A. Newton was reared in his native county and settled in Sharon 
 township, Potter Co., Penn., in 1846; was for many years engaged inthelum- 
 
BIOGEAPHICAL SKETCHES. 1185 
 
 ber business, and was a member of the firm of Nichols, Stevens & Co. , for ten 
 years. He settled on the farm he now occupies, in 1867, most of which he 
 cleared, and has made all improvements in buildings, etc. In 1850 he mar- 
 ried Dolly S., daughter of Isaac W and Nancy (Oolvin) Jones, who were 
 among the first settlers of Sharon township. They have five children, viz. : 
 William E., Fred N., Jennie (Mrs. Arthur Cole), Jessie (Mrs. Charles H. 
 Cole) and Kate. Mr. Newton is a prominent farmer of Sharon township, and 
 an enterprising citizen. In politics he is a Republican. 
 
 FRED N. NEWTON, attorney at law, Shinglehouse, was born in Sharon 
 township, Potter Co., Penn. , February 22, 1854, a son of Amos A. and Dolly S. 
 (Jones) Newton [see sketch of Amos A. Newton]. He was reared in his native 
 town, and educated at the Coudersport public school and the State Normal 
 School at Edinborough. He began the study of law in 1878, in the ofiice of Olm- 
 sted & Larrabee, Coudersport, and .was admitted to the bar in June, 1881. He- 
 married, November 2, 1873, Rose, daughter of Nelson and Lorinda (White) Par- 
 menter, of Sharon, and they have three children: Lloyd S., Lawrence L. and' 
 Laura L, (twins). Mr. Newton is one of the justices of the peace of Sharon 
 township, and is, politically, a Republican. 
 
 FRANCIS P. NICHOLS, lumberman, Shinglehouse, was born in Sharon: 
 township. Potter Co., Penn., October 12, 1846, a son of Maleck and Cordelia; 
 (Perry) Nichols, natives of Chemung and Otsego counties, N. Y. , respectively,, 
 who settled in Sharon township in 1845, and cleared and improved the farm 
 on which they still reside. Francis P. was reared in his native township, where 
 he received a common-school education. He began life as a farmer, and since 
 1872 has been successfully engaged in the lumber business at Shinglehouse. 
 In 1873 he married Josephine, daughter of Luke and Hannah Stevens, of 
 Sharon township, and they have three children: Harry, Anna and an infant 
 son. Mr. Stevens was a participant in the war of the Rebellion, having en- 
 listed, in 1862, in Company B, One Hundred and Seventy-first Pennsylvania 
 Volunteers, in which regiment he served one year. He again enlisted in 1864, 
 this time in Company K, Thirteenth New York Heavy Artillery, and was 
 honorably discharged at the close of the war. Politically he is a Republican, 
 and has held the office of constable and collector one term in Sharon township. 
 
 CHARLES D. PARMENTER, lumberman, Shinglehouse, was born in West 
 Virginia, August 14, 1846, a son of Nelson and Lorinda (White) Parmenter, who 
 settled in Sharon township, in 1850, locating at East Sharon, where the father en- 
 gaged in lumbering, which he followed until his death. He also cleared and im- 
 proved a farm at East Sharon. He was a native of the State of New York, and 
 died November 2, 1888, at the age of seventy-five years. His family consisted of 
 four children: Laura (Mrs. Alonzo Newton), Charles, Emma (Mrs. George W. 
 Dodge) and Rose (Mrs. Fred N. Newton). Charles D. Parmenter was reared 
 in Sharon township, and received a common-school education. He has always 
 followed lumbering as a business, and has resided at Shinglehouse since 1884. 
 He married, July 22, 1869, Anna L. Ward, of Ripley, Ohio, and they have one 
 son. Nelson. Mr. Parmenter is a representative citizen and business man of 
 Sharon township. He is a member of the I. O. O. F., and in politics is a 
 Republican. 
 
 JOHN S. PEARSALL, farmer, P. O. Shinglehouse, was born in Switzer- 
 land county, Ind., January 29, 1821, a son of Samuel and Betsey (Pearsall) 
 Pearsall, who settled in Sharon township in 1829, and later settled on the farm 
 now occupied by John S. Pearsall. His father's principal business was lum- 
 bering, though he farmed to some extent. In later life he removed to Clinton 
 county, Iowa, and died there. His children were Solomon, Harriet (Mrs. 
 
1186 HISTOBY OF POTTER COUNTY. 
 
 "William Scott), John S. , Polly (Mrs. Alfred Warren) and Nelson. John S. was 
 reared in Sharon township from eight years of age, and with the exception of 
 four years that he lived in Crawford county, Penn. , and one year in Iowa he has 
 always made this his home. In 1845 he married Eleanor M. , daughter of Ezra 
 and Sophronia Graves, of Sharon township, and they have reared eight chil- 
 dren to adult age, three of whom have since died: Theressa (Mrs. Seymour 
 Farley), Helen (Mrs. William Hunt, deceased), Eliza (Mrs. James Thompson), 
 Eva (Mrs. A. C. Voorhees), Lillie (Mrs. Frank Farley), May (Mrs. W. B. 
 Brightman, deceased), Dora (Mrs. M. J. Bridge) and Belle (deceased). Mr. 
 Pearsall was in the Rebellion, enlisting in 1864, in Company P, Two Hundred 
 and Tenth Pennsylvania Volunteers; lie participated in the Weldon raid, and 
 was honorably discharged after ten months' service. He is a member of the 
 Methodist Episcopal Church. Politically he advocates Prohibition. 
 
 EDGAR A. PERKINS, lumberman and miller, Shinglehouse, was born in 
 Oeres township, McKean Co. , Penn. , February 20, 1850, and is a son of Ben- 
 jamin and Polly (Palmer) Perkins, formerly of Herkimer county, N. Y. , and 
 among the early settlers of Ceres township, where they cleared and improved 
 a farm, on which they lived and died. They had two children: Isaac (deceased) 
 and Edgar A. The subject of these lines was reared in his native town, where 
 he received a common-school education, and in 1876 he began the business of 
 lumberman at Shinglehouse, where he also erected a grist-mill and a saw-mill, 
 -which he has since successfully conducted. He married Lorena, daughter of 
 Xi. P. and Clarissa (Fisk) White, of Ceres township, and they have one son — 
 Elmo. Mr. Perkins is an enterprising citizen and business man. In politics 
 he is a Republican. 
 
 GEORGE W. PRINCE, farmer, P. O. Shinglehouse, was born in Bradford 
 county, Penn., February 22, 1825, a son of Joseph and Hannah (Stiles) Prince, 
 formerly of New Hampshire, and pioneers of Bradford county, Penn. George 
 W. was reared in his native county, where he resided up to 1866. He then 
 settled in Sharon township. Potter county, on the farm he now owns and occu- 
 pies. His original purchase was 600 acres, a part of which he has since sold 
 and given his sons, and about 200 acres of which he cleared and improved. 
 Mr. Prince was a soldier in the Civil war, enlisting, October 12, 1863, in the 
 United States Construction Corps, served a year and a half, and in the spring 
 of 1865 he was honorably discharged, on account of disability. He married, 
 November 16, 1845, Phebe, daughter of Moses and Jerusha Burbank, of Brad- 
 ford county, Penn., and they have four children living: Melvina (Mrs. Riley 
 Allen), Loren, Alfred, and Caroline (Mrs. Horace Pratt). Mr. Prince, politic- 
 ally, was formerly a Democrat, but is now a stanch Republican. His paternal 
 grandfather served through the Revolutionary war, and was with Washington 
 when he crossed the Delaware. George W. Prince now has the gun in his 
 possession, carried by his grandfather through the war, and which he captured 
 from a British soldier. 
 
 A. A. RAYMOND, hardware merchant, Shinglehouse, was born in Alle- 
 gheny township. Potter Co., Penn., April 12, 1846, a son of Amos and Rhoda 
 (Daniels) Raymond. His paternal grandfather, Daniel Raymond, was a native 
 of Massachusetts, a pioneer of Allegheny township, where he cleared and im- 
 proved a farm and lived for many years. He is still a resident of the town- 
 ship, at the ripe age of ninety-six years. Amos Raymond, father of subject, 
 is a farmer by occupation, and a resident of Ulysses township. He reared a 
 family of five children: H. Lovina, Lavina (Mrs. F. D. Leet), Asa A. , Josephine 
 (Mrs. Louis Huntington) and Sarah (Mrs. Frank Conable). A. A. Raymond 
 was reared and educated in Allegheny township, and began life as a farmer. 
 
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 1187 
 
 He engaged in the mercantile business at Eaymond's Corners, this count j, in 
 1877, where he remained two years, then removed to Lymansville, where he 
 was engaged in business three years. He then kept store two years in Couders- 
 port, and then followed farming two years in Ulysses township. August 15, 
 1888, he embarked in his present business at Shinglehouse, where he has 
 succeeded in building up a trade that is daily increasing. Mr. Raymond, in 
 1875, married Mary M., daughter of Harvey and Harriet (Meicham) Cutler, 
 of Bingham township, and they have four children living: Marion C. , Daisy D. , 
 Dora M. and J. Spafford Raymond; they buried one son, Amos Harvey, when 
 eight months old. 
 
 JAMES N. SHERWOOD, farmer, P. O. Shinglehouse, was born in Solon, 
 Cortland Co., N. Y., November 22, 1829, a son of Stratton Sherwood and 
 Barbara A. (Barnard) Sherwood. He was reared in his native county and in 
 Bradford county, Penn. He settled in Sharon township. Potter county, in 
 1852, and in 1854 married Fannie M,, daughter of Joseph Armstrong, of 
 Tompkins county, N. Y. After his marriage he located on Horse run, Boli- 
 var township, Allegany Co., N. Y., and in 1861 removed to the farm he now 
 occupies, most of which he cleared and improved. In August, 1863, he en- 
 listed in Conipany C, One Hundred and Forty-eight Pennsylvania Regiment. 
 He was wounded in the face at Fort Damnation, and honorably discharged 
 from the service April 10, 1865. During his term of service his wife was a 
 nurse in the Harwood Hospital, near Washington, D. C, and afterward at 
 Fairfax Seminary. Mr. Sherwood is a representative citizen of Sharon town- 
 ship, and is a member of the United Brethren Church. He has held the office 
 of treasurer of Sharon township one year, and politically is a Republican. 
 
 SALA C. STEVENS, lumberman, P. O. Shinglehouse, was born in Jamaica, 
 Windham Co., Vt. , February 18, 1813, a son of Asa and Patty (Hazelton) 
 Stevens, natives of Vermont and pioneers of Tioga county, Penn. He was 
 reared in Vermont and settled in Sharon township. Potter county, in 1838, 
 embarking in the lumber business, in which he has been very successful and in 
 which he is still interested. He also, for fifteen years, was interested in a 
 large lumber yard and mill in Cincinnati, Ohio, in which he accumulated a com- 
 petency. Mr. Stevens was twice married. His first wife was Lydia, daughter 
 of Anthony and Katie (Stevens) Jones, of Bingham township, this county, by 
 whom he had children as follows: Fendora M. (Mrs. J. E. Terwilliger), Flor- 
 ence E. (Mrs. Robert Sayers), Florentine S., Grace G. (Mrs. Robert Hook), 
 Edith G. and Mabel (Mrs. Samuel Booth). His second wife was Mrs. Kate 
 (Haley) Seals, of Cincinnati, Ohio. Mr. Stevens is a representative and lead- 
 ing citizen of Shinglehouse. He is a member of the Masonic fraternity, and 
 in politics is a Republican. 
 
 WILLIAM G. SUTHERLAND, farmer, P. O. Shinglehouse, was born in 
 Maryland, Otsego Co., N. Y., August 28, 1831, a son of James and Betsey 
 (Kaple) Sutherland, who settled in Sharon township in 1857, and resided 
 there until their death. Their children were Charles, William G., Diantha 
 (Mrs. George M. Burbank), Jane (Mrs. Reuben Hickok), Orburt and Fannie 
 (Mrs. Barton Holly). William G. Sutherland was reared in his native county 
 and Bradford county, Penn. He settled in Sharon township. Potter county, in 
 1856, on the farm he now occupies, all of which he cleared and improved; for 
 over thirty years he was engaged in lumbering in the winter season. He was 
 twice married; his first wife was Belle, daughter of Orlando and Minerva 
 (Arnold) Johnson, of Hume, N. Y., by whom he had two children: Don and 
 Paul. His present wife was formerly Nancy Kinney, daughter of Alanson 
 Kinney, of Steuben county, N. Y., and they have three daughters: Dora, 
 
1188 HISTORY OF POTTEK COUNTY. 
 
 Ella and Vinnie. Mr. Sutherland has served the township as supervisor and 
 school director. He is a member of the Baptist Church, and is a Eepublican. 
 
 CHARLES D. VOORHEES, M. D., a physician and druggist of Shingle- 
 house, was born in Sharon township, Potter Co., Penn., October 6, 1856, a 
 son of John and Cordelia (Pisk) Voorhees. His father was born in Steuben 
 county, N. Y., October 3, 1817, and was a son of Luke and Mary P. (Pellitt) 
 Voorhees, natives of New York and New Jersey, respectively, and pioneers of 
 Howard, Steuben Co. , N. Y. John Voorhees was reared in his native county, 
 and remained at home until twenty-one years of age. He then worked by the 
 month on a farm and at building a canal. At the age of twenty-four years he 
 learned the millwright trade in Ceres, N.Y., which trade he followed from 1841 
 to 1877. He settled in Sharon township in 1849, and located at Shinglehouse 
 in 1852, where he has since resided. His wife, Cordelia, was a daughter of Harvey 
 and Eliza (Campbell) Fisk, formerly of Madison county, N. Y. , who settled in 
 Sharon in 1829. The issue of this union was two sons, Adelbert C. and Charles 
 D. Charles D. Voorhees was reared in his native town, where he received 
 his early education, later attending the Pike, N. Y. , Seminary. He began life 
 as clerk in a general store, and in the spring of 1876 located at Sharon Centre, 
 where he conducted a general merchandise business one year. He was six 
 months in the grocery trade at Sawyer City, and in 1879 embarked in the drug 
 business at Shinglehouse, which he has successfully continued since. He 
 began the study of m.edicine in 1885 with Dr. H. A. Place, of Ceres, N. Y., and 
 entered the University Medical College, New York City, in September, 1887, 
 and was graduated March 12, 1889, immediately beginning the practice of his 
 profession at Shinglehouse, where he is now located. In 1886 Dr. Voorhees 
 spent six months in Kansas, and conducted a grocery and drug store at Dodge 
 City, and during that time pre-empted 160 acres of land and proved his claim. 
 In September, 1880, he married Jennie B. , daughter of Charles and Addie E. 
 (McNamire) Meakinster, of East Sharon, and has one son, Lee G. Dr. Voor- 
 hees is a member of the I. O. O. F., and is local agent for the Travelers Life and 
 Accident Insurance Company of Hartford, Conn. Politically he is a Republican, 
 and was appointed postmaster August 28, 1 889, now serving. 
 
 DANIEL P. WHITE, farmer, P. O. East Sharon, was born in Zanesville, 
 Ohio, October 10, 1817, a son of John and Mary (Kennedy) White. His father 
 was a native of New Hampshire, and his mother of Elmira, N. Y. His father 
 was a soldier in the war of 1812, and served under General W. H. Harrison. 
 In 1821 they settled in Ceres, McKean Co., Penn., and later located in Hebron, 
 Potter Co. , Penn. , where they cleared a farm and made their home until death. 
 They had fourteen children, seven of whom grew to maturity, viz. : Daniel P. , 
 Arvilla (Mrs. Peter Pulver), Melinda (Mrs. Noah Dunning), Albert, Levi, 
 Martin (died of disease contracted in the army during the Civil war), and 
 Oeorge W. (also a soldier of the Civil war, now living at Ridgway, Penn.). 
 Daniel P. White was reared in Ceres, McKean county, until fifteen years of 
 age, and then moved to Hebron, Potter Co., Penn., with his parents, where 
 he grew to manhood and first located, clearing a farm in that township. In 
 1859 he removed to Sharon township, where he has since resided. He married, 
 December 24, 1837, Eunice, daughter of Judson Hinds, of Hebron township, 
 and they have reared seven children: Samuel J., Mary J. (Mrs. Hiram Root), 
 Sarah (Mrs. William Waer), William H., Marinda (Mrs. Brown) James and 
 Adelbert. Mr. White was a soldier in the Rebellion, enlisting in August, 186 1 , 
 in Company D, Eighty-fifth New York Volunteers, and served a year, but was 
 honorably discharged on account of disability, September 1, 1862, at David' s 
 Island, N. Y. 
 
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 1189 
 
 Samuel J. White, his eldest son, was also in the service. He was bom 
 January 16, 1839; enlisted in September, 1861, in Company C, Eighty-fifth 
 New York Volunteers, and was a prisoner at Andersonville and Florence prisons 
 ten months and eight days. He was honorably discharged at Elmira, N. Y., in 
 June, 1865. He died at his home in East Sharon, August 16, 1889, of disease 
 contracted while in the army ; at the time of his death he was serving his fifth 
 term as commander of G. H. Barnes Post, No. 175, G. A. E., his funeral being 
 attended by about 600 persons; he is much missed in county, town and home. 
 In 1866 he was married to Maryette, daughter of Joseph and Mary (Preston) 
 Jones, of Sharon township, and they have six children, viz.: Gertie (Mrs. 
 Alfred Prince), Josie, Ernest, Laphron, Ola and Leon. Mr. White resided on 
 his farm in Sharon township from 1867 until his death. He served his town- 
 ship two terms as school director, and inspector and judge of elections one 
 term. In politics he was a Republican. 
 
 CHARLES A. WOLCOTT, farmer, P. O. Shinglehouse, was born in 
 Sharon township, Potter county, May 19, 1861, and is a son of Aaron and Lu- 
 cretia (Jones) Wolcott. His paternal grandparents were John and Rhoda 
 (Brainard) Wolcott, who settled in Eldred, McKean Co., Penn., in 1833. His 
 maternal grandparents were Anthony W. and Harriet (Nichols) Jones, who 
 settled in Sharon township, Potter county, in an early day. Aaron Wolcott 
 was born in Portville, N. Y., December 9, 1832, and was reared in Eldred, 
 Penn. He settled in Clara township, this county, in 1853, where he engaged 
 in lumbering and farming for three years. He then removed to Sharon town- 
 ship, and has occupied his present farm since 1868. He was twice married, 
 and by his first wife, Lucretia, he has three children living, viz. : Cora (Mrs. 
 Jos. Bump), Charles A. and Hugh. His second and present wife was Mrs. 
 Sarah (Emery) Gile. Charles A. Wolcott was reared in Sharon township, 
 where he received a common-school education. He married, December 25, 
 1882, Hattie B., daughter of A. W. and Margaret J. (Blood) Humphrey, of 
 Sharon township, and they have one daughter, Ruby. After his marriage Mr. 
 Wolcott engaged in farming one year at Eldred, McKean county, and in the 
 iall of 1883 he returned to Sharon, and in the spring of 1885 located on the 
 farm he now occupies. He has held the office of collector and constable two 
 terms in Sharon. Politically he' is a Republican. 
 
 OSWAYO TOWKSHIP. 
 
 SAMUEL BEEBE, pension agent and notary public, Oswayo, was born 
 in Columbus, Chenango Co., N. Y., May 22, 1827, a son of Stephen and 
 Dorcas (Church) Beebe, who settled in Alfred, Allegany Co., N. Y., in 1839, 
 and lived and died there. From eight years of age Samuel Beebe was reared 
 in Allegany county, and was educated in the common schools at Spring Mills, 
 Allegany Co., N. Y. He began life as a farmer, and for six years was pro- 
 prietor of a woolen factory in Independence, N. Y. In 1867 he located at 
 Oswayo, and carried on mercantile business for one year, since which time 
 he has been engaged in his present business. In September, 1847, he mar- 
 ried Dorothy, daughter of Philo and Mary (Darling) Colvin, of Independence, 
 N. Y. They have six children: Eber J., Gay lord C, Clara A. (Mrs. William 
 L. Campbell), Prentice W. , Joel H. and John S. Mr. Beebe was justice of the 
 peace in Independence, N. Y. , for twenty years, and filled the same position 
 in Oswayo for fifteen years. He was appointed associate judge of Potter 
 county to fill a vacancy, and served one year; was county auditor three years. 
 Politically he was formerly a Whig, and has been a stanch Republican since 
 the organization of the party. 
 
1190 HISTOBY OF POTTEB COUNTY. 
 
 WILLIAM DALRYMPLE, farmer, P. O. Ohrystal, was born in Chenango 
 county, N. Y., December 4, 1826, a son of Ephraim and Abigail (Bridgman) 
 Dalrymple. He was reared in Chemung county, and settled in Oswayo town- 
 ship, Potter Co., Penn., in 1850, locating on a part of the farm he now 
 occupies, most of which he has improved himself, where, with the exception 
 of seventeen years, he has since resided. His father also settled in Oswayo 
 in 1850, and together they embarked in the lumber business, erecting a mill 
 in Oswayo, said to be the first steam saw-mill built in Potter county. They 
 did an extensive business until the father's death, April 22, 1856, after 
 which the son carried on the business until 1869, when he embarked in 
 the lumber industry at Wellsville, N. Y., and also ran a sash and blind 
 factory there for five years. He then engaged in the lumber business at Duke 
 Centre, McKean Co., Penn., for seven years, and afterward at Alma, N. Y., 
 for six years. He returned to Oswayo in 1886, where he has since attended 
 to his farm and engaged in lumbering. April 16, 1853, he married Sarah, 
 daughter of Sylvester and Mary (Kirtland) Weeks, of Chemung county, N. Y., 
 and they have three children: Reuben, Arthur and Agnes (Mrs. Chas. Monroe). 
 Mr. Dalrymple is a member of the F. & A. M. and the I. O. O. F. ; polit- 
 ically he is a Democrat. Mr. Dalrymple is the owner of the first millstone 
 that ground corn in Chemung county, N. Y., and uses it for a horse block. 
 
 JAMES H. DEXTER, farmer and lumberman, P. O. Oswayo, was born in 
 Oswayo township. Potter Co., Penn., March 3, 1858, the only son of William 
 and Lucy M. (Parker) Dexter, natives of Chenango county, N. Y. , who settled 
 in Oswayo township in 1854, where his father for many years was a prominent 
 lumberman, but since 1870 has been engaged in farming. James H. was 
 reared in Oswayo, and simce attaining his majority has been prominently 
 identified with the lumbering interests of the county, and at the same time 
 has conducted his f ather' s f arm. He married in October, 1883, Eloise, daughter 
 of Isaac and Mahala (Casterline) Grifiin, of Allegany county, N. Y. Mr. 
 Dexter is a prominent lumberman and citizen of Oswayo. He was, in 1887, 
 elected one of the auditors of Potter county, for a term of three years, 
 and has filled many of the local offices of the township. Politically he is a 
 Republican. 
 
 JAMBS T. LOCKWOOD, lumberman and farmer, P. O. Chrystal, was 
 born in Steuben county, N. Y., October 31, 1834, a son of William and Laura 
 (Lucas) Lockwood, natives of Vermont, who settled in Oswayo township. 
 Potter Co. , Penn. , in 1849, locating on the farm now owned by the heirs of 
 Jacob Lockwood. This farm William Lockwood (who in his lifetime was a 
 prominent lumberman) cleared and improved, with the assistance of his sons, 
 making it his home until his death, which occurred in December, 1880. He 
 had ten children: Eliza (Mrs. Hugh Hahey), William L., Mary (Mrs. C. A. 
 Pineo), John, Jacob, Betsy (Mrs. Thomas Crittenden), James T. , Joseph, 
 Nancy (Mrs. Martin Fisher) and Wealthy (Mrs. William Woodard). James 
 T. came with his parents to Oswayo township, and on reaching manhood 
 began his business career as a lumberman. Which he has since followed, doing 
 an extensive business. In 1871 he located on the farm he now occupies, 
 comprising 145 acres, 115 of which he improved. In 1866 he married Sarah 
 B.. daughter of Elias and Electa (Cummings) Torry, of Sharon township, 
 Potter Co., Penn., and to them have been born six children: Mary, Minnie, 
 Jacob J. (deceased), Florence, Lottie and Laura. Mr. Lockwood was a soldier 
 •in the Civil war, enlisting August 1, 1861, in Company G, Forty-sixth Penn- 
 sylvania Volunteei*. He was wounded through the hip at Atlanta, Ga. ; was 
 taken prisoner at the battle of Chancellorsville and sent to Libby prison, but 
 
BIOGBAPHIOAL SKETCHES. 1191 
 
 was paroled after fifteen days' confinement. After serving nearly four years, 
 he was honorably discharged July 21, 1865. Politically he is a Republican; 
 has held the ofiEice of school director of Oswayo six years, and is now serving 
 his second term as town auditor. 
 
 BENJAMIN F. LYMAN, farmer, P. O. Eleven Mile, was born in Castleton, 
 Rutland Co., Vt., March 21, 1822, a son of Eleazer and Mary (Dudley) Ly- 
 man. His father settled in Oswayo township in 1855, locating on the farm now 
 owned by his son, Algernon S. Lyman, a part of which he improved, and where 
 he resided until his death. He was twice married, and by his first wife, Mary 
 (Dudley), five children were born: Mary R., Lucy L., Benjamin F., and the 
 twins, Henry H. and Esther M. By his second wife, Mary E. (Hollister), he 
 had five children: Jennie M. (Mrs. Henry Yale), Sarah (Mrs. Walter Wells), 
 Algernon S., Lucretia and Ashbell. Benjamin F. was reared in Vermont, 
 settled in Oswayo in 1 855, and in 1858 located on the farm he now occupies, 
 all of which he cleared and improved. He enlisted in the Civil war in October, 
 1862, in Company H, Sixteenth Pennsylvania Cavalry; was taken prisoner 
 while on picket duty at Harwood Church, Va. , and after sixteen days spent in 
 Libby prison was paroled, and was honorably discharged from the service May 
 
 29, 1865. He married Sophia, daughter of Samuel Wood, of Fair Haven, Vt. , 
 and they have had five children: Mary S. Lyman (dead), Helen (Mrs. Charles 
 Day), Don F., Samuel F. and Greorge H. Mr. Lyman has held nearly all the 
 local offices of the township, was justice of the peace before the war, and is now 
 holding the same office. Politically he is a Republican. 
 
 GEORGE F. ROWLEE, farmer, P. O. Oswayo, was born in Southport, 
 Chemung Co. , N. Y. , April 16, 1828, a son of Peter B. and Elizabeth (Briggs) 
 Rowlee. His father was a native of Connecticut and of Scotch descent, and 
 his mother of Caj'^uga county, N. Y., and of German parentage. They were 
 residents of Chemung county, N. Y. , and died there, both at the age of eighty- 
 two and one-half years. George F. was reared in his native county. In 1850 he 
 settled in Oswayo township, where he has since resided, and in 1851 located 
 on the farm he now occupies, which he cleared and improved himself. He 
 was married, December 31, 1849, to Sophia L. , daughter of Ephraim and 
 Abigail (Bridgman) Dalrymple, of Chemung county, N. Y. , and they have five 
 children living: Susan A. (Mrs. D. C. Kelley), Sarah I. (Mrs. James F. Goit), 
 Ida V. (Mrs. S. E. Crittenden), George M., and Edith M. (Mrs. Charles L. 
 Wilbur). Mr. Rowlee for many years was engaged in lumbering. In Au- 
 gust, 1861, he enlisted in Company G, Sixty-fourth New York Volunteers. 
 He was taken prisoner in the seven days' tight before Richmond, June 
 
 30, 1862, and after twenty-one days was paroled with McClellan's sick and 
 wounded, and was discharged September 19, 1862. He re-enlisted September 
 7, 1864, in Company F, Two Hundred and Tenth Pennsylvania Volunteers, 
 served until the close of the war, and was honorably discharged. He has held 
 the offices of supervisor, auditor and school director of Oswayo township. He 
 is a member of the Grand Army of the Republic, Equitable Aid Union, and of 
 the Knights of Labor; politically he is a Democrat. 
 
 ANSEL T. SMITH, grocer, Oswayo, was born in Cortland county, N. Y., 
 November 30, 1822, a son of Walker and Sarah (Taylor) Smith, who settled in 
 Ulysses, Potter Co. , Peun. , in 1888, where they cleared and improved a farm 
 and reared a family of ten children, eight of whom grew to maturity: Ansel 
 T., Arnold W., Parmeno A., Joshua T., Walker 0., Sarah A. (Mrs. Sherman 
 Lane), Delana (Mrs. Horace Chandler) and Esther A. (Mrs. Buck). Ansel T. 
 Smith was sixteen years of age when he settled with his if)arent8 in Ulysses 
 township. He followed blacksmithing for a number of years, and for eight 
 
1192 HISTORY OF POTTEE COUNTY. 
 
 years was a local preacher of the Methodist Episcopal Church. He located in 
 Oswayo in 1869, where he carried on a blacksmith shop for several years. 
 Since 1886 he has been engaged in the grocery business. He has been twice 
 married; his first wife was Sarah, daughter of John and Sarah Eeed, of Eulalia, 
 this county, and they had two children: Nathan L. and William W. His 
 present wife was Savina Brown, of Ulysses. Mr. Smith is a member of the 
 Masonic fraternity, and politically he is a Prohibitionist. 
 
 DAVID E. SMITH, stationary engineer, Oswayo, was born in Chenango 
 county, N. ¥., April 22, 1847, a son of David D. and Mary B. (Gray) Smith. 
 His father was a native of Rutland, Vt., and his mother of Danbury, Conn. 
 They settled in Oswayo township, Potter Co., Penn. , in 1851, where his father 
 engaged in lumbering for two years, then embarked in farming, at which he con- 
 tinued until his death in October, 1863. He was the father of seven children, 
 five of whom grew to maturity, viz. : Thomas, Boberfc, Joanna (Mrs. James W, 
 Chase), Frederick and David E. David D. Smith cleared a large farm in 
 Oswayo, and during the time made more improvements, considering his means, 
 thaa any man in the community. He erected, in 1856, the largest barn then in 
 the county, and was a prominent and representative citizen. David E. Smith 
 was reared in Oswayo from five years of age, and received a good common- 
 school education. He has followed the occupation of stationary engineer for 
 twenty years, and, since 1879, has been in the employ of J. J. Lapham & Co., 
 as engineer in their Oswayo tannery. He married, in 1872, Joanna, daughter 
 of James B. and Jane (Steele) Carmer, of Hebron, this county. They have 
 six children: James, Elmer, Gertrude, Mary, Amasa and Jennie. Politically 
 Mr. Smith is independent; he is a member of the Masonic fraternity. 
 
 CHEISTOPHER J. TUBES, furniture dealer, Oswayo, was born in Wood- 
 hull, Steuben Co., N. Y., August 29, 1831, a son of Levi and Electa B. (Col- 
 vin) Tubbs, natives of Cortland and Herkimer counties, N. Y. , respectively, and 
 pioneers of Steuben Co. , N. Y. The father of Levi was a native of Vermont. 
 The father of Electa B. Tubbs was born in Rhode Island, and her mother in 
 Connecticut. Christopher J. Tubbs was reared in his native county, where he 
 secured a common-school education and learned the carpenter's trade. In 
 1849 he located in Hector, Potter county, where he worked as a journeyman for 
 four years. He then returned to Steuben county, N. Y., remaining there until 
 August, 1858, when he returned to Ulysses, Potter Co., Penn., and worked on 
 a church until April, 1859, when he went to Conneautville, Crawford Co., 
 Penn. , where he worked at his trade until the last of November. He next went 
 to Ceres, McKean county, and worked at his trade until October 17, 1861, 
 when he enlisted in Company F, Fifty-eighth Pennsylvania Volunteers, and 
 served four years, four months and ten days, and was honorably discharged at 
 Philadelphia February 27, 1866. He then returned to Ceres "and worked at 
 his trade one year, then removed to Annin township, McKean county, where 
 he lived three years, thence to Port Allegany, and a year later to Roulette, 
 Potter Co., where he spent seven years. In 1881 he located at Oswayo, where 
 he now resides, and has conducted a furniture store since 1884. He was mar- 
 ried, July 4, 1866, to Laura A., daughter of Thomas and Catherine W. H. 
 (Bacon) McDonald, of Sharon, this county, and they have two children: Cathe- 
 rine J. and Lena A. Mr. Tubbs is a member of the Methodist Episcopal 
 Church ; is a member of the Masonic fraternity and of the G. A. R. , and in 
 politics he is a Republican. 
 
 WILLIAM H. TURNER, physician, Oswayo, was born in Elmira, N. Y., 
 October 4, 1829, a son of David and Elizabeth (Atwood) Turner, and is of 
 French and Scotch descent. His parents settled iu Bingham township about 
 
BIOGBAPHIOAL SKETCHES. 1193 
 
 1835, where his father purchased a timber lot, erected a saw-mill, and engaged 
 in lumbering for about fifteen years, when he removed to Crawford county, 
 Penn. He died in 1849, of cholera, while on a visit to Iowa. William H. 
 was reared in Bingham township until fifteen years of age. He then located 
 at Whitesville, N. Y., and afterward attended school at Alfred, N. Y., one 
 year. In 1846 he began the study of medicine with Dr. J. G. Horton, of 
 Whitesville, N. Y., and in August, 1849, entered Castleton Medical College, 
 Castleton, Vt. , from which he graduated in the spring of 1850. He began the 
 practice of his profession at Ellisburg, this county, in 1852, where he remained 
 one year, and then practiced two years in Oswayo, when he removed to 
 Andrews Settlement in Allegheny township, where he remained until 1871, 
 when he returned to Oswayo, where he has since been in active practice. He 
 was married August 6, 1854, to Spiddie W., daughter of Thomas and Jane 
 (Carson) Gilliland, of Hebron township, and they have five children: Eobert, 
 Bennie, Edgar, Emma (Mrs. Frank Gee) and Lizzie. Dr. Turner is a promi- 
 nent physician, has an extensive practice, and is a member of the Potter county 
 Medical Society. In politics he is a Republican. 
 
 WALTER WELLS, general merchant, Oswayo, was born in Oswayo town- 
 ship, Potter Co., Penn., February 25, 1836, a son of John and Polly (Potter) 
 Wells, natives of Petersburg, Rensselaer Co., N. Y., who settled in Oswayo 
 township in 1832. His father was a carpenter by trade, but, after settling in 
 Potter county, spent most of his life in farming and lumbering. He erected 
 a saw-mill in Oswayo, and did an extensive business. His family consisted of 
 four daughters and one son, viz. : Esther (Mrs. Stillman Green), Sardinia (Mrs. 
 Isaac Pierce), Sally Ann (Mrs. Perry Potter), Wealthy (Mrs. Charles H. Sim- 
 mons) and Walter. Walter Wells was reared in Oswayo, where most of his 
 life has been spent. He began life as a farmer and lumberman, and for twen- 
 ty-two years has been engaged in the mercantile business at Oswayo. He mar- 
 ried, November 13, 1858, Sarah M., daughter of Eleazer and Mary E. (Hol- 
 lister) Lyman, of Oswayo, formerly of Vermont. They have four children: 
 Arthur G., Ernest L., Myrtle W. and J. Walter. Mr. Wells served as sheriff 
 of Potter county from 1875 to 1878; was postmaster of Oswayo in 1872-73, 
 and from 1879 until the present time, still holding the office. He has held 
 nearly all the local offices of the township. Politically he is a Republican. 
 
 GENESEE TOWNSHIP. 
 
 JOHN H, CARPENTER, general merchant, Genesee Fork, was born in 
 Bingham township. Potter Co., Penn., April 11, 1852, a son of Dorous and 
 Charity (Cuatt) Carpenter, natives of Tompkins county, N. Y., who settled in 
 Bingham township about the year 1829, where the father cleared a good farm 
 on which he lived and died. His children were George, Alva, Betsey (Mrs. 
 Josiah Howe), Harriet (Mrs. Truman Hart), Belinda 1st, Belinda 2d, Michael, 
 Louisa (Mrs. William Lamberson), Theodore, Esther (Mrs. Robert Wilcox), 
 Julia (Mrs. William Scovill) and John H. The subject of this sketch was left, 
 an orphan when twelve years of age, and was obliged to rely on his own re- 
 sources. He started in life working on a farm by the month, at which he con- 
 tinued five years. He then worked a farm on shares in Bingham township 
 one year, and two years in Ulysses. In 1873 he purchased a farm in Alle- 
 gheny township, most of which he cleared, and where he resided five years, 
 following also butchering in connection with farming. In the spring of 1879 
 he embarked in mercantile trade at Genesee Forks, carrying on business 
 in what had formerly been a cheese factory, for one year. In 1880 he pur- 
 chased the property he now occupies, which from time to time he has had to 
 
1194 HISTOBY OF POTTER COUNTY. 
 
 enlarge to accommodate his increasing business. His store-room is now 24x152, 
 and is one of the largest stores, if not the largest, in Potter county. He is 
 an extensive dealer in agricultural implements, harness, buggies, etc. He a,Iso 
 deals largely in horses and cattle, and handles nearly every line of merchandise. 
 Mr. Carpenter started in business at Genesee Forks 'with limited means, but 
 he is a man of push and enterprise, and is deserving of the success he has rnet 
 with, and the reputation he enjoys of being one of the leading and substantial 
 business men of Potter county. He married in September, 1878, Ida, daughter 
 of Martin Avery, of Hornellsville, N. Y., and they have two children: Grace 
 and Jennie. Mr. Carpenter was postmaster at Genesee Porks for seven years. 
 Politically he is a stanch Republican. 
 
