Foster Township Biographical Sketches

Page Three of Three

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 operating 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 inside 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 Chautuaqua 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, A. & F.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 purchased a farm in 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; Alvina, wife of Nathaniel Etheridge, of Foster township, and R.W. R.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. Monroe is a member of Union Lodge, No. 334, F. & A.M., of Bradford, also of the Producers' Association, of Sawyer City. In politics he casts his suffrage 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 politics he votes with the Republican party. Jesse E. Mosher 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, Venango 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 Foster 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 excitement, 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 member of the Knights of the Maccabees. His wife is a member of the Methodist 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. NORTHRUP, proprietor of machine shops, Rew, was born in St. Lawrence county, N.Y., September 10, 1849. His father, Bushrod Northrup, also a native of that county, married Miss Sarah Darling, a native of Vermont. In 1864 they moved to Venango county, Penn., where the father engaged in refining oil thence went to Butler county, and in 1882 they came to McCalmont, McKean county, where they now reside. They have six children: Alice, Emma (wife of John W. Mates, in McCalmont), E.E., D.D. (in Washington 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 Rew 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 Eugene 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 Mary H., 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 supporter 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 Ireland, emigrated to America in 1830, and settled in Chautauqua county, N.Y., where he married Miss Charlotte Wicking, a native of England. They were farmers, 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 Myra M., daughter of George W. Crandall, of Allegany 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, Cattaraugus Co., N.Y., July 31, 1857. His parents, Marion G. and Eliza (Heath) Otis, were natives of Wyoming county, N.Y., and farmers by occupation. His father was a major in the war of the Rebellion. Our subject received his education at the Chamberlain Institute, and in 1878 came to McKean county, 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 1868. He engaged in the coal business 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 now operates fifty wells, in connection with his brother, James Potts, under the firm name of Potts Brothers. Mr. Potts is a member of the Methodist 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 Laura 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 received in the service), Reuben (who was a member of Company K, One Hundred 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 Cattaraugus 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. 25, K.T., of Olean, N.Y.; Bradford Council, R. & S.M.; Syria Temple, of Pittsburgh, Penn., and of Rochester Consistory.

A. A. SEAMANS, 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 Whitestown 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 McKean 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 producers. In 1870 he married Miss Susan, daughter of Valentine Worthy or Oswego 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 education, 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) Farr, 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 Foster 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 Episcopal 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 lumber business in Cattaraugus county, N.Y., and became an extensive operator, owning mills and manufacturing lumber, shingles and lath. In 1876 he came to McKean county, and here first engaged in the hotel business at Gillmor. 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 Lucina Fuller, of Oneida county, N.Y. The moved to Cattaraugus county, where Mr. Giles engaged in mercantile business and lumbering. Mr. and Mrs. Sharpe have three children: May Belle, Genevieve and Chauncey Warren.

EDWARD R. SHERMAN, 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, Susan (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 excitement; Sarah, wife of George H. Davis, in Fort 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 F, Twenty-second New York Volunteer Infantry, in which he served over two years. He was recommended for a commission, 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, owning 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 Pennsylvania, 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 marriage with Miss Martha, daughter of David E. and Susan (White) Norton, of New York State, and they have three children: 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 trustees. His wife is president of the Ladies' Aid Society of Kendall Creek.

W. F. 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. Five of their children are still living: Richard (of Lima, Ohio), W.F., Ernest E., Gerturde and Geraldine (in Maine). Our subject, at the age of twenty-one, engaged as steward on the steamer "City of Frederickton," 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 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, locating 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. F. SPENCER, merchant, Kendall Creek, was born in Steuben county, N.Y., October 8, 1844. His father, Allen Spencer, was a native of the Eastern States, and his mother, Elizabeth (Strickland) Spencer, was of English descent. They were farmers by occupation, and prominent members of the Baptist 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 Woodhull, Steuben Co., N.Y.), Mary (wife of George Miller, also of Woodhull), Charlotte (wife of Simon Hardy, of Jasper, Steuben county, N.Y.) and O.F. The subject of this sketch was reared in Steuben county, N.Y., and received 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 if a member of the First Baptist Church of Bradford. Mr. Spencer is an active Republican. He has been a member of the borough council, and of the school board for five years, acting as president of the latter for two years.

E. H. STOEVER, oil producer, Sawyer City, was born in Lebanon County, Penn., July 7, 1842, a son of John and Elizabeth (Young) Stoever, also natives of that county, former of whom, a farmer and lumberman by occupation, 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, Venango 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 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 lumbering. In 1877 he moved to Friendship, Allegany Co., N.Y., where he still resides. He was a prominent Republican, was county commissioner, and filled 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 (Randall) 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 Warren, 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.R. 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 common-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 Olean Council, No. 33, and of St. John's Commandery, No. 24, abbr title="Knights Templar">K.T., of Olean, 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 Shamburg, Penn., where he engaged in building oil rigs. In 1879 he came to McKean county, and has since been engaged in oil producing. In 1875 he married 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 Ben, 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.

DR. F. W. WINGER, Rew, was born 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 F.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 College, 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 Episcopal Church. Politically he is a Republican, with Prohibition proclivities.