Clearfield County PA Archives History.....Clearfield County's Centennial, 1804 - 1904 ************************************************ Copyright 2009. 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, , Oct 2009 This page was last updated: 08 Nov 2009 http://files.usgwarchives.net/pa/clearfield/history/clearfield-centennial.txt http://www.usgwarchives.net/pa/clearfield/1picts/clearfield- centennial/clearfield-centennial.htm ****************************** 1804 1904 CLEARFIELD COUNTY'S CENTENNIAL CELEBRATED AT CLEARFIELD, PA. July 26, 27, 28 and 29. Population Clearfield County 1804 685 1904 100,000 One Hundred Years Old RAFTSMAN'S JOURNAL Clearfield, Pa. ****************************** CORRESPONDENCE. The Centennial Executive Committee, having chosen J. Frank Snyder, Esq., to prepare a History of the County, the following correspondence took place. Clearfield, Pa., June 3, 1904 J. Frank Snyder, Esq., Glen Cove, L. I. Dear Sir: The committee having in charge the management of the forthcoming celebration of Clearfield County's 100th Anniversary have decided upon a printed History covering the 100 years of our county's growth, and have by resolution unanimously selected you as one well qualified to prepare such history. Will you kindly indicate at your earliest convenience whether or not you will undertake the task assigned you. Very truly yours, ALLISON 0. SMITH, CHAIRMAN. J. H. CRISSMAN, SECRETARY. Glen Cove, L. I., June 6, 1904 Gentlemen : Replying to your letter of June 3d, informing me that the committee having in charge the management of the forthcoming celebration of Clearfield County's 100th anniversary have decided upon a printed History, covering the 100 years of the county's growth and have selected me to prepare such history. I beg you on my behalf, to thank the committee for the confidence reposed in me, and to advise your associates that I will undertake the task assigned me. The article will, of necessity, be somewhat limited in its scope, yet it will be possible to present in condensed form some evidences of the county's growth, I am Very sincerely yours, J. FRANK SNYDER. To HON. ALLISON 0. SMITH, PRESIDENT. MR. J. H. CRISSMAN, SECRETARY. Clearfield, Pa. ****************************** NOTE! This little volume is presented only as a Souvenir History of the County, ably and correctly prepared by J. Frank Snyder, Esq., of New York, but a native of Clearfield County, and member of the Clearfield bar. The illustrations may not meet the hopes of some, but the compiler found it impossible to insert the portraits of all who have helped make the history of Clearfield County, and the principal reason is that the descendants of the early pioneers were unable to furnish photographs of those whose portraits should have had a place in this Centennial History. Therefore we were compelled to use such as was at our command and selected them with a view of perpetuating the good and honorable name of Clearfield County, without any thought of descriminating against those whose portraits should have had an exalted position in this volume, but which the compiler was unable to obtain. M. L. McQUOWN, Compiler of Centennial History. Clearfield, Pa., July 8th, 1904. ****************************** Clearfield County Pennsylvania One Hundred Years' Growth 1804 - March 26 - 1904 BY J. FRANK SNYDER CLEARFIELD.-A County of Pennsylvania named from a stream running through the County into a Western Branch of the Susquehanna. Morse. Am. Gazatteer, 3 Ed. Boston, 1810. Jacob King, alias Jacob le Roy, was killed with tomahawks at the spring on the Slenker farm, Buffalo Valley, Limestone Township, Union County, on the morning of the 16th of October, 1755, and his daughter, Anna Marie le Roy, her brother and a little girl who was living with them, were made prisoners and taken to Kittaning and other places where they were kept prisoners about three and one-half years. Marie le Roy and the little girl, on a division of the spoils, fell to the share of an Indian named Galasko, by whom they were taken to Jenkiklamuhs, a Delaware town on the West Branch of the Susquehanna (at or near where Clearfield is now located.) Here they remained ten days and then proceeded westward, leaving Marie le Roy's brother at Jenkiklamuhs. Marie le Roy was born at Brondrut, in Switzerland, and with her prisoner companions was among the first white persons to visit the territory now included within the boundaries of Clearfield County. Col. Burd's journal, under date of 18th of February, 1757, contains this entry :- "This morning the Indian chiefs desired to speak with me when it suited me. I told the messenger I should be very glad to see them directly. They accordingly waited of me at 10 A. M. and informed me that there was eight hundred French and Indians marcht from Fort Du Quesne agt this Fort and they were actually arrived at the head of the West Branch of this River (Sus- ****************************** 2 photo of J. Frank Snyder may be viewed at: http://www.usgwarchives.net/pa/clearfield/1picts/clearfield- centennial/images/snyder-j-frank.jpg J. FRANK SNYDER - The author of the written part of this history, was born in Clearfield, June 23d, 1855, graduated from the Leonard Graded School in 1876, admitted to the bar in 1878 ; was a member of the law firm of Orvis & Snyder, and is now a Corporation and Title lawyer in New York City. ****************************** 3 quehanna) and were making canoes and would come down as soon as they were made and desired me to believe this for truth, to be upon my guard, and to fight as long as I had one man alive. I gave them for answer that I was very much obliged to them for this peace of Intelligence, that I was ready to Receive the enemy and that they might Depent I would follow their advice." McGinniss, in a foot note in his "History of the West Branch Valley" at page 214 says : "That the French seriously contemplated an invasion of the West Branch Valley in force, for the purpose of seizing this portion of the Province, there is no doubt, but there is no evidence on record that a large expedition was ever started for that purpose. But that scouting parties were despatched for the purpose of reconnoitering the country and reporting its condition and the strength of the English to the French Commandant, there is no doubt. It was a party of this kind that was reported to Col. Burd. The party doubtless concentrated at Chinklecamoose and there made preparations to descend the river on rafts, or floats, but it is extremely doubtful that it numbered 800 men." The report, true or untrue, put Col. Burd on his guard, and on Thursday, April 7th, 1757, Capt. Patterson set off from Fort Augusta (Shamokin) with a party of ten men in quest of intelligence under orders from Col Burd, "To proceed up the West Branch of the River (Susquehanna) as far as SHINGLACLAMUSH, keeping a good lookout all the way and marching as close to the River as he could, in order to Discover if any body of the Enemy was upon the River : and if he should make a Discovery, to be very particular in endeavoring to observe the Numbers, and what they were employed about, and to bring a prisoner, if he found it any ways practicable; but not to Discover himself or any of his party, if he could avoid it; to observe whither the Enemy was cheefly composed of French or Indians. If he should discover a Body of the Enemy to post himself and party on the tope of the most convenient adjacent hill, to be free from discovery, and have at the same time a good prospect of the enemy, and there to lay one day, making particular observations of their motions ; and in case he should discover any particular place that they frequented, to march to that place in the night, and lay in ambush until morning and try all he could to bring of a prisoner, which he might find santering out by himself ; and in this Case to Return to this Fort with all convenient speed ; Recommending to come by water if he could find canoes. "But in case he could make no discovery between & SHINGLACLAMUSH, not at that place, to proceed up the South branch of the River from the Fork at SHINGLACLAMUSH & examine that branch; and follow the above orders to go to the head of that branch; and if he found the enemy was not there to return to SHINGLACLAMUSH and to go up the North branch from that place." (Col. Burd's Journal.) In a letter to the Proprietors, under date of 9th April, 1757, Governour Denny wrote :- xx "I ordered a strong Detachment under Col. Clapham towards the Ohio to act offensively, and, if possible, destroy an Indian Town ; but intelligence arriving before these orders could be carried into execution that a large body of French and Indians was coming to beseige the Fort, they were obliged to lay the expedition aside. This account proving false, Col. Clapham xxxx sent out a Captain's command to attack an Indian town called ****************************** 4 image may be viewed at: http://www.usgwarchives.net/pa/clearfield/1picts/clearfield- centennial/images/executive-committee.jpg EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE Hon. Allison 0. Smith. 2. J. H. Crissman. 3. E. E. Lindemuth. 4. Hon. M. L. McQuown. 5. Hon. A. E. Patton. 6. Capt. J. E. Harder. 7. Prof. E. C. Shields. 8. John C. Barclay. 9. Smith V. Wilson. 10. Samuel R. Hamilton. l1. Geo. I. Thompson. 12. Matthew Savage. 13. Benj. P. Chase. ****************************** 5 Shingleclamouse, situate near the Head of the West Branch of Susquehanna, where was supposed to be a great Resort of Indians, Capt. Hambright entered the Town, found the cabins all standing but deserted by the Indians. Agreeably to his orders he did not touch anything, nor destroy the Town, in hopes the Indians would come and settle again. This was the only Indian Town could be attacked :" and, the letter continues "We found by a second expedition that they (the Indians) had returned, set their Town on Fire and were retired to Venango, situate where the River au Boef runs into the Ohio." Col. Burd's Journal, under date Monday, 25th April, 1757, states that : "This day at noon Capt'n Patterson arrived with his party all well : they came down the River upon Rafts ; Capt'n Patterson reports, x x x. That he marched to Shinglacamuch, saw no Indians nor French either upon his march or at the Town ; the road that leads from Buchaloons passes along by Shinglaclamuch and forks on the South side of the Susquehanna River at the distance of abo't 40 from that Town ; one road from that fork leads to Fort Augusta, and the other to Cumberland County : that both are very much frequented ; & it appeared to him the enemy used them constantly when they came to make their incursions upon this Province : that the cheaff part of the houses at SHINGLACLAMUCH were burnt down, and he imagined that no Indians had lived there a long time : that he was obliged to return from SHINGLACLAMUCH, not being able to proceed for want of Provisions, he and his party having lived upon Walnutts for three days : the country was so excessively mountainous that they could not find any game to kill, and the men were not able to travel any further in this situation, which obliged him to return down the River on Rafts." Capt. Levi Trump in charge of garrison at Fort Augusta under date of July ye 1st, 1758, wrote to Governor Denny as follows : x x "I received a letter from Lieut. Colonell James Burd, dated ulto,, informing me that he had an account of a body of French that are erecting a Fort at Shinglaclamuch (Clearfield), and 'tis thought they design to attack this place." Pa. Archives, Vol. III, p. 430. The location of this fort is not known to the residents of Clearfield. Many years ago subterranean passages or caves were discovered on the farm of Jacob Guelich, just within a mile and a half North West of Clearfield, and it was reported that a horn such as used by the Indians was found in this cave, but the place has never been thoroughly explored to determine its real character—nor does it appear that there is any substantial proof of a fort ever having been erected at this point. Frederick Post, the distinguished Moravian, reached Shinglimuce (Clearfield) on 2nd August, 1758, but makes no mention in his journal of there being a French fort at this place. FREDERICK POST in his journal 2nd August, 1758, says : "We came across several places where two Poles, Painted Red, were stuck in the ground, in order to tye their Prisoners; we arrived this night at Shinglimuce [Clearfield] where was the above marks : tis a disagreeable and melancholy sight to see the means they make use of, according to their critical way, to punish Flesh & Blood." Mr. Post says, under date 14th Sept., 1758, "We came to Susquehanna & ****************************** 6 image may be viewed at: http://www.usgwarchives.net/pa/clearfield/1picts/clearfield- centennial/images/soldiers-committee.jpg SOLDIER'S COMMITTEE;--1. Capt. Geo. D. Runk. 2. Capt. P. A Gaulin. 3. Capt. W. P. Harpster. 4. Col. E. A. Irvin. 5. W. B. Beamer. Capt. G. Woodring, a member of this committee was unable to furnish photograph in time. ****************************** 7 crost 6 times & came to Calamaweshink (Chinklecamoose) where had been an old Indian Town; in the Evening there came 3 Indians and said they saw two Indian tracts where we slept turn Back, so that we were sure that they followed us." These records establish the fact that there existed an Indian town of great importance on the West Branch of the Susquehanna. Whether referred to as Jenkiklamuhs, Shingleclamush, Shingleclamouse, Shinglecamuch, Shinglecamuce, Calamaweshink, Chinglelamouk, Chingleolamoak, Chingleolamuk or "Chingleclamouche old Town" as designated in the Records of the Land Office —or Chinkleclamoose, as now most commonly used, we are told is corrupted from "Achtschingi-Clamme" which according to Reichel, Translation of the Moravian Historical Society, signifies "it almost joins" or it may, according to another authority (Bureau of Ethnology U. S. Smithsonian Institution) be derived from Achtochingi Cammui, meaning "at the calm or quiet hill," or "lying still at the hill," which bear practically the same meaning and involve also the definition given by Boyd as, "it almost meets to-gether" or "Nearly joins" in allusion to the narrows. Bishop Ettwein ( Journal 16th July 1772) tells us the name signifies "No one tarries here willingly." Chingleclamouche, the famous chief, lived in Wayne Township, Clinton County, in an Indian town located on the Montgomery farm, near Wayne station, called Patterson, over which a chief by that name, of the Shawnee tribe, ruled. (Hist. W. Br. Valley.—McGinness, 79.) From Patterson the great chief came to the spot on which Clearfield Borough is located and builded unto himself a town which was known as "Chingleclamouche old Town." How long he ruled, or the number of his children, has not been recorded. Neither are we informed by Capt. Hambright, or Capt. Patterson, if, in April, 1757, the old chief set fire to his town and "retired to Venango," or whether he had long previous gone to the Happy Hunting Grounds. This much can be stated with reasonable certainty, "Chingleclamouche Old Town" was a matter of history as early as April, 1757, and surely so on August 2nd, 1758, when Frederick Post sojourned at the place "where had been an old Indian town." It should also be observed that the stream now known as Clearfield Creek was designated, in the military orders, as the "South" branch of the River. EARLY MAPS. Upon a "Map of the Improved parts of the Province of Pennsylvania" by Nicholas Scull, January 1, 1759, "Chingleclamouche" is located. Chinglelamouk, Mushannon Creek, Clearfield Creek, Chest Creek and Canoe Place all are located on the W. Scull map published April 4th, 177o. This map also locates an Indian path from Bald Eagle Creek to Chingleclamouk, and another leading from Frankstown (Blair Co.), crossing the head waters of Clearfield Creek, Chest Creek and the West Branch at Canoe Place, to Venango Fort. The Evans map of 1775, a map of the Colonies, 1765, and a "Map of the Frontier of the Northern Colonies with Boundary line established Between them and the Indians at the Treaty held by S. Will Johnson at Ft. Stanwix, in Nov., 1768," do not give any of the data given on the W. Scull map. "The map of Pennsylvania exhibiting not only the Improved parts of that ****************************** 8 image may be viewed at: http://www.usgwarchives.net/pa/clearfield/1picts/clearfield- centennial/images/firemens-committee.jpg FIREMEN'S COMMITTEE I. Harry G. Ogden. 2. James McBlain. 3. Ward Logan. 4. V. L. Robins. 