HISTORY: Twentieth Century History of Clearfield County, PA, Roland D. Swoope, 1911, Chapter 23 - Townships - B Contributed for use in the USGenWeb Archives by Judy Banja and Sally Copyright 2005. All rights reserved. http://www.usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm http://www.usgwarchives.net/pa/clearfield/ NOTE: Use this web address to access other chapters: http://www.usgwarchives.net/pa/clearfield/1picts/swoope/swoope.htm ________________________________________________ TWENTIETH CENTURY HISTORY OF CLEARFIELD COUNTY PENNSYLVANIA AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS BY ROLAND D. SWOOPE, JR. PUBLISHED BY RICHMOND-ARNOLD PUBLISHING CO. F. J. Richmond, President C. R. Arnold, Secretary and Treasurer CHICAGO, ILL. CHAPTER XXIII THE TOWNSHIPS HISTORY OF CLEARFIELD COUNTY 258 Sketches of the Different townships - When erected - Boundaries - Population - Occupation of the Inhabitants, etc. Beccaria Township This Township is situated in the southern part of the county, having for its southern boundary the dividing line between Clearfield and Cambria counties, and being bounded on the east by Gulich Township, west by Chest and Jordan Townships and north by Bigler Township. This township was one of the earliest settled in the County, but was not created into a township until 1807. It was named in honor of the distinguished Marquis DeBeccaria. The township was erected by a decree of the Court of Centre County to which county Clearfield County was attached at that time for judicial purposes. The principal industries of the township are the mining of bituminous coal and agriculture. The population, according to the census of 1910 was 3,095. The first settler in this township was undoubtedly Captain Edward Ricketts, an old Revolutionary soldier, who in the latter part of 1798 or the spring of 1799, in company with a party of Indians, came to the place now known as Keaggy's Dead Water, on Clearfield Creek. His first stay was brief, but he subsequently returned, bringing with him his wife. He died not long after his settlement here, partly from the hardships he had endured and partly from an injury received while hunting. It is believed that he was not only the first settler in Beccaria township, but also in Clearfield county. In 1801 he was followed into the wilderness by his sons James and Edward, the former of whom afterward moved to what is now the site of Utahville. In 1830 when the township was erected it was so thickly covered with timber - chiefly pine, hemlock and oak - that few pioneers were hardy enough to attempt a settlement. Many after a brief stay, allowed their lands to be sold for taxes and moved to other locations. The few who remained permanently, however, in time reaped a rich reward, or at least laid the foundation of an abundant prosperity for their descendants. Such among the pioneers were John Cree, the Carsons, James Ray, the Turners, John hegarty, John and James Gill, Henry Dillen, Joseph Leonard, James McNeal, Edwin and James Ricketts and Samuel Smiley, all of whom paid taxes on farm land in 1810-12. The first, or one of the first roads in the township was cut across the mountain to Tyrone in 1813. This was for hauling shingles, the first product of the cut timber. About this time also the first saw-mills were erected, Samuel Turner putting up a saw and grist-mill on Turner Run. Square timber then sold at AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS 259 five and six cents per cubic foot, and the best pine boards brought but $6 or $7 per thousand. The first church was built at Mt. Pleasant, or Utahville, as it is now called, in 1813, though the township then had less than 75 inhabitants. It was of the Baptist denomination and Dr. John Keaggy was its first pastor. The same Dr. Keaggy during the week was engaged in medical practice. He was killed by a fall from a horse in 1819. In the next year after the building of the church the first schoolhouse was built, one the site of the building later known as the "Williams schoolhouse." It was of course a log structure and had a clapboard roof. In 1810 John Gill made the first opening of bituminous coal in this township, discovering a vein 14 inches thick, which he used for blacksmith purposes. Other veins were soon opened, Samuel Hagerty making the first opening for shipping purposes. Other interests of the township - its transportation facilities, its boroughs, etc., will be found treated of under their respective headings, in other chapters of this volume. Bell Township. This township was organized by a decree of Court on May 4th, 1835. It is situated in the extreme western end of the county, having for its western boundary part of the dividing line between Jefferson and Clearfield Counties, part of the dividing line between Indiana and Clearfield Counties. It is bounded on the north by Brady and on the east by Penn and Greenwood Townships and on the south by Burnside and Chest Townships. The principal occupation of the inhabitants of this Township is agriculture, although in the last few years some coal