PLEASANTVILLE

The News � Herald
Sesqui � Centennial Edition
Saturday, July 2, 1955

Aaron Benedict Lauded As Founder of Pleasantville
Pleasantville�s recorded history antedates by more than 45 years the oil excitement in that village. The recognized father of the community is Aaron Benedict, although there is some question as to whether he or Abraham Lovell were the first settlers. Descendants of both families have continued to make their home in Pleasantville.

It is believed that Lovell came to the site of Pleasantville about 1819 or �20, one of the spots which he visited after serving in the War of 1812. He made the trip in a covered wagon and lived in it until a home could be erected. Dr. S.J.M. Eaton noted in his 1890 history of Venango County that the Lovell family was �characterized by remarkable longevity,� and interestingly enough the sole descendant of this family living in the town today (1955) is Mrs. Lottie Dunham, who celebrated her 96th birthday anniversary in March. She resides in the home of her late sister, Mrs. Minnie Shughert.

Aaron Benedict, who had been associated with the work on the Susquehanna-Waterford turnpike secured 400 acres of land from the Holland Land Co., where Pleasantville is now located, and it was he who laid out the community and spurred the early industry which led to its initial progress.

The village, which at one time was known as Benedict Town, was renamed by Benedict, choosing the present title because of the �pleasant� site and the many springs. This pioneer had the first buggy in that part of the county, giving 50 acres of landing exchange for the vehicle.

The large stone house built by Peter Vhreum, a stone mason of Meadville, for Benedict, was the first substantial structure in the village and for many years it stood as an interesting landmark.

Several descendants of the original Benedict family still reside in Pleasantville (1955) including: Mrs. Lee Poor, Mrs. Francis Proudfit, Miss Mary Queen Wilson, Mrs. D.W. Deiter and her son and daughter, the children of the late Leo Benedict. Mrs. Roland Averill, Miles Blanchard and his children. Mrs. Deiter is a great-great-granddaughter of Benedict and the knocker from his old stone house is on her home.

Pleasantville was the second borough organized in the county, being incorporated on March 22, 1850, at which time Aaron Benedict, William Dawson and M.C. Beebe were reported to survey and define the boundaries of the town. The first burgess chosen was William Porter and the members of council elected were Austin Merrick, A. Dawson, J.W. Henderson and J. W. Parker.

The post office was established early with Merrick as the first postmaster, when it was called Holland post office. Merrick was among the early and prominent residents of the community. He taught the first school in addition to his other activities, and Merrick Street was named in his honor.

Contributed by Penny Haylett Minnick
minnick862@verizon.net