5. H. C. McIlvain. ****************************** 9 Province but also its extensive Frontiers, laid down from actual surveys, etc." Pub. by Robert Sayer & J. Bennett, London, June loth, 1775, locates Chingleomuk, and Clearfield Creek, and the Indian path from Bald Eagle Creek where Beach Creek enters that stream to Chingleolamuk is shown. "A new map of the Western Parts of Virginia, Pennsylvania, Maryland, &c.," by Thos. Hutchins, Captain of the 60th Regiment of Foot, London, Nov. 7th, 1778, gives Chingleolamuk, Clearfield Creek and the Indian Path from Bald Eagle Creek to Chingleolamuk. The Reading Howell map, 1791, shows Clearfield Creek as a branch of the West Br. of the Susquehanna, and in Huntingdon County. It will be recalled that as part of the orders given Captain Patterson on April 7th, 1757, "in case he could make no discovery between & Shinglaclamush not at that place, to proceed up the South Branch of the River from the Fork at Shinglaclamush & examine that branch." The South Branch was none other than Clearfield Creek, but not until 1770 does this last name attach to that stream—and why, we may ask, was it so named? Bishop Ettwein, in his journal under date of July 14th, 1772, answers our question, "Reached Clearfield Creek where the Buffaloes formerly cleared large tracts of undergrowth, so as to give them the appearance of cleared fields ; HENCE, the Indians call the creek CLEARFIELD." An inspection of several of the maps would indicate that Chingleclamouche was located at the mouth of Clearfield Creek, such also appears from the orders to Captain Patterson, but this question in geography is also settled by a reference to Bishop Ettwein's journal, July 16th, 1772, "After representing the state of our case to the malcontents, I felt reassured, and journeyed on with a few brethren two miles in a pelting rain to the site of Chinklacamoose," which locates the old town within the present limits of Clearfield borough. TREATIES. The Indian troubles in Pennsylvania for the proprietary period ended with the treaty of Fort Stanwix (now Rome, N. Y.), on Nov. 5th, 1768, with the Six Nations, which conveyed to the proprietors all the land within a boundary extending from the New York State line on the Susquehanna, past Towanda and Pine Creek, up the West Branch to its source, over to Kittaning, and thence down the Ohio to the extreme Southwestern portion of the Province. This was called the New Purchase; and within its boundaries is included that portion of Clearfield County lying South and East of the West Branch of the Susquehanna. From 1768 until 1784 the Northwestern boundary line of the Indian purchases remained unchanged. During that period THE DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE was adopted, Pennsylvania became a State and made a constitution. After peace was concluded, the State, under the treaty of Fort Stanwix, dated October 23rd, 1784, purchased all the remaining. land within its charted limits. This purchase was confirmed at Fort McIntosh in January, 1785, and is known as the "Last" purchase. That part of Clearfield County lying North and West of the West Branch of the Susquehanna, is included within the limits of this purchase. Day, in his Historical Collection, of Pennsylvania, says, "This vast territory, ****************************** 10 image may be viewed at: http://www.usgwarchives.net/pa/clearfield/1picts/clearfield- centennial/images/prominent-farmers.jpg PROMINENT FARMERS OF THE COUNTY. I. R. E. Shaw. 2. A. H. Reed. 3. David Way. William Radebach, a member of this committee reached the artist too late with his photograph. ****************************** 11 however, acquired by the treaty of 1784 was only purchased, but was not entered upon by the pioneers of Pennsylvania for ten years. The price of blood, as usual, was to be paid for it." PIONEERS. It will remain for the writer of the real history of Clearfield County to determine who was the first settler within the territory now comprised with the boundary lines of the county. Hence the use of the term, pioneer, which according to Webster, is "One who goes before to remove obstructions or prepare the way for another." Edward Rickets, Senior, lays claim to the first place among the pioneers, and offers in support of his contention certain proofs from among the State Records as follows : "Among the Records and Proceedings of the Department of Internal Affairs of Pennsylvania, inter alia, it is thus contained : "Edward Rickets applies for four hundred acres of land in Bedford County, inclg an imp, on both sides of Clearfield Creek on a smal Branch of water on the North side of said Creek calld the Beaver Dam Branch. "Bedford County ss.—Int. from March I, 1783 (Wrt Issud). "Personally appeared before us two of the Justices assigned for Bedford County the above Edward Rickets and made oath according to law that he, this Deponent, to-gether with some of his sons, Did Improve upon said land between the Beginning & middle of Sept. in the year 1783, and has ever since maintained his Right and Claim to said land. Sworn and certified by us the Subscribers this 15th day of November, 1784." ROBT. SMITH. JAMES COYLE. ( SEAL) "In testimony That the above is a true copy of the original remaining on file in the Department of Internal Affairs of Pennsylvania, I have hereunto set my hand and caused the seal of said Department to be affixed, at Harrisburg, this Seventh day of November, 1889. (Signed) ISAAC BROWN. Deputy Secretary of Internal Affairs. The following applications are also on file in the Department of Internal Affairs : "Cheney Rickets, Senior, applies for four hundred acres of land in Bedford County, inclg an imp, on both sides of Clearfield Creek, about two miles higher up said Creek than Edward Ricket's application. Wt. issued Int. from 1st March, 1783. Personaly apeared [sic] before us two of the Justices for Bedford County Cheney Rickets and made oath according to law that the above tract of land was improved upon between the beginning & middle of September, 1783. Sworn and certified before and by us this 15th day of November, 1784." Wt Issued (Signed) ROBT. SMITH. JAMES COYLE. On June 7th, 1834, a survey was made in pursuance of a Warrant granted to Cheny Rickets, bearing date and December, 1784, and was returned on 14th ****************************** 12 image may be viewed at: http://www.usgwarchives.net/pa/clearfield/1picts/clearfield- centennial/images/ricketts-family.jpg RICKETTS FAMILY - JOHN, EDWARD, ISAAC, CHARLES, ELIJA Grand Children of Edward Ricketts, one of the first settlers and children of Isaac Ricketts, Sr. ****************************** 13 June, 1836. It is for a tract of land situate in Decator Township, Clearfield County, on the waters of Clearfield Creek, containing 400 acres & allowance, and is bounded by the John McClelland on the North, Rowland Evans and Sam'l Emlin on the East, Robt. McGhee & Geo. Eyere on the South, and the Joseph Clark on the West. "Edward Rickets, Junior, applies for four hundred acres of land inclg Impt. on both sides of Clearfield Creek, adjoining on the lower sides of Cheney Rickets, Senior, application on said Creek in Bedford County. "Bedford County. Int. from 1st March,1783, Wt Issud. Personally appeared before us Edward Rickets, Junior, and made oath according to law that he that Depponent Improved upon the above tract of Land in the month of Sept. in the year 1783. Sworn & certified by us two of the justices for Bedford County this 15th day of November, 1784. (Signed) ROBT. SMITH. (Signed) JAMES COYLE. In the journal of James Harris, surveyor, under date of Oct. 28th, 1784, giving account of surveying then being done on Clearfield Creek says "Five men by the name of Rickets came to our camp, said they claimed by improvements a great deal of land up this creek, say they will not suffer it to be surveyed." And under date of Oct. 3oth, 1784, "Mr. Canan performed one of the surveys on the West side of Clearfield Creek extending it as high up as Rickets' claim." "Captain Edward Rickerts was a native of Maryland, and while a boy emigrated with his father's family to Pennsylvania. At the age of nineteen, Edward entered the service as an Indian fighter, and was considered one of the most experienced frontiersmen in the whole country. During the Revolution, his services to the Province were so valuable that he was given a Captain's commission. "Having made the improvements referred to, and built a cabin, Captain Rickerts went for his wife and household goods, and returned with them in 1801. Upon his return he found the cabin occupied by Joseph Leonard and family. The two families lived there to-gether during the Winter following; but Rickerts, having no claim to the land except by improvement, was afterwards compelled to vacate and settle elsewhere. Captain Rickerts died in 1813." —History Clearfield Co.—Aldrich, 1887, pp. 51. On 20th May, 1785, or about five months after the Rickerts warrants were issued, a warrant was issued to John Lukens, Esq., Surveyor General, requiring him to Survey or cause to be Surveyed for James Woodside, of the Township of New London, in the County of Chester, 300 acres of land on Warrant numbered 57o which was afterwards done, and returned 17th February, 1801 Mr. Aldrich - History of Clearfield Co., page 52—says, "James Woodside first came to this county, or rather Lycoming County, in the month of July, 1785, with a surveying party from Chester County. Several tracts were located by them, one of which, under warrant number 570, belonged to Woodside, and his land was located on the stream known as Stump Creek. James Woodside lived here many years, the only white resident among the few remaining Indians, who were quite friendly. He is described as a man of decidedly peculiar habits, having no family, and content to live alone in his forest home, where he died in ****************************** 14 image may be viewed at: http://www.usgwarchives.net/pa/clearfield/1picts/clearfield- centennial/images/bigler-william.jpg Ex-Gov. WILLIAM BIGLER—Was born 1813, and came to Clearfield County in 1833, and started the publishing of the "Clearfield Democrat." In 1841 to 1844 he was in the State Senate and elected Governor of the State in 1851. He was President of the Philadelphia & Erie R. R. in 1855, and U. S. Senator in 1855, He died in Clearfield, August, 1880. ****************************** 15 1834 at the age of 85 years. On the 30th July, 1885, Brady Township, with becoming ceremony, unveiled a monument, sacred to the memory of James Woodside, as the pioneer of the Township. Hon. P. S. Weber, of Du Bois, delivered an address which he styled "An Historical Sketch of James Woodside, Esq. The Raftsman's Journal, July 11th, 1859, seems to indicate that it Was not until 1802 that Woodside came. See post. Daniel Ogden was the first settler in Sulivan County. He located Hillsgrove on a survey made on a warrant in the name of "William Clair." "He is supposed to have settled here about the close of the Revolutionary War, and Tradition says he was a Tory, and certain parties sought to take his life while at Hillsgrove. He did not remain here a great while, but left soon after the Birds, Warrens and Molyneux's settled at the forks of the Loyalsock Creek, in 1794. Ogden said neighbors were getting too near, so he left and moved up the West Branch Valley. He, however, built a small grist mill, which was the first in the County."—The Historical Journal. McGinness. Vol. II, pp. 205. In an editorial note in The Historical Journal, Vol II., pp. 205, it is stated that "After leaving Lycoming County in 1797, Ogden and three of his sons ascended the West Branch in canoes to a point just below (above) the present town of Clearfield, where they settled. He soon afterwards returned to Cherry Valley, New York, and brought out his family. He is claimed to have been the first settler in Clearfield County, and many of his descendants still live there." Daniel Ogden located on the farm lately occupied by Matthew S. Ogden, on South Second Street, Clearfield Borough. Cherry Valley was the scene of a massacre "during which all of Ogden's property was destroyed and his son David killed by the Indians. Of his eight children, none were born here. They were Abner, Jonathan, David, who was slain at Cherry Valley massacre; Daniel, Jr.,, Joab, John, Matthew and Margaret."—History Clearfield Co.— Aldrich, pp. 52. Daniel Ogden always believed he was the only white man in the country now included within the present bounds of Clearfield County during the Winter of 1797-8. This fact his daughter-in-law, Elizabeth Ogden: widow of Matthew Ogden, and her brother, Benjamin Bloom, have repeatedly stated, and in which they are sustained by the Raftsman's Journal, article of July 11th, 1859. See post. It was when Daniel Ogden returned to the "Big Island" on one of his trips that he met Arthur Bell, who soon afterwards followed him to Chingleclamouche's old Town, where he remained with Ogden and assisted him in the erection of his house, after which lie went further up the River to settle. John Bell followed his brother Arthur. From his diminutive size he was familiarly called "Little Johnny Bell," and from some he received the sobriquet of "Demi John." James McCracken and Casper Hackenberry followed Arthur Bell with their families, and settled—their wives were sisters of Arthur Bell. Thomas McClure came from Cumberland County in 1799, made an improvement near McClure's graveyard, Pike Township, and removed his family ****************************** 16 image may be viewed at: http://www.usgwarchives.net/pa/clearfield/1picts/clearfield- centennial/images/wallace-william-a.jpg Hon. WILLIAM A. WALLACE—One of Clearfield County's most prominent sons, who was born in 1827, admitted to Clearfield bar in 1847. He was elected to the State Senate in 1863, and again in 1884. He was elected to the United States Senate in 1875, and served six years. He was the moving spirit in the building of the Beech Creek R. R., and many other enterprises. He died in New York City in 1896. ****************************** 17 thither in 1800. Squire McClure has been described as "a kind friend, one of the most obliging neighbors, who would at any time incommode himself to accommodate another, and when asked for a favor, he stopped not to inquire `what will it profit me,' but only 'can I grant it.' He lived and died without an enemy. "The country was a vast wilderness, never having been trod by the foot of a white man, save for the purpose of exploration and survey. The majestic pines and oaks of centuries' growth stood in their pristine beauty. The ax of the woodsman had not echoed, nor the death-dealing bullet of the hunter whistled through the wild and rugged region."—Raftsman's Journal May 11th, 1859. The discovery in the year 1800 of an Indian path leading from Chingleclamouche to Milesburg brought the settlers into closer communication with civilization, and gave them a new base of supplies. The Ogdens and the Bells had come up the Susquehanna in canoes, the pack horse over the Indian trails was now to do his part in this westward march of civilization, the Indian paths remaining for a few years the only roads and routes for transporting goods into the new country. With the dawn of the nineteenth century, an ever increasing tide of emigration set in towards the land formerly of the "Chingleclamouche Savages." Paul Clover, "who had a warm and generous heart," made a settlement at the mouth of Anderson's Creek in the year 1801, kept a "public house" or tavern, and did some blacksmithing. After his death, his widow and children moved to Clarion. William Bloom, the elder, a man of German descent, whose ancestors at an early clay settled in New Jersey and who had emigrated to Penns Valley, Centre County, settled near the old "Red House," on the bottom above Anderson's Creek in the year 1801. He brought with him four of his sons, Isaac, William, John and Benjamin, and his daughter, Elizabeth. Elizabeth Bloom was afterwards married to Matthew Ogden, the ceremony was performed by Arthur Bell, Esq. "This was the first marriage solemnized in the County, and the parties became the happy parents of seventeen children x x x [sic] and from whom have descended a numerous offspring, marked by some of the traits peculiar to their grandfather. William Bloom had eleven children, from whom have descended a very large family, no longer confined within the limits of the County. Many years ago,- there was a reunion of the "Blooms and their connections," at which Hon. John Patton stated that there were then more than three thousand descendants of William Bloom living within the borders of the County. In the same year (1801) Joseph Leonard came with his sons, Isaac and Thomas, and made an improvement below the "Ox Bow" on Clearfield Creek. Martin Hoover came from York County and settled on the River in Lawrence Township, in 1801. Frederick Hennich, or Haney, settled next to Hoover about the same time; and Henry Irvin, a native of Ireland, came the same year and located at a point nearly opposite the mouth of Moose Creek on the Eastern bank of the River, long and familarly known as "Liberty Spring." After the year 1801 settlements multiplied more rapidly as the facilities for transportation increased, and it will be impossible to enumerate them all. During ****************************** 18 image may be viewed at: http://www.usgwarchives.net/pa/clearfield/1picts/clearfield- centennial/images/patton-john.jpg HON JOHN PATTON—Late of Curwensville and one of the County's ablest financiers, was born January 6th, 1823. He came to the County in 1828 and later engaged in the lumbering business. In 1864 he started a banking house, and was one of the promoters of the Tyrone Q. Clearfield R. R. He was elected to Congress in 1860 and again in 1886. He died December 23d, 1897. ****************************** 19 the year 1802-3 there came men whose names at once became associated with the business interests and public affairs of this section. Alexander Read, a citizen of Cecil Co., Md., had emigrated to Penn's valley, Centre County, but came to settle in 1802, and located on the Ridges in Lawrence Township, where the James Mitchell "stone house" now stands. Robt. Cresswell settled at the "Pee-wees Nest." Robt. Askey located below Paul Clover's on the West bank of the river. Benj. Jordan settled on the East side of the river, a little farther clown the stream, and nearly opposite lived George and John Welch. Abraham Hess came from York County and located on Clearfield Creek. John Carothers came and located at "Carother's Bend," on the river, hence, the name. Joan Fergersen, born in Ireland, with one of his sons, came in 1803, and located on the North bank of the Susquehanna, on the farm lately occupied by his son James. Daniel Turner settled on the head waters of Clearfield Creek, near the Cambria County line, in 1802. Samuel Ewing located about a half mile below the mouth of Muddy Run, at a place known as "Ewing's Bottom," but made no settlement, and was followed by William Brennan, who settled on the South side of Clearfield Creek, near the "Ox Bow." Abraham Passmore, from Chester County, came in 1802, and cleared on what was known as the Jacob Hoover farm. He afterwards moved to the Ridges and died on August l0th, 1854, having just completed his ninetieth year. Peter Young cleared a piece of land on the river near "Adarv's Dead- Water," in 1803, and kept a "tavern" and operated a distillery. "He built the greater part of the Milesburg and Le Boeuf road, East of Chest Creek.—Hist. Clfd. Co.—Aldrich, p. 59. In the same year, Conrad Kyler settled on the Moshannon. He was a weaver by trade.