To Mart (mararm@phoenixat.com) and others researching Abbott in Crawford County: Here is the info I garnered on ABBOTT from the "History of Crawford County, PA, 1885." On pages 465 and 466, on the section about the history of Titusville: "The value of farms within the limits of the supposed oil district rose to fabulous sums, and fortunes were made in a day. William Barnsdall sold one-half of his one-third interest in the first Crawford County well to William H. ABBOTT a few days before oil was struck for $10,000. The success of these first wells led to the sinking of many others within the borough and surrounding country." On page 471, in the same section: "It was not long after the discovery of oil that its refinement became the leading industry of Titusville. The first refining of petroleum is said to have been done by James McKeown and Samuel Kier, of Pittsburgh. The first refinery at Titusville was built by Parker, ABBOTT & Barnsdall about 1862. It was situated on the north bank of Oil Creek. Two grades of illuminating oil, the white and the common yellow, were produced. Benzine, tar and other products which are now held valuable and utilized, were emptied into Oil Creek. This refinery was operated for several years." On page 484 of the same section: "St. James Memorial Church, Protestant Episcopal, was organized as a mission in June, 1863, by Rev. Henry Purdon, the first and present rector, with a small membership, composed exclusively of women. Rev. Purdon held his first service here June 8, 1862, but a year elapsed before the congregation was organized. Through the efforts of W.H. ABBOTT, George M. Mowbray, Col. E.N. Drake, and other early friends of the church, a handsome building was erected soon after. Its corner-stone was laid in September, 1863, by Bishop Stevens, of Philadelphia, and it was consecrated in October, 1864, by Bishop Alonzo Porter. The edifice is a fine, gothic, stone structure which, with improvements since made, cost about $20,000. It is located on the northeast corner of Franklin and Main Streets. In 1865 a brick chapel was erected on the same lot, at a cost of $8,000, and in 1868 a rectory, at a cost of $5,000. Dr. Purdon has now been pastor for twenty-one years, and has in his care a congregation which numbers about 100 members." On page 559, in the history of Hayfield Township: "The United Brethren Church was organized in 1870, with four members: J.D. Christ, F.D. Gill and T.P. ABBOTT and wife. The first meetings were held in the schoolhouse, and in 1871-72, the meeting house, a neat brick structure, 36x48, was erected on a lot donated by John Gelvin, at a cost of about $3,000. It was dedicated October 5, 1872, Bishop J.J. Glossbrenner officiating. The membership is about forty. The pastors of the church have been: Revs. P.W. Ish, Frank Reynolds, Rufus Smith, Charles Evarts, Samuel Evans, G.W. Franklin, Hiram Bedow, A. Meeker, N.C. Foulk, D.C. Starkey and T.J. Butterfield." On page 585, in the history of Oil Creek Township: "The Hydetown Methodist Episcopal class was organized in 1847 with the following members: Joseph Spaulding and wife, Oran Davenport and wife, Thomas Titus and wife, and Mrs. Baugher, by Rev. John ABBOTT, then pastor of the Oil Creek Circuit. The membership has fluctuated with the change in the population of Hydetown, and now numbers about sixteen. Among the leaders have been: Oran Davenport, Andrews, Joseph Spaulding, Beatty and Adolphus Spaulding. The society holds meetings in the school hall. Hydetown charge was organized by Rev. John Peat, P.E. in 1874, with Bethel, Hydetown and Tryonville classes. In 1877 East Troy, of Sunville Circuit, was added. The other three were previously part of Titusville Circuit. The pastors of Hydetown Circuit have been: Rev. S. Fidler, 1874-75-76; Rev. J. F. Hill, 187-78; Rev. J. ABBOTT, 1879; Rev. Alva Wilder, 1880-81; Rev. J.E. Roberts, 1882-83." More to follow! Kathy Brubaker Volunteer Genealogist Linesville Historical Society kbrbkr@toolcity.net