Raftsman's journal. [volume] (Clearfield, Pa.) 1854-1948, 1859-07-11


tion. His strict business habits and probity
have been appreciated by the people of the
county, whom he has served in the capacity of
Prothonotary, Associate Judge, Treasurer, &c.
He has been very useful man, but many of
his acts, which have increased the prosperity
of others, are unknown, for he lets not his
left hand know what his right doeth. Abra-
ham Leonard was born in ireland, came to
this country in the latter part of the past Gen.
tury, and lived in Huntingdon county for sew
eral years before coming here. He died in
1876; his wife several years later.
John Owens and Robert Graham, neighbors
OF Leonard, when he lived in Huntingdon,
came out the same year he did. They each
settled on the opposite side of the Greek from
Leonard, the former on the farm now occupied
by his son Robert, and the latter a short dis
tance above, on what is known as the Ring
gold Mill property. These three families as
sisted each other in raising cabins, of like di-
mensions, fof each. The descendants of Ow-
ems are scattered through the county, and are
numerous. Graham had nine children, five
of whom were born after he reached this coun-
ty. He moved from the Creek to near Plum
Island in 1913. So plentiful was game in that
part of the county at the time he removed
there, that he and his son William, who is still
residing there, killed 1S bears and 100 deers
during the first season. Mr.. Graham died in
1880.
AS early as 1902, the settlement of that now
thriving and populous portion of the county
known as Brady township, was commenced.
James Woodside, the first settler in that sec
tion, then removed there. Two years later
Joab Ogden, son of Daniel, became near
neighbor of Woodsde. No further increase
was made until near 1872, when George Shat
fer, accompanied by his wife and four sons,
George, John, Frederick and Michael, (the
two latter still living settled on the south
bank of Sandy-lick creek. In 1914 three
brothers, bachelors, James, Benjamin and
Thomas Carson, left Westmoreland county
and commenced the improvement, about one
mile west of Luthersburg, where Thomas, the
survivor of them, yet lives. The adult popu-
lation of the Brady settlement did not exceed
ten males and one female until 1920, when
Lebbeus Luther left the River settlement, and
removed to, and founded the town of Luthers-
bHrg, on the Susquebanna and Waterford turn
pike. Here he became agent for the Fox &
Co. lands. and engaged in tavern keeping.
Luther originally came from Half Moon, Gen.
tire county, in November 1911, to act as clerk
in the first store in the county, which was then
opened by Job Packer, at the residence of
Wm. Bloom. The store consisted of two loads
of goods. Packer, the proprietor, did not
come out until 1914. He soon after failed
then engaged in boring for salt at Squire Nc
Clure's, was unsuccessful, and removed to
Clarion county, where he now lives. Luther
was full of fun, an inveterate joker, good at
repartee, but was non -plussed once when, hav-
ing shown a stranger to his room, he watched
him until he was nearly ready to retire, and
then said, ssStranger, believe have seen you
before.'' s'Yes," said the guest, quickly turn
ing, sand now you see me behind too" In
1928, Luther was elected Sheriff of this coun-
ty, and performed the duties of the office with
much ability and satisfaction. Some years
since he left Clearfield, and now lives at
Rdgway, Elk county. He is proprietor
of the Eik .4drocate.
The chase and friendly intercourse of this
then small settlement, gave the pioneers all
the excitement and amusement they desired.
Their harmony was unbroken. In fact, it was
not until after the county was organized for
judicial purposes that anything occurred to
mar their peace and quiet. Where there is no
law, there can be no offence. The harmoni-
Gus ten had long ranged the wilds "monarchs
of all they surveyed" following the bent of
their own inclnations, without let or him
drance. Times without number, buck or a
doe had fallen before them, and they, unmind-
full of the season, were not guiltless of contri-
wing its death. Two Of the number were sum-
moned as grand jurors. The news produced
as much CONSERVATION as would the bursting
of a bomb in their midst: for there was ira
dition among them that whoever killed deer
out of season, was subject under the law to a
heavy fine and costs of prosecution. They
thought it was their duty to make clean
breast of it, and the two were in great tribu-
lation about informing on their neighbors.
council was held to devise means to get them
out of the dilemma in which they were LII
was finally agreed that the two who were sum-
moned should leave before court and remain
in Westmoreland county until court had ad-
journed. However, before the time set for
their departure, Squire Bell came into the
settlement and stopped with one of the jurors.
He thought "that Squire Bell knowed every
thing,'' and if there was man in the world
who could help them out of the difficulty, it
was he. The Squire partook OF hearty re-
mast. the most savory and delicious article be-
inp yenison. He pronounced it most