Clearfield County PA Archives History.....Aldrich History of Clearfield County - Introduction Copyright 2008. All rights reserved. http://www.usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm http://www.usgwarchives.net/pa/pafiles.htm ************************************************ File contributed for use in USGenWeb Archives by: Ellis Michaels, , Aug 2008 This page was last updated: 10 Sep 2008 http://files.usgwarchives.net/pa/clearfield/history/aldrich/introduction- contents.txt ********************************************************** HISTORY OF CLEARFIELD COUNTY EDITED BY LEWIS CASS ALDRICH SYRACUSE, N. Y. D. MASON & CO., PUBLISHERS 1887 *********************************************************** Page 3 INTRODUCTION. To a person unacquainted with the detail of a history of any county, a very inadequate idea of its scope can be conveyed by the expression, a History of Clearfield County. Were this work to be devoted alone to a narrative of the events of the county, it would occupy a volume much less in size than this; but when we come to consider the vast and varied interests of Clearfield county, and its large area, then we may know that the work is not over-sized. In its compilation great care has been exercised to insure correctness in general and in detail ; nevertheless it would be a surprising fact, a thing unprecedented, should there be found within its covers not a single error. In its preparation the compiler has sought, and had the assistance of a number of the most capable writers of the county, who, by their contributions and efforts, have helped to make this history what it is. And there are others, too, who have freely furnished every information requested of them, and made many valuable sug- gestions, all of which have materially facilitated the work of the editor. the compiler has sought, and had the assistance of a number of the most capable writers of the county, who, by their contributions and efforts, have helped to make this history what it is. And there are others, too, who have freely furnished every information requested of them, and made many valuable sug- gestions, all of which have materially facilitated the work of the editor. Our obligation of thanks is due to many, and among them there may be selected some of whom special mention should be made. To Hon. George R. and Colonel Walter Barrett, for assistance and courtesy uniformly extended, and for the use of a large and excellent library; to Hon. Joseph B. McEnally, for like kindness; to John Franklin Snyder, esq., for a most carefully prepared chapter on Education ; to Daniel W. Moore, for a chapter on the Press; to Dr. Preston Wilson, for the chapter on the Medical Profession ; to the Rev. Abram S. R. Richards, of Osceola Mills, for several valuable chapters; to Peter S. Weber, of Du Bois; A. Judson Smith, of New Millport; Captain James Dowler, of Burnside; Alonzo Potter MacLeod, esq., of Coalport ; R. D. Swoope, esq., of Curwensville, and others, in various portions of the county, for the contri- bution of valuable and well-written chapters. In addition to these, thanks are *************************************************************************** Page 4 INTRODUCTION. due to the press of the county; and also to the people, generally, who, by material encouragement and support, have helped to make this work not only a success, but possible The volume now is before the public, and of its merits and imperfections the people of the county are to judge. Possibly some things are omitted that should have been stated, and possibly some things that are stated might better have been omitted. Should there be a fault it cannot be laid at the door of those who have aided the work, or contributed to its pages. Nothing has been said through envy, malice or hatred, but in entire fairness toward all, and with a desire to record the events as they have occurred. With these thoughts the Memorial History of Clearfield County is placed before the people by the editor, and the publishers. *********************************************************** Page 5 CONTENTS Chapter I. GENERAL GEOGRAPHICAL VIEW. The Subject-Formation-Geographical and TopographicalMountains-Rivers- -Natural Characteristics. . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . 13 CHAPTER II. INDIAN OCCUPATION. Indian Occupation -The Leuni Lenapes-Their Origin -Country Occupied by Them - The Iroquois -Their Clan System -The Five Nations -The Lenapes Conquered - The Delawares -Other Tribes -Iroquois Successful -The Six Nations -Shawnees ..........17 CHAPTER III. THE INDIANS IN THE FRENCH WAR. The French and English War -Disposition of the Indians -Erection of Forts- Fort Augusta -Events Along the West Branch -Scenes at Chinckeclamousche -Sum- mary -Close of the War. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . 23 CHAPTER IV. WARS WITH THE INDIANS. Pontiac’s War -The League -Depredations on the Frontier --Forts Taken - Indians Driven Back -The Treaty of Peace --Threatenings of an Outbreak-Departure of the Moravians -Incidents -The Cresap War-Logan. . . . . . . . . . . . ............ . 31 CHAPTER V. THE REVOLUTIONARY PERIOD. The Revolutionary War -Action of the Crown -The Colonies Determined -The Out- break -The Indians Hostile -Six Nations Divided -Depredations -Defenses - Struggles-Close of the War.