operations have been opened up in the township. The population, according to the census of 1910 was 1682. The township is well watered by various streams, chief among which are Chest Creek, which enters the township of the southeast and discharges its waters at or near the borough of Mahaffey, on the south or southeast side of the river; North Run and Deer Run, which discharge their waters therein from the south; and snyder Run, a small tributary of Chest Creek. The streams discharging into the river on the north side are Bear Run, Whiskey Run, Millers Run, and Laurel Run, all of which are small tributaries. The northern part of the township is drained by the headwaters of the east branches of the Mahoning, while Curry's Run has its source in the northeast part of the township. Bell township was settled somewhat slowly, as the tide of emigration came from the east and northeast, and it was moreover somewhat distant from the county seat. When the natural advantages of the location near the mouth of Chest Creek became better known, however, settlers came in abundance and today their labors and those of their descendants are visible in the present thriving borough of Mahaffey. The pioneer of the township was Johannes Ludwig Snyder, a Revolutionary veteran, who came to this country with his father's family about the time of the French and Indian war. Coming from Lewisburg about 1820, he settled on lands on Chest Creek. He died in 1860 at the remarkable age of 115 years. His wife, it is said, lived to the age of 108 - a truly venerable couple. He was followed soon after by John Smith, HISTORY OF CLEARFIELD COUNTY 260 who built the first schoolhouse about 1827 or 1828, it being succeeded in 1835 by a more pretentious building. Samuel Sunderlin and family came about 1823, having previously resided in Union county. His improvement was made on the river above the site occupied by McGee's. He was a sterling citizen and the first class leader of the M. E. church. The McGees, Wetzels and Johnsons came in 1826, the Rev. James McGee coming from Center county. He erected a saw-mill and later a grist mill and in course of time made many substantial improvements in the township, in which example he was followed by the younger member of the family. He died in 1855. later settlers were John Weaver, Peter Smith, William Ramsey, Thomas Campbell and Nathaniel Sabins. The last mentioned, who came in 1831, was the Nimrod of the settlement and many stories are still extant of his prowess in hunting. Mr. Campbell was on the first school directors after the organization of the township in 1835, his son, James A. Campbell being a successful teacher. Another old settler was Asaph Ellis, who came about 1835, built a saw-mill on the river and engaged in lumbering. He was the first justice of the peace elected after the township was formed. The Bell family were the pioneers in the upper part of the county. Arthur Bell, Sr., was undoubtedly the second pioneer adventurer up the West Branch, following Daniel Ogden, whom he assisted in the erection of his cabin. He was known as Squire Bell, being commissioned a justice of the peace by Gov. Thomas McKean. The township was named for A. Bell, Esq., and his son, Greenwood. There was no church edifice in Bell township until the year 1860, when the Methodist Episcopal society erected a house of worship. Their society had been formed, however, as early as 1830. The Protestant Methodists were also organized about that year, their early services being held in the house of John Weaver. Mention of the borough of Mahaffey will be found in the succeeding chapter of this volume. Bigler Township This township is of recent formation, having been erected by a decree of court in 1883. The township was named in honor of Hon. William Bigler, a former Governor of Pennsylvania and who was a citizen of Clearfield County. The history of its early settlement is contained in the histories of Beccaria, Geulich, Knox and Woodward townships, from which it was formed. The township is bounded on the north by Knox and Woodward Townships, on the east by parts of Woodward and Geulich Townships, on the south by parts of Geulich and Beccaria Townships and on the west by parts of Beccaria and Jordan Townships. The principal business of the township is the mining of bituminous coal, which is carried on on a very large scale, the principal operations being at Madera, in Bigler Township. This place, situated on the east side of Clearfield Creek, was originally called Puseyville after Charles Pusey who owned a large part of the lands upon which the town is built. The population, according to the census of 1910 was 4013. Bloom Township. This township was erected by a decree of court, dated January 14, 1860 and was formed from parts of Penn, Pike, Brady and Union townships. This township is bounded on the north by Union Township, on the east by Pike Township, on the south by Penn Township and on the west by part of Brady Township. The principal occupation of the people of Bloom Township is agriculture. The population, according to the census of 