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ORA H. ANDERSON, one of Allegheny Township's prominent and representative citizens, a leading agriculturist and formerly an extensive oil producer, resides on his valuable farm, which contains 200 acres. He was born
March 31, 1851, in Allegheny Township, Butler County, Penna., and is a son of Robert P. and Eliza J. (Reddick) Anderson.
The Anderson family is of Scotch extraction and it was founded in Pennsylvania by John Anderson, the great-greatgrandfather of Ora II. He was born in Scotland and settled in Mifflin County in pioneer days. From Mifflin County, James Anderson, the great-grandfather,
came to Butler County, in 1804, settling in the neighborhood of Six Points, where he erected two grist mills, the first ever buiilt in that section. Mills were among the first necessities of civilization and the Anderson mills drew custom from a large territory.
John Anderson, son of James and grandfather of Ora H., operated a tannery on his farm. The Andersons have always been noted for their thrift and enterprise and they proven themselves most useful to the communities in which they had their homes.
Robert P. Anderson was born in Butler County and prior to the birth of his children, settled on the farm in Allegheny Township, which is now owned by his son, Ora H. Here his death took place, in 1898, when in his eightieth year. He was active in public matters, served
frequently and acceptably in local offices and was one of the leading members of the Scrub Grass Allegheny Presbyterian Church. Two of his children survive, namely: Ora H. and Emma N. The latter resides with her venerable uncle, Rev. Samuel Anderson, a Presbyterian
minister, who has his home at Bradentown, Florida.
Ora H. Anderson grew to manhood on his present farm and was educated at Glade Run Academy, near Dayton, Penna., and Washington-Jefferson College, at Washington, Pennsylvania, and was graduated from the latter institution in 1876. After a short period of school-teaching,
Mr. Anderson was engaged in the oil industiy, but later turned his whole attention to operating, developing and improving his large estate.
My. Anderson married Miss Catherine Riddle, who was born in Venango County, Penna., and is a daughter of the late James P. Riddle, formerly of Scrub Grass Township, Venango County. Mr. and Mrs. Anderson have the following children : Eliza and Mary, both of whom are
successful teachers in the public schools; and Robert H., James and Eleanor S. Mr. Anderson and family are members of the Scrub Grass Presbyterian Church, in which he is an elder. He is a Republican in his political views and he has served both as school director and
as auditor of Allegheny Township.
Source: 20th century history of Butler and Butler County, Pa., and respresentative citizens, McKee, James A., 1909, page 1185-1186.
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