USA > Pennsylvania > Clearfield County > History of Clearfield County, Pennsylvania : with illustrations and biographical sketches of some of its prominent men and pioneers > Part 44
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" Moulthrop" Camp No. 142, S. of V .- This camp was organized in Du Bois, August 9, 1883, with fifteen charter members. The organization was named "Moulthrop" Camp in honor of Sylvester Moulthrop, deceased, who was an active and highly respected member of " Easton " Post of the G. A. R. The success of the organization, in a great measure, is due to A. S. Moulthrop, C. C. Simmers, G. L. Griffin, and the Kessler brothers. Like many other new organizations, it went through a period of uncertainty as to its future existence, but through the earnest efforts of the above named members, who were familiar with the aim, object, and working of the order, it was carried over this critical period, and at present stands on a firm and prosperous basis, with a membership of fifty in good standing. All sons of deceased or honor- ably discharged soldiers, sailors, or mariners, who served in the Federal army
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or navy during the Civil War of 1861-65, are eligible, on attaining the age of eighteen years; also, on attaining the age of twenty-one years, all sons of members of the order in succeeding generations. The organization is strictly non-partisan and non-political. The introduction or discussion of sectarian or political topics within the " Camp " are strictly prohibited, under the penalty of a fine, of suspension or expulsion from the order.
F. & A. M .- Early in the spring of 1882 C. M. Powers conceived the idea that a lodge of the F. & A. M. could be organized in the town, and at once set to work to accomplish the laudable task, assisted by Rev. William M. Burchfield and others, and to him (Powers) belongs the credit and honor of accomplishing the undertaking. On May 4, 1882, " Garfield Lodge No. 559, F. & A. M.," was instituted by District Deputy Grand Master E. W. Hale, of Bellefonte, Pa., starting out with but seven members. The order has steadily grown till now (1887) it has fifty members. It is in a prosperous and prom- ising condition, having no debts, and a nice surplus in the treasury. The first officers were the following: W. M., Rev. William M. Burchfield ; J. W., E. Whitney ; J. D., L. N. Guy ; chap., Rev. A. W. Platt ; S. W., C. M. Powers ; S. D., W. N. Prothero ; purs., W. N. Grey. Hall at present, third floor, Loeb's Block, on Long street.
P. O. S. of A .- " Washington Camp No. 269, of P. O. S. of A." was in- stituted May 10, 1883, by J. D. McClintock, district president, with a charter membership of seventeen. Notwithstanding a slight drawback, occasioned by the selection of injudicious officers in the early days of the order, it neverthe- less prospered and grew to a membership of ninety-four; at the present time ('87) this camp is on a sold financial basis, has no debts, and a surplus in its treasury.
"The order has for its objects the inculcation of pure love for the institu- tions of our 'Native Land;' the opposition to foreign interference with state in- terests in the United States of America; the cultivation of fraternal affections ; the preservation of the Constitution of the United States; and the propagation of free education."
This order embraces also a beneficiary or insurance feature, which is under the direct control of the National Camp.
Royal Arcanum .- The Du Bois Council No. 775, Royal Arcanum, was organized June II, 1883, under a charter from the Grand Council of Pennsyl- vania, with twenty-two charter members, among which are the following, who took an active part in establishing the council, viz .: I. T. Klingensmith, Cap- tain L. S. Hay, C. E. Bostwick, J. W. Carson, Levi Heidrick, George Weber, and A. S. Beard (deceased). The council was instituted by W. H. Wright, district deputy. The first officers were the following: Regent, I. T. Klingen- smith ; secretary, W. H. H. Bell; treasurer, Levi Heidrick. The order is a beneficiary and social organization. . It has paid into the widow and orphan's
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fund an amount not exceeding $800 since its organization to the present time, and the Supreme Council has paid $3,000 benefit to the widow and orphans of the late A. S. Beard, who was a charter member. The order has no debts, and a surplus in its treasury, with favorable prospects for growth in the future.
Ancient Order of United Workmen .- Du Bois City Lodge, No. 199, of A. O. U. W., was instituted May 19, 1883, having twenty-seven charter members. The first officers were: P. M. W., C. E. Bostwick ; M. W., Jacob Truby ; F., L. S. Hay ; O., H. S. McCaughry ; R., A. B. Weed ; fin., B. Benedict ; rec., J. W. Grier ; G., E. E. Wilson ; I. W., S. W. Brewer; O. W., W. McIntosh. The growth of this lodge has been a healthy one. Its present membership is eighty-five M. W. in good standing. Financially, the lodge is on a firm basis, having a nice surplus in the receiver's hands. But one death has occurred since its organization, that of Nelson T. Arms, engineer, killed at Falls Creek, in a railroad accident, August 12, 1886.