—Hist. Clfd. Co., p. 59. Peter Erhard made a settlement near New Millport in 1803, and erected a distillery. Nicholas Straw made an improvement on the river the same year. "As early as 1802 the settlement of that thriving and populous portion of the County known as Brady Township was commenced. James Woodside, the first settler in that section, then removed there. Two years later, Joab Ogden, a son of Daniel, became a near neighbor of Woodside. No further increase was made until I812."—Raftsman's Journal, July 11th, 1859. ERECTION OF CLEARFIELD COUNTY. The proceedings preceding the enactment of the act erecting Clearfield County are interesting as best showing the steps leading to and in a measure bringing about the establishment of the new County. Their recital will show how Centre County contemplated taking this vast territory and that it was thought, at one time, to divide this extensive wilderness between the counties of Centre and Westmoreland. February, 18th, 1802. Senate Journal 188. "Mr. Harris presented the petition of the subscribers, Inhabitants of that part ****************************** 20 image may be viewed at: http://www.usgwarchives.net/pa/clearfield/1picts/clearfield- centennial/images/shaw-richard-sr.jpg RICHARD SHAW, SR.—A prominent citizen of the county during its infancy, was born in Ireland in 1792. He came to the county in 1810. He at one time owned nearly all the land upon which the present town of Clearfield stands. He died August 17th, 1876. ****************************** 21 of the Counties of Huntingdon and Lycoming situate North of the Moshannon and West of the Sinnemahoning Creek, stating, that they experience great inconvenience and disadvantage from their remote situation from the seat of Justice of their respective Counties ; suggesting the propriety of annexing to Centre County certain parts of Huntingdon and Lycoming Counties, as described in the petition ; and praying to be erected into an election district; and the same was read, and "On motion of Mr. Harris, seconded by Mr. Findlay. "Resolved : That the said petition be referred to a committee, to consider and report thereon, and "Ordered : That Mr. Harris, Mr. Reed and Mr. Hamilton be a committee for that purpose." That the reader may have a better understanding, it should be stated that at this date portion of the territory lying South and East of the Susquehanna, and South of the Moshannon was part of Huntingdon Co. ; and all that portion lying North and West of the Susquehanna, included within the bounds of Lycoming County. Friday, April 2nd, 1802. Senate Journal, 363. "Mr. Harris, from the committee, to whom was referred on the 18th of February lasts the petition of the subscribers, Inhabitants of parts of the Counties of Huntingdon and Lycoming, etc., on leave given, reported a Bill entitled "An Act for annexing Parts of the Counties of Huntingdon and Lycoming to the Counties of Centre and Westmoreland," and the same was read the first time. The bill failed to pass. March 26th, 1803. House Journal, 585. "Mr. Steel presented a petition from sundry inhabitants of Huntingdon and Lycoming Counties, residing on the West Branch of the Susquehanna, praying that their settlements may not be annexed to Centre County, but may be permitted to remain in their respective counties, as heretofore, until a new one shall be erected and established." The remonstrants prevailed, and the settlers on the South and East of the Susquehanna continued to journey to Huntingdon when in search of Justice, those on the North and West sides of the River traveling to Williamsport, until March 26th, 1804, when Chapter LXXVIII., Laws 1803-4, became effective. The act was entitled : "An Act to erect parts of Lycoming, Huntingdon and Somerset Counties into separate county districts." Section 1. Erects Jefferson County. Section 2. Erects McKean County. Section 3. And be it further enacted by the authority aforesaid. That so much of the County of Lycoming, included in the following boundaries, to wit : Beginning where the line dividing Cannon's and Broadhead's districts strikes the West Branch of the Susquehanna River; thence, North along the said district line until a due west course from thence will strike the Southeast corner of McKean County; thence, West along the Southern boundary of McKean County to the line of Jefferson County ; thence, Southwesterly along the line of Jefferson ****************************** 22 image may be viewed at: http://www.usgwarchives.net/pa/clearfield/1picts/clearfield- centennial/images/smith-josiah-w.jpg JOSIAH W. SMITH—The pioneer member of the Clearfield Bar came to Clearfield in 1821 from Philadelphia ; was appointed Deputy Attorney General in 1825. During his lifetime he acquired a great deal of property. He died March 2d, 1882. ****************************** 23 County to where Hunter's district line crosses Sandy-lick Creek ; thence, South along the district line to the canoe place on the Susquehanna River ; thence, an Easterly course to the Southwesterly corner of Centre County, on the heads of Mushannon Creek ; thence, down the Mushannon Creek the several courses thereof to its mouth ; thence, down the West Branch of the Susquehanna River to the place of beginning, be, and the same is hereby erected into a separate County, to be henceforth called Clearfield County, and the place of holding the Courts of Justice in and for said County, shall be fixed by the Legislature at any place which may be most beneficial and convenient for said County. Sec. 8. And be it further enacted by the authority aforesaid. That as soon as it shall appear by an enumeration of the taxable inhabitants within the Counties of Jefferson, McKean, Clearfield, Potter, Tioga and Cambria, that any of the said Counties, according to the rates that shall then be established for apportioning the representation among the several Counties of this Commonwealth shall be entitled to a separate representation, provision shall be made by law for apportioning the said representation, and enabling such County to be represented separately, and to hold the Courts of Justice at such place in said County, as is, or may hereafter, be fixed for holding the same by the Legislature, and to choose their County officers in like manner as in the other Counties of this Commonwealth. Sec. 9. And be it, etc. That the Governor be, and he is hereby authorized and required to appoint three suitable persons for trustees, in each of the said counties, who shall receive proposals in writing from any person or persons, or any bodies corporate or politic, for the grant or conveyance of any lands within the said Counties respectively, and within the limits prescribed by this act for fixing the place of holding Courts of Justice in said Counties respectively, or the transfer of any other property, or payment of money for the use of said Counties, and transmit to the Legislature from time to time a copy of the proposals so received under their hands ; and when the place of holding Courts of Justice in the said Counties respectively shall be fixed by the Legislature, to take assurance in the law, for the lands and other valuable property, or money contained in any such proposals, which shall or may be accepted of. Sec. 11. And be it, etc. That for the present convenience of the inhabitants of said Counties of Clearfield and McKean, and until an enumeration of the taxable inhabitants of said Counties shall be made, and it shall be otherwise directed by law, the said Counties of CLEARFIELD and McKean shall be, and the same are hereby ANNEXED to the COUNTY OF CENTRE, and the Jurisdiction of the several courts of the County of Centre, and the authority of the judges thereof shall extend over and shall operate and be effectual within said Counties of Clearfield and McKean. Sec. 15. And be it, etc. That the electors within the Counties erected by this act, shall continue to elect at the same places and with the same Counties as heretofore." The recital in the act "That so much of the County of Lycoming included within the following boundaries." That part included within the actual boundaries mentioned in the Act from CANOE PLACE on the Susquehanna River; in "an Easterly course to the Southwesterly corner of Centre County at the head of ****************************** 24 image may be viewed at: http://www.usgwarchives.net/pa/clearfield/1picts/clearfield- centennial/images/irvin-william.jpg WILLIAM IRVIN—The pioneer settler of Curwensville, who located there in 1820 was born in 1801. He was the most extensive lumberman and merchant in the county in the early days. He died December 29th, 1869. ****************************** 25 Mushannon Creek ; thence down the Mushannon Creek the several courses to its mouth," and then up the river to Canoe Place was taken from Huntingdon County, and the remaining territory was from Lycoming County, as stated. Under the 15th Section of the Act March 26th, 1804, the. "Electors" were "to continue to elect at the same place and with the same Counties as hertofore." In other words, the electors residing South and East of the river were to vote in Huntingdon County, those residing on the North and West side, in Lycoming County. The territory embraced within the limits of the County was by an order of the Quarter Session of Centre County, August Sessions, 1804, made an election district and called Chincleclamousche. Sec. 4 of the Act of March 14th, 1805, provides "That the County of Clearfield shall be an election district, and° the electors thereof shall hold their general election at the house of Benjamin Jordan in said district, and shall be entitled to vote for members of the Federal and State Legislatures, Sheriffs, Commissioners and other County Officers for Centre County. SEAT OF JUSTICE. Section 9 of the Act of March 26th, 1804, required the Governor to appoint three trustees in each of the newly created Counties to receive proposals in writing for the grant and conveyance of land, for the fixing the place of holding courts, or the transfer of any other property or payment of money for the tise of said Counties. Copies of proposals so received were to be transmitted from time to time to the Legislature. Roland Curtin, Robert Boggs and William Tate were appointed Trustees for Clearfield County, under this section of the Act. These Trustees addressed a letter to the Legislature reading : "To the Honorable Robert Whitehill, Speaker of the Senate of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Annexed you will see a true copy of Mr. Abraham Witmer's proposals for having the seat of Justice for Clearfield County established on one of his tracts of land. We do not consider ourselves authorized by law to point out decidedly any particular part of the County the Most Eligible situation for the seat of Justice.- We only, therefore, remark that a handsome seat for a town might he situated on some of the supposed tracts, and that Mr. Witmer's observations are, in our Humble opinion, Sufficiently correct. With due respect, we subscribe ourselves, Your obedient Servants, ROLAND CURTIN, ROBERT BOGGS, WM. TATE, Trustees for Clearfield County. Canestoga, January 18th, 1805. "Messrs. Roland Curtin, Robert Boggs and Wm. Tate, Esqs., Gentlemen :- I have three tracts of land, situated on the West Branch of Susquehanna River, in Clearfield County, viz. : one in the name of Charles Smith, Containing 318 acres, 113 perches; one of 273 acres, 131 perches, in the name of John ****************************** 26 image may be viewed: http://www.usgwarchives.net/pa/clearfield/1picts/clearfield- centennial/images/calwell-g-w.jpg DR. G. W. CALWELL—One of the earliest practitioners of medicine, was born in Union County. He established himself at Glen Hope in 1851, where he practiced his profession until his death on October 5th, 1885. ****************************** 27 Morgan; and one in the Name of Jacob Morgan, 327; for all of which Tracts of land I have an in Disputable Title. They include the indian town called Chinglaclamoose old town, which was one of the largest Indian towns on the Susquehanna. These lands were surveyed as early as July, 1769, and are justly Considered the Most Desirable Both as to Quality and Situation in the part of the County. The great Road to presqueisle was laid out By the Commissioners appointed for that Purpose to Pass through these Lands as may be seen by a reference to their Reports in the office of the Secretary of the Commonwealth. I propose, should Either of these Tracts be Deemed Eligible fof the County Town, to give 250 acres to be laid off into Town Lots and out lots, in Such Manner as May be Desired by the Proper authoritye, one fourth Part of the Neat Proceeds of Sales for the Erection of the public Buildings, one fourth for the Endowment of an Academy in the contemplated Town, the other Morety for my use. I am, Gentlemen, Very Respectfully, Your Obedient Servant, ABRAHAM WITMER." This letter was transmitted to the Senate and the House of Representatives, and there were rival propositions made and other "eligible" sites for the location of a seat of Justice for Clearfield County offered. The following extracts from the Senate and House Journals will convey some idea of the contest then made for the coveted town. January 28th, 1805. Senate Journal, 117. "The Speaker laid before the Senate certain proposals of Samuel Miles (accompanied with a recommendation of the Trustees of Clearfield County) offering one hundred acres of land at the confluence of Clearfield Creek and the West Branch of Susquehanna to extend an equal distance up each stream, provided the seat of Justice of said County is fixed thereon; and the said papers were read and laid on the table. January 28th, 1805. Senate Journal, 117. "The Speaker laid before the Senate a paper purporting to be a recommendation (by the Trustees of Clearfield County) of land belong to Abraham Witmer, as the most eligible situation for the seat of Justice for said County. To the recommendation of the Trustees is annexed certain proposals of Abraham Witmer, as follows, to wit. :— I propose to give two hundred and fifty acres to be laid of into town and out lots in such manner as may be directed by the proper authority, one fourth part of the nett proceeds of sales for the erection of public buildings; one fourth for the endowment of an academy in the contemplated town ; the other morety for my own use ; and the said papers were severally read and laid on the table." January 29th, 1805. House Journal, 223. "A letter directed to the Speaker, from Abraham Witmer, and another inclosed therein from the Commissioners of Clearfield County, both relative to the offer of certain lands in said County by said Witmer to the public as a proper scite for a seat of Justice in said County, were severally read and referred to Messrs. D. Mitchell, White & Weinich." Feb. 7th, 1805. House Journal, 291. ****************************** 28 image may be viewed at: http://www.usgwarchives.net/pa/clearfield/1picts/clearfield- centennial/images/reed-g-l.jpg G. L. REED—Was born in 1825, and represents one of the early families of Clearfield County. In his early days he followed surveying, and laid out the plan of Clearfield. He is now a Director of the County National Bank, and resides in the old Reed homestead on First Street. ****************************** 29 "Mr. D. Mitchell, from the Committee to whom was referred on the 29th ultimo the communication of the trustees of Clearfield Comity, containing proposals from Abraham Witmer of a grant of certain lands on which to erect public buildings, &c., for the seat of Justice in said, made report, which was read as follows, viz.:— That they have duly examined Mr. Witmer's proposals, and consider them sufficiently liberal; they have also paid attention to the plot of said County, as exhibited on Howell's map of Pennsylvania; and although the situation of said lands is not entirely central, yet as they adjoin a navagable stream of water passing through a fertile country, and combine as many advantages as any other situation in the County, your committee consider it an eligible scite for the purpose proposed ; they submit for the consideration of the House the following resolution, viz.:— Resolved : That the proposals of Abraham Witmer, offering a tract of land for the seat of Justice in Clearfield County be accepted ; and that the Governor be authorized and required to appoint three trustees for the purpose of ascertaining the most eligible scite for the seat of Justice in Clearfield County on the lands of Abraham Witmer, situate near the mouth of Clearfield Creek ; and on motion The said Report was read a second time. The resolution being under consideration, a motion was made by Mr. Findlay and Mr. Miller to postpone the further consideration thereof for the present, which was agreed to." Feb'y 19th, 1805. Senate Journal, 206. "The Speaker laid before the Senate certain proposals made by James Hamilton (accompanied by the recommendations of the trustees of the County) of a tract of land in the County of Clearfield, for the purpose of fixing the seat be laid out in a town; one fourth of which is to be set apart for a public of Justice of said County. The proposal contemplates granting 300 acres (part of a 1000 acres) to school ; one fourth for public buildings and the remaining half to be reserved for the benefit of the proprietors ; and the same was read and laid on the table. Feb'y 21st, 1805. House Journal, 377. On motion of Mr. D. Mitchell and Mr. Ogle, the report of the Committee on the Communication of the Trustees of Clearfield County containing proposals from Abraham Witmer of a grant of certain lands on which to erect public buildings, &c., for the seat of Justice in said County, read the 7th instant, was read a second time and the same resolution under consideration. A motion was made by Mr. Porter and Mr. D. Mitchell to recommend said report, which was agreed to, and Ordered, That Messrs. Boileau, Dr. Mitchell, Hall, Crouch and Lytle be a committee for that purpose. On motion of Mr. Lacock and Mr. Ferree the proposals from Rowland Curtin and Robert Baggs, on behalf of William Hamilton, together with the petition of sundry inhabitants of