1910, was 451. The township was named in honor of one of its pioneer families, and the descendants of William Bloom are now scattered by hundreds all over the county and in various states. Its surface is generally hilly and mountainous. It is watered by Anderson and Little Anderson Creeks, the former flowing in a generally southeast direction through the eastern and northeastern part of the township, the latter being a tributary stream. The settlement of the township was slow, owing chiefly to its distance from the river, and also because it was heavily wooded, necessitating much labor in the clearing of farms. Among the first settlers were Isaac Rodden, who settled on lands along the line of the turnpike in 1815, and who had a numerous family. He was a man noted for his ceremonious transaction of business. James Bloom, son of William Bloom, the pioneer, was a prominent man in the affairs of the township and was an associate judge of the county. He was proprietor of the "Forest House," on the "pike," and also postmaster, his place being a post office station. Jonathan Taylor, a blacksmith, was another pioneer, who lived for a time on the site on which the Forest house was built. He had a large family. Another man of large family was James McWilliams, who came about the same time, and lived about a mile south of the hotel. He was a great hunter and kept a number of dogs of various kinds. John Ellinger settled in the eastern part of the township, coming from Brady. He was still living at an advanced age in 1887. The turnpike to which reference has been made was the Susquehanna and Waterford Turnpike road, incorporated in 1818. It was not long in use, however, being superseded by others. Another turnpike company was incorporated in 1828 and was known as the Snow Shoe and Packersville Turnpike Co. The town of Packersville, now extinct, was named after Isaac Packer, a person of some prominence in the early days in this region. He built and operated a hotel at this place, which was torn down about 1877 by Henry Reams. John Neeper was the second proprietor of the hotel. Henry Reams was the first class leader of the Methodist Episcopal church, to which belonged also the families of Squire Smith, Joseph Whitmore, William Henry and others. The Methodist Protestants also held early meetings in the "Greenville" schoolhouse, James Cleary, who officiated for a time as a preacher, being a leading member of the society. Other members of this society were John Ellinger, John Bilger, Isaac Thompson (a local preacher), George Leech and others. The United Brethren, Baptists and Dunkards have also at different times mustered some strength in the township, but in view of the total population of the township, none of these societies have at any time been large or powerful. The township has adequate schools with efficient teachers, being as well provided for in this respect as any other township, in proportion to its size. The inhabitants are quiet and HISTORY OF CLEARFIELD COUNTY 262 orderly and as a whole represent a good class of citizenship. Boggs Township This township is situated in the eastern part of the County and is bounded on the north by Bradford and Lawrence Townships, east by Graham and Morris Townships and a part of Decatur Township, south by Decatur and Woodward Townships and a part of Knox Township, and west by Knox and Lawrence Townships. The township is about nine and one-half miles east to west by four and one-half miles from north to south. It was erected by a decree of court in 1838; the exact date cannot be given, because the original papers have been lost or mislaid in the prothonotary's office. The principal occupation of the inhabitants of this township is agriculture. The population, according to the census of 1910, was 1154. The earlier history of Boggs township belongs to Bradford township, of which it was formerly a part. George Shimmel made a settlement on lands about half a mile from the present borough of Wallaceton in the year 1810. In the same year Peter Shimmel began clearing a farm on the old State road, near the point known as Maple Springs. Henry Shimmel, another member of the same family, began improvements in the same year. Henry Folk began a clearing in the forest on the present site of Wallaceton in 1813, being the pioneer in this work. In the same year Abraham Hess came from York county, settling on the east side of Clearfield creek. Another pioneer of 1813 was Nimrod Derrick, who made a clearing on the old State road. Abraham Lits also began improvements in the same year on the banks of Clearfield creek, as also did George Wilson. The following year, 1814, saw the advent of Andrew Kephart and Jacob Haney, who began clearing land on the old State road, George Wilson in the same year building a saw-mill near the mouth of Long Run. The first tavern in the township was built by Alexander Stone in 1820, on the line of the old Erie turnpike, William Lamadue building another on the pike about the same time, which would seem to indicate that there was then a fair amount of travel over the pike. The