Raftsman's journal. [volume] (Clearfield, Pa.) 1854-1948, 1859-07-18


| is in the occupancy of the heirs. The Eng
land property has passed into other hands, and
| the most of those who were related to Nun
| England have left the county. Job and
George, two of his sons, have with their fami-
lies removed to Ohio. Isaac England, another
son, an upright and respected citizen, lives in
Morris township. William Hepburn was ma
tive of Scotland; worthy and honest man,
and noted for some eccentricities. He died
recently on his farm, leaving two sons, John
and Samuel c., and daughter, the wife of
James Thompson of Curwensvillc Joseph
Spencer was member of the Society of
Friends. Frugal and Industrious, he kept adj
ding TO his store of worldly goods, removing
his stakes, and enlarging his boundaries. His
family, which embraces some of the most sub
stantial, farmers in that section, now own barns
we'll filled on farms well titled. Severns and
Cochran had African blood coursing through
their veins. The latter deserves more than
casual notice. He was light mulatto. His
mother being born slave, his condition fol-
lowed hers. Fearless and energetic, when he
came to mans estate, slavery was CALLING to
him. Its restraints were more odious when
young master came to exercise control over
him. determination to free himself from
his bonds, induced him to fly. lie was cap
tured and taken back. Several times after
wards he left and returned voluntarily. At
last 4 compromise was effected and he pur-
chased his freedom: he debating his own
terms. lie came here from tycoming county
in the summer OF 1901 settled first on the
south side of the river about a half mile above
James Ferguson's, on land now owned by
Grier Bell. Here he erected a hewn log house
and remained several years. Later he took up
about three hundred acres of the best land in
the Grampian Hills, where he worked indus
triously; cleared over one hundred acres,
which made a fine farm increased his COM
forts, and secured the confidence aud respect
of his neighbC-s. He erected a hewn log
house, large double barn, kept generally six
horses and a large amount of stock, and was
for some time the most extensive farmer in
the settlement. His house was the stopping
place for the teamsterson the Kittanning road.
He had quite large family of boys, to whom
he gave good education, and prior to the a.
mendment of the State constitution, when he
had four voters in his family, he felt himself
to be of some Importance. Ills motto was,
s'frce and half white" He was athletic, civ
il; demanding and receiving consideration.
When deprived of political privileges, he lost
his self-respect and spirit of independence.
Intemperance has swept away the major part
of his family, and dissipatcd rapidly his
wealth.
The difficulties with which John Nicholson
was surrounded gave rise to the early settle
ment of the other portion of the Grampian
Hills. Nicholson had been arrested in Wash
ington city and placed in the custody of the
Sheriff, Joseph Boone. Sheriff Boone gave
him the privilege of the yard, and Nicholson,
taking advantage of this, succeeded in making
his escape. Boone was then possessed of cen
siderable means. The escape of Nicholson
rendered him liable, and his property was
swept from him. lie was a native of Mary
land, but after this untoward fortune he re-
moved TO Willamsport. He had followed
Nicholson to Philadelphia, where he found
him in custody, and Nicholson, to repair as
much as possible the injury which he had
caused to Boone and his sureties, transferred
to them number of warrants which were af-
terwards surveyed for Hopkins, Grifiths and
Boone on the north side of the river in Bell,
Penn and Pike townships, and which lands
have been of late known as the Nicklin and
Griffith lands. This company gave to DR.. SAM
uel Coleman three hundred acres to induce
him to settle. His farm gave the name to the
settlement. The first ploughing done on it
was by Benjamin Fenton. DR.. Coleman COM
menced his clearing in 1909. He was assisted
by a slave named Otto, and three white men,
one of whom was called Gibson. He encamp-
cd in q cabin, open in front, and similar in
construction to the open sheds to be found at
public houses. Each man had a large piece
of chestnut bark for bed, but the drying of
the bark caused the sides to curl and rendered
them uncomfortable. Their cupboard-ware
was less brittle, and less servicable, than that
to be found in modern houses. Largo chips
served for plates. and these, when solcd, were
shaved off, in lieu of washing. Early in the
same summer, Joseph Boone and his family
reached Esq. McClure's. They came there
from Williamsport in boat; wagon convey
ed them to Coleman's camp, and the wagon
served as their resting place for the first night.
The next day, having the assistance OF those
who lived near the river, they raised cabin
of round logs, with large strips of chestnut
bark, laid ON the ribs and secured by poles,
for roof. This answered for residence that
season. Boone still retained some mementoes
of his former affiuence, but the mahogany side
board and other furniture lily contrastcd with
the rough walls and rude house to which he
had brought his family.