Clearfield County relative to the seat of Justice for said County, was read the 19th inst., and referred to the last mentioned committee. Feb'y 23rd, 1805. House Journal, 384. ****************************** 30 image may be viewed at: http://www.usgwarchives.net/pa/clearfield/1picts/clearfield- centennial/images/barrett-g-r.jpg HON. G. R. BARRETT—One of the pioneer lawyers, was born 1815 and admitted to the bar in 1836. He was appointed Deputy Attorney General in 1837; elected to Legislature in 184o and President Judge of the 22d Judicial District in 1855 and re-elected in 1865. He died; March, 1899. ****************************** 31 A letter addressed to the Speaker from the commissioners of Clearfield County and certain proposals inclosed [sic] from Samuel Miles, directed to said commissioners, offering to convey a tract of land, for the seat of Justice in said County, were severally read and referred to the committee appointed the list inst. on that subject. (384). Feby. 25th, 1805. House Journal, 391. Mr. D. Mitchell presented a petition from sundry inhabitants of Clearfield County, praying that the seat of justice for said County may be established where the town of Chinglecamose formerly stood ; and said petition was read, and referred to the committee appointed on the 21st inst., on the same subject. March 11th, 18o5. Senate. The several proposals of land, for the scite of the County town of the County of Clearfield, read on the 28th Jany., the 19th and 23rd of Feby., were read again and referred to Mr. Harris, Mr. Pennell, et al., to consider and report thereon. March 13th, 1805. Senate Journal, 291. Mr. Harris, from the committee to whom were referred on the 11th inst. the several proposals of land for the seats of Justice of the County of Clearfield, made report of which the following is a copy, to wit.: "The committee to whom were referred the proposals made by Samuel Miles, Abraham Witmer and James Hamilton for fixing the seat of Justice of Clearfield County, as communicated by the Trustees for said County. "Report, That they have duly considered each of the aforementioned proposals, but from want of an accurate knowledge of the County generally, or of the comparative advantages of the several proposed places, conceive themselves inadequate to decide which would be most eligible and advantageous for the County, and are, therefore, induced to offer the following resolution, to wit. : "Resolved, That a committee be appointed to bring in a bill authorizing the Governor to appoint commissioners to view and determine on the most eligible and proper place for the seat of Justice of Clearfield Co." AN ACT authorizing the appointment of Commissioners to fix upon a proper scite for the seat of Justice in Clearfield County : Section 1. Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, in General Assembly met, and it is hereby enacted by the authority of the same, That the Governor be and he is hereby authorized and required to appoint three disinterested commissioners who do not reside or own any land in the County of Clearfield, which commissioners, or a majority of them, shall meet at the house of Benjamin Patton, in the town of Bellefonte, on the twentieth day of May next, and from thence, proceed to view and determine on the most eligible and proper situation for the seat of Justice and public buildings for the said County of Clearfield, and make their report into the office of the Secretary of the Commonwealth on or before the first Monday of December next. Section 2. And be it, etc., That the aforesaid commissioners shall have power, and it shall be their duty to take assurance by deed, bond or otherwise, of any land, lots, monies or other property which hath been or may be offered for the use and benefit of the said County, either for the purpose of erecting public buildings, the support of an academy or other public use, and for the ****************************** 32 image may be viewed at: http://www.usgwarchives.net/pa/clearfield/1picts/clearfield- centennial/images/goodlander-g-b.jpg G. B. GOODLANDER—A pioneer journalist, was born in 1827, and became editor of the Clearfield Republican in 1860, continuing the same until his death, in 1897. ****************************** 33 services aforementioned : each of the said commissioners shall receive three dollars per day for every day he shall be necessarily employed on the business aforesaid : to be paid by warrants drawn by the commissioners of Centre County on the Treasurer of said County out of the monies arising from the taxes levied, assessed and collected from Clearfield County. Approved 4th April, 1805. The Governor in obedience to the requirements of this last recited act appointed three commissioners for the purpose therein mentioned. The commission is as follows :— Pennsylvania, s.s. THOMAS MCKEAN Place of the Great Seal In the name and by the authority of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Thomas McKean, Governor of Said Commonwealth. To Roland Curtin, of the County of Centre ; John Fleming, of the County of. Lycoming, and James Smith, of the County of Gentlemen :- Sends Greeting :- Whereas, In and by an act of the General Assembly of this Commonwealth, dated the 4th day of April, instant, it is amongst other things provided that the Governor shall be authorized and empowered to appoint three disinterested Commissioners, who do not reside or own any land in the County of Clearfield, which Commissioners or a majority of them shall meet at the house of Benjamin Patton, in the Town of Bellefonte, on the twentieth day of May next, and from thence proceed to view and determine on the most eligible and proper situation for the Seat of Justice, and public buildings for the County of Clearfield— Now KNOW YE That having full confidence in your integrity, judgment and abilities, I have appointed and by these presents I do appoint you, the said Roland Curtin, John Fleming and James Smith, Commissioners for the purpose aforesaid; hereby requiring you, and each of you, with all convenient dispatch to proceed in the execution of the trust in you reposed, as aforesaid, and to make a full and accurate report in writing into the office of the Secretary of the Commonwealth on or before the first Monday of December next. Given under my hand and the Great Seal of the State, at Lancaster, this sixth day of April, Atmo Domini 1805, and of the Commonwealth, the twenty- ninth. By the Governor : T. M. THOMPSON, Secretary of the Commonwealth. These Commissioners met, viewed the sites offered, determined upon the most eligible situation, and made their report, reading :- "SIR :—By virtue of an act of the General Assembly of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, entitled 'An Act authorizing the appointment of Commissioners to fix upon a proper site for the seat of Justice in Clearfield County'— "We, the subscribers, appointed by his excellency, the Governor, agreeable to the provisions of the above mentioned act, passed on the tenth day of April, in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and five,—Report, That, agreeable to the provisions of the above mentioned act, we met at the house of Benjamin Patton, in the town of Bellefonte, on the twentieth day of May, one ****************************** 34 image may be viewed at: http://www.usgwarchives.net/pa/clearfield/1picts/clearfield- centennial/images/chase-john-m.jpg JOHN M. CHASE--One of the pioneer lumbermen, was born in 1820, and became a leading lumberman of Woodward township. Enlisted in the service of his country in August, 1862, and was a member of the 149th, P. V. He was an active member of the Baptist Church and was ordained a minister of the same in 1870. He acquired a great deal of land and property. He died at his home in Clearfield, March 11th, 1899. ****************************** 35 thousand eight hundred and five, and after receiving the different proposals made by several persons, proceeded to view and determine on the most eligible and proper situation for the seat of Justice and public buildings for the said County of Clearfield, and do find that the old town of Chincleclamouse, in said County (the property of Abraham Witmer, of the township of Lancaster, in the County of Lancaster and Commonwealth of Pennsylvania) situated on the South side of the West Branch of the Susquehanna River, in the County aforesaid, is the most eligible and proper situation for the seat of Justice and public buildings in the said County; and we have laid out the said town (a plan of which is attached to the report), and we do also further report that we have received from the said Abraham Witmer his bond, which is hereto annexed, for the conveyance of certain lots and the payment of certain sums of money at the time and for the purpose therein mentioned. We are, with respect, your humble servants, ROLAND CURTIN. JNO. FLEMING. JAS. SMITH. To Thomas McKean, Thompson, Esq., Sec'y. The plan attached to the report included the territory bounded on the West by the river, on the South by Walnut Street, on the East by Fourth Street, and on the North by Pine Street, of the borough of Clearfield. It also included certain out lots. The bond which the commissioners received from Abrahams Witmer is dated November 5th, 1805, a copy of which appears in History of Clearfield County—Aldrich-1887, p. 67. The report of the Commissioners was confirmed as follows : "The Commissioners appointed by this act fixed the place of holding the courts, etc., on the lands of Abraham Witmer, at Chingleglamouch old town, on the West Branch of the Susquehanna, and the new county town is now laid out and called Clearfield." Hist. Clfd. Co.—Aldrich--p. 69. "Clearfield County was named after Clearfield- Creek." (Morse—Am. Gaz., 3d Ed., 1810) and the seat of Justice was now named Clearfield, after the county of which it was to become the capital town. JUSTICES OF THE PEACE. The act of 25th March, 1805, provided "That the Justices of the Peace of the County of Centre are hereby declared not to have jurisdiction in cases of debts or demands recognizable within either of the county districts of Clearfield and McKean; any law or laws to the contrary hereof notwithstanding." This act gave to Clearfield County her Justices' Courts and the "County Squire." The Justices of the Peace of Clearfield County have, as a rule, been men of intelligence and of sound judgment. It would be an interesting chapter in the county's history if portraits of our "squires" could be given and some account of the early trials presented, but it will be impracticable to attempt to do so in this paper. WILLIAM TATE was commissioned a Justice of the Peace for this county on ****************************** 36 images may be viewed at: http://www.usgwarchives.net/pa/clearfield/1picts/clearfield- centennial/images/row-bell.jpg S. J. ROW—Another early journalist, was born October 22d, 1822, he became publisher of the Raftman's Journal in 1861, continuing until 1890, when he retired. He died Jan. 29, 1898. JOHN W. BELL—Descendant of Arthur Bell, one of the first settlers of the county, was born July 12th, 1838, and died at his home in Greenwood Township on February 14, 1904. ****************************** 37 the 1st of January, 1806. (Commission Bk. No. 4, Office Secretary of State.) He was therefore the first Justice of the Peace of Clearfield County. William Tate, a member of the Society of Friends, was born in Chester County, afterwards lived at Half Moon, Centre County, and his first residence, in 1804, was a log cabin on or close to the Catholic Church lot in Clearfield Borough. He was one of the Trustees for Clearfield County, appointed by the Governor under the act of 26th March, 1804. The children of William Tate were Dinah, wife of John Solt; Samuel ; Lydia, wife of Wm. Irwin; Joshua; Martha, wife of Joseph Irwin ; George ; William ; Levi, and Jesse Tate. The order in which commissions issued to Justices of the Peace for the county, as given in the Commission Book, in the office of the Secretary of State, prior to the division of the county into townships, is as follows :- William Tate January 1st, 1806. Thomas McClure April 1st, 1806 Arthur Bell April 1st, 1806 Hugh Hall April 1st, 1806 TAXABLES IN 1806. The next step was to take an account of all the freemen and the personal property made taxable by law, with a just valuation of the same, and a valuation of all trades and occupations subject to taxation, and, for this purpose, the Commissioners of Centre County, in December, 1806, issued their warrant to Alexander Read, assessor of the township of Chincleclamousche, commanding him to make a return of the same to said Commissioners at Bellefonte, on or before 28th of January, 1807. Mr. Read, therefore, was the first Assessor of this county. The following list will show the names of the taxable inhabitants of Chincleclamousche township, made in compliance with the above warrant. Robert Anderson David Allen Greenwood Bell William Bloom, Sr. Isaac Bloom Samuel Beatty Caleb Bailey Robert Cresswell Peter Clover John Cline Hugh Carson John Carothers Benjamin Carson John Crowell Robert Collins John Dennis William Dunlap Alexander Dunlap Nun England Benjamin Fenton Robert Askey Arthur Bell John Bell William Bloom, Jr. Thomas Brannen Samuel Beer John Cook Paul Clover Nicholas Cline John Crea Samuel Cochran George Cowhart Jude Cunningham John Coulter Anne Deal Caleb Davis Peter Erhard Samuel Ewing John Ferguson David Flegal ****************************** 38 image may be viewed at: http://www.usgwarchives.net/pa/clearfield/1picts/clearfield- centennial/images/mcenally-j-b.jpg HON. J. B. McENALLY—The oldest living member of the Clearfield bar, was born in Lycoming Co. in 1825; graduated from Dickinson College in 1845, and was admitted to the bar in 1849. He was appointed President Judge in 1868 to succeed Judge Lynn. He is still in active practice, and made an address on Pioneer Day. ****************************** 39 Valentine Flegal Henry Fye John Finall John Gearhart Robert Graham Samuel Green Frederick Haney Abraham Hess Hugh Hall William Hanna DeWalt Hess Hugh Jordan Benjamin Jordan Andrew Kephart Conrad Kyler Thomas Kirk David Lewis Joseph Leonard Jane Lathers (Lewis) William Leonard Thomas McClure Joseph McCracken John Moore James McCracken, Jr. Robert McCracken Daniel Ogden John Owens Joseph Patterson Abraham Passinore Isaac Ricketts Alexander Read, Sr. George Reynolds. Benjamin Smeal George Shimmel Elisha Schofield Francis Severns Samuel Turner George Wilson John Welch Jacob Weiser Thomas Winters High Frazer William W. Feltwell Abraham Goss James Gallagher Martin Hoover John Hall George Hunter Benjamin Hartshorn William Hepburn Henry Irvin John Jordon John Hiler Henry Kephart Leonard Kyler David Ligat Thomas Lewis David Litz Abraham Leonard James McCracken Thomas McCracken Robert McCormick Thomas Mapes Robert Maxwell Thomas McGee Matthew Ogden Joab Ogden Absalom Pierce William Robinson Edward Ricketts Alexander Read, Jr. Nicholas Straw Nicholas Smeal John Shirey Christian Straw William Tate William Underwood John Weld George Welch John Weiser George Williams Peter Young-122 SINGLE FREEMEN. Samuel Boyd Andrew Bean Andrew Beer, Jr. Peter Clover Solomon Cline John Conneway James Carson David Dunlap James Dunlap David Flegal ****************************** 40 image may be viewed at: http://www.usgwarchives.net/pa/clearfield/1picts/clearfield- centennial/images/irwin-ellis.jpg ELLIS IRWIN—Born June 17th, 1805, was appointed Prothonatory Of the county by Governor Ritner, in 1835 ; was Post Master of Clearfield and Sheriff of the county for three years. He died May 1st, 1902, aged 97 years. ****************************** 41 Job England Robert Haney James Galloway Samuel Jordan George Haney John Kyler Samuel Jordan Thomas Kirk Conrad Kyler, Jr. Lewis Lewis James Kirk Robert McCracken Joseph McCracken Robert Maxwell James McCracken Thomas Read Daniel McCracken John Welch-3o. With the year 1803 the tide of immigration had set in, and it increased in volume materially, once the new county was erected and the seat of Justice located. The list of taxables given above is a most valuable record in the early history of the county. It was carefully prepared and contains the names of many of the heads of the largest and most widely known families. Some of these first "taxables" and "single freemen" became prominent as men of business and influential in the political affairs of the County, State and Nation. To recite the achievements of each or tell of their individual accomplishments, is beyond the scope of this paper, and will be left for the pen of the future historian. This article is only intended to show the results of the united labor of the people who have come to reside within the county or have gone forth to greater fields of usefulness. As shown above, there were 155 taxables in Clearfield County in 1806, and there were then returned for taxation 21,716 acres of land, 70 horses, 120 cows, 37 oxen (an odd ox), 2 grist-mills and 2 saw-mills. The returns for 1904 show 23,409 taxables, 377,327 acres of land, 7,651 horses, 7,760 cows 12 oxen. The figures will serve to show a rapid and substantial growth. The increase in population is always an evidence of a prosperous growth, and in this respect Clearfield County makes a most excellent showing, as will be seen by consulting the census reports from 1810 to 1900. Year ...1810 1820 1830 1840 1850 1860 1870 1880 1890 1900 Pop. ... 875 2,342 4,803 7,834 12,586 18,759 25,741 43,408 69,565 80,614 AREA. Clearfield County, according to the table published in Smull's Handbook, contains 723,200 acres of land, or 1,130 square miles, and when first formed had a greater area. NEW TOWNSHIPS. Chincleclamousche township embraced an extensive territory, exceeding the present area of the whole county, until 1807, when it was divided and two new townships formed. 1807-BRADFORD, so named in honor of Surveyor General Bradford, embraced the territory East of Muddy Run to its mouth, and thence was bounded by Clearfield Creek to its mouth. The West Branch below Clearfield Creek formed its Northern boundary, and the Moshannon the Eastern. 