The Republican. [volume] (Oakland, Md.) 1877-current, 1885-02-28

EVANSVILLE, MD, Feb. %, 'S5.
Mr.. Editors:
a SOJOURNER.

4
Mr.. EDITOR:
- GarIitz, father of Christian,
Henry and John, and two sisters,
was born in Montgomery county,
Md. During, or near the close of the
Revolutionary War, he removed
with his family westward and located
in the southeastern part of Somerset,
(then B2dford,) Co, Pa. Here his
family grew up, Henry and John re-
naming in Pennsylvania, and Chris
tain stepping over the line into his
native State. He married Elizabeth,
daughter of old Casper Durst.#
Christian GarIitz first located him
self on what is now known as the
Samuel Brown farm, where he re-
manned for some time, and strength
ened himself sufficiently to purchase
several hundred acres of land on
Chestnut Ridge, three miles south of
GrantsviIle. Here he established
himself for life, and opened up a
good mountain farm, The situation,
prospects and atmosphere We're de-
lightful. At this place now owned
by Jacob Gnagey, ESQ., all his fam
lily, four sons and as many daughters,
were born aud raised. The sons were
Jacob, Henry, Jonas and BAIL Tom
linson, all living except Jonas, Jacob
is living in retirement near here,
seventy-seyen years old, and is de-
servedly respected. Henry is living
in Somerset county, Pa, and Basil
L. in Cumberland, Nd, and is the
popular host of the fremont House.
He is the youth Of the family, but
most prominent. Was Sheriff of AL
legany county in 1896, and now
holds a place in the court for his
county. He is prosperous, contented
and respected, and these things are
better than riches.
Christian Garlitz in his nature and
character was strong, decided, EN-
phatIc and Industrious hardy and
strictly honest; in comfortable cir
cumstances, but no more. Ostensi-
bly, farmer, but really he loved the
deep forests more than his fields and
meadows, and his rife more than the
pillow or scythe, as will later appear,
Though of positive and eXcitable
temperament, he was exceedingly
genial and cordial in his manners.
Hospitable and sociable in the good
Olden time fashion. Fond of cOmpa-
ny and entertainment. All the neigh
bors knew that, and awaited them
selves accordingly. His home was
a lively one, and he always the cen
trail figure. His hunting anecdotes
were ineXaustible, and the delight OF
all. But every one knew his word,
or statements must not be question:
ed. So approval al came, and
contradiction never This useful,
respected and mark, man died at
home in the year 1915. of a long be-
sieging tumOr in his throat, aged 6S
years. His widow survived him till
1868.
But our subject gained his great
distinction as a hunter. In this he
had no superior in this or AIlegany
county, unless it was Mechach
Browning, who has commemorated
his achievements in very readable
book of 400 pages of his own author.
ship. Our hero lacks this advantage,
and after a lapse of forty years it will
be possible only for the writer to do
more than family to reproduce few
of his feats with his rifle and traps.
What is now stated is as reliable in
facts as can be with such a vista of
time behind. Living persons much
older than the writer can and do YER
ify, Old "Christly" carried his rifle
and manipulated his traps for forty
seasons, and only gave them up
when infrmity and waning of his
favorite game compelled him. Deer.
bears, panthers and wolves were his
staples, and he hardly ever conde-
seended to anything smaller. Some
times he would take a hand in redu.
cling the number of such "varmints'
some of these sisters became the wife OF
John Custer of Cresaptown, Md, who was
the grand fat her of zen. Geo A Cugtpr w hou