NEWS: Items from The Alleghanian, 7 Feb 1861, Cambria County, PA Contributed for use in the USGenWeb Archives by Patty Millich Copyright August 2008. All rights reserved. http://www.usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm http://www.usgwarchives.net/pa/cambria/ _________________________________________ The Alleghanian Ebensburg, Pa. Thursday, 7 Feb 1861 Volume 2, Number 25 Post Offices, Post Masters and Districts Benn's Creek, Joseph Graham, Yoder. Bethel Station, Joseph S. Mardis, Blacklick. Carrolltown, Benjamin Wirtner, Carroll. Chess Springs, Danl. Litzinger, Chest. Cresson, John J. Troxell, Washington. Ebensburg, Mrs. H. M'Cagne, Ebensburg. Fallen Timber, Isaac Thompson, White. Gallitzin, J. M. Christy, Gallitzin. Hemlock, Wm. M'Gough, Washington. Johnstown, H. A. Boggs, Johnstown. Loretto, Wm. Gwinn, Loretto. Mineral Point, E. Wissinger, Conemaugh. Munster, A. Durbin, Munster. Pershing, Francis Clement, Conemaugh. Plattsville, Andrew J. Ferral, Susquehanna. Roseland, G. W. Bowman, White. St. Augustine, Wm. Ryan, Sr. Clearfield. Scalp Level, George Conrad, Richland Sonman, B. M. Colgan, Washington. Summerhill, Wm. Murray, Croyle. Summit, Miss M. Gillespie, Washington. Wilmore, Andrew Beck, Summerhill. Beulah: A Deserted Village By James M. Swank There is no more singular fact in the history of Cambria county - and indeed we might say in the history of Pennsylvania - than that presented in the founding and subsequent abandonment of the Welsh settlement of Beulah. In 1797, just sixty years ago, a number of hardy Welshmen, seeking a new home among the Alleghenies similar in its physical characteristics and surroundings to the one they had left among the rocks of old Wales, found the realization of their desire in an exceedingly small valley, or "hollow," upon the bank of the Blacklick, in the township of Cambria county, of Somerset (Cambria county was not then known upon the maps.) And there they pitched their tents and founded a village and the name of that village was "Beulah." All the elements of a healthy growth appear to have been called in to requisition in behalf of Beulah. The location seemed to be a most favorable one; the climate was healthful; the soil in the vicinity productive; iron ore, limestone, coal and potter's clay had been discovered in the neighborhood; the water in the springs and streams was pure and abundant and good timber was only too plentiful. The woods were alive with game and the streams with finny "Beauties." The settlers were honest, hard-fisted, and energetic. Trees were felled; Beulah was surveyed into streets, and alleys and town lots; roads to and from the village were constructed; dwelling houses and workshops were erected; religious societies and associations for mutual improvement were organized; and a newspaper was established. Why should not Beulah grow and flourish and become a great city? But, alas! It did neither. Founded in 1797, it grew to its full stature in 1798 and in 1803 and 1804, when it entered the lists with its young rival and near neighbor, Ebensburg, for the honor of being named the capital of the new county of Cambria; it had commenced to take a very large step backwards. That unfortunate tilt with Ebensburg "fixed" beyond a peradventure the destiny of Beulah. Its Welsh burghers soon commenced to turn a longing look upon the county seat; the implements of husbandry and the tolls of the cunning workman were laid away to rust; and the price of real estate rapidly declined. 'Ere long Beulah was deserted and it remains deserted to this day. Where once stood the bustling little village now only can be seen a single old-fashioned and very shaky wooden dwelling - a fitting relic and a sorry monument of the departed greatness of Beulah. All else is gone. Even the streets, the "busy streets" of Beulah - where are they? The main fact stated above will only be new to the stranger and newcomer among Cambrians, but many an old settler and probably even the "oldest inhabitant," will learn with astonishment that a newspaper was published at Beulah and that, too, during the last century. But such is the fact. We have before us the first number of that paper and therefore speak only of that which we do know and have seen. This copy has been handed us by Major Moses Canan, the pioneer lawyer of Cambria county, who, in 1807, attended the first court held in the county. We purpose briefly to give the reader an idea of what this pioneer newspaper of "Little Cambria" contains. The name of the paper is "The Western Sky;" it was printed by Ephraim Conrad in 1798; its size