Cameron County press. [volume] (Emporium, Cameron County, Pa.) 1866-1922, 1900-12-13
HON. GEORGE AUSTIN BARCLAY
Brief Obituary of a Pioneer Lumber
man and Business Man.
Subject of Illustration, !

ISu6ject Of Illustration.
Hon. GEORGE AUSTIN BARCLAY, who
died at his home in Sinnamahoning.
Nov. 25th, 1900, aged SO years, seven
months and 18 days, was for many
years one of the most popular and en-
ergetic lumbermen and business men
in the State, being actively engaged in
numbering in Potter and Cameron
counties, and at the same time con-
Quoting extensive numbering enter
prises in Michigan and other western
States, accommodating considerable
property. Born at Owega, N. Y, April
18th, 1917, he early emigrated, at the
age of II, to Michigan and entered the
employ of the Northwestern Fur Com
pany, controlled by John Jacob Astor,
and became closely identified, and fa-
miliarized himself with the language
and traits of the Indian speaking their
language fluently. His close business
relations with the noble red men made
him general favorite and as a mark
of distinction the Indians named him
"Big Knife" Remaining in the wild
west for years he studied the country
and its resources carefully, an expert
ence that years after was Of invaluable
benefit when he returned and invested
in timber lands in Illinois and Michi-
! gan and erected saw mills
Locating in Potter county he active.
| ly engaged in numbering and farming
until 1867 when ne sold his business
and invested his money in more west
ern lands, at the same time taking up
his residence in this county, where his
sons George B. and Chas. F., had ac-
lively engaged in the lumber business
at Sinnamahoning. A hard worker all
his life he actively put his shoulder to
the wheel and great share of the sue
cess of the firm of Barclay Bros. is due
to his wonderful knowledge of the bus
mess. George A. Barclay was Won
derful man in many ways. A man of
indomitable force, a pusher; blunt and
emphatic at all times, yet ready to lis
ten, learn and advise. When he en-
tered upon any undertaking, he never
tired until he saw his ideal accom-
plished. Having passed the major
portion of his life around saw mills and
in the lumber woods he was considered
to be master mechanic when it came to
fitting out mill or adding improve
ments to keep up with the times.
When he said a piece of machinery was
ready, ready it was.
Although always, until late years, a
busy man, Mr.. Barclay took time to
post himself on the current events of
the day and when the question of
sound money was at issue he wrote
many interesting articles upon the side
of sound money and was ever ready to
forcibly discuss the issue.
Mr.. Barclay was married at an early
date and reared family of three chill
dren-Mr. Geo. B. Barclay and Mr..
Chas. f. Barclay, of Sinnamahoning,
and Mrs. Mary E. Roberts, of Knox
vile, Tenn, all of whom are living.
His wife died in 1884 and her remains
are resting in the family plot at Sinna-
mahoning.
In 1884 the Republicans unanimously
rendered Mr.. Barclay the nomination
of Member of Assembly and elected
him by a large majority, he serving
with distinction and credit during the
sessions of 1855-'S6j87 and 1888.
The years of hard toll had made its
inroad and in July, 1898, his health
commenced to fail. Partial paralysis
overcame him. and up to the time ot
his death he quietly awaited the call o.
his Master.
The funeral services were held at the
NJ. f. Church, Sinnamahoning, OF
Tuesday, Nov 9th, 1900, at o'clock
p. m, the services being conducted by
his pastor, Rev. M. G. Piper, of M. E