USA > Pennsylvania > Clearfield County > History of Clearfield County, Pennsylvania : with illustrations and biographical sketches of some of its prominent men and pioneers > Part 52
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34 | Part 35 | Part 36 | Part 37 | Part 38 | Part 39 | Part 40 | Part 41 | Part 42 | Part 43 | Part 44 | Part 45 | Part 46 | Part 47 | Part 48 | Part 49 | Part 50 | Part 51 | Part 52 | Part 53 | Part 54 | Part 55 | Part 56 | Part 57 | Part 58 | Part 59 | Part 60 | Part 61 | Part 62 | Part 63 | Part 64 | Part 65 | Part 66 | Part 67 | Part 68 | Part 69 | Part 70 | Part 71 | Part 72 | Part 73 | Part 74 | Part 75 | Part 76 | Part 77 | Part 78 | Part 79 | Part 80 | Part 81 | Part 82 | Part 83
Baptist Church Association .- In 1842 a class of ten or twelve members was organized under the pastoral care of Elder S. Miles (the Baptist pioneer min- ister of the county). He continued to be their pastor for several years, when he resigned. The church was reduced by removals and deaths, and soon after disbanded, the remnant uniting with Soldier Run Church, Reynoldsville, Pa.
Evangelical Association .- The first Evangelical preacher was Rev. Mathias Howart, who visited the county in 1830, and preached a couple of times at the house of Henry Reams. Next came Rev. Solomon Altimus, and preached once or twice, followed by D. N. Long and Joseph Weaver (Evangelical preachers) a year or two later made their appearance and preached several times at the house of Henry Reams, but the prospects were not very encour- aging and the effort was discontinued until in the year 1852, when Rev. Jacob
469
BRADY TOWNSHIP.
Rank, during the summer and fall preached every four weeks in Lott's school-house, about two miles west of Troutville, and in February following appointed a protracted meeting in the old unoccupied house on the Kohler farm, and during this meeting some twenty persons were converted, of which number Adam Glaser was the first. A goodly number then joined the church, and Rev. John Reams was appointed class leader, February 27, 1853. Dur- ing the following summer a school-house was built at Troutville, and soon after religious services were regularly held there, and a Sunday-school was also established by Rev. John Reams. For the use of said house, firewood for the public school was furnished by him and a few others. In 1859 the Evangelical house of worship was built in Troutville, and for a number of years religious services were generally in the German language, but this finally merged altogether into English. The association has still an organization and regular services.
Societies .- Literary and debating societies found favor prior to 1860. Troutville and vicinity had a debating club (German) which used to meet at the Black Horse Tavern, kept by Adam Knarr, prior to 1860, and discussed such weighty (?) questions as : Which is the mother of the chick, the hen which laid the egg, or the one that hatched it? and, Which is the stronger element- fire or water ? etc. During the winter of 1868 or '69 there was a society or- ganized at Luthersburg, having physical and mental improvement in view. This society had the spacious title of United Brethren of Progress. Then, shortly after (winter 'of 1869-70) Troutville supported a literary society in which Jno. Carlile, Henry Sykes, sr., L. Schuch, S. G. Kuntz, P. S. Weber, J. C. Keller, J. M. Carlile and others took an active part. The question : "Re- solved, that woman shall be granted equal rights with man," attracted consid- erable attention in the earnest and able manner in which this debate was conducted. From this period to the present time, literary societies both at Luthersburg and Troutville are kept in operation, and maintaining a high standard.
I. O. O. F .- Mingle Lodge No. 753, I. O. O. F., was instituted at Trout- ville, February 17, 1871, with the following charter members: H. E. Ginter, noble grand ; H. W. Schoch, vice-grand ; J. C. Keller, secretary ; J. M. Miller, assistant secretary; George Knarr, treasurer ; William Null, Charles Miller, sr., Israel Frantz and P. B. Weaver. The lodge was moved to Luthersburgh November 17, 1871, on account of the smallness of the hall at Troutville, but was removed to the latter place August 2, 1884, occupying their new and commodious hall, owned by the order; membership in good standing, 49; lodge in flourishing condition ; no debts, and handsome surplus in the treasury.
Good Templars .- This temperance society flourished in the township from 1868 to 1870, but finally lost prestige and ceased to exist.
Patrons of Husbandry .- The first grange in the county was organized at 60
470
HISTORY OF CLEARFIELD COUNTY.
Troutville in March, 1874, and at its " out start " promised great results, but it early commenced to languish, and finally after an existence of (about) three years disbanded.
Bands .- Luthersburgh used to support a martial and string band, say from 1855 to about 1865, of which Major M. H. Luther was leader ; no band at Luthersburgh now.
Troutville Silver Cornet Band .- Through the efforts and instigation of J. C. Schoch and others, an interest was aroused looking toward the organization of a brass band. At a meeting on May 5, 1883, an organization was effected and brass instruments procured. Professor John Volkwein was the first leader. This band now has fourteen silver instruments. The present leader is George W. Miller. The citizens of Troutville and vicinity appreciate the efforts of this band, which enjoys fair future prospects.
