In the state and in Fayette, the major crops grown in abundance were corn and rye which settlers converted into whiskey. In 1791, Congress enacted an exorbitant tax of seven cents per gallon (depending on the strength) on whiskey. Settlers were outraged, and early South Fayette residents were no exception.

One of every six of the frontier farmers operated a still. Whiskey was widely used for medicinal purposes, as a beverage, and as a monetary exchange. Whiskey could be shipped to market more easily and profitably than bulky grain because early roads and transportation were poor.

Monongahela rye whiskey was carried in eight-gallon kegs by pack horse across the mountains to the east to be sold for a dollar a gallon. Necessities such as salt, lead iron, and gun powder were then purchased and brought west to settlements. Many farmers refused to pay the excise tax by not registering their stills. The fine for noncompliance was $250.

When General John Neville (a revenue collector) guided United States Marshall David Lenox to the home of William Miller to serve a writ for failure to register his still, the result was an uprising known as the Whiskey Rebellion. Several farmers were wounded and Oliver Miller later died of wounds. News of the incident spread rapidly and included residents of Fayette. Farmers regrouped at the Mingo Meeting House and on July 17, 1794, nearly 500 men led by Major James McFarlane stopped at Fort Couch on their way to General Neville's home.

During the second attack, Major McFarlane was killed and the barn and home of General Neville were burned. General Neville escaped to his first "country home" at Woodville where his son, Presley, had been living.

President George Washington quickly stopped the insurrection by ordering a force of close to 13,000 soldiers to quell the rebellion. Many of the farmers were required to sign an "Oath of Allegiance" to retain their rights of citizenship. Historically the Whiskey Rebellion was an early "testing ground" for the exercise of federal power to enforce a federal law within the individual states.

The following account is given of the part two South Fayette residents played in the Rebellion: "Robert Bell and James Herriott forded the river and went to Braddock's Field (they were whiskey boys.) James had a large lump on his right leg (thigh)."