Oil and Our Oil Creek Ancestors |
Parcus (also called Parkhurst) Tilley Copeland, born circa 1807 in Vermont,1080 was a brother of Alden Copeland, who married our Rachel Fleming (1815–1884), a daughter of Daniel and Rachel (Hardy) Fleming, see #18 of Flemings. Parcus’s parents were Joseph and Sally (Downer) Copeland of Vermont.1081 Another connection with our lines was Parcus T. Copeland’s second wife. His first wife was Eliza Conley; born circa 1805,1082 died in 1851,1083buried in Asbury Chapel Cemetery (between Pleasantville and Tionesta, Pennsylvania.), Venango County.1084 Parcus then married Elizabeth (Vangiesen) Culbertson, the widow of our Patrick Culbertson, who was a son of Francis and Mary Steeples Culbertson (see #8 of Culbertsons in the section ”Descendants Reports.” )
Parcus Tilley Copeland’s farm, immediately above the Thomas Holmden farm, was entirely on the west side of Big Pithole Creek. Almost a year before the Frazier Well came in, Parcus had leased his land for drilling to an Emmanuel Weiss of New York.1085 The land was leased despite the belief in oil circles that the Parcus Copeland farm would be unproductive territory; in the words of Leonard (1867), page 16, “good for nothing, except buckwheat and speculation.” I do not know the outcome of this lease.
In January 1865, oil speculators had become interested in Parcus Copeland’s farm. Indeed, they were drilling wells (without success) and even building a hotel1086 on Parcus’s land before finalizing an agreement with the owner 1087 On 21 January 1865, two weeks after the Frazier well came in on the adjoining farm of Thomas Holmden, Parcus and wife Elizabeth entered into an agreement with Daniel Burtis of Rochester, New York, to sell their farm.1088 Reading the first part of this agreement, one would get the impression that Parcus and Elizabeth (Vangiesen) Culbertson Copeland were being taken to the cleaners. Namely: “The party of the first part agree to sell their farm situated in Cornplanter Township for $500.” But then: “Conditioned on Burtis paying $9,500 before 30 January,” and then “and $30,000 on the first of March,” and then “and $60,000 on the first of April next,” and then “and $100,000 in ?[can not decipher]” and then “and $100,000 in six months after the first of April next” [adding up to $300,000, counting the original sell price of $500]. This deed also states that it is understood that the Copelands had already leased about 11 acres of their farm [to whom, I do not know].
But if we are to believe Leonard (1867), pages 16–17, there was much more to it than the recorded deed:An item of interest showing the shrewdness and speculation of the times, we give the following brief account of the purchasing of said farm [Parcus Copeland’s farm], which was contracted for by A. G. Morey and D. Burtis for the sum of $300,000, but was afterwards purchased for $100,000. While drawing up the papers necessary to transfer the right and title to the purchasers, A. G. Morey suggested that $300,000 (the price first contracted for) be reported as the sum paid for the farm, instead of $100,000, the price actually paid. The object of this was to increase the apparent value of the land should a stock company be formed. Mr. Copeland, the owner of the farm, found no objection to this, and the documents were thus made out. So far everything was lovely, but when it came to “stamping” the deed, as Uncle Samuel requires, the owner of the land could hardly see “from where he stood” why he should furnish revenue stamps for a $300,000 bill of sale when he only received $100,000; but business was business, and after much exhortation and wire–pulling, the stamps were plastered according to the law and to the wishes of the purchasers. Everything now looked lovelier than ever; but a nephew of Marcus [sic] Copeland, who had seen more of the financial and speculative world than his ancient Pennsylvania relative [ancient? Parcus was only about 58 at the time of these proceedings], made a visit to his uncle, and after hearing and examining the facts of the case, thought he “perceived the odor of a small rat,” or in other words “smelt a mouse,” and after consultation with prominent lawyers, a suit was commenced by Marcus [sic] Copeland against Mssrs. Morey and Burtis, which resulted in the later paying $300,000 for the farm. Moral—expend your stamps and not your money. [The nephew was possibly James Harvey Copeland. He was a nephew, being a son of Alden Copeland, Parcus’s brother (see #85 of Flemings). And James Harvey Copeland was a photographer in Pithole in the late 1860s. Besides, two of James Harvey’s uncles, John H. Fleming (#16 of “Flemings”) and Andrew S. Fleming (#14 of “Flemings”), a justice of the peace, had much experience with Venango County courthouse proceedings.]