The southwest end of Brady township was early designated as "Germany." This sobriquet was pleasantly brought to the writer's notice while he was gath- ering data for this history, by hearing the Troutville Silver Cornet Band (in its room) play " Die Wacht am Rhein."
Hotels .- The first tavern, as hotels were then called, was opened by Leb- beus Luther shortly after settling at Luthersburgh, in 1820. Later he sold to Jacob Flick, who continued in the business until about 1839, when Joseph Fulton succeeded him. Fulton was followed by William Irvin, and he by P. W. Barrett. The lower house, where D. Goodlander's "Merchants" Hotel now stands, was first kept by Conrad Best, followed by Judge William Foley. Foley was followed by Daniel Barrett, and he by his son, Lewis. George W. Long kept what is to-day known as the Schwem House. In 1863 he was followed by the Evanses, and they by the present proprietor, William Schwem, jr. In 1863 to 1864 Frederick Korb kept what was known as the Eagle Hotel, now occupied as a tenement and office. In about 1853 Wilson Moore built the " Merchant's " (now Goodlander's). Moore was succeeded by Wallace & Shaw, they by David Johnston, Johnston by James Zeigler, he by H. Witten- myer, when it finally passed into the hands of D. Goodlander, the present owner, who keeps it as a temperance house.
In 1855 Henry Goodlander took charge of the old "Salem " tavern, suc- ceeding Thomas Montgomery. Mr. Goodlander kept this well known hostelry until his death (1883).
In 1845 Jacob Trautwein started the first hotel at Troutville. About 1855 he sold to William Schwem, sr., Schwem sold to Frederick Zeigler, he to George Knarr, the present owner. This house is now occupied as a dwelling. The second hotel was started in 1854 by Adam Knarr, known as the " Black Horse Tavern." The "Traveler's Home" stands on the site of the old tavern, and is owned by Adam Knarr. It was an extremely difficult task to secure data on this subject, and may be defective on that account. As a reminiscence
47I
BRADY TOWNSHIP.
it may be remarked : Little or no beer was sold prior to 1860, and whisky was served in tumblers at three cents a glass.
Sunday- Schools .- A Union Sunday-school was organized at Luthersburg in 1833 or 1834, being the first in the township, and Jacob Kuntz in 1835 gathered together the children of the settlement near Troutville and gave them religious instruction in his own private house. He probably did more than any one man in this direction. In June, 1853, a Union Sunday-school was established in the old Kohler house, about one-half mile west of Troutville, by Rev. John Reams, Jacob Kuntz, John Carlile and others. The first officers were: Rev. John Reams, superintendent ; John Glaser, assistant; John Car- lile, secretary ; William McClarren, treasurer r This school has remained a Union Sunday-school to this day, and is now under the care of the Evangel- ical Lutheran church at Troutville, but as a union school.
POLITICAL REMINISCENCES.
Underground Railroad-A name applied in the United States before the late Civil War to the organized arrangements for aiding negro slaves escaping from their masters, in their passage through the free States. Prior to the breaking out of the great Civil War, in 1861, when the " Fugitive Slave Law " was in force, many fugitive slaves escaped from the South into Canada over a " trail " passing through Brady township, known as the Underground Railroad, having a station in the Grampian Hills (Penn township). It is doubtful whether they had a station in Brady, although fugitives frequently passed through over the W. and E. pike. At one time a negro stopped with Peter Arnold (father of F. K. Arnold, the banker). Mrs. Arnold accused the negro of being a runa- way slave, who became agitated and denied the charge until Mrs. Arnold said, " You need not fear; you are among friends," when he cheered up and de- parted in good spirit. In 1848 or 1849 an escaped slave worked for Anthony Hile, on the Susquehanna River (Lumber City now). Wishing to go to Can- ada, he left Mr. Hile in the night, taking with him one of Mr. Hile's best horses. Coming as far as Coal Hill, Brady township, he became apprehensive of pur- suit. He tied the horse to the fence at the edge of the woods, near the resi- dence of Amos Bonsall, who then resided there, and then escaped, or rather hid in the woods, and a few nights later the same negro stole a horse from Godfrey Zilliox, sr .; being pursued into Jefferson county, became alarmed and left the horse again, but made good his escape.
Brady During the War .- Much misrepresentation has been set adrift, will- fully or ignorantly, to the effect that the citizens of Brady were veritable rebels during the Civil War of 1861-65. Ist. That Republicans were not allowed (by the Democrats) to peaceably assemble and discuss the political issues of the day. 2d. That Republicans were not allowed to vote. 3d. That the National flag was frequently torn from its staff. 4th. And lastly, that the
472
HISTORY OF CLEARFIELD COUNTY.
rebel flag was carried in the front of a Democratic procession. All of these assertions are "cut from the whole cloth." They have been submitted to Andrew Pentz, sr., a reputable and respected citizen of Sandy township, and an " ultra " whig before, and a " radical" Republican since the war, and he declares them as untrue. The fact is, many thoughtless and extreme Demo- crats were carried away with party zeal and made use of boisterous and foolish language, and on the night of the presidential election-Lincoln