First Ostien Land Record

Below is a copy of the record of what we believe is the first Ostien land purchase in the United States of America. Philip Ostien purchased a single plot of land for $156.55 on 4 Aug 1873 from the New York & Cleveland Gas Coal Company.

First Ostien Land Purchase Record

First Ostien Land Purchase Record

Brian B. Mathewson

This document was copied from record book 311, pages 542-3. It states that Philip Ostien purchased lot 19 of the New York & Cleveland Gas Coal Company Plan B, shown in Plan book 5 pages 14 and 15, from the New York and Cleveland Gas Coal Company in 1873 for $156.55, including the mining rights for the land underneath.

In November of that same year, Frederick and Henry Ostien also purchased their first tracts of land, with Frederick purchasing adjacent lots 21 and 22 and Henry purchasing lots 20 and 24.

However, in 1875 Philip sold lot 19 to his brother Henry for $175, and moved away from the Wilkins Township/Turtle Creek area. Frederick and Henry gradually purchased more lots and continued to mine beneath the hill.

Phillip was the son of Jacob Ostien and Elizabeth Heyl.

This record was copied from record books kept at the Allegheny County Court House Recorder's Office. This and other records are public information, and copies can be requested for a nominal fee. See the Allegheny County WebSite for more information.

2001 July 22

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