From "Scrips and Scraps," abstracts from six old scrapbooks:

Death takes Oil Pioneer. Services for Porter Phipps, 90, who with John Haas, drilled first oil well on banks of Cherry run, Venango co., in 1860, will be conducted in Clintonville Presbyterian church, at 2:30 p.m. today. Deceased a resident of Knoxville, near Pittsburgh, for past 36 years. Died at home of daughter, Mrs. J. F. Boyce, of Boyce, Wednesday morning. Services at daughter's home. Interment at Clintonville cemetery. In winter of 1859-60, the father bought an acre of land from D. Knapp who owned a farm between Plumer and mouth of Oil Creek that extended across Cherry run. He sent Porter and John Haas to kick down a well and the first oil well on the banks of Cherry run was started. Work continued for three months when at a depth of 100 feet the tools struck a crevice and sulphur water gushed forth. The well was abandoned. He later operated at Bullion and in the Butler county fields. Became vice president of Monroe Oil Co., with headquarters in Pittsburgh and his home in Knoxville. At age 20 he joined Company E, Sixteenth Pa. Cavalry, Gregg's division, and served with that company in the civil war. At Lee's surrender at Appomatox, April 9, 1865. Past commander of Alexander Hays post No. 3, G.A.R., and served for many years as chaplain and patriotic instructor. Life long member of Presbyterian church and an elder in Southside Presbyterian church for many years. Wife was Miss Sara Jane Baird of Clintonville. Survived by three daughters, Mrs. J. F. Boyce, Mrs. Eva P. Lewis and Miss Mary A. Phipps, of Konxville, three sons, Lyman S. Phipps of Buffalo, Robert B. Phipps of Grove City and John H. Phipps of Lawrenceville, Ill, 19 grandchildren, one great-grandchild and one brother, Rev. R. J. Phipps of Littleton, Colo.

Services at 2:00, prayer offered by Rev. J. S. Cotton of Clintonville Presbyterian.... Remarks by Rev. Homer B. Davis, of Sharon. During services two hymns sung - "Rock of Ages" and "Nearer My God to Thee." Old soldier .... Remarks made by Rev. Davis, and a lady from Pittsburgh sang "Tenting Tonight on the Old Camp Ground," and taps were played by Mr. Moyer of Harrisville. Three old soldiers of Civil War present and friends and relatives were present from Grove City, Harrisville, Clarion, Pittsburgh, Butler, Franklin and various other points.