1807—BECCARIA, so called after the distinguished Italian philosopher, Marquis de Beccaria, who reformed the criminal law, was bounded on the North by Little Clearfield Creek from its mouth to its source, and a line drawn from ****************************** 42 image may be viewed at: http://www.usgwarchives.net/pa/clearfield/1picts/clearfield- centennial/images/test-israel.jpg ISRAEL TEST—Was born in Center County, September 23d, 1831, he practiced law in Clearfield from 1858 to his death in 1886. He was a humorist and a noted criminal lawyer. ****************************** 43 thence to the West Branch at the mouth of Chest Creek. The West Branch formed the West boundary ; the Cambria County line, the South, and Clearfield Creek, from the mouth of Little Clearfield to the mouth of Muddy Run, and the latter from its mouth to the Cambria County line formed the East boundary. CHINCLECLAMOUSCHE Township, after this division, embraced the remaining territory South and East of the West Branch, North of Little Clearfield and West of Clearfield Creek, and, also, all the lands in the county North and West of the river. The second enumeration of taxables gave Chincleclamousche III, Bradford 36, and Beccaria 28, or a total of in taxables. CHINCLECLAMOUSCHE Township was made the object of a combined attack from General Zebulon Pike and Captain Lawrence, both of whom had distinguished themselves in the war of 1812, and the great and now famous original township was again divided and the name "Chincleclamousche" stricken from the list of townships, and all in the year 1813. 1813—LAWRENCE Township, called after Captain Lawrence, was embraced within the following boundaries : Beginning at a white pine on the West Branch of the River Susquehanna, a corner of Clearfield and Lycoming Counties, thence North to the Northeast corner of Clearfield County; thence along the line of Clearfield County West to the intersection of the old line formerly known as the line between Districts Nos. 3 and 4; thence along the same South until it strikes the Little Clearfield Creek; thence down the same to the mouth thereof; thence down the Big Clearfield Creek to the mouth ; thence down the West Branch of the Susquehanna to the place of beginning. 1813—PIKE Township, named in honor of General Zebulon Pike, embraced the territory within the following boundaries : "Beginning at the intersection of the old line, formerly known as the line between districts three and four, thence south along the same until it strikes Little Clearfield Creek, thence up the same to its head, thence in a direct line to the mouth of Chest Creek, thence up the Susquehanna River to the county line. All lanes lying West of the above line erected into a new township to be called Pike." 1817—COVINGTON Township was formed out of Lawrence in 1817, and the following fixed as its boundaries : Beginning at the river at the Lycoming County line, thence North to the fifty mile tree, a corner of surveys Nos. 5,417 and 5,418, a hemlock ; thence West to a maple, a corner of lots Nos. 5,348 and 5,349 ; thence South along the line of surveys till it strikes Bald Hill Run, and down the Run to the mouth thereof ; thence down the river to the place of beginning, and called Covington. GIBSON Township, called after Justice John Bannister Gibson, "than whom," the lawyers are wont to say, "no greater jurist ever sat upon the American Bench," was described as "beginning at the fifty-mile tree, a corner of Nos. 5,417 and 5,418, and a corner of Covington Township on the Lycoming County line, thence North to the line of McKean County; thence West along the said line to the East corner of Pike Township ; thence South to the fifty- mile tree, a corner of Lawrence Township ; thence East to the place of beginning. These five townships, and Sinnemahoning or Fox, were created by the Quarter Sessions of Centre County, to which Clearfield remained annexed for ****************************** 44 image may be viewed at: http://www.usgwarchives.net/pa/clearfield/1picts/clearfield- centennial/images/boynton-johnothan.jpg JOHNOTHAN BOYNTON—Was born in Addison County, Vermont, September 9th, 1810. He came to Clearfield County in the year 1832, and became one of its leading business men. He was one of the most enterprising citizens of Clearfield from the year 1845 to 1890, when he retired to lead a peaceful, quiet life. He now resides with his daughter, Mrs. Wm. Dill, of New York, at the age of 94 years. ****************************** 45 judicial purposes till 1822. They have been described in detail because upon a map of the county, made in 1817 by Charles Treziulney, Deputy Surveyor, in compliance with the requirements of an Act of the Legislature, they compose the five districts as numbered thereon, and designated in the "Commission Book, No. 6, p. 114," in the office of the Secretary of State as follows :- Justices of the Peace. "1" district, composed of part of Lawrence Township, including the Town of Clearfield, also Covington Township. 72 taxables. William Tate January 1, 1806 Hugh Riddle May 17th, 1816—Not eligible at this time, as he has not resided in the County a sufficient length of time. Hugh Riddle June- 2d, 1817—Removed to Centre Co. Caleb Taylor Sept. 2d, 1822 "2" district, composed of Bradford Township. 36 taxables. Valentine Flegal Feb'y 21st, 1815—Removed to Centre Co., says Recorder. Abel Benton Oct. 31st, 1821 Elijah Ross Oct. 31st, 1821 "3" district, composed of Beccaria Township. 26 taxables. John Keagy Appd. & Comd. January 28th, 1817—Removed out of the Township. William Cree May 16th, 1818 "4" district, composed of Pike Township. 93 taxables. Arthur Bell April 1st, 1806 Hugh Hall April 1st, i806—Resignation accepted Alexander B. Reed Oct. 21st, 1819. January 4th, 1821. "5" district, composed of Lawrence Township. 37 taxables. James Jordan January 31st, 1820 1821-SINNEMAHONING Township was erected January 25th, 1821. In the month of April its name was changed to Fox, in honor of a Mr. Fox, of Phila. delphia. COUNTY COMMISSIONERS. The Act of January 28th, 1812, authorized the electors of the county to choose commissioners at the ensuing election in October, and provided that the powers of and authority of the commissioners of Centre County over Clearfield County cease and determine, except, however, the provision relating to the selection of jurors, in which case the commissioners of Centre County still retained the jurisdiction originally vested in them. The election resulted in the choice of Hugh Jordan, Samuel Fulton and Robert Maxwell, who composed the first Board of County Commissioners, with ****************************** 46 image may be viewed at: http://www.usgwarchives.net/pa/clearfield/1picts/clearfield- centennial/images/howe-cyrenius-w.jpg CYRENIUS W. HOWE—Was born in New York State; resided in Decatur Township, Clearfield County, from 1845 to 1867. Was elected Sheriff of Clearfield County in 1867, and moved to Clearfield in 1868, where he resided until his death, which occurred October 16, 1895, at the age of 77 years. He served 15 years as Justice of the Peace of Clearfield boro. ****************************** 47 Joseph Boone as clerk. Samuel Fulton visited this section on surveying trips only in 1802, 1803, 1804, 1805 and 1806. It was not until "in 1807 Fulton came to this county with his wife, having married in the beginning of the year 1806" (Hist. Clfd. Co.Aldrich-1887, p. 285). He was an Irishman, and one of the characters of the settlement, knew the country and was well acquainted with its inhabitants. He afterwards filled many responsible public offices. PUBLIC BUILDINGS. The first Court House, modeled after the Lycoming County Court House, was built by Robert Collins. The work was begun in 1814 and finished in the following year. It was a substantial brick edifice, "in which," says the Rafts-man's Journal of October 19th, 1859, "for many years justice or injustice has been meted out in legal form." The editor had, undoubtedly, been studying Comic Blackstone, in which a court is described as "a place where injustice is judicially administered." It seems that Mr. Collins had either as contractor or overseer erected the Lycoming County Court House and was induced to come to Clearfield, in 1805, for the purpose of securing the contract for the county buildings. He was awarded the contract at the agreed price of $3,000.00. The building is described as having been two stories high, of brick, with rooms for county, officers above the court room below. The roof was of shingles, and a small cupola rose above the building proper. It was erected upon the lots donated by Mr. Witmer. The corner stone of the present court house was laid June 4th, 1860, and was built by George Thorn at a cost of $16,000.00. In September, 1882, a contract was made with Thorn & Burchfield for the construction of an addition on the rear and remodeling- of the roof and upper part of the former building, leaving the building substantially as it is to-day. The first jail was located on the site of the residence of Dr. J. P. Burchfield, No. 105 South Second Street, and not upon the lots on Locust Street, donated by Mr. Witmer. In an article published in the Clearfield Banner, in 1834, and found in Hazard's Register of Pa., Vol. 13, p. 69, the first county prison is described as follows : "A jail (we mention the jail in time for fear we might forget it, as the wall which is made by standing sticks of timber on an end—the only way to distinguish it from the other buildings—is beginning to give way, and in a short time may not be observed at all)." The second jail was erected on the site of the Opera House on Market Street, and was built by Martin Nichols, Sr., and Jonathan M. Nichols, at a cost of $3,500. The third and present jail, on North Second Street, was built in the years 1870-2. The contract price was $68.000.00, but the extras brought the cost to a higher figure. COURTS. Under the provisions of Sect. 31 of the Act of March 26, 1804, recited above, Clearfield County was annexed to the County of Centre, and it was provided that "the jurisdiction of the several courts of the County of Centre, and the authority of the judges thereof, shall extend over, and shall operate and ****************************** 48 image may be viewed at: http://www.usgwarchives.net/pa/clearfield/1picts/clearfield- centennial/images/lumber-camp.jpg LUMBER CAMP J. S. RICHARDS—At Curry Run, Clearfield Co., Pa., 1884 ****************************** 49 be effectual within, said Counties of Clearfield and McKean."— Clearfield County remained so annexed to Centre for judicial purposes until the second Monday of October, 1822, when the provisions of the Act of January 29, 1822, became operative and by which it was enacted, "That the inhabitants of the County of Clearfield be entitled to, and shall at all times hereafter have, all and singular, the courts, jurisdictions, officers, rights and privileges to which the inhabitants of other counties of this State are entitled by the constitution and by the laws of this Commonwealth." The County was now fully organized. From the formation of the County, March 26, 1804, until the second Monday of October, 1822, all matters of a legal nature, except such as was cognizable before the Justices Courts, was of necessity transacted in the Courts of Centre County. Seven townships were formed, and the greater one, the father of them all—Chingleclamouch--dropped from the list. The first step towards the furnishings of the courts with the necessary machinery for the transaction of business was the appointment of associate judges and a prothonotary, and the following extracts from Commission Book No. 6 in the office of the Secretary of State will prove interesting :- "Clearfield County. ASSOCIATE JUDGES- Francis W. Rawle Sept. 2nd, 1822. Moses Boggs Same date. PROTHONOTARY, who is also to be Clerk of Quarter Sessions and Oyer and Terminer, Orphans' Court and Jail Delivery— Samuel Fulton Appd. and comd. Sept. end, 1822. REGISTER AND RECORDER- Samuel Fulton Sept. 22nd, 1822." The first term of the courts was held at Clearfield Town, commencing October 2Ist, 1822. The first day's session was presided over by Associate Judges Francis W. Rawle and Moses Boggs, before whom, as appears from the records, the following proceedings were had : The acts of Assembly organizing Clearfield County for judicial purposes being read, and the courts being judicially opened, the commissions of the said judges, F. W. Rawle and M. Boggs, were presented and read. The commission of Samuel Fulton, prothonotary of the said Court of Common Pleas and clerk of the said Court of Quarter Sessions and Orphans' Court, were also presented and read, and also the commission of Greenwood Bell, sheriff of the said County of Clearfield, and writ of assistance were presented and read. On motion of W. R. Smith, Esq., Moses Canan was admitted and sworn as an attorney of the courts, and on motion of Moses Canan, Esq., the following named gentlemen were admitted and sworn or affirmed as attorneys of the same courts : William R. Smith, Daniel Stoddard, Joseph M. Fox, John M. Blanchard, James Hepburn, John Williamson, Hugh Brady, Thomas White, William J. Christy, John G. Miles, and Samuel M. Green. William R. Smith, John Williamson, Moses Canan and John G. Miles were from Huntingdon, Daniel Stoddard and William White from Indiana, Joseph M. Fox, Samuel Miles Green and John Blanchard from Centre, Hugh Brady of ****************************** 50 image may be viewed at: http://www.usgwarchives.net/pa/clearfield/1picts/clearfield- centennial/images/me-church.jpg THE NEW M. E. CHURCH, CLEARFIELD, PA.—Now in course of erection; to cost $60,000. ****************************** 51 Jefferson, and James Hepburn and William J. Christy from Philadelphia. The last two became resident attorneys and died in Clearfield County. Samuel Miles Green was then in commission as Deputy Attorney General for this county and was sworn into office. Clearfield County was included in the Fourth Judicial District, of which Hon. Charles Huston was President Judge, who reached Clearfield on the 22nd of October, 1822, and entered upon the discharge of his duties. William W. Potter, of Centre County, who had accompanied him, was admitted to practice. The first trial term of the several courts was held in December, 1822, and the first cause submitted to a jury was Wright vs. Amasa Smith. It is now almost seventy-two years since the courts were first convened, and the county fully organized for judicial purposes, and it was not until on _____ 1883, when at an extra session of the Legislature Clearfield County was organized as a separate judicial district and the office of associate judge abolished. Hon. David L. Krebs was elected and commissioned the first President Judge of the new judicial district. The courts of this county have from the very beginning been presided over by judges truly learned in the law. Hon. Charles Huston, Hon. Thomas Burnside were made justices, and Hon. George W. Woodward, chief justice of the Supreme Court, they having been the first president judges of the courts of this county. Hon. John C. Knox, the fifth judge, was at one time Attorney General of the Commonwealth and also became a justice of the Supreme Court. The State Reports contain many cases which have been tried in the courts of this county and cited as precedents. Among the cases tried in these courts none created a greater public interest than the Commonwealth vs. John Siney and Xingo Park, tried at September Sessions, 1875. An extensive strike was inaugurated in the early part of 1875 among the miners in the Houtzdale coal region. The operators brought great numbers of new men into the region to take the places of the striking miners, and there were numerous conflicts between the strikers and the newcomers. The labor organization, of which Siney was president, aided the strikers with funds and in other respects encouraged the miners in their fight for higher wages. Siney was not present in the region during the progress of the strike, and it was not shown that he took any part in the strike. He was acquitted. Xingo Parks was the secretary of another labor organization which also contributed assistance and in other respects aided the striking miners. He was in. the region tendering his advice and in some respects directing the strike, and was convicted, sentenced to the Penitentiary and afterwards pardoned. The New York papers had their reporters at the trial and the daily proceedings were published in their columns. The case was regarded as of the utmost importance, as attacking the very foundation upon which labor organizations are founded. The act of 14th June, 1872, made it lawful for any working man or workingmen, etc., acting either as individuals or as the members of any club, society or association, to refuse to work or labor for any person or persons, inter alia, when their so doing "would be contrary to the rules, regulations or by-laws of any club, ****************************** 52 image may be viewed at: http://www.usgwarchives.net/pa/clearfield/1picts/clearfield- centennial/images/clearfield-highschool.jpg THE CLEARFIELD HIGH SCHOOL BUILDING—Erected 1901-'02 at a cost of $60,000 ****************************** 53 society or organization, to which he, she or they might belong, without subjecting any person or persons so refusing to work or labor, to prosecution or indictment for conspiracy under the criminal laws of this Commonwealth. * * * Provided, That nothing herein contained shall prevent the prosecution and punishment, under existing laws, of any person or persons who shall in any way hinder persons who desire to labor for their employers from so doing, or other persons from being employed as laborers." The effect of the decision in Commonwealth vs. Parks was to make it a criminal offense to persuade, or otherwise, in any way hinder, persons who desired to labor from doing so and virtually stripped the Act of 1872 of the protection it was supposed to give labor organizations. As an immediate result of the conviction of Xingo Parks in September, 1875, came the passage of the Act of 20th April, 1876, amending the Act of 1872, by declaring that the second provision of the first section of that act, quoted above, shall be so construed that the use of lawful or peaceful means, having for their object a lawful purpose, shall not be regarded as "in any way hindering persons who desire to labor ; and that the use of force, threat or menace of harm to persons or property, shall alone be regarded as in any way hindering persons who desire to labor for their employers from so doing or other persons from being employed as laborers." The late Hon. John H. Orvis, as Additional Law Judge, presided over the court and at the trial of this celebrated conspiracy case. The late ex- Senator William A. Wallace and Wm. M. McCullough, Esq., assisted the District Attorney, and the late Senator Matt. Carpenter, Franklin B. Hughes, Hon. George R. Barrett, Esq., and Linn Bartholomew represented the defendants. EDUCATIONAL. The first school, tradition tells us, was taught in 1804 by a Mr. Kelleys near the residence of Thomas McClure, in Pike township. Samuel Fulton, we are told, taught near Clearfield Town shortly afterwards,- and Josiah Evans was the teacher of a school in Curwensville as early as 1812. From the organization of the county until 1829 private schools sprang up in the settlements. Among the early settlers were men who had enjoyed some educational facilities--enough to inspire in them an interest in the cause of education. Penn had encouraged the erection of public schools, the "Plan or Form of Government," adopted in 1776, enjoined the establishment of "a school or shools" in each county by the Legislature. The public mind favored the establishment of schools and the necessities of the county awakened a deep interest in the cause of education. As a result the Legislature, by an Act entitled, "An Act establishing an Academy in the town of Clearfield," approved 12th February, 1827, enacted as follows :- Section I.