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..... . . ..37 (2) ****************************************************************** Page 6 CHAPTER VI. EARLY LAND OPERATIONS. Land Titles -Penn’s Charter -Naming the Province -Treaties with Indians - Acquisi- tion of Lands to the Proprietaries -Boundaries -The Divesting Act-Surveys - Owners-The Holland Land Company.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . , . . . . . . ... . . . 43 CHAPTER VII. EARLY SETTLEMENTS. Early Settlements -Territory Divided -The First Settlers --Difference of Opinion - The First Mill -First Marriage -First Child Born -The Christening -Other Settlements-Settlement Down to 1810.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . 50 . CHAPTER VIII. ORGANIZATION OF THE COUNTY. Erection of the County -Boundaries-An Error -Jurisdiction of Centre County Officers Extended Over this County-The Governor’s Order-Proceedings of the Com- missioners-County Seat Fixed at Clearfield -Election Districts .-Return of Tax- ables -The First Townships -Population -Act of 1812 -The Civil Organization Completed -Subsequent Townships -Erection of Elk County --Townships Taken from Clearfield County.................. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 64 CHAPTER IX. PUBLIC BUILDINGS AND COURTS. Plan of the County Seat-Lots Donated for Public Buildings -The Old Log Jail - The Jail Built in 1841-2-The Present Jail--Its Cost --The First Court-House - Description -Important Cases Tried Therein-The New Court-House Built - Courts in the Old Church--Court-House Remodeled and Additions Built -Some Leading Causes Recalled........................................................... 53 CHAPTER X. FROM 1810 TO 1843. Pioneer Settlements After 1810 -Population in 1810 -The First Murder -Events of the War of 1812-15 --Peace-Election Districts Prior to ,1843 -Record of the Floods on the West Branch-The Pumpkin Flood -Drowning of John and Ellis Graham-Gorges at the Pee Wee’s Nest. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 82 ER XI. LUMBER AND ROADS. The Lumbering Interests -Rafting and Floating -Turnpike and Road Companies - Railroads of the County.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 92 ***************************************************************************** **************************** Page 7 CONTENTS. CHAPTER XII. CLEARFIELD'S MILITARY HISTORY......................................................105 CHAPTER XIII. GEOLOGY OF CLEARFIELD COUNTY.......................................................203 CHAPTER XIV. A REVIEW OF THE DEVELOPEMENT OF THE COAL INTERESTS OF THE CELEBRATED HOUTZDALE-OSCEOLA-PHILIPSBURG REGION..................... ..............215 CHAPTER XV. History of the Courts-Supreme Court-Common Pleas-Other Courts-The Judiciary -The Bench and Bar of Clearfield County............................................233 CHAPTER XVI. THE MEDICAL PROFESSION............................................................ 256 CHAPTER XVII. THE PRESS OF CLEARFIELD COUNTY.................................................... 267 CHAPTER XVIII. REVIEW OF THE ORIGIN, GROWTH, AND DEVELOPMENT OF THE EDUCA- TIONAL INTERESTS AND INSTITUTIONS OF CLEARFIELD COUNTY.. .. . . . . . . . . . . . 279 CHAPTER XIX. POLITICAL HISTORY OF CLEARFIELD COUNTY.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 313 CHAPTER XX. CIVIL LIST AND COUNTY ORGANIZATIONS.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 323 CHAPTER XXI. HISTORY OF THE BOROUGH OF CLEARFIELD, THE SEAT OF JUSTICE OF CLEARFIELD COUNTY................................................................. 331 ***************************************************************************** *********************** Page 8 CONTENTS. CHAPTER XXII HISTORY OF THE BOROUGH OF DU BOIS..................................................376 CHAPTER XXIII. HISTORY OF BECCARIA TOWNSHIP.. , . . , . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . .407 CHAPTER XXIV. HISTORY OF BELL TOWNSHIP . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 414 CHAPTER XXV. HISTORY OF BIGLER TOWNSHIP.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 425 CHAPTER XXVI. HISTORY OF BLOOM TOWNSHIP.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .428 CHAPTER XXVII. HISTORY OF BOGGS TOWNSHIP.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ........... .434 CHAPTER XXVIII. HISTORY OF BRADFORD TOWNSHIP...................................................... 444 CHAPTER XXIX. HISTORY OF BRADY TOWNSHIP......... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 455 CHAPTER XXX. HISTORY OF BURNSIDE TOWNSHIP.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 418 CHAPTER XXXI. HISTORY OF CHEST TOWNSHIP.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 495 CHAPTER XXXII. HISTORY OF COVINGTON TOWNSHIP.. . . . . . . . . . ..... . . . . . . . . . . . . . 501 CHAPTER XXXIII. HISTORY OF COOPER TOWNSHIP.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 509 ***************************************************************************** **************************** Page 9 CONTENTS. CHAPTER XXXIV. HISTORY OF DECATUR TOWNSHIP........................................................511 CHAPTER XXXV. HISTORY OF FERGUSON TOWNSHIP.. . . . . , . