Raftsman's journal. [volume] (Clearfield, Pa.) 1854-1948, 1859-12-21
ICoPYRIGHT sECURKDI
CLEARFIELD COUNTY:
op "REMINISCENCES Of TIE PAST


Intl655, being the caucus nominee of the
Democratic members of the State Legislature,
Governor Bigler was elected member of the
United States Senate. and yet occupies that
position. During his occupancy of this post
several important questions have arisen. and
he has Invariably advocated the Administra-
;fon view of each. He took the initiative
when the question of admitting Kansas under
ne LecomptOn Constitution was introduced,
supported all the measures of the Administra-
ir9n growing out of that question, and being
thoroughly identified with the Lecompton wing
of TIE Democratic, party, he has become the
object of much unmerited abuse as we'll as
fGlsymc adulatiOn.
Still in the prime of life, Senator Bigler has
devoted many years to public avocations, and
tss made his mark. The bloom of youth adds
freshness to his fne countenance. His en-
srgT and activity have not yet yielded to the
syy and measured step of age. His manners
sEe easy and agreeable-his language insinua-
ing. He is a good talker, and has many ex-
eslIent social qualities which have surrounded
bin. with warm friends. As a business man
sd citizen, he enjoys the respect and conf
i,ace Of the community. As a statesman, he
RS promulgated no new ideas nor originated
any new measures. Watching the current OF
popular opinion, he has endeavored to ride
upon it, rather than throw himself into the
srens TO combat error, and by vigorous
thought, bold speech and determined action,
mould the discordant elements according to
lis views. Policy is his north star. Perseve-
ring, he is tinlid. and liable 10 halt between
tso opinions. Ready and fluent in debate, his
speeches more admired for their matter
Ian their language. They Astrological,
show themselves to be the offspring of thought,
and are often non-committal or susceptible of
double Interpretation. He is more the poiti
cian than the statesman.
The Clcrrfeld Democrat, after a long slum-
Der, came forth transformed into the CIeGrjieid
Fhig. This was earl in 1887. 1t was edited
10y Sam'l 7. Williams. formerly of Bellcfontc,
assisted by William 7. Alexander, then a citi-
zen Of this county, but for many years since
editor and proprietor of the Clarion Democrat
II is said that Ellis Irwin, Esq, was connected
with the Wing. and bore the loss incident to
ITS publication. If so, his name did not ap-
pear. Mr.. Irwin is a native Of Centre county.
In 1928 he settled in the Grampian Hills, on
the farm now owned by John Spencer. Find
ing his bodily strength unequal to the task
which he had undertaken OF clearing out
farm, he took charge of the Corner Hotel, at
CurwensyiIIe, where he catered to the wants of
the travelling community until 1856. He then
removed TO Clearield town to take upon HIM
self the duties of Prothonotary. he having
been appointed to that office. In 1888 he pur-
chased a stock of goods from Richard Shaw,
Esq, who vas then retiring from business, and
in connection with his brother William F.,
commenced merchandising. He was appoint
ed Post Master in 1871, which office he filed
until he was elected Sheriff of the county in
1913. In 1850 he was appointed Prothonotary
TO fH the vacancy occasioned by the decease
Of William c. Welch, Esq. For the last nine
or ten years Mr.. Irwin has been carrying on
luIn bering and mercantile establishment at
Lick Run Mills. five miles below town. He
removed his family to this romantic spot about
;Eo years since. Being an excellent pensinan
and possessed of correct business habits, our
.ecords were fairly and we'll KEEP; whilst he was
Jheir custodian. No officer has better served
the people of this county. Order, taste and
care are displayed in his private as well as
public matters.
On Ar. Williams retiring from the manage
ment Of the CIearfieId Wing, Samuel j. Iyson'
ayouDg attorney, then recently from Phiiadei-
2hia, took charge of the editorial department.
but he found it an uphill business, and IN
short time withdrew. Mr.. Williams went TO
California and died there. The paper went
into the hands of John r. Edie, who was here
teaching school and Studying law, For want
OF necessary support, the paper was discon-
inued few months after Dir. Ede became
owner OF it, and the material was sold to Wm.
L. Moore, who by this time had become sole
PFoprietor and editor of the Pioneer e. Banner.
aE Edie then ieft this county and located in