Millwood farm was made in 1820 on the road leading from Philipsburg to Clearfield, the road, however, not having yet been built; and in the following year Bresaler's tavern, on the Erie turnpike, was built. In 1815 the Elder saw-mills and carding-machine were erected near the mouth of Little Clearfield Creek, and began operation. Abraham Elder's saw-mill, located a short distance from Blue Ball, was built in 1828. The saw-mill of Jerry Smeal, at Blue Ball, was built in 1838. These were the most important settlements and improvements made before the erection of the township. The first election was held in 1838, with the following result: Supervisors, William Lamadue and Abraham Hess; constable, Geo. McCord; overseers, Jacob Haney and John Beers; school directors, George Wilson, George Turner, George Goss, George Shimmel, John L. Gearhart and Abraham Hess. In 1839 the township had a population of less than 225 persons. In 1840 Warren's saw-mill was built on Laurel Run. In 1860 Thompson's grist- mill was built on Morgan Run. The surface of Boggs township is hilly and AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS 263 rough, though it has less of the mountainous formation than may be found in some other localities in the county. The chief stream is Clearfield Creek, which forms the western boundary for a few miles, and which has a number of tributaries, the northern one of these being Long Run. Morgan Run is probably the largest tributary of Clearfield Creek lying within the township, and as the lands adjacent have produced fine timber, many saw-mills have been erected on it. Other streams watering the township are Camp Hope Run, Sanborn Run and Raccoon Run, all of which discharge into Clearfield Creek. Boggs township is amply supplied with good schools and teachers. Several church societies are represented, the United Brethren building their first church edifice in 1848, about two miles west of Wallaceton borough, from which parent society several others have since grown. The borough of Wallaceton will be found treated of in the succeeding chapter. Bradford Township This township was erected by a decree of the court of Centre County made at August Sessions, 1807, Clearfield County being at that time attached to Centre County for judicial purposes. The township was named Bradford in honor of former surveyor-general, William Bradford of Pennsylvania. The township is bounded on the north by parts of Goshen Township and Girard Township, east by Graham Township, south by Boggs Township and west by Lawrence Township and part of Goshen Township. Many of the people of Bradford Township are employed in the fire brick works at Woodland and Mineral Spring, and in addition to this industry, the principal business is farming. The population of the township, according to the census of 1910, was 2250. The course of the West Branch of the Susquehanna river, which separates this township on the north from Goshen and Girard townships, is very tortuous and winding. Clearfield Creek passes on the west side, just touching the township and dividing it at that point from Lawrence. The largest stream having its course within the township is Roaring Run, which drains the whole southern and southwest portion and has several tributaries, namely Fork Valley Run and Forcey's Run, on the north, and Jake's Run on the south. The streams discharging their waters directly into the river are Abe's Run, Devil's Run, Millstone Run, Bear Run and Moravian Run, the last mentioned, however, running but a short distance through the township. Graffius's Run is a tributary of Moravian Run. The surface of the land generally is very hilly, but not mountainous, some of the best producing lands being classed as "hill farms." The population of the township, as originally laid out, did not exceed, in all probability, 175 persons. There were 34 taxable inhabitants in 1809, besides three single freemen. At that time there was neither saw nor grist mill in the entire township. The year 1812 showed a slight decrease in the number of taxables. Many whose names appeared on the early rolls resided in that part of Bradford, which was subsequently erected into the townships of Decatur, Morris and Boggs, among them being Robert Ross, formerly of Huntingdon county, who settled about 1812 on the river, above the mouth of Trout Run. Many of his descendants are still living in this and other townships. Matthew Forcey came to Bradford from old HISTORY OF CLEARFIELD COUNTY 264 Chincleclamousche township, settling south of Clearfield town in the year 1804, and in Bradford about 1813 or 1814. His descendants have been numerous and some have been very prominent in the business life of the county. Among other early settlers were Robert Graham, who came in 1811 from Lawrence township; Jacob Hoover, who settled in the eastern part of the township; two by the name of Samuel Turner, one coming in 1812 and the other in 1824; the Hurd family, who settled early in the eastern part of the township; John Dale, a hatter, who subsequently lived on the Hurd place; John Kyler, who located on