This resulted in litigation, charges and counter charges between Parcus Copeland and D. Burtis and Burtis’s partner A. G. Morey; but in the end Parcus prevailed and got his $300,000.1089
The postscript is best given in the words of Darrah’s (1972) Pithole, the vanished city, page 46 (with permission of the heirs of William Culp Darrah):… Copeland ultimately got his $300,000 while Morey and Burtis managed to get out of the mess without serious loss. Copeland had made around a million dollars from the sale of oil leases but he continued to live in the log cabin built when he first settled and cleared a little land. Copeland had withheld 104 acres, retaining the right to occupy the farm and work it in any way he desired. Gradually his holding shrank to a tiny five acre reserve. He had leased rights for $750,000 and half of whatever oil might be produced. Luxuries were his for the asking but he chose instead the simple hard life of a farmer of poor soil.
One wet Saturday morning, September 27, 1865, Copeland lumbered down the deep mud of Holmden Street with a sled drawn by two oxen. Curious strangers, dismayed by the anachronism, inquired about this hayseed who interfered with traffic and progress, but old–timers hastily corrected any false impression. One of them engaged Copeland in conversation and asked him why he had refused to sell his farm, that is the small part that remained of it, for another three quarters of a million. He replied, “what is the use of $750,000 to me without a farm. I did not buy this farm to sell it again, now that I am settled down with my family. There I have as much as I can live on. I have a good well of water and we can raise all the vegetables we want. I cleared the land myself and I am now going to enjoy it. His words fell on disbelieving ears and amused assembly watched the old sled slide away through the mud. Copeland lived to see the valley deserted and the land revert to farms and wilderness.
Four flowing wells were struck on the Copeland (also called the Morey) farm: the Burtis Well, up to 800 barrels a day; the Rice Well, over 300 barrels a day; the No. 1, to 150 barrels a day; and the Clara Well, to 300 barrels a day for about four months.1090
People reading Darrah’s Pithole, The Vanished City will encounter several photographs of the Pithole area credited to Copeland and Fleming (see below), and on page 213 mentioning:J. H. Copeland opened the “Sunbeam Gallery” at 21 First Street in August, 1865 and remained in Pithole until the summer of 1867, changing the name of his firm to Copeland and Fleming in September, 1866. Copeland advertised “photographic views including Pithole City, Prather City, Balltown, and most of the prominent wells, constantly on hand.” Alas, only a few dozen of his views have been rediscovered.
I do not know who was the Fleming of “Copeland and Fleming.” Probably he would be of Daniel Fleming descendants, since Daniel’s daughter Rachel married Alden Copeland. Possibly the “Fleming” was William Fleming (#19 of “Flemings”), who was Rachel (Fleming) Copeland’s brother. Both James Harvey Copeland and William Fleming were firmly bound when James H. Copeland was appointed guardian of Daniel Copeland, 26 January 1865.1091
The J. H. Copeland was James Harvey Copeland (#85 of “Flemings”), the nephew of Parcus Copeland mentioned in Leonard’s account of Parcus selling his farm. James Harvey Copeland, born 18 June 1835, died 14 March 1928 in Lorain, Ohio, was a son of Alden and Rachel (Fleming) Copeland. James Harvey Copeland was the great grandfather of Joyce M. Taylor and Marilyn Copeland, both of whom provided information on the Copelands and photographs taken by James Harvey. Joyce informed me that her sister has James’s old camera.1092
"Tell the boys to drink water”
Culbertson McClintock, son of Hamilton and Mary (Culbertson) McClintock (see #15 of McClintocks in the section ”Descendants Reports.”) and wife Sarah were childless. In 1843, they adopted John Washington Steele, who was an infant, and John’s 2 year old sister Permelia.1093 Johnny and Permelia's parents, David Steele and Maria Foulke Steele, apparently were not married. They were from Mercer County, Pennsylvania. Johnny and Permelia were raised as Culbertson and Sarah's children, and all accounts indicate a warm and affectionate relationship between them and their foster parents. Culbertson died of smallpox in 1855 and left the farm to Sarah in trust for Johnny (Permelia had died 15 December 1851) when he reached his majority at age twenty one. The farm from then on was known as the Widow McClintock's Farm (Map 3).
For some time after oil was discovered on adjacent farms, including those of her brother’–in–law Hamilton Jr.], and Hamilton’s nephew, John McClintock, Sarah refused to lease her land. But she eventually sold leases for $500 down and one–eighth of all oil produced. As was true of John Benninghoff, Sarah eschewed banks and kept her money in a safe in her modest home; she spent little if any of it.