is small quarto - eight pages, and its typographical execution is rather neat than otherwise. Its columns do not contain a single advertisement but are mainly filled with original articles upon various local topics. It appears that a circulating library was established at Beulah, as the "Laws for the Regulation of the Beulah Library" are published in full in the "Sky." It also contains the constitution, by-laws and act of incorporation of the "Beulah Seminary" - an institution founded by citizens of Beulah for the purpose as the preamble to the constitution sets forth of "disseminating knowledge and virtue." Several professorships of the higher branches of an academical education are named and provided for in this instrument. Much attention appears to have been devoted by the people of Beulah to agriculture and manufacturers for we find in the "Sky," the constitution of the "Beulah Society of Rural Arts," and also an address delivered before the society on Wednesday, November 21, 1798. Appended to these articles is a "Circular" addressed by the society to the "Citizens of United America, particularly those who reside on Western waters, propounding a number of "Queries in Agriculture" of which the following are examples: "Did you ever cultivate English barley? Does it not far excel the American for making malt? Would not beer made of malt be more congenial to health and more beneficial to society than distilled liquors? What is the best time for brewing and the best way of preserving beer, ale and porter through the heat of summer?" It is easily seen that the members of the "Beulah Society of Rural Arts" were not total abstinents by a jug-full but it is very evident that their Welsh heads were about right on the question of "distilled liquors." All honor to their memories for that! The following "query" upon a manufacturing subject seems to us to have indicated a rare inventive spirit among the Beulah settlers and to have foreshadowed a later invention in the art of making paper: "Do you know of any plants, or of the barks of any trees, which may be applied to the purpose of papermaking?" That they were strong protectionists and sound political economists may be inferred from these questions:--"Would it not be more patriotic to encourage the manufacture of cotton, wool and flax, than to import our wearing apparel? Could not the linen of our country be made as fine as that of Ireland or Holland and the cloth as good as that of Britain?" Next we find an oration delivered at Beulah on the Fourth of July, 1798, by Morgan J. Rhees. Mr. Rhees' oration is well gotten up and brim-full of patriotism. He goes in for independence up to the hub; puts in a word for the "poor despised Africans" held in bondage upon American soil and pitches into France sans ceremonie for attempting to gerrymander the young American giant of his rights. The oration winds up with some wholesome moral advice to the audience. Among the regular toasts read after the speech and the dinner, we find one complimentary to Gen. Washington, then living; another to John Adams and Benjamin Franklin; another to the "fair sex," and another in honor of the day those Beulah Welshman celebrated - some sixty years ago. There is an excellent poetic effusion in one corner of the "Sky," entitled "Stanzas written after a journey into North Wales," by Charles Lloyd, brother of the venerable Stephen Lloyd of Ebensburg. We close this curious relic of the early history of Cambria county and with it close the subject under consideration, by expressing the conviction - in which we think the reader will concur - that the Welsh men and women who "settled" Beulah were a most worthy and patriotic people and made of the right kind of stuff throughout. They only failed one thing and for that let no man blame them - their town of Beulah never amounted to shucks! Beulah On our outside this week we publish a very interesting paper on the history of the settlement and subsequent abandonment of Beulah - which article was originally published in the CAMBRIA TRIBUNE some years since. As a bit of local history concerning a rather celebrated locality it should be read by all of our Cambria county subscribers. The site of the "deserted village" is a rough and rugged valley near the Blacklick, about two miles southwest of Ebensburg. Indeed a more uninviting spot on which to lay out a "settlement" could scarcely be found. But in the early days of this great and mighty county of Cambria, the country was principally a sterile and unprofitable wilderness and the squatters thereon had to take things pretty