—That there shall be and hereby is established in the town of Clearfield, in the County of Clearfield, an Academy for the education of youth in the useful arts, sciences and literature, by the name and style of "The Clearfield Academy." Under the provisions of the subsequent sections of this Act and under the corporate title of "The Trustees of the Clearfield Academy," the persons named in the Act and their successors, erected an academy building on lots Nos. 31 and 32, Front street, in the town of Clearfield. The schools were opened 1830 with Dr. A. ****************************** 54 image may be viewed at: http://www.usgwarchives.net/pa/clearfield/1picts/clearfield- centennial/images/clearfield-acadamy.jpg THE OLD CLEARFIELD ACADEMY, ERECTED 1827 ****************************** 55 T. Schryver as the first teacher. From 1830 until 1874 this academy continued to be the central and highest school in the county. In 1874 it was merged with the common school of the borough and ceased longer to exist as a separate institution. The building, however, was not demolished until 1901, when it was torn down and the present high school structure erected on the spot where it stood. COMMON SCHOOLS. The system of education by common schools was accepted and once inaugurated made marked progress, so that to-day the schools are much above the average. The Act creating County Superintendents in Pennsylvania became a law over the signature of the late Governor William Bigler, a citizen of the county and a resident of Clearfield town. Dr. A. T. Schryver was the first County Superintendent. For the purpose of showing the comparative growth of the schools since the institution of the common school system, the following table may prove interesting :— Teachers. Scholars. Year. Schools. Male. Female. Male. Female. 1835-6 6 7 - 119 101 1844 80 71 11 1327 1125 1854 85 61 18 2506 1757 1864 140 47 95 3097 2939 1874 179 106 88 3908 3331 1884 263 102 169 6095 5836 1894 385 148 247 8816 8686 1904 504 121 383 9970 10363 THE PRESS. The newspaper as an educator found its way into the county at an early day and exerted no small influence in moulding the intellectual character of the people and forming the political future of the county. The Pennsylvania Banner—This paper was founded in 1827 by Christopher Kratzer and George S. Irvin. In 1851 the Banner appeared under a new name, "Clearfield Republican." Clearfield Republican—This paper is now edited by John F. Short. The Clearfield Democrat—This paper was established in 1834 by the late ex-Governor William Bigler, but was allowed to expire. The Clearfield Whig—This paper was founded by John R. Edie about the time the Clearfield Democrat ceased to exist, and ended its own career in 1838. The Raftsmen's Journal—This paper made its first appearance 15th June,. 1854, with the late H. Bucher Swoope as its editor and proprietor. Hon. M. L. McQuown is its present editor and owner. The Public Spirit—This paper was established in 1878 by John Ray Bixter under the name of The Clearfield Citizen. It is now owned and edited by Matt. Savage and is published as a daily and weekly. Mutum in Parvo—This paper, a short-lived enterprise of the late D. D. H. Sweeney, made its first appearance in 1883. ****************************** 56 image may be viewed at: http://www.usgwarchives.net/pa/clearfield/1picts/clearfield- centennial/images/trottle-camp.jpg CAMP SCENE OF J. M. TROTTELL & CO., ON LICK RUN. ****************************** 57 The Monitor—This paper was established by -------------- and is now the Prohibition organ of the county, and is edited by S. C. Watts. The Clearfield Times—This paper is published by Dr. F. S. Nevling, at Clearfield and Karthaus. This completes the list of papers published at the county seat. From time to time in more recent years newspapers have been established in different sections of the county, among which the following are deserving of mention : The Clearfield County Times—Curwensville. Established in 1872 and suspended publication March 4, 1886. The County Review—This paper was established by C. C. McDonald, in 1881, under the name of The Aucilla. Mr. R. H. Brainard is its present editor and proprietor. The Mountaineer—Published at Curwensville by R. D. Swoope, Esq. The Osceola Reveille—Established January 1, 1873, by George M. Brisbin. The Leader Courier—Published at Osceola by John B. McFadden. The Houtzdale Squib—Established August, 1878, by L. A. Frazer ; discontinued 13th January, 1880. The Houtzdale Observer—This paper made its first appearance 15th December, 1881. The Houtzdale Mining Record—Established in April, 1886, by Kinsloe & Kinsloe. The Houtzdale Citizen—Established --------------- now edited by Boulton & Reese. The DuBois Courier--This paper appeared January 15th, 1879, with Butler Horton as editors and proprietors. Now published as a daily by E.W. Gray. The DuBois Express—Established 12th October, 1883, by H. C. Wilson, B. S. Boag and Frank McMichael, now published as a daily by David Reams. The Enterprise—A monthly, established at DuBois by P. S. Weber, long since discontinued. The Journal—Published as a daily at DuBois by W. J. Hines. The Searchlight—An evening paper published at DuBois by McMichael & Wright. The Coalport Standard—Established in 1885 by G. P. Pennepacker, now edited by J. Westever, The Mahaffey Gazette—Published at Mahaffey by G. L. Meyers. The Press—Published at Penfield by M. Nixon. This long list of newspapers is proof that the residents of this county were liberal patrons of the Press and is some evidence of the intellectual development of the county. INDUSTRIES. Grist Mills.—The first important industry to establish itself in the county was the "grist mill." The first grist mill was built in 1804 by Matthew Ogden and was located on Moose Creek about three-fourths of a mile above its mouth, and it has been described as follows : "It was a mill built after its own plan. Had one fallen down to worship it, he would not have committed idolatry, for its likeness was not in the heavens above, nor in the earth beneath, neither in the waters, which are upon the face of the earth. It was sui generis. In size it was about as ****************************** 58 image may be viewed at: http://www.usgwarchives.net/pa/clearfield/1picts/clearfield- centennial/images/chincle-mining.jpg WORKS OF THE CHINCLE MINING AND MANUFACTURING CO. ****************************** 59 large as the pantry of a modern house. There was no iron about it save a spike which for years had done service in an old wagon, replacing a bolt lost therefrom in a time, back to which the memory of man runneth not. This spike served as a spindle. The balling cloth was a novelty. A frame covered with 'cap-stuff was so arranged that it could be operated by a strap which ran to the water-wheel, but more frequently by being shaken hither and thither by the mill boy, who had packed his grain thro' some blazed path or along the shores of the stream. The flour was caught in a trough, similar to those now seen near watering places, dug out of a huge stick of timber."---Journal,' May 11th, 1859. LUMBERING. The first industry to spring into existence was the exportation of sawed lumber. Prior to 1805 Daniel Ogden and Frederick Haney had erected saw- mills ; shortly afterwards Daniel Turner built a mill on Clearfield Creek, above Glen Hope ; Robert Maxwell built one near Curwensville ; James and Samuel Ardery erected a mill near Clearfield Bridge, and other mills were erected in quick succession. The lumber was made into rafts and floated down the river and to market. In 1805 David Litz inaugurated the system of timber rafting, which for three-quarters of a century constituted the principal business of the county. The first timber raft was composed of small logs and floated down Clearfield Creek for use in building a house. There have been times in years gone by when one could in a single day see hundreds of rafts passing Clearfield town. To-day a raft is a curiosity. In 1857 the floating of logs was inaugurated and soon superceded [sic] the system of rafting. Booms were erected at Williamsport to receive the logs and large mills built to saw them into lumber. Hundreds of millions of feet of lumber have been floated in the shape of logs to the lower river towns and there manufactured. This system has worked to the disadvantage of Clearfield County, but it enriched Williamsport and other towns on the lower Susquehanna. Extensive mills were established in Clearfield County. The Moshonan Land and Lumber Co., at Osceola, in 20 years cut 300,000,000 feet of pine, hemlock and oak into lumber, ties, lath, pickets and shingles. Hoover, Hughes & Co., at their various operations, manufactured about 160,000,000 feet of lumber. The Bear Run Lumber Co., A. W. Lee & Co., and the Clearfield Lumber Co., and Geo. M. Dimeling & Co., at their various operations, from 1882 until the present have cut over 318,000,000 feet. The John DuBois, now John E. Dubois mills, at DuBois, is the largest operation in the county, and although it is impossible to give the output, it has been enormous during the past 3o years. In 1828 the county sent 500,000 feet of boards and square timber to market. COAL. The second industry to take root and continue to thrive was the mining and exportation of coal. At the beginning the only means for transportation was the river, and the coal was carried to market on arks. Frederick Haney, it has been said, built the first coal ark used on the river, but its life was short as it "staved" on the river at "Rocky Bend." ****************************** 60 image may be viewed at: http://www.usgwarchives.net/pa/clearfield/1picts/clearfield- centennial/images/county-bank.jpg COUNTY NATIONAL BANK OF CLEARFIELD, PA.—Organized in 1865 ****************************** 61 This industry grew very slowly and in 1828 the exports of coal amounted to but 2,000 tons. The reader will be loth to believe that there ever was a time when bituminous coal from Clearfield county was placed on exhibition on the State Capital grounds at Harrisburg, but such seems to have been the fact, as the extracts given below will tend to show : Bituminous Coal.—P. A. Karthaus, Esq., arrived at this place a few days since with six arks, laden with bituminous coal from his extensive mines on the west branch of the Susquehanna, in Clearfield county, near the Lycoming line. Specimens of this coal were exhibited on the public grounds in front of the Capitol on Wednesday last for the examination of the public, and we learn that it has been pronounced by those competent to judge, to be of a superior quality. The vein or stratum which forms this bed is about five feet thick, and it is said to cover hundreds if not thousands of acres.—Harrisburg Rep. Hazard's Register of Pa., Apr. 18th, 1828, p. 256. It would also appear that the newly introduced fuel found its way to Reading. Reading, June 6, 1829. Berks Journal. Our esteemed fellow-citizens, Messrs. Lane and Orrick, have introduced here among the blacksmiths the bituminous coal from Clearfield county, via Union Canal. We yesterday examined a cargo recently received, but claiming no credit as mineralogists, we of course are not prepared to expatiate upon the quality of this newly introduced fuel. As far as our judgment goes, however, we deem it in no particular inferior to the Liverpool or Virginia coal.—Hazard's Reg. of P., val. 3339. This, then, is the humble beginning of what has now become our chief industry, founded upon the wreck of Frederick Haney's ark, which was piloted by John Bell to destruction on "Rocky Bend." The coal trade of this county did not amount to much until 1867, when the mining and shipping of the fuel began in earnest, and there has been an ever-increasing output. It would indeed be interesting to follow this industry in its rapid development, if it were possible to present accurate figures, giving the production year by year. The Tyrone Herald some years since published a statement, afterwards appearing in "The Historical Journal," vol. 1, p. 62, which shows the coal tonnage from the Tyrone & Clearfield R. R., and which to a great extent came from Clearfield county, for a period of twenty years. Years. Tons. 1867 169,219 1868 171,238 1869 259,994 1870 379,683 1871 542,896 1872 431,915 1874 654,251 1875 926,834 1876 1,218,789 1877 1,374,927 1878 1,298,425 1879 1,622,976 1880 1,739,872 1881 2,401,987 1884 3 173,363 1885 2,889,499 1886 2,280,782 Total 27,834,654 The production of the county from 1888 to 1904 and number of employees ****************************** 62 image may be viewed at: http://www.usgwarchives.net/pa/clearfield/1picts/clearfield- centennial/images/clearfield-bank.jpg CLEARFIELD NATIONAL BANK—Organized 1893. ****************************** 63 will appear from the table given below : Year. Tons. Employees. 1888 5,371,795 8559 1889 5,124,522 7205 1890 6,549,546 9251 1891 6,706,016 10188 1892 6,631,013 10639 1893 6,081,324 10883 1894 4,156,310 9733 1895 5,442,299 9416 1896 4 889 793 8989 1897 5,392,472 9016 1898 4,885,780 7947 1899 5,860,397 8072 1900 2,819,109 4127 1901 5,232,054 9202 1902 6,422,836 10573 1903 6,822,052 10988 88,387,318 Excluding the year 1887 it would therefore appear that from 1867 to 1904_ Clearfield County has sent to other markets the enormous quantity of 116,221,972 tons of bituminous coal, which, as great as the amount is, does not cover the total production. IRON. The third industry to begin its struggle for an existence was the iron trade, and inseparably connected therewith is the name of Peter Karthaus, who, with his son and J. F. W. Schnars, came to Karthaus between 1812-15. An extract from the manuscripts left by George A. Snyder, a son of Governor Simon Snyder, will prove interesting in this connection. Mr. Snyder says : "The first time I saw Peter was about the year 1812, when he came to my father's house in Harrisburg, having but lately arrived from Germany. He had with him the model of a boat having a water wheel at the head, connected with which was a lever. To the ends of this lever were attached poles whereby the boat was to be shoved against the stream. It is not worth while to give a more minute description of the contrivance ; suffice it to say that it was constructed on the very philosophical principal that the force of the current would turn the wheel, which would set the lever and poles in motion, and so propel the boat against the stream, something like mounting a chair to look over the top of one's own head. "Peter built his boat and discovering, of course, that it would not go up, stream, because the current was against it, and that it could not go down stream because the poles would not let it, resorted to stages and horse power, and departed for Clearfield county, where he had purchased a large tract of land. Peter was rich. And having discovered that his lands were well supplied with iron ore, coal, timber and water- power, resolved to become richer by means of the aforesaid iron ore, etc. Accordingly he laid out many thousands of his dollars in erect- ****************************** 64 image may be viewed at: http://www.usgwarchives.net/pa/clearfield/1picts/clearfield- centennial/images/clearfield-trust.jpg CLEARFIELD TRUST COMPANY—Organized January, 1902 ****************************** 65 ing a furnace, a forge, a large mill, a convenient wharf and several large houses, all of stone. Peter manufactured iron, but behold, there was no way to get it to market ; he made ready his mills, but alas, people grew no grain in the woods, and, of course, his toll dish was not often filled. Peter's works were very complete, but they stood idle."—Hist. Jour., vol. II, 290. During 1817 Karthaus and Rev. Frederick W. Geisenhainer erected a furnace on Moshonan Creek. The ore was brought up the river in canoes and flat boats to supply the furnace, and hollow ware, stoves, etc., of the best quality manufactured. This new branch of business had a beneficial effect on the company's (Allegheny Coal Co.) affairs and gave impetus to the settlement of their land. Roads were opened. The river, which afforded the only means of transportation, was cleared of rock and other obstructions. Things went on swimmingly. Hard ore of good quality being found in the neighborhood, the stack was enlarged and frequently in blast—the last time under the superintendency of Peter Ritner, but want of encouragement and the expense of sending iron from a new country, having but few and uncertain roads of carriage, brought the undertaking to a close. The furnace for some years has stood idle and the buildings are in a state of decay.