Celebrating 200 Years: The Butler County, Pennsylvania Bicentennial

BUTLER COUNTY, AN AMERICAN STORY: The County's story in many ways is typically American. European immigrants soon supplanted Native Americans, and the same waves of settlers that populated the eastern seaboard found their way here, especially those from Ireland and Germany. Eventually, African-Americans from the South found their way through the region, and some stayed on. Asians began to find their way in more recent years, adding to the "stew" of life. Over time, the County produced its share of notable people, events and stories, making the book interesting to those with a local connection as well as lovers of American history. BUTLER COUNTY, HOME OF: The Jeep, the first American compact car (the Baby Austin), the Huselton, the Standard, and the Bantam. The Taylorcraft Airplane and the first lit runway in the U.S. 75% of the oil drilled in the world during the mid-1800s. The Pullman railroad car. The first (and perhaps only!) all steel dress. PLUS THE FAMOUS .... AND THE INFAMOUS: General Richard Butler, Revolutionary War Hero and county namesake. John Roebling, the engineering genius behind New York City's Brooklyn Bridge. The Rev. Loyal Young, who hid runaway slaves in the crawl space of his church. "Lanny" Pride, horticultural genius. Standard Steel co-founder "Diamond" Jim Brady. Sam Mohawk, murderer and recipient of quick justice. Simon Girty, Indian agent and misunderstood Revolutionary War Scout. A host of other leaders, heros, and outlaws, . . . . And even Agent 99, international super-spy. Included in the book are 240 photos and images, many of which were contributed by residents that often illustrate less known aspects of American history - an all-female railroad construction crew in the 19th century being just one example. QUOTES FROM THE BOOK: Butler County might not be a place of rip-roaring adventure today, but back in wilderness times circa 1770 and after, it was the scene of several movie-type thrillers. While Butler residents had unique ideas for car designs, including the original Jeep, there never was a Henry Ford or the facilities here to produce the millions of cars the American public has demanded over the years. Residents, however, did have ingenuity and the willingness to try on their side, and by the end of the 1950s, Butler County had produced five different car lines that have added to this country's love affair with the motor vehicle. Petrolia, built around the site of the 'Fanny Jane,' (oil well) quickly swallowed up the village of Argyle and launched itself as one of the most open and lawless towns of the oil country. Within its boundaries the criminal element that infested every oil town flourished under the leadership of such notorious characters as Ben Hogan. ...a conventional evening dinner for ('Diamond' Jim) Brady started off with a gallon of orange juice just to whet his appetite. This was followed by six dozen oysters, a large cut of mutton smothered with a half-dozen venison chops, a roasting chicken with caper sauce, a brace or so of mallard or canvasback ducks, partridge or pheasant, and a 12-egg soufflé topped off with a five-pound box of the richest chocolates. Reputable sources witnessed Jim's eating 45 ears of corn at a single sitting.