Raftsman's journal. [volume] (Clearfield, Pa.) 1854-1948, 1859-09-07
CLEARFIELD Pa WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 7, 1850

Smeal and Nicholas Smeal commenced i'm
proving land at different points within few
miles of this settlement, and Abraham Goss,
revolutionary veteran, moved into and began
what is called the ssGoss settlement in Deca-
tur township.
The original improvement in that fine set
tlement known as SsCooper's settlement is
now owned and occupied by John B. Kylar.
This was thickly wooded region, and the
first break in it was made in 1921 by David
Cooper, native of Richmond, Virginia, who
lived for some years in Half Moon Valley and
subsequently here. He cut a wagon road from
Conrad kylars, distance of seven miles, to
his new home. Mr.. Cooper erected cabin,
where he lived alone until he had cleared his
first piece of land and sowed it in wheat, from
which he realized an abundant harvest the
next year. After harvest lie brought ont his
family, consisting of a wife, one son and seven
daughters. Consumption had marked the son
victim. and he died the following year.
During the second year of Mr.. Cooper's resi-
dence here he erected round log bain.
Whilst doing so, one of the logs fell back,
when he, TO protect daughter who was assist
ing him, caught the log as ii fell and was SO
seriously injured that he never recovered his
accustomed health and strength. Having no
sons, the main part of the clearing and cuti-
va.ion OF the farm devolved upon his eldest
daughters, who shranll not from the task, but
axe in hand went 10 work, and soon had the
pleasure OF seeing a handsome farm carved
out of the forest. David Cooper died in 1915.
His second daughter became the wife of John
B. X ylar, and another daughter is married to
Daniel Beams.
>3In 1924, Washington Coorsc, who soon after
removed TO Illinois, commenced clearing en-
the farm owned by John Browns heirs, about
one mile east of Coopers. The following
year Leonard Kylar returned to this county
and settled on piece of land adjoining Da-
vid Gooper's Improvement, where he cleared
large farm. He and his wife, rising four
score and six years, live in this settlement.l
Kylar has been noted for his hunting exploits.
and still delights to relate his adventures.
He often acted guide for Hardman Philips
when this gentleman pursued the chase. His
hatred of the English was intense. Philips
was anxious TO shoot bear and send a part t D
his fathes in England. He. Thomas Hancock
who was then in his employ, and Leonard Ky
lar met at the Beaver dams to start on a hunt
Kylar shot the first bear 1T which Philips was
enraged and made some threats. Finding
kylar resolute, the difficulty adjusted, and
Philips, after rough and tumble chase, sue
ceedcd in despatching second Whilst
returning, the party saw pigeon on high
pine. Philips asserted that no one could shoot
it at that distance. Kylar declared that he
could, and raising his gun brought down the
pigeon, when Philips exclaimed, sswhy, you
could hit fellow in the eye!'' eyes" dry
ly remarked Kyler, ''if lie were English
man. Mr.. Kylar has two SonS-John B. and
Thomas-and four daughters: Sarah, wife of
Joseph Potter; Elizabeth, wife of Geo. Hoo
yer; Eliza, wife of j. NJ. Leonard and another
married to Evans Hunter, of LII. The same
year, Captain Jacob Wise, OF Jacob Wise,
Sr., began to clear the farm owned by Esquire
Wilder. He was born in Philipsburg, and
was the first child born in the limits of that
town. After living in the settlement few
years and clearing some land he went to Philips
burg and pursued his trade. Subsequently he
returned to the settlement where lie now lives
(To COSTISUED.)