—Raftsmen's Jour., Aug. 31, 1859. The writer in the Journal goes on to say that "a railroad will soon pierce this thriving settlement, and then the vast bituminous coal, iron ore and grey limestone, so generously distributed through it, will be brought into requisition," etc. IL was twenty-five (25) years after this article appeared before the building of the long-expected railroad. Mr. Thomas H. Burrows, in his "State Book of Pennsylvania." (1846), page 235, says : "At Karthaus, so-called from the name of the original proprietor, the first successful attempt was made in Pennsylvania to smelt iron by means of bituminous coal." Other attempts were made to manufacture iron in the county, but the quotations above are equally descriptive of them all—they needed facilities for transportation and incidentally the nourishment of a protective tariff, the exportation in 1828 being only 100 tons of castings and pig iron. A large plant has recently been established about two miles south of Clearfield, near the site of the old "Goodfellow" bridge, for the manufacture of steel, but not from native ores. FIRE BRICK. The existence of fire clay in this county has been well known from a very early day, and it would seem that the manufacture of fire brick began as early as 1833, in Beccaria Township, near Coalport. The first manufacturers of fire brick in the county were Richardson & Campbell, and the Clearfield Banner in an article appearing in Hazard's Register of Pa., Vol. 12, p. 144, Sept., 1833, gives the following description of the oven : "The oven in which the brick is burned is after the English plan, measuring sixteen feet high and twelve in diameter, and heated by bituminous stone coal, containing nine grates and will burn at one time 26,000." The bricks were loaded on arks for the eastern market, but, according to Mr. G. L. Reed's recollection, never reached their destination, as for years afterwards you could find fire brick scattered all along Clearfield Creek. ****************************** 66 image may be viewed at: http://www.usgwarchives.net/pa/clearfield/1picts/clearfield- centennial/images/hotel-dimeling.jpg HOTEL DIMELING—Now in course of erection at Clearfield, which when completed will be one of the finest in central Pennsylvania, and will cost $1,50,000. Beezer Bros. of Pittsburgh are the architects. ****************************** 67 The coal industry, the reader will recollect, was founded upon a wrecked ark and it would seem that the fire brick business, too, is founded upon a wreck. The real start, as in the coal trade, was made about 1867, and through the courtesy of Mr. H. F. Bigler, of Clearfield, it is made possible to give here a list of the fire brick works in the county, when erected and by whom established : No. I Works at Woodland, Erected. 1867 By Isaac and Benj. Reese, Thomas Hammond and John McMath. No. 2 Works at Woodland, Erected, 1870 By Wyle and Richards. No. 1 Clearfield Fire Brick Works, Erected, 1873 By Clearfield Fire Brick Co. Wallaceton Fire Brick Works, Erected, 1880 By Wallaceton Fire Brick Co. Philipsburg Fire Brick Works, Erected, 1882 By R. B. Wiglin & Sons. Widemire Works, Erected, 1895 By Harbison-Walker Co. Within the past five years the following works have been erected : Clearfield Works, Clearfield, By Harbison-Walker Co. No. 2 Clearfield Fire Brick Works, Clearfield, By Clearfield Fire Brick Co. Blue Ball Works, Blue, Ball, By W. H. Wynn & Co. Curwensville Fire Brick Works, Curwensville, By Curwensville Fire Brick Co. Osceola Fire Brick Works, Osceola, By Osceola Fire Brick Co. The above plants vary in capacity from 5 to 18 millions. To-day the coal and fire brick industries may be mentioned as the principal business enterprises in the county, increasing in magnitude each year. TANNERIES. It is said that Benjamin Hartshorn built a tannery on the place where he settled, near Curwensville, in Pike township, as early as 18°6, and that it was the first tannery built in the county. About 1810 Thomas Reynolds built a tannery on the site now occupied by Judge McEnally's residence. At an early date Wm. McNaul built a tannery at Curwensville, which was operated until within recent years by Zariah McNaul. Two tanneries were built in Clearfield before 1840, one on the lot now occupied by the residence of S. V. Wilson, Esq., and Mrs. Boyer, on South Second Street, the other on the site of the Shirk tannery, on South Fourth Street, near Cherry. John McPherson operated a small tannery near Luthersburg, in Brady township, and afterwards, about 1835, came to Clearfield, where he erected a tannery on South Second Street, on the property now occupied by his daughter, Mrs. Robert Larrimer, which he continued to operate until the time of his death, ****************************** 68 image may be viewed at: http://www.usgwarchives.net/pa/clearfield/1picts/clearfield- centennial/images/anderson-creek-viaduct.jpg ANDERSON CREEK VIADUCT—This bridge is 795 feet high, on an 8° curve. ****************************** 69 in 1864. Sometime prior to 1880, or thereabouts, W. S. White & Sons erected large tanneries at Osceola and Curwensville which afterwards came under the control of J. B. Alley & Co. J. B. Hoyt & Co. built a large tannery at Clearfield in 1880, which afterwards on a reorganization of the firm passed under the control of Fayerweather & Ladew, who, in 1893, sold it to the Elk Tanning Co., the present owner. A large tannery was built at DuBois in 1884 by DuBois & Van Tassel Bros. A tannery was also built about this time at Mahaffey by Moser. A second tannery was built at Curwensville, and at one or two other points in the county. For a time this industry was a great benefit to the farmers, who found a market for their bark, receiving ready money in exchange therefore, but 'twould have been a good investment to have let the trees stand until now. It will be impossible to enter into further detail in relation to the industries of the county. They are many and varied, including almost every class, and are mostly prosperous. RAILROADS. In 1863 the Tyrone & Clearfield R. R. was completed as far as Osceola, and Clearfield county given its first rail connection with the outside world. It was not until February, 1869, that trains were run to Clearfield town and some five years later Curwensville was reached and later Grampian. The Tyrone & Clearfield R. R. Co. constructed branches into the Houtzdale and Morrisdale coal regions and soon developed those regions. In 1874 the Low Grade Division of the Allegheny Valley R. R. was constructed through the northwestern portion of the county, developing the large lumbering interests at Penfield and DuBois. In 1880 the Bells Gap R. R. was extended into Beccaria and Geulich townships and later to Coalport, and in 1886 from Ivona [sic] to Mahaffey. The Buffalo, Rochester & Pittsburg, R. R. entered the county in 1883. The Karthaus and Keating R. R. was extended to Karthaus in 1883. The Beech Creek, Clearfield & Southwestern R. R. was constructed into the county in 1884 and its lines have since been extended up Clearfield Creek and the West Branch into Cambria county. The Cresson, Clearfield County & New York Short Route R. R. was constructed from Cresson to Ivona [sic] in 1886. The Clearfield & Mahoning R. R., between Falls Creek and Clearfield, was opened to the public in June, 1893, and gave to the eastern section of the county what had been long needed, an outlet to the Lakes and the West. With the completion of the railroad from Karthaus to Clearfield, in 1900, and the various and extensive branches of these different roads, Clearfield County is given an outlet for her varied products, a market for her coal, fire clay and other deposits. POLITICAL HISTORY: Clearfield County has exercised a very strong influence upon the political affairs of this section, as well as upon those of the State and of these United States. ****************************** 70 image may be viewed at: http://www.usgwarchives.net/pa/clearfield/1picts/clearfield- centennial/images/raft-scene.jpg Raft Scene ****************************** 71 Hon. Alexander Irvin was a man of excellent business capacity and no little political sagacity. After having served as Prothonotary, member of the Legislature, State Senator, he was elected a Representative in Congress and served in 1846-8. The county was next honored in the election of the late Hon. William Bigler as Governor of the State from 1851-4, and in his selection as United States Senator for the term beginning 1856 and ending in 1861. Hon. John Patton was the next citizen from the county elected to Congress. He served from 1861-3, and again from 1887-8. In 1875 Hon. William A. Wallace was elected a United States Senator and served until 1880. Hon. James Kerr was elected a Representative in Congress and served during 1889-90. Mr. Kerr was afterwards elected Clerk of the House of Representatives of the United States, in which capacity he served four years. In 1873 the late H. Bucher Swoope became United States District Attorney for the Western District of Pennsylvania. During his first and second terms President Cleveland appointed Edmund A. Bigler Collector of Customs for the Western District of Pennsylvania. President Cleveland in his second administration appointed William D. Bigler Assistant Treasurer of the United States at Philadelphia. Elmer S. Dundy, who, admitted to the bar of this county afterwards, became United State District and Circuit Judge at Omaha, Neb., where he died in 1896. Hon. Scofield, a Clearfield county boy, became Governor of Michigan. Hon. John A. Patton, also a Clearfield County boy, became a United States Senator from the State of Michigan. There are others who have distinguished themselves and occupied positions of trust, prominent in the State and Nation, some born in this county, others who were citizens from choice. It may be said without reserve, that in whatever position found the men from Clearfield have been faithful to their trusts and discharged the duties imposed upon them with marked ability. It will be admitted by all that Governor Bigler and Senator Wallace had much to do in bringing Clearfield County into prominence and in bringing about the early industrial development of this section. They both made a deep impression, and to a good effect, upon the legislation of their time and are now entitled to the most honorable mention at this, the one hundredth anniversary of the county, for which, when living, they did so much. For many years Clearfield County was looked upon as the Gibraltar of Democracy. A nomination on the Democratic ticket was equivalent to an election, but 'tis not so now. For some years past it has been counted in the Republican column and may to-day be regarded as lost to the Democrats. It is unnecessary to state the reasons why, an attempt to do so might detract somewhat from the historical nature of this paper. As a part of the political history of the county the civil list and county organization is given below : GOVERNOR—William Bigler, 1851-4. United States Senators--William Bigler, 1856-61 ; William A. Wallace, ****************************** 72 1875-80. Clerk U. S. House Representatives—James Kerr, 1891-95. Representatives in Congress—Alexander Irvin, 1846-8; John Patton, 1861- 3; 1887-8; James Kerr, 1889, 1891. Assistant Treasurer U. S. at Philadelphia—William D. Bigler, 1894-98. State Treasurer—Frank G. Harris, 1901-04. State Senators—William Bigler, 1842; Alexander Irvin, 1847; William A. - Wallace, 1863-75 ; Thomas J. Boyer, 1876; William W. Betts, 1887-90; M. L. McQuown, 1895-8 ; Alexander Patton, 1903-4. Representatives in State Legislature—Martin Hoover, first (date unknown) ; Greenwood Bell, second ; John Irwin, third; James Ferguson, 1837-8 ; James H. Lafferty, 1839, 1840; G. R. Barrett, 1841-2 ; Lewis W. Smith, 1844- 5; Charles S. Worrell, 1846-7; George Walters, 1848-9; William J. Hemphill, 1850-I ; A. Caldwell, 1853-4; T. J. Boyer, 1858-62-3-4; Thomas J. McCullough, 1867-8; John Lawshe, 1872-3; Johnson W. Potter, 1874 ; W. R. Hartshorn, 1875- 6; Aaron C. Tate, 1877-8; A. D. Bennett, 1879-80; James Flynn, 1881-2; J. P. Taylor, 1883-4; J. H. Norris, 1885-6; Aaron G. Kramer, 1887-8; Peter S. Weber, 1889-92; John F. Farrell, 1889-92; John K. Gorman, 1893-4 ; Charles S. King, 1893-4; Charles D. Ames, 1895-7 ; John H. Patchin, 1895-7; Frank G. Harris, 1897-1901; Joseph Alexander, 1897-1902 ; Harry Boulton, 1903-4; Frederick R. Scofield, 1903-4. President Judges—Charles Huston, 1822-6 ; Thomas Burnside, 1826-41; George W. Woodward, 1841-51 ; R. G. White, 1851-2 ; John C. Knox, 1852-3; James T. Hale, 1853 ; James Burnside, 1853-9; James Gamble, 1859 ; Samuel Linn, 1859-68 ; Joseph B. McEnally, 1868; Charles A. Mayer, 1868-75 ; John H. Orvis (Addl. law judge), 1875; David L. Krebs, 1883-94 ; Cyrus Gordon. 1894- '904; Allison O. Smith, 1904. Associate Judges—Francis W. Rawle, Moses Boggs, 1822-6; Moses Boggs, Hugh Jordon, 1826-40; Moses Boggs, James Ferguson, 1840-1 ; James Ferguson, John Patton, 1841-6 ; Abram K. Wright, James T. Leonard, 1846-51 ; Richard Shaw, John P. Hoyt, 1851-6; William L. Moore, Benjamin Bonsall, 1856-61 ; James Bloom, John D. Thompson, 1861-6 ; Samuel Clyde, Jacob Wilhelm, 1866-71 ; William C. Foley, John J. Read, 1871-6 ; Vincent Holt, Abram Ogden, 1876-81 ; John L. Cuttle, John Hockenbery, 1881-6. MEMBERS OF THE BAR, with the year of their admission: James Hepburn, 1822; Samuel M. Green, 1822; Robert Wallace, 1825 ; William Christie, 1826; Josiah W. Smith, 1826; Lewis Smith, ; John M. Martin, 1830; Daniel G. Fenton, 1830; George R. Barrett, 1836; James B. Marr, 1839; Elmer S. Dundy, Lewis J. Crans, --; Isaac G. Gordon, 1843; John F. Weaver, 1844; William A. Wallace, 1847; James Peterkin, ; Frederick O'Leary Buck, Alfred A. Graham, ; Robert J. Wallace, Joseph S. Franz, 1850; J. Biddle Gordon, 1853 ; Henry Bucher Swoope, 1853 ; John Lever Cuttle, 1853 ; John G. Hall, ; James Harvey Larrimer, 1854; Thomas J. McCullough, 1854; William M. McCullough, 1856; Israel Test, 1858 ; John H. Orvis, 1857; Walter Barrett, 1859; John H. Fulfoid, 1860; Daniel W. McCurdy, 1868; Alonzo A. Adams, 1869; John P. Irvin, 1870; William A. Fleming, 1870; S. T. Brockbank, 1877; Joseph F. McKendrick, George D. Hamer, 188o; Truman Ames, 1881 ; ****************************** 73 Joseph W. Parker, 1882 ; W. Irvin Shaw, 1883 ; George W. Easton, 1883 ; William A. Ambrose, 1883 ; Alonzo P. McLeod, 1884 ; James T. Johnson, 1888 ; J. Frank McNaul, 1889 ; C. Ira Krebs, 1890 ; G. C. Beauseigneur, 1892 ; Harvey Roland, 1892 ; W. D. Lukehart, 1893 ; H. B. McCullough, 1893 ; William G. Kline, 1895 ; Harry M. Shoff, 1898 ; Clarence Loeb, 1899. MEMBERS OF THE PRESENT BAR, with date of admission-Joseph B. McEnally, 1849; Frank Fielding, 1864 ; William D. Bigler, May 8, 1866 ; Thomas H. Murray, May 24, 1869; David L. Krebs, May 26, 1869; H. W. Smith, June 21, 1869 ; Cyrus Gordon, November, 1870 ; Aaron G. Kramer, September, 1871 ; William C. Arnold, June 18, 1875 ; Oscar Mitchell, June, 1876 ; Harry F. Wallace, June, 1876 ; William E. Wallace, June, 1876 ; Smith V. Wilson, March 7, 1877 ; William H. Patterson, June 17, 1878 ; J. Frank Snyder, June 18, 1878 ; Roland D. Swoope, September 25, 1878 ; Frank G. Harris, January 14, 1879 ; William A. Hagerty, January 22, 1879 ; Arthur L. Cole, January 9, 1882 ; W. C. Pentz, September 25, 1882 ; Allison Opp Smith, January, 1883 ; D. S. Herron, May 30, 1883 ; Americus Hodge Woodward, June 5, 1883 ; Martin Luther McOuown, June, 1883 ; James Horton Kelly. January 14, 1884 ; Singleton Bell, January 29, 1884 ; George W., Zeigler, May 12, 1884 ; G. H. Lichtenthaler, May 14, 1884 ; George M. Bigger, March 22, 1886 ; William I. Swoope, December 6, 1886 ; Alexander Paterson, January To, 1887; Howard B. Hartswick, September 5, 1887; William C. Miller, January 14, 1889 ; Frank Hutton, February 2, 1891; Herbert A. Moore, February 3, 1891 ; George M. Fulford, May 25, 1891; Benjamin F. Chase, September 28, 1891 ; George E. Merritt, September 6, 1892 ; William Paterson, May 2, 1893 ; George R. Bigler, May 24, 1893 ; Fred G. Betts, August 27, 1894 ; Alfred M. Liveright, November 8, 1894 ; Fred R. Scofield, December 3, 1894 ; William F. Patton, February 3, 1896 ; John M. Urey, September 7, 1896 ; Harry Byers, December 8, 1896 ; Harry Boulton, September 6, 1897 ; James A. Gleason, December 6, 1897 ; Hazard A. Murray, September 5, 1899 ; Lewis E. Boyer, November 6, 1899 ; John B. McGrath, December 4, 1899 ; James P. O'Laughlin, December 20, 1900 ; Leno W. Edwards, July 1, 1901 ; Homer W. Edwards, January 5, 1903 ; F. Blake Kuntz, February 2, 1903 ; Thomas F. Garrahan, July 11, 1904 ; W. D. Crosby, George W. Lukehart, James Nolan. Deputy Attorneys, General and District Attorneys-From the fact that it is impossible to furnish all the dates of incumbency of this office, it is deemed prudent to give only the succession of incumbents thereof ; and in this a possible error may occur : Samuel M. Green, Josiah W. Smith, Samuel H. Tyson, George R. Barrett, Lewis W. Smith, John F. Weaver, D. Rush Petrikin, George W. Hecker, J. B. McEnally, Joseph S. Frantz, Thomas J. McCullough, Robert J. Wallace, Israel Test, William M. McCullough, A. W. Walters, Frank Fielding, William M. McCullough, Joseph F. McKendrick, Smith V. Wilson, Singleton Bell, A. H. Woodward and W. I. Swoope. Sheriffs-1822, Greenwood Bell ; 1823-6, Greenwood Bell ; 1826-9, William Bloom, 1829-32, Lebbeus Luther ; 1832-5, Robert Ross ; 1835-8, James Ferguson ; 1838-41, Abram K. Wright ; 1841-4, George Leech ; 1844-7, Ellis Irwin ; 1847-50, John Stites ; 1850-3, Alexander Caldwell; 1853-6, William Powell ; 1856-9. Josiah R. Read; 1859-62, Frederick G. Miller ; 1862-5, Edwin Perks ; 1865-8, Jacob A. Faust ; 1868-71, Cyrenius Howe; 1871-4, Justin J. Pie; 1874-7, William R. ****************************** 74 McPherson ; 1877-80, Andrew Pentz, Jr. ; 1880-3, James Mahaffey ; 1883-6, R. Newton Shaw ; 1886-9, Jesse E. Dale ; 1889-92, E. L. McCloskey ; 1892-5, F. M. Cardon ; 1895-8, Frank Smith ; 1898-1901, David D. Gingery ; 1901-4, Hugh McCullough ; 1904, James P. Stayer. Registers and Recorders—This office became separated from that of Prothonotary in 1856. Since that time the succession has been as follows : James Wrigley, 1856-62; Isaiah G. Barger, 1862-8 ; Asbury W: Less, 1868-74 ; L. J. Morgan, January, 1875-81 ; George M. Ferguson, 1881-7 ; D. R. Fullerton, 1887-93 ; Bine Koozer, 1893-9 ; E. E. Jimeson, 1899. Treasurers—During the early years, when Treasurers were appointed annually, it is impossible to ascertain the correct time the officer held the position ; it is therefore deemed expedient to furnish nothing more than the succession in the order of their holding, respectively : Arthur Bell, Samuel Coleman, Samuel Fulton, Alexander B. Reed, James Ferguson, Alexander Irvin, G. Philip Geulich, Martin Hoover, James T. Leonard, Christopher Kratzer, D. W. Moore, Robert Wallace, J. W. Wright, Isaac Bloom, Arthur Bell, John McPherson, Eli Bloom, John McPherson, George B. Goodlander, Joseph Shaw, Christopher Kratzer, D. W. Moore, William K. Wrigley, Lever Flegal, Samuel P. Wilson, David W. Wise, David McGaughey, Philip Dotts, John W. Wrigley, John M. Troxell, James Mitchell, James McLaughlin, George M. Dimeling, Lewis C. Dyer, George Weaver (died in office), A. B. Weaver (unexpired term), William C. Goss. Prothonotaries—Samuel Fulton, 1822 ; Reuben Winslow, 1825 ; Joseph Boone, 1827; Ellis Irwin, 1836 ; James T. Leonard, 1839 ; Alexander Irvin, 1842 ; William C. Welch, 1846 ; Ellis Irwin (by appointment) ; William Porter, 1851 ; George Walters, 1857; James T. Leonard (by appointment) ; John L. Cuttle, 1860 ; D. F. Etzweiler, 1863 ; Aaron C. Tate, 1869 ; Eli Bloom, 1875 ; James Kerr, 1881 ; Alfred M. Bloom, 1887; D. J. Gingery, 1893 ; Grant H. Thompson, 1899. County Superintendents—A. T. Schryver, 1854-7 ; L. L. Still, 1857-60 ; J. Broomall, 1860-3 ; C. B. Sanford, 1863-6 ; G. W. Snyder, 1866-72 ; J. A. Gregory, 1872-8 ; M. L. McQuown, 1878-84 ; Matthew Savage, 1884-90 ; B. C. Youngman, 1891; George W. Weaver, 1897-1900 (died in office) ; E. C. Shields (unexpired term) ; E. C. Shields, 1901-4. County Commissioners and Clerks-1812-13, Hugh Jordon, Samuel Fulton, Robert Maxwell; clerk, Joseph Boone. 