 NORMAN CHAPMAN, farmer, P. O. Genesee Fork, was born in Indepen- 
 dence, Allegany Co., N. Y., July 22, 1838, a son of Fielder and Sarah (Knight) 
 Chapman, who settled in Genesee township in 1854, where they cleared and 
 improved a farm adjoining that now owned by their son Norman. They 
 reared a family of seven children, viz. : Anson, Norman, Martha (Mrs. John 
 R. Fessenden), Cemantha (Mrs. Josiah Webster), Percis (Mrs. J. J. Water- 
 man), Ladurney and Ethlin. Fielder Chapman was born in Onondaga coun- 
 ty, N. Y., November 15, 1811, and was a son of Samuel and Martha (Tyler) 
 Chapman, natives of Connecticut, who settled in Independence, Allegany Co. , 
 N. Y., in 1824. He was married, June 24, 1835, to Sarah, daughter of Silas 
 and Anna Knight, of Steuben county, N. Y. , and, as above stated, settled in 
 Genesee in 1854. Norman Chapman was reared in Independence and Genesee 
 townships, and has always followed farming as an occupation. He has occu- 
 pied his present farm four years. He was married, March 11, 1868, to Corde- 
 lia, daughter of John and Prudence Kruson, of Allegany Co., N. Y., and they 
 have two children — Bertie and Guy. Mr. Chapman was a soldier in the late 
 war, enlisting August 16, 1862, in Company K, One Hundred and Forty- 
 ninth Pennsylvania Volunteers, and served nearly three years. He was 
 wounded at Gettysburg, July 1, 1863, and was honorably discharged from 
 the service in July, 1865. He is a prominent farmer and citizen, a member of 
 the Methodist Episcopal Church, and of the Sons of Temperance. In poli- 
 tics he is a Prohibitionist. 
 
 BARNA DANIELS, farmer, P. O. Keeoh, was born in Bingham town- 
 ship. Potter Co., Penn. , September 12, 1828, a son of George W. and Achsah 
 (Hawley) Daniels, formerly of Broome county, N. Y. , who settled in Bingham 
 township in March, 1828. His father was a prominent and representative 
 farmer, cleared and improved three farms in Bingham township, and lived and 
 died there. He had fifteen children: Charles, Olive (Mrs. James Ardrey), 
 Lydia A. (Mrs. Levi Quimby), Barna, Joseph W., Ruth (Mrs. George W. 
 Gurnsey), Nathan H., Betsey J. (Mrs. Lester M. Crum), Harriet E. (Mrs. 
 Lester Dingman), Silas, Sarah (Mrs. Thomas Morrison), Emma (Mrs. Charles 
 Gridley), Ezra, William and John. Barna Daniels was reared in Bingham 
 • township, and in 1852 purchased the land in Genesee he now occupies, and on 
 which he settled in 1857, and which he cleared and improved himself. He 
 married, July 4, 1855, Julia H., daughter of Willis and Sarah (Grover) Young, 
 of Ulysses township, this county, and to them have been born three children: 
 Rosalie (Mrs.^ Gaylord Crum), Adell (Mrs. W. D. Smith), and Fannie (de- 
 ceased). Mr. Daniels has held the ofSces of school director and judge of elec- 
 tion. He is a Democrat in politics, and one of the enterprising and rep- 
 resentative farmers of Genesee township. 
 
 IRA E. EASTON, farmer, P. O. Genesee Fork, was born in Madison 
 county, N. Y. , January 6, 1846, a son of Resolved and Rosina (Payne) Easton. 
 
BIOGJRAPHIOAL SKETCHES. 1195 
 
 His paternal grandfather was Theophilus Easton, a native of Providence R 
 I., who was among the early settlers of Genesee township, and cleared and 
 improved the farm now owned by William Cobb, on which he resided for many 
 years. He is now a resident of Bingham township, and is in the ninety-seventh 
 year of his age. His children were Resolved, Orpha (Mrs. D. Buckley) Jo- 
 seph, Dehghta (Mrs. Ira Bobbins), Asia A. (Mrs. Graham Kurd), Cornelia 
 (Mrs. Urial Sherman), Lincoln, William, Henry, James, John, Emeline (Mrs 
 A. Amidon) and Harriet (Mrs. Henry Merritt). Of these Resolved was a na- 
 tive of Rhode Island, and lived for a number of years in Madison county, N. 
 Y. He settled in Genesee, Potter Co., Penn., in 1856, and was engaged in 
 farming up to 1883, when he retired. His children were four in number, viz. • 
 Louisa (Mrs. W. L. Roberts), Adeline (Mrs. John Leet), Ira E. and Marvette 
 (Mrs. Colonel Cady). Ira E. Easton was reared in Genesee fi-om nine years 
 of age, and has always been a farmer. He married, July 4, 1867, Eliza J. , 
 daughter of Harry and Jane (Pye) Hurd, of Genesee township, and to them 
 have been born four children : Gertrude, Maud, Esther A. and Harry. Mr. 
 Easton is a member of the Knights of Honor and of the Equitable Aid Union. 
 He has held most of the minor offices of the township, and is now serving his 
 second term as justice of the peace. Politically he is a Democrat 
 
 OLIVER W. HICKOX, farmer, P. O. Genesee Fork, was born in Wind- 
 sor, Broome Co., N. Y., February 18, 1811, a son of Thomas and Hannah 
 (Wolcott) Hickox, natives of Connecticut and Massachusetts, respectively, who 
 were among the early settlers of Broome county, N. Y. Oliver W. Hickox 
 was reared in his native town, and there married Harriet, daughter of An- 
 drew and Hannah (Cole) Moore, early settlers of that county, and grand- daugh- 
 ter of William Moore, a native of Schenectady, N. Y. , and one of the pioneers 
 of Broome county, N. Y. The issue of this union was five children : Willard, 
 Ansel, Hannah (Mrs. F. B. Sherman), Sarah (Mrs. Volney Stannard) and 
 Josephine. Mr. Hickox located in Tioga county, Penn., in 1837, and one 
 year later he proceeded to Portville, N. Y. , where he remained two years. In 
 1841 he removed to Friendship, N. Y., where he lived three years, and then 
 lived seven years in Belmont, N. Y. , and after another year's residence in 
 Friendship located in Genesee township, this county, about 1852, where he has 
 since resided. For several years he was engaged in lumbering, and cleared 
 and improved the farm he now occupies. He is a member of the Methodist 
 Episcopal Church. Politically he has always been a Democrat, and has held 
 several of the local offices of the township. 
 
 WILLARD HICKOX, farmer, P. O. Genesee Fork, was born in Windsor, 
 Broome Co., N. Y., February 9, 1887, a son of Oliver W. and Harriet (Moore) 
 Hickox, who settled in Genesee township. Potter Co., Penn., about 1851. He 
 came to Genesee with his parents, received a common-school education, and 
 after attaining his majority began life as a farmer and lumberman, and from 
 1861 to 1866 was located at Titusville, Penn. , where he followed teaming, and 
 was also an inspector of oil. Since 1866, with the exception of two years, he 
 has resided in Genesee township. In 1869 he located on the farm he now 
 occupies, most of which he cleared, and made all improvements in buildings. 
 In May, 1861, he married Phebe, daughter of Samuel and Charity (Thomp- 
 son) Hurd, of Genesee township. He is a member of the Masonic fraternity, 
 the Equitable Aid Union and of the Sons of Temperance. In politics he is a 
 Democrat, and has held most of the offices of the township. 
 
 BRYAN McGINNIS, farmer, P. O. Shongo, N. Y., was born in Ireland 
 in 1839, came with his parents to Boston in 1842, and in 1845 removed to 
 Angelica, Allegany Co., N. Y., thence to Wellsville, and eventually located in 
 
1196 HISTOEY OF POTTEE COUNTY. 
 
 Genesee township at the Irish settlement. His father's family consisted of 
 seven boys and four girls; both parents are deceased. Bryan made his home 
 with his parents until 1860, when he married Helen Moran, daughter of Mar- 
 tin Moran, the first Irish settler of Genesee township, where the newly mar- 
 ried pair also located and engaged in farming. Their children were Dennis 
 (who was killed by lightning August 23, 1883), Maggie (now Mrs. John Chapel 
 of Ulysses), Prank H., James, Benny, Conny and Clare. Mr. and Mrs. Mc- 
 Ginnis are both members of the Catholic Church. Mr. McGinnis enlisted in 
 the war of the Eebellion, in Company D, One Hundred and Seventieth New 
 York Volunteers, but was discharged on account of disability. He is a mem- 
 ber of Estes Post, No. 125, G. A. E. In politics he is a Democrat; was 
 elected county commissioner in 1884, and re-elected in 1887. He has been 
 supervisor of Genesee township nine successive years, poormaster, eight years, 
 and secretary of the school-board seven years. 
 
 HERBERT O. PERRY, woolen manufacturer, Genesee Porks, was born 
 in Vermont, July 22, 1814, a son of John and Margaret (Wade) Perry. He 
 was reared in Manlius, N. Y. , where he worked in a cotton factory nine years. 
 Prom there he went to Pratt's Hollow, Madison Co., N. Y., in 1832, and was 
 there superintendent of a cotton-mill until 1848, and six years of that time had 
 an interest in the mill. In 1848 he settled in Genesee township, Potter Co., 
 Penn. , and erected a woolen factory in what at that time was a wilderness, and 
 this he has conducted ever since. During the war he employed eight hands, 
 but since 1870 has employed but four in the busy season. For five years he 
 conducted a grocery in connection with his woolen factory, and in the first 
 years of his settlement did considerable business in pine lumber. He was mar- 
 ried, March 8, 1885, to Rebecca, daughter of Robert and Phebe (Peet) Dunbar, 
 early settlers of Eaton, Madison Co., N. Y., and they have had four children: 
 Harriet H. (Mrs. Benjamin Noble), Emeline (deceased), Margaret (deceased) 
 and Herbert A. Mr. Perry is a Republican in politics, and has filled several of 
 the minor ofSces of the township. 
 
 BENJAMIN P. SHERMAN, farmer and produce dealer, P. 0. Genesee 
 Pork, was born in Steuben Co. , N. Y. , January 20, 1840, a son of Thomas W. 
 and Sophronia (Hurd) Sherman, who settled in Genesee township, Potter Co., 
 Penn. , in 1856, where they resided until their death. They had nine children : 
 Phebe (Mrs. Wm. H. Jones), Benjamin P. , Ellen (Mrs. Chauncey Gilber), 
 Thomas J. , Henry, Walter, Mary (Mrs. Edwin Caple), Caroline (Mrs. Nor- 
 man Keech) and Samuel S. Benjamin P. Sherman in early manhood was a 
 jobber in lumber, and from 1858 to 1862 was engaged in farming in Bingham 
 township. He then located at Titusville, Penn., where he was engaged in 
 various branches, including real estate and oil producing, for six years. In 
 1868 he purchased the farm he now occupies, in Genesee township, where he 
 has since resided, and which he cleared and improved. He has also been more 
 or less engaged in lumbering and in the live-stock business, and since 1884 he 
 has made a specialty of the butter business, which averages from two to three 
 tons per month, to supply his customers. In December, 1863, he married 
 Hannah, daughter of Oliver W. and Harriet (Moore) Hickox, of Genesee, and 
 they have two children: Charles W. and Harriet S. (Mrs. G. C. Russell). Mr. 
 Sherman has held the office of mercantile appraiser, and was census enumerator 
 for the townships of Genesee and Oswayo in 1880. He is a member of the 
 Methodist Episcopal Church, and also belongs to the Knights of Honor and the 
 Knights of the Maccabees. In politics he is a Republican. 
 
 JEROME J. WATERMAN, proprietor of the Waterman House, Genesee 
 Porks, was born in Oneida county, N. Y. , June 19, 1842, a son of Artemas and 
 
BIOGKAPHICAL SKETCHES. 1197 
 
 Amanda (Worden) Waterman. His father died when Jerome was a child, and 
 his mother afterward married William F. Smith. In 1852 his mother and 
 stepfather settled in Genesee township, Potter Co., Penn., on the farm now 
 owned by Mr. Waterman, which they cleared and improved. Of this family 
 there was, besides Jerome J., one daughter, Julia A., now Mrs. John S. Ather- 
 ton. Jerome J. Waterman was reared in Genesee township from ten years of 
 age. He was in the late war of the Rebellion, enlisting in June, 1861, in Com- 
 pany H, Thirty- seventh New York Infantry. He was shot through the cheek 
 at the battle of Fair Oaks, in 1862, and was wounded in the left leg at the 
 battle of Chancellorsville, in May, 1863. He was honorably discharged, on 
 account of expiration of term of enlistment, in June, 1863; re-enlisting Janu- 
 ary 31. 1864, in Company D, Fiftieth Wisconsin Infantry, he served one year and 
 four months, and was again honorably discharged. After the war he engaged 
 in farming in Genesee township, and in 1871 purchased the homestead farm 
 which he still owns and on which he resided for seventeen years. In 1887 he 
 erected the Waterman Hoase at Genesee Forks, of which he has since been 
 the popular landlord. In 1866 he married Percis, daughter of Fielder and 
 Sarah (Knight) Chapman, of Genesee township, and they have one son, Will- 
 iam D. Mr. Waterman is a member of the Masonic fraternity and of the G. 
 A. R. He has served one term as justice of the peace of Genesee, and in 
 politics is a Republican. 
 
 CHAPTER XXVI. 
 
 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES— BINGHAM AND HARRISON 
 
 TOWNSHIPS. 
 
 BINGHAM TOWNSHIP. 
 
 ZERA O. BACON, farmer, P. O. Genesee Fork, was born in Wellsville, 
 N. Y., March 12, 1837, a son of Ira and Naomi (Bennett) Bacon, who settled 
 in Bingham township in 1843, on the farm now occupied by Zera O. , where 
 they died. They had eleven children, viz.: Franklin, Emily (Mrs. James 
 Brigga), Henry, Feedus, Barbara (Mrs. Asahel Lewis), Zera O., Willard, David, 
 Amanda (Mrs. Henry Silvus), Ira and John. Zera O. Bacon was reared in 
 Bingham tewnship from the age of six years, and has lived on the old home- 
 stead, most of which he cleared and improved. He married Lucinda, daugh- 
 ter of George and Angeline (Porter) Keech, of Madison county, N. Y. , and 
 they have five children, viz. : Jennie (Mrs. Simeon Boon) Wallace, Bessie, 
 Lizzie and Ira. Mr. Bacon is a Republican in politics, and is a representative 
 farmer and citizen. . 
 
 ABEL BISHOP, farmer, P. O. Genesee Fork, was born m Cattaraugus 
 county, N. Y., November 28, 1842, a son of George W. and Gyrene (Wedge) 
 Bishop. He was reared in his native county, and in 1869 settled in Bingham 
 township where he has since resided. He was twice married, his first wife 
 being Angeline, daughter of Caleb and Angeline (Wilson) Lewis, of Indepen- 
 dence N Y and grand- daughter of Abram Lewie, a pioneer of that town- 
 ship ' They had two children. Bertha (Mrs. Dennis Hill) and Fred. Mr. 
 
1198 HISTOKY OF POTTER COUNTY. 
 
 Bishop's second wife was Mary, daughter of William and Lucy (Howe) Spen- 
 cer, of Bingham township. Mr. Bishop is a representative farmer and citizen ; 
 in politics he is a Republican. 
 
 ASAHEL H. BRIGGS, farmer, clergyman and dealer in agricultural im- 
 plements, P. O. North Bingham was born in Bingham township, Potter Co., 
 Penn., February 19, 1840, a son of Ebenezer P. andLydia (Matteson) Briggs, 
 his father a native of Dutchess county, N. Y. , and his mother of Madison 
 county, N. Y. His paternal grandfather was Job Briggs, formerly of Dutchess 
 county, N. Y., and among the pioneers of Bingham township. He was a farm- 
 er and mechanic and resided in the township until his death. Four of his 
 sons were pioneers of Bingham township, named as follows: David S., Ebene- 
 zer P., Vose P. and Uriah S. His father Ebenezer P., settled in Bingham 
 township in 1826, and cleared and improved the farm now owned by his sons 
 A. H. and J. M., and Eli Hall. He drew the lumber for his first residence 
 twenty-two miles with an ox team. His children were four in number, as fol- 
 lows: Martin D., James M., Emily (Mrs. L. E. McCarn) and Asahel H. A. H 
 Briggs was reared in his native township, and now occupies a part of the old 
 homestead. He was ordained a minister of the Christian Church, and has been 
 at member of the Advent Christian Conference of Northern Pennsylvania since 
 its organization in 1871. He married, July 3, 1858, Sarah M., daughter of John 
 and Thankful (Turner) Potter, of Independence, N. Y., and they have two 
 children: lone G. and Martin G. Mr. Briggs is a representative citizen of 
 the county. Politically he is an advocate of Prohibition. 
 
 CHARLES M. BURT, farmer, P. O. North Bingham, was born in Ulysses, 
 Potter Co., Penn., September 4, 1846, a son of Titus W. and Elizabeth (Lewis) 
 Burt. His paternal grandfather was Anson I. Burt, a native of the Mohawk 
 Yalley, N. Y., and among the pioneers of Ulysses township, where he cleared 
 and improved a farm on which he lived and died. His wife was Betsey Black- 
 mer, by whom he had the following children: Sally (Mrs. William Canfield), 
 James, William, Laura, Betsey (Mrs. Charles Monroe), Titus and Kate (Mrs. 
 Thomas Parker). The maternal grandfather was Seth Lewis, also a pioneer of 
 Ulysses. Titus W. Burt was a native of Broome county, N. Y., and was 
 reared in Ulysses from nine years of age. He cleared and improved a farm 
 there and is now a resident of Lewisville. He served one term as member of 
 the assembly from this district, and is a prominent citizen. His children are 
 Charles M., Anson S., Marion (Mrs. Charles E. Hosley), Clarence E., Arthur 
 S, Kate (Mrs. John P. Stone). Charles M. Burt was reared in Ulysses, and 
 after attaining his majority engaged in farming for himself. In 1869 he locat- 
 ed in Bingham township on the farm he now occupies, part of which he cleared 
 and made all the improvements in the erection of present buildings. In June, 
 1867, he married Kate, daughter of Isaac and Nancy (Colvin) Jones, early 
 settlers of Bingham township, and they have two children, Titus M. and Carl 
 C. Mr. Burt is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Politically 
 he is a Democrat and an advocate of Prohibition. 
 
 IRA B. CARPENTER, farmer, P. O. Bingham Centre, was born in Dry- 
 den, Tompkins Co., N. Y., March 27, 1823, a son of Barber and Eleanor (Bron- 
 son) Carpenter, natives of Massachusetts, who settled in Bingham township in 
 1838, on the farm now owned and occupied by our subject, and resided in the 
 township until their death. They had eleven children who grew to maturity: 
 Theodorus, William, Melissa (Mrs. Peter Teeter), Selden, Mary (Mrs. Francis 
 Drake), Bethiah (Mrs. Amos R. Lewis), Matilda (Mrs. G. W. Lewis), Arvilla 
 (Mrs. Alonzo Mudge), Irena (Mrs. Wm. Knapp), Ira B. and Cordelia (Mrs. S. 
 K. Niles). Ira B. Carpenter was sixteen years of age when he came to Bing- 
 
BIOGKAPHICAL SKETCHES. 1199 
 
 ham township, and "he now occupies the old homestead of his father, which 
 he assisted in clearing and improving. He was mamed September 8, 1845, to 
 Mary A daughter of David and Margaret (Gibson) Baldwin, of Hector, this 
 county by wliom he had sis children who grew to maturity: Selden, Sarah 
 l; n'f " 7;!lr- -^ Mattison), Eugene. Eoselle, Elma (Mrs. Chas. Allen) and 
 Delia (Mrs. Fowler Le^Nis). Mr. Carpenter was in the CivU war, drafted 
 beptember 29, 18b4, and was assigned to Company D, Fifty-eighth Penn- 
 sylvania Volunteers, and was honorably discharged June 16, 1865. He has 
 been justice of the peace of Bingham township twenty-foar years, and has 
 held other minor offices. His commissions for the office of justice have been 
 signed by five different governors for five successive terms. He is a member 
 of the Masonic fraternity. In politics he is a Eepublican. 
 
 GAYLORD E. COL^^N, farmer, P. O. Xorth Bingham, was born in Bing- 
 ham township. Potter Co., Penn., January 11, 1S54, a son of George W. and 
 Adelia (Nichols) Colvin. His paternal grandparents were Joshua and Doro- 
 thea (Castler) Colvin. who settled in Bingham township in 1833, and cleared and 
 improved a farm. They afterward removed to Cook county, 111., where they 
 died. His maternal grandparents were Samuel and Nabby (Chase) Nichols, 
 pioneers of Eldred, McKean Co., Penn. George W. Colvin was reared in 
 Bingham township from nine years of age. He cleared and improved the farm 
 now occupied by G. E. Colvin, and for a number of years was engaged in lum- 
 bering in Sharon township. Potter county. He is now a resident of North 
 Bingham. He held the office of commissioner of Potter county two terms, 
 and is a respected and prominent citizen. His children were Ann (Mrs. Will- 
 iam G. Eaymond) and Gaylord E. The latter resides on and conducts the 
 old homestead. He married, October 10, 1877, Hattie, daughter of Harmon 
 P. and Jane (Millard) Matson, of WoodhuU, Steuben Co., N. Y. Mr. Col- 
 vin is a representative young fanner of Bingham township, and in politics he 
 is a Eepublican. 
 
 AUSTIN C. CErM, farmer, P. O. West Bingham, was born in Caroline, 
 Tompkins Co., N. Y., September 18, 1826, a son of Lyman and Bathsheba 
 (Stevens) Crum. His father, who was a farmer, cooper and carpenter, settled 
 in Bingham township in 1840, where he resided until his death. He had a 
 family of nine children: Lyman E. S., Lillis (Mrs. Orrin Ennis), Sally (Mrs. 
 Henry "U'ilmuth), Harriet (Mrs. G. M. Periy), Clai-k, Julia (Mrs. Moses Hack- 
 ett), Truman, Waite and Austin C. The last named was thirteen years of age 
 when he came with his father to Bingham township. He cleared a part of the 
 farm he now occupies and part of another. In 1847 he married Mary, daugh- 
 ter of Dexter and Alma (Bronson) Barnes, of Bingham township, and to them 
 have been born four children: Mary D. (Mrs. John E. Harvey), Clark. Cirelda 
 (Mrs. Sylvester Sherman) and Morris D. Mr. Crum is a well-known and re- 
 spected citizen. He is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. In pol- 
 itics he is a Eepublican, and has held the office of school director. 
 
 JOHN DANIELS, miller, P. O. Ulysses, was born in Bingham township. 
 Potter Co., Penn., August 8, 1842. a son of George W. and Achsah (Hawley) 
 Daniels, who settled in that township in 1827. He was reared in his native 
 township, where for many years, he was engaged in farming. He had been 
 following his present business two years, and operates the oldest grist-mill in 
 Potter county. He was a soldier in the war of the Eebellion, enlisting in 
 Company I, One Hundred and Eighty-ninth New York Infantry, and served 
 one year, when he was honorably discharged. He married Maria, daughter 
 of Ephraim Utter, of Tioga county, Penn. 
 
 WILLIAM DANIELS was born in Bingham township, Potter Co., Penn., 
 
 6S 
 
1200 HISTOKY OF POTTEE COUNTY. 
 
 December 12, 1844, a son of George W. and Achsah (Hawley) Daniels, wh» 
 settled in that township in 1827. His maternal grandfather was Solomon 
 Hawley, a native of Connecticut, who settled in Bingham township in 1827. 
 William Daniels was reared in his native township, and April 1, 1862, enlisted 
 in Company F, Fifty-eighth Pennsylvania Volunteers. He was wounded at the 
 battle of Chapin's Farm, September 29, 1864, and was honorably discharged from 
 the service April 20, 1865. After the war he engaged in farming in Bingham 
 township, which he followed up to 1880. He then embarked in the grocery 
 business at Lewisville with G. H. Cobb, and a year later purchased his part- 
 ner's interest, conducting the business alone for a short time, when he sold 
 out. He then opened a clothing store in same town, the first exclusive estab 
 lishment of the kind in the place, which he conducted two years. He then 
 traveled for an Elmira commercial house for two years, and afterward again en- 
 gaged in mercantile business in Lewisville for one and a half years. January 14, 
 1866, he married Ellen H. , daughter of John and Martha (Lewis) Harris, of 
 Lewisville, and they have two children: M. Inez and Henry H. Mr. Daniels 
 is a well-known citizen of Potter county, and is a member of the F. & A. M. 
 and G. A. R. In politics he is a Kepublican. 
 
 JEROME HARVEY, farmer, P. O. West Bingham, was born in Triangle, 
 Broome Co., N. Y., May 11, 1825, a son of Joseph and Rhoda (Baker) Harvey, 
 who settled in Bingham township in 1847, locating on the farm now owned 
 and occupied by their son, Jerome, which, with his assistance, he cleared and 
 improved. Mr. Harvey was reared in his native county, being twenty-two 
 years of age when he accompanied his father to Potter county. He partici- 
 pated in the Civil war, being drafted in October, 1864, in Company D, 
 Fifty-eighth Pennsylvania Volunteers, and was honorably discharged in Sep- 
 tember, 1865. He was twice married: His first wife was Adeline Saxton, of 
 Broome county, N. Y. , and his second wife was Cynthia Greene, of the same 
 county. Mr. Harvey is a representative farmer and citizen of Bingham town- 
 ship. He has held the offices of road commissioner and school director, and 
 has also been postmaster of West Bingham. In politics he is independent. 
 
 DAVID T. HATJBER, farmer and lumberman, P. O. North Bingham, was born 
 in West Union, Steuben Co. N. Y. , November 29, 1835, a son of John and Jane 
 Hauber. His paternal grandfather was Frederick Hauber, and his maternal 
 grandfather was Guy Hauber, both from the Mohawk Valley, N. Y., and among 
 the first settlers of West Union, N. Y. David T. Hauber, was reared in his native 
 town, began life as a farmer, and resided there up to 1870, when he removed 
 to Bingham township, locating on the Hiram Ives farm, a good share of which 
 he cleared, and made most of the improvements, erecting all the commodious 
 farm buildings. He resided there imtil 1887, when he purchased the farm 
 he now occupies at North Bingham, the best located and one of the finest 
 and best farms in the township, where he has since resided. Besides the two 
 places above mentioned, he owns the James Burt farm, a part of which he 
 also cleared, and on which he erected a large barn, 40x50 feet in dimensions. 
 Although not an old settler, Mr. Hauber has probably done as much toward the 
 development of Bingham township as any other citizen, and, besides attending 
 to his farm interests, has been engaged in lumbering more or less since 1883. 
 He married, in 1865, Eugertha, daughter of Alvin and Alvina (Horton) Chapin, 
 of West Union, N. Y., and they have three children: Blanche, Mary and Giles. 
 Mr. Hauber was in the Civil war, enlisting August 22, 1862; he became 
 corporal in Company H, One Hundred and Forty-first New York Volunteer In- 
 fantry, was promoted to second sergeant, and honorably discharged June 26, 
 1865. He is a prominent and progressive farmer, is a member of the Meth- 
 
BIOGBAPHICAL SKETCHES. 1201 
 
 odist Episcopal Church, the Grand Army of the Eepublio and of the Masonic 
 fraternity. He has been supervisor and school director of the township for 
 nine years. Politically he is a Eepublican. 
 
 JOHN HENBY, farmer, P. O. Ulysses, was born in Luzerne county, Penn., 
 December 31, 1818, a son of Christian and Barbara (Whaner) Henry, who set- 
 tled in Bingham township in 1842, remained there about three years, add then 
 removed to Livingston county, N. Y., where he died in 1846, his wife surviving 
 him till the year 1886, when she died at the residence of her son, John Henry, 
 in Bingham township, Potter Co., Penn. John Henry settled in Bingham 
 township in 1842, and cleared and improved the farm he now occupies. He^ 
 was married, December 8, 1844, to Susan A. , daughter of Joshua and Polley 
 (Rome) Thompson, who settled in Bingham township in 1824. By this unions 
 there were five children born : George, Andrew J. , Charles, Betsey (Mrs. J. 
 C. Hawley) and Caroline (Mrs. James E. Mulford). Mr. Henry is a prominent 
 citizen of Bingham township, is a member of the Free Will Baptist Church;, 
 he is a Democrat, and has held the offices of supervisor and school director. 
 
 ASAHEL B. HOWE, farmer, P. O. Spring Mills, N. Y., was born in 
 Lansing, Tompkins Co., N. Y., May 30, 1816, a son of Isaac and Bet- 
 sey (Buck) Howe, who located in Bingham township, Potter Co., Penn., in 
 1832, and a year later settled on the farm now occupied by Asahel B., which, 
 with the assistance of their sons was cleared and improved, and here the par- 
 ents lived until their death. Timothy Howe, paternal grandfather of subject, was 
 a pioneer of the Mohawk Valley, N. Y., a soldier of the Revolution, and an 
 early settler of Lansing, N.Y., where he resided until his death. His maternal 
 grandfather, Benjamin Buck, was also a pioneer of Lansing, N. Y. A. B. 
 Howe is a prominent and well-known citizen of Bingham township, having re- 
 sided on the old homestead since 1833. 
 
 RUFUS H. HOWE, farmer and merchant, P. O. Bingham Centre, was 
 born in Lansing, Tompkins Co., N. Y., January 7, 1823, a son of Isaac and 
 Betsey (Buck) Howe, who settled in Bingham township, Potter Co., Penn., in 
 1832, .on the farm now owned by Asahel B. and Laverne Howe, which, with 
 the assistance of their sons, they cleared and improved, making it their home 
 until death. Their children were Asahel B., Simeon P. B., Lucy (Mrs. Wm. 
 Spencer), Rufus H., Susan (Mrs. Martin V. Briggs), William, Nelson (who 
 died of disease contracted in the army), Jane A. and Sally A. Rufas H. Howe 
 was reared in Bingham township from nine years of age. In the fall of 1844 
 he purchased the farm he now occupies, and has cleared and improved it 
 besides other farms in the vicinity. He has worked at the carpenter's trade 
 more or less since he was seventeen years of age, and has erected a great many 
 buildings in Bingham, also in Independence, N. Y. For a number of years he 
 operated a saw-mill and manufactured considerable lumber. He was a soldier 
 in the Civil war, having been drafted February 21, 1865, and went out with 
 Company E, Ninety-ninth Pennsylvania Veterans. He was at the front before 
 Petersburg, witnessed Lee's surrender, and was honorably discharged July 8, 
 1865. He was twice married; his first wife was Caroline, daughter of Herman 
 and Betsey (Lewis) Ainsworth, of Independence, N. Y., by whom he had two 
 children- Clinton E. and Alice C. (Mrs. John Holbert). His present wife 
 was Luthera Bishop, of Independence, N. Y. Mr. Howe engaged m the mer- 
 cantile business at Bingham Centre, before the war, which he has since con- 
 tinued. He is a member of the First Baptist Church of Bingham. In poli- 
 tics he is a Republican. ^ ^. ■, ^ , u • t?- v 
 
 LEVI B LEWIS, farmer, P. O. Bingham Centre, was born in Bingham 
 township, September 4, 1836, a son of Amos R. and Bethiah (Carpenter) Lewis, 
 
1202 HISTORY OF POTTEE COUNTY. 
 
 who settled in Bingham township in 1834, locating on the farm now owned by 
 David T. Hauber, a part of which they cleared and improved. In 1839 they 
 settled at Bingham Centre and cleared and improved the farm now occupied 
 by Levi B. , where the father died in December, 1873, in the sixty-eighth 
 year of his age. They had six children who grew to maturity, viz. : Lurinda 
 (Mrs. Russell Grover), Alvin P., Levi B., Elonzo, Oscar and Rachel (Mrs. 
 Jared Thompson). Levi B. Lewis was reared in his native township, and has 
 always followed farming as an occupation. He was a soldier in the Civil war, 
 enlisting March 31, 1864, in Company G, Fifty-third Pennsylvania Regiment; 
 was in the battle of the Wilderness, and was wounded at Spottsylvania, May 
 12, 1864, where he was taken prisoner and sent to Libby prison; was paroled 
 August 24, 1864, exchanged at Annapolis, and rejoined his regiment in No- 
 vember, 1864. He was honorably discharged June 16, 1865. Mr. Lewis was 
 married May 9, 1859, to Sarah, daughter of George and Eliza (Burt) Ran- 
 som, of Bingham township, and they have three children : Frank, Fowler and 
 Selden. Mr. Lewis has been postmaster of Bingham Centre since 1872, suc- 
 ceeding his father, who had held the office for twenty years. He is a member of 
 the G. A. R. and I. O. O. F, ; is one of the auditors of Potter county, to which 
 office he was elected in 1887, and has held the office of township clerk seven- 
 teen years. In politics he is a Democrat. 
 
 SAMUEL MUNROE, farmer, P. O. TJlysses, was born in Washington 
 county, N. Y., September 16, 1815, a son of Garner and Rosanna (McAllis- 
 ter) Munroe, who settled in Tioga county, Penn., in 1821. Samuel Munroe 
 was reared in Tioga county, Penn. , from the age of six years. He settled in 
 Bingham township. Potter county, in 1839, and in 1842 located on the farm 
 he now occupies, most of which he cleared and improved, and where he has 
 since resided. He has been married twice. His first wife was Mariam, daugh- 
 ter of John and Susanna (Salisbury) Howland, of Tioga county, Penn., and 
 his second and present wife is Susan, sister of his first. Mr. Munroe' s uncle, 
 Ashbel Munroe, settled in Bingham township in 1826, cleared and improved 
 the Ferris farm, and died there. He had two daughters. Mr. Munroe is a 
 prominent and successful farmer, and has served one term as commissioner of 
 Potter county. Politically he is a Republican. 
 
 JOEL L. RAYMON'D, farmer, P.O. North Bingham, was born in Hins- 
 dale, Berkshire Co., Mass., March 2, 1816, a son of William G. and Betsey 
 (Freeland) Raymond, who settled in Bingham township, Potter Co., Penn., iia 
 1837, and died there. They had a family of nine children: Maria (Mrs. 
 Lyman Blackmer), Persus J. (Mrs. Squire Rightmyer), William P., Joel L., 
 Hannah M. (Mrs. John Bobbins), Mary 0. (Mrs. Ebenezer Huntington), John 
 <G., Julia A. (deceased wife of John Smith, also deceased) and Eliza (Mrs. 
 (Charles Grover). 
 
 Joel L. was reared in Berkshire, Tioga Co., N.Y., and settled in Bingham 
 township in 1837. He cleared and improved a farm of 200 acres, besides other 
 farms, and has resided at North Bingham since 1876. His paternal grand- 
 father, Amos Raymond, was a soldier in the Revolutionary war, and a pioneer 
 of Allegheny township, this county, where he died at the advanced age of 
 ninety-six years. Joel L. Ra,ymond was twice married. His first wife was 
 Jane Searles of Tioga county, N. Y. , and his second wife was Lydia M. , daugh- 
 ter of David and Lydia (Lyman) Grover, of Bingham township, by whom he 
 had eight children: Jane (Mrs. Norman W. Lewis), Minerva (Mrs. L. P. 
 Lewis), Louisa (Mrs. A. H. Cobb), William G., Pauline (Mrs. E. W. Reynolds), 
 Ruth (Blrs. George Cobb), John L. and Grace (Mrs. N. J. Peck). Mr. Ray- 
 mond is a member of the Baptist Church. He is a prominent and leading 
 
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 1203 
 
 Citizen, is a Democrat, and has served one term as treasurer of Potter county. 
 He IS descended from an old American family, his paternal grandfather having 
 fought at White Plains, Stony Point, and assisted in the capture of Gen. 
 Burgoyne. The parents of Joel L. Raymond were married by Rev. John 
 Leeland, of Massachusetts. 
 
 AMASA ROBBINS, retired, P.O. Genesee Fork, was born in Marcellus, 
 N.Y., December 2, 1807, a son of David and Mercy (Burleigh) Robbins, who 
 settled in Independence, N.Y., in 1825. His father was a soldier in the war 
 of 1812, and died in Bingham township; his family consisted of nine chil- 
 dren, as follows: Marcia (Mrs. Comfort Felt), Amasa, Phebe (Mrs. Ephraim 
 Slade), Almira (Mrs. Clark Lewis), David, John, James G., Laban and Ira. 
 Amasa Robbins settled in Bingham township in 1834, locating on the farm now 
 owned by M. D. Briggs, part of which he cleared and improved. He then 
 settled_on what is known as the Parker farm, clearing forty acres there, and 
 in 185 < located on the farm he now occupies, all of which he cleared and im- 
 proved, and where he has since resided. He was married October 12, 1830, to 
 Electa, daughter of John G. and Phebe R. (Slocum) Huyler, of Tioga county, 
 Penn. John G. Huyler was a soldier in the Revolution. Mr. and Mrs. Bob- 
 bins have had six children, named as follows: Mercy C. (Mrs. Edgar Peet), 
 Eliza J. (Mrs, Dwight Genung), Zilpha A., James B., Rachel (Mrs. Alonzo 
 Race) and Hannah E. (Mrs. David Peet). Mr. Robbins chopped 116 acres 
 of timber by the job, before he was married, and as much more since. He is 
 one of the oldest citizens of the township. In politics he is a Democrat. 
 
