Raftsman's journal. [volume] (Clearfield, Pa.) 1854-1948, 1859-06-22
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CLEARFIELD COUNTY,:
OR, "REMINISCENCES oFTHE PAST

Agriculture-the most honorable and i'm
portant OF all ayocations-together with
hunting and fishing, presented to the small
community their means of subsistence. The
deadened timber and numerous stumps of
trees remaining in the cleared fields, seri-
ously affected the labors of the husbandman,
but the absence of mechanics, and the want
of necessary and suitable implements, were
greater drawbacks. The manners of the peo-
pie were simple and unpretendng-their
wants were few, but to satisfy these much
difficulty and exposure were often expert
enced. The similarity of situation, one
ness of aim. and natural desire for associa-
tion, brought about a friendly intercourse "a
mong the sparse population, from which has
sprung one of the leading characteristics of
our people, who, looking men as men,
measure them not by those accidental crcunl-
stances which elsewhere produce different
ranks in society, but value them according to
their worth. Shut ont. as it were, from the
rest of the world, distinctive and characters
tic habits were the result. Their social inter-
course was marked by frankness, good humor,
and kindly interest in each others welfare.
They seemed like one family, laid aside the
stiff expressions of society, dropped formal
salutations and pOmpous titles, and, like inti-
mates, knew each other by some sobriguet, ori-
ginating in some popularity of character or
person, or founded on some event in life. To
this day their descendants, after the manner
OF the Friends, call things by their right
name. With them, George is George, and
dren strengthened their social bonds, and there
was no oo-ening then, for all were cousins.
The county destitute of roads. To meet
the wants fthe settlers on the river, path had
been blazed from Ogden's TO John Ferguson's,
who occupied the. next place above Arthur
Bells. which path served the settlers for some
time as means of communication with each
other, and for packing their grain to mill.
John Ferguson was born in Ireland, came to
this country in 1775, and was engaged in the
Revolutionary war, as a six months militia
man, or Border Skirmisher. He served under
Gen. Sullivan and was at Freeland's Fort,
Northumberland county, the day before it was
captured by the Indians and few British un-
der Capt. Butler. Ferguson had been depu-
ted to convey about so or so horses, which
were in the neighborhood, to the town of
Northumberland. In going there, he was per-
mitted to pass some Indians lying in ambush.
Cayt. Brady, father of the famous Sam. Brady,
and Frenchman, named D'Armond, were fol-
lowing, in close proximity. Brady, dressed
in full uniform, was riding, whilst his COM
panion walked. He presented mark Tor the
Indians, who seemed TO be lyiug in wait for
him, and fell, pierced by five bullets sixth
had struck the pommel of the saddle. As
Brady fell from his horse, the animal, fright
ened, ran away at great speed, but not before
D'Armond had grasped it by the name, and
was thus borne out of danger. Diamond,
coming up to Ferguson, assisted him in con-
veying the horses in safety to the place of
destination.
Ferguson was married in Northumberland
county to Sarah Hanna, daughter of David
Hanna, of Lycoming county. In 1898, he
and one of his sons came to Clearfield, and
made an Improvement on the north bank OF
the Susquehanna, on delightful spot, now
occupied by his son James. u May of the
following year he brought out his family, and
continued to occupy the same place until death
removed him, at the ripe age of 80 years, to
another world. He had thirteen children
His eldest, son, his third son, and three
daughters, died young. David, the oldest son
now living, was by profession surveyor,
served some years as Deputy Surveyor, and
also acted as Justice OF the Peace. There are
but few who are in the habit of attending our
courts who are not familiar with his smiling
face. which betokens the kind and warm heart
that beats within his portly frame. He had
strong constitution and great energy, which,
united with skill in his profession, rendered
him one Of the most useful men of his day.
The State, in order to connect the western
frontier with the Eastern settlements, mad laid
out several roads, among others one Leading
from Milesburg to Erie. This road was open
ed In the year 1903. It crossed the Susque-
hanna River near the residence of Benjamin
Jordan. Another road was afterwards pro-
Jected, running from Huntingdon and in
terseeting the former road at point which af-
terwards received the name of Packersville.
David Ferguson was selected as the surveyor
TO locate this road. Il crossed the River near
bis fathers place, and was opened about the