Johnny was not living with Sarah in 1860. He was enumerated (as J. W. Steel) as an “oil miner” with several other oil miners in the household of J. A. Brawley in Cornplanter Township, about 60 dwelling from Sarah’s farm.1094 In 1862, Johnny married Eleanor Moffett, and at age 20 was a father. On 17 March 1864, a few weeks before Johnny's twenty–first birthday, Sarah tried to light the stove, some say with too much kerosene, others, including Johnny, 1095 claim with a bucket of crude oil. She was terribly burned and died the next day, but before dying Sarah was able to write her will. The will was recorded four days later, 22 March 1864. Later, undoubtedly because of Coal Oil Johnny, Sarah’s brother–in–law, Hamilton McClintock [Jr.], filed suit to break Culbertson's will,1096 but he were not successful. Possibly John McClintock (#116 of McClintocks), and George W. McClintock (#80 of McClinktocks) were also involved in the suit but I have not located the document.
Will of Sarah McClintock (Venango County Orphans Court, Will Book 3, page 344, written 18 March 1864, recorded 22 March 1864):1097
In the name of God Amen. I Sarah McClintock of the Township of Cornplanter in the County of Venango and state of Pennsylvania being of sound mind and memory and considering the uncertainty of life do therefore make and ordain publish and declare this to be my last will and testament. That is to say after all my lawful debts are paid and discharged the residue of my Estate real and personal to wit I give and bequeath and dispose of as follows: To my cousin Rachel McKnight one hundred Dollars in Cash, to Sarah Emily Moffett [she was Sarah Emily Scott, adopted by Culbertson and Sarah] Two hundred dollars in Cash, the remainder to John W. Steel. Likewise I make and constitute Said John W. Steel and R. W. McFate to be executors of this my last will and testament hereby revoking all former wills made by me. In witness thereof I have hereunto Set my name and affixed my seal the eighteenth day of March in the year of our Lord one thousand Eight hundred and Sixty four.
Sarah McClintock
Venango County S. S.
Personally came before me H. B. Gordon, Register for the Probate of wills and granting Letters of Administration in and for the County afore Said N. W. B. and Jesse Martz the Subscribing Witnesses to the above will who being duly sworn according to law, do Say that the[y] were present and Saw and heard Sarah McClintock the testator Sign Seal Publish pronounce and declare the foregoing Testament of writing as and [?] her last Will and testament and that at the time of so doing She was of Sound mind Memory and understanding to the best of their Knowledge and belief.
Swore and Subscribed before me this 22 Day of March 1864, H. B. Gordon, Regt.
Letters granted to John W. Steel and R. W. McFate, 22rd March 1864.
It is important to present the entire will, because accounts usually leave the impression Sarah McClintock’s will was made sometime before she was burned. For example, McLaurin (1902), page 146, states that her will was written soon after her husband died, and that Sarah died within an hour of being burned. Another account has her keeping her will in a safe in her home. Admittedly, it is hard to imagine Sarah making her will after being so badly burned, but the date, 18 March 1864, would indicate she did.
From Venango County, Pennsylvania, Probate and Orphan’s Court Docket 2, page 460, 11 March 1865:1098Account Final of R. W. McFate and John W. Steele, Executors.
March 11th 1865. Filed Final Account of R. W. McFate and John W. Steele, Executors of the last will and testament of Sarah McClintock deceased.
April 27 1865. Confirmed Nisi by the Court.
May 17 [?] 1865. Confirmed finally by the Court
H. B. Gordon, Clk. Ale.
The R. W. McFate would most likely have been Robert W. McFate, born 25 April 1834, married Hulda J. Ricketts, daughter of James and Jane (McCalmont) Ricketts. Robert W. was a son of Joseph and Margaret (McKnight) McFate (a sister of Sarah McKnight McClintock). The John W. Steele of course was Coal Oil Johnny. The H. B. Gordon was probably Hiram B. Gordon, who married Mary Ann McClintock (#166), a cousin of Culbertson McClintock.
When Johnny reached his majority (until then he was doing quite well hauling oil), he inherited the large amount of money in Sarah's safe. The exact amount is debatable. Some say as much as $300,000; others, including Johnny himself,1099 claim it was a much smaller amount. In addition, oil royalties were earning Johnny about $2800 daily.
