The Republican. [volume] (Oakland, Md.) 1877-current, 1885-02-07
The Stanton Family.

ZION IN Lno SERIOUS OF articles upon
the subject of old families of Garrett
county, it might be inferred that the
subject had been exhausted. or the
writer passed away. Neither of which
is yet stubborn fact, glad to say.
The text for this article will be the
Stanton family, the most remote an
cestor of which was Thomas, for
whose history we must rely upon
tradition, often unreliable, it is true,
yet frequently more to be depended
upon than written history itself. In
deed, tradition precedes history, or
historians. We should have no Bible
were there no accredited tradition.
1t cannot now be ascertained, the date
when our subject first made his APP
pearauce in this part of the county,
certainly over century ago. Early
as 1892, he was pretentious enough to
survey and receive patent for "Stan.
toms purchase" a tract of land in
Smooth Valley, Immediately on
BraddOck's road about one mile west
of Little Meadows. Here was his
first residence. He appears to have
been a competitor with Jesse Tom
linson Ia man of almost barronial
powers and possessions in his day and
generation,l for the land in this beau
tiful little valley, as the latter about
the same time, took up adjoining
lands, and named his tract "Smooth
Valley" Stanton and Tomlinson
both lived on Braddock's old road at
the opposite bases of Chestnut ridge
rivals in business linn. keeping), but
even in those primitive times the
memorable laws Of gravitation had
sway. Stanton's purchase in time
went to swell the domain of the
stronger neighbor. This charming
place, with its magnificent views to
the far north and west was, in times
past, the seat of Jacob Sides, then
William Woottin and more latterly
Peter Yeast. A portion of it is now
the quiet home of Maj. burst.
Stanton died, or rather disappear.
ed about seventy-fve years ago, and
no one ever knew how, or just where,
On gloomy afternoon he started for
the jungles where Mr.. Boucher's farm
now is, to hunt his horses, which
were at large with bells upon them.
He never returned or was heard of
Great excitement arose and the
deepest interest was felt for many
days. The universal opinion was that
he had fallen prey to the wild beasts,
which were then more numerous than
the domestic animals. Excited PEG.
pie came for many miles to join in
the search for the lost man, but not
sign or clue could then be found.
Many years afterwards, however,
some human bones were found along
Laurel run, near the Compton farm,
which no doubt were his. A pack of
hungry wolves, or Stealthful panth-
er in all likelihood appeased their
hunger upon his infirm body. There
is now but one known person living
who has personal knowledge of this
unusual occurance, and she an aged
lady, now living at Bloomington,
this county. She has several times
told the writer all about it. An octo.
genarian with mind well stored
with practical knowledge, is of more
value than trashy library.
Thomas Stanton had three we'll
known sons in their day-George,
Joshua and Uriah, all long since dead,
leaving numerous progeny, scatter
ed broad east over the country. The
most prominent of whom was Viii.
liam, son of George. In his long life
of industry, frugality, and strong fore
sight he accumulated considerable
wealth, and with all high charac-
ter, as an additional legacy for the
enjoyment of his large family. He
died at Little Crossings about fifteen
years ago. His widow still survives.
but in very poor health. She was the
eldest daughter Of the late Eli Ridg-
ley, another old standard of the coun-
ty. William had been previously
married to a Blocher. The fruits of
his marriages were large number of
children. The most noted of whom
is Eli, who owns and occupies the
old Crossings homestead ; thriving
miller by occupation. and at present
a member of the Legislature from this
county. Thomas, another son, is
very solid farmer of this county.
William. Jr., also a son, died in
1880, greatly beloved by all who
knew him. He has the most notable
monument in the cemetery at this
place.
Joshua Stanton already mentioned
uaS man nf inomanSo nroNopfionS