 ORA THOMPSON, farmer, P. O. Bingham Centre, was born in New 
 Jersey, April 16, 1818, a son of Joshua and Polly (Romer) Thompson, who 
 settled in Bingham township in 1824, locating on the farm now owned by Wil- 
 son Gee, which they cleared and improved, and resided in the township until 
 their death. They had a family of eight children: Maria (Mrs. Ichabod Gra- 
 ham), Ora, Sally (Mrs. Sidney Abbott), Alvah, Susan A. (Mrs. John Henry), 
 Wilbert, Clark and Milton. Ora Thompson was reared in Bingham township 
 from the age of six years. In 1839 ho settled on the farm he now occupies, 
 all of which he cleared and improved. In 1845 he married Julia, daughter of 
 Ezekiel and Mary (Cartwright) Lane, and to them have been born eight chil- 
 dren: Levi J., Mary A. (Mrs. A. C. Evans), Angelia (Mrs. L. Merritt), 
 Melissa (Mrs. Charles Henry), Byron, Lottie (Mrs. Wm. Sherman), Chandler 
 and Grant. Mr. Thompson is one of the oldest residents of Bingham town- 
 ship, and is a prominent farmer. Politically he is a Republican. 
 
 LEVI J. THOMPSON, farmer, P. O. Bingham Centre, was born in 
 Bingham township, September 19, 1845, a son of Ora and Julia (Lane) 
 Thompson. His paternal grandfather was Joshua Thompson, who settled in 
 Bingham in 1824, and his maternal grandfather was Ezekiel Lane. Levi was 
 reared and educated in his native township, and after the breaking out of the 
 Civil war enlisted, February 5, 1864, and was assigned to Company G, Fifty- 
 third Pennsylvania Regiment. He participated in the Wilderness campaign, 
 and lost his right arm at the battle of Spottsylvania May 12, 1864. He was 
 honorably discharged from the service January 5, 1865. He located on the 
 farm he now occupies, in 1865, a good share of which he cleared and improved. 
 He has been twice married. His first wife was Rachel, daughter of Amos R. 
 and Bethiah (Carpenter) Lewis, of Bingham township, by whom he had the 
 following children: Iva, Addie, Lula and Asa. His second wife is Ada, 
 daughter of Benjamin R. and Lorinda (Lewis) Grover, of Bingham township, 
 and they have four children: Lillie, Grace, Asahel and Clara. Mr. Thomp- 
 son is a representative citizen, and has held several of the local oflfices of the 
 township. In politics he is a Republican. 
 
1204 HISTORY OF POTTEE COUNTY. 
 
 AARON S. WORDEN, P. O. Ulysses, was born April 19, 1847, in Bingham 
 towQship, Potter county, on the farm he now owns and occupies, a son "of 
 Charles and Clarissa (Bice) Worden. His paternal grandfather, Benjamin 
 Worden, formerly of Otsego county, N. Y. , settled in Bingham township. 
 Potter Co., Penn., in 1831, and made this his home until his death. His ma- 
 ternal grandfather, John A. Bice, settled in the same township in 1838. 
 Charles Worden came to Bingham township when ten years of age, in 1831, 
 and in 1842 settled on a farm now owned by his son, Aaron S., which he cleared 
 and improved, living there until his death. His children were Brastus S. (who 
 died in New York City at the close of the late war, of disease contracted in the 
 army), Ephraim S., Aaron S., Charles V. (deceased), Emma (Mrs. Alonzo 
 Howe) and Ella (Mrs. Charles Stillman, of Ulysses). A. S. Worden was reared 
 in Bingham township, and has owned and occupied the old homestead since his 
 marriage, September 22, 1869, to Mary A., daughter of John L. and Electa 
 (Webster) Van Deboe, of Otsego county, N. Y. Mr. and Mrs. Worden have 
 one daughter, M. Alma. Mr. Worden is a leading farmer and a breeder of Devon 
 cattle and Percheron horses. Politically he is a Republican. 
 
 HARBISON TOWNSHIP. 
 
 P. P. BADGERO, merchant. Mills, was born at Loon Lake, Steuben Co., 
 N. Y., June 21, 1847, a son of Francis and Electa L. (Tompkins) Badgero, 
 who settled in Harrison township. Potter Co., Penn., in 1854. His father was 
 a native of Livingston county, N. Y., and a carpenter by trade; was reared in 
 his native county, and when four years of age became partially blind from cat- 
 aracts. He erected many prominent cottages and buildings in Livingston and 
 Ontario counties, N. Y. , which were marvels to those who knew him and of 
 bis affliction. He was for many years a resident of Steuben county, N. Y., 
 but has been a resident of Harrison township. Potter Co., Penn., since 1854, 
 where he worked at his trade more or less up to 1884, and is now conducting a 
 small farm. Though of slight build and weighing but 136 pounds, he has 
 performed some wonderful feats of strength, at one time lifting 2,200 pounds 
 dead weight, on a wager of 1100, winning the money. He has two chil- 
 dren : F. P. , and Mary (Mrs. John Blanchard), a music teacher. F. P. Badgero 
 was reared in Harrison township from the age of seven years. He worked 
 with his father for a number years at the carpenter's trade, and is a natural 
 born mechanic. He has conducted a general store at Mills since 1885, and 
 has also been engaged in farming, owning a farm of 200 acres adjoining his 
 father's. He has been married twice. His first wife was Adelaide, daughter of 
 Barber and Sarah (English) Phillips, by whom he has three children living: 
 Theresa (Mrs. John Beaubien), Eva and Clara. His present wife is Laura, 
 daughter of Philip and Elizabeth (Boucher) Sanders, of West Union, N. Y. 
 They have two children : Laura M. and Edna E. Mr. Badgero is a member 
 of the I. O. O. F. He has been assessor of Harrison township two years, and 
 in politics he is a Republican. 
 
 DARIUS W. COFFIN, farmer and dairyman, P. O. North Fork, was born 
 in Brookfield township, Tioga Co., Penn., March 17, 1839, a son of John R. 
 and Hannah J. (Nobles) Coffin. He was reared in his native township, re- 
 ceiving a common-school education. He was in the Civil war, enlisting March 
 8, 1862, in Company F, Seventy- eighth New York Volunteer Infantry, and, on 
 account of disability, was honorably discharged from the service June 16, 1862. 
 In 1864 he settled in Harrison township. Potter Co., Penn., and in 1868 locat- 
 ed on the farm he now owns and occupies, a good share of which he has cleared 
 and improved. In 1864 he married Matilda J., daughter of John D. and Sally 
 
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 1205 
 
 A. (Marble) Snyder, of Harrison township, and they have three children : May 
 (Mrs. David Stedman), John N. and Elsie G. Mr. Coffin is a member of the 
 Methodist Episcopal Church and of the Grand Army of the Republic. In pol 
 itics he is a Eepublican. 
 
 RAY CUMMINGS, farmer, P. O. Harrison Valley, was born in Harrison 
 township, Potter Co., Penn., in June, 1852, a son of Henry and Angeline 
 (Dodge) Cummings. His paternal grandparents were Abel and Martha Cum- 
 mings, who vrere among the pioneers of Harrison township, clearing what is 
 now known as the George Stevens farm; their children were Calvin, Alfred, 
 Henry, Ezra, Samuel and Martha (Mrs. Thomas Lawton). His maternal grand- 
 parents were Israel and Sally (White) Dodge, who settled in Harrison town- 
 ship in 1842. Henry Cummings was a farmer by occupation. He was in the 
 Civil war, serving three years in Company G, Forty-sixth Pennsylvania Regi- 
 ment, and was killed at Peach Tree Creek, near Atlanta, Ga. , April 14, 1865. 
 He had two children, Ray being the only survivor. Ray Cummings was mar- 
 ried to Esther, daughter of Harmon and Rose (Watrous) Swetland, of Harri- 
 son township, and they have two children, Louie L. and Henry N. Mr. 
 Cummings has always followed agricultural pursuits, and was born and reared 
 on the farm he now occupies. In politics he is a Republican. 
 
 MARTIN DODGE, farmer, P. O. Harrison Valley, was born in Oxford, 
 Chenango Co., N. Y., January 30, 1831, a son of Israel and Sally (White) 
 Dodge, who settled in Harrison township, Potter Co., Perni. , in 1842. He 
 was reared in Harrison township, where he received a common-school educa- 
 tion. He was in the Civil war, enlisting in August, 1862, in Company D, 
 One Hundred and Thirty- sixth Pennsylvania Regiment, and was honorably 
 discharged at the expiration of nine months' service. March 80, 1864, he 
 Bolisted in Company D, Fifty-third Pennsylvania Volunteers, and was honor- 
 ably discharged at the close of the war. In 1863 he settled on the farm he 
 now owns and occupies, on which he made a start prior to his second enlist- 
 ment, and has since cleared the same and made all the improvements in build- 
 ings, etc. He was married, June 17, 1863, to Jane, daughter of Isaas Horton, 
 of Tioga county, Penn. Mr. Dodge is a prominent and representative farmer 
 and citizen of Harrison township, has served one term as treasurer of Pot- 
 ter county, and has filled several of the local offices of the township. He is a 
 Republican in politics, and is a member of the Masonic fraternity. 
 
 A. F. DODGE, lumberman, merchant and farmer, P. O. Elmer, was born 
 in New York State, December 3, 1834, a son of Israel and Sally (White) 
 Dodge, who settled in Harrison township in .1842. He was reared in that 
 township from the age of seven years. In 1857 he settled on the farm he now 
 occupies, a part of which he cleared, and made most of the improvements in 
 buildings. Since attaining his majority he has been engaged in lumbering, 
 and is prominently identified with the lumber interests of Potter county, being 
 junior member of the firm of Manning & Dodge, general merchants, at Elmer. 
 Mr. Dodge married, in 1859, Louisa, daughter of Sylvanus and Sally (White) 
 Moore, of Oxford, Chenango Co., N. Y., and they have one daughter, Hattie. 
 Mr. Dodge is a representative and leading citizen of Harrison township. He 
 has held the office of supervisor twenty years, and is now serving his third 
 term as school dii'ector. Politically he is a Repablican, and has been post- 
 master at Elmer since 1880. 
 
 VINCENT DODGE, farmer, P. O. Elmer, was born m Addison, N. Y., 
 December 18, 1840, a son of Israel and Sally (White) Dodge, natives of Che- 
 nango county, N. Y., who settled in Harrison township, in 1842, on the farm 
 adjoinino^ that now owned by our subject, which they cleared and improved. 
 
1206 HISTORY OF POTTEB COUNTY. 
 
 and made their home until death. They had nine children, viz.: Angjeline 
 (Mrs. Henry Cummings), Martin, A. Franklin, Elizabeth (Mrs. Horatio Al- 
 drich), James, Vincent, Clarissa (Mrs. John Champlin), Annis (Mrs. Eugene 
 Stevens) and Eugene. Vincent Dodge was reared in Harrison township. He 
 was in the Civil war, enlisting in Company D, One Hundred and Thirty-sixth 
 Pennsylvania Volunteers, in August, 1862 ; served nine months, and was honor- 
 ably discharged. He was afterward drafted into Company D, Fifty- eighth 
 Pennsylvania Volunteers, in which he also served nine months. In August, 
 1862, he married Hannah, daughter of Eev. Benjamin and Catherine (Gor- 
 ton) Thomas, of Harrison township, and. they have one daughter, Edith. Mr. 
 Dodge has resided on the farm he now owns since, the war, and has made all 
 improvements in buildings. He is a member of the G. A. R. ; in politics he is 
 a Republican. 
 
 CHARLES H. DOUD, carpenter, P. O. Harrison Valley, was born in 
 Windsor, Broome Co., N. Y., May 10, 1836, a son of Russell C. and Polly 
 (Dow) Doud, who settled in Harrison township in 1854. His father was a 
 farmer by occupation, which he followed until 1866, and died in Susquehanna, 
 Penn., in 1871. His children were Marilla (Mrs. Ambrose Elwell), Tryphena 
 (Mrs. Ira Martin), Clarinda (Mrs. Jonathan Baldwin), Leander H., Sylvia 
 (Mrs. Charles Phillips), Almira (Mrs. William Andrews), Edward and Emily 
 (twins, the latter married to Rowland Farnham) and Charles H. The last- 
 named came with his parents to Harrison township in 1854, and has since then 
 followed the carpenter's trade, more or less. He has also been interested in 
 farming to some extent, and for several years was engaged in the furniture 
 business at Harrison Valley. He was in the Civil war, enlisting, April 1, 
 1864, in Company D, Fifty-third Pennsylvania Regiment. He was wounded 
 at Spottsylvania, May 12, 1864, and was honorably discharged from the service 
 in June, 1865. He married, in June, 1857, Mary, daughter of Rev. Benja- 
 min and Catherine (Gorton) Thomas, of Harrison, and they have two children: 
 Kate (Mrs. Chester A. Swetland) and Lapette. Mr. Doud is a representative 
 citizen Si Harrison Valley, and has been constable of the township four years, 
 assessor three years, and is the present treasurer. He is a Republican. 
 
 JOHN B. ERWAY was born in Harrison township, Potter Co., Penn., 
 May 22, 1836, a son of P. P. and Harriet (Hurlbut) Erway. His paternal 
 grandparents were John and Christiana M. (Arter) Erway, who settled in 
 Harrison township in 1829, where they resided until their death. They reared 
 the following named children: Jacob, Anna (Mrs. John Wilbur), Sally (Mrs. 
 David McConnell), Elizabeth (Mrs. William Colvin), Julia (Mrs. Israel Mer- 
 rick), Catherine (Mrs. John Rose), Pearl P. , Henry and George K. The ma- 
 ternal grandparents of John B. Erway were Giles and Jediah (Metcalf) Hurl- 
 but, who also settled in Harrison township in 1829. P. P. Erway was a 
 farmer by occupation, and a pioneer of Harrison township. He reared a 
 family of eight children: John B. , Hestina (Mrs. Hamilton Warner), Eliza- 
 beth (Mrs. David Mascho), Aurilla (Mrs. Alex. Logue), Caroline (Mrs. Ben- 
 jamin Crandall), Oscar, Benjamin F. and Emmett. J. B. Erway was reared 
 in hia native township, where most of his life has been spent. He participated 
 in the Civil war, enlisting in August, 1862, in Company G, One Hundred and 
 Forty-ninth Pennsylvania Volunteers. He lost his left leg, below the knee, at 
 Chancelloraville, May 2, 1863, and was honorably discharged from the service 
 in September following. After his discharge he returned home, where he 
 remained some time, and afterward went West, spending, several years in the 
 Territories, returning to Harrison township in 1883, where, with the exception 
 of one year, he was engaged in business. His wife was Mary Fletcher, 
 
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 1C07 
 
 daughter of William Fletcher, of Tioga county, Penn. , by whom he has had two 
 children: Addie M. (Mrs. Ernest Edmunds) and Grace. Mr. Erway is a 
 "'*' WTT^t.^® ^- ^- ^■' ^^^ i^ politics he is a stanch Eepublican. 
 
 WILLIAM B. FOX, farmer, P. O. Harrison Valley, was born in Chemung, 
 Chemung Co., N. Y., May 16, 1819, a son of Silas and Abigail (Brooks) Fol, 
 who settled m Harrison township in 1856, and whose children were Aurelia 
 Mrs. Eobiason), William B., Jesse, Fidelia (Mrs. Jones Little) and Cecelia 
 (Mrs. Byron S. Potter) Mr. Pox settled in Harrison township in 1853, and 
 has cleared and improved most of the farm he occupies. He was in the Civil 
 oS'^^^Q^f^"^^^'' Company G, Fifty-third Pennsylvania Volunteers, February 
 2J, 1864. He was wounded at Spottsylvania, and was honorably discharged 
 from the service May 26, 1865, at Philadelphia. He married, October 11 
 1843, Cynthia S., daughter of Thomas and Tamma (Mead) Johnson, of Che- 
 mung, N. Y., and they have two children living: Chrisehanna (Mrs. C. L. Stone) 
 and George M. Mr. Pox is a representative farmer and citizen; is a Eepub- 
 lican m politics, and has held several local offices of the township. 
 
 CHAELES A. GILBEET, lumberman, P. O. Elmer, was born in Pal- 
 myra, N. Y., September 26, 1841, a son of George and Philena (Durfee) 
 Gilbert, who settled in Harrison township in 1852. He was reared in Steuben 
 county, N. Y., and Potter county, Penn., his parents coming here when he 
 was eleven years old. He was in the Civil war, enlisting September 1, 1861. 
 in Company G, Forty-sixth Pennsylvania Volunteers, and was honorably 
 discharged, on account of disability, in December of the same year. In 
 January, 1864, he again enlisted, this time in Company L, Fiftieth New York 
 Engineers, and was in the following named battles: front of Petersburg, 
 Wilderness, Spottsylvania, Cold Harbor, and others, and was honorably dis- 
 charged. June 27, 1865. After the war he operated a shingle-mill at West- 
 field, Tioga county, one year; engaged in farming two years, and then 
 embarked in the lumber business in Clearfield county, where he remained two 
 years. He then engaged in farming at Clymer, Tioga county, for three years. 
 In 1881 he embarked in the lumber business at Elmer, in which he has since 
 successfully continued. He was married March 11, 1866, to Mary, daughter 
 of Harvey and Sarah (Potter) Metcalf, of Westfield, Penn. , and they have two 
 children, James F. and Josie A. Mr. Gilbert is a prominent lumberman. He 
 is a member of the G. A. E. , and in politics is a Eepublican. 
 
 WILLIAM E. GILBEET, farmer, P. O. Harrison Valley, was born at 
 Painted Post, N. Y. , June 24, 1 846, a son of George and Philena (Durfee) Gilb'ert, 
 who settled in Harrison Valley in 1852. Here his father, a blacksmith by trade, 
 resided one and a half years, when he purchased the farm now occupied by 
 the subject of this sketch, which, with the assistance of his sons, he cleared 
 and improved, and where he resided until his death, which occurred in 1886, 
 when he was aged seventy-one years. He had seven children: Frank, Charles 
 A., Edward, William E., Jay, Susie (Mrs. Andrew Wallis) and John. William 
 E. Gilbert has always resided in Harrison township, and, with the exception 
 of the five years he was engaged in the drug business at Harrison Valley, has 
 followed farming; he now owns and occupies a part of the old homestead. 
 In 1873 he married Mary, daughter of James and Sarah (Breese) Douglass of 
 Hector township, this county, and to them has been born one son, Harry. 
 Mr. Gilbert has held the office of town clerk of Harrison township four terms. 
 .He is a Eepublican in politics, and a member of the Masonic fraternity. 
 
 CHAELES P. GILL, farmer, P. O. North Fork, was born in Brook- 
 field township, Tioga Co., Penn., August 13, 1847, a son of Nelson and Clara 
 (Joseph) Gill. His paternal grandfather was Charles Gill, who settled at Fox 
 
1208 HISTORY OF POTTER COUNTY. 
 
 Hill, in Harrison township, Potter county, in 1834, on what is now known as 
 the A. J. Hoffman farm, which he cleared and improved, and made his home 
 until death. His first wife was Parmelia Hurlbut, by whom he had four chil- 
 dren: Nelson, Lamantha (Mrs. Theodore Metcalf), Molinda (Mrs. Rowland 
 Hunt) and John. His second wife was Eliza Winchester, by whom he had 
 five children: Charles, Frank, Parmelia (Mrs. Francis Holdridge), Lavira 
 (Mrs. Persing) and Flora (Mrs. Ed Schutch). The paternal great-grandfather of 
 our subject was John Gill, a native of Yorkshire, England, and a pioneer of 
 Cortland county, N. Y. His maternal grandparents were George Joseph, a 
 pioneer of Brookfield, Tioga Co. , Penn. , and Clara (Plumb) Joseph. Nelson 
 Gill cleared and improved a farm where he died. He had two children: 
 Charles P. and Hattie (Mrs. A. J. Hoffman). C. P. Gill was reared in Har- 
 rison township, and now owns and occupies the old homestead. He has been 
 married twice. His first wife was Anna, daughter of Simeon B. and Mary A. 
 (Lampman) Hauber, of Steuben county, N. Y., by whom he had two children, 
 George and Koss. His present wife was formerly Miss Emma Hubbard, 
 daughter of M. B. and Jemima (Cady) Hubbard, of Steuben county, N. Y. 
 Mr. Gill is a prominent farmer and a representative citizen. He is a Democrat 
 in politics. 
 
 BURDETT W. HARRISON, merchant. Mills, was born in Taylor, Cort- 
 land Co., N. Y. , July 11, 1847, a son of Hubbard and Abbie (Rockwell) Har- 
 rison, who settled in Harrison township in 1854, on the farm they now occupy, 
 most of which they cleared and im.proved. They have had nine children: 
 Mary, John (died at Washington, D. C. , of disease contracted in the Civil war), 
 Burdett W., Henry, Ella, Leonard, Hattie (Mrs. Burdett Boyce), Cora and 
 Etta (Mrs. Andy Gee). Burdett W. Harrison was reared in Harrison town- 
 ship, and has had a varied business career. He spent nineteen years of his 
 life in Cortland and Allegany counties, N. Y. , and in Tioga county, Penn. , and 
 returned to Harrison township in 1888, in the spring of which year he em- 
 barked in the grocery trade at Mills, which he has since succesfully conducted. 
 His wife was Alma, a daughter of Lewis and Keziah (Cady) Vanderburg, of 
 Southport, N. Y. , by whom he has one child, Louisa. Mr. Harrison is a mem- 
 ber of the Baptist Church. Politically he is a Republican. He is a member 
 of the I. O. O. F. and of the E. A. U. 
 
 JAMES S. HAYNES, farmer, P. O. Harrison Valley, was born in Guil- 
 ford , Chenango Co., N. Y., August 17, 1839, a son of Samuel and Eunice 
 (Copley) Haynes, both natives of the State of New York, who settled in Har- 
 rison township. Potter Co., Penn., in 1842, where the father cleared and im- 
 proved the farm now occupied by James S., and on which both parents died. 
 Their children were Maria (Mrs. Henry Outman), Rowland V. , James S. and 
 Sarah A. (Mrs. John Olney). James S. Haynes was reared in Harrison town- 
 ship, receiving a common-school education. He has always devoted his at- 
 tention to farming, and at his father's death succeeded him to the ownership 
 of the homestead by purchase, and here he has always resided. He was mar- 
 ried, October 16, 1860, to Elizabeth, daughter of Willis and Julia (Yale) 
 Spencer, of Harrison township. They have one son, Lewis E. Mr. Haynes 
 is a representative farmer and citizen. Politically he is a Republican, and 
 has held several of the local oflS.ces in the township. 
 
 AUGUSTUS E. HOLCOMB, farmer, P. O. Harrison Valley, was born in 
 Broome county, N. Y. , July 30, 1836, son of Lloyd and Minerva (Cook) Holcomb, 
 natives of Connecticut and New York, respectively, who settled in Harrison town- 
 ship Potter Co., Penn., in 1850, and cleared and improved most of the farm occu- 
 pied by Augustus E. Holcomb, where they passed the remainder of their lives. 
 
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 1209 
 
 They had three children: Walter B., Theodore F. and Augustus E. Augus- 
 tus E. Holcomb was fourteen years of age when lie settled with his parents in 
 this township, and here he has since lived. He was a soldier in the Rebellion, 
 enlisting in February, 1864, in Company G, Fifty- third Pennsylvania Regiment, 
 and was honorably discharged at the close of the war. He married Susan, daugh- 
 ter of Nathan and Amanda (Hurl but) Fletcher, of Harrison township, and to 
 them were born three children: Nathan, Walter and Milton. Mr. Holcomb is a 
 worthy and respected citizen. He is a member of Union, No. 522, E. A. U., 
 and also a member of the G. A. R. Post, No. 586. Politically he is a Republican. 
 
 NEWTON W. HUBBARD, of the firm of Chapin & Hubbard, hardware 
 dealers, Harrison Valley, was born in Tyringham, Berkshire Co., Mass., 
 October 25, 1829, a son of Nathaniel and Sophia (Judd) Hubbard, both na- 
 tives of Berkshire county, Mass., who settled in Harrison, Potter Co., Penn., 
 in 1850, locating on the farm now occupied by their grandson, Curtis Hub- 
 bard, which they cleared and improved, and here spent the remainder of 
 their lives. They had two children: Jane S. (Mrs. Jesse Mattison) and New- 
 ton W. Newton W. Hubbard was reared in his native county, and settled in 
 Harrison township with his parents in 1850. He was engaged in farming for 
 many years, and cleared and improved the farm adjoining that of his father, 
 and erected all the buildings. He removed to Harrison Valley in 1879, where 
 he has since resided, and in 1883 embarked in the hardware business with his 
 son-in-law, D. D. Chapin, under the firm name of Chapin & Hubbard, in which 
 he has since successfully continued. He was twice married. His first wife was 
 Eleanor, daughter of Thaddeus and Diana (Gill) Stone, of Harrison township, 
 by whom he had one son, Curtis. He was married, the second time, to Hannah S. , 
 ■daughter of Jesse and Caroline (Barnes) Bartoo, of Chenango county, N. Y. 
 They have had five children: Orpha (Mrs. D. D. Chapin), Edith (Mrs. George 
 E. Stone), Amy, Sadie and Madie (twins). Mr. Hubbard was a soldier in the 
 Civil war, enlisting in 1864 in Company I, One Hundred and Eighty- ninth 
 New York Volunteers, was at the front, and witnessed Lee's surrender. 
 He was honorably discharged in June, 1865. He is a member of the Meth- 
 odist Episcopal Church, and politically he is a Republican. 
 
 CURTIS HUBBARD, farmer, P. O. Harrison Valley, was born in Har- 
 rison township. Potter county. May 11, 1855, a son of Newton W. and Eleanor 
 (Stone) Hubbard. He was reared in his native township, where he has always 
 resided, and since manhood has been engaged in farming, occupying the old 
 family homestead. He married, November 25, 1878, Elsie, daughter of 
 Daniel and Charlotte (Bartoo) Williams, of New York, and they have two 
 children, Floyd and Madge. Mr. Hubbard is a prominent and representative 
 young farmer of Harrison township. In politics he is a Republican. 
 
 HENRY HURLBUT, farmer, P. O. Harrison Valley, was born in Broome 
 county, N. Y., November 25, 1814, a son of Giles and Jedidah (Metcalf) Hurlbut, 
 who settled in Harrison township in 1828, on the farm adjoining that of Mr. 
 Hurlbut, which they cleared and improved, and where they resided until their 
 death. Giles Hurlbut was twice married, and by his first wife, Jedidah Met- 
 calf, he had ten children: Robinson, Harriet (Mrs. P. P. Erway), Henry, 
 Amanda (Mrs. Nathan Fletcher), Alvina (Mrs. Thomas Cornish), Aurilla (Mrs. 
 Austin Buck), Lucy A. (Mrs. Almond Scoville), Hiram, Isaac and Alvah. 
 His second wife was Maria Tuttle, by whom he had two children, Sheldon 
 and Giles. Henry Hurlbut was fourteen years of age when he came with his 
 parents to Harrison Valley. He has always been a farmer, and has cleared 
 and improved the farm he now occupies. He was twice married. His first 
 wife was Martha South wick, by whom he had four children: George, Rosa- 
 
1210 HISTOBY OF POTTEB COUNTY. 
 
 linda (Mrs. Trumaa Hurlbut), William and Samantha (Mrs. Henry Gustin). 
 His second wife was Marilla Hawley, by whom he has one daughter living, 
 Clara V. (Mrs. Henry Rice). 
 
 CHAELES A. JONES, farmer, P. O. Mills, was born in Lyons, N. Y. , 
 September 22, 1844, a son of John E. and Esther (Palmer) Jones, who 
 settled in Harrison township, Potter Co., Penn., in 1849, and cleared and 
 improved the farm now occupied by their son Charles A. They had ten 
 children who grew to maturity, viz. : William, Esther (Mrs. Amos Hawkins), 
 Amy (Mrs. Constant Bailey),. Mary (Mrs. James Cotton), John J., Charles 
 A., Lyman, Annie (Mrs. Charles Hamm), Luna (Mrs. Eobert Baxter) and 
 Myra (Mrs. Charles Shaw). Charles A. Jones was live years of age 
 when his parents came to Harrison township, where he was reared, and has 
 always lived on the old homestead which he now owns. He was a soldier in 
 the Civil war, enlisting September 10, 1861, in Company H, Eighty-fifth New 
 York Volunteers. He was taken prisoner at Plymouth, N. C. , in April, 1^64, 
 and was sent to Andersonville, where he was kept nine months; then was 
 transferred to Florence prison, where he remained three months, and while 
 being run by the enemy to Wilmington, N. C, he was recaptured by the 
 Union army, and was honorably discharged from the service July 12, 1805. 
 In August, 1865, he married Lucina, daughter of Eobert and Betsey (Briggs) 
 McCurdy, of Willing, N. Y., and they have three children : Olive (Mrs, George 
 Bartoo), Elmer and Orville. Mr. Jones is an enterprising and worthy citizen. 
 Politically he is a Eepubliean. 
 
 THOMAS J. KIBBE, farmer, P. O. Harrison Valley, was born in Wash- 
 ington county, N. Y., April 1, 1831, a son of David and Emily C. (McNutt) 
 Kibbe, who settled in Harrison township, Potter Co., Penn., in 1833, on a 
 farm now owned by H. N. Stone, most of which they cleared and improved, 
 and resided in the township until their death. Their children were Sally (Mrs. 
 Jonas Youker), David, John, Jane (Mrs. William Bailey), Thomas J., Elijah, 
 James H., Melissa and Emily C. (Mrs. Samuel Belcher.) Thomas J. Kibbe 
 was reared in Harrison township from the age of two years. In early man- 
 hood he settled on the farm he now owns and occupies, all of which he cleared 
 and improved, and one has but to drive by his farm to see the evidence of 
 thrift and enterprise. Mr. Kibbe was in the Civil war. He was drafted 
 in 1863, and served eight months in Company B, One Hundred and Eighty- 
 ninth Pennsylvania Eegiment. After his discharge he again enlisted in 
 Company I, One Hundred and Seventy-first New York Volunteers, in 
 which he served a year and five days, when he was honorably discharged. 
 After the war he resumed his farming, and is one of the most prominent 
 and successful farmers of Harrison township. In June, 1858, he married 
 Dorcas, daughter of Joseph and Anna (Brown) Cotton, of Harrison township, 
 and they have had eleven children, named as follows: Sally A. (Mrs. Malvia 
 Baker), born in Harrison township, June 7, 1853; Julietta (Mrs. Theo. Hunt), 
 born October 24, 1854; Alonzo, M. D., born April 16, 1856; James H, born 
 June 26, 1858; Luzern F., born February 22, 1860; Mary Z. (Mrs. M. Baker), 
 born June 4, 1861; Thomas J., Jr., born December 21, 1863; Sherman E., 
 born May 12, 1865; George W., born February 22, 1867; Arthur E., born 
 May 15, 1873, and Adortha, who was born September 27, 1875, and died April 
 5, 1880. Mr. Kibbe is a Eepubliean in politics, and is a member of the Grand 
 Army of the Eepublic. 
 
 D. E. LEWIS, farmer, P. O. North Fork, was born in Brookfield, Penn. , 
 May 2, 1822, a son of Simeon B. and Eiith (Coon) Lewis, natives of Peters- 
 burg, N. Y., who settled in Brookfield, Tioga Co., Penn., in 1821, where they 
 
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 1211 
 
 cleared and improved a farm, on which they lived the remainder of their lives. 
 Mr. Levfis was reared in his native township, and after reaching his majority, 
 purchased a tract of land which he cleared and improved, and where he resided 
 up to 1853. He then purchased the farm he now occupies, in Harrison town- 
 ship, Potter county, which he also cleared and improved, and where he has 
 since resided. In 1844 he married Eoxanna, daughter of Clark and Zernah 
 (Jordan) Rice, of Brookfield, Tioga Co., Penn., and to them have been born 
 six children: Harmon C, Mary (Mrs. Benjamin Hunt), Lois (Mrs. Le Grand 
 Mascho), William H, Annis (Mrs. Frank Ramsey), and Martin (deceased). Mr. 
 Lewis is a representative farmer. He is a member of the Methodist Episcopal 
 Church, and in politics he is a Republican. 
 
 HARVEY B. METCALP, farmer, P. O. Harrison Valley, was born in 
 AYest "Union, Steuben Co., N. Y., November 4, 1845, a son of Morris P. and 
 Lucinda (Bak;fr) Metcalf, early settlers of West Union, N. Y., and later of 
 Brookfield, Penn., now residing in Woodbury county, Iowa. Harvey B. Met- 
 calf was reared in Brookfield, Tioga Co., Penn., where his parents settled in 
 1854. He was in the war of the Rebellion, enlisting, February 8, 1864, in 
 Company L, Second Pennsylvania Cavalry; was transferred to Battery C, 
 Fourth United States Artillery, and was honorably discharged in July, 1865. 
 After the war he returned to Brookfield, and in 1869 settled in Harrison town- 
 ship, where he owns two farms, both of which he has cleared and improved. Oc- 
 tober 6, 1867, he married Elvira, daughter of Thomas and Alvina (Hurlbut) 
 Cornish, of Harrison township. They have five children: Morris G., Frances 
 M. . Andrew A., Mary and Hattie. Mr. Metcalf is a Republican in politics, and 
 one of the many respected citizens of the county. 
 
 JOHN OLNEY, dealer in agricultural implements, Harrison Valley, was 
 born in Berkshire, Tioga Co., N. Y., June 12, 1836, a son of Orman and Lydia 
 (White) Olney, who settled in Harrison township, in 1852, on the farm now 
 owned by Mr. Olney, most of which they cleared and improved, and lived there 
 until their death. Orman Olney was twice married. His first wife was Tabitha 
 Clark, by whom he had two children: Charlotte (Mrs. Horace Miller) and 
 David C. His second wife was Lydia White, by whom he had three children: 
 Dan, Oliver W. and John. John Olney was sixteen years old when he came 
 with his parents to Harrison township, and has since lived in the township, 
 and for many years was engaged in farming. In 1884 he embarked in the 
 hardware trade at Harrison Valley, in which he continued five years, and since 
 the spring of 1889 has been dealing in agricultural implements. January 22, 
 1863, he married Sarah A., daughter of Samuel and Eunice (Copley) Haynes. 
 of Harrison township. Mr. Olney is a prominent citizen. He is a Republican. 
 
 CHARLES M. PREDMORE, farmer, P. O, Harrison Valley, was born in 
 Andover, Steuben Co., N. Y., April 14, 1852, a son of James S. and Mary 
 (Wells) Predmore. His father, who was a native of New Jersey, settled in 
 Harrison township in 1853, where he cleared and improved the farm now oc- 
 cupied by our subject, where he died. His children were Francis M., Charles 
 M., Amelia A. (Mrs. Elymus Monroe), Julia F. (Mrs. Edward B. English), 
 Encie (Mrs. Jesse McConnell), John W., Billy W., Rosalie (Mrs. John Shell- 
 man) and Charlotte E. (Mrs. W. M. Snyder). Charles M. Predmore was 
 reared in Harrison to-\^ship, and at his father's death succeeded to the owner- 
 ship of the homestead, by purchasing the interest of the other heirs, and there 
 he has since resided. February 1, 1874, he married Emma D., daughter of 
 Edward and Emeline (Stone) Stebbins, of Harrison township, and they have 
 one Bon, Royal L. Mr. Predmore is a member of the Methodist Episcopal 
 Church;' in politics he is a Republican. 
 
1212 HISTORY OF POTTEB COUNTY. 
 
 M. R. PRITCHARD, physician and surgeon, Harrison Valley, was born in 
 Westfield, Tioga Co., Penn., March 4, 1852, a son of Morris and Sarah (Ha- 
 ven) Pritchard. His paternal grandfather was Lyman Pritchard, and his ma- 
 ternal grandfather was Royal Haven, pioneers of Tioga county, and of Bradford 
 county, Penn. , respectively. Dr. Pritchard was reared in his native town, where 
 he received a public-school education. In 1877 he began the study of medi- 
 cine with Dr. A. L. Bottum, of "Westfield. He took a course of lectures at 
 Detroit Medical College, Detroit, Mich., in 1878-79, was graduated at the 
 College of Physicians and Surgeons, Baltimore, Md., in 1880, and immedi- 
 ately located at Harrison Valley, where he has since been in active practice, 
 and built up a lucrative business. In 1882 he went into partnership with his 
 brother-in-law, W. E. Gilbert, in a drug store, still continuing his practice. 
 This proved to be too hard work, and in 1887 he sold the drug business 
 to his partner. Dr. Pritchard is emphatically a self-made man* Much of his 
 early life was spent in the employ of Dodge & Co. , at Williamsport, to obtain 
 means to pursue his studies. Feeling the need of a higher standard in the 
 profession, the Doctor took a course of instruction at the New York Post-. 
 Graduate Medical School and Hospital in the winter of 1888-89. He has 
 been twice married. Hia first wife was Carrie Douglass, of Hector, Potter 
 county, and his present wife is Nettie, daughter of Allison Evans, of Law- 
 renceville, Penn., and they had one daughter, Vera, who died November 
 5, 1889, of typhoid fever. Dr. Pritchard is a member of the Potter County 
 Medical Society, and of the I. O. O. F. Politically he is a Republican. 
 