the Susquehanna pike, between Wallaceton and Bigler; Absalom Pierce, who was the assessor of the township of 1812 and who lived in the vicinity of Bigler station; John Woolridge, a native of England, who located on the Clearfield road, about two and a half miles from Woodland; John Shirey, who settled in the Graham neighborhood; Richard Shaw, a pioneer of the Mt. Joy Ridges; David Wilson, who owned a farm adjoining Graham's; Archie Campbell, John Stewart, the Graffiusses, Mayhews, the Burges and others. Owing to the numerous streams and the growth of the lumber industry, Bradford township lands were taken up very rapidly about and subsequent to 1820. Numerous saw-mills appeared and the locality of Grahamton became thickly settled and manufactories were built there, largely through the enterprise of the Graham Family. The construction also of the Tyrone and Clearfield Railroad gave rise to the towns of Woodland and Bigler, in the former of which places the Woodland Fire Brick Company established an extensive plant. The township is well provided with churches and schools, the Methodists, Presbyterians and United Brethren being especially represented among the religious population. Brady Township. This township was named in honor of Captain Samuel Brady, a noted Indian fighter and a mighty hunter. The township was organized in 1826 and is situated in the northwest corner of the county and about 2000 feet above the sea level. It is bounded on the north by Sandy Township on the east by Union and Bloom Townships, on the south by part of Penn Township and Bell Township and on the West by part of the dividing line between Jefferson and Clearfield Counties. The surface is somewhat hilly with a gentle slope to the westward and there are many excellent springs, some of which are mineral. There is considerable coal development in the township but the principal business of its inhabitants is agriculture. Much valuable timber was destroyed in the process of clearing the farms. The population, according to the census of 1910 was 2823. The township is traversed by the B., R. & P. and the B. & S. Railroads. The first white settler of this township was James Woodside, a native of Chester county, Pa. He located on a tract of land situated on the head waters of Stump Creek, which was surveyed to him in July, 1785, which was known as the "Woodside" and later as the Luther place. Here for twenty-two years he had no neighbors but the Red men of the forest. He was then cheered by the advent of a new white settler, Joab Ogden, who located a mile further down the creek - this was in 1807, on the spot which afterwards became the site of Carlisle station on the B. R. & P. Railroad. AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS 265 In 1812 George, Michael and Frederick Scheffer settled on Sandy Lick Creek, George locating on land that is now a part of the site of DuBois. Fred and Michael located a few miles further up the creek. James, Benjamin and Thomas Carson came in 1814. In 1820 Lebbeus Luther, a native of Massachusetts, bought and settled on a tract of land located where Luthersburg now stands, the place being named after him. He was appointed by messrs. Fox & Co., who owned thousands of acres in this section, as agent to dispose of their lands. He made his first sale to Benjamin Bonsall, who came from Perry county in 1824. About this time also Frederick Zeigler, came from Center county and settled on what was later known as the "Thompson" place. Mr. Bonsall was appointed first justice of the peace after the organization of the township in 1826. John Carlisle, who came from Lebanon county, was another settler on the site of Luthersburgh. In 1830 Jacob Kuntz, a native of Germany, settled near where the Reformed church was later erected. The year 1831 saw the advent of the Knarrs, Weisgerbers, Wingerts, Korbs, and Yoases, Jacob Trautwein coming in the following year. These settlers were soon followed by many others, whose names we have not space to record. Many of these early settlers "squatted" on land - that is, took possession of it, without knowing to whom it belonged, and by keeping undisputed possession of it for 21 years became the lawful owners. The first mill in the township was Ogden's (near Carlisle Station). Two famous hunters among the early settlers were Fred Zeigler and "Uncle Billy" Long. Another excellent marksman was Lebbeus Luther. All these men could tell great hunting stories and, as game was exceedingly plentiful, did not have to draw much on their imagination, as modern Nimrods are so often accused of doing. Luthersburgh was the first post office established in Brady township, dating back to the completion of the turnpike about 1820. David Irvin was the first postmaster. Troutville post office was established in 1857 to 1858, the first postmaster being Jacob Kuntz. The town had been laid out three years previous to this time, and was named, it is said, by Rev. John Reams, in honor of Jacob Trautwein, the name as finally adopted being a contraction of Trautweinville, which was found to be inconveniently