Select Knights .- Du Bois Legion, No. 18, Select Knights of A. O. U. W., was instituted October 24, 1884. The officers elected at the institution of the order were: L. S. Hay, com .; G. Woodring, V. com .; J. W. Grier, L. com .; C. E. Bostwick, rec .; T. G. Gormley, treas .; C. R. Fowler, rec. treas. ; A. B. Lesher, mar .; Ivor James, chap .; E. G. Searls, S. B .; L. A. Brady, S. W .; W. McIntosh, J. W .; W. E. Hay, guard; L. D. Balliet, W. A. Means, L. A. Brady, trustees ; L. D. Balliet, M. D., W. A. Means, M. D., medical exam- iners. The legion has progressed favorably, has doubled its membership, and is in good growing condition.
A. O. H .- A lodge of this order was instituted in Du Bois in May, 1876. Among the charter members were the following: Thomas Flanigan, Michael Shea, John McDermott, Terrence McDermott, James Cranny. Its present membership is in good standing, and numbers one hundred and twenty-five. The order is a Catholic beneficial organization, granting five dollars per week to members in case of sickness, or disability through accident, and in case of death the widow gets one hundred and fifty dollars, and funeral expenses paid by the order.
Sons of St. George .- General Grant Lodge, No. 181, was instituted Sep- tember 23, 1885, under a charter granted August 29 of the same year. It started out with thirty-two charter members, and has since-to the present time-increased to forty-two members. The order is in a healthy, growing condition, has no debts, and a surplus in its treasury. The officers are the following: W. P. P., George Minns; W. V. P., Joseph Goodyear ; W. T., Thomas Smale ;. W. A. S., Peter Spooner; W. P., Thomas Brown ; W. S., Richard Stanton ; W. M., Jacob Tate ; W. I. S., William Ledger ; W. A. M., Joseph Wilson; W. C., William Stubbs; W. O. S., Joseph Baker. Thomas Brown and Joseph Goodyear were the prime and earnest workers in establish- ing a lodge of this order in Du Bois. "This order is composed of Englishmen,
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their sons and grandsons." It has a beneficiary feature, which is based on degree of member as to the amount of weekly benefit in case of sickness.
Women's Christian Temperance Union .- The W. C. T. U. was organized in October, 1885. It has a present membership of over one hundred. Mrs. F. H. Beck is president.
Cooper Temperance League .- This organization was started in June, 1886. The membership consists of adults. Each member is required to sign the " Murphy pledge." Its present membership is fifty. The league is officered as follows : President, vice-president, secretary, and executive committee.
Temperance Cadets .-- The Cadets organized in June, 1886, under the super- vision of Mrs. Dr. Balliet, Mrs. C. D. Gray, and Mr. A. F. Avery. The com- mand consists of boys from the ages of ten to twenty-one. All members are required to sign the Murphy pledge, and drill once per week ; present mem- bership, seventy-five.
Band of Hope .- Organized in July, 1886, consisting of small children who are instructed in the principles of temperance.
Good Templars .- This society had an organization, but finally disbanded.
Y. M. C. A .- This society also had an organization, and existed about one year.
The Sons of Maccabee .- This order started with fair prospects, but fell into improper hands and died.
Land League .- Failed to secure data.
Amalgamated Association .- Failed to secure data.
The Press .- " The liberty of the press is the true measure of the liberty of the people. The one cannot be attacked without injury to the other. Our thoughts ought to be perfectly free-to bridle them or stifle them in their sanctury is the crime of humanity. What can I call my own if my thoughts are not mine ?"-Mercier.
The initial attempt to establish a paper in Du Bois dates back to 1876, when the writer published a small monthly called The Enterprise. It reached four issues of two thousand copies each. It was devoted to the interests of the town, especially in the sale of real estate. Its publisher intended in 1877 to establish a weekly paper, as will appear from the prospectus, from the last issue of The Enterprise (September, 1876), which is here inserted :
" Prospectus of the Weekly Enterprise .- A fresh and lively local newspaper, striving to ' keep up' and abreast with the present progressive age. Inde- pendent in politics and religion ; not ignoring these subjects, but leaving them to journals especially devoted to the same. The Enterprise will be devoted to the agricultural, lumbering, manufacturing, and mining interests of this spe- cially blessed section of the old Keystone State. The agricultural department will not be a ' rehash ' of articles from agricultural papers, published in differ- ent latitudes than ours; but fresh observations made by our own farmers, hence, practical.