 BURR ROBINSON, farmer, P. O. Harrison Valley, was born in Harrison 
 township, Potter Co. , Penn. , January 20, 1839, a son of Samuel M. and Olive J. 
 (Plank) Robinson. His maternal grandfather was Lovell P. Plank, a native of 
 Scotland, and among the pioneers of Brookfield, Tioga Co. , Penn. Samuel M. 
 Robinson came to Harrison township in 1825, and in 1833 settled on a farm in the 
 northern part of the township, which he cleared and improved, and which is 
 now owned by his son Burr. He was a resident of the township until his 
 death, which occurred when he was aged seventy- two years, five months and 
 seven days. His children were Rosetta (Mrs. Lyman Dibble), Burr, Josephine 
 (Mrs. William H. Tompkins), Waldo and Lovell. Burr Robinson was reared 
 in his native township, where he has always resided. He was in the Rebellion, 
 enlisting in October, 1864, in Company I, One Hundred and Twelfth New 
 York Volunteers, and participated in battles of Chapin's farm, Fort Fisher and 
 Wilmington. He was mustered out of the service at Raleigh, N. C. , June 14, 
 1865, and honorably discharged July 2, 1865. Since the war he has been en- 
 gaged in farming, and has occupied the farm where he now resides since De- 
 cember, 1859. He was married July 8, 1857, to Harriet O., daughter of Dan- 
 ford and Amy (Dibble) Lincoln, of Harrison township, and they have five chil- 
 dren: Olive (Mrs. W. J. Erway), Samuel M. , Clara (Mrs. James Stevens), 
 Dora and Lovell (the last-named being deceased). Mr. Robinson is a well-known 
 and prominent farmer of Harrison township. In politics he is a Republican. 
 
 EZEKIEL ROOKS, farmer, P. O. Spring Mills, N. Y., was born in Harrison 
 township. Potter Co., Penn., June 18, 1836, a son of Daniel and Delanah (Bol- 
 man) Rooks, formerly of Painted Post, N. Y. , and among the pioneers of 
 Harrison township, having settled on the farm now owned and occupied by 
 Mr. Rooks, most of which they cleared. They had a family of seven chil- 
 dren: John, Catherine (Mrs. Lester Merrick), Jane (Mrs. Willard Cutler), 
 Mary (Mrs. William Beach), Ezekiel, Caroline (Mrs. William Statham) and 
 Lyman. The paternal grandfather, Daniel Rooks, was a Revolutionary sol- 
 dier and a pioneer of Bingham township. Potter county, where he died- 
 
BIOGEAPHICAL SKETCHES. 1213 
 
 Ezekiel Rooks was reared in Harrison township, and has always lived on the 
 old homestead, of which he has made a model farm, and has fitted up with all 
 modern improvements, showing his thrift and enterprise. His wife was 
 Addie, daughter of John Wiley, of Steuben county, N. Y. Mr. Rooks is a 
 prominent farmer and citizen of Harrison township, is a Republican, and has 
 served in different local offices. 
 
 GILBERT SCOVILLE, farmer, P. O. White's Corners, was born in 
 Cornwall, Conn., April 23, 1816, a son of Jesse and Rhoda (Humphrey) 
 Scoville, who settled in Harrison township in 1838, where they afterward 
 lived and died. They reared a family of sis children: Gilbert, Martha 
 (Mrs. Alva Andrews), Luman H., Almond C, Lewis P. and Mary J. (Mrs. 
 John Sherwood). Our subject was reared in his native town, and in Cort- 
 land county, N. Y. He came with his parents to Harrison township in 1838, 
 and assisted his father in clearing the homestead, on which he has ever since 
 resided. He was twice married. His first wife was Theodosia Ann, daughter 
 of Oramel and L. C. Austin, of Harrison township, by whom he had three 
 .children: Mary V. (Mrs. Caleb A. Palmatier), William H. and Harry A. His 
 second wife was Ruth, daughter of Elisha and Ruth Horton, formerly of Con- 
 necticut, by whom he has one son, Perry B. Mr. Scoville is one of the few 
 pioneers still living in Harrison township. He is a prominent citizen and 
 farmer. In politics he is a Democrat, and has served his township several 
 years as constable and school director. 
 
 J. AVERY SMITH, farmer, P. O. Mills, was born in Greenwood, Steuben 
 Co. , N. Y. , January 4, 1839, a son of Jesse and Polly (Miner) Smith, natives 
 of Tompkins county, N. Y., and pioneers of Steuben county, N. Y. His 
 paternal grandfather was Enos Smith, and his maternal grandfather was Allen 
 Miner, both pioneers of Steuben Co. , N. Y. Mr. Smith was reared in his native 
 county, and settled in Harrison township. Potter Co. , Penn. , in 1864, where he 
 has since been engaged in farming. He was in the Civil war, enlisting in July, 
 1863, in Company K, One Hundred and Seventh New York Volunteers, and 
 was honorably discharged on account of disability, in March, 1864. The same 
 year he married Emily, daughter of Isaac and Keziah (Wickes) Thompson, 
 who settled in Harrison township in 1832. To them have been born three 
 children: Anna M., born January 5, 1866; Edith B., born July 26, 1873, and 
 Jesse M. , born January 22, 1877-. Mr. Smith occupies a part of the Igaac 
 Thompson homestead. He is a member of the Baptist Church, and in politics 
 is a Republican. 
 
 EDWIN STATHAM, farmer, P. O. North Fork, was born in Dutchess 
 county, N. Y., July 31, 1823, a son of Thomas and Ann M. (Johnson) Statham, 
 natives of England, who settled in Harrison township in 1844. They located 
 on the farm now occupied by Edwin Statham, which they cleared and im- 
 proved, residing there until their death. Their children were Emma (Mrs. 
 Stephen Ludington), Edwin, Henry, William, Walter, Ellen (Mrs. Octavus 
 Stedman) and Delight (Mrs. George R. Smith). Edwin Statham was reared 
 in Dryden, N. Y. , and settled with his parents in Harrison township in 1844, 
 where he has since resided, and after his father's death he purchased the home- 
 stead, which he has since occupied. His wife was Esther, daughter of Dr. 
 Austin and Maria White, of Harrison township, and to them have been born 
 the following named children : Darwin, Anna M. (Mrs. De Forest Burdick), 
 Manzo, Walter, Ira, Carlos, Fannie (Mrs. John Riley) and Harriet (Mrs. 
 Will Daly) Mr. Statham is an old and respected citizen of Harrison town- 
 ship and has held several of the local offices of trust. He is a member of the 
 Methodist Episcopal Church; in politics he is a Republican. 
 
1214 HISTORY OF POTTEE COUNTY. 
 
 S. JEROME STETSON, farmer, P. O. White's Corners, was born in 
 Otselic, Chenango Co., N. Y., November 5, 1841, a son of Oliver and Abigail 
 (Hardy) Stetson. He was reared in his native town, and received a limited 
 education in the common schools. He was a soldier in the Civil war, enlisting 
 January 6, 1864, in Company A, Ninth New York Heavy Artillery, was on de- 
 tached service until the close of the struggle, and was honorably discharged in 
 May, 1865. In June of the same year he settled in Harrison township, on the 
 farm he now owns, which he had purchased prior to his enlistment, and cleared 
 and improved the same. In January, 1866, he married Orcelia, daughter of 
 E. M. and Almira (Lighthall) Howard, of Harrison township, and they have 
 two children, Edith and Jay. Mr. Stetson is a member of the Methodist Epis- 
 copal Church; in politics he is a Eepublican. 
 
 SYLVESTBE K. STEVENS, farmer, P. O. Harrison Valley, was born in 
 Cortland county, N. Y., November 15, 1830, a son of Kelsey and Emeline (Wat- 
 rous) Stevens, both natives of Cortland county, N. Y. , who settled in Harrison 
 township, on the farm now owned by Gr. W. Stevens. His paternal grand- 
 parents were Henry and Jerusha (Pox) Stevens, natives of Connecticut and 
 Vermont, respectively, and pioneers of Cortland county, N. Y. His maternal 
 grandparents were Austin and Sally (Backus) Watrous, natives of Connecticut, 
 and also pioneers of Cortland county. Sylvester K. was reared in his native 
 place, and at the age of eighteen removed with his parents to Harrison town- 
 ship, this county, where he has since resided. He has helped to clear and im- 
 prove several farms in the township, and has lived on the farm he now occupies 
 since 1875. He was in the Civil war, enlisting in September, 1864, in Com- 
 pany I, One Hundred and Eighty-ninth New York Volunteers. He was taken 
 sick the following December, and sent to the hospital. He was honorably dis- 
 charged from the service June 10, 1865. After the war he engaged in mer- 
 cantile trade at Harrison Valley for three years, and has since been engaged 
 in farming. October 2, 1860, he married Sarah, daughter of Thaddeus and 
 Diana (Gill) Stone, who settled in Harrison township in 1827. To Mr. 
 and Mrs. Stevens were born five children: Prank, May, Herbert, Ella and 
 _ Willie. Mr. Stevens is a member of the Baptist Church. He has served 
 Harrison township as justice of the peace ten years, and was pension agent ten 
 years. Politically he is a Eepublican. 
 
 JASON W. STEVENS, general merchant, Harrison Valley, was born in 
 Corlland county, N. Y., March 25, 1839, a son of Kelsey and Emeline (Wat- 
 rous) Stevens, both natives of Cortland county, who settled in Harrison town- 
 ship. Potter Co. , Penn. , locating on the farm now owned by G. W. Stevens, 
 most of which they cleared and improved. Their children were Sylvester K. , 
 Minerva C. (Mrs. H. N. Stone), Jason W., George W. and Eugene K. J. W. 
 Stevens was reared in Harrison township from the age of ten years, remaining 
 at home until after the breaking out of the Civil war, when he enlisted, Octo- 
 ber 16, 1861, in Company G, Pifty-third Pennsylvania Volunteers. He re- 
 enlisted as a veteran December 20, 1863, in same company and regiment, 
 served until the close of the war, and was mustered out June 30, 1865. He 
 was wounded twice; first at Predericksburg, December 14, 1862, and again in 
 front of Petersburg, June 18, 1864. He was commissioned captain of his 
 company August 25, 1864. After the war he engaged in farming, and in the 
 fall of 1866 was elected treasurer of Potter county for a term of two years. 
 In 1869 he embarked in mercantile business at Harrison Valley, in which he 
 has since successfully continued, there being at the time but two stores in Har- 
 rison township. Mr. Stevens was twice married. His "first wife was Angle, 
 daughter of Luke and Mary (Eathbone) Darling, of Allegheny township, Pot- 
 
BIOGKAPHICAL SKETCHES. 1215 
 
 ter Co., Penn., by whom he has one son, Archie. His second wife was Rilla, 
 daughter of Job and Chloe (Ellis) Eixford, of Tioga county, Penn. , and they 
 have four children: Lina, Mildred, Arthur and Lura. Mr. Stevens was post- 
 master at Harrison Valley from 1869 to 1885, a term of sixteen years. He is 
 a member of Ulysses Post, No. 279, Gr. A. R. Politically he is a Republican. 
 
 HORACE N. STONE, farmer, P. O. Harrison Valley, was born in Harri- 
 son township, Potter Co., Penn., December 16, 1829, a son of Thaddeus and 
 Diana (Gill) Stone. His paternal grandfather was Levi Stone, a native of 
 Connecticut and a cooper by trade, who settled in Harrison township about 
 1827, where he worked at his trade and followed farming to some extent. His 
 children, who lived in Potter county, were Thaddeus, Levi R. , Samuel W. and 
 Benjamin N., all pioneers of Harrison township. Thaddeus settled at White's 
 Corners in Harrison township in 1825, where he lived four years. In 1829 he 
 removed to the farm now occupied by C. L. Stone, which he cleared and im- 
 proved, and resided in the township until his death. He was a prominent cit- 
 izen of his day; was commissioner of Potter county one term, and for a num- 
 ber of years was justice of the peace for Harrison township. He reared a 
 family of eleven children: Nancy E. (Mrs. Alfred Cummings), Amanda E. 
 (Mrs. Edward Stebbins), Eleanor (Mrs. N. W. Hubbard), Horace N., Levi O., 
 John M., Esther (Mrs. George CoUver), Sarah (Mrs. S. K. Stevens), Franklin 
 (a soldier in the Civil war, taken prisoner at Gettysburg, and died in Anderson- 
 ville prison), Chester L. and Alice (Mrs. A. Erway). Horace N. Stone was 
 reared in Harrison township, where he has always resided. He was a soldier 
 in the Civil war, enlisting September 1, 1864, in Company I, One Hun- 
 dred and Eighty-ninth New York Volunteers. He was in the battle of Hatcher' s 
 run and at the Weldon raid, and was honorably discharged June 10, 1865. Mr. 
 Stone has cleared and improved several farms in Harrison township, besides a 
 part of the one he now occupies, where he has lived since March, 1869. He 
 married. May 18, 1858, Minerva C, daughter of Kelsey and Emeline (Wat- 
 roas Stevens, of Harrison township, and to them have been born three chil- 
 dren: DeElton J., George E. and Ethie A. Mr. Stone is a representative 
 farmer and citizen of Harrison township, and has held several of the local 
 offices of the same. Politically he is a Republican. 
 
 CHESTER L. STONE, farmer, P. O. Harrison Valley, was born August 19, 
 1843, in Harrison township. Potter Co., Penn., on the farm he now occupies, 
 a son of Thaddeus and Diana (Gill) Stone. He was reared in his native 
 township, and has always resided on the old homestead. In Septem- 
 ber, 1864, he enlisted in Company I, One Hundred and Eighty-ninth New 
 York- Volunteers, and after nine months' service was honorably discharged. 
 In 1875 he married Chrischanna, daughter of William B. and Cynthia S. 
 (Johnson) Fox, who settled in Harrison township in 1853. The issue of this 
 union was one son, George W. Mr. Stone is a representative farmer and 
 citizen, is a member of the G. A. R., and in politics is a Republican. 
 
 AUSTIN A. SWETLAND, proprietor of the cheese factory, Harrison 
 Valley, was born in Freetown township, Cortland Co., N. Y., June 3, 1832, 
 a son of Harmon and Rosamond (Watrous) Swetland. His paternal grand- 
 father Aaron Swetland, was a native of Connecticut, of English descent, and 
 was a pioneer of Granville, Washington Co., N. Y. He settled m Cortland 
 county N Y., in 1815, and resided there until his death. His maternal 
 grandfather was Austin Watrous, also of English descent, and a pioneer of 
 Cortland county, N. Y. His parents settled in Harrison township, Potter 
 Co Penn in 1858, where his father engaged in farming, making this their 
 home the rest of their lives. They had four children, viz.: Morgan W., 
 
 66 
 
1216 HISTOKY OF POTTEE COUNTY. 
 
 Mulford E., Austin A. and Esther (Mrs. Ray Cummings). Austin A, Swet- 
 land was reared in Cortland county, N. Y. , and is a cooper and blacksmith by 
 trade. He settled in Harrison township in 1857, where he followed his trade 
 more or less for twelve years. He was in the late war, enlisting in September, 
 1864, in Company I, One Hundred and Eighty-ninth New York Volunteers, 
 and participated in the battles of Gravelly Run, Hatcher's Run, Lewis farm and 
 Five Porks, and was at the front when Lee surrendered. He was honorably 
 discharged in June, 1865. After the war he was engaged in various branches 
 of business; worked at his trade to some extent, was proprietor of the Couders- 
 port & Westfield stage line three years, and has conducted a cheese factory in 
 Harrison Valley since 1883. In 1860 he married Susan, daughter of Rev. 
 Benjamin and Catherine (Gorton) Thomas, of Harrison township, and they 
 have two children: Roger W. and Kittie L. Mr. Swetland has been justice 
 of the peace for Harrison township nine years, and was elected treasurer of 
 Potter county in 1886, for a term of three years. He is a Republican. 
 
 CHESTER A. SWETLAND, of the firm of Walter & Swetland,- lumber 
 manufacturers, Mills, Penn., was born in Freetown township, Cortland Co., 
 N. Y. , December 18, 1854, a son of Morgan W. and Parmelia (Stevens) Swet- 
 land, who settled in Harrison township. Potter Co., Penn., in 1863, where 
 the father still resides, engaged in farming. They have five children: Clara 
 (Mrs. P. E. Rexford), Carl, Chester A., Luella (Mrs. A. V. Harrison) and 
 Henry H. Chester A. Swetland was reared in Harrison township from the 
 age of nine years, and has been prominently identified with the lumber busi- 
 ness since 1878. In September, 1881, he married Kate, daughter of Charles 
 H. and Mary (Thomas) Doud, of Harrison Valley, and they have three chil- 
 dren: Grace, Benjamin and Burt. 
 
 ISAAC C. THOMPSON, retired farmer, P. O. Potter Brook, Tioga Co., 
 Penn., was born in Tompkins county, N. Y., November 16, 1821, a son of Isaac 
 and Keziah (Wickes) Thompson. His father was a native of Connecticut and a 
 son of Jared Thompson, a pioneer of Ulysses, Tompkins Co., N. Y. His mater- 
 nal grandfather was Israel P. Wickes, formerly of Rensselaer county, N. Y., and 
 a pioneer of Tompkins county, N. Y. Isaac Thompson, Sr. , settled with his 
 family in Harrison township, Potter Co., Penn., in 1832, locating on a farm 
 where the village of Mills now stands, and cleared and improved the same; here 
 he died March 26, 1874, and his wife November 13, 1876. They reared a family 
 of seven children: Lydia (Mrs. EphraimZ. Olney), Jared, Isaac C, Nancy (Mrs. 
 Aaron Webster), Prudence (Mrs. Alonzo Hawks), Emily (Mrs. John A. Smith), 
 and Israel. Mr. Thompson was a prominent citizen of his day, a member of 
 the Baptist Church, and took an active part in establishing the present church 
 at Harrison Valley, contributing nearly one-half the fund for its erection; he 
 was deacon in this church until his death. He served Potter county as com- 
 missioner and treasurer with credit to himself and to the satisfaction of his 
 constituents, and was a genial and public-spirited citizen. Isaac C. Thomp- 
 son was reared in Harrison township, and assisted his father in clearing the 
 homestead, where, with the e:xception of five years he lived in Hector, he 
 resided until 1866, when he removed to Potter Brook, Tioga county, and has 
 since resided there. He was in the Civil war, enlisting September 1, 1864, in 
 Company D, Two Hundred and Seventh Pennsylvania Volunteers, and was 
 honorably discharged after ten months' service. He has been married twice. 
 His first wife was Mary A. , daughter of Stephen and Matilda Potter, of Pot- 
 ter Brook, Penn., by whom he had five children: Emily T. (Mrs. W. D. 
 Weeks), Sophronia M. (Mrs. B. F. Mulford), Julia A. (Mrs. L. J. Skinner), 
 Eva K. (Mrs. A. V. Hawley) and Hattie (Mrs. Wm. Nivision). His present wife 
 
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 1217 
 
 -was Mrs. Sarah A. (Rossiter) Stevens, of Homer, Potter county. Mr. Thompson 
 and wife are members of the Baptist Church at Harrison Valley, of which he 
 has been deacon since his father's death. He served one term as auditor of 
 Potter county. He is a member of the Sons of Temperance, politically is 
 a stanch Republican, and is a strong advocate of prohibition. 
 
 ANDREW WALLIS, general blacksmith, Elmer, was born in Cornwall, 
 England, May 10, 1854, a son of William and Elizabeth (Wherry) Wallis. He 
 came to America in 1871, locating in Wayne county, Penn. , where he learned 
 the blacksmith's trade, at which he worked as a journeyman until 1879, when 
 he settled in Harrison township, this county, where he has since carried on a 
 successful business for his own account, establishing his shop at Elmer in 1880. 
 He was married May 30, 1880, to Susie, daughter of George and Philena 
 (Durfee) Gilbert, of Harrison township, and they have three children: Frank, 
 Charles and Bessie. Mr. Wallis is a Republican in politics, and is a worthj;^ 
 citizen of Harrison township. 
 
 WILLIAM H. WARNER, one of the early settlers of Potter county, Penn.,. 
 was born in the town of Bristol, county of Hartford, State of Connecticut,, 
 July 1, 1792. His father's name was Samuel, who came from England when- 
 quite young; his mother's name was Mary Jerome. He also had three brothers:: 
 Benjamin, Samuel and Jerome, and three sisters: Sally, Cynthia and Polly> 
 When eighteen years of age, he and his younger brother, who was sixteen, 
 went on foot to the town of Preble, Cortland Co. , N. Y. , where they hired out, 
 went to work, and in time saved enough to. buy a farm, which they cleared up 
 and improved, when, through some defect in the title, they lost it all. In 
 1819 he married Polly Gill, daughter of John Gill, of Preble, and, after they 
 had lost their home, he set out to find another; and in 1825 came with his wife 
 and two boys (one aged five years and the other six months) to Potter county, 
 Penn. , and settled in the northwest corner of Harrison township, a very thinly 
 settled part of the county, at which time there were only seven inhabitants be- 
 tween their residence and Coadersport, a distance of twenty-eight miles. Deer 
 were plentiful, and furnished about all the meat they had, with a little bear meat 
 occasionally for variety. Wolves were also plentiful, and they could be heard 
 howling nights very often. One morning Mr. Warner found sixteen sheep 
 lying dead in a small field, not over ten rods from the house; in fact, all the 
 sheep he owned had been killed by the wolves. In 1832 he was appointed 
 justice of the peace, which ofiice he held for twelve consecutive years; he was 
 also one of the county commissioners at the time of the building of the first 
 court-house. Politically he was a Democrat; religiously he was brought up a 
 strict Presbyterian, but in after years he became a Universalist and a firm 
 believer in that faith. He was loved and respected by all who became 
 acquainted with him, and died November 1, 1861. His widow survived him 
 sixteen years, and died at the age of seventy-nine years. 
 
 WASHINGTON L. WARNER, farmer, P. O. White's Corners, was born 
 in Harrison township. Potter Co., Penn., February 14, 1837, a son of William 
 H. and Polly (Gill) Warner, formerly of Preble, Cortland Co. , N. Y. , who 
 settled in Harrison township in 1825, locating on the farm now owned and 
 occupied by W. L. Warner, most of which they cleared and improved, and re- 
 sided on until their death. They had three children: John H., Wellesly W. 
 and Washinoi;on L., the last of whom was born and reared on the old home- 
 stead where he has always resided. In 1857 he married Sarah M. , daughter of 
 Frederick and Nancy (Latta) Coston, of Harrison township, and they had 
 two children, Francis M. (deceased) and Lelia N. Mr. Warner is a promi- 
 nent and representative farmer of Harrison township, and one of the leadmg- 
 and public-spirited citizens. Politically he has always been a Democrat. 
 
1218 HISTORY OF POTTER COUNTY. 
 
 CHAPTER XXVri. 
 
 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES— HECTOR, PIKE, WEST BRANCH, 
 ABBOT AND STEWARDSON TOWNSHIPS. 
 
 HECTOE TOWNSHIP. 
 
 JAMES DOUGLAS, farmer, P. O. Hector, was born in Tompkins county, 
 N. Y., May 12, 1820. He attended school at Newiield, N. Y., and when not 
 in school worked on the farm with his father. In 1841 his parents moved to 
 Tioga county, near the county line, and that same year he bought a tract of 
 wild land in Hector township, Potter Co., Penn., which he improved, and in 
 1850 bought the farm where he now lives, which is one of the best farms in 
 the township. He was a soldier in the war of the Rebellion, serving from 
 December 1, 1864, until the close of the war. Mr. Douglas was married, 
 March 14, 1848, to Miss Sarah J. Breese, of Chemung county, N. Y. They 
 have had nine children, viz. : Charles F. , of Hector ; Mary A. (Mrs. Will Gilbert) ; 
 Josiah B., of Westfield; Royal, died, aged two years; John, died, aged seven- 
 teen years; Carrie (Mrs. Dr. M. R. Pritchard, of Harrison Valley, deceased); 
 Henry, married Sarah Breese and lives on the homestead; Kate C. and Aleda 
 M. , both at home. 
 
 A. E. EATON, farmer, P. O. Ulysses, is a native of the State of New York, 
 born July 26, 1855, a son of Charles and Adensy Eaton, also natives of New 
 York. He was given good educational advantages, attending the schools at 
 Alfred Centre, Allegany Co., N. Y., and worked on his father's farm when not 
 in school. He worked for his father until his marriage, and then took charge 
 of the farm, remaining at home until 1885. In 1881 he bought a farm in 
 Hector township, Potter Co., Penn., and in 1885 moved to it, and is now one 
 •of the prosperous farmers of the township. He was married, in 1879, to Miss 
 Xiucinda Bailey, of Hector, and they have two children, Maud and Flora. 
 
 PERRY FILLMORE, lumber dealer, P. O. Sunderlinville, a son of John 
 and Marinda Fillmore, was born in Tioga county, Penn. , March 6, 1847. He 
 made his home with an uncle until twenty-one years of age, when he came to 
 Hector township. Potter county, where he bought a tract of land, and engaged 
 in the lumber and bark trade, aud is now doing business at J. E. Wait's mill, 
 wh;ch has a capacity of 15,000 feet of lumber and 7,000 shingles, daily. He is 
 also a dealer in general merchandise. In 1868 he married Frankie Linderman, 
 and they have two children, Willard and Clare. Mr. Fillmore is a member of 
 Westville Lodge, No. 477, F. & A. M. ; in politics he is a Republican. 
 
 J. L. HAVENS, merchant, Sunderlinville, a son of John and Catharine 
 Havens, was born in Hector township, Potter Co., Penn., in 1836. His 
 parents came from New York State, and were among the first settlers in 
 Hector township. Their family consisted of three children: D. W., J. L. and 
 M. V. J. L. Havens was married in 1857, to Julia A., daughter of Joseph 
 Sunderlin, the founder of Suuderlinville. Mr. Sunderlin came here at a very 
 early day, and built the first grist-mill on the present site of Sunderlinville, 
 .and when the town was incorporated it was named in his honor. His children 
 
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 1219 
 
 were Darwin, Cyrus, Darius, Huldah, Daniel, Joseph, John, Samuel, Lydia 
 and Julia A. Mr. and Mrs. Sunderlin made this their home until their death. 
 Mr. and Mrs. Havens, after marriage, located in Hector township, and for a 
 time he was engaged in agriculture, but in 1883 he removed to town and 
 embarked in the mercantile business. Mrs. Havens died, leaving two children : 
 B. B. and Laura; the eldest, Alice A. having died about three months previous 
 to her mother's death. Mr. Havens subsequently married Mrs. M. H. Wilkin- 
 son, widow of Matthew H. Wilkinson, who died from the effects of cancer. 
 She has three children: W. R., Eva and Satie. Mr. Havens is a Eepublican 
 in politics, and has held various official positions in his township. 
 
 C. P. KILBOUENE, farmer, P. O. Sunderlinville, was born in Wellsboro, 
 Penn., March 9, 1822. His father died in 1825, and he was taken to the 
 home of a great uncle, with whom he lived until he was fourteen years old, 
 when his mother married Aaron Niles, of Niles Valley, Penn., and he then 
 lived with her until twenty -three years old, when he came to Potter county, 
 and worked as a laborer three years. He then bought a tract of wild land in 
 Hector township, which he has improved, and although obliged to undergo 
 hardships and privations, has been successful, now having one of the best 
 homes in the township. He has erected good buildings, and has brought his 
 land under a high state of cultivation. Mr. Kilbourne was married in 1848, 
 to Lovisa Pemberton, a native of Mixtown, Penn. , born October 31, 1829, and 
 they have four children: Delphine (wife of Clinton Dimon), Josephine E. 
 (wife of W. E. Ferris), Leon (married to Ida Beech) and Lucy (wife of Otis 
 Sunderlin). Mr. Kilbourne is a member of Eulalia Lodge, No. 842, F. & A. M. , 
 at Coudersport, and he and his wife are members of the Westfield Methodist 
 Episcopal Church. He has held various offices of trust in his township and 
 county, having been county commissioner three terms. 
 
 WILLIAM J. LOUCKS, farmer and lumberman, P. O. Ulysses, was 
 born, in Oneida county, N. Y. , July 18, 1834. In 1844 his parents moved to 
 Potter county, and settled in Hector township, where he was reared, and on 
 reaching manhood he embarked in the lumber business, his father having pur- 
 chased a saw-mill and a quantity of timber land in Hector and Ulysses town- 
 ships. He learned the use of tools easily, and soon became a good carpenter. 
 He also worked at repairing mills until he became a good millwright, and put 
 up two saw-mills, one a water-mill for himself, in 1876, on what is called the 
 Genesee forks of Pine creek (now known as Loucks' Mills). At this place the 
 first settler was George Parker, who died in 1845. His farm was sold and re- 
 sold to a dozen different parties, until at last Mr. Loucks and C. B. Watrous 
 bought it for the purpose of building the above mentioned saw-mill. Mr. 
 Loucks has also been engaged in farming, and is now one of the successful 
 business men of the county. He was married. May 20, 1854, to Miss Janet 
 Glover, of Steuben county, N. Y., and she died in January, 1875, leaving 
 seven children— the eldest about sixteen years old, and the youngest seventeen 
 months. Mr. and Mrs. Loucks had previously lost three children— two girls 
 and one boy. The mother of our subject died September 11, 1870, and the 
 father, Cornelius Loucks, a few years thereafter married Miss Huldah Sunder- 
 lin, an elderly maiden lady, with whom nearly all in this vicinity were well ac- 
 quainted. The early settlers well remember her father, Joseph Sunderlin, who 
 built the first mill in Hector some time between 1835 and 1840. In 1844 the 
 township of Hector had but thirty-six voters in it, and Cornelius Loucks was 
 elected constable and collecter for a dozen years or more in succession. When 
 the Civil war broke out C. H. Loucks, the eldest brother of William J., enlisted, 
 and he lost his left arm in front of Petersburg just at the close of the war. 
 
1220 HISTOKY OF POTTER COUNTY. 
 
 Stephen L. Loucks, the youngest brother, died in the army in Virginia, Janu- 
 ary 9, 1864. He was himself drafted twice, and reported at Williamsburg, 
 Penn., but on account of disability was rejected. At the close of the war C. H. 
 Loucks returned and lived on his farm for a number of years, then built a 
 house in Lewisville, where he now resides with his second wife. William J. 
 Loucks also married a second wife, November 16, 1879, in the person of Mrs. 
 Itta C. Barnhart, daughter of George Harvey, of Clymer township, Tioga 
 county, Penn. They have one child, a son, named Bay Harvey Loucks. Mr. 
 Loucks has seen deer and other wild animals run through the woods and brush 
 where now are large fields without a stump in them ; where' forests were then, 
 orchards are now. The parents of W. J. Loucks, Cornelius and Naomi 
 (Johnson) Loucks, were married January 1, 1822, and their children were 
 born in the following order: Mary Jane, Cornelius H. , Mehitable D. (de- 
 ceased), Harriet E. (deceased), Elizabeth A. (deceased), William J., and 
 Stephen L. (deceased). The children born to William J. and Janet (Glover) 
 Loucks were named Mary E., William J., Jr., Charles A., Janet E., George 
 W., Hatta N. , Henry C, Jenny M. , Peter S. and Alexander X. 
 
 J. V. MILLER, of the firm of J. V. Miller & Co., merchants, Sunderlin- 
 ville, is a son of William and Catherine Miller, and was born at Clymer, Tioga 
 Co. , Penn. , in 1842. His parents removed to Spring Mills, Allegany Co. , N. Y. , 
 where he was educated. He remained with his parents until about 1862, when 
 he removed to Yates county, N. Y., and for a period of ten or twelve years was 
 a commercial traveler. He was for a time in Bradford in the oil trade, and in 
 1882 located in Sunderlinville, where, with his brother, Byron, he embarked in 
 general mercantile business under the firm name of J. Y. Miller & Co. His 
 father's family consisted of nine children: George (deceased), Mary J., J. V., 
 Huldah (deceased), Almeda, Emmett, Byron, Harry and Flora (deceased). 
 The father died in January, 1887, and the mother now makes her home with 
 her son Emmett. J. y. Miller was married in September, 1875, to Mary 
 Coller. He is a member of Lewisville Lodge, No. 556, F. & A. M. , of Ulysses 
 Chapter, No. 269, E. A. M., and of Wellsboro Commandery, No. 28, K. T. In 
 politics he js a Eepublican. 
 
 J. S. EEYNOLDS, M. D. , Sunderlinville and Galeton, was born in Troups- 
 burg, Steuben Co., N. Y., June 5, 1831, and there was reared until seventeen 
 years of age. He then attended the academy at Deerfield, Tioga Co., Penn., 
 for two years; then went to Lawrenceville, Penn., where he clerked in a general 
 store. Afterward he clerked in a store at Williamsport, Penn. , a year, and 
 he then moved to Painesville, Ohio, where he was employed in a drug store, 
 and also studied medicine. He afterward attended the Western Eeserve 
 Medical Colld^e, two regular sessions. He purchased a drug store at Rochester, 
 Olmsted Co., Minn., and conducted same for six months; then took in a 
 partner, and at the close of two years sold out his interest in the drug store to 
 his partner, and returned to Ohio. Dr. Eeynolds practiced medicine in Cleve- 
 land and vicinity for several years ; then moved to the oil country in Western 
 Pennsylvania, and practiced medicine for several years in Oil City and other 
 oil towns. In 1878 he moved to Sunderlinville, Penn., where he bought a 
 house and lot, and also one at Galeton, same State, at which places he has a 
 large practice. The Doctor graduated from the St. Louis (Mo.) College of 
 Physicians and Surgeons March 8, 1889. He was married in Cleveland, Ohio, 
 March 30, 1872, to Miss Almeda E. Miller, of Spring Mills, N. Y., by whom 
 he had two sons, William and Juna, both of whom died of diphtheria in 1880. 
 The Doctor is a member of Temple Lodge, No. 28, F. & A. M., of Painesville, 
 Ohio, and of Painesville Chapter, No. 46, R. A. M. ; he is a member of Hector 
 
BIOGEAPHICAL SKETCHES. 1221 
 
 Lodge, No. 528, at Saaderlinville, Peaa., of the Equitable Aid Union, and is 
 medical examiner for the same. 
 
 T. J. SURDAM, farmer, P.O. Sunderlinville, was born in Virgil, Cortland 
 Co., N. Y., July 26, 1835, and in 1841 was brought by his parents to Potter 
 county, Penn., where he was reared. June 15, 1861, he enlisted in defense of 
 his country, in the war of the Rebellion, and served until 1863. In Septem- 
 ber, 1864, he again enlisted and served until the close of the war. He is a 
 member of H. C. Ackley Post, G. A. R. Mr. Surdam owns a good farm in 
 Hector township, where he lives, and is one of the representative citizens of 
 the township. 
 
 WILLIAM WILKINSON, farmer, P. 0. Sunderlinville, a son of Matthew 
 and Ann (Rook) Wilkinson, was born in Seneca, Cayuga Co., N. Y. , in 1837, 
 the parents having come from Westmoreland county, England, in 1836. In 
 1854 the family moved to Potter county, Penn., and settled in Hector town- 
 ship, where Matthew Wilkinson was engaged in the practice of medicine until 
 his death, which occurred in July, 1869. Mrs. Ann Wilkinson has since made 
 her home with her daughter, Mrs. James Hart. They had a family of six 
 children: Matthew H., William, John, Rook, Thomas and Mary (wife of 
 James Hart). The sons were all soldiers in the war of the Rebellion, going 
 out in defense of their country. Matthew H. died from the effects of expos- 
 ure while in the service. John was captured in front of Petersburg, and after 
 enduring the horrors of a Southern prison was finally exchanged, but died 
 from the effects of his terrible experience three days after reaching Annapolis. 
 Rook died from the effects of a sunstroke received while in the discharge of 
 his duty. Thomas was killed in front of Petersburg April 2, 1865. William 
 enlisted in Company D, Fifty-seventh Pennsylvania Volunteers in 1861, and 
 in 1863 re-enlisted, and was assigned to Company F. He was wounded at the 
 battle of the Wilderness, but after his recovery rejoined his regiment, took 
 part in thirteen battles, and served until the close of the war. He then 
 returned home, and has since been engaged in farming in Hector township, 
 buying the farm he now owns, which he has improved, and on which he has 
 erected fine buildings. He was married, February 5, 1866, to.Margaretta 
 Harrington, and they have four children: Susan A., Nettie M., Roy L. and 
 William M. In politics Mr. Wilkinson is a Republican. 
 
 BPHRAIM S. WORDBN, proprietor of the Worden House, Sunderlin- 
 ville, son of Charles and Clarissa (Bice) Worden, was born in Bingham Town- 
 ship, Potter Co., Penn.. in 1845. His grandfather, Benjamin Worden, came 
 to Potter county in 1818 when Charles was nine years old, and was one of the 
 first settlers of 'Bingham Township. He reared a family of ten children, all 
 of whom are deceased but Dorinda, the youngest daughter. Charles made his 
 home with his father until latter' s decease, when he lived with his uncle, Ash- 
 bel Monroe, until the age of twenty-one, when he married Clarissa Bice, after 
 which they located in Bingham township. Their children were Erastus (de- 
 ceased), Ephraim S., Aaron, Charles V. (deceased), Emma and Ella. Mr. 
 Worden died in Bingham township, and Mrs. Worden then removed to Lewis- 
 ville where she still lives. Ephraim S. Worden was married in 1864 to Lizzie 
 E Surdan. He enlisted in the defense of his country and was assigned to 
 Company D Fifty- first New York Volunteers ; he was wounded at the battle of 
 the Wilderness May 6, 1864, and was in the hospital for a time. On his 
 recovery he rejoined his regiment, and remained until the expiration of his 
 term of enlistment. Returning home he located in Hector township, where 
 he has followed the occupation of a farmer. He was elected sheriff in 188d, 
 and served one term. In 1886 he removed to Sunderlinville, and has since 
 
1222 HISTOEY OP POTTEK COUNTY. 
 
 been proprietor of the "Worden House. Mr. Worden is a member of Lewis- 
 ville Lodge, No. 556, F. & A. M. and of O. A. Lewis Post, No. 279, G. A. E. 
 In politics he is a Republican. 
 
