The Republican. [volume] (Oakland, Md.) 1877-current, 1930-01-09

InlS is the maj lnSCallmenC Oh MIS-.
Hinebaugh's article on the life and
adventures of Meshach Browning,
pioneer citizen of Garrett county.
Meshach usually spent a week or
ten days in the wilderness of Meadow
Mountain on these hunts and would
travel for miles over the rough, rattle
snake-infested hills of the Youghio-
gheny River trailing wolf, a cata-
mount, panther or other predatory
animal. He killed rattlesnakes by the
thousand, but was never bitten by one
as his legs were wrapped in heavy
ropes made of hay or grass through
which their fangs could not sink.
Another Claims His Farm
The latter part of the winter
brought false claimant for his lit
tie farm, and while Meshach knew the
fellow had no just claim, yet he could
not afford to jeopardize the little per-
sonal property he had accumulated by
litigation, the result being too uncer-
tain. Not finding place in that I'M
mediate neighborhood, they decided
to locate in the glades where they
would be assured of grass for their
stock, for indeed grass grew so lux
uriantly in these natural meadows it
could be tied over the back of horse.
Mr.. McMullen, whom Meshach sus-
pected of rejoicing over his departure,
assisted him with the loan of two
horses. There were but few roads
only narrow paths connecting the diff
ferent settlements, making pack
horses the only available means Of
transportation.
Mary and the little daughter were
placed on their Uncle Spurgin's horse,
and with Mr.. and Mrs. McMullen and
Hugh, on horseback, they started for
Bear Creek glades. AS it was getting
late they concluded to stop at the
farm of William Waller Hoye, within
three miles of their future home. The
following morning, after late break
fast, they started, with Mr.. and Mrs.
Hoye accompanying them.
The remains of an old cabin that
had been partially destroyed by hun
tiers, had to be repaired, as it was
destitute of floor, windows, door and
chimney. The first thing to greet
them was the rafting Of huge snake
coiled inside in perfect trim for dis
putting possession. In a few minutes
another was discovered on the out
side, but this was a mere incident.
When they proposed eating a cold
lunch, Mary asked where to find the
spring, and being warned to watch
for snakes, she took bucket and call
ing the dogs, started through a dense
thicket of tall weeds. When she en-
tered the path five wolves rushed out,
some passing on one side of her and
some on the other. She screamed
for Meshach to come with his gun,
but the weeds were so tall and dense
he could not see to shoot and they all
escaped.
After dinner the company took
their departure except Hugh McMul-
len, who remained to help them get
settled. When the sun began to sink
behind the tall pines that were so
dense perpetual twilight reigned be-
meath them, they could see deer and
bear walking in the glade leisurely
feeding in the cool of the evening.
The trammels of existence in pio-
neer days, simple as they were, occu-
pied so much of their time they had
no leisure for social intercourse. They
were denied the pleasure books would
have given them in their isolation, for
books were few, expensive and diff
cult to transport. No one in these
DAYS can imagine the deprivation of a
daily newspaper-one small item out
of thousands of comforts and re-
sources at our command. Even the
cheer of an open fire, so conducive to
dreams and air-castles could not be
enjoyed, for time was veritable Shy
lock, demanding strict account OF
every minute.
Colonel Lynn lived within two miles
of Meshach; Mr.. Hoye and James
Drane within three or four miles; also
John McHenry. They did not ex-
change visits, but waited for circum-
stances to bring them together, which
was not difficult, for the men as they
had the~opportunities certain demands
on each other gave them. One morn
ing Meshach started out for game
and finding none travelled on until he
reached Meadow Mountain, some fiji
teen miles away. AS usual he had left
his hat at home. A heavy, rain came
up, followed by hail and snow. Be-
wailing his ill-luck he started home.
After travelling for some time he
found he was going in circle, but
thinking if it were possible for him
to get through certain laurel thicket
before dark he could reach home some
time that night, as he knew Mary
would be anxious. Coming to his own
tracks the third time, he realized how