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"The other departments will receive the same special attention, giving the latest and best observations on plans and improvements in their respective fields of labor.
" Education and literature will receive due respect-in fine The Enterprise shall ever strive to be a first-class local newspaper, giving all the important local and legal news of both Clearfield and Jefferson counties, and continually aiming to do honor to its motto : 'Truth is mighty and will prevail.' Pub- lished weekly. Terms of subscription : $1.50 per year, strictly in advance. Address : The Weekly Enterprise, Du Bois, Pa."
But early in the spring of 1877 the undertaking was abandoned, and the projector dropped into the mercantile channel.
The Du Bois Courier .- In January, 1879, Butler & Horton established a a weekly paper which they named The Du Bois City Courier, a seven column folio. One year later they changed to Du Bois Weekly Courier. Mr. Butler, the editor, having an innate desire to see the world at large as it is, the firm sold the entire concern to J. A. Johnston in June, 1882, changing the name again by dropping the word "weekly," and in March, 1884, enlarged the paper to an eight column folio. In October, the same year, Mr. Johnston sold a one-half interest to E. W. Gray, and the business was carried on in the firm name of J. Johnston & Co. In October, 1886, R. L. Earl bought Mr. Johnston's interest in the plant. It now was changed from an independent to a Republican journal by the new firm of Earl & Gray.
Considering the early period in the history of the town when this paper was started. Its present prosperous condition speaks well of the individuals through whose fostering hands it passed.
The Du Bois Express was established October 12, 1883, by Hoag, Wilson & Co. It is an independent local paper. January 1, 1887, the firm changed, Mr. S. B. Hoag retiring ; H. C. Wilson, Frank McMichael, John P. Wilson, and C. A. Read forming the new firm known as the Express Publishing Com- pany. Its circulation is over 1, 100, and is steadily increasing. It is an eight column folio paper. This paper, too, is conducted by live and energetic men, and the advent of the Express stimulated the Courier so that gentle rivalry promoted the growth of both journals.
Driving Park Association .- The sketch of this association should properly have appeared under the head of Agriculture, but wishing to present the dif- ferent organizations, etc., in a chronological order we shall insert it here.
On June 10, 1886 " The Du Bois Agricultural and Driving Park Associa- tion " was organized, and the following officers were elected : J. E. Du Bois, president ; John Rumbarger, vice-president ; L. M. Truxal, secretary, and G. D. Hamor, treasurer. The capital stock was fixed at $10,000, in shares of $10 each. The association was incorporated August 9, 1886. Article II of its constitution reads : "The objects of this corporation are to encourage and
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foster among the citizens of Clearfield and adjoining counties a spirit of im- provement in the agricultural productions of the said counties, and the breed- ing, raising and training of all kinds of stock, and also to afford a pleasure park for driving and other innocent sports and amusements."
The first annual fair was held September 7, 8, 9, and 10, 1886, scoring an undisputed success in attendance, exhibits, etc.
The gross receipts amounted to $5,462.40. The main exhibition building is 40 by 40 feet, with a central tower and four wings, extension of sixty feet each. The grand stand is 309 by 32 feet, with a band cupola, all under roof, furnishing a seating capacity of about 3,000. The dance pavilion and depart- ment of public comfort is 40 by 80 feet, and a nice pump-house with a never- failing well of pure, soft water. The judges stand is 12 by 12, twenty-two feet high. The ground covers thirty acres, part of which is nicely shaded with primitive forest. The race course, or " track " is known as the " fast " track, in contradistinction of the " national " track. The length of the sides is 710 feet, curve 610 feet, making (raised curve 3} feet) uniform curves, there being only three other race courses in the United States like it. Such supe- rior advantages for the trial of speed are limited, hence the association intends to inaugurate a series of races in the month of June of each year to be known as the " June races."
The horse barn is 750 feet long, furnishing sixty-six stalls. The cattle barn is 528 feet long, divided into eighty-eight stalls. The sheep and pig-pen is 300 feet long, with about fifty stalls, and the poultry-house is IIO feet long.