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . 523 CHAPTER XXXVI. HISTORY OF GEULICH TOWNSHIP . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . , . . . . . . . 531 CHAPTER XXXVII. HISTORY OF GIRARD TOWNSHIP.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 537 CHAPTER XXXVIII. HISTORY OF GRAHAM TOWNSHIP.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 542 CHAPTER XXXIX. HISTORY OF GOSHEN TOWNSHIP ...................... .................... ........... 546 CHAPTER XL. HISTORY OF GREENWOOD TOWNSHIP.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 552 CHAPTER XLI. HISTORY OF HUSTON TOWNSHIP . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . 558 CHAPTER XLII. HISTORY OF JORDAN TOWNSHIP.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . 566 CHAPTER XLIII. HISTORY OF KARTHAUS TOWNSHIP.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 577 CHAPTER XLIV. HISTORY OF KNOX TOWNSHIP. . . . . . . . . . . . . .......... . . . . . . . . . . . 586 CHAPTER XLV. HISTORY OF LAWRENCE TOWNSHIP,. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 591 ***************************************************************************** *************** Page 1O CONTENTS. CHAPTER XLVI. HISTORY OF MORRIS TOWNSHIP.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ............ . . . . . . 603. CHAPTER XLVII. HISTORY OF PENN TOWNSHIP AND THE BOROUGHS OF LUMBER CITY AND PENNVILLE.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 615 CHAPTER XLVIII. HISTORY OF PIEE TOWNSHIP AND THE BOROUGH OF CURWENSVILLE.............................626. CHAPTER XLIX. HISTORY OF SANDY TOWNSHIP. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 645 CHAPTER L. HISTORY OF UNION TOWNSHIP.. . . . . . .. . . . . . . . , . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 651. CHAPTER LI. HISTORY OF WOODWARD TOWNSHIP.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 658 CHAPTER LII. BIOGRAPHICAL . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 674 ***************************************************************************** **************** Page 11 CONTENTS. BIOGRAPHICAL Barrett, George Rodden. . . . . . . . . .676 Betts, Rev. Frederick G. . . . . . . . . 691 Betts, William W. . . . . . . . . . . . .692 Bigler, William . . . . . . . . . . . . .709 Boynton, Jonathan . . . . . . . . . . . .700 Chase, John Mitchell . . . . . . . . . . 695 Coudriet, Leon M. . . . . . . . . . . . .703 Dill, William H. . . . . . . . . . . . . 690 Du Bois, John . . . . . . . . . . . . . .719 Forcey, Thomas H. . . . . . . . . . . . .702 Goodlander, George Breon . . . . . . . . 698 Hoyt, Hon. John P. . . . . . . . . . . . 689 Irvin, Hon. Alexander. . . . . . . . . . 682 Irvin, Col. E. A. . . . . . . . . . . . .674 Irvin, Col. John . . . . . . . . . . . . 701 Irvin, William . . . . . . . . . . . . . 684 Irwin, Ellis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 681 McClosky, Isaac Crosby . . . . . . . . . 675 McEnally, Hon. Joseph Benson . . . . . . 696 Mahaffey, James . . . . . . . . . . . . .704 Maxwell, James Andrew, M. D. . . . . . . 682 Murray, Alexander . . . . . . . . . . . .687 Murray, Thomas H. . . . . . . . . . . . .706 Patchin, Aaron W. . . . . . . . . . . . .683 Patton, Hon. John . . . . . . . . . . . .679 Porter, William . . . . . . . . . . . . .697 Potter, Dr. Johnson W. . . . . . . . . . 688 Shaw, Richard . . . . . . . . . . . . . .685 Shaw, Richard Henry . . . . . . . . . . .692 Shaw, William M. . . . . . . . . . . . . 694 Stewart, Robert Shaw . . . . . . . . . . 678 Wilson, R. V. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .705 ILLUSTRATIONS. Barrett, George Rodden . . . . . .facing 242 Betts, William W. . . . . . . . . facing 334 Bigler, William . . . . . . . . . facing 314 Boynton, Jonathan . . . . . . . . facing 700 Chase, John Mitchell . . . . . . .facing 658 Coudriet, Leon M . . . . . . . . .facing 538 Dill, William H. . . . . . . . . .facing 356 Du Bois, John.. . . . . . . . . .facing 376 ****************************************************************** Page 12 CONTENTS. Flynn, James . . . . . . . . . . .facing 412 Forcey, Thomas H. . . . . . . . . facing 702 Goodlander, George Breon . . . . .facing 358 Hoyt, Hon. John P. . . . . . . . .facing 688 Irvin, Hon. Alexander . . . . . . facing 338 Irvin, Col. E. A. . . . . . . . . facing 120 Irvin, Col. John . . . . . . . . .facing 184 Irvin, William . . . . . . . . . .facing 684 Irwin, Ellis . . . . . . . . . . .facing 548 McClosky, Isaac Crosby . . . . . .facing 580 McEnally, Hon. Jos. Benson . . . .facing 240 Maxwell, Jas. Andrew, M.D. . . . .facing 632 Murray, Alexander. . . . . . . . .facing 540 Murray, Thomas H. . . . . . . . . facing 250 Patchin, Aaron W. . . . . . . . . facing 490 Patton, Hon John . . . . . . . . .facing 680 Porter, William . . . . . . . . . facing 344 Potter, Dr. Johnson W. . . . . . .facing 504 Shaw, Richard . . . . . . . . . . facing 596 Shaw, Richard Henry . . . . . . . facing 692 Shaw, William M. . . . . . . . . .facing 360 Stewart, Robert Shaw . . . . . . .facing 544 Wallace, William A. . . . . . . . facing 318 Wilson, R. V. . . . . . . . . . . facing 258 Windsor House, View of . . . . . .facing 705 ******************************************************************