Raftsman's journal. [volume] (Clearfield, Pa.) 1854-1948, 1859-08-31
COPYRIGHT SECURED
CLEARFIELD COUNTY:
OR, "REMINISCENCES OF THE PAST.

karthaus and his son made only short
stay and then returned to Baltimore, but some
years later the former returned to the settle
ment with his family. When they left, the
whole care OF the company's concerns, as like
wise karthaus and Geisenhainer's private in
terests, devoived on the latter. In addition,
Geisenhaner, who was thorough going, en-
crgetic man and devout christian, preached
every Sabbath afternoon during his stay. to
those of the settlement who gathered at his
cabin. For few years the settlement retro
graded. Some of the families who had been
induced to come from New York, finding the
hardsllips greater than they anticipated, were
disappointed and left. Provisions of all kinds
scarce, and some times they had but ven
ison, corn ground in coffee mill, or frozen
potatoes. The construction of pair of coun-
try stones which were put in the saw mill, was
a of joy to the settlers, who were then
enabled to add chopped rye to their susie
nance. Grain and provisions had to be pur
chased at the Big Island and elsewhere, and
boated up the river. Alexander Mahan, who
lived near Lock Haven, was usually employed
for the purpose, and acted as captain of the
boats crew. Severe was the struggle coming
mp the river against strong current, and often
the grain, exposed to heavy rains, reached the
settlement in damaged state.
In 1915, Junge and Schnars purchased a
part of Karthaus and Geisenhaner's land
which was surveyed that fall, and the follow
ing year several settlers-Hugh Riddle, Jacob
Michaels and William Russell-came out from
Bald Eagle, Centre county, made purchases
and commenced clearing. These gentlemen
also purchased goods at Baltimore, and in the
spring of 1916 brought them up the river, and
thus added much to the comfort of the early
settlers. An Indian path enabled the settlers
to commence a trade with CIearfield town,
where they purchased some provisions. For
a few years. the usual stopping place on such
trips was on the south side of the river, where
they crossed, about u miles from Karthaus,
at the Improvement of Robert Ross, now de-
ceased, father of Sheriff Robert Ross, David
Ross, late County Commissioner, and Thomas
Ross, Esq, County Surveyor, who had moved
there from Huntingdon county.
Shortly after the comm encement Of Kart
hans settlement, bog ore was discovered some
four miles below, at the head of Buttermilk
Falls. Geisenhainer and Schnars were author
lied 10 purchase three tracts belonging TO
Judge Boudinot of Burlington, n. j.. which
were conveyed to Peter a. Karthaus. During
1917, Kartbaus and Geisenhairer erected a
furnace at the Mushannon creek. The ore was
brought up the river in canoes and fat-boats
to supply the furnace, and boIow-ware, stoves,
&c., of the best quality, were manufactured.
This new branch af business had beneficial
effect on the eompaBy'S affairs, and gave an
impetus to the settlement of their lands.
Roads were opened. The river, which afforded
the only means of transport, was cleared OF
rocks and other distractions. Things went on
swimmingIy. Hard ore of good quality being
found in the neighborhood, the stack was en-
larged and was frequently in blaSt-the last
time under the snperintendance Of Peter Rit-
ner; but want of encouragement and the ex-
pense of sending iron from new country hav-
ing few and uncertain modes of carriage,
brought the undertaking to close. The fur
mace for some years has stood idle, and the
buildings are in state of decay. we may
expect ere long to learn that the operations OF
the Allegheny Coal Company were only few
eoiS III aA'anCe Vi tiiS age - i
soon pierce this thriving settlement, and theh
the best of bituminous coal, iron ore and grey
limestone SO generously distributed through
1t, will be brought into requisition, and the
anticipations of the orignators of the settle
ment, who have parted with all their interests.
realized in the revival of the old, and the con-
struetion of new works under the most fayora-
Die auspices. Karthaus settlement, 40 years