Some of the accounts give the impression that Johnny immediately packed, left the Creek, and began a spending–drinking spree that would make him the most notorious playboy of the oil rush era. But Johnny in May 1864 had made arrangements to take Eleanor and Oscar to Philadelphia, because Eleanor, in poor health at that time, had relatives in Philadelphia.1100 Almost every book describing the early oil activity includes an account of his extravagances. There was even a song written about him.
Johnny's activities were mainly in Philadelphia, where one Seth R. Slocum (of Erie, Pennsylvania) had volunteered to show Johnny the town. Johnny and Slocum were known to “take little painting trips.”1101 Newspapers started calling him Coal Oil Johnny. Some newspaper and magazine stories were true, but many were fictional. Johnny, in his autobiography, credits John McLaurin’s “entertaining book on the oil region,” for providing much of the erroneous information on Johnny’s activities.1102 For example, he apparently never lit cigars with $100 dollar bills—although a favorite trick was to purposefully put a bill of large denomination in his lapel so that a young street urchin could rush up and whisk it away. He never purchased hotels to stay in one night and give away the next day—although he apparently did rent an entire hotel for a single day. He probably was not drunk all the time—although there seems little doubt he was drinking most of the time. Probably Johnny was swindled of as much money as he squandered. About half way through his binge, he tried to sell the Widow McClintock’s Farm outright, but could not obtain a clear lease because Hamilton McClintock [Jr.], had obtained a lease to the farm (which was not signed by Johnny) and had filed suit to break Sarah's will.1103
In a year all was over. Coal Oil Johnny, having gone through a large amount of money (how much, we will never know), was not only broke, but had filed for bankruptcy of over $100,000. Compounding this, the United States Government had passed a luxury item tax, for example on watches and paintings, to help finance the North's effort during the Civil War. In consequence, Coal Oil Johnny owed the U. S. Government a great deal of money. Legend had Johnny owning more gold watches than anyone else in the United States. The Widow McClintock's Farm was sold for $35,000 by the county sheriff for U. S. Government taxes.1104 The will, incidentally, was never broken.
Sober, penniless, and much wiser, Johnny came back to Oil Creek to his wife and child, who were then living in Dempseytown (Oakland Township, Venango County). In 1870, John, Eleanor and their child Oscar were enumerated in Cornplanter Township. For this census John reported no real estate but personal value of $5000. He was listed as a teamster. Legend has it that he never drank again. He did obtain employment, first hauling oil and then as a baggagemaster; but soon gave this up to go to business school in Pittsburgh. McLaurin (1902), page 148, reports that Johnny opened up a meat market in Franklin, and did quite well. The family eventually moved to Nebraska. Johnny did come back to Oil Creek for visits. In Venango County Panorama (1983), page 151, there is a picture of him, taken late in life, standing in the oil field of the Widow McClintock’s Farm. He died in 1920, at age 76, in Fort Crook, Nebraska, an upright citizen, owning his own home and with even a modest saving account. Late in life, Coal Oil Johnny probably proclaimed his own epitaph when a reporter asked him what advice he would give young fellows starting out to seek their fortune. Johnny's reply:1105 “Tell the boys to drink water.”
Epilogue
The early oil activity in Oil Creek and surrounding area did change the lives of many of our ancestors. Few perhaps became wealthy, but the birth of the petroleum industry provided new and often rewarding paths for almost all our known ancestors of that region. There have been producing wells on the present–day (that is, through the mid 1980s) Fleming Farm since presumably the 1860s, owned and worked by John S. Fleming (#27 of “Flemings”), his son William H., William’s sons William H., Jr., and John L., and John L's son Jack Fleming. Other Flemings and the Lytles were also involved in the oil industry in one way or another. A 26 May 1911 article in the Titusville Herald reports Samuel A. Lytle—oldest son of William and Sarah (Fleming) Lytle—telling of his uncle John S. Fleming pulling wells with oxen. The oil field and boom–town antics of George Washington Fleming. (#23), "Black Sam" Fleming (Samuel L.” (#26), son of Samuel and Jane [McClintock] Fleming) and "Red Sam" Fleming (Samuel P., #111), son of John S. and Hannah [Jamison] Fleming) during these rough, lusty times are a matter of family legend.
When the major oil activity eventually shifted westward into the Ohio, Kansas-Oklahoma and Texas fields, the Flemings and Lytles, with their expertise gained on the proving grounds of Venango County, moved with it. Four sons of James and Susan Lytle moved westward, and five of the seven living children of John S. and Hannah Fleming ended up in either Oklahoma or Texas.