Hotels .- The " Rumbarger " House was the first hotel in Du Bois, opened about 1873 or 1874 by J. M. Bryan. The next was the " City Hotel " in the Second ward, opened by E. M. Kuntz, in 1875. The " Central " Hotel, Sec- ond ward, was built in 1878 by Laberee & Emerson, now kept by S. J. Mead. The " Emmet " House was built by W. H. Stanly in 1879. The "Du Bois House " Third ward, was built in 1879 by the late John Du Bois. The " Na- tional" Hotel, Second ward, was built in 1877 by Mrs. Annie Painter, and opened as a hotel in 1882 by W. C. Quigley, present proprietor. The "Nich- olson House," Second ward, was built in 1880. W. L. Nicholson was the first proprietor. It is now kept by J. A. Burk. The "Terpe" House, Second ward, opened in 1881 by Strowbridge & Holmes, now kept by J. J. Hildinger. The " Alpine House," Second ward, was opened by James Hines, the present pro- prietor and owner.
The "Baker House," "McNulty House," "Nihil House," "Miner's Home," and the "Riddell House," all of the First ward, and the " Gorton House," Second ward, opened all about the same time.
Du Bois Alms-House .- " The poor you have with you always." This quotation needs no elucidation, except that the borough seemed to have more than the humble taxpayer desired to support without an alms-house. There- 52
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fore, Major James Hines, the leading member of the board of poor directors, made application (signed by the citizens) to court, in the March term, 1886, asking a grant to allow Du Bois borough to build her own alms-house. The application was rejected, and a vote on the establishment of a county poor- house ordered; at general November election the vote against a poor-house was overwhelming. Major Hines, " nothing daunted," made a second appli- cation for a borough alms-house. The application this time was favorably received, and the request granted in January, 1887.
The board proceeded at once and leased a farm for five years (with suitable house and barn) known as the " Terpe Homestead," at Salem, on the " Pike," four miles from Du Bois, in Brady township. The borough had nineteen charges when the alms-house was opened, at an average monthly expense of over $300. The expense of the board for the same purpose in 1885 amounted to $5,383 ; in 1886 to $3,341.
The board has granted no orders for relief since the latter part of February, 1887, and now (August, 1887) the Du Bois alms-house has no inmates belong- ing to the borough; there are, however, eleven paupers from other districts, from which Du Bois receives compensation. The estimated expense for the first year, under the new régime, is within $1,000. Comment unnecessary.
Board of Trade .- Last but not least is the recent establishment of a board of trade in Du Bois. The local press and business men in general frequently urged the formation of such an organizatian, having the advancement of the material and industrial interests of the infant city and vicinity at heart. On March 21, 1887, a permanent organization was effected, known as the Board of Trade of Du Bois. The officers at present are P. S. Weber, president; E. D. Van Tassel, first vice-president ; John Rumbarger, second vice-president ; L. A. Brady, secretary; John B. Ellis, W. W. Rainey, John Horner, Levi Heidrick, H. S. Knarr, W. N. Prothero, G. R. Vosburg, directors; W. L. Johnston, J. B. Ellis, W. C. Pentz, H. Loeb, L. M. Truxall, committe on cor- respondence ; John E. Du Bois, Fred. A. Bell, E. D. Van Tassel, S. B. Elliott, E. M. Kuntz, R. L. Earl, Harry C. Wilson, executive committee. As every- body seems interested in the objects of the "Board," good results may be expected.
In recapitulating the resources of the town and immediate vicinity permit the writer to quote from the August number of the Enterprise, which he pub- lished here in 1876:
" These elements, coal, lumber, and agriculture, are destined to bring about the large manufactories which give a lasting stability to a city or nation. Manufactories have given England, despite her cramped and isolated position, a rule and sway which girts the globe. They have given the Eastern States a prestige and power as permanent as it has been rapid.
" Manufactories added to its unparalleled advantages as an agricultural
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focus, and, coupled with timber, coal and other minerals, are building for Du Bois (borough) a commercial supremacy, destined to endure and wax stronger as long as the continent exists."
CHAPTER XXIII.
HISTORY OF BECCARIA TOWNSHIP.
A T the point where Muddy Run crosses the line of Cambria and Clearfield counties is found the extreme southeastern point of Beccaria township. Muddy Run is one of the small mountain streams, having its source in White township, Cambria county. From this point along the dividing line of the two counties westward to the crossing of Witmer Run in Clearfield county, we have the southern boundary of Beccaria township. Along this southern boundary and for a mile or two to the north, the earliest settlers of Clearfield county, as well as in Beccaria township, located their homes.