much as they found them, trusting to a willing heart and a strong right hand to bring good out of Nazareth. Although the existence of Beulah was brief still was it long enough to enable the hardly pioneers to see a snug little village springing into existence, as if by magic around them. The wilderness under the cultivation blossomed as a rose - the sweet scent of civilization began to pervade the Beulahtic atmosphere. In 1804 Cambria county was given a habitation and name. Beulah - ambitious Beulah - immediately was seized with a desire to be the capital of the new county and she entered vigorously into the contest for the coveted prize. But alas! Her claims were overlooked and from that moment the star of Beulah began to wane. At this time even the "old fashioned and very shaky wooden dwelling" mentioned in the sketch as being the sole monument of Beulah's former greatness, even this landmark, has crumbled away. There is not now, "A rose of the wilderness left on the stalk, To tell where the garden had been." One fact connected with the Beulah paper - the "Western Sky" - does not appear in the sketch. Although purporting to represent the interests of Beulah and being edited by a resident of that village, yet we are credibly informed that the "Sky" was published in Philadelphia. This would make no great odds, however, it rather shows to advantage the go-a-head-ativenss of those Beulah settlers, who, not content with the "music of the spheres," must needs have an organ of their own. Like all deserted and decayed spots, Beulah is sound on the ghost question. Were you to believe half the fearful legends told concerning this romantic retreat, about the troops of fairies, the myriads of ghosts and the legions of devils damned that are supposed to haunt it, then indeed would you be justified in coming to the conclusion that the once busy little burg is now cursed by some, "Predigious ban/Of excommunication," and in fact a rather unpleasant place in which to pass a dark night all alone by yourself. From the Editorial Page Concession It is not exactly the time to talk about Concession and Compromise when six States are in open rebellion against the General Government, our forts and arsenals seized, our flag insulted and armies in the field to back the traitors. Besides what has the North done that she should Compromise? Is she to roll in the mud because her People saw fit to vote for Abraham Lincoln? That is what the South says she must do - but she won't, of that we are confident. The South has long held the reins of government and is unwilling to resign their power. She has seen the effect that the mere threat of Secession has heretofore exerted and as a last desperate effort to rule the roost, she now carries her oft made threats into execution and goes out of the Union - that is, she Resolves herself out. And all this is done because Abraham Lincoln has been elected President, and the scepter is about to pass from their hands. Weak-kneed gentlemen tell us that we must get down on our marrow-bones and beg the traitors to return - that the North must allow her prostrate body to be used as a stepping stone over which the rebellious states may return into the Union. Besides, South Carolina has explicitly declared that no concession would induce her to return to the fold. Are we to put on sackcloth and ashes and humiliate ourselves in behalf of an irrevocably doomed party? Even now preparations are busily going on for an attack on Fort Sumter, and this event, we are informed by telegraph, will certainly take place in a few days. Fort Pickens will also be attacked at the same time. Compromise and concession would avail nothing with the infatuated mobs that control the destinies of the "Southern Confederacy," but even if they would, who is disposed to grant favors to an armed rabble? A compromise should not be brought about by the influence of the bayonet. The entire South has made its boasts that Abraham Lincoln will never be inaugurated President. Let us show it that he will; and let us likewise show it that this glorious Union will be preserved despite the threats or denunciations of rebels and traitors. In the language of Salmon P. Chase: Inauguration first; adjustment afterward." Kansas was admitted into the Union last week, and Mr. Conway has taken his seat in Congress as the representative of the new State. Thus has justice at length been done to Kansas. The Schools of Cambria County The following interesting statistics concerning the state of the Common Schools of Cambria County are taken from the State Superintendent's