The Cambria freeman. [volume] (Ebensburg, Pa.) 1867-1938, 1869-10-07

CARRoLLrowN. Oct. 4, 1869.

CARRoLLTowN, Oct. 4, 1869.
Dear Freeman-Not solitary ripple has
disturbed the ter o: of theImetaphy yscally
local sea, hereaways, during the week past,
and feel too disheartened over such a re-
suit t" undertake the manufacture of any
thing that would interest the local news
hunters who are anxious to keep posted in
the general run of affairs transpiring in this
locality. But as regularity is the crowning
virtue in a local correspondent, l must needs
keep up appearances, and for this reason
will branch out upon a subj ct which will
perhaps, interest at least that PORTION of
your readers who are unacquainted with the
LAY Of the land" in the ntr h of our county.
There is great many villages and settle
ments distributed throughout this vicinity
but which dc not occupy very prominent
positions on the maps, and perhapsit would
not be amiss to devote little space to their
general history. About three miles north of
Carrolltown is the historical location known
as
HART's SLEEPING PLACE.
1t is now more than a century since John
Hart, German trader, followed the path
known as the "Kittanning trail" in his
trips across the Allegheny mountains. A
short distance west of the residence Of Mr..
William Weakland, enc of the old pioneers
and first settlers in this locality, the "trail'
is still visible, and here, tradition saith, Hart
bivouacked for the night in his lonely soli-
tary journeys over the tangled wilds Of a
then almost inaccessible wilderness. a sta.
pie driven into large oak tree, and which
was found inserted there when the first set
Element was made in that vicinity, is said to
have beeo put in and used by Hart for the
purpose of hitching his horse on occasions
when he would rest for the night. A few
years ago the tree was cut down, but the
staple is preserved in the family of Mr..
Weaklard as a relic Of the old Indian
trader"
Near the site of this tree Catholic church
was erected about forty years ago, which is
still standing, and is yet frequently used in
the celebration of divine service. believe
it was built shortly after the illustrious priest,
GalIitzin. formed Catholic settlement and
erected his church at Loretto. This church
is known as "St. Joseph's." and the spirit
ual wants of the little congregation were
attended to by Father Gallitzin, who held a
regular station" here for several years.
The burial place surrounding the church is
we'll filled with hardy pioneers who suffered
all the privations, toll and dangers incident
to new settlers in the then wilderness, and
who. cater life's 6tful fever. sleep well.
The first interment made here wGs that of
an Esquire Kinney, who died and was S0ried
about the year 1881.
OF the descendants Of these ''frst families"
some still reside in the vicinity and others
are scattered throughout the various por-
'tions Of the county where the lent of their
inclination led them tO locate. In converse
ton with the wife Of one of the earliest set~
ters-an old woman who had lived past the
three score-sna-ten-I asked her if she was
not frequently troubled in those early days
by wild beasts2 eyes" she answered, Il
was particularly SO on one occasion; my
husband had gone away to be absent several
days, and the entrance to our log house was
not secured. The night after he left large
pack of wolves came bowling around, and
was in mortal terror during that entire night,
for fear they would enter, but they did not,
and as soon as daylight came l prepared a
in case they should return again."
The country around Charts Sleeping
Place" which half century ago was liter
ally "howing wilderness" is new one OF
the best farming sections in Carroll town
! ship. The indomitable perseverance of those
hardy settlers has caused the forest to disap-
| pear, and in its stead fine fields under cufti-
vation are now to be seen.
| In conclusion, it will amply repay the
| traveller through this section of the county
| to visit the old traders sleeping place, d
and chat an hour with some of the old set
tiers who are always willing to live o'el
again, in story, the early days of their trial,
and tribulations in this then new and rugged
country. BUz FUz.