Raftsman's journal. [volume] (Clearfield, Pa.) 1854-1948, 1859-10-19
IcoPYRIGHT SECURED.
CLEARFIELD COUNTY:
on. "REMINISCENCES OF THE PAST


OR. "REMINISCENCES OF THE PAST.
In the southern part of the Borough of
Clearfcld is a plain brick edifce, where oft
can be heard the deep-toned peals of the Or
gan during the impressive services ofthe Cath
olic church, and yet oftener can be seen the
devotees Of that faith fiocking to its entrance
TO render to their Creator their tribute of
i,raise and alteration or TO derive comfort and
consolation from the observance of their reli-
gious duties. Connected with the church is
an enclosed piece of ground used as place of
sepulture. Within this enclosure, but with
ont stone to mark his resting place, are de-
posted the remains of Robert Collins; who,
having filed the measure of his days, died in
September 1855, whilst on a visit to daughter,
Mrs. Winslow, on the Sinnamahoning, in Elk
county. His wife, whose maiden name was
Nancy Ccyle, went 10 her rest in May OF the
same year, and was buried BY the side of her
husband. Robert Collins was born in Ireland.
or his early life We have no details. Having
acquired proficiency in the trade of carpentry,
he, either contractor or oyerseer, undertook
and erected the court house in Williamsport
This work brought to him the notice of those
who were interested in the erection of county
bindings in Cearfeld, and they prevailed on
him to remove hither and engage in the erec-
tion of our public buildings. The contract
gas awarded to him, and he erected the sub
stantial brick edifice in which, for many years,
iustice or injustice, has been meted out in ie-
gal form, and which, from present Indications
viii soon, like its builder, be numbered with
the things OF the past.
1t was in 1907 or Mr.. Collins moved to
this county, and made for some time his resi-
dence in the present limits of the county seat.
Other occupations than his trade served to fill
up his life during the time he was recognized
as one OF the men of Clearfield. Perhaps no
man has resided in our bounds, whose pecu-
liar characteristic traits of character stood out
the medium stature, well developed and pos
ssssec of great personal manly beauty. Hav-
ing an intellect of no mean order, he was in
cIned to be imperious and dictatorial. Irri-
;abie-opposition to his views or wishes pro-
duced at times outbreaks of passion, during
which but few of his companions could exer-
else any influence over him; yet Withal true,
warm and kind heart beat within his breast.
Ills love for his friends was intense was
his dislike for his enemies, and that seldom
changed. He ardently attached to the
Catholic church, was conscientious, and his
word was reliable. Firmness and determine
ton were not lacking in his composition. His
numerous descendants generally betray their
origins it being rare to see so numerous an
offspring in various degrees, as strongly mark
ed with the traits of their Projenitor.
In those days. when the use of distilled IL
quors was not only common, but fashionable; ;
ere Fictitious liquors and poisonous compounds
were palmed on the community, inducing dis
ease and death NJ. Collins, who was then
living on the Solomon Kline estate farm, call
ed by him Mt. Hope, had made resolve that
Cor seven years he would drink no liquor upon
his own place. This he religiously observed.
But during this time the wedding of William
Leonard occurred, and as was wont, ,liquor was
introduced and its merits discussed, which
could not be done without imbibing. Collins
was there and of course INDUCED with the
rest, On returning from the s'in-fair,' his
companions were Samuel Fulton and Arch.
Shaw 1t was proposed to Collins, when they
we're about separating at his house, that they
should take another ssslug,'' eve are inclined
10 think that in our day this would be more
appropriate name than sssmile,'') but Collins
remembered himself of his resolve and object
d his word. But il was special occasion
nd no refusal could be entertained, and the
iiisiculty was overcome by Fulton leading the
party 10 the marked corner of Collins place,
where Collins, crossing the line. participated,
but Kept his word. The attachment between
Collins and his friend Fulton was strong, and
lasted till death. Fulton seemed, indeed, to
be tie only friend who could say or do any
and everything without giving offence To Col
Inns. He knew this, and delighted to play
practical jokes. 1t was arranged at review
held at Ardery's on Clearfeld creek, but Col
Inns was not in the secret, that foot race was
10 be run. Apparently to increase the inter-
est in the contest, Fulton, in bantering any
man to run against him, offered to carry an
other on his shoulders. Several competitors
2nnonnced themselves, and few small bets