The Cambria freeman. [volume] (Ebensburg, Pa.) 1867-1938, 1870-06-23
,,SksttRrs, 5netOotrs, 1T.
[FrOm the Indiana Pa.) Progress
Ii u A IL u n Ia a.
= Legend OF tl.e ..AIun Banks -


One of the greatest natural curiosities
in Western Pennsylvania is the ''ALUM
BANKS" on the CUnemaush river. They
are situated upon the eastern bank of the
stream, about half mile above the town
of Blairsville, and consist of perpendicu-
lar ledge of rocks some two hundred and
fifty feet in height and at least one hum
dred feet in extent along the margin of the
river. The summit is level, and, until a
few years ago, was covered by timber and
underground Of the same character as was
that Of The adjacent territory. These
rocks are strongly impregnated with alum,
as the naIUe by which they are tamiliarly
known would seem TO indicate.
Just about one hundred yeaIs ago
tribe of Indians, or rather the remnant OF
a tlibe, migrated westward from the val
ley of the Susquebanna and located III this
vicinity. Their councils were held upon
the alum Banks" and the unfortunate
victims who fell into their hands and were
condemned to suffer death, were also exc
cuted at that place. And here, upon the
summit of these rocks, was enacted
scene which for thrilling interes; is per-
haps not excelled by anything in the annals
Of the red men.
The chiet of the tribe, who had just en-
tered upon old age, was notorious for
cruel, morose and extremely stubborn dis
position Once having passed his word,
like the laws of the Medcs and Persians,
he changed not and these characteristics
! he carried out 10 such an extent as to pre-
| fer the sacrifice of his own offspring rather
than sweTve from a cruel decision, as the
| following narrative fully exemplifes:
An only daughter, over whose head not
more than eighteen summers had passed,
was all that was left TO him of a once
large family. She was the only tie that
bound him to life, and he lavished on her
| all the paternal love of which bis nature
was capable. Besides being intelligent
beyond the ordinary standard of her sex
and.peoplc, she was endowed with unusual
physical beauty Her form was erect
| and symmetrical, and her features were
regularly and deiicately fashioned and de-
void of those distinguishing marks which
render the Indian face disagreeable and
repuIsive. Her hair, which fell in Profn-
sion over her neck and shoulders, was fine
in quality and of a light golden color, and
so this ''crowning glory of woman" was
she indebted for the name of HUA-HoNKA,
or the "Fair Haired"
A young Seneca brave, who was on a
visit to the tribe, became warmly attached
to the maiden and finally succeeded in
winning her love. His suit, contrary 10
/ IL . tleu t1af
of the old chief, and the young brave was
entertained in courteous and friendly
manner until in the course of events Sc
rious difficulty arose between his own peo
pie and the tribe which lie was visiting.
Then the old chief required his immediate
departure and at the same time forbade
his daughter, upon pain of death, to speak
to or hold any intercourse with the Seneca
brave.
The young brave Immediately complied
with the demands of the old chief, and
returned TO his tribe. Upon some pre-
text, however, he repeated his visit, and
the maiden sought an occasion to commu-
nicate to him the restrictions laid upon
her by her father, and also warned him OF
the danger by which he was threatened
in thus returning unbidden.
They finally separated, as they supposed
unseen or unheard by any one. But such
was not the case. A spy, appointed by
the, old chief to watch their movements
succeeded in hearing all that passed be
tween them and being, moreover, a re-
ie cted lover of the maiden, thro' motive.
Of revenge exaggerated his report Of th'