In its present formation it extends from the county line on the south north- ward along the line of Muddy Run, to the village of Madera, with Geulich township on the east. From a position a little north of Madera to the south- ern county line just west of Witmer Run, we find the third side of a triangle, which is the general outline of the township. The present area, as compared with the original, is much the smaller; for from this township as first laid out, a large part has successively been contributed to the formation of Jordon, Chest and Knox townships ; these three last named townships lying on the west and northwest. In 1798 these five townships were a dense wilderness, while Geulich township remained so for many years afterward. In the latter part of 1798, or the early part of the following year, an old revolutionary sol- dier, in company with a party of Indians, came to the place now known as Keaggy's Dead Water, on Clearfield Creek. Although it is not definitely known, it is generally supposed that only one white man was in this party. Not later than 1799, this white man returned to Keaggy's Dead Water, bring- ing with him his wife and two dogs. The woods being impassable for horses and cattle, they were obliged to float on the creek either in canoes or on rafts. The family records of the Ricketts family distinctly point to this man as Cap- tain Edward Ricketts. Not long after his settlement at this place the hard- ships and exposure, together with an injury received while hunting, caused the old man's death. Four days afterwards his wife died, and both now lie buried along the bank of the creek at Keaggy's Dead Water. In 1801 he was followed into the wilderness by his sons James and Edward. They found their father
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and mother surrounded by Indians. Their means of subsistence was by hunt- ing and fishing ; elk, deer, bear and wolves being in abundance. Some rec- ords preserved by James and Edward indicate fifty wolves taken from his traps in one season.
From this early date, at which Captain Ricketts settled in the township, we know him to be not only the first settler in the township, but the first in Clearfield county. (This matter is traced and more data given to support the assertion in the general history of the county). In 1814, discouraged in their endeavors to clear the land, James and Edward Ricketts left the little hut at Keaggy's Dead Water, and James moved to what he considered a better loca- tion. This place he called Mount Pleasant, by which name it was called until it became the town of Utahville. At the time when James moved to Mount Pleasant, Mr. Isaac Ricketts, senior, who is now a resident of Utahville, was but four weeks old, and he has continued to reside there until the present time.
The present township was decreed by the court and the boundaries con- firmed in 1830, being covered in all its area with forests of pine, hemlock and oak. It was not calculated to encourage much farming, and as a consequence the first settlers did not come into the township with the idea of permanent location. There were some few undaunted by the difficulties in clearing up forest land for farms, and to them we are indebted for whatever we have in the way of improved land. The difficulties which attended the attempt to make farms in Beccaria township cannot be appreciated by any one who has not experienced the trial. Timber was in abundance, but there were not the hands to work it, and it must not only be cut down, but that which was not necessary for their immediate use must be destroyed. To secure laborers to help them they must travel long distances. Provision they could not produce themselves until the land was prepared, but at last an attempt to make roads was made ; it was of necessity a very inefficient one. Provision and the ne- cessities of life could not be procured except by long journeys through an uninhabited country. Bridges were unknown, and the tracks which were fol- lowed by travelers, called roads, led up to and over steep and abrupt hills. Those who had wagons or vehicles for purposes of transportaion, and who had procured horses, mules or oxen, resorted to many novel plans for traveling with safety. An instance to exhibit the means by which they overcame the dangers of a steep descent, is this : " The traveler fellsa small tree, leaving the branches on the trunk. This he fastens to the rear of the vehicle, causing it to drag behind, and so retards it."
Wheat, grain and provision were commonly carried by the new settlers in bags and boxes swung across their shoulders, traveling afoot and from such a distance as Philipsburg and other points in Centre county, subjected to every deprivation, sufferers from every hardship. Many who first came into the township, little knowing what treasures were in their possession, battled
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against such strong odds for years, when as the time approached for reaping their reward from the timber, coal, etc., allowed their lands to be sold for taxes and moved to other places. Some, indeed, overcame these obstacles and continued to reside where they first settled. Such men as John Cree, Hugh Carson and his brothers, James Ray, the Turners, John Hegarty, John and James Gill, Henry Dillen, Joseph Leonard, James McNeal, Edwin and James Ricketts, and Samuel Smiley, all paid tax on farm land in 1810-12, and to- day we have their descendants, the most substantial business men in the town- ship.
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