Raftsman's journal. [volume] (Clearfield, Pa.) 1854-1948, 1859-11-23
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CLEARFIELD COUNTY:
OR, "REMINISCENCES OF THE PAST


OR, "REMINISCENCES OF THE PAST
The Southwestern part of the county, al
though presenting ine field for agricultural
enterprise, was not settled until later date
than the central portion. Daniel Turner had
erected grist mill on Clearfield creek, about
seven miles above Glen Hope. This had not
proven a profitable undertaking 10 him. He
supposed that il coal could be found on the
rive; a mill erected to cut plank for arks, and
the coal shipped in the arks to the lower coun-
ties, a lucrative business might be carried on.
With this in view lie and James Gallaher one
Of The residents of the Clearfeld creek settle
Inent, crossed towards the river and found
themselves near the waters of Chest creek in
1919. Turner selected spot on the river
just below the Patchin Mills. and erected a
mill. His enterprise proved an abortion, as
lie got none of the coal which he mined to
market. But it different with Gallaher
lie became pleased with the appearance of the
country between the creek and the river and
determined to settle there. He built shanty
near where now stands the house of Thomas
Mehaffy, Esq, in the Borough of New Wash
it. lie thus became the first white settler in
that section of the county. His cabin was
small, and having large family, had he not
taken the precaution TO build the chimney on
the outside, he would have had no room in
side. Here Mr.. Gallaher and his sons toiled
fer some time, clearing out fine farm, with
ogt any assurance that the neighborhOod would
increase in population. Gradually settlers
came in, and in 1919 the.road.from New Wash
ington to James Rea's was cut through. Gal
Iagher and his family had to undergo the same
privations which other settlers endured. Rye
WAS a substitute for coffee; birch, hemlock
and other leaves supplied the place OF tea.
He also found the same Inconvenience for
want of mill, but by following out stump
foI the reception OF corn. and then placing a
msllet the end of long spring pole, so
that when it was forced down the maIlet would
strike the grain and pulyerize it, he managed
TO manufacture a tolerable kind of meal, out
Of which they could make johnny cake, or by
way OF variety, pone. Mr.. GaIlaher has left
in the settlement, james and other sons, who
active, intelligent and euterprizing men.
Rev. Thomas McGbee, who now resides in
Baltimore. was the first clergyman who offici-
ated in this section, he preaching at the time
at the house of Mr.. Gallaher The Rev. Tim
otby Lee, who early settled here, for many
years preached TO the people of this neighbor-
hood. Having lost his sight, he has recently
been confined to his house and prevented act
ing in his calling.
Those who came into this neighborhood
soon after Mr. Gallaher, were John Byers,
Thomas Wilson, and Johannes Ludwig Sny-
der The latter yet lives. He is, we believe,
the only one now living in our county who was
engaged in the Revolutionary struggle. He
was born in Germany and came TO this coun-
try with his fathers family. His father en-
gagged in the Revolutionary war, and he thus
became connected with it. We are not aware
how long he served nor where, and bis memory
has been for some years so much impaired
that it is impossible to learn from him suffi-
cient facts to found any statement on. Before
moving to this county, Mr. Snyder lived tor
some years in the neIghborhood of Lewisburg.
He, and his wife who died recently, are re-
u.arkable for their longevity-the old veteran
being now about ll8 years old, and his wife
lived over los years. lie was IN the carrier
part of his life gunsmith by trade, but latter
ly devoted himself to clearing and tilling the
soil. Honest industrious and economical, he
raised large and worthy family acquired
sufficient to supply his wants in the decline OF
life, and secured for himself the good VIII ana
respect of his neighbors.
More Than quarter of century ago, the
head Of a family living near the placid waters
of Lake George in New York, left his home to
explore this county. He was past the prime
OF life tall, spare and straight as an arrow.
A wig hid the only mark which time in its de-
vastating course had made upon the man to
Indicate advance in years. He was sure and
quick of foot, capable of great muscular ex-
srtion and endurance. A keen and piercing