 PIKE TOWNSHIP. 
 
 CHESTER L. COESAW came from Owego, Tioga Co., N. Y., and located 
 in Sweden township. Potter Co. , Penn. , in 1824, where he was one of the first 
 settlers, and was also proprietor of the hotel, mating this his home the rest of 
 his life, his death occurring in 1886. He married Matilda Phenix, in 1828. 
 She died in 1835, leaving three children: Hamilton, now deceased; Emily and 
 Phenix. Mr. Corsaw married for his second wife Sarah A. Harrington, and 
 their children were Henderson (deceased), Devillo, EJson (deceased), Clarence, 
 Warren, Chester and Frederick. His daughter, Emily, was married in 1849 to 
 M. J. Flynn, and located in Chenango county, N. Y., but in 1857 returned to 
 Potter county, and located in Jackson township, where Mr. Flynn was propri- 
 etor of a hotel and was also engaged in farming. Their hotel property was 
 destroyed by fire in 1882, and, Mr. Flynn being in ill health, they moved to the 
 farm where they now live in Pike township. To Mr. and Mrs. Flynn were 
 born eight children: Rhoby, Emma, Edward, Marcus, Charles, Ida S., George, 
 and Maud (deceased). Ida S. married S. J. Acker, a merchant, and they 
 located for a time at Gold, but removed to West Pike, where he died, and she 
 afterward married Mr. T. E. Baldwin. She is now engaged in the general 
 mercantile business, and is a lady of rare business qualifications and a success- 
 ful merchant. Her children are Virgil and Ethlyn. Mrs. Baldwin is a mem- 
 ber of the Baptist Church. 
 
 J. O. EDGCOMB, proprietor of the Ansley House, Galeton, was born in 
 Maine in 1846, and was there reared and educated, making his home with his 
 parents, James and Joana Edgcomb, until seventeen years of age, when he came to 
 Potter county, Penn. , and was engaged in the lumber business on Kettle creek, 
 where he remained until 1880, when he removed to Galeton, where he is now 
 the proprietor of the Ansley House, a hostelry noted for the excellencj' of 
 its cuisine and the perfection of its internal management, while its genial host, 
 no less noted, officiates in the office. He was married, in 1868, to Sophronia 
 S. Conable, daughter of S. M. Conable, and they have five children: Minnie 
 A., Ralph C, Joseph, Amos R. and Clara B. Politically he is a Republican. 
 
 OWEN D. HAMMOND, farmer and lumberman, P. O. Galeton, was born 
 in West Branch township. Potter Co., Penn., in 1848, son of Lemuel and Jane 
 Hammond, former of whom was a native of Cortland county, N. Y. , and latter 
 of Tioga county, Penn. His father came to Gaines, Tioga county, where he 
 followed hunting and trapping, having been one of the noted hunters of the 
 county, and also worked in the woods. He finally located where he now lives 
 in West Branch township. He married Jane Crippen, and they have a family 
 of three children: Laduskie (now Mrs. Monroe G. Whedon), Owen D. and 
 David. Owen D. was reared and educated in his native township. After 
 reaching man's estate he engaged in lumbering, and in the manufacture of 
 flour, locating at Galeton, where he had a grist-mill. In 1883 he bought the 
 place he now owns, and engaged in farming, also, to some extent in lumbering. 
 He was married in 1886 to Mary Ansley, and they have three children: Leone, 
 Edna and William A. In politics Mr. Hammond is a Republican, and at this 
 writing is auditor of his township. When his maternal grandfather, E. Crip- 
 pen, came to Potter county, his family was the most remote on West Branch 
 creek, and their home was established in the dense woods. 
 
 E. E. HYER, druggist, Galeton, a son of Charles Hyer, was born in Hal- 
 
BIOGEAPHICAL SKETCHES. ] 223 
 
 sey valley, Tioga Co., N. Y., October 23, 1863. He was reared and educated 
 in his native town, and after leaving school was employed in different branches 
 of business at Waverly and Hornellsville, N. Y. , starting in the drug business 
 at Elkland, Penn., October 1, 1884. In September, 1886, he removed to Gale- 
 ton, Penn. , and opened a drug store, which he has since conducted. He is a 
 young man of fine business ability, and is one of the leading merchants of the 
 town. He was married in June, 1885, to Carrie L. Humphrey, at Elkland, 
 Penn., and they have two children: Ethel and Anna. Mr. Hyer is a member 
 of Westville Lodge, No. 477, P. & A. M. In politics he is a Democrat. As an 
 evidence of his popularity we need only record that he is the present treasurer 
 of Pike township. 
 
 JAMES IVES, farmer and lumberman, P. O. West Pike, son of John and 
 Martha Ives, was born at Pike Mills in 1830. His father, who was a native of 
 Connecticut, came here when a young man, and was engaged in the lumber 
 trade during his lifetime. He was one of the early settlers here, and found 
 Jersey Shore his nearest source of supply, a trip he had to make with oxen. 
 His children were Riley (in Illinois), Lester, John, Harriet (Mrs. B. B. Whit- 
 more) and James. Both parents are deceased. James Ives made his home 
 with his parents until about twenty years of age, and was engaged in various 
 occupations until 1866, when he located at his present residence, where he is 
 extensively engaged in the lumber trade, as well as attending to his farm. He 
 built a mill on his place, which he is still operating. He married Miss C. H. 
 Burris, a daughter of Lorana Burris. In politics he is a supporter of the Re- 
 publican party. He is one of the sterling men of Pike township. 
 
 MAJOR J. M. KILBOURNE, merchant, lumberman and farmer, P. O. 
 West Pike, son of John M. and Elizabeth (Butler) Kilbourne, was bora at 
 Wellsboro, Tioga county, Penn. , January 30, 1816. His father was a native 
 of Vermont, and his mother of New Hampshire; both died in Tioga county, 
 the father in 1824 and the mother later. The Major, after his father's death, 
 made his home with an uncle, David, of Wellsboro, the first merchant there, 
 who had also a distillery, and was a manufacturer of potash. He lived with 
 his uncle until 1838, when he married Martha J. Bellows, and to them were 
 born four children: John W., who died when seven years of age; Lydia Ann, 
 deceased; Elliott A., who was wounded at the battle of Spottsylvania, and 
 died from the effects of the amputation of his right leg, and was buried at 
 Arlington; and Eldred M., now of West Pike. Mrs. Kilbourne died, and the 
 Major married, for his second wife, Mrs. Orel Marlatt. They had two children: 
 Harriet, now Mrs. F. A. Crowell, and Albert Butler. Maj. Kilbourne is now 
 living with his third wife, who was formerly Mrs. Orcelia Breese. The Major 
 located in Pike township in 1834, and ten days after he carr.e of age he was 
 made a supervisor. He was also a constable, also justice of the peace, a posi- 
 tion he has held for forty years. He is a lumberman, farmer and merchant, 
 and is one of the prominent citizens of the county. The Major's uncle built 
 the first mill in Pike township, and the Major, in 1846, built another, where 
 he manufactured lumber, and rafted it down the Susquehanna river to Chesa- 
 peake Bay and Baltimore. He enlisted April 21, 1861, as private; was at this 
 time brigade inspector. Third Brigade, Eleventh Division, Pennyslvania Mi- 
 litia; went into Camp Curtin with 200 men; was commissioned by Gov. Curtm 
 as major of the Forty-fifth Pennsylvania Volunteers, and was mustered mto 
 the United States service at Harrisburg, October 21, 1861. He was discharged 
 by reason of disability, August 1, 1862, being then in command of the regi- 
 ment which he commanded at battle of James Island, June 15, 1862. He was 
 sent to New York, and was eight days getting home. He was for a year an in- 
 
1224 HISTORY OF POTTER COUNTY. 
 
 valid, but was retained as provost-marshal of Potter county two years, and 
 was mustered out at the close of the war. He is a member of E. A. Kilbourne 
 Post, No. 491, G. A. E., the only instance in the United States where a 
 father is commander of a post named in honor of a son killed in the army, and 
 a member of the same regiment. The Major is also an Odd Fellow. He is a 
 Democrat in politics. He was elected a member of the legislature, and served in 
 1852 and 1853, and was chairman of the committee on ways and means in the 
 last-named year. In 1853, also, he was commissioned by Gov. Bigler, lieu- 
 tenant-colonel of Pennsylvania militia, as aid-de-camp to the governor. 
 In 1856 he was the Democratic nominee for sheriff of Potter county, but was 
 defeated by Alva Taggart, Eepublican. He was elected associate judge in 
 1871, and served five years in the various courts of Potter county. He now has 
 his residence at Pike Mills, and of the old pioneers on Pine creek he is the 
 only survivor. 
 
 AUGUST LEHMAN, merchant, Galeton, was born in Baden, Germany, 
 December 21, 1856, and came to Wayne county, Penn., in 1868. At the age 
 of twenty- one he left his parents and went to Letonia, Tioga county, where he 
 helped to build a tannery in which he was afterward employed. Prom there 
 he went to Galeton, and was with W. & L. E. Gale in their tannery as beam 
 hand, remaining with them five years. In 1888 he embarked in mercantile 
 business, building a store in Galeton, and has since been one of its prominent 
 business men. He married Mary C. Henry, of Germania, and they have one 
 child, Albert A. Mr. and Mrs. Lehman are members of the Lutheran Church. 
 
 GEOEGE W. SUTTON, proprietor of saw-mill, and farmer, P. O. Sunder- 
 linville, was born in Cayuga county, N. Y., November 19, 1846. When he 
 was a child, his parents, Isaiah and Hannah (Pease) Sutton, moved to Lawrence- 
 ville, Penn., where he was educated, and in his youth began working for his 
 father, who was a miller. After living at Lawrenceville ten years, they moved 
 to Wellsville, N. Y. , and from there to Oswayo, Penn. , where they lived two 
 years, and then returned to Lawrenceville. George W. Sutton was a soldier 
 in the war of the Eebellion, serving from September 4, 1864, until the close 
 of the war. He participated in the battles at Port Steadman, and in front of 
 Petersburg. After the war he returned home, and in 1870 bought a farm and 
 saw-mill at Sunderlin ville, Penn., where he has since lived, and is now one of 
 the successful men of the township. He has taken an interest in public affairs, 
 and has held various township offices. Mr. Sutton was married, in August, 
 1874, to Miss Emma Kilbourne, of Sunderlinville, and they have two children: 
 Jennie and Lemuel. He is a member of the P. & A. M., Westfield Lodge, 
 No. 477; Westfield Chapter, No. 265, and Tyagaghton Commandery, No. 28. 
 
 H. M. TICE, merchant, Galeton, son of Philip Tice, was born in Elmira, N. Y., 
 in 1839. In his childhood his parents removed to Tioga county, Penn. , where he 
 was educated and remained until he was about twenty-two years old, working in 
 the lumber woods until about 1861. He then located in Hebron township, Potter 
 Co., Penn., engaging in the lumber trade, and in 1872 embarked in the mer- 
 cantile business. He was married, December 25, 1867, to Julia A. Bishop, and 
 they have seven children: Charles H., Edith L. (now Mrs. W. P. Hamilton), 
 Minnie C, Claude, Lena Belle, Ternie C. and Jessie. Mr. Tice enlisted in 
 the war of the Eebellion in August, 1862, in Company A, One Hundred and 
 Thirty-sixth Pennsylvania Volunteers. He re-enlisted September 5, 1864, and 
 was assigned to Company D, Two Hundred and Seventh Pennsylvania Volun- 
 teers, and served until the close of the war. He is a member of E. A. 
 Kilbourne Post, No. 491, G. A. E., of Galeton. Mr. Tice is a Eepublican in 
 his polities, and has held various official positions in his township. He 
 
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 1225 
 
 •was postmaster at Galetoo for nine years, but resigned during Cleveland's 
 administration. 
 
 WEST BRANCH TOWNSHIP. 
 
 WILLIS CONABLE, merchant and lumberman, West Branch, was born in 
 West Branch township, Potter Co., Penn., May 26, 1849. He remained at 
 home, working on his father's farm and in the lumber camp, until twenty-four 
 years of age, when he bought a farm, which he has improved. In 1883 he 
 built a store and embarked in general mercantile business, this being the first 
 commercial enterprise started in West Branch township. Mr. Conable is a 
 progressive man, and has been successful in his business ventures. He was 
 married, November 22, 1872, to Miss A. J. Vanhousen, of West Branch, and 
 they have three children: Blanche I., Ina and Edward D. Mr. Conable is a 
 member of the Masonic fraternity, Eulalia Lodge, No. 342, Coudersport. 
 
 ABBOT TOWNSHIP. 
 
 CHAKLES MEINE, physician, Germania, son of Philip Meine, was born in 
 Hessia, Germany, in 1830. He was reared and educated in his native coun- 
 try, and graduated from the gymnasium at Rinteln, University of Marburg. 
 Owing to political and military difficulties, he was compelled to leave Germany, 
 and so came to America in 1854. He studied medicine in Germany, and com- 
 pleting his course in this country, graduated at the Buffalo Medical College, 
 and at Germania (Potter Co. , Penn. ), of which village he is the founder, he 
 began the practice of medicine, and has been its only physician. In early 
 ■days, as well as now, to a large extent, all difficulties among the German pop- 
 ulation were settled by arbitration, and the Doctor's decision was as binding 
 as a decision of the supreme court. No citizen of the town is more highly 
 respected than he. He is a gentleman of rare intellectual abilities, and one of 
 the ablest of Potter county' s men. As a physician he stands in the front rank, 
 and has one of the largest practices in the county. He married Mary Sand- 
 bach, and they have four children. The Doctor is a member of Eulalia Lodge, 
 No. 342, F. & A. M. He is a Democrat in politics, and has been postmaster of 
 Germania for the past ten years. 
 
 LOUIS F. MEISSNBR, merchant, Germania, a son of Charles A. Meiss- 
 ner, was born in Eahway, N. J., in 1853. His parents removed to Germania 
 in 1858, where his father was engaged in the mercantile business, and also in 
 farming, being in business there until his death, February 10, 1889. His 
 mother is still a resident of Germania. Their children are Charles A. , Wil- 
 helmina (Mrs. H. Bach) and Louis F. Louis F. was reared on a farm in 
 Germania, but at twelve years of age was associated with his father in the 
 mercantile business, under the firm name of C. A. Meissner & Son. He is 
 now one of the leading merchants of the place. He was married, in 1874, to 
 Theodosia Schwarzenbach, and they have seven children: Wilhelmina, Cecelia, 
 Clementina, Charles A., Ella, Martha and Louis F., Jr. Mr. Meissner, in 
 politics, is a Republican. 
 
 JOHN SCHMID, brewer, Germania, a son of John Martin Schmid, is a 
 native of Germany, and, although he has lived in Germania only three years, 
 is one of the substantial and enterprising citizens. He came to America in 
 1871, and first located in Philadelphia, where he lived fifteen years. In 1886 
 he removed to Germania, Potter county, and built a brewery, which he has 
 since successfully conducted, and Schmid' s lager has gained a wide reputa- 
 tion as one of the best beers in the market. Mr. Schmid married Miss Rose 
 
1226 HISTORY OF POTTEE COUNTY. 
 
 Strahley, and they have a family of three children: John F., Katie and Harry. 
 In politics Mr. Schmid is a stanch supporter of the principles of the Deroo- 
 eratic party. 
 
 JOSEPH SCHWABZENBACH, brewer, Germania, a son of Simpertus 
 Schwarzenbach, was born in Bavaria, Germany, in 1822. He came to America 
 in 1851, and located in New York City, where he worked at his trade, marble 
 carver, for four years. He worked on the capitol building at Washington, D. 
 C, two years, and then removed to Philadelphia. He was also employed on 
 the post-o£6.ce buUding at' Washington, as carver of marble. He came to Ger- 
 mania, Potter Go. , Penn. , in 1858. In 1855 he married Louisa Seebald, in 
 Philadelphia, and their children are Theodosia, Eoland, Herman, August, Vir- 
 ginia, Louisa and Emanuel. Mrs. Schwarzenbach died in 1884, and he then 
 married Cilia Eberle, in New York City. Mr. Schwarzenbach began brewing 
 in 1858, has since been engaged in the manufacture of lager beer, and is now 
 one of the two licensed brewers in Potter county. He is a radical in politics, 
 has been postmaster of Germania, and by an act of the legislature was made 
 a road commissioner. He is one of the popular German citizens of the county. 
 
 AUGUST SCHWABZENBACH, P. O. Galeton, a son of Joseph Schwarz- 
 enbach, was born in Germania, Potter Co. , Penn. , in 1863. In 1882 he went 
 to Galeton, where he has lived for seven years, being employed in the interest 
 of the Consolidated Lumber Company of Williamsport, of which he is a stock- 
 holder. He buys for them real estate, timber (standing and lying), and all 
 kinds of lumber, including all hardwoods. He is a member of Tiadotten Lodge, 
 No. 981, 1. O. O. F., at Gaines, Tioga Co., Penn., and also of the Encampment. 
 He was married, August 1, 1888, to Isabel Fowler. 
 
 HENEY THEIS, merchant, Germania, was born in Paterson, N. J., in 
 1857, the only son of Henry and Sophia Theis. His parents removed to Ger- 
 mania in 1859, where his father engaged in the mercantile business until his 
 death, which occurred in 1874, and since then the business has been conducted 
 by Henry, under the firm name of S. Theis & Son. Mr. Theis, as will be seen, 
 was but two years of age when his parents moved to Germania, and here he 
 was reared and received his early education. He later attended school at 
 New York City, and for one year was at Poughkeepsie. He is a young man 
 of good business ability, fine attainments, and stands high in the community 
 in which he lives. He was married, in 1880, to Jennie Schwarzenbach, and 
 they have three children : Otto, Henry and Sophia. Mr. Theis is a member of 
 Eulalia Lodge, No. 342, F. & A. M. In politics he is a Democrat, and was 
 elected to the office of justice of the peace in 1880 (a position he still holds), 
 and a school director, in 1884; he has been president of the school board ever 
 since. He and his wife are members of the German Beformed Church. 
 
 AUGUST J. VOSS, proprietor of the Germania Hotel, Germania, was born 
 in Germany, in 1858, a son of Frederick and Lydia (Von Senden) Voss. Fre- 
 derick Voss died when August was a child, leaving to his widow the care of two 
 young sons, George and August. In 1863 Mrs. Lydia Voss came with her 
 children to America and located in Germania, Potter Co., Penn., where she 
 lived until her death. May 3, 1874. August J. was reared and educated in 
 Germania, and, since old enough to work, has been identified with its busi- 
 ness interests. He is now the proprietor of the Germania Hotel, a business for 
 which he seems especially adapted, , making a popular and successful landlord. 
 Mr. Voss was married October 23, 18«0, to Lizzie Noelk, and they have one 
 child, Harry J. In politics Mr. Voss is a Democrat. 
 
BIOGBAPHICAL SKETCHES. 1227 
 
 STEWAEDSON TOWNSHIP. 
 
 BURT OLSON, proprietor of hotel at Kettle Creek, a son of Martin 
 and Herminia Olson, was born in Norway in 1845. His parents came to 
 America in September, 1852, and located at New Bergen, Potter Co., Penn. 
 Ole Bull wished to form a settlement of his own countrymen here, and the 
 representations he made induced many to come. Ole Bull himself made this 
 his home for a year and half, after which the immigrants were thrown upon 
 their own resources. In the winter of 1853-54, Martin Olson was killed in 
 the woods, leaving his family unprovided for, as far as finances were concerned, 
 and Burt and his widowed mother were compelled to struggle for a living as 
 best they could. In November, 1855, the town of Germania was laid out, and 
 the two found employment as housekeepers for a party of surveyors, remain- 
 ing there until the spring of 1856, when they removed to the old turnpike 
 bridge, which was their home until 1870. They then went to Oleona, where 
 they became proprietors of a hotel which they subsequently sold, and, from 
 that time until 1880, Burt was engaged in the lumber business. He then re- 
 purchased the hotel, of which he has since been proprietor. His father's 
 family consisted of three children: Ole, Mary (now Mrs. C. A. Burroughs), of 
 Bradford county, Penn., and Burt. In 1856 the mother married Ezra H. 
 Pritchard, a native of Connecticut, and later a resident of Cortland county, 
 . N. Y. , but who came to this county when a boy of eleven years. He was a 
 famous hunter and trapper, and killed over 2,000 deer. He and J. M. Lyman, 
 also a noted hunter, were very intimate, and often followed the woods in com- 
 pany in search of game. Mr. Pritchard at one time went on horseback to an 
 adjacent spring, where he found the fish so thick they actually crowded each 
 other. Having a hook and line, and a captured grasshopper, he cast his line 
 into the water, which fairly bubbled with speckled beauties. He was also a 
 noted cook, and upon state occasions his services were in demand. He at one 
 time was sent for to go to Coudersport, and on the way over he killed four 
 deer, carried two saddles in his knapsack, and the balance on his back — a 
 reasonably good one-horse load. 
 
 Burt Olson is now one of the representative men of his locality and of the 
 county. He has almost a national reputation as proprietor of a summer house, 
 a favorite resort for fishers and hunters, and parties desiring an invitingly 
 cool and delightful summer play-spell. His popularity being so well known, 
 it is useless to add that, as a public caterer, he anticipates the wants of a crit- 
 ical patronage. He was married, October 4, 1868, to Catherine Steele. In 
 politics Mr. Olson is a Republican. In 1881 he was elected county commis- 
 sioner, and served a term of three years; has also held the office of justice of 
 the peace fifteen years, and has held the most of the township offices. He is 
 a member of Eulalia Lodge, No. 342, F. & A. M. The name of the post- 
 office at Kettle Creek was changed in the summer of 1890 to Oleona, with Mr. 
 Burt Olson as postmaster. 
 
1'228 HISTORY OF POTTER COUNTY. 
 
 CHAPTER XXVIII. 
 
 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES— ULYSSES TOWNSHIP AND BOROUGH 
 
 OF LEWISVILLB, ALLEGHENY, HEBRON, CLARA 
 
 AND PLEASANT VALLEY TOWNSHIPS. 
 
 ULYSSES TOWNSHIP AND BOROUGH OF LEWISVILLE. 
 
 C. E. BAKER, farmer, P. O. Ulysses, is a representative of one of the early 
 families in this part of Pennsylvania. He was born in Shippen township, 
 Tioga Co. , Penn. , in 1846, a son of Hollister Baker. He is by occupation a 
 farmer, and now owns one of the best farms in Ulysses township, Potter 
 county. He is a public-spirited, enterprising man, and has always taken an 
 interest in the public afPairs of the township. In politics he was formerly a 
 Republican, but now casts his suffrage with the Prohibition party. He was 
 married, in 1871, to Nancy G., daughter of Moses and Julia (Crum) Hackett, 
 granddaughter of John and Ruth (Baker) Hackett, and great-granddaughter 
 of Gideon and Lydia (Griswold) Baker. They have one son, Cleon V. Mrs. 
 Baker's grandfather, John Hackett, came with his family to Potter county, 
 ffom Broome county, N. Y., in 1826, and settled on the farm now owned by 
 Mr. A. S. Burt. He also owned the land which is the present site of the town 
 of Lewisville. Mrs. Baker's father died March 9, 1879, and her mother April 
 11, 1876. In 1886 the descendants down to the sixth generation, assembled 
 at the old Hackett homestead to celebrate the one hundredth anniversary of 
 the marriage of Gideon Baker and Lydia Griswold, who were married at 
 Lebanon, N. H., August 24, 1786. The only child of this pair present was 
 Mrs. Rhoda Harvey, of Bingham township. The descendants of this family 
 are scattered over twelve States of the Union, and also in Canada, and number 
 up into the hundreds. Several are residents of Potter county, and are worthy 
 descendants of this pioneer family. 
 
 HENRY BARTLETT, farmer, P. O. Ulysses, a son of John and Hannah 
 (Davis) Bartlett, natives of England, was born in Wiltshire, England, October 
 14, 1840. He received a practical business education in the public schools of 
 his native country, and remained upon the home farm with his parents during 
 his boyhood days, having charge of his father's horses. In November, 1861, 
 he married Miss Mary Bates, of England, and they are the parents of seven 
 children, all of whom reside at home. Mr. Bartlett learned the trade of brew- 
 ing in England, but engaged principally in farming until 1874, when he came 
 to America, going to Addison, N. Y., where he engaged in market gardening 
 for three years. In 1879 he came to Ulysses township. Potter Co., Penn., 
 purchasing a farm, where he has since found a pleasant home. Mr. Bartlett 
 has held the office of township assessor for two years. He is actively engaged 
 in lumbering, and is one of the progressive workers in the township. 
 
 EDWARD BORST, lumber dealer, P. O. Ulysses, son of Henry J. Borst, 
 was born at Erwin, Steuben Co., N. Y., in 1840. In 1861 he engaged in 
 business as lumberman at Erwin, residing there until 1885. He then moved, 
 to Mills, Harrison township, Potter Co., Penn., where he purchased the old 
 Lawrence mills, which he operated two years; then sold and purchased at 
 
BIOQKAPHICAL SKETCHES. 1229' 
 
 Lewisville what is known as the Perry Brigham property, where he has a mill 
 with a capacity of about 3,000,000 feet of lumber annually. Mr. Borst was 
 married in 1861 to Georgiana D. Taggart, and they have five children: Adel- 
 bert J., Sidney H., Flora M., Edward and George Harvey. Mr. Borst is a 
 member of Montour Lodge, No. 168, F. & A. M., and of Corning Chapter, 
 No. 190, E. A. M. In politics he afiSliates with the Democratic party. 
 
 PERRY BRIGHAM, P. O. Ulysses, was born in Cortland county, N. Y., in 
 1837, a son of Hiram and Louisa Brigham. February 18, 1839, his parents moved 
 to Potter county, Penn. , and settled in Ulysses township, where his father bought 
 a timber farm and a mill, and engaged in both farming and lumbering until 
 1868, when he moved to Tioga county, where he died. The mother now 
 makes her home with her son Perry. Of a family of three children but two are 
 living, John and Perry. One son, Collins, was a soldier in the war of the Re- 
 bellion, and while in the army contracted measles, which resulted in his 
 death. Perry Brigham made his home with his parents until his majority. 
 He learned the blacksmith' s trade in his youth, and in 1860 located at Lewis- 
 ville, where he worked at his trade until 1865, when he bought a farm in 
 Ulysses township, on which he lived nine years. He then returned to Lewis- 
 ville. He, with three partners, built a mill in Lewisville in 1872, subsequently 
 becoming sole owner. He has twice suilered the loss of his mill by fire, his 
 present mill being the third he has built on the same site. In 1885 he bought 
 the first carload of pipes for water- works, nearly all of which he put in during 
 the summer. In September, 1887, his company became incorporated, and 
 the town is now supplied with an abundance of pure water, which is chiefly 
 used for domestic purposes, but is also used in time of fire. Mr. Brigham is 
 a public-spirited, enterprising man, and devotes considerable time and means 
 to the promotion of the interests of his town. In addition to his milling in- 
 terests he conducted the Lyman House, Lewisville from 1875 to 1882. He 
 was married, in 1863, to Elizabeth C. Monroe. Mrs. Brigham died in May, 
 1885, leaving five children: lone, Charles M., Ann L., Bert and Grace. She 
 was a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and a lady whose life was 
 one of self sacrifice for the good of others. Mr. Brigham has held the office 
 of justice of the peace for ten years, and has held other local positions. 
 
 W. F. BURT, farmer, P. O. Ulysses, was born in Cortland county, N.Y., 
 June 20, 1819, the third son of nine children born to Anson S. and Betsy 
 ■ (Blackman) Burt, natives of Massachusetts, who came to Ulysses township ia 
 1832. Mr. Burt spent his boyhood days with his parents on the home farm. 
 He married, in January, 1842, Miss Caroline Eathbun, a daughter of John and 
 Betsey (Fisher) Eathbun. Miss Fisher was a descendant of Chief Justice 
 Sylvester, of England. Mr. Burt, after his marriage, purchased the farm in 
 Ulysses township, where he now resides. In 1859 he was elected sheriff of 
 Potter county, in which capacity he served for three years. 
 
 WOOLSEY BUETIS, merchant, Lewisville, a son of Solomon and Eebecca 
 (Eosa) Burtis, was born in Sullivan county, N.Y., in 1822. May 6, 1836, his 
 parents came to White's Corners, Harrison township, Potter Co., Penn., where 
 his father engaged in farming and blacksmithing. In 1861 his father died, 
 and his mother made her home with Woolsey until her decease. Their chil- 
 dren were Jacob (deceased), John (now of Minnesota) and Woolsey. Woolsey 
 Burtis remained with his parents at the homestead, and cared for them during 
 their lifetime, succeeding his father in the ownership of the farm. In 1865 he 
 removed to Lewisville, and has since been engaged in the mercantile business. 
 He was married in 1844 to Mary J. Potter, and they have had tvjo children: 
 Celia (the late Mrs. F. M. Johnson, of Nebraska) and Sarah (now Mrs. George 
 
1230 HISTORY OF POTTER COUNTY. 
 
 W. Bennett, of UlysseB). Mr. Burtis is a member of Lewisville Lodge, No. 
 556, F. & A. M. He united with the Republican party in 1856, which he 
 supported until 1888, and now votes with the Prohibition party. In 1862 he 
 was elected treasurer of the county, and served one term of three years; later 
 was elected associate judge, and served one term. While in Harrison township 
 he held all the township offices. Mr. Burtis is now living with his third wife, 
 formerly Mrs. Sarah Taggart, daughter of Burrill Lyman. 
 
 GEORGE W. CARPENTER, farmer, P. O. Newfield, son of Theodore and 
 Charity Carpenter, was born in Tompkins county, N. Y., March 1, 1825. 
 Theodore Carpenter was born December 18, 1800, and Charity Carpenter, May 
 11, 1806; they were married in Tompkins coTinty February 1, 1824, and 
 removed to Bingham township. Potter Co., Penn., in October of the same 
 year. At that time the country was a dense wilderness, and they located in 
 the woods and cleared a farm, which they made their home till death. Their 
 children were George W., Alva, Betsy, Harriet, Michael, Louisa, Theodore, 
 Esther, Julia and John. Mr. Carpenter died July 31, 1859, and his widow 
 June 11, 1865. George W. Carpenter made his home with his parents until 
 1846, when he located on and began improving the farm where he now lives, 
 which his father had previously purchased. September 29, 1850, he married 
 . Lucinda, daughter of Willis Young, and they have had five children: Willis, 
 Charles, Julia (deceased), Angeline and Theodore. In March, 1865, Mr. 
 Carpenter enlisted in Company A, Ninety-ninth Pennsylvania Volunteers. He 
 received injuries at the battle of Hatcher's run, but remained in the service 
 until the close of the war, when he returned home and resumed his former 
 vocation, which he still continues. In politics Mr. Carpenter is a Democrat. 
 D. J. CHAPPEL, merchant, Lewisville, a son of- John and Mercy (Will- 
 iams) Chappel, was born in Cincinnatus, Cortland Co., N. Y. , and came to 
 Potter county, Penn., in 1843, with his parents, who located in Pike township, 
 where they both died, the father in May, 1862, and the mother in 1869, leav- 
 ing a family of four children, viz.: Maria (now deceased), D. J., E. W. and 
 Henrietta (Mrs. H. R. Burgess, of Belmont). D. J. Chappel made his home with 
 his parents until their decease. His first business venture for himself was at 
 Lewisville, where he became a dealer in general merchandise. He later removed 
 to Bingham township, and engaged in farming until 1863, when he returned 
 to Lewisville and resumed his former business, which he continues. He 
 enlisted March 1, 1862, in Company G, Fifty-third Pennsylvania Volunteers, 
 but was discharged on account of disability September 18 following. He is a 
 member of O. A. Lewis Post, No. 279, G. A. R. In politics he is an active 
 Republican, but is not an office seeker. Mr. Chappel was married, in 1858, to 
 Anna M. Gridley, and they have one child, John. 
 
 D. C. CHASE, dealer in merchandise, Lewisville, son of John H. Chase, 
 was born at Middleburg, Tioga Co., Penn., in 1857. He was reared in 
 Allegany county, N. Y. , and educated at the Mansfield State Normal School. 
 After leaving school he located at Spring Mills, and became associated with W. 
 Leonard (firm name being Leonard & Chase) as jobbers in cheese, for a period 
 of five years. He then removed to a farm in Bingham township. Potter Co. , 
 Penn. , where he remained two years ; thence to Lewisville, where he formed a 
 partnership with George H. Cobb — the firm name being Cobb & Chase, dealers 
 in general merchandise, and also proprietors of the Ulysses horse sale stables. 
 In 1881 Mr. Chase married Mary M. Bobbins, of Spring Mills, Allegany Co., 
 N. Y., and they have one child, Laura. In 1888 Mr. Chase invested heavily 
 in hemlock timber land in Potter county, Penn., another evidence of his great 
 business enterprise. He is a Republican in politics. 
 
BIOGKAPHICAL SKETCHES. 1231 
 
 DR. A. H. COBB, Lewisville, son of Horace and Diana (Huntington) Cobb, 
 was born at Spring Mills, Allegany Co., N. Y., in 1843— the family comprising 
 five sons and two daughters. There he was reared and educated, and in 1862 he 
 enlisted in Company E, One Hundred and Thirtieth New York Volunteers, and 
 was later transferred to the First New York Dragoons. He was mustered out of 
 the service in 1865, having been in thirty-seven engagements. He returned to his 
 former home, completed his education, and studied medicine with Dr. E. U. 
 Eaton. He then attended medical lectures at Buffalo Medical College, and 
 first began the practice of medicine in Ulysses, being associated with his for- 
 mer teacher as partner for a term of five years, when they dissolved, and Dr. 
 Cobb located at Lewisville, where he is enjoying a very large and remunerative 
 practice. He was married, in 1866, to Louise Raymond, daughter of Joel and 
 Matilda Raymond, of North Bingham, Penn. , and they have two children, 
 D. Raymond and Aurelia L. The Doctor is a member of O. A. Lewis Post, 
 No. 279, Gr. A, R. ; was formerly a Republican in politics, but in 1880 joined 
 the Prohibition party, of which he is still a member, and is also a member of 
 the Methodist Episcopal Church. 
 
 GEORGE H. COBB, merchant, Lewisville, son of Horace Cobb, was born 
 in Spring Mills, Allegany Co., N. Y., in 1850. His father died in 1865, and 
 from that time he was obliged to rely on his own resources. He was employed 
 at various occupations, attending school, teaching, farming, etc., until his 
 marriage, after which he settled at Spring Mills and engaged in farming, until 
 he went to the oil fields, and, being successful, returned to Lewisville, Potter 
 county, and embarked in the grocery business. This he continued for four 
 years, at which time he took as a partner D. C. Chase, and carried on a general 
 merchandise business for four years, the firm being Cobb & Chase, and now 
 speculating in hemlock lands; they are also engaged in buying and selling 
 wool, and are proprietors of the Ulysses Horse Sale Stables. Mr. Cobb was 
 married, in 1870, to Ruth, daughter of Joel Raymond, of Bingham township. 
 
 D. A. COREY, proprietor Hosley House, Lewisville, is a son of A. D. and 
 Elmira (Stewart) Corey, and was born at Almond, Allegany Co., N. Y., in 1846. 
 His grandfather, Ambrose Corey, located at Ulysses (now Lewisville), and was 
 one of the first merchants of the place, continuing business there until his 
 decease in 1862, his wife dying the following year. His children were A. D., 
 Charles, Selina, B. S. , Lydia and Mary (deceased). A. D. Corey was born in 
 1823, and made his home at Almond until 1855, in which year he removed to 
 Ulysses, where he worked at his trade, harness-making, until after the break- 
 ing out of the Civil war. In 1862 he enlisted in Company G, Fifty-third 
 Pennsylvania Volunteers, and was injured by the concussion of a shell, from 
 the effects of which he has never recovered, which prevents his pursuing his 
 former occupation. He is a member of 0. A. Lewis Post, No. 279, G. A. R. 
 In Hornellsville he married Elmira Stewart, and to them were born four chil- 
 dren: D. A., two who died in infancy, and E. A., who is a resident of Lewis- 
 ville, married and has two children. D. A. Corey made his home with his 
 parents until 1870. He was engaged in the harness business until 1883, when 
 he purchased the Hosley House, at Lewisville, which he has since conducted. 
 He was married in 1866 to Antoinette Comstock, and their children are Arthur 
 L., M. M., Gertie and Laura (who both died in infancy), and Willie, Carrie 
 
 and Marion. „ ^ .-, -, -r,^ ^ 
 
 J. N. CROWELL, retired, P. O. Ulysses, son of David and Mary Crowell, 
 was born in Otsego county, N. Y. , in December, 1822. His father came to 
 Potter county in 1838, and J. N. was employed in carrying mail from Jersey 
 Shore, Penn., to Clean, N. Y., there being at that time only one hoilse in 
 
 67 
 
1232 HISTORY OP POTTEK COUNTY. 
 
 sixty miles. There was aa office at Lymansville, and the next was at Jersey- 
 Shore. In 1839 his father's family located in Ulysses township on the place 
 now owned by Burton Lewis, it being then comparatively wild; lived there till 
 1851, when he removed to Sweden township, Penn., where he remained until 
 his death in January, 1865; his widow died in 1872. Their children were 
 Deborah, now Mrs. Nicholas Johnson, of Chenango; Afton; Angerona, now 
 Mrs. E. A. Wagner; J. N. ; A. B. ; Adeline, now Mrs. Charles Armstrong, of 
 Coudersport; Miranda and Amanda (twins), the former of whom, now de- 
 ceased, was the wife of Henry Shafer, the latter now Mrs. Cornelius Searles; 
 and David J. J. N. Crowell began his business life in 1845. He purchased 
 a tract of wild land in Ulysses township and cleared a farm, upon which he 
 lived until 1884, when he removed to his present residence at Lewisville. He 
 married, in 1848, Julia, daughter of Abram Wagner,, and they have four 
 children: Charles E., Mary A. (Mrs. Fayette Lewis), F. A., and Ellen (Mrs. 
 Philander H. Miller). Mr. Crowell enlisted during the Rebellion in Com- 
 pany G, Fifty- third Pennsylvania Volunteers. He was wounded at the battle 
 of White Oak Swamps, captured and confined in Eichmond prison and at Belle 
 Isle five weeks, when he was exchanged, and served until the expiration of 
 his term, returning to his home in March, 1865, having served three years. 
 Mr. Crowell is a Eepublican, and has held various official positions in his 
 township. 
 
