History of Butler County Pennsylvania - 1883 Chapter 34 Oakland Township GO TO TABLE OF CONTENTS Next Chapter>> Transcribed by Pat Collins . For an explanation and caution about this transcription, please read this page. SURNAMES APPEARING IN THIS CHAPTER CHAPTER XXXIV OAKLAND [p. 323]
FORMATION OF THE TOWNSHIP EARLY SETTLERS - JOHN NEYMAN, FRANCIS WHITMIRE AND THE O'DONNELLS ... CHURCHES, ETC. Oakland was formed from Donegal and North Butler in 1854. The township was laid out by Hugh MCKEE and David SCOTT, both surveyors, and it was also named by these gentlemen, who are still living, on account of the ample forests of oak trees which were included within its boundaries. A small village called North Oakland, consisting of ten or twelve dwelling houses, two churches, a store and post office, is in the northern part of the township. Boydstown, in the northwestern part of the township, is a cluster of about a half dozen frame houses, with a blacksmith shop, post office and small variety store. At present the township of Oakland is among the most thriving in the county. Good farms are discernible on every hand; the inhabitants are industrious and ambitious. SETTLEMENT John NEYMAN and his wife Mary (MARKLE) settled on what is now the Lewis MELLINGER farm, about four miles northeast of Butler borough at a very early day - probably in 1797. About 1810, Mr. NEYMAN moved to Centre Township, and built upon Stony Run, where MCGRATH Mill now is, a fulling mill, the first in the county. Subsequently, he moved back to the place of his original settlement, and finally to a farm near by, now owned by the heirs of John H. NEYMAN. He died in 1847, nearly ninety years of age. He was the father of a large family. The sons are now all deceased, and none of the daughters are living in the county. Dr. A.M. NEYMAN, of Butler, is a grandson. | |
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