Raftsman's journal. [volume] (Clearfield, Pa.) 1854-1948, 1859-09-07
TCoPYRIGHT SECURED.
CLEARFIELD COUNTY:
OR, "REMINISCENCES OF THE PAST.

Prior to the settlement OF FrenchviIle proper
several improvements had been made in its
immediate vicinity, and in Girard township.
In 1915. John Rider became citizen of the
present Covngton township, and the next year
Peter Bauder of Northampton county, Wm.
Smith, Jacob Maurey, and several others, set
tied there. The results of their Iabors are en-
joyed by them and their descendants and be-
token that the pioneers of this section were
fitted for the task of rcclaiming the forest
wastes. In 1918, Peter and MorGccai Liver
good commenced improving in Girard town
ship. Two years later, John Irwin, at present
County Commissioner, began clearing ont a
farm and John Murray in the succeeding year
engaged in a like undertaking. Thomas
Leonard and John Spackman left older settle
ments in the county and began their present
homes in this one; the former in 1926 and the
LATTER in 1926. In 1927, Hon. Peter Lamm,
man of intelligence, worth and integrity, and
late Associate Judge of this county, COM
mcnced at Deer Greek, where he has made
comfortable home. Since then many acces-
sions have been made. These settlers all ex-
percnced similar difficulties. They had to
CIT IOduS - vi r iiiiiSS tlC
forest to reach their destined homes. Some
times, rolling their provisions or other arti-
cles down hill, afforded their best mode of
transport. The upper settlements at first fur
nished the necessary hay, straw and grain, and
these were, when practicable, sent by the river
TO this region.
Near the Moshannon, settlement was com
menced as early as 1901. In that year, Jacob
Wise, Sr., native of Berks county, but for
some time a resident of Penn's Valley and
Robert Anderson, an Irishman, commenced
clearing on the bank OF the creek near Phil
ipsburg what is now known as the sold Haw-
kin'S place. and during the same year one
Potter began on the old State road leading to
Erie, about two miles north of the creek
These settlers remained but few years, and
then left for Bald Eagle Valley. Potter sold
his right to Nicholas Kline, deceased father
of the Klines now on Clearfield creek, who
afterwards disposed of his interest in the land
to the father of William Shimmel, tie present
occupant. Mr.. Shimmel was Hessian who
had come over with the army. He erected
dstilIery, cleared land, and saw his children
comfortably situated around him. During
1903, Conrad kyar, weaver by trade, set
tied on the farm now occupied by that prince
Of good fellows, Edward Perks. Kylar came
here from Bellefonte and lived until 1916, hav-
ing then acquired his 18th year. His young
est children, Abraham and Jacob, twin broth
ers, purchased the land from Hardman Philips
after their fathers decease. Abraham soon
purchased his brothers. interest, and by care
ful and patient industry cleared and became
possessed of one of the finest farms in Morris
township. When Abraham sold the old home
stead TO Mr.. Perks he reserved a small part OF
the tract where he has now a small farm in
high state of cultivation. He has served as
county commissioner, and is the oldest resi-
dent in Morris township, and an exemplary
member of the Presbyterian CHURCH lie mar
ried sister of Sheriff Sites Ills childIess, but
surrounded with many comforts which solace
his declining years. Leonard, the eldest son
Of Conrad KyIar, commenced in 1905 clearing
the sHard Scrabble property, adjoining his
1ather's, but nearer the creek. He became
dissatisfied, sold out to his brother John, and
left for Bald Eagle Valley. This land being
In dispute, John released to Philips and moved
on to the Ridges in Bradford township, on the
farm now occupied by his son John.
Near this period, Nicholas Kephart. Henry
kephart, Valentine illegal, David illegal. Alb
SALON. Pierce, who married Betsy, daughter
Of Conrad kylar, John Gesrhart, BENJAMIN