 M. S. CRUM, farmer, P. O. Newfield, son of Clark and Eda Cram, was 
 born in Ulysses township. Potter Co., Penn., in 1838. His parents came to 
 Potter county March 2, 1881, and located on the place now owned by James 
 Nixon, in Ulysses township. This was the fifth family to settle in Ulysses 
 township, and Mr. Crum gained the reputation of being one of the most sus- 
 cessf ul hunters in the county. He killed over 1, 500 deer, and many panthers, 
 catching two of the latter alive. He also killed twenty-one black bear, five 
 large gray wolves, and wild cats and foxes almost without number. He paid 
 for a farm of 350 acres from the proceeds of the game he sold. His children 
 were Mrs. Deborah Jackson, Mrs. Abigail Johnson, James L. and M. S. The 
 father died February 22, 1887, aged ninety years, and the mother in August, 
 1864. M. S. Crum was reared in his native township, and has always devoted 
 his attention to agriculture. He lived on the old homestead until 1870, when 
 he bought the farm he now owns. He was married January 1, 1862, to Hannah 
 M., daughter of Willis Young. They have two children: Sarah (now Mrs. 
 George Williams) and Addie. In politics Mr. Crum is a Democrat, and has 
 held various township offices. 
 
 HENEY HATCH DENT (deceased) was a native of Charles county, Md., 
 born February 11, 1815, a son of Dr. William Hatch Dent (who died when his 
 son was two years of age) and Katherine (Brawner) Dent, a daughter of Henry 
 Brawner. The parents of Dr. William Hatch Dent were Eev. Hatch Dent 
 (who fought during the Eevolutionary war, and afterward became a clergy- 
 man of the Protestant Episcopal Church, and first principal of the Maryland 
 State School, at Charlotte Hall, St. Mary's county, Md.) and Judith (Posten) 
 Dent, all natives of lower Maryland, of Charles and St. Mary' s counties. Henry 
 Hatch Dent, the subject proper of this commemorative record, received a thor- 
 ough education, and graduated from Yale College in 1836 or 1837, after which 
 he studied law in Washington, D. C, under Francis S. Keys, author of "The 
 Star Spangled Banner." As a young man, he practiced law in the office of 
 Felix Grundy, at that time attorney- general of the United States; then prac- 
 ticed in Washington until the death of his wife in 1849, during which time he 
 was offered the judgeship of the criminal court there, which he declined. In 
 
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 12B3 
 
 1850 Mr. Dent removed to St. Louis, Mo., and while claiming residence there, 
 he spent a year in Philadelphia, attending to the partition suit between the 
 heirs of William Bingham and John Adlum, which decided the title to much 
 of the land in Potter and adjoining counties. In order that he might give 
 personal attention to that part of the Adlum lands that had belonged to Mrs. 
 Dent (who was a daughter of John Adlum), and to large tracts bought with 
 his own funds, Mr. Dent came to Coudersport in 1853. Ten years afterward, 
 in 1863, we find our subject residing in Brookland, Potter Co., Penn., where 
 he remained until 1871, in December of which year he went to Baltimore for 
 medical treatment, where he died November 19, 1872. Mr. Dent was married 
 in September, 1811, to Ann Maria, daughter of John and Margaret Adlum 
 (latter a native of Frederick, Md.), uhe ceremony being performed by his col- 
 lege and life-long friend. Rev. E. H. Wilmer, then a young priest in his first 
 parish, now bishop of Alabama. John Adlum, father of Mrs. Dent, was born 
 at York, Penn., and his commission as major, written on parchment, and signed 
 by President John Quincy Adams, is still in the possession of his grandson, 
 William Dent, of Brookland. Mr. L. Bird, now of Penfield, Clearfield Co. , 
 Penn. , writes of Mr. "Dent as follows : 
 
 " As a young surveyor, and at that time about the only one, I did work for 
 Mr. Dent, and, from January, 1851, to March, 1888, I was in the position of a 
 trusted business agent for Mr. Dent, and, therefore, well qualified to speak of 
 his business character. His most excellent Christian mother was with him 
 several years, assisting to care for his four young children. They are now Miss 
 M. K. Dent, Mr. William Dent and Mrs. Thomas G. Hull, of Brookland, Penn. , 
 and Mrs. Rev. J. McBride Sterrett, of Faribault, Minn. 
 
 ' ' Mr. Dent was the ' soul of integrity ' in his business transactions, careful 
 to give and receive the exact amounts. The property consisted of over 250 con- 
 tracts for land in Tioga and Potter counties, and considerable unseated land in 
 these counties, also some land a few miles from Bradford, in McKean county, 
 besides a farm near Georgetown, D. C. No man who was trying to pay was 
 ever pushed by him on these contracts. The contracts, as had been the custom 
 of the 'Bingham Estate,' were very strict. Nearly all the money received fi-om 
 those contracts and from sale of land was expended in buying and improving 
 property, and for living expenses in Potter county. Many a man still remem- 
 bers his prompt payment of liberal wages. 
 
 ' ' The private charities of himself and his mother need not be detailed, but 
 I mav mention a gift of a ' town clock ' for the new court-house, costing him 
 about $300. I well remember his pained expression when some men suggested 
 that the present was made to gain popiilarity. Few men are found that have 
 less of selfishness than he had. 
 
 " Mr. Dent was a Democrat, but his personal friends were in both parties, 
 and, while fixed in his political opinions, he was friendly toward opponents, un- 
 less' they assailed his personal integrity. His sympathies were with the South 
 
 in the Civil war. -,..-, 
 
 ' ' Jefferson Davis and many of the Southern leaders were personal friends 
 and associates. He regarded slavery (if an evil) as a necessary evil, and the 
 duty of the white man to take good care of his slaves; and thought it better to 
 let the States go than have the war. I was a radical Republican, but our per- 
 sonal and business relations were not disturbed. The immense ' war taxes ' 
 were a severe drain, for Mr. Dent owned considerable unseated land, and the 
 interest-bearing contracts had been reduced and put into other land. There- 
 fore while owning considerable property, Mr. Dent did not have any income 
 tax to pay Some men now living remember that this fact was a sore spot 
 
1234 HISTOKY OF POTTER COUNTY. 
 
 with some who gave attention to the matter. Mr. Dent paid every dollar of 
 taxes that the law required, and that without outside grumbling. 
 
 "His instructions to me were to pay all that were legally assessed, at same 
 time adding, ' bitter as it is to pay to support a war that I do not think is for 
 the good of the country.' 
 
 " Mr. Dent was a polite. Christian gentleman, and while he had some few 
 personal enemies, I could see that nearly all arose from the fact that, owing to 
 the difference in early training and habits, he and some of the Coudersport 
 people did not understand each other, and I was glad to know from them and 
 from him, in later years, that both recognized this fact, and gave each other 
 credit for honest intentions. ' ' 
 
 E. U. EATON, M. D. , Lewisville, son of Charles Eaton, was born in An- 
 dover, Allegany Co., N. Y., in 1844, and was there reared and educated. He 
 began the study of medicine with Dr. Crandall, of that plaice, attended lectures 
 at Ann Arbor, Mich., in 1865-66-67, and subsequently at Buffalo Medical Col- 
 lege, from which he graduated in 1884. He first began the practice of med- 
 icine at Lewisville in 1867, and now has a very large practice, being one of the 
 moat successful physicians in the county. He married, in October, 1868, Mar- 
 cella E. Crandall, of Independence, N. Y. , and they have two children, Nellie 
 and Carrie. Dr. Eaton is a member of Lewisville Lodge, No. 556, P. & A. M., 
 and of Ulysses Chapter, No. 269, R. A. M. In politics he supports the prin- 
 ciples of the Republican party. 
 
 ANDREW J. EVANS, editor and proprietor of the Ulysses Sentinel, was 
 born at West Union, Steuben Co., Penn., N. Y., October 30, 1857. His 
 father was a mechanic, a stone mason, and moved about a great deal wher- 
 ever he could find most employment at his trade. Shortly after the birth of the 
 subject of these lines, his parents removed to Tompkins county, N. Y. While 
 there the Civil war broke out, and his father enlisted in the army, leaving the 
 mother to take care of six children, of which Andrew J. was next to the 
 youngest. This she did as faithfully and devotedly as any of the thousands 
 of other mothers who were doing the same self-sacrificing work at that period, 
 so critical to the safety of the Union. After the war closed, the family moved 
 back to Steuben county, and from there to Whitesville, N. Y., where the 
 mother died when Andrew was twelve years old. A year later the father 
 married again, and part of the family of eight children was quickly scattered, 
 three children only being left at home. Soon after this the family moved to 
 the backwoods of Potter county, Penn. , where school privileges were very limited. 
 Andrew was now old enough to appreciate the benefit of an education, and 
 by dint of much study at home, with the aid of one term at select school, he 
 was enabled to get a teacher's certificate. At eighteen he began to teach 
 school, and, with iatervals of attending school, followed the profession for 
 twelve years. Prom the time he began to teach, he was practically independ- 
 ent of his father, aud received no pecuniary assistance from him. He saved 
 his earnings, and attended the Mansfield State Normal School, where he gradu- 
 ated in 1884. After this he was principal of the Lewisville graded school for 
 three years, and in the spring of 1887 became a candidate for the office of 
 county superintendent. His liberal views on the subject of religion, however, 
 defeated him. On the first of January, . 1888, Mr. Evans bought a half- 
 interest in the Ulysses Sentinel, and the following September purchased his 
 partner's interest in the same, and at present he is sole owner and proprietor. 
 September 5, 1889, he was married to Miss Anna Evans, of Spring Mills, 
 N. Y. Mr. Evans' parents were S. A. Evans and Nancy (Somers), both native 
 Americans and traceable back to English stock. Mrs. Evans' parents were G. 
 P. Evans and Lucinda (Murdock), also native Americans. 
 
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 1235 
 
 DANIEL FULLEE, P. O. Ulysses, son of Thomas and Sally (Jincks) 
 Fuller, was born in Wyoming county, N. Y., in 1831. In 1839 his parents 
 removed to Ulysses township. Potter Co., Penn., near Gold, where they pur- 
 chased a farm, and here his father lived and died, after which Mrs. Fuller 
 made her home with Daniel, until her decease. Their children were Nathan, 
 now a resident of Michigan; Mrs. Huldah Gallup, of McKean county ; Han- 
 nah, now Mrs. Norman Eodgers, of Nebraska, and Daniel. Daniel Fuller 
 made his home with his parents until twelve years of age, after which he en- 
 gaged in various occupations, and learned the carpenter and goldsmith trades. 
 October 16, 1861, in answer to his country's call for men, he enlisted in Com- 
 pany G, Fifty-third Pennsylvania Volunteers, and September 17, 1862, was 
 wounded at the battle of Antietam. The Irish brigade were in advance and 
 had made several charges to drive the rebels from an adjacent corn field, and 
 the Fifty-third was held in reserve with orders to lie down. He, with other 
 men lying close to the ground in the second line of battle, heard a cheer in 
 front, and, having curiosity to know its occasion, raised himself on his hands 
 when a shell hit both arms, necessitating their amputation, the first operation 
 being performed on the field, and the next on the 5th of October. He was of 
 course discharged and returned to his former home, and was made a pensioner, 
 receiving the highest amount then paid, |8 per month. Wholly incapacitated 
 from performing any kind of manual labor, the future to him held not much 
 of promise. However, on the presentation of his case to some of his personal 
 friends, and receiving assurances of their willingness to loan their services to 
 secure an increase of pension, he was induced to visit the city of Washington, 
 to present his case in person. His friends and neighbors learning that a little 
 financial assistance would not be unacceptable, gave an oyster supper, which 
 netted $163, and this money, so kindly given, enabled him to make the con- 
 templated trip, and when he appeared before the committee on pensions, and 
 before the House, he secured in July, 1864, the first increase of pension given 
 to those who lost both hands or both eyes, $25 per month, and to those who 
 lost both legs $20. During his trip he was of course accompanied by a friend, 
 and received continually assurances of sympathy and respect, in substantial 
 form. Before the war he became acquainted with Mrs. Sophia F. Scott, and 
 they were married after his return in 1863. They have one son, Charles A. , 
 now a farmer of Allegheny township. They are members of the Presbyte- 
 rian Church. Mr. Fuller is a member of O. A. Lewis Post, G. A. R. He is 
 a Republican in politics, and has held several township offices. 
 
 W. J. GROVER, merchant and farmer, P. O. Newfield. A. M. Gro- 
 ver, the father of this gentleman, is a native of Johnsburg, Warren Co., N. 
 ¥., born in 1814. In 1842 he married Sabra Dunkley, and in 1853 they moved 
 to Potter county, Penn., locating on the farm now owned by Alva Carpenter, 
 and tvFO years later they purchased a portion of the farm now in possession 
 of their son, W. J. ; then, in 1885, they bought the T. A. Galutia farm, still 
 owned by them, though they reside at Newfield. They are the parents of the 
 following named children: Phebe L., Myron S. (deceased), W-. J., Roxie M., 
 Nettie A. and John J. , the last two having been born in Potter county. Mr. aad 
 Mrs. A. M. Grover having been among the early settlers of Potter county, and 
 their means being then limited, they naturally had an active share in the hard- 
 ships experienced in the pioneer lives of the settlers in the forests of Potter 
 county. W. J. Grover, whose name heads this sketch, was born in Johns- 
 burg, Warren county, N. Y., May 10, 1847, and came with his parents to Pot- 
 ter county in 1853. At the time of the battle of Gettysburg, and during the 
 excitement when there was an urgent call for militia troops, young Grover, 
 
12.^]6 HISTORY OF POTTER COUNTY. 
 
 against'the will of his parents, enlisted in the militia, but through their influ- 
 ence at the time he did not proceed to the front. In February, 1864, he again 
 enlisted, this time at Coudersport, in the Forty-sixth Regiment P. V. I., under 
 Lieut. Eees, but was prohibited from going with his regiment by his parents. 
 However, on March 31, same year, by the assistance of his fellow-comrades, 
 he succeeded in enlisting in Company H, Fifty-third Regiment P. V. I. , in 
 which he served his country till the close of the war, being discharged June 
 30, 1865. After the war he returned to the pursuits of peace, and settled 
 down to a farming and commercial life. Mr. Grover has been three times 
 married: First in 1875, to Eugenie L., daughter of Alva Carpenter, and she 
 dying February 22, 1879, he married, in 1880, Mrs. Sarah A. Presho, daughter 
 of Seth Conable; this wife died October 30, 1882, leaving one child, Willie 
 M. , and in 1883 our subject married Miss Nellie M. , daughter of William and 
 Irena Knapp, by which union there is also one child, Sarah Eugenie. Mr. 
 Grover is a member of O. A. Lewis Post, No. 279, G. A. R. ; in politics he is 
 a Republican, has served his township as supervisor and overseer of the poor 
 six years, and has held various township offices. He owns a farm of 400 acres, 
 and is the founder of and the only merchant in Newfield, the manufacturing 
 concerns of which place he was mainly instrumental in establishin'g. , 
 
 ALBERT L. HBRVEY, farmer, P. 0. Ulysses, son of Joseph and Rhoda 
 (Baker) Hervey, was born in Triangle, Broome Co., N. Y., in 1830. His 
 father was a native of Berkshire, Mas^. , and his mother of Lebanon, N. H. 
 Each with their parents removed to Broome county, where they- were married 
 in 1824. They located at Triangle, where they remained until their removal 
 to Bingham township, Potter Co., Penn., in 1847, where the father died in 
 1876. The mother survives, and makes her home with her children. They 
 had a family of four sons: Jerome (of Bingham township, on the old home- 
 stead), Albert L., A. B. (of Canton, N. Y. , and now president of the Univer- 
 salist Theological College, and J. E. (of Westfield, Penn.). In August, 1862, 
 Albert L. Hervey entered as a private in Company K, One Hundred and Forty- 
 ninth Pennsylvania Volunteers. He was wounded at Gettysburg, losing the 
 thumb and forefinger of his left hand, but remained in the field. In April, 
 1864, he was made second lieutenant, and was mustered out of the service 
 in June, 1865. He then returned to his old home in Bingham township, and 
 in 1874 purchased the farm he now owns in Ulysses township, erected fine 
 farm buildings, and is now recognized as one of the able and successful agri- 
 culturists of the county. He has also been largely engaged in raising stock, 
 and has one of the best dairy farms of the county. He is a member of Lewis- 
 ville Lodge, No. 556, F. & A. M., Ulysses Chapter, No. 269, R. A. M., and of 
 O. A. Lawis Post, No. 279, G. A. R. In politics he is a Republican. In 1871 
 he was elected treasurer of the county, serving one term of two years, and has 
 been honored officially in various ways in his township. He was married in 
 1855 to Sarah E., daughter of Jason Spencer, of Triangle, N. Y., and to them 
 have been born two children: William W. (now a merchant of Havana, N. 
 Y.) and Mark S. (now a book-keeper in W. K. Jones' Bank of Coudersport). 
 
 WILLIAM T. LANE. The family of Lanes, from which the subject of 
 this sketch is sprung, can be traced back in direct line to one John Lane, who 
 came to America from Derbyshire, England, more than two hundred years 
 ago, and settled at Killingsworth, Middlesex Co., Conn. Azel Lane, the 
 seventh in the genealogical line, and the father of William T. Lane, was born 
 in Killingsworth, Conn., September 2, 1793, and removed to Jacksonville, 
 Tompkins Co., N. Y., about 1818, and there married Mrs. Asenath (Thomp- 
 son) Smith, widow of Capt. Enos Smith, who died in the war of 1812; they 
 
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 1237 
 
 were the parents of one child, Willett B. Smith, who was born in Jackson- 
 ville m 1808, and died in the Honeoye Valley in 1889. To the union of Azel 
 and Asenath (Thompson) Smith Lane were born three children: Norman 
 E. , William Thompson, and a daughter who died in childhood. The father of 
 these children had limited school advantages, but he made up in energy 
 ■what he lacked in early education; he was a life- long student, and in his 
 later years made the study of languages a speciality, and was enabled to speak 
 several tongues, the knowledge of which he acquired by his own unaided 
 efforts. He was a millwright by trade and a practical mechanic. He was 
 also a man whose morals were stainless, and whose life was above reproach, 
 and- who, dying, left to his two sons the legacy of a name untarnished. He 
 departed this life May 11, 1876, his wife having met her death several years 
 before, the result of an accident. 
 
 William Thompson Lane was born in Chemung county, N. Y., near New 
 Town (now Elmira), March 27, 1825. He came to the Honeoye Valley, Potter 
 Co., Penn., about 1845, in company with his father and older brother Norman, 
 now of Brockwayville, Jejff^rson C6., Penn. In June, 1846, he married Miss 
 Sarah J. Mead, of Greenwood, N. Y., and to this union were born seven chil- 
 dren, named as follows: Homer K. (druggist, Lewisville, Penn.), Mary S. (wife 
 of E. S. Eemington), Frances A. (wife of Dr. L. D. Rockwell, Union City, 
 Penn.), George H. (deceased September 3, 1889), Helen A. (wife of F. S. 
 Hover, Honeoye, Penn.), Wilbur F. and Charles A. (telegraph operator. Pos- 
 tal Line, Alma, N. Y.). After the marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Lane they re- 
 mained upon the farm which the husband had purchased upon coming to 
 Potter county, and where he was engaged in lumbering and farming until the 
 autumn of 1868, when they removed to Elk county, where Mr. Lane engaged 
 more extensively in lumbering, for which business he possessed a particular 
 aptitude. In this line he was successful, and, after a few years spent here, he re- 
 turned to the farm, erected a fine, large house, and proceeded to improve and 
 beautify the home place. In 1878 Mr. Lane was nominated by the Eepub- 
 lican party for representative to the State legislature, but was defeated by the 
 combined vote of the Democrat and Greenback parties. Mr. Lane is one of 
 the few men who lives up to his conceptions of right, even though they con- 
 flict with his interest and convenience. He has always helped in every good 
 word and work, and few men are held in higher esteem by those to whom he 
 is thoroughly known. The church at Honeoye, Potter county, now being 
 erected, owes much to his enterprise and enthusiasm. He is an ardent tem- 
 perance man, and in this, as in any matter of convictiofi, never hesitates to 
 speak and work for the right. This sketch would not be complete without a 
 few words in regard to the wife of his youth, who has borne with him the bur- 
 dens and heat of the day, and who has, in the highest sense of the word, been 
 a helpmate unto him. Few women have so thoroughly fulfilled their mission as 
 a wife and mother as she of whom we write. No labor was ever too great, 
 no sacrifice too much for her to make, in order to give each child every advan- 
 tage within her power. Nor has her kindness and self-sacrificing spirit 
 been confined to her own home circle, no one in her vicinity ever needing aught 
 within her power to give. Verily, she has walked the long pathway of her 
 pilgrimage with feet shod with the sandals of the peace of God. Both Mr. 
 and Mrs. Lane have been members of the Methodist Episcopal Church for 
 many years. 
 
 HOMER K. LANE, druggist, Lewisville, was born in the town of Sharon, 
 Potter Co., Penn., June 7, 1847, a son of William T. and Sarah J. (Mead) 
 Lane. He was given the advantages of a good common-school education, fin- 
 
1238 HISTORY OF POTTER COUNTY. 
 
 ishing at an academy in Richburg, Allegany Co. , N. Y. He was employed by 
 his father, in Sharon, in the lumbering business until August, 1867, when 
 both went to Blue Rock, Elk Co. , Penn. , where they were engaged in the same 
 business until 1874, when the father returned to Sharon, where he still resides. 
 Homer K., however, went to Brockwayville, JefPerson county, where he was 
 engaged in general merchandising with Wellman Bros. , until the fall of 1875, 
 when he went to Union City, Erie county, where he purchased a drug store 
 from R. W. Hazelton, and remained there until the fall of 1878, when he sold 
 out to R. W. Wilkins, and in the spring of 1879 he came to Lewisville and bought 
 a small stock of drugs from C. E. Hooley, and also a stock from Chappel Bros., 
 renting the store from the latter firm. About 1885, his trade having been a 
 thriving one, he erected the store building which he now occupies at Lewis- 
 ville, and in which he keeps a large and well selected stock of drugs and medi- 
 cines, fine perfumes, toilet articles, fancy goods, school and miscellaneous 
 books, wall-paper and ceiling decorations, and is doing a very successful trade. 
 September 27, 1869, Mr. Lane married Miss Hettie E. Huhn, of Brockway- 
 ville, Jefferson county, who bore him one son, August 3, 1870. November 21, 
 1872, Mrs. Lane died of consumption, and ten weeks later the son was carried 
 away by lung trouble complicated with other disorders. December 22, 1875, 
 Mr. Lane chose a second bride, Miss Carrie J. Eaton, of Andover, N. Y. , and 
 this union was blessed, March 18, 1880, by the birth of a daughter, Edith E. 
 Mr. and Mrs. Lane are members of the Baptist Church. Mr. Lane is a mem- 
 ber of Lodge, No. 556, F. & A. M., and Ulysses Chapter, No. 269, R. A. M. 
 SETH LEWIS, attorney at law, Lewisville, a son of William and Ruth A. 
 (Bierce) Lewis, was born at Upper Lisle, Broome Co., N. Y., January 27, 
 1829. His parents came to Potter county, Penn., February 14, 1839, and 
 located in what is now Lewisville. William Lewis made farming his business, 
 which he continued until his death, September 26, 1866, his widow surviving 
 until February 18, 1869. They reared a family of nine children: Crayton, 
 Angeline, Louisa, Anna, Perry, Martha, Thomas, Seth and Burton. Seth 
 Lewis came to Potter county with his parents, remaining with them until 1850. 
 The following six years he devoted to agriculture, and also attended Alfred 
 University. He then taught school two years, and in 1860 was elected county 
 superintendent of schools, serving one term. In 1863 he enlisted in Company 
 K, Thirty-seventh Pennsylvania Militia, and September 23 was mustered into 
 Company A, Eighth United States Colored Troops, as second lieutenant. He 
 was wounded in the left thigh at the battle of Olustee, Fla., February 20, 
 
 1864, and OotoWPr 13;^ 1864, was wounded in the left hand near Richmond, 
 Va. November 28, 1864, he was promoted to first lieutenant, and February 8, 
 
 1865, was made captain of Company C. He was present at the surrender of 
 Gen. Robert E. Lee at Appomattox, and, on May 31, 1865, left Fortress Mon- 
 roe for Texas, reaching Ringgold barracks July 31, when he returned to 
 Brownsville, and was mustered out November 10, but was retained and paid 
 until December 13, 1865. After his return home he studied law with Judge 
 A. G. Olmsted, and was admited to the bar in 1867. He first practiced at 
 Union, West Va. , but returned to Ulysses, where he is still engaged in the prac- 
 tice of his chosen profession. He was also editor of the Ulysses Sentinel from 
 September, 1882, to January, 1888. He was married, January 30, 1851, to 
 Sarah E. , daughter of Adna A. and Rodentha Gridley. Their children were 
 Charles H. (deceased), Mary Eloise (Mrs. George A. Farnsworth), Jessie Flor- 
 ence (who graduated from the Genesee Wesleyan Seminary, at Lima, N. Y., 
 June 20, 1889,) and Sarah Rodentha (deceased). Mr. Lewis is a charter mem- 
 ber of Lewisville Lodge, No. 556, F. & A. M., and has been its secretary since 
 
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 1239 
 
 its organization. He is also a member of "Ulysses Chapter, No. 269, E. A. M. , 
 and of O. A, Lewis Post, No. 279, G. A. R. He is an active worker in the 
 ranks of the Republican party, and a radical tariff man. He was elected dis- 
 trict attorney in 1869, and served four years. He was either a teacher, school 
 director or superintendent from the age of twenty years to the beginning of 
 the war, and subsequently, until the past twelve years, was school director. 
 
 Ceayton Lewis, the oldest son of William and Ruth A. Lewis, was 
 born at Upper Lisle, Broome Co., N. Y., February 11, 1813. He was mar- 
 ried March 3, 1835, to Caroline Hinman, and very soon after moved to Potter 
 county, Penn. He settled on a piece of wild land now within the limits of the 
 borough of Lewisville, and in a few years made it one of the finest farms in 
 the vicinity. He had but a limited education, but he was an industrious 
 reader, had a very retentive memory, and he soon became one of the most 
 intelligent men of the locality. He was very benevolent, with tender sympa- 
 thies and a keen sense of justice, and he early became an Abolitionist, but 
 when the Republican party was formed, he joined it and remained through life 
 a member. He early espoused the cause of temperance, and as early as 1843 
 he circulated a pledge and procured numerous signatures, starting a movement 
 which resulted in the organization of Ulysses Division of the Sons of Temper- 
 ance, in 1849, and of Lewisville Lodge of Good Templars, a few years later, of 
 both of which organizations he was an active and honored member. To his 
 labors, more than to the labors of any other man, is due the strong temperance 
 sentiment which prevails in the northeastern part of Potter, and which has 
 made Lewisville borough the stronghold of prohibition, this election district 
 having given at the election June 18, 1889, 125 votes for the amendment and 
 only seven votes against it. In August, 1857, Mr. Lewis was thrown from a 
 buggy and received an injury in his head, from which he never fully recov- 
 ered, and January 13, 1870, he was killed by falling in his barn. He reared 
 five children, all of whom are living: Emily, now Mrs. T. E. Gridley, of Bing- 
 ham, Penn.; John, living on the old homestead with his mother; Martin, a 
 farmer of Ulysses, Penn. ; Fayette, a surveyor and lumberman at Genesee 
 Forks, Penn. , and Carlos A. , a merchant of Lewisville. 
 
 C. A. LEWIS, merchant, Lewisville, son of Crayton and Caroline (Hin- 
 man) Lewis, was born in Ulysses township, Potter Co. , Penn. , in 1850. His 
 parents came from Broome county, N. Y. , and were among the pioneers of 
 Ulysses township, being the third family to settle there, locating on the farm 
 now owned by his mother. Their nearest mill at that time was at Jersey 
 Shore, a distance of sixty-five miles, and Crayton Lewis on one of his trips 
 thither camped out with a yoke of oxen. Having broken his ox yoke when 
 beyond the reach of any assistance, and having no tools except an ax, with 
 this he cut a beech stick of the proper length, and, as there had to be open- 
 ings made for the bows, he split it and bound it with withes, and went on his 
 way. At one time his family and the neighbors were short of provisions, but 
 he had a small patch of ground sown to buckwheat, which be worked during 
 the day, chopping in the woods by moonlight. One day when they had not a 
 mouthful of food in the house, except milk to drink, and were eagerly await- 
 ing the ripening of the buckwheat and potatoes, as his wife stood at the door 
 watching him at work, an idea, all at once, occurred to her. Selecting some 
 buckwheat from the unripe crop, she picked a lot of it, dried it by the fire- 
 place, pounded and sifted it, and having fully prepared it, blew the horn, as 
 usual for dinner. On her husband's coming to the house, he was rejoiced and 
 surprised to find a meal prepared from his own crop. This old pioneer unfort- 
 unately met with an accident, which resulted fatally; his widow still lives on 
 
1240 HISTOBY OF POTTER COUNTY. 
 
 the old homestead. Their children were Emily (Mrs. Thomas Gridley), John, 
 Martin, Fayette and C. A. The last named was reared in his native township, 
 and during his youth was variously employed, but in 1873, locating at Lewis- 
 Yille, he here embarked in general mercantile business. He was married April 
 23, 1874, to Kate Gushing, and they have two children: Irving C. and Archie 
 C. Mr. Lewis is a member of Lewisville Lodge, No. 558, F. & A. M. In 
 politics he is a Republican, and has served as school director, auditor, and in 
 minor ofi&ces of trust. 
 
 CORNELIUS H. LOUCKS, P. O. Ulysses, son of Cornelius and Naomi 
 Loucks, was born in Cortland county, N. Y., in 1831. His parents came to 
 Hector Township, Potter Co., Penn., and located on the farm now owned by 
 Clarence Stiles, where the father was a lumberman and farmer, and where they 
 both died. Their children were Mary J. (Mrs. Russel Potter, of Skaneateles, 
 N. Y.), Cornelius H., Mehitabel (deceased), Betsy (deceased), Steven L. (who 
 enlisted and died in the army, aged twenty-six years) and William J. Cor- 
 nelius H. Loucks remained with his parents until 1853, when he married Arty 
 C. Calkins, and located on the farm adjoining the old homestead, where they 
 remained several years. In 1864 he enlisted in Company G, Fifty-third Penn- 
 sylvania Volunteers, and on Friday, March 31, 1865, in battle in front of 
 Petersburg, Va. , he received a wound in the left shoulder joint which necessi- 
 tated the amputation of his arm. He was discharged June 12, 1865, and 
 returned to his old home, subsequently removing to Lewisville, where he now 
 lives. His wife died, leaving four children: Frank (since deceased), Darius, 
 James and John, and March 26, 1883, he married Mrs. Louisa V. Stout, 
 daughter of James J. Stewart. Mrs. Loucks is a member of the Methodist 
 Episcopal Church. Mr. Loucks is a member of O. A. Lewis Post, No. 279, 
 Gr. A. R; in politics he is a Republican, has been supervisor of Hector town- 
 ship, and has held various offices in his township. 
 
 GrEORGE MERRILL, contractor and builder, Lewisville, son of Erastus 
 and Elizabeth (Ayer) Merrill, was born in Ulysses Township, Potter Co., 
 Penn., in 1838. His parents were natives of Vermont, and each, with parents 
 removed to Broome county, N. Y. , where they married, and in February, 1838, 
 located in Ulysses township, Potter county, where the father of our subject 
 was a farmer until his decease in 1884. The mother still has her residence on 
 the old homestead with her daughter, Mrs. Caleb Gridley. Their children 
 were Warren (who died when nineteen years of age), Obediah, Harriet 
 (deceased), George Lyman, Esther (Mrs. Gridley) and Henry (deceased). 
 George was married in 1864 to Amelia Kidney, of Wyoming county, after 
 which he located in Lewisville, where he is a contractor and builder. Their 
 children were Henry (who died when eleven years of age), Herbert and Maud. 
 Mrs. Merrill is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. In politics Mr. 
 Merrill affiliates with the Prohibition party, having formerly been identified 
 with the Republican party. He has held various township offices. 
 
 0. A. NELSON, merchant, Lewisville, son of Henry and Speedy (Clark) 
 Nelson, was born in 1845, near Colesburg, on the place now owned by F. A. 
 Nelson, in Allegheny township, Potter Co. , Penn. He made his home with 
 his parents until 1864, when he traveled for several years, and engaged in 
 various occupations. In 1875 he married Ellen M., daughter of A. F. and 
 Juliette (Grove) Raymond, and located at Gold, on her father's farm, where 
 they remained a year. He then worked at his trade (carpenter and joiner), 
 and was also in the stock business, until his removal to Ceres, where he 
 embarked in the mercantile business. Later he moved to Lymansville, where 
 he was engaged in selling wagons, buggies and harness, afterward locating 
 
BIOGKAPHICAL SKETCHES. 124:1 
 
 ■ for a time in Austin. la November, 1887, he moved to Levrisville, where he 
 18 engaged in the clothing and gents' furnishing goods business, the firm name 
 being Nelson & Presho. In politics Mr. Nelson is a Democrat. 
 
 MRS. KITE STEAENS PARKER, P. O. Ulysses, daughter of Anson S, and 
 Betsy (Blaekman) Bart (now deceased), was born in Cortland county, N. Y., 
 m 1829. Her maternal grandfather, James Blaekman, was a native of Pitts- 
 field, Mass., where he married Elizabeth Andrews, and came to Potter county, 
 Penn., in 1834, locating in Ulysses township, where they lived the rest of 
 their lives. Their children were Betsy, Sally, Anson, Dennis and Laura (the 
 late Mrs. Edmund Alvord). Anson S. Burt was a native of Pittsfield, Mass. , 
 where he married, and in the spring of 1832 locat3d in Ulysses township, 
 Potter county, about a mile east of the village, where he bought a hundred- 
 acre farm, which at that time was wild land, he being obliged to cut his own 
 roads. His children were Laura (deceased), Sally (Mrs. William Canfield, of 
 Willett, Cortland Co., N. Y.), James T., William F., Betsy (the late Mrs. 
 Charles Monroe), T. W., and Kate S., who married Thomas Parker in 1846, a 
 prosperous farmer of Ulysses township. Mr. Parker died July 26, 1883. 
 
 W. B. PERKINS, farmer, P. O. Newfield, son of William M. and Marissa 
 M. (Dean) Perkins, was born August 28, 1861, in Ulysses township. Potter Co., 
 Penn., on the farm he now owns. His father was a native of Andover, Alle- 
 gany Co., N. Y., and his mother of Potter county, Penn. After their mar- 
 riage they located at Independence, Allegany Co., N. Y., but sold and re- 
 moved in the spring of 1850 to the farm now owned by W. B. ; in the 
 spring of 1886 his father removed to Sweden township. Mrs. Perkins died in 
 the spring of 1862, leaving three children: Luther L., Manson B. and W. B. 
 Mr. Perkins afterward married Fannie Gloss, their children being Arthur and 
 Rosa. W. B. made his home with his parents until 1877, when he went to 
 Deerfield, Tioga county. Determined to secure an education, he worked for 
 $13 per month, and when his father learned of his laudable eflforts in that 
 direction, he cheerfully loaned him $800, which enabled him to complete 
 his education at the State Normal School at Lock Haven, and from which he 
 graduated in 1883. While at the State Normal School he joined the Bap- 
 tist Church, and, becoming interested in Sabbath-school work, was made its 
 superintendent, and at the county convention, or pic-nic, each superintendent 
 was supposed and expected to deliver a speech; his was so elaborate, and so 
 far beyond what had been expected, that he soon received urgent invitations to 
 attend their theological seminary, at Lewisburg, Union Co., Penn., and after 
 repeated solicitation accepted, remaining a year, when a change in his religious 
 views induced him to sever his association with that institution. After leaving 
 school he located on the old homestead, and engaged in business as a farmer 
 and dairyman. He continued the dairy until the close of the summer of 1888, 
 when he sold his cows and invested the proceeds in horses. Mr. Perkins mar- 
 ried Mary A. Bigony, and they have a family of four children: Guy S., Ma- 
 rissa D., Sally B. and Samuel B. Mr. Perkins is a member of Lewisville 
 Lodge, No. 556, F. &A. M., and Ulysses Chapter, No. 269, R. A. M. He is 
 a Democrat in politics, and has held various official positions in the township. 
 
