Raftsman's journal. [volume] (Clearfield, Pa.) 1854-1948, 1859-05-04
ORIGINAL
CLEARFIELD COUNTY:
OR, "REMINISCENCES OF THE PAST


The history of Clearfield County remains un-
written. The dangers, priyations, tolls, and
interesting events in the lives of its early set
tiers, are now known to but few, who, in the
order of things, must in brief period be gath
cred TO their fathers. Doubt. then, and un-
certainty will surround and destroy the force
of the traditions of circumstances connected
with the first settlement of this part of the val
ley of the West Branch. Pleased with the
narration of incidents in the lives of the hardy
pioneers, as related by those who witnessed or
were parties to them, and related with SO
much of feeling and expression that the reci-
tai seemed to infuse life in the speakers,
and reaew the vigor of their youth, a listen
ing ear was lent TO many of the details con-
tanned in this sketch the interes. they crea-
ted caused desire Tor moro Information,
which led to correspondence on the subject,
and now wish to preserve some of the rem
iniscences of the past from oblivion, induces
the present publication. few years ago, ere
time in its fight had visited some of our
ly homes, removing from the hearth-stones the
venerable sires and matrons whose thoughts
dwelt pleasantly on the past, or before old age
had dimmed those pictures of stirring scenes
which were vividly impressed on the memory
of their contemporaries, would have been more
oppoItune time to have gathered the material
for this undertaking. Now many Of those
things which would have pointed moral, IL
lustrated character, or added interest to the
sketch; are lost.
To the man of contemplation, tired of the
frivoltics and hollowness of conventional life,
there may be pleasure in the patliless woods;
but it required iron will, indomitable courage
and fixedness of purpose, prompted by stern
sense of duty, in the early settlers, to impcl
them to sever youthful associations. desert
those spots cndeared to them by the rccolec-
tions of childhood, abandon those convenien-
ces to be found in old settlements, and pene-
tra.e far into this, then, traekless wilderness,
here to consecratc their lives to toll, in telling
singIe-handed the prido of the forest, and
wrestling from mother earth subsistence for
themselves and their offspring. With such
men, to will was to do. That they possessed
the nerve and perseverance which, under 9TH
er circumstances, might have earned for them
the laurels of the victor, or procured them a
niche in the temple of fame, their works a.
bundautly testify. That their aim was noble,
their efforts untiring and their objects attain
ed, the reverence in which their memories are
held, the conveniences which are now enjoyed
by their children who "rise mp and call them
blessed - and the confidence reposed in their
progeny by the community in calling them to
fill honorable and responsible posts, can leave
no room for doubt. Peace be with those who
res. from their labors.
Clearfield County lies to the northwest OF
the Allegheny Mountains, occupying central
position in the State. 1t is washed along its
south eastern boundary by the Mushannon
creek. a tributary of the West Branch OF the
Susouehanna River. This latter beautiful
mountain stream rises In Indiana county, en-
ters CIearfieId at its southwest corner, mean
ders through it, receiving the waters OF ousn'
Chest. Anderson, Ciearield, Sinnamahoning
and several other large tributaries, and leaves
the county near its northeast corner The
country is hilIy, though its valleys contain
much rich bottom land. Where IL mas no' yo'
been titled, it is covered with dense growth
OF pino and other timber, the everlasting VET
dure and variegated foliage Of which arres'
the eye Of the beholder, presenting scenes OF
grandeur and beauty worthy of being trans
ferred to canvass. Here on some elevated
spot, one may cast his eye around, overlook
ing majestic pines destined to furnish spar:
.or noble crafts; in the dim distance hs may