long. Joab Ogden built the first grist mill in the township, some time previous to 1830, though the exact date is not now known. About 1849-50 Jacob Kuntz built a grist mill on East Branch (of Mahoning) a mile and a half south of Troutville; this was later known as Rishel's mill. In 1854 Jeremiah built a steam and water-power grist mill on the head waters of Stump creek, two wiles west of Luthersburgh. It was subsequently operated by his son Samuel, and afterwards passed through various hands. The first saw-mill was built, it is said, by Fred Zeigler between 1824 and 1830, Jesse Line's saw-mill being subsequently erected on the same site. The second saw-mill was built by Jeremiah Miles, it being later known as Zeigler's mill. The first minister who preached in Brady township was a Rev. Mr. Anderson, who came about 1822, and held services in the bar-room of Luther's tavern. He was a Presbyterian. In 1827 came Rev. David Kennison, being sent by the Baltimore conference of the Methodist HISTORY OF CLEARFIELD COUNTY 266 Episcopal church; he also preached in the tavern at Luthersburgh. About the same time came Rev. John Althaus, a Reformed minister from Armstrong county, who made occasional visits preaching to the German settlers. These early pastors and others who soon followed them were the men who organized the religious element of the township and laid the foundation of the moral and religious development and thriving church societies that exist today in the township, and which in union with good schools, have had so much to do in moulding the character of its inhabitants. Burnside Township This township was erected by a decree of court May 4th, 1835, and the township was named Burnside in honor of Hon. Thomas Burnside, the President Judge of the Courts of this county and the other counties then composing the Fourth Judicial District. The township is situated in the extreme southwestern corner of the county. It is bounded on the north by Bell Township, on the east be Chest Township, on the south by part of the dividing line between Cambria and Clearfield counties and on the west by part of the dividing line between Indiana and Clearfield counties. The principal occupation of the people of this township is agriculture. The population, according to the census of 1910, was 1435. The whole extent of this township was once covered with many varieties of timber - pine and hemlock, together with oak, chestnut, sugar maple, ash, beech and cherry. About 1827 the early settlers commenced to hew and run rafts of pine timber to market at Marietta, below Harrisburg. In later years it was cut into saw-logs and driven to the booms at Lock Haven and Williamsport, where it was manufactured. The first settler was James Gallaher, who came in 1816, when Burnside was part of Beccaria township. He held the office of justice of the peace and was legal authority for all the neighborhood for many years. He was a tall active man and retained his faculties to a great age. He died in 1854 aged ninety-five. Caleb Bailey came about 1820 and made a small improvement and patented about 400 acres of land two miles east of Burnside. He removed in 1826 to Union township. He died about 1886. George Atchison, it is said, settled on the river bank above Burnside, in 1820, when there was no neighbor nearer than New Washington. He was born in County Roscommon, Ireland, about 1792, and came to this country to avoid prosecution for poaching under the oppressive game laws of his native land. He was a man of strong character, who did much to mould public opinion in the community is which he had cast his lot. He was a strong anti-slavery man and one of the conductors of the "Underground Railroad." He left the Methodist church and united with the Wesleyan Methodists, because he would not recognize the fellowship of slave holders. He died at Cherry Tree after the Civil war. Among later settlers were Samuel McKeehan, John Byers and with Lemuel, John, Samuel and George, with daughter Helen, who married John Mahaffey; Jacob Lee, who came from Center county in 1822, whose house was as early preaching place for the Methodists; Hugh Riddle, a native of County Down, Ireland, who came to America in 1798, at the time of the irish Rebellion, and who married Re- AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS 267 becca Lee; David Fulton, from Center county, who settled in 1823 along the river, below the upper Burnside bridge (he was a tailor by trade and died in 1874 aged 87 years); John Westover, John Rorabaugh, David Mitchell, Joseph Hutton (1826), John King, Jacob Neff (1828), Christopher and Henry neff and others. The first preaching in the township was in Mr. Gallaher's cabin, in 1822, by Rev. John Bowen, a minister of the Methodist Episcopal church. Members of the Evangelical church held meetings at an early day at the home of the Breths - Henry Adam and Peter - who came from Alsace, Germany. Camp meetings were held by this society for many years after An account of the boroughs of Burnside and New Washington will be found in the succeeding chapter of this volume.