 A. F. RAYMOND, merchant and farmer, P. O. Gold, was born in Tomp- 
 kins county, N. Y., November 3, 1825. In 1836 his parents moved to Potter 
 county, Penn. , and settled in Allegheny township, where his father bought a 
 tract of wild land. He remained at home until after his marriage, and then 
 bought a part of the old homestead, where he has since lived. He has a good 
 home, and attends to the cultivation of his .farm, at the same time carrying on a 
 general merchandise business in Gold. He was married in 1850 to Miss Juliet 
 
1242 HISTOBY OF POTTER COUNTY. 
 
 Groverof Bingham township and they have five children: Prank A., of Gold; 
 Ellen, wife of Oscar Nelson, of Ulysses; Fred H., of Ceres; Kate L., wife of 
 Wilton Elliott, and Matilda. Mr. and Mrs. Raymond are members of the Bap- 
 tist Church. He is a member of Gold Lodge, No. 658, E. A. U. 
 
 AMOS EAYMOND, P. 0. Gold, son of Daniel and Amanda (Preeland) 
 Raymond, was born in Tioga county, N. Y. , September 24, 1821, and with his 
 parents came to Potter county, Penn., in March, 1836. They located in 
 Allegheny township, at that time a wilderness, and cleared a farm, the nearest 
 marked tree being at what is now Ford Nelson's, in Allegheny township, and 
 there was no wagon road within three miles. They were compelled to go to 
 Williamsport for corn, which at that time was worth |3. 50 per bushel, in Pot- 
 ter county, and suffered all the other privations incident to the settlement of a 
 new country. Their children were Lucinda, Amos, Daniel, Asa, Alvira, 
 Perces, David, Joseph, Mary and Betsy. Amos made his home with his 
 parents until his marriage, when he located in Allegheny township, but now 
 resides on the farm he owns in Ulysses township, which he has carried on for 
 some time. He has also devoted some time to contracting, was a merchant for 
 several years, and also for several years was proprietor of a hotel at Raymond's 
 Corners. He was married, March 31, 1842, to Rhoda Daniels, and they had 
 six children: Harriet Lovina, Alice Lavina, Asa A. , Miriam J. (who died in 1852), 
 Josephine R. and Sarah J. Mrs. Rhoda Raymond departed this life November 26, 
 1876, and Amos Raymond, on March 15, 1878, married Miriam Daniels. Mr. 
 and Mrs. Raymond are members of the Baptist Church. In politics he is a 
 Democrat, and has held various official positions in the township. 
 
 HENRY T. REYNOLDS, P.O. Ulysses, son of Foster Reynolds, was born 
 in Hebron township. Potter Co. , Penn. , in 1834. His father was a native of 
 Rensselaer county, N. Y. , where he married Fannie Potter, removed to Hebron 
 township in 1831, and engaged in farming. He built two mills — one water and 
 one steam power. They reared a family of five children: Steven P., William 
 C. , Henry T. , Sarah and Celestia. The parents, with two daughters , are now 
 residing in Jeiferson county, Kansas. Henry T. Reynolds received his educa- 
 tion in the Potter county schools, remaining with his parents until his majority.- 
 After his marriage he located on the farm he now owns in Ulysses township, 
 and engaged in agriculture. He was married in 1857 to Margaret Weidrick, 
 and they have four children: Willard E., Nellie E. (now Mrs. Henry Francis), 
 Nettie F. (now Mrs. Arthur Bice) and Foster. Mr. and Mrs. Reynolds are 
 members of the Episcopal Church. He is a member of Lewisville Lodge, No. 
 556, F. &A. M., Ulysses Chapter, No. 269, R. A. M. In politics he is an 
 active Republican. He was elected sheriff in 1868, serving three years. In 
 1887 he was elected associate judge, and is now serving his term of five years. 
 He has always been prominent in local politics. August 16, 1862, he enlisted 
 in the defense of his country in Company K, One Hundred and Forty-ninth Penn- 
 sylvania Volunteers, or Second Regiment of Bucktails; sixteen days later he 
 was promoted to second lieutenant, and May 1, 1863, was made first lieu- 
 tenant. He was wounded three times at the battle of Gettysburg, and was 
 captured; March 18, 1864, he was discharged on account of disability, and 
 returned to his home in Ulysses township. He now lives in Lewisville. He 
 is a charter member of O. A. Lewis Post, No. 279, G. A. R. , of which he is 
 adjutant. 
 
 E. A. WAGNER, retired, P. O. Ulysses, son of Abram Wagner, was born 
 in Oneida county, N. Y. , in 1826. His parents removed to Steuben county, 
 N. Y. , and thence to Ulysses township, Potter Co., Penn., in 1842, locating 
 on the farm now owned by Frank Wagner. They located in the woods and 
 
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 1243 
 
 cleared a farm which they made their home until the father's death ia 1876: 
 the mother died m 1879. Their children were born in the following order' 
 Mrs. -Loi-enzo Drake, Andrew J., Frances M., Edward A., Mrs. J. N. Crowell, 
 
 w'"' n ^ ^''^.' ^'''- ^- ^- ^'■°'^°' ^^^^^^^ H., James B., Mrs. A. G. Stewart, 
 w ' r -^^^^^"^^^ ^"^^ Mrs. L. Dean, all having homes of their own E A 
 Wagner has from youth followed agricultural pursuits. His first location was 
 in Ulysses township, on the farm now owned by Charles Crowell; then at Kib- 
 byville, m 1851, where he lived until 1871, when he removed to the borough 
 
 ° X- ^T^f '^ ' ^^^^^ ^^ ^^^ ^^°*^® ^^'^^^' ^^^ baving secured a competency, has 
 retired from active life. Politically he is a Eepublican. He has been a mem- 
 ber of the council two terms; street commissioner, school director, nine years, 
 and township assessor. His wife, to whom he was married in 1849, was for- 
 merly Miss Angerona Crowell, daughter of David Crowell. 
 
 ALLEGHENy TOWNSHIP. 
 
 A. W. ANDREWS, farmer, P. O. Andrews Settlement, son of Levi and 
 Polly (Porter) Andrews, was born in Spring Mills, Allegany Co., N. Y., in 
 1824. His parents removed to Bingham township. Potter Co. , Penn. , in 1825, 
 where they remained until 1833, when, with household 'goods loaded on a 
 wagon, and drawn by three yoke of oxen, they proceeded on their way to what 
 is now Andrews Settlement, named in honor of Levi Andrews. When about a 
 mile from EUisburg, the snow being knee deep, and it being springtime and 
 just in the midst of a freshet, they discovered a bridge had been washed away, 
 but by chopping a tree, which fortunately fell across the stream, they were 
 enabled to cross, the oxen swimming the creek. Having a cow and calf, Mr. 
 Andrews carried the calf over in his arms, and the cow followed through the 
 creek; they had to walk about a mile through water knee-deep to reach a 
 stopping place, and, it is superfluous to add, were in an exhausted condition. 
 This but feebly illustrates the adventurous career of pioneers in this county. 
 They eventually reached their destination, locating in the woods and clearing 
 a farm. They had a family of ten children: Chester; Cloe; Lawson; Maria, 
 afterward Mrs. Timothy Ives, of Coudersport; Louisa, now Mrs. Isaac Prink, 
 of Hebron township; Lowata, wife of Bartell Dickinson, of EUisburg; Sally, 
 now Mrs. Samuel Newell, of McKean county; Orren; Susan, now Mrs. Ben- 
 jamin S. McConnell, of Canisteo, Steuben Co., N. Y., and A. W. Louisa, 
 Sally, Susan and A. W. are the only ones living. The father died in March, 
 1861; the mother had died of cancer on February 10, 1844. A. W. Andrews 
 made his home with bis parents until their death. In 1859 he located on the 
 farm he now owns in Andrews Settlement, where he has since devoted his atten- 
 tion to agriculture and the lumber interest. While a boy, Mr. Andrews chopped 
 cord-wood in the winter time in his stocking feet, heated boards or slabs being 
 brought to him upon which to stand; he has hunted cows barefooted, and been 
 pricked with nettles until actually compelled to stand in the mud, the only 
 method of relief. But notwithstanding all these experiences, he has been suc- 
 cessful, and now owns a fine farm with good buildings, and is the possessor of 
 a competency. He was married, in 1859, to Martha N. Scoville, of Harrison 
 township, and to them have been born six children: Luman F. , Eoscoe, 
 Florence (now Mrs. Clinton Olmsted, of Emporium), Fred and Prank (twins) 
 and Arch. Mr. and Mrs. Andrews are members of the Presbyterian Church. 
 He is an active supporter of the Democratic party. 
 
 EEV. EDWARD D. CARR, P. O. Raymond, is a son of George and 
 Nancy (Griswold) Carr. E. D. Carr was born in Dryden, Tompkins Co., N. 
 Y. , December 29, 1819. His parents were married August 22, 1813, and 
 
1244 HISTORY OF POTTER COUNTY. 
 
 removed to Almond, Allegany Co., N. Y., in 1835, remaining until about 1857, 
 when they came to Hector township. Potter Co., Penn., where they pur- 
 chased a farm and built a residence. The mother died about 1878, in North 
 Almond, Allegany Co., N. Y., and the father April 13, 1870, in Hector town- 
 ship. Potter Co., Penn. Their children were Mariett (born March 28, 1815), 
 Sybl'e A. (born December 10, 1816), Susan (born December 12, 1818, 
 now deceased), Edward D. (born December 29, 1819), Stutely H. (born Janu- 
 ary 11, 1822), George S. (born December 23, 1823, now dead), and G. N. (born 
 August 15, 1826). Edward D. made his home with his parents until man- 
 hood. He' first located in West Almond, but later removed to Hector town- 
 ship, where he was a local preacher. He, however, changed his residence to 
 Knoxville, for the purpose of affording his children better educational advan- 
 tages. In 1862 he enlisted as a private in Company G, One Hundred and 
 Forty-ninth Pennsylvania Volunteers, and was mustered out in April, 1865. 
 He returned to his home, but soon after removed to Wellsville, N. Y., where 
 he remained eleven years; thence moved to Spring Mills, N. Y., thence to 
 Kansas, and finally returned to Potter county, purchased the farm he now 
 owns, and has since been engaged in farming. While in Kansas he was for 
 five years engaged' in the ministry, and organized seven churches. He was 
 married, December 11, 1845, to L. S. Schoonover, and their children are 
 Lenora M. (now Mrs. George Presho), Mary A. (who died at the age of five 
 years), Emma Lucine (now Mrs. Eobert Allison), George Norman and Edward 
 Augustus. His son and daughter, Edward A. and Emma L., belong to the 
 Methodist Episcopal Church. Mrs. George Presho belongs to the Presbyterian, 
 and George Norman to no church. 
 
 WILLIAM CIIREIEE, proprietor of a saw- and grist-mill, Andrews Set- 
 tlemsnt, is a son of Daniel and Martha (Gilliland) Currier, and was born in 
 Andrews Settlement in 1863, on the place now owned by his parents. Daniel 
 Currier was born in Cattaraugus county, N. Y. , and Martha (Gilliland) Currier 
 in the town of Cuba, Allegany county, same State. His parents came to Pot- 
 ter county in 1849, and located in Hebron township, where his father worked 
 in a lumber-mill until their removal to Elk county, in 1853. In 1859 they 
 returned to Potter county, and located where they now have their home. Their 
 children are Mary J. (now Mrs. C. Tucker) James (both born in Hebron, Pot- 
 ter Co., Penn.) and William. James was married to Kate Bishop, daughter 
 of Squire Bishop, of Andrews Settlement. William, whose name heads this 
 brief sketch, was born and reared on the old homestead, and was given a good 
 common- school education. Since reaching manhood he has been engaged in 
 the lumber business, and built a steam saw- and grist-mill, shingle- and plan- 
 ing-mill, which he operated and eventually removed it to the present place of 
 business. The saw-mill has a capacity of 10,000 feet per day, and the shingle- 
 mill is capable of turning out 10,000 shingles per day. He was married 
 to Hattie Carpenter, of Angelica, on December 18, 1889. Mr. Currier is a 
 prosperous young man, and is the owner of one of the principal business 
 enterprises of his township. 
 
 WILLIAM H. MATTESON, merchant, Andrews Settlement, son of Elias 
 Matteson, was born in Whitesville, Allegany Co., N. Y. , in 1841. He was 
 reared and educated in his native county, also in Yates and Ontario counties, 
 and in 1863 enlisted in Company G, Eighteenth New York Volunteers. He 
 was mustered out in the same year and re-enlisted in the Fiftieth New York 
 Engineers, and remained in the service until the close of the war in 1865. He 
 then returned home, and soon after located in Allegheny township. Potter Co. , 
 Penn. , where he engaged in farming, which he continued until 1885, when he 
 
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 1245 
 
 removed to Eaymond's Corners and embarked in the mercantile business, and 
 in October, 1887, came to. Andrews Settlement, where he has since con- 
 ducted a general mercantile store. In 1866 he married Nettie, daughter of 
 Marcus Wildman, of Allegheny township. Their children are Fannie Maud 
 (now Mrs. Samuel Hancock, of Ellisburg) and Merton W. Both Mr. and Mrs. 
 Matteson are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. He is a member 
 of Coudersport Post, G. A. R; is an active supporter of the Republican 
 party, and was elected county commissioner in 1884, serving one term, and 
 has held various official positions in the townshio. 
 
 GEORGE NELSON, farmer, P. O. Colesburg, son of Silas and Cynthia 
 (Felt) Nelson, was born in Hebron, Washington Co., N. Y., in 1816. His 
 parents located at Lymansville, Potter Co., Penn., about 1822, and engaged 
 in farming. Their children were Horace, George, Ira, Cephas, Leroy, 
 Lucinda (Mrs. Jack Brown, of Millport) and Sarah (Mrs. J. R. Miller, of 
 Sweden township). Mrs. Nelson died in 1832, and Mr. Nelson for his second 
 wife maiTied Mary A. Bellows. Their childi-en were Cynthia, L., Darwin, 
 Kilborn (deceased), Caroline, Louise Etta, Philena, Dora Cass and Lester. 
 Mr. Nelson was a soldier in the war of 1812, and in October, 1818, received 
 an injury from which he never fully recovered; he died about 1868, and Mrs. 
 Nelson died in 1888. George made his home with his parents until 1839, 
 when he married Abigail Cannon, and located on the farm he now owns in 
 Allegheny township, where he built the first saw-mill (water power) in that 
 part of the county. To Mr. and Mrs. Nelson have been born three children: 
 Helen M. (now Mrs. Samuel W. Copeland, of Dolonga, Ga.), Eli H. and 
 Adolphus I. The last named enlisted in Company G, Fifty-third Penn- 
 sylvania Volunteers, and was killed at the battle of Antietam. Mr. Nelson 
 is a supporter of the Democratic party, and has held various official positions 
 in the township. 
 
 FORD A. NELSON, P. O. Colesburg, son of Henry Nelson, was born in 
 Allegheny township. Potter Co. , Penn. , in 1843. He made his home with his 
 parents until about twenty-five years of age, after which he purchased the old 
 Nelson homestead, where he has since lived, combining the lumber business 
 with that of farming. He was married in 1869 to Bettie, daughter of John H. 
 Heggie, of Allegheny township, and they have had two children: Ray H., who 
 died at the age of eleven years and nine months, and Harry L. , now a promising 
 boy of eleven years. Mr. Nelson is a supporter of the Democratic party. In 
 1883 he was elected commissioner of Potter county, served one term of three 
 years, and in 1886 received the nomination for treasurer, but was defeated by 
 only forty-three votes. He is one of the enterprising men of Potter county. 
 
 JOHN PEET, farmer, P. O. Colesburg, son of John and Sarah (More- 
 house) Peet, was born in Eulalia township. Potter Co., Penn., in 1819. His 
 parents came to Potter county in 1811 and took up a tract of land, John Keat- 
 ing presenting him with fifty acres to induce him to locate here, the family 
 being the fourth in the county, Isaac Lyman, Benjamin Burt and William Ayers 
 being the other three. They endured all the hardships and privations peculiar 
 to a new and almost unexplored country; their nearest grist-mill was at Jersey 
 Shore, and it took about eighteen days to go and return. The nearest post- 
 office was at Williamsport. The children of John and Sarah Peet were Mary, 
 deceased wife of David Worden, of Iowa; William (deceased); Rhoda, deceased 
 wife of Seth Taggart, of Eulalia township; Susan and Samuel (the first twins 
 born in Potter county; Susan is now Mrs. William Worden of Iowa; Samuel is 
 deceased); Abigail, the sixth child, was married to William Jackson, moved to 
 Erie county and then died; John is the seventh; Sarah married David Colcord, 
 
1246 HISTORY OF POTTEK COUNTY. 
 
 moved to Cameron county, and there ended her days; and Jacob, the ninth 
 child, is now a resident of Austin. The father died about 1858, and the 
 mother about 1870. John Peet, Jr., made his home with his parents until 
 1843, when he married Rachel Van Wegen, daughter of Daniel Van Wegen, 
 and to them three children have been born, Almira, now Mrs. Jacob Kimm, 
 of Eoulette ; Horace and Orson, deceased. Horace married Pearl, daughter 
 of John Abbey, of Port Allegany, and they had three children: Jennie, 
 Clifton and John. Horace Peet died October 12, 1889. John Peet is a resi- 
 dent of Allegheny township, still living on the farm on which he settled 
 after his marriage. He and his family are members of the Free Will Baptist 
 Church. 
 
 DAVID L. RAYMOND, P. O. Raymonds, a son of Daniel and Amanda 
 (Freeland) Raymond, was born in Tioga county, N. Y., in 1832, and with his 
 parents came to Allegheny township. Potter Co., Penn., in 1837. They 
 located on the farm which D. L. now owns, when that part of the township 
 was a wilderness, and cut a road for three miles to enable them to draw lum- 
 ber for building purposes. His father was a native of Massachusetts, where he 
 married, and then removed to Tioga county, N. Y. Amos Raymond, grandfather 
 of D. L. , also came to Potter county in 1837, and made his home with Daniel, 
 his son, until hia decease, when ninety- six years of age, his wife having died 
 previously. Daniel and Amanda Raymond reared a family of eleven children, 
 viz. : Lucinda, now Mrs. George Benton, of Ellisburg; Amos; Asa F. ; Daniel 
 (deceased); Elvira, who married Spencer Preston, of Lansing, Mich., and 
 died April 24, 1889; Alice L., the late Mrs. James Logue, of Wharton town- 
 ship; David L. ; Joseph J. ; Persis L., now Mrs. Calvin Rogers, of Allegheny 
 township; Mary J., now Mrs. Willard Whitney, of Parma, Mich., and Betsy A., 
 now Mrs. Thomas Gilliland, of Ellisburg. The mother is dead and the 
 father now has his home with D. L. , and is a smart, active old gentleman of 
 ninety-six years. David L. was reared and received such educational advan- 
 tages as a county sparsely settled and almost wholly undeveloped afforded. 
 He made his home with his parents, and succeeded his father in the ownership 
 of the old homestead, on which he has erected a desirable residence, and 
 through life has engaged in agricultural and mercantile pursuits. In the war 
 of the Rebellion he enlisted in Company K, One Hundred and Forty-ninth 
 Pennsylvania Volunteers, but was discharged on account of disability. He 
 next enlisted in the Fifteenth Pennsylvania Cavalry (Anderson's), and re- 
 mained until the close of the war, after which he returned to hia home and 
 resumed his former business. He was married in 1853 to Martha F., daugh- 
 ter of John H. Heggie, of Allegheny township, and to them have been born 
 two children: Ellen, married to C. H. Morley, of Ulysses, and died March 24, 
 1889, and Ida, now Mrs. F. J. Andrews, of Allegheny township. Mr. Ray- 
 mond is a member of O. A. Lewis Post, G. A. R. He is a Republican in 
 politics, and in 1883 was elected treasurer of the county, serving three years. 
 He is one of the representative men of Potter county. 
 
 MINARD A. VELEY, merchant and farmer, P. O. Colesburgh, son of 
 Minard and Abigail (Allen) Veley, was born in Broome county, N. Y., in 1843. 
 His parents were nativea of New Jersey, where they were married, and after- 
 ward removed to Broome county, N. Y. In 1847 they came to Lycoming 
 county, Penn. , where the mother died in 1881, and the father in September, 
 1883. Their children were Barney V., Jenet (now Mrs. Fred. Grasley, of 
 Wisconsin), Emily (now Mrs. Herrick Packard, of Clinton county, Penn.), 
 Minard A., Jane (the late Mrs. Sewell Lane), David H. , Amos and George. 
 Minard A. made hia home with his parents until hia marriage, when he located 
 
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 1247 
 
 m Clinton county, Penn., and engaged in farming. In 1866 he removed to 
 Potter couaty, and carried on farming in Eoulette township; in 1867 removed 
 to St. Mary's, Elk county, but in 1868 returned to Allegheny township, and 
 purchased what wa,s called the Peet farm; then, in 1884, he purchased the Sam 
 Mills property, which is his present residence, and has since been "engaged in 
 farming and in the lumber business. He has a mill on his farm with a capac- 
 ity of 8,000 feet daily; and he is also a dealer in general merchandise. In 
 1864 Mr. Veley married Malissa, daughter of Eev. Jonathan Phillips, of 
 Clinton county, Penn. She died in 1866, leaving one son, Ambrose. In Oc- 
 tober, 1867, he married Charlotte, daughter of Eliaha Burt, one of Potter 
 county's pioneers, and they have five children: William, Allen, Burt, Ida and 
 Claude. Mr. and Mrs. Veley are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. 
 In politics he is a Eepublican, is a popular man in his township, and has filled 
 most of the local offices. His son Ambrose is the postmaster at Colesburgh. 
 He married Ella C. Carpenter, and they have one child, Richard. 
 
 HEBRON TOWNSHIP. 
 
 SQUAEE ESTES, farmer, P. O.Oswayo, was born September 16, 1843. His 
 parents were George G. Estes, born in Massachusetts, September 7, 1800, 
 and Polly Brizzee Estes, born near Albany, N. Y., October 25, 1807. 
 The parents both moved to Broome county, N. Y., where they were mar- 
 ried in the town of Colesville, Broome Co., N. Y., December 26, 1826. They 
 moved to Sharon, Potter Co., Penn., in the spring of 1832, where the father 
 kept one of the first schools in the township. George G. Estes died February 
 16, 1863. Square Estes was reared in Potter county, and received a prac- 
 tical business education at the district schools. He lived with his father and 
 worked on the farm until August, 1864, when he enlisted in the defense of the 
 Union during the war of the Eebellion, and served until the close, when he 
 returned to his native home, and has since been engaged in farming. He is 
 one of the prominent citizens of Hebron township, and has served fifteen years 
 as justice of the peace. He is a member of tjulalia Lodge, No. 842, F. & A. M. 
 Mr. Estes was married August 27, 1871, to Miss Clancy Pearsall, of Ceres, 
 McKean county, and they have one son, John A. 
 
 L. F. GALE, farmer, P. O. Oswayo, is a native of the State of New 
 York, born in the town of Scio, Allegany county, August 21, 1842, and is a 
 son of Franklin and Almira Gale. When he was quite young his parents 
 moved to Oswayo township. Potter Co. , Penn. , where he was reared, remaining 
 at home until manhood, and assisting his father on the farm. He bought a 
 farm in Hebron township in 1869, and has improved it, now having one of 
 the best farms in the township. Mr. Gale was married May 28, 1865, to Miss 
 Belinda Lord, of Oswayo. She died March 15, 1882, and November 12, 1888, 
 he married Miss Frankie Eobison, of Eldred, Penn. Mr. Gale has served his 
 township in various official relations. 
 
 GEORGE N. HEAD, farmer and lumberman, P. 0. Oswayo, is a native of 
 the town of Oswayo, Potter Co., Penn., born July 8, 1856, a son of Charles 
 Head. When he was sixteen years old he began to work for his own support, 
 and has given his attention to farming and lumbering. He has been success- 
 ful, and now has a fine residence in the village of Oswayo. Mr. Head was 
 married July 8, 1876, to Miss Fannie Ellis, of Allegheny, Penn., and they have 
 four children: Clarence Z., born April 8, 1877; Ella M., born October 16, 
 1882; Mary C, born March 10, 1886, and Musa S., born June 22, 1889. 
 
 CHARLES A. LAMBEETON, farmer, P. O. Oswayo, is a native of Pot- 
 ter county, Penn., born in Hebron township, a son of H. S. and Charlotte D. 
 
 68 
 
1248 HISTORY OP POTTEB COUNTY. 
 
 Lambertoo, natives of the State of New York who came to Potter county in 
 1850, and had a family of three children: B. H., Charles A. and Ada M. 
 (now the wife of Hervey Wakeley, of Clara, Penn. ). The mother died March 
 3, 1887. The father owns a large farm, which is carried on by the sons, who 
 care for their father. They have one of the best farms in the township, their 
 residence and farm buildings are commodious and convenient, and they are 
 among the enterprising young men of the township. 
 
 MORRIS LENT, farmer, P. O. Coudersport, son of Harry and Annie 
 (Smith) Lent, was born in Bradford county, Penn. , in 1832. His parents came 
 to Potter county in the spring of 1835, located in Allegheny township, three 
 miles from the nearest neighbor, and engaged in farming; in 1839 they moved 
 into Bulalia township, where they spent the rest of their lives. They reared 
 a family of eight children: Joseph, Jane (Mrs. VanWegen), Morris, Harriet 
 (Mrs. Greenaman), William B., Augusta (deceased), Edmund and Hiram. 
 Harry Lent died in 1866, and his widow in 1869. Morris Lent made his 
 home with his parents until twenty-one years of age, when, in 1853, he mar- 
 ried Catherine E. Van Gilder and located in Eulalia, but removed in 1866 to. 
 the farm he now owns in Hebron township. In 1864 he enlisted in Company 
 I, Seventy- sixth Pennsylvania Volunteers, and was mustered out in 1865. 
 Returning home he engaged in farming and the lumber business. Mr. and 
 Mrs. Morris Lent reared two children: Frank J. and Cora M. Of these, 
 Frank J. married Minnie E. Rogers, who died, leaving one child, Clintie R. ; 
 Frank J. next married Libbie Bundy; Cora M. Lent was married to James 
 Graves, of Sweden township. Mr. Morris Lent has held various official posi- 
 tions in his township, and is a member of the G. A. R. When young he saw 
 some very close times. In 1837 his father worked two days haying for one 
 bushel of corn, but, living in the woods as the family did, they had plenty 
 of venison for meat. Soon neighbors began to come in. Chapman Olmsted 
 moved into the house with Mr. Lent's parents, and remained until they could 
 build a log-house; then Nathaniel Reynolds did the same; Asa Reynolds did 
 the same; Peter Shuts did the same; George Judd did the same; Woodard 
 Reynolds boarded with the Lent family until he could build himself a log- 
 house, and a man by the name of Ketcham came next, and then a school- 
 house was built. 
 
 H. W. PRESS, farmer, P. O. East Hebron, was born at Shinglehouse, 
 Penn., March 6, 1852. His father, John Press, was a native of England, and 
 came to the United States, locating at Shinglehouse in 1848. He ' died in 
 August, 1888, and his wife, Charlotte, died March 18, 1882, at the age of 
 fifty-eight. Mr. Press was reared in his native township, and remained on 
 the farm with his parents until April 2, 1882, when he moved to Oswayo and 
 rented a hotel, which he conducted a year. He bought a farm in Hebron 
 township, to which he moved April 2, 1883, and has since devoted his atten- 
 tion to agriculture. Mr. Press was married, September 18, 1876, to Miss 
 Rosa Hamilton, of Nunda, N. Y. , and they haVe three children. 
 
 JOHN SCHOLLARD, merchant, East Hebron, was born in Coudersport, 
 Penn., July 27, 1852, of Irish parentage. His father was born in the city 
 of Limerick, Ireland, in 1787, and his mother was born in County Kerry. 
 They were married in Maine in 1847, and afterward moved to Coudersport, 
 where the father died in 1853. The mother then married, in 1860, Patrick 
 Shannon, and they soon thereafter moved to a farm in Hebron township. 
 John Schollard was reared and educated in Coudersport, and worked for his 
 stepfather on the farm until after his marriage. In 1883 he bought a stock 
 of merchandise of W.- F. Lane, at East Hebron, and in 1885 purchased of 
 
BIOGEAPHICAL SKETCHES. 1249 
 
 Weston Brothers the business property where he is now located. Mr. Schol- 
 lard is one of the most enterprising men of East Hebron, and has built up 
 a trade that is an honor to his business ability. He was married, March 20, 
 1879, to Miss C. A. Booth, and they have four children: Theodore E. B., 
 Katie, Maggie and Hugh. 
 
 G. W. STILLMAN, farmer, P. O. Hebron, was born in Kensselaer county, 
 N. Y., April 15, 1815, and is the son of George and Britty Stillman, both 
 natives of Rensselaer county, N. Y., but who moved to Alfred, Allegany 
 county, same State, when G. W. was an infant. When G. W. was seventeen 
 years of age his parents moved to Potter county, Penn., being among the 
 first settlers of Hebron township. He was reared a farmer, and now has 
 one of the best farms in the township, his residence and farm buildings be- 
 ing commodious and conveniently arranged. January 1, 1838, Mr. Stillman 
 married Miss Electa Greenman, who died January 23, 1859. June 1, 1862, 
 Mr. Stillman married Miss Mary A. Greenman, a sister of his first wife. His 
 daughter, Mary L. Stillman, was born February 21, 1841, and died June 
 2, 1881. 
 
 L. A. STILSON, P. O. Oswayo, was born in Woodhull, Steuben Co„ 
 N. Y., May 26, 1836, the second son of eleven children born to Calvin S. 
 and AUie (Huff) Stilson, natives of New York State, who came to Oswayo 
 township. Potter Co., Penn., in 1853. He spent his boyhood days with his 
 parents on the farm, and May 12, 1860, he married Miss Louisa, a daughter 
 of William M. and Minerva (Clark) Shattuck, of Oswayo township, who were 
 among the first settlers of Oswayo township. Five children have blessed 
 this union, viz.: William M., Arlie B., Minnie J., Walter L. and Freddie 
 J. In 1865 Mr. Stilson purchased the farm where he now resides. 
 
 ISAAC WHITTUM, of East Hebron, was born in Somerset county, Penn., 
 March 12, 1823. His parents being in limited circumstances, his educational 
 advantages were very meager. When twelve years old, he went to work for a 
 farmer, remaining with him for three years, and then was in the employment 
 of a physician three years. He then worked in a shingle-mill until twenty- 
 five years of age, when he entered the employ of the New York, Lake Erie & 
 Western Eailroad Company. In 1859 he removed to Potter county, and Sep- 
 •tember 8, 1861, enlisted in Company G, Sixty-fourth New York Infantry. 
 June 30, 1862, in front of Richmond, he was sunstruck, and was left on the 
 field for dead. He was captured at Savage Station, and was a prisoner nine 
 weeks. At Chancellorsville, in 1863, he was struck by a shell, and his left ear 
 was severed from his head. May 12, 1863, a bullet struck him in the right 
 eye, and the ball has never been removed, being still in his head. December 
 27, 1864, he was discharged from the service and returned to East Hebron, 
 where he has since lived, an honored veteran, who bears many scars receive4 
 in the defense of his country's honor. 
 
 CLAEA TOWNSHIP. 
 
 IKA FOSMER, fiarmer, P. O. Clara, is a native of Onondaga county, N. 
 Y., born December 29, 1819. He attended the' schools of his native county 
 until thirteen years of age, and in 1832 his parents moved to Hinsdale, N. Y. , 
 and from there in 1833 to Potter county, Penn., settling on the farm in Clara 
 township, where he now lives, which is one of the best farms in the township. 
 Mr. Fosmer was married, January 8, 1846, to Miss Lydia Lyman, and they 
 have five children: Foster, Flora, Freeman, Nettie and Jackson. Mr. Fosmer 
 is a member of the Masonic fraternity, Macedonia Lodge, No. 258, at Bolivar, 
 N. Y. He has held various ofificial positions in his township, taking an active 
 
1250 HISTORY OP POTTER COUNTY. 
 
 interest in public affairs. Garet Fosmer, father of Ira Fosmer, was born in 
 the State of Connecticut, July 23, 1796, and died in Clara township, Potter 
 Co., Penn., January 23, 1868. He married, in 1818, Miss Lovina Skelenger, 
 of Onondaga county, N. Y. John Lyman, the father of Mrs. Lydia Fosmer, 
 was born at Lake George, N. Y., July 7, 1789, and died in 1882 in Eulalia 
 township. Potter Co. , Penn. , having lived the greater part of his life in Rou- 
 lette township, and married for his first wife a Miss Lucre tia Palmer. 
 
 FEEDERICK D. WEIMER, farmer, P. O. Roulette, son of George and 
 Eve Weimer, was born in Roulette township, Potter Co., Penn., August 12, 
 1832. His father was a native of France and came to America in 1836, locat- 
 ing in Roulette township, near the mouth of Fishing creek, just below the 
 red school-house. The country was wild, and he had to clear his farm, and at 
 that time had to go eighty miles to mill, the nearest being at Jersey Shore; 
 being gone at one time longer than he had expected, his family were compelled 
 to subsist on potatoes and salt. On this farm the parents made their home 
 until death. They had a family of eighteen children, viz. : George, Eve (de- 
 ceased), Michael (deceased), Mrs. Barbara Barr, Mrs. Margaret Manning, Mrs. 
 Sally Jackson, Barnett (deceased), Martin (deceased), Frederick D., Mrs. 
 Catherine Jackson (deceased), Mrs. Caroline D. Davison (deceased), William, 
 Mrs. Dorcas Marsh, John V., Mrs. Julia A. Tompkins (deceased), Mrs. Lu- 
 zerne Hazen (deceased), Catherine (a babe born in Europe and buried at sea) 
 and Jacob (who died when a child). Frederick D. remained at home until he 
 went to learn the blacksmith' s trade, after which he located in Roulette, and 
 engaged in that business until 1875, when he removed to Clara township, 
 where he purchased the farm he now owns and occupies. He has since then 
 been a farmer, blacksmith, carpenter, mason, lumberman, etc., doing all kinds 
 of work required on his farm. He married, in 1859, Anna, daughter of C. 
 W. and Louisa Johnson, of Roulette, and their children were Ortenis and 
 Don F. (both deceased), Ali and Ortenis. Mr. Weimer is a supporter of the 
 Democratic party. He has been a school director nearly three-fourths of 
 the time since old enough to be interested in educational matters. 
 
 PLEASANT VALLEY TOWNSHIP. 
 
 ISRAEL BURT, farmer, P. O. Williston, a son of Benjamin and Mercy 
 IBurb, was born in Burtville, Potter Co., Penn., in 1816. He made his home 
 Tvith his parents until about 1837, when he began life for himself. In 1842 
 he married Delight Beckwith, and located at Burtville, where they remained 
 ten years, he being engaged in the lumber business. In 1852 he removed 
 to Pleasant Valley, to the farm he now owns, and where he has since lived. 
 Their children are Lydia A. (Mrs. Elmer Doming), Ransom, Mary A. (Mrs. 
 D. M. Manning), Etta (Mrs. Ernest Lampe), Asher, Olive (Mrs. David Hagar), 
 Ormanda (Mrs. George Haokett) and Effie (Mrs. Luther Halbert). Mr. Burt is 
 one of the few surviving pioneers of the county, and is highly esteemed by all 
 who know him. Although not a politician, he has held various official positions 
 in his township. 
 
 GEORGE WEIMER, farmer, P. O. Williston, son of George and Marga- 
 ret (Lehman) Weimer, was born in Alsace, France (now Germany), November 
 27, 1816. In 1830 he came to America with his parents, who located at 
 Roulette, Potter county, where they engaged in farming and spent the rest of 
 their lives ; their children were George and Eve. His father' s second wife 
 was Eve Wiederich, and their children were Michael, Barbara, Mrs. Margaret 
 Manning, Mrs. Sally Jackson, William A., Frederick, John and Mrs. Dorcas 
 Marsh. The subject of these lines made his home with his parents until nine- 
 
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 1251 
 
 teen years of age, when he began to work for farmers, and in 1836 bought a 
 tract of wild land on which he located in 1842. This he cleared and improved, 
 and now has one of the best farms in Pleasant Valley township. He was married 
 /^T ' *° Laura, daughter of Burrel Lyman. Their children are Sarah 
 
 (Mrs. Eoscoe Stearns), Otis, Willis, Ella (Mrs. Dr. Stearns, of Port Alle- 
 ^f^l' ■^Z'^'^' ^' ^^^'^ ^^^^- ^- Kot.inson, of Liberty township, McKean county), 
 Nelhe (Mrs. Amos Palmer, also of Liberty township), Nettie (Mrs. Lewis 
 Yentzer, of Eoulette, Penn.), Lottie (Mrs. Miles Rice, also of Roulette), and 
 Roscoe. Mrs. Weimer died in 1884. In politics Mr. Weimer is a Democrat. ' 
 la 1836 he bought corn at $3 per bushel, which was brought on pack 
 horses eighty miles from Jersey Shore, and paid for it iu cutting wood at 
 seventy-five cents per day. 
 
 CHAPTER XXIX. 
 
 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES— ROULETTE, HOMER, PORTAGE (AND 
 BOROUGH OF AUSTIN) AND WHARTON TOWNSHIPS. 
 
 EOULETTE TOWNSHIP. 
 
