Raftsman's journal. [volume] (Clearfield, Pa.) 1854-1948, 1857-04-08
cLEARF1ELD. Pa WEDNESDAY APRIL s. 1857

ded. He further stated that small hunting
party had been down that way and discovered
their settlement, by one of their number trail
ing deer, which upon shooting he found had
been shot the same day by awhite mans bullet.
For time, this news caused them to keep
their rifles in shooting order, but as a month
or so passed by without anything transpiring,
the same careless negligence before perva-
ded the block houses and both cabins Thus
the fall passed away and winter drove the beau
ties Of the Indian summer from the scene, and
winter took possession with all the pride of
conqueror.
1t was at the close of cold and dreary day
that the persons who lived in the block house.
were just preparing their evening meal. Some
were cooking provisions over the fire, some
preparing their few dishes, and others were tel
ling stories without thought of Indians en-
tering their minds, as an attack in the middle
of winter had never been heard of.
The darkness became deeper without, but
the huge warm fire seut it's blazing warmth
and cheerful light over the whole apartment,
SO that all other lights were entirely dispensed
with.
Suddenly the door swung opcn-a huge In
dian stepped within, while several rifles were
fired through the open door and over half the
number fell dead on the spot. All the others
were killed except two brothers, named John
and Philemon Stocy. John, young man just
in the prime Of life, rushed up the rude stairs
and tried to make his escape through the roof.
He was discovered however, by the Indians
said, ''Do not kill me, for l am the only one
left" His answer was the report of rife,
and feeling the ball enter his vitals, he cried,
ooh God, have mercy on me ~ and fell to
the ground corpse.
Philemon, the youngest Of the two, hid him
found was about to be dispatched when a chief
interposcd, probably on account of his youth,
and saved his life.
While this work Of death was going on at
the block house, another scene was transpir-
ing at the cabins
In Choate'S cabin they were just engaged in
! eating supper, as a small party of Indians en-
tered. Thinking they were friendly, portion
| of the meal was offered them. whereupon they
were seized and bound. Upon being told they
would not suffer if they kept still, but that in
| slant death would be their portion if they made
the least noise, seized their rifles and went out,
and soon discovered the attack by hearing the
cries of young Stacy, fed to the woods and
made their escape. fastening to Marietta,
the dreadful news was told and the next day a
company started for the Bottom, among whom
was Waugh. Upon arriving there, they found
the cabins had been burned down and the block
house set on fire, but the logs being green
nothing had burned but the roof and floor
Piled in the centre lay the unfortunate men
who had fallen easy victims to their own heed
| lessncss. They were SO charred and disfigur-
ed by the fire that only one or two were rec
ognized. So, digging large grave in the
centre of the building they were all consign-
ed within it when tho party left with sad
| hearts for Marietta. All was silence and des-
oation, where but few moments before was
| life aud animation, while the cold winds OF
winter, as they swept among the leafless trees
| howleda a dismal dirge above their untimely
| graves.
| In the spring few persons went up there
| and built cabin or two, but no permanent res
idence was established until five years after
wards.