Biographical Sketch Solomon R. Stoughton
From 20th Century History of Butler & Butler County & Representative Citizens
by James A. McKee, Butler, PA, 1909
SOLOMON R. STOUGHTON, a thriving agriculturist of Franklin Township, was born on his present farm of 116 acres, February 1, 1878, son of John C. and Mary Jane (McCandless) Stoughton. The Stoughtons were early settlers in Clay Township, Butler County, and John C. Stoughton was born on the old homestead there and came to the present farm of his son Solomon at the time of his marriage. At that time this section was practically a wilderness, and he cleared off all but three acres of the farm. He became one of the foremost citizens of the township, taking an active part in the development of its various resources. He was frequently elected to public office and served at different times and for a number of years as school director, collector and supervisor. His wife, Mary Jane, was a daughter of James McCandless, of Franklin Township, and they became the parents of seven children, all of whom attained maturity, and of whom there are now three survivors. They were as follows: James, a resident of Claytonia; Mary, now deceased, who was the wife of Henry Miller; Elizabeth, wife of James L. Wilson, of Brady Township; Annie, now deceased, who was the wife of Samuel Lawrence, of Muddy Creek Township; Ella, also deceased, who was the wife of William Stine, of Brady Township; Mrs. Sydney Jane Conroy, of New Castle; and Solomon R., whose name appears at the head of this sketch. Mr. and Mrs. John C. Stoughton were members of Mt. Zion Baptist Church, of which Grandfather Stoughton was one of the founders.
Solomon R. Stoughton has spent his life in his native state, the greater part of it up to the present time in the immediate vicinity of his home. His time has been largely devoted to agricultural pursuits but for three years he was engaged in operating a saw-mill and threshing-machine, in partnership with James L. Wilson. He also spent seven years in the oil fields. His present farm consists of 116 acres, of which he devotes about eighty to the raising of corn, oats, wheat, hay and potatoes. He keeps four horses and fourteen head of cattle, and manufactures choice butter for a select family trade in Butler. He easily ranks as one of the prosperous citizens of Franklin Township, and is as well liked and respected as he is widely known.
Mr. Stoughton was married at the age of fifteen years to Emma Stillwagon, who is a daughter of Adam Stillwagon, of Slippery Rock, and they have six children: Howard Ray, Stella Grace, Mabel Gertrude, Ira Frank, Clyde, and Blanche. Mr. Stoughton's politics identify him as a member of the Republican party. He is fraternally connected with the Maccabees and with Mt. Chestnut Grange, Patrons of Husbandry. For three years he belonged to the national Guards at Butler.