 MRS. PRUDENCE L. BOYINGTON, daughter of Burrel and Dorcas 
 (Irons) Lyman, was born in Roulette, Potter Co. , Penn. , in 1830. After leav- 
 ing school she taught several years, and was a very successful teacher in Potter 
 county. But the early difficulties Mrs. Boyington passed through in studying to 
 become a teacher were many and great. Her compensation for teaching her 
 first school was $1 per week in summer and $2.50 in winter, with her "board 
 around ' ' added. Often she had to walk a mile and a half through deep snow 
 to reach the place where she temporarily took her meals and found a lodging. 
 She married William J. Boyington March 13, 1851, after which they located 
 at Hebron, where her husband was engaged as lumberman, eventually removing 
 to Roulette, and in 1858 she became proprietress of the Roulette Hotel, a busi- 
 ness she still continues. Their children are Mary A. (Mrs. Clinton S. Corthell, 
 of Findlay, Ohio), Dora E., Nellie P., and Gertrude G. (now Mrs. J. K. Regan, 
 of Salamanca). Mr. Boyington is a member of Eulalia Lodge, No. 342, F. & 
 A. M. ; he is a Democrat in politics, and was postmaster eight years. He was 
 born in Randolph, N. Y. , in 1826. His parents removed to Clean; from there 
 to Wisconsin, where his mother died. His father returned to Clean, where he 
 died in 1888, at the advanced age of eighty-four years; their children were 
 William J., Esther and Hiram. 
 
 BELDIN BURT, merchant, Burtville, son of J. K, and Orrilla (Lyman) 
 Burt, was born in Burtville, Potter Co., Penn., in 1841. His grandfather, 
 Benjamin Burt, was born in Chemung county, N. Y., and there married Mercy 
 Rickey. In 1808 he came to what is now Burtville, at that time a wilderness, 
 engaged in farming and in the lumber trade, and erected the first mill at that 
 point. He rafted his lumber down the river to Pittsburgh, where he received 
 $2. 50 or $3 per thousand for it, which was usually expended in family sup- 
 plies; these were loaded in a canoe and polled up stream. His children were 
 Elisha, J. K., Sarah, Israel, Elizabeth, Joanna, Hannah and Benjamin, all 
 deceased excepting the first four. J. K. Burt, who has the proud distinction 
 
12f)2 HISTORY OF POTTER COUNTY. 
 
 of being the first white male child born in Potter county, was born in Eoulette 
 township in 1811, at a time when there were no educational advantages, and 
 when the country was absolutely wild. He married Orrilla, daughter of Bur- 
 rel Lyman, of Eoulette, in 1837, and located at Burtville, where he engaged in 
 farming. His family consisted of thirteen children, of whom five are deceased. 
 Those living are Lyman, Beldin, Benjamin, John C, Hugh, Aden, Alice (Mrs. 
 C. E. Grover, of Port Allegany) and Annis (Mrs. A. H. Coleman, of Burtville). 
 Beldin Burt remained at Burtville with his parents until twenty-one years old. 
 He then began life for himself, and has since been successfully engaged in the 
 general mercantile business, and has also dealt extensively in lumber. In 187 L 
 he married Annis, daughter of George Taggart, late of Emporium, and their chil- 
 dren are Guy, George and Flora. Mr. Burt is a member of Eulalia Lodge, 
 No. 342, F. & A. M. He is a Democrat, and although he takes an active 
 interest in politics, he is not an office-seeker. 
 
 GEOEGE EIMER, merchant, Eoulette, son of John and Catherine Eimer, 
 was born in Germany in 1860, and came to America with his parents, in 1868, 
 locating at Yonkers, N. Y., where they remained about a year, and then removed 
 to Roulette, Potter Co., Penn., where the father purchased a tract of land and 
 engaged in business as a farmer and lumberman, and where they still live. 
 They have four children: George, Conrad, Francis and Mary. George made 
 his home with his parents until 1886, when he came to the village of Roulette, 
 and became associated with E. C. Gale, of Wellsville, N. Y., in the hardware 
 trade, the firm name being Eimer & Co. In 1887 he- married Anna Helwig, 
 and they have one child, Katie. The family are members of the Lutheran 
 Church. In politics Mr. Eimer is a Democrat. He has been town clerk for 
 the past three years, and is still an incumbent of that office. 
 
 E. R. GRIMES, farmer, P. O. Eoulette, son of J. E. and Anna (Bennett) 
 Grimes, was born in Towanda, Bradford Co., Penn., in 1832, and with his 
 parents came to McKean county, and located in Liberty township, where his 
 father improved a farm, and at his death was one of the well-to-do citizens. 
 His family consisted of ten children: Jane, now Mrs. E. Lillibridge, of Port 
 Allegany; Louisa, now Mrs. B. Card, of Eoulette; E. R. ; Blias; Caroline, now 
 Mi<6. G." Stickles; William W. ; Abigail, now Mrs. B. G. Maine, of West 
 Branch, Penn. ; Samuel ; Lester, and Ella, now Mrs. Z. Sherwood. E. E. 
 Grimes made his home with his parents until 1853, and then became one of 
 the firm of DoUey & Grimes, lumbermen, at which he continued five or six 
 years, after which he located on the farm he now owns in Roulette, and has 
 devoted the m.ost of his attention to farming, although he has also been quite 
 extensively engaged in the lumber business. Mr. Grimes was one of the noted 
 hunters of this portion of the State, having a natural inclination in that direc- 
 tion, and has pursued that sport every year since he was a boy of twelve years. 
 He has killed deer every year but one, and in the winter of 1888 killed eight ; 
 has also killed many bear and wildcats, and is as familiar with the woods as 
 any man living. He was married, August 16, 1855, to Eunice Burton, of 
 Crawford county, Penn., and their children are Helen M., now Mrs. William 
 Lehman, of Sartwell Creek; W. R. ; Delphina, now Mrs. Peter J. Weipper, 
 and Eddie M. In politics Mr. Grimes is a Democrat, and has held various 
 official positions. 
 
 WILLIAM H. HAZEN, farmer, P. O. Eoulette, son of George G. and Eliza 
 A. (Eemmele) Hazen, was born in Stewardson township, Potter Co., Penn., 
 in 1842. His father located there at an early day and engaged in the lumber 
 trade until his removal to Coudersport, and a little later to Eoulette, where 
 he was in the lumber business for fifteen or twenty years. He then purchased 
 
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 1253 
 
 a farm in Liberty township, McKean county, where he still has his resi- 
 dence. Mrs. Hazen died in July, 1881. Their children were William H., 
 Charles A., and Mary A., who died when six years of age. William H. 
 remained an inmate of the parental home until after the breaking out of 
 the Civil war, when he enlisted, in August, 1862, in Company K, One 
 Hundred and Forty-ninth Pennsylvania Volunteers, and was mustered out 
 of the service in June, 1865. He then returned to Eoulette, where he has 
 since lived. He worked at the carpenter's trade a number of years, and 
 was also in the lumber business until 1881, when he bought the farm 
 where he now lives. In May, 1872, he married Luzerne, daughter of George 
 Weimer; she died October 31, 1879, leaving two children, Glenn W. and 
 Carl S. In 1882 Mr. Hazen married Esther E. French, daughter of Nehemiah 
 French, and they have one child, Warren N. Mr. Hazen is a member 
 of Eulalia Lodge, No. 342, F. & A. M. , and of A. F. Jones Post, No. 204, 
 G. A. E. In politics he is a Eepublican. Mrs. Hazen' s father, Nehemiah 
 French, settled in Port Allegany in 1856. He was a farmer and lumberman. 
 He married Margaret Shaff, who died in 1851, leaving three children : Sarah 
 D. , Martha E. and William H. September 5, 1852, he took for his second 
 wife Olive I. Samson, who died December 10, 1887, leaving two children, John 
 C. and Esther E. Mr. French now makes his home with Mr. and Mrs. Hazen. 
 
 M. V. LAEEABEE, farmer, P. O. Eoulette, son of Willett and Eosanna 
 (Smith) Larrabee, was born in Almond, Allegany Co., N. Y. , in 1837. He was 
 reared and educated in Whitesville until twelve years of age, when he was 
 thrown upon his own resources. He engaged in various occupations, among 
 others as baggageman and fireman on the Erie Eailroad from 1854 to 1856, 
 remaining in Whitesville until 1862, when he removed to Potter county, Penn., 
 and in 1868 located on the farm he now owns in Eoulette township, and has 
 since been engaged in farming, and has also dealt extensively in lumber. He 
 was married, September 8, 1858, to Eugenia, daughter of Franklyn Forsyth, 
 of Allegany county, N. Y. , and they have had four children: Charlotte (now 
 Mrs. B. F. Begell, of Harrison Valley), Laura (now Mrs. O. E. Marsh, of 
 Collins Centre, Erie Co. , N Y. ), Fred, and Frank (wlno died in December, 
 1888, aged fourteen years and nine months). Mr. Larrabee is a member of 
 Eiilalia Lodge, No. 342, F. & A. M. He is in politics a Eepublican, and is 
 active in political circles. He was elected county treasurer in 1877, served 
 one term of three years, and has occupied various official positions in the town- 
 ship. He is one of its able and respected citizens, and is always among the 
 first to assist any enterprise of material benefit to either township or county. 
 
 JOHN M. LYMAN, farmer, P. O. Eoulette, son of Isaac and Minerva 
 (Cole) Lyman, was born in Eoulette, Potter Co., Penn., in 1833. His parents 
 removed to Mercer county, and there his father died in 1838. The widow with 
 the family returned to Roulette, where she married Garrett Fosmer, after 
 which the subject of our sketch lived with Nelson Clark for a year, and with 
 James Nelson until he was twenty years of age. In 1855 he married Barbara 
 Witheredge and located in Eoulette, where he engaged in business as a farmer 
 and lumberman. His wife died in 1872, leaving four children: Watson A., 
 Lenora, Jennie and Minnie. Mr. Lyman afterward married Miss Ada Wil- 
 kinson, and their children are Eosa M., Carrie, Ethel and Ina P. Mr. Ly- 
 man in his political views is a Democrat, and has served as constable nme 
 years, and justice of the peace ten years. He is one of the enterprising men 
 of Eoulette, and stands high in the community in which he lives. 
 
 DON F. MANNING, blacksmith, P. 0. Eoulette, son of Perry and Mar- 
 garet (Weimer) Manning, was born in Liberty township, McKean Co., Penn., 
 
1254 HISTOEY OF POTTER COUNTY. 
 
 in 1854. His parents were among the pioneers of that township, where they 
 still live, his father being a prominent farmer and lumberman. They have had 
 a family of seven children, viz. : Annis, Don F. , Mark (who died of typhoid 
 fever July 27, 1889), Lettie, Will, Charles and Minnie. Don F. worked at 
 various occupations and made his home with his parents until 1876, when he 
 learned the blacksmith' s trade, and located at Eoulette. February 5, 1879, he 
 married Nora Lyman, and has one child, Iva. Mr. Manning is a member of 
 Eoulette Lodge, No. 322, 1. O. O. F. He is a Democrat in his political views, 
 and for the past two years has been treasurer of the township. He is a pros- 
 perous, public-spirited citizen, and is a popular officer, performing his duties 
 efficientlv and satisfactorily. 
 
 MILES MARSH, farmer, P. O. Roulette, son of Luther S. and Betsy 
 (Edson) Marsh, was born in Barton, Tioga Co. , N. Y. , in 1844, and with his 
 parents located in Roulette, Potter Co., Penn., in 1857. His father was a 
 mason by trade, but after locating in Potter county engaged in farming. Of 
 his family of nine children, seven are living: Miles, Levi, Albert, Olive, Mary, 
 Julia and Josephine; a son, Thomas, died from the effects of injuries received 
 by falling into a body of water, and one died in infancy. Miles made his home 
 with his parents until in 1861, when he enlisted in Company G, Fifty-third 
 Pennsylvania Volunteers. He was wounded in the head by a saber cut, at the 
 battle near Culpeper Court House, Va. , but remained in the service, however, 
 until the expiration of his term of enlistment, and was mustered out in the 
 Shenandoah Valley, October 19, 1864, when he returned to Roulette and en- 
 gaged in various occupations. In 1865 he married Dorcas, daughter of George 
 Weimer. After his marriage he removed to Michigan, where he was engaged 
 in a saw-mill for a couple of years, when he returned to Roulette and pur- 
 chased the property he now owns, and built a planing-mill, which is operated 
 by his oldest son. Mr. and Mrs. Marsh have four children: Willie, Fred, 
 Minnie and Minerva. Mr. Marsh is a member of A. F. Jones Post, No. 204, 
 G. A. R., and Roulette Lodge, No. 322, I. O. O. F. ; his son is also a member 
 of the I. O. O. F. Mr. Marsh has held various official positions in the township. 
 
 L. D. REYNOLDS, merchant. Roulette, son of William C. and Orpha 
 (Stillman) Reynolds, was born in Hebron township, Potter Co., Penn., in 
 1858. Foster and Fannie (Potter) Reynolds, grandparents of L. D. , were 
 among the pioneers of the county, and located in Hebron about 1830, where 
 Foster engaged in farming, and was a millwright by trade. Their children 
 were William C. , Stephen P., Henry T. , Sarah and Celestia. William C. 
 Reynolds was born in Allegany county, N. Y. ; came with his parents to 
 Hebron township, and in 1855 married and located there, engaging in farming. 
 Lamont D. was the only child. Mrs. Reynolds died in February, 1888, and 
 Mr. Reynolds still remains there, and has been in various ways identified 
 with that part of the county. L. D. Reynolds engaged in teaching for six 
 years, then in 1885 began the mercantile business at Millport, and in the 
 same year married Hattie L. Eastman, ofWellsboro, Tioga Co. , Penn. Two 
 years thereafter he removed to Roulette and established a general mer- 
 chandise store, where he is conducting a constantly growing business. He is 
 a member of Roulette Lodge, I. O. O. F. and also of the K. O. T. M. In 
 politics he is a Republican. He has two children: Francis W. and Grace G. 
 
 A. J. TUCKER, of Roulette, was from 1860 to 1886 successfully engaged 
 in the tanning business in Halifax, Vt. He is the resident member at Roulette 
 of the firm of A. J. Tucker & Co. , proprietors of the extensive tannery at that 
 place (of which mention is made in the chapter devoted to Roulette township). 
 The other members of the firm are W. T. Jackson and Henry Taggard, "both 
 
BIOGKAPHIOAL SKETCHES. 1255 
 
 commission merchants in the leather business at 244 Purchase street, Boston, 
 Mass. They manufacture wax and grain leather exclusively, and do first-class 
 work, the usual output of the tannery being an average of 300 sides per 
 day. The plant at Boulette consists of a ten-acre plat of ground, with a main 
 biiilding 120 feet long by 45 feet wide, having a wing 110 feet long by 45 feet 
 wide, the entire building being two and a half stories high. Besides these 
 there are bark, leach and boiler houses, all in separate buildings, and well 
 adapted to their use. The tannery has a capacity of 300 sides per day, and 
 the firm employs about sixty-five men, using from 2,500 to 3,000 cords of 
 bark per year. The entire business is under the exclusive management of Mr. 
 A. J. Tucker. 
 
 O. E. WEBB, farmer, P. O. Eoulette, son of Timothy and Lucina (Grimes) 
 Webb, was born in Liberty township, McKean Co., Penn., in 1831. His ma- 
 ternal grandfather, Samuel Grimes, was a pioneer of that county, and settled 
 in Liberty township about 1825. He was a native of New Hampshire, where he 
 married, and was the father of three boys and five girls. Timothy Webb was 
 a native of Otsego county, N. Y. , and removed to this county where he mar- 
 ried. He afterward moved to Michigan, but returned to Pennsylvania and 
 located at Ridgway, Elk county, where he died in 1837, leaving six children: 
 Jane, now Mrs. Jacob Palmer, of Custer City, Dak. ; Emily, now Mrs. James 
 Van Sickles, of Genesee county, Mich. ; O. R. ; Francis, who died when 
 about five years of age ; Ellen, who died in 1889, in Polk county, Wis. , and Louisa, 
 also deceased. O. R.Webb, when seven years of age began life for himself, 
 eventually learning the carpenter' s trade, and subsequently adopted the busi- 
 ness of surveyor. He engaged in various enterprises, having been in the mer- 
 cantile business, and also was in the lumber business at Roulette from 1862 
 to 1867. In 1856 he married Eve, daughter of Jacob Wiederich. Mrs. 
 Webb died in 1859, leaving one child, P. L. Mr. Webb was again married, 
 his present wife being Mrs. Polly A. Taggart, widow of A. C. Taggart, for- 
 merly a sheriff of the county. Mr. Webb is a Republican in politics. He has 
 been supervisor, justice of the peace and postmaster, and has held other local 
 positions of trust. 
 
 MICHAEL WEIMER, farmer, P. O. Roulette, son of George and Eve 
 Weimer, was born in Alsace, France, in 1824. He came with his parents to 
 America in 1830, locating in Roulette township, where he was reared. After 
 reaching manhood he located on the farm he now owns in Roulette township, 
 and engaged in business as a farmer, also dealing extensively in lumber. He 
 was married in 1849 to Rebecca, daughter of Elder Barr, and their children 
 are Loetta, wife of William Tauscher; Sarah, wife of Perry Brock; George; 
 Eve, wife of Isaac Dingman; Nettie F., wife of Llewellyn Matteson; Ida, wife 
 of Delno Wright; Viola, wife of Edgar Whaley; Augusta, wife of R. Lee Burt; 
 Gracie, wife of William Ruby ; Emily and Michael. Mt-s. Weimer died April 
 13, 1887. Both were members of the Free Will Baptist Church. Mr. Wei- 
 mer is a member of the Democratic party. During the war he enlisted in 
 Company A, Ninety-ninth Pennsylvania Volunteers, and was mustered out of 
 the service in 1865. 
 
 E. L. WHITE, merchant, Roulette, son of David and Martha J. White, 
 was born in Leroy township, Bradford Co., Penn., in 1840. About 1853 his 
 parents removed to Sweden township, Potter Co., Penn., and purchased a 
 tract of over 200 acres of land; this was cleared, and they became prominent 
 citizens of that township. Their family consisted of eleven children, viz. : 
 Franklin, who died at the age of fourteen years; Rodney L. ; Adeline (deceased) 
 who married Charles Wygant, of Cherry Flats, Tioga county; Frederick D. ; 
 
1256 HISTORY OF POTTER COUNTY. 
 
 Delivam (deceased), a former resident of Bradford, Penn. ; Warren ; William ; 
 Martha (Mrs. C. Chase); Franklin 2d; Milton and Mary (twins, Mary died 
 when seven years old, and Milton is now on the old homestead). Six of this 
 family are living. Hon. E. L. White received his education in the common 
 schools and the academy of Potter county, and in 1866 married Fronia E. , 
 daughter of H. L. Bird, of Sweden township. After his marriage he located 
 on a farm in Sweden township, where he lived until 1874, when he removed 
 to Roulette, and embarked in the mercantile business. Mr. White is a member 
 of Eulalia Lodge, No. 342, F. & A. M., of Coudersport Chapter, No. 263, 
 E. A. M., and of Eoulette Lodge, No. 322, I. O. O. F. He cast his political 
 fortunes with the Republican party, and was elected county commissioner, serving 
 one term. In 1867 he was re-elected, and served a second term. In the fall 
 of 1879 he was elected a member of the legislature, and served during the 
 winter of 1880-81. He has always been identified with local matters, and has 
 filled a prominent place in the locality he has chosen for his residence. His 
 purse and influence are always extended in furthering any proposition looking 
 to the advancement of local interests, and he is liberal in his charities and a 
 friend to the needy. His children are Mabel, Elmer B. and Harry D. 
 
 GEOEGE WIEDEEICH, farmer, P. O. Roulette, son of Jacob and Sally 
 Wiederich, was born at Inglesy, France, in 1821, and came with his parents 
 to America in 1829, locating in Roulette, then a wilderness, there being but 
 one house and a blacksmith shop where the thrifty borough of Coudersport 
 now stands. His father purchased a tract of land, which he cleared, and he 
 became a prosperous farmer. Their children were Sally (Mrs. Isaac Lyman), 
 Margaret (Mrs. Henry Reynolds), Caroline (Mrs. Charles N. Barrett) and 
 George. After the father's death the mother made her home with her son 
 George. George Wiederich was reared in Potter county, and remained on 
 the homestead with his parents until his marriage, after which he took charge 
 of the farm, and at his father's death succeeded him in its ownership. He 
 married Kate, daughter of Henry Yentzer, and they have six children: Alice, 
 Orlando, Lettie, Edith, Delia and Volney. In politics Mr. Wiederich is a 
 Democrat, and has served his township as school director. 
 
 JOHN YENTZER, farmer, P. O. Roulette, son of Henry and Mary 
 Yentzer, was born in France in 1827, in the province of Alsace, now belong- 
 ing to Germany, and with his parents came to America in 1834, locating in 
 Roulette, where he was reared and educated. In 1852 he bought the farm he 
 now owns, and began life as a farmer and lumberman, which is still his busi- 
 ness. He was married in 1859 to Hannah Baker, and they have five children: 
 Arthur, David, Myron, Melvina and Sophronia. Mr. and Mrs. Yentzer are 
 members of the Free Will Baptist Church. In politics he is a Democrat, 
 and has held various official positions in his township, which he has filled to 
 the entire satisfaction of his constituents. 
 
 L. B. YENTZER, P. O. Roulette, son of Henry and Mary Yentzer, was 
 born in France, near Strasburg in 1832. His parents came to America in 
 1834, and located in Roulette Township, Potter Co. , Penn. , where the father 
 purchased a farm, cleared it and engaged in farming. They reared a family 
 of seven boys and two girls, all living but Peter, the third-born child. Their 
 names are as follows: Horace, Daniel, Peter, George, John, L. B. , Frederick, 
 Mrs. Katherine Weidrich and Mrs. Caroline Tauscher. Here the parents 
 spent their declining years, surrounded by their children, and in the enjoy- 
 ment of every material comfort. L. B. remained with his parents until their 
 decease. May 25, 1863, he married Pauline Neefe, of Sweden township, and 
 located on the old homestead farm, which is now a very desirable property. 
 
BIOGEAPHICAL SKETCHES. 1257 
 
 Their children are Gustave H. , Lena Raymer, Edward C. , Florence, Burdette 
 ■and Carroll. They are members of the Lutheran Church. In politics Mr. 
 Yentzer is a Democrat. He has held various official positions in the township, 
 and is a gentleman highly respected by all who know him. 
 
 DANIEL YENTZER, farmer, P. O. Roulette, was born in France in 1821, 
 and came with his parents to America in 1834. In 1849 he married Mary A. 
 Shafer, located in Pleasant Valley township, and engaged in farming, remain- 
 ing there about thirty-six years, when they removed to Roulette, "where Mrs. 
 Yentzer died in November, 1884, leaving four children: Henry B., John L., 
 Daniel T. and Mary (now Mrs. William Ernst). In 1886 Mr. Yentzer married, 
 ior his second wife, Mrs. Angeline Peckham, daughter of Luther Kinney, for- 
 merly of Clarksville, Allegany Co., N. Y., who also had three children: Car- 
 rie (now Mrs. Wilson McDowell, of Pleasant Valley), Nellie (now Mrs. John 
 Smith, of Annin township, McKean county) and Lillie P. Mrs. Yentzer is a 
 member of the Baptist Church, and Mr. Yentzer of the Lutheran Church. In 
 politics he is a Democrat. He is a promiment citizen, and has held various 
 positions of trust and honor in the township of Pleasant Valley. 
 
 HOMEE TOWNSHIP. 
 
 JAMES H. QUIMBY (deceased) was born in Steuben county, N. Y., Octo- 
 ber 10, 1834. He lived in his native county until eighteen years of age, when 
 he came with his parents to Potter county, Penn., where they bought a tract 
 of wild land, in Homer township, which he improved and made his home until 
 his death, and here his family still reside. He was one of the first settlers of 
 the township, and was a successful farmer and lumberman. He died October 
 26, 1872. Mr. Quimby was married, November 14, 1855, to Miss Charlotte 
 Foster, who was born in Susquehanna county, Penn., November 14, 1835, and 
 was brought by her parents to Homer township. Potter county, in 1839. Mr. 
 and Mrs. Quimby had a family of five children: Nora (married, and living 
 with her husband on a farm in Kansas), Flora (wife of Charles Head, now liv- 
 ing at Hot Springs, Dak.), Sylvia (wife of Frank Munroe, and living in Kan- 
 sas), Alvin and Rose. The last two reside with their mother on the old farm, 
 where Mrs. Quimby is taking care of Grandfather James E. Quimby, who is 
 now eighty-four years of age. Mrs. Quimby is a member of the Methodist 
 Episcopal Church. 
 
 D. C. WHITE, farmer, P. O. Coudersport, is a native of Tompkins county, 
 N. Y. , born December 7, 1820, a son of Dr. Austin White, who moved to Pot- 
 ter county, Penn., in 1839, and was the first physician in Harrison township, 
 where he lived until his death, August 7, 1869. He left a family of seven 
 children: Sally, Jane, Esther, Fannie, D. C, Miles and Harriet. D. C. White 
 came to Potter county with his parents in 1839, and lived in Harrison town- 
 ship until February, 1882, when he moved to Homer township, buying the 
 farm where he now lives. He has been prominent in public affairs, and has 
 held the office of county treasurer one term, and various township offices. He 
 was married, March l,'l840, to Miss Susan Fie, of Jefferson county, Penn., 
 and they have five children: William J., of Coudersport; Mary A., wife of 
 George Carr, of Troopsburg, N. Y. ; George; Jane and Sophronia. 
 
 PORTAGE TOWNSHIP AND BOBOUGH OF AUSTIN. 
 
 E. • O. AUSTIN, farmer, P. O. Austin, Penn. Mr. Austin is a son of 
 Oramel Austin, and was born in Greene, Chenango Co., N. Y., in 1825. He 
 received a limited education in his native county, and m 1841, with his par- 
 ents came to White's Corners, Harrison township, Potter county, remaining 
 
1258 HISTORY OF POTTER COUNTY. 
 
 there until 1856, when he removed to what is now the borough of Austin, 
 then in Sylvania township. He soon after built the road from North Whar- 
 ton (now Costello) to his place, three miles. In 1870 he built the State road 
 from Austin to Keating Summit, to bring his township in connection with the 
 W. N. Y. & P. R. R. which was built in 1872-73. He bought a tract of land, 
 which he cleared, and was largely instrumental in the location of extensive 
 manufacturing interests. His solicitation with Mr. Goodyear largely influenced 
 Mr. Garrets'on to locate his business there in 1885, and this resulted in the 
 location of other important mills and enterprises. He was educated as a civil 
 engineer, and was largely concerned in surveying and engineering in his 
 county some years ago. The town, which was named Austin in honor of E. 
 O. (he being its founder), was incorporated as a borough October 19, 1888. It 
 is located on a tract of 147 acres belonging to Mr. Austin, and was laid out 
 on plans drawn by him. He has always been prominently identified with the 
 town, doing all in his power to promote its interests. Mr. Austin began life as 
 a poor boy, and is emphatically a self-made man. He has been justice of the 
 peace about thirty years, or ever since 1857, with the exception of a few 
 months ; was elected county commissioner in 1863, serving two terms, and has 
 been a school director forty years. He enlisted in the war of the Rebellion in 
 the fall of 1862, and served until July, 1865, being chief clerk in the depart- 
 ment of the Pamlico. Mr. Austin wrote the reminiscences of Potter county 
 deposited with the State Historical Society, and a history of the county pub- 
 lished in Egle's History of Pennsylvania, which has been of great value to the 
 compiler of the history of Potter county. He is a correspondent of many 
 papers, and is a writer of ability on any subject he chooses to discuss. He 
 read law with Isaac Benson from 1847 to 1849, and fitted himself for the bar, 
 although he had no intention of practicing. He is the leading citizen of the 
 town of Austin, and no man in the county has a more extended influence or is 
 more widely known and respected. He was married, in 1849, to Amelia Sted- 
 man, who died, leaving five children. He afterward married Julia Allington, 
 and to them have been born three children. Mr. Austin is a stanch sup- 
 porter of the principles of the Republican party. He is a member of Eulalia 
 Lodge, No. 342, F. & A. M. 
 
 FRANK L. BLAISDELL, proprietor of the Kindling Wood Factory, Austin, 
 son of E. P. Blaisdell, was born in Maine in 1852, where he was reared and 
 educated. He came to Potter county, Penn. , and began the erection of his 
 works at Austin, in July, 1886, in company with his brother. Their sawing 
 machinery and bundling presses are of his own invention. The Blaisdell Brothers 
 are pioneers of the kindling-wood business, and were compelled to invent 
 machinery to avoid infringement of patent, and have the best in the world. 
 Their mill has a capacity of sawing 100 cords of four-foot wood daily, giving 
 employment to 150 hands. Mr. Blaisdell was married in 1877 to Margaret 
 Fenter, of New York City, and to them have been born five children. Mr. 
 Blaisdell is liberal in religion and politics. 
 
 JOHN BROWNLEE, proprietor of saw-mill, P. O. Costello, is a son of 
 Robert and Ruth Brownlee, and was born in Ballymena, County Antrim, Ire- 
 land, in 1827. When he was two years old his parents moved to Killyleagh, 
 County Down, where he was reared and educated, and learned the trade of 
 baker and pastry cook. In 1851 he came to the United States, the passage 
 occupying thirteen weeks, and located in New York City. The first engage- 
 ment he had on this side of the Atlantic was as pastry cook on the steamship 
 "Georgia," under Admiral Porter, running between New York City and 
 Aspinwall. After following his trade five years in New York, he came, in 
 
BIOGBAPHICAL SKETCHES. 1259 
 
 1856, through the influence of his half brother, Gorman Young, of Ohio, to 
 Potter county, where he has ever since resided. He settled in Portage town- 
 ship, on the place he now owns, which he purchased when it was a wilderness. 
 This he cleared and improved, making it a very fine property. Coming here, 
 as he did, with |2,000 in money, Mr. Brownlee was considered a capitalist 
 in those days. He is the owner of a saw, grist, planing and shingle mill, 
 and, in addition to attending to the work of his farm, has always been in the 
 lumber trade. Mr. Brownlee has been twice married— first, in Liverpool, 
 England, to Elizabeth Savage, of Downpatrick, County Down, Ireland, who 
 bore him ten children, all natives of Potter county, except the eldest, who was 
 born at 73 Fulton street, New York. Seven of the children are yet living. 
 This wife dying, Mr. Brownlee afterward married Eebecca Courtney, of Pul- 
 nek, a Moravian settlement in Yorkshire, England. Politically Mr. Brownlee 
 is a Republican. 
 
 HAERY D. CASKEY, son of M. C. and Eliza L. (Thayer) Caskey, was 
 born at Great Valley, N. Y., January 5, 1862. He received 'his education at 
 the Chamberlain Institute, Randolph, N. Y., and entered the office of the 
 Courant at that place as an apprentice, in 1878. Remaining three years, he 
 moved to Warren, Penn., and worked in various offices in Western Pennsyl- 
 vania and Western New York until 1883, when he puchased the office of the 
 Cherry Creek (N. Y.) Monitor, and in partnership with John Ackley, con- 
 ducted that paper until the close of the year, when he returned to Randolph . 
 In the summer of 1884 he moved to Butte, Mont. , and entered the Miner office. 
 In 1885-86 he traveled through the West, and, returning to Pennsylvania, re- 
 sumed work, establishing the Sharon Leader and Ceres Courant. After a term 
 of fifteen months, he moved to Austin, September 1, 1887, and with the editor 
 of the Reporter established the Austin Autograph. In April, 1888, he sold 
 the office to Snyder & Co. , who in turn, sold to W. H. Sullivan in November, 
 ' 1888. In April, 1889, the latter sold to D. W. Butterworth, but in Septem- 
 ber of that year Mr. Sullivan resumed possession of the office, and immediately 
 turned it over to Mr. Caskey, who has been editor since its establishment here. 
 His marriage with Miss Matie Brock, took place November 1, 1887, at Ceres, 
 N. Y. Mr. Caskey has always been a Democrat, and his journal is strongly 
 favorable to that party. 
 
 A. DEICHES, merchant, Austin, a son of W. Deiches, was born in Austria 
 in 1852, and came to the United States in 1870. He first located in New York 
 City, where he remained until 1886, when he removed to Austin, Penn., and 
 became associated with S. Deiches in the clothing business. While in New 
 York he was engaged in the manufacture of cigars at Brooklyn, and was also 
 in the clothing business. He was the first to manufacture cigars in Austin, 
 and still carries on an extensive business in that line. He was married in 
 New York to Celia Tyroler, and they have three children. They are adherents 
 of the Hebrew faith. In politics Mr. Deiches is a Republican. 
 
 R. J. GAFFNEY, Austin, son of Michael Gaffney, was born in New York 
 City, January 14, 1863. He remained in his native city until nine years of 
 age, when his parents removed to Valley Falls, Rensselaer Co., N. Y., where 
 he remained some twelve years. After leaving school he was for some years 
 working in the manufacture of mosquito nets, linen twines, and buckrams, in 
 Valley Falls, Rensselaer Co., N. Y., and March 15, 1884, left Valley Falls and 
 returned to New York City, remaining there one year in the employ of Clarkson 
 & Allen, painters and wall-paper decorators, as their collector. In March, 1885, 
 he left New York City and went to Fish's Eddy, Delaware Co., N. Y., to take 
 charge of a country store for Keery Bros., in connection with their chemical 
 
1260 HISTOKY OF POTTER COUNTY. 
 
 works at that place; he remained with Keery Bros, three years, and, was at the- 
 time of leaving them, their general superintendent of chemical works and store, 
 which, by the way, grew and prospered in his hands. March 15, 1888, he 
 came to Potter county, Fenn. , erected the Austin Chemical Works, where he 
 manufactures wood alcohol, acetate of lime and charcoal, and is also superin- 
 tendent of the extract worlds. June 22, 1887, Mr. Gaffney married Hattie L. 
 Sproat, of Valley Falls. He is a strong supporter of high license and firm 
 against the removal of the internal revenue tax on grain alcohol. 
 
 W. H. SULLIVAN, Austin, son of Timothy Sullivan, was born in St. 
 Catharines, Ontario, Canada, in 1864, where he was educated, graduating from 
 the collegiate institute in 1880. In 1882 he became connected with the Buf- 
 falo Hardware Company, and upon the completion of their works at Austin, in 
 1886, came here as their general manager. In December, 1888, with Mr. Har- 
 vey, he leased both mills of the Buffalo Hardware Company, the upper one 
 being the largest in the State, and one of the largest in the United States, 
 giving employment to 275 men. He married Elizabeth, daughter of A. C. 
 Calkins, of Buffalo. He is a member of Eulalia Lodge, No. 342, 1. O. O. F. 
 He is, in his political views, a Democrat, and was a member of the State Central 
 Committee in 1888. 
 
 WHARTON TOWNSHIP. 
 
 SETH BRIGGS, manufacturer of lumber, P. O. Sanders, was born in Tioga 
 county, N. Y. , October 9, 1834. He came with his father, Seth Briggs (who- 
 was one of the first settlers of Wharton township), to Potter county, October 
 9, 1854. The family settled on a tract of wild land, and held it by peaceable 
 possession, living on it twenty- one years. His father died in 1862, and although 
 a resident of the county only eight years, was well-known and highly respected. 
 In 1875 Mr. Briggs bought the saw-mill formerly owned by David Card, anc^ 
 now carries on an extensive business in lumber. He was married July 9, 1887, 
 to Miss D. M. Horton, of Wharton. He has been a prominent citizen of the 
 county, and has held various official positions. In politics he is a Democrat. 
 
 DAVID CAED, lumberman and farmer, P. O. Sanders, was born irk 
 Chautauqua county, N. Y., February 14, 1818. In his childhood his parents 
 moved to Vermont and from there to Oswego county, N. Y. , where they lived 
 until 1850, when they moved to Tioga county, N. Y. Mr. Card bought a farm 
 in Tioga county, living on it until 1858, when he carae to Potter county, Penn. , 
 and exchanged his farm in Tioga county for a tract of wild land, heavily tim- 
 bered, in Wharton township. He built a mill on his land, and has been ex- 
 tensively engaged in the lumber business. He also has given his attention to- 
 agriculture, and owns a well-improved farm on the Sinnemahoning river, which 
 is attractive, his residence and farm buildings being among the best in the 
 township. Although deeply engrossed in his own business, he is interested in 
 all matters of public benefit, and has held various official positions. Mr. Card 
 was married, in 1851, to Miss Diadona Green, who died in 1858, and May 11, 
 1861, he married Miss Louisa Briggs, daughter of Seth Briggs, who came from 
 Tioga county, N. Y., to Potter county, in 1854. Mr. Card has a family of five 
 children: Delia, wife of Henry Engle; Laura, wifeof Wesley Harding; David; 
 Cora, wife of Isaac Cornelius, and Charles. Mr. and Mrs. Card are members 
 of the Methodist Episcopal Church. 
 
 M. T. SEIBERT, farmer, P. O. Costello, was born March 26, 1826, in 
 Berks county, Penn. , where he was reared and educated, remaining with his 
 father until he became a young man. He bought a farm in Berks county, and 
 remained there until 1848, when he came to Potter county, and purchased a 
 
BIOGEAPHICAL SKETCHES. 
 
 1261 
 
 tract of wild land, but did not move to the county until 1871. He now has a 
 good home in Wharton township, and is one of the prosperous farmers of the 
 township. Mr. Seibert was married in October, 1847, to Miss Mary A. Good, 
 who died in 1856. In November, 1866, he married Miss Amelia Bishop, of 
 Berks county, and they have seven children: JohnM. (in Alabama), Luther B., 
 (an attorney in Austin), Douglas S. (a merchant in Sanders), Mary L. (wife of 
 George Olmsted, of Coudersport), Annie A. (in Eldred), Nellie G. and Nora 
 V. Mr. Seibert is a member of Williamson Lodge, No. 307, F. & A. M.