John Gallagher

NATHANIEL S. GROSSMAN, one of the present commissioners of Butler County, has been a resident of the city of Butler since his election to this responsible office in November, 1905. He is a member of one of the pioneer families of the county and was born in Franklin Township — the portion which now constitutes Brady Township — in September, 1845, son of John and Eliza (Stevenson) Grossman.
He is a descendant in direct line of Simon Grossman, a native of Germany, who came to America about 1740, settling in what is now Adams County, Pennsylvania, on Mass Creek, near the present town of Gettysburg. The line of descent from this founder of the family in this country is Simon (1), Benedict (2), Simon (3), John (4), Nathaniel S. (5).
Simon, the immigrant ancestor, was married twice, but so far the name of neither of his wives has been ascertained. Of his children, besides Benedict, who was born on the passage over to this country, there were Simon, of whom nothing further is known; Margaret or Peggy; Rosa, who it is said married a Mr. Sawyer; and another daughter, Mary, who became the wife of Matthias Sawyer and the mother of eleven children, whose names need not here be given. It is possible, perhaps probable, that Simon had other children, but if so their history is unknown to that branch of the family under present consideration. It is thought, however, that a certain Michael Grossman, who was born about 1745 near Lancaster, Penna., across the Susquehanna River, towards the mountains, was another son of Simon's, though the evidence on that point is not conclusive.
Benedict Grossman, second in this line of descent, and great grandfather of the subject of this sketch, married a Mrs. Betsey Siebert, whose maiden name was Grove. When a child but seven years old she was captured by Indians and scalped, but her life was spared and she lived with the Indians until she was thirteen, when she was exchanged. In after years when she accompanied her husband to Butler County, she recognized several localities along Slippery Rock as places where she had been with the Indians. Benedict and Betsy Grossman were the parents of six children — Simon, Katy, Betsy, Jacob, Polly, and Benjamin — most of whom, if not all, were born in Adams County, Penna., though in later years they came to Butler County. Benedict is buried on the Abner McCallen farm, near Annandale, Butler County. He was one of the first settlers in Cherry Township.
Simon Grossman, eldest son of Benedict and grandfather of Nathaniel S. Grossman, left Adams County when about eighteen years of age and went to Huntington County, Penna., where he afterwards married Elizabeth Carothers. They resided in Huntington County until after the birth of their two eldest children, when they moved on west to Butler County, and soon settled on the farm where John W. Grossman now lives in Brady Township. To Simon and Elizabeth were born nine children, namely: Benjamin and Elizabeth (both born in Huntington County), Alexander, Hugh C, Simon, John, Mary, Robert, and James McKee Grossman.
John Grossman, son of Simon and father of Nathaniel S. Grossman, was born in what is now Brady Township in 1812, and his entire life was spent in Butler County, where he followed agricultural pursuits. He married Eliza Stevenson and took up his residence on the farm now owned by John W. Grossman. Later he removed to the farm now owned by Alfred Grossman in Brady Township. He and his wife were the parents of a large family, numbering ten children, — Benjamin C, Nathaniel S., John A., Jennie, Elizabeth, Robert Marion, Hugh Forrest, Margaret W., George G., and a daughter who died in infancy. Robert Marion and George also died when quite young. Benjamin C. enlisted in the Union army at the time of the Civil War and served four years. After his return he went to Missouri, where he married Jane Blakeley. They had two children, John H. and Ida B., the latter of whom married Harry Hatzell. Benjamin became quite a prominent citizen in his new home. He was elected county judge, an office similar to that of county commissioner in Pennsylvania. He was postmaster for several years and cashier in the Bosworth Bank for a number of years, but finally resigned this latter position on account of failing health. He died May 31, 1906.
John A. Grossman, son of John and Eliza Grossman, taught school for several years and was also engaged in mercantile business at Greece City, and later in Prospect in partnership with W. R. Riddle. He died at the home of his brother Nathaniel, March 12, 1875.
Jennie Grossman married John Johnston and their children are Everett, Mina, who married Joseph Kissick, Forrest, Floyd, Earl, and Mossie, the last mentioned died in 1904.
Elizabeth Grossman, another sister of the subject of this sketch, married Oren Dodds. She died March 6, 1876.
Hugh Forrest went to Missouri and there married Lula Timbrook. After residing in that state for several years he went farther west to Oklahoma Territory (now state), where he is still living. He has one child, Jeanetta, who married Ayers K. Ross.
Margaret W. Grossman married Andrew Wahl of Evans City, and they have one child, Clyde M.
Nathaniel S. Grossman was twelve years old when his parents removed from Brady to Franklin Township, and there, after the usual attendance at school, he engaged in farming, dairying, and stock-raising until he was elected county commissioner. He was also one of the stockholders in the Prospect Creamery. He has long been regarded as one of the leading agriculturists of this section. Since reaching manhood he has been more or less interested in politics, and as a man of ability and sterling character, he has been elected to various local offices. He has always justified the confidence of his fellow citizens and he is considered one of the most efficient members of the present county board.
In 1874 Mr. Grossman was married to Miss Mary Kennedy, who is a daughter of Robert Kennedy, a resident of Butler County. They have two sons, Marion Curtis and Robert K. The former, who continues the operation of the home farm, married Minnie Weitzel, bf Franklin Township, and they have a son — Nathaniel Lloyd. Robert K. is clerk in the county commissioners' office. He married Lida Millingar, of Oakland Township. Mr. Grossman is a member of the Presbyterian Church at Prospect and for several years served as one of its trustees. He has been an active member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows since 1874.
Source: 20th century history of Butler and Butler County, Pa., and respresentative citizens, McKee, James A., 1909, page 628-629