Transcribed from the Bolivar Breeze, May 8, 1924.
Andrew Jackson McDivitt
A. J. McDivitt, a resident of Bolivar for many years and a well known and highly respected citizen, died at his home on Main Street in this village at 10:30 o’clock Monday night, May 5. He had been in failing health for the past six weeks, arterial trouble causing his death.
Andrew Jackson McDivitt was born near Stormstown Center county, March 9, 1846, being a son of James McDivitt and Mary Addle. There were 13 children in the family, he being the last survivor.
On November 18, 1868, he was united in marriage to Frances Hile of Lumber City, Pa., who died in 1891. To this union nine children were born,four of whom survive. They are: Mrs. Charles McLaughlin of Endicott, N. Y., James McDivitt of Buffalo; E. L. McDivitt and Miss Frances McDivitt of Bolivar; besides nine grandchildren.
Mr. McDivitt, before coming to Bolivar, had been engaged in the oil business at St. Petersburg, Clarion county, and also in Armstrong county, Pa. He came to the local oil field in the spring of 1881, his family joining him here a year later. In 1885 he purchased his first oil property in Bolivar township, a 20 acre lease on the Edward Miller farm at Henry's Switch, formerly owned by Z. Foote. He confined all of his oil operations to that section of the Allegany field. where he later acquired considerable territory and drilled many wells.
Mr. McDivitt devoted practically all of his time to looking after his oil interests, seeming to enjoy this work. He was a well informed man, being a great reader, and did many charitable acts, known to but a few people.
The funeral services will be held at the house at 2 o’clock Friday afternoon. Bev. Prosper Miller of Port Allegany, Pa., will officiate. Nephews of the deceased will act as pallbearers, with interment at Maplelawn cemetery in Bolivar.