1814-15, Hugh Jordon, William Tate, Robert Maxwell ; clerk, Joseph Boone. 1816, William Tate, Samuel Fulton, Thomas McClure ; clerk, Boone. 1817-18, Thomas McClure, David Ferguson, Robert Ross ; clerk, Boone. 1819, David Ferguson, Robert Ross, William Ogden ; clerk, Boone. 1820, William Ogden, Greenwood Bell, Alexander Read, Jr. ; clerk, Boone. 1821, Alexander Read, Jr., Matthew Ogden, Greenwood Bell; clerk, David Ferguson. 1822, Alexander Read, George Welch, Abraham Leonard ; clerk, Ferguson. 1823, George Welch, Elisha Schofield, Martin Nichols ; clerk, James Reed. 1824, Martin Nichols, Elisha Schofield, George Welch ; clerk, James Reed, who held until 1829. 1825, Schofield, Nichols, Job England. 1826, England, Nichols, George Wilson. 1827, England, Wilson, Joseph Hoover. 1828, Joseph Hoover, Robert Ross, George Wilson. 1829, Hoover, Ross, A. Caldwell ; clerk, Lewis W. Smith. 1830, Ross, Caldwell, J. Schnarrs ; clerk, James T. Leonard, who so held until 1834. 1831, Caldwell, Schnarrs, George Leech. ****************************** 75 1832, Schnarrs, Leech, Ignatius Thompson. 1833, Leech, Thompson, I. H. Warwick. 1834, Warwick, Thompson, Matthew Ogden ; clerk, L. W. Smith, until 1838. 1835, Warwick, Ogden, Smith Mead. 1836, Ogden, Mead, William Dunlap. 1837, Mead, Dunlap, James B. Graham. 1838, Dunlap, Graham, Isaiah Goodfellow ; clerk, James Reed. 1839, Graham, Goodfellow, John Stites ; clerk, Reed. 1840, Goodfellow, Stites, John McMurray ; clerk, G. R. Barrett. 1841, McMurray, Stites, James B. Caldwell ; clerk, H. B. Beissel, until 1846. 1842, McMurray, Caldwell, George C. Passmore. 1843, Caldwell, Passmore, John Carlisle. 1844, Passmore, Carlisle, Grier Bell. 1845, Carlisle, Bell, Samuel Johnson. 1846, Johnson, Bell, Abram Kyler; clerk, H. P. Thompson, until 1849. 1847, Johnson, Kyler, James A. Reed. 1848, Kyler, Reed, James Elder. 1849, Reed, Elder, Benjamin Bonsall ; clerk, W. A. Wallace. 1850, Elder, Bonsall, S, Way ; clerk, J. B. Beissell. 1851, Bonsall, Way, William Alexander ; clerk, John F. Irwin. 1852, Way, Alexander, Philip Hevener ; clerk, G. B. Goodlander, until 1855. 1853, Alexander, Hevener, Samuel Shoff. 1854, Hevener, Shoff, R. Mahaffey. 1855, Shoff, Mahaffey, David Ross ; clerk, R. J. Wallace, until 1858. 1856, Mahaffey, Ross, J. Wilhelm. 1857, Ross, Wilhelm, John Irvin. 1858, Wilhelm, Irvin, George Erhard. 1859, Irvin, Erhard, William McCracken ; clerk, William Bradley, until 1869. 1860, Erhard, McCracken, William Merrill. 1861, McCracken, Merrill, S. C. Thompson. 1862, Merrill, Thompson, Jacob Kuntz. 1863, Thompson, Kuntz, Thomas Dougherty. 1864, Kuntz, Dougherty, Amos Read. 1865, Dougherty, Read, Conrad Baker. 1866, Read, Baker, Charles S. Worrel. 1867, Baker, Worrel, Henry Stone. 1868, Worrel, Stone, Othello Smead. 1869, Stone, Smead, S. H. Shaffner ; clerk, G. B. Goodlander, until 1877. 1870, Smead, Shaffner, Samuel H. Hindman. 1871, Shaffner, Hindman, David Buck. 1872, Hindman, F. F. Conteret, Gilbert Tozer. 1873, Conteret, John D. Thompson, Gilbert Tozer. 1874, same. 1875, Conrad W. Kyler, Thompson, Clark Brown. 1876-7-8, Brown, Thomas A. McGee, Harris Hoover ; clerk, John W. Howe. 1879-80-1, Conrad W. Kyler, Elah Johnson, John Norris ; clerk, Jacob A. Foss. 1882-3-4, C. K. McDonald, John T. Straw, John Picard ; clerk, R. A. Campbell. 1885-6-7, James Savage, C. K. McDonald, Clark Brown ; clerk, R. A. Campbell. 1888-9-90, James Savage, G. I. Thompson, Jacob Mock ; clerks, W. V. Wright, George E. Owens. 1891-2-3, G. I. Thompson, E. G. Gearhart, John McGaughey ; clerks, Geo. E. Owens, C. C. Howe, H. E. Rowles. 1894-5-6, James Reed, W. T. Ross, A. E. Woolridge ; clerk, Geo. E. Owens. 1897-8-9, A. E. Woolridge, W. C. Davis, D. H. Waring ; clerk, P. T. Davis. 1900-1-2, W. C. Davis, C. H. Cole, H. J. Diem ; clerks, P. T. Davis, A. K. Stayer. 1903-4-5, S. R. Hamilton, Commodore Rowles, B. F. Wilhelm ; clerk, A. K. Stayer. BOROUGHS. Clearfield is the oldest town, and the first borough, to be incorporated in the county. Although laid out in 1805, it was not incorporated until April 21, 1840, when the Legislature, in an Omnibus Bill, resolved "That Clearfield Town, in the County of Clearfield, shall be and the same is hereby erected into a borough under the name and title of the Borough of Clearfield." Its limits have been several times enlarged and extended, so that to-day it includes much additional territory, taken from Lawrence Township-and the Borough of West Clearfield. ****************************** 76 Curwensville, or Curwinsville, is the second oldest town in the county and, although laid out at an early date, was not incorporated until February 3, 1851, when the Legislature enacted "That Curwinsville, in Pike Township, Clearfield County, shall be, and the same is hereby erected into a borough which shall be called the Borough of Curwinsville." Like Clearfield, its boundaries have been largely extended. Upon the early maps it was also known as "Curwin." The village of New Washington was likewise incorporated by the Legislature by an act approved April 13, 1859. These three boroughs were the creatures of the Legislature, the other boroughs were all incorporated by the Quarter Sessions under the act of 1851. There are to-day 20 boroughs and 29 townships in the county, divided into 86 election precincts. The boroughs and townships, and date of incorporation or erection are as follows : Name. Incorporated. Brisbin January 8, 1883 Burnside October 5, 1874. Chester Hill April 18, 1883. Clearfield April 21, 1840. Coalport September 24, 1883. Curwensville February 3, 1851. DuBois January 11, 188i. Glen Hope June 28, 1880. Grampian (Pennville) December 30, 1885. Houtzdale March 20, 1872. Irvona September 2, 1890. Lumber City August 21, 1858. Mahaffey May 11, 1880. Newburg October 4, 1875. New Washington April 13, 1859. Osceola September 27, 1864. Ramey March 29, 1893. Troutville May 4, 1891. Wallaceton March, 1873. Westover September 6, 1895. West Clearfield (now in Clearfield) September 24, 1883. TOWNSHIPS. Name. Organized. Beccaria 1807. Bell February 4, 1835. Bigler December 27, 1882. Bloom January 14, 1860. Boggs 1838. Bradford August, 1807. Brady 1826. Burnside May 4, 1835 Chest October 16, 1826. ****************************** 77 Name. Organized. Covington April, 1817. Cooper January 18, 1884. Decatur 1828.. Ferguson February 7, 1839. Girard 1832. Goshen May 5, 1845. Graham August 26, 1856. Greenwood March 19, 1875. Geulich 1858. Huston 1839. Jordon September 4, I834. Karthaus February 3, 1841. Knox May 19, 1854. Lawrence 1814. Morris February 3, 1836. Penn February 4, 1835. Pike November, 1813. Sandy September, 1878. Union December, 1848. Woodward February 3, 1846. POST OFFICES. It was desired to give a full history of the early post offices in the county, and the Post Office Department was appealed to for the needed information, but that Department could not, "in consequence of insufficiency of the present clerical force," comply with the request, or give the data. On the 20th April, 1813, Alexander Reed, Esq., was appointed Postmaster at Reedsboro (at the James Mitchell stone house south of Clearfield), and through the courtesy of Mr. H. F. Bigler a copy of the commission is given : GIDEON GRANGER, POSTMASTER GENERAL OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. To all who shall see these presents, Greeting:— KNOW YE, That, confiding in the Integrity, Ability, and Punctuality of Alexander Reed, Esq., of Reedsboro, in Clearfield County, Pennsylvania, I do Appoint him a Deputy Post-Master, and authorize him to execute the Duties of that Office at Reedsboro aforesaid according to the Laws of the United States, and such Regulations comformable thereto, as he shall receive from me : To Hold the said Office of Deputy Post-Master, with all the Powers, Privileges and Emoluments to the same belonging, during the pleasure of the Post-Master General of the United States, for the time being. IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my Hand, and caused the seal of my Office to be affixed, at Washington City, the twentieth day of April in the year of our Lord, one thousand eight hundred and thirteen, and of the Independence of the United States the thirty-seventh. (Signed) GIDEON GRANGER. ****************************** 78 MISCELLANEOUS. At least one good Indian was found within the limits of the county, within the boundaries of Chingleclamousche old town, and the history of Clearfield would be incomplete without some account of this individual. "Indian Remains Found.—Last Friday (May 18, 1860), whilst the workmen employed at grading Market Street were digging between the Clearfield House and G. L. Reed's residence, they dug up portions of two skeletons, supposed to be the remains of Indians who had been buried there. They were found at a depth of about four feet under the original surface of the ground. One of the skulls and some of the bones are but little decayed, whilst others are entirely gone. One of the lower jaws having lost its angle, shows that it belonged to an aged person; the other retained the teeth in a state of good preservation, and is doubtless that of a child of perhaps 12 or 14 years of age."—Clearfield Rafts-men's, Journal of Wednesday, May 23, 1860. CONCLUSION. Clearfield County had a very humble beginning. Fortunately the early settlers were men of intelligence, strong and fearless, to whom difficulties amounted to nothing except as a notice of the amount of effort required to accomplish the desired end. A history of the struggles of our forefathers in this region would show decision, coupled with an untiring perseverance, qualities which will secure success in any undertaking. The industrial growth of the country, slow at first, for want of facilities for transportation of its products, has been healthy and permanent. After the advent of the railroad her coal, lumber and fire brick interests developed rapidly and grew until now they are of enormous proportions. This paper, prepared hastily, before and after business hours during the past six weeks, is not published as a history of Clearfield County, but simply purports to give certain historical facts which tend to show its one hundred years of growth. No attempt has been made to eulogize this family or that—there is glory enough for all. ****************************** 79 image may be viewed at: http://www.usgwarchives.net/pa/clearfield/1picts/clearfield- centennial/images/court-house.jpg CLEARFIELD COUNTY COURT HOUSE—Erected in 1861. Additional built in 1883 and '84 at a cost of $60,000. The cost of the present structure and all late improvements is $140,000. ****************************** 80 Programme of Centennial Celebration of Clearfield County 1804 - 1904 JULY 26, 27, 28, 29, 1904 ****************************** 81 Pioneer Day July 26 Beginning early on this clay two clerks will be found in the Relic Room in the Court House, to register the names of Pioneers, give them their badges and free dinner tickets. At 11 A. M. of said day the parade will take place, which will be as follows: ****************************** 82 Banner Inscriptions July 26 The following inscriptions on banners used on Pioneer Day of the great Centennial are made a part of the History of the great occasion. "IN PIONEER DIVISION." First. William Penn made the Treaty with The Indians, the Indians with the Whites. The Descendants of all rejoice and are glad. Second (Red Men). We gave you your Chicaclamoose, we gave you your "Old town," and now extend to you the hand of Friendship. Third (Pioneers). We plowed with the ox team and the wooden plow, ate corn bread, lived in log houses. You have the improved machinery, the up-to- date baker and handsome Cottages. Fourth (Pioneer). We lived in homely hamlets, wore home spun clothing- and were educated in the log school house. Our children have better advantages. Fifth. Our forests we cleared that our children might have bread. Our hardships laid the foundation of your wealth. Sixth. We had the pine trees, you have the coal and fire clay ; we had hardships, you have ease and comfort. Seventh. We have lived three score and ten. The future of this great county we commit to our children. Eighth (Boys' Band). Call us Juveniles now, but come to the next Centennial and note how well we will play. Great trees from acorns grow, so all musicians must begin. Ninth (Boys' Procession). We will preserve this county, which our fathers and grandfathers have made great. From Youth to Old Age, makes a brilliant page. Tenth. Grandfather played "corner ball," we foot ball ; grandfather took his girl out on horseback (double), we take ours in the automobile. Eleventh. Our Pioneers travelled with the ox team and the cart, we have bicycle and the automobile; the Pioneers drove in the mud, we use paved streets. Twelfth. The Pioneers had the tallow candle, we have electric light. They had the old time fireplace, we have the steam heat. ****************************** 83 Soldiers' Day July 27 Probably this will be the biggest day of the Centennial, not perhaps the largest, but the patriotic one. The proceedings of this day will be very much the same as that of "Pioneer Day," except the make-up of the parade. It is under the direction of the Soldier Committee and everything is being done to make it memorable. The soldiers, as we understand, will meet at the Court House on the morning of July 27th, and will have their names registered and receive a badge and dinner ticket. The badges are beauties and will serve as splendid souvenirs of this memorable occasion. The parade will be a grand one, as this is the day when the Civic Societies will act as an escort to the veterans and music of all kinds will mark the glory of the occasion. The chorus of 200 voices on a platform, in front of the Court House will add much to the grandeur of the parade. After the parade and the Veterans have been well fed at their park they will be addressed by John McMains, Dept. Commander, Chas. Suydam, Assistant Adj. Gen. and Thos. G. Sample, Supt. of the Scotland Soldier's Orphan School, and by Gen. O. O. Howard, of Burlington, Vermont, the only surviving corps commander of the Federal army. Gen. Howard is one of the finest speakers of the Soldier platform and has been secured for this occasion at a great expense. He is a great attraction. We predict at least 1,600 soldiers and we may add that a genuine Soldiers' friend has contributed largely toward their entertainment. ****************************** 84 Industrial and Farmers' Day July 28 This is to be "Red Letter Day" in the history of this great celebration. A great gathering of farmers and industrial people. It is not "Granger Day," but Farmers' Day without reference to organizations. This will be one of the best of the whole week. A great big Farmers' Picnic, and on this occasion, we understand, there will be no admittance charged to farmers to the park and the attractions on that day will be free to them. The Committee; --we under- stand, has already secured several eminent speakers for this occasion. arrangements have been made for a great big picnic and farmers will be given the use of the grove and the good spring water for the occasion. The parade will be a leading feature and already the work of organizing it has commenced. Imagine a glaring procession of industries in floats and here and there a sprinkling of the "olden times" like a crumpled horn cow marching along side of a fine Jersey or Alderney, and an automobile pacing along side of the old-fashioned vehicle and you have a faint idea of the parade on Farmers' Day. The Industrial Organizations are organizing and will make a fine display in the parade. R. S. Seeds, one of the finest talkers in the country, will be the speaker.