Report: Whole number of schools in county: 145 Number yet require: 10 Average number of months taught: 4.36 Number of teachers (males): 112 Number of teachers (females): 36 Average salary of males per month: $22.34 Average salary of females per month: $20.05. Number of scholars (males): 3,410 Number of scholars (females): 3,102. Average cost of teaching each scholar per month: fifty-six cents. Dedication We are requested to announce that the Union Church at Chest Springs borough, this county, will be dedicated to the service of Almighty God on Saturday, 9th inst., at 11 o'clock, A. M. Register's Notice Notice is hereby given that the following accounts have been passed and filed in the Register's Office of Cambria county and will be presented for confirmation to the next Orphans' Court of said county to be held at Ebensburg on the first Monday of March next, to wit: The supplemental and final account of James Bender, administrator of Patrick Conway, deceased. The account of Peter Dougherty, executor of Rosanna McLaughlin, deceased. The account of Peter Huber and Catherine Westrick, executors of Andrew Westrick, deceased. The account of Jacob Burgoon, executor of Lewis Cassiday, deceased. The partial account of Catharine Cassiday, executrix of Lewis Cassiday, deceased. The first account of Joseph Crouse, administrator of Godfrey Garman, deceased. The first account of Charles Bilestine, administrator of John McCloskey, deceased. The final account of Charles Bilestine, administrator de bonis non, of John Jacob Mayer, deceased. The second and final account of David Hite, administrator of Jeremiah Hite, deceased. The fourth account of John Dibert, administrator cum test annexo of John Dibert, deceased. The account of Francis Bearer, administrator of James Driskell, deceased. The first and final account of Simon Weakland and Peter J. Little, executors of Wm. Mansfield, deceased. The second partial account of Jane Rogers (late Jane Makin), executrix of John Makin, deceased. The account of John Roberts, trustee for the sale of the real estate of Adam Cover, deceased. The first and partial account of Milton Jones, administrator of Thomas Jones (Jackson), deceased. The final account of James Stewart, administrator of William Duncan, deceased. E. F. Lytle, Register Register's Office, Feb. 2, 1861 Sale of a Railroad On Tuesday at the Exchange, Philadelphia, M. Thomas & Son sold, in pursuance of a decree made by the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania on the 6th of October, 1860, the Tyrone and Lockhaven Railroad. The road is about 56® miles in length, including the branch or lateral road thereof, about 2® miles in length and commences at Tyrone, in Blair county, where it intersects the Pennsylvania Railroad and extends from thence to Lockhaven in Clinton county where it connects with the Sunbury and Erie Railroad. The lateral road extends from Milesburg to Bellefonte in Centre county. The sale included the chartered rights, rents, tolls, right of way and everything necessary for the said road. The road was knocked down for the sum of $21,000. Mr. Philip M. Price, being the purchaser. Local and Personal Our fellow townsman, John Williams, Esq., is at present on a visit to Washington city. On Saturday last the contract for laying the superstructure and iron on the Ebensburg and Cresson Railroad was awarded to Philip Collins, Esq., who was also the contractor for the grading of the road. Under the supervision of this gentleman, we feel confident that the work will be pushed to a speedy completion. The road is expected to be ready for the running of cars by the first of June. We're in luck again. One day last week, our friend, H. C. Devine, Esq. - than whom few better or more liberal hearted individuals can be scared up - presented unto us for our own especial use and behoof forever until death do us part as aforesaid, to wit, one box of excellent and smokable cigars. Gov. Curtin has appointed Rev. J. B. Pyatte to be Auctioneer for Johnstown. A fire occurred in Hollidaysburg last week, by which the Blood Searcher medicine establishment of R. M. Lemon was entirely consumed. The Oleaginous Fever in Ebensburg The oil fever has at length broken out in ye ancient village and from present indications it bids fair to soon become an epidemic. Last week a company was formed in this place, whose intention it is to immediately lease a site for a well in either Ohio or Virginia. The following are the members comprising it: Robert Davis; C. T. Roberts; David Lewis; John O. Evans; John W. Roberts; Morris J. Evans; N. I. Roberts; E. J. Mills; John Roberts; R. H. Tudor; Clinton R. Jones and Evan D. Evans. Messrs. John W. Roberts, David Lewis and N. I. Roberts leave this week for oildom to locate the well and commence operations. This association is called the "Ebensburg Oil Company." List of Causes The following is the list of causes set down for trial, at a Court of Common Please to be held at Ebensburg, for Cambria county, commencing on Monday, the fourth day of March, 1861. Wm. Carr & Co. vs. Palmer, et al. John M'Keage vs. same Wm. Williams Jr. vs. same Lloyd & Hill vs. same. McManamy vs. Eb. & C. R. R. Co. Post Office Affairs Within the last week, Mrs. Harriet McCague, the present worthy incumbent of our Post Office, has withdrawn her petition for reappointment as Post Master. There are now, as far as heard from four applicants for the place, as follows: Gideon Marlett, C. T. Roberts, Maj. John Thompson and Matthias Barr. Considerable interest is being felt in the matter and petitions are circulating in every direction. We'll bet our pile on the man who wins. Johnstown, Jan. 20, 1861 Fire! Our citizens were alarmed the other morning by the cry of "fire!" Upon repairing to the scene of disaster we found the flames to proceed from a stable on the lot of Mr. J. J. Murphy. The adjoining buildings were speedily torn down and the progress of the devouring element stayed. The loss is very slight. In Time of Peace Prepare for War At the meeting of the Zouave Cadets last night, thirty-four of the members signified their willingness to serve Uncle Sam at a moments notice. Capt. Power commands this company and a finer body of military could not be found. They are exceedingly well drilled. Professional Cards Abraham Kopelin, Attorney at Law, Johnstown, Pa. Office on Main Street. C. D. Murray, Attorney at Law, Ebensburg, Pa. Office opposite Crawford's Hotel John S. Rhey, Attorney at Law, Ebensburg, Pa. Office in Colonade Row. Charles W. Wingard, Attorney at Law, Lock Haven, Clinton county, Pa. James C. Noon, Attorney at Law, Ebensburg, Pa. Office No. 3, Colonade Row. Phil S. Noon, Attorney at Law, Ebensburg, Penna. Office two doors east of Thompson's Hotel. William Kittell, Attorney & Counsellor at Law. Office in Colonade Row, Ebensburg, Penna. M. D. Magehan, Attorney at Law, Ebensburg, Pa. Office on High street, opposite the Post Office. A. C. Mullin, Attorney at Law, Ebensburg, Cambria County, Pa. Office two doors north of Colonade Row and immediately opposite Thompson's Hotel. Reed & Heyer, Attorneys at Law. Counsel given in the English and German languages. Office in Colonade Row, Ebensburg, Pa. Robert A. M'Coy, Attorney at Law, Ebensburg, Cambria County, Pa. All manner of legal business in the several courts of this county promptly attended to. J. H. Campbell, Attorney at Law, Ebensburg, Cambria county, Pa. He will attend to all business entrusted to his care in the Courts of Cambria and Indiana counties. Office in Colonade Row. Johnston & Oatman, Attorneys at Law, Ebensburg, Cambria county, Penna. Office opposite the Court House. Francis A. Shoemaker, Attorney at Law, Ebensburg, Pa. Will practice in the several courts of Clearfield, Indiana and Cambria counties. Office two doors west of Crawford's Hotel. H. C. Christy, M. D., Wilmore, Cambria Co., Pa. Office at his residence next door to Jefferson House. R. S. Bunn, M. D., tenders his professional services to the citizens of Ebensburg. Office in Drug Store on High street opposite Thompson's Hotel. George R. Lewis, M. D., tenders his professional services to the citizens of Ebensburg and vicinity. He may be found in the office formerly occupied by Dr. D. W. Lewis. Night calls made at the office. Jackson & Clark, Surgeon Dentists, Johnstown, Pa. One of the firm will be in Ebensburg during the first ten days of each month, during which time all persons desiring his professional services can find him at the office of Dr. Lewis, nearly opposite Blair's Hotel. Dr. J. M. M'Clure, Surgeon and Mechanical Dentist, respectfully offers his professional services to the ladies and gentlemen of Johnstown and vicinity of this place. Particular attention paid to diseases of the mouth. Teeth extracted with electrical forceps. Office in the old Exchange, on Clinton Street. Joseph W. Myers, Justice of the Peace, Summerhill, Cambria County. Austin Thompson, Justice of the Peace, Wilmore, Cambria County. W. M. Lloyd & Co., Bankers, Altoona, Pa. Drafts on the Principal cities and Silver and Gold for sale. Collections made. Moneys received on deposit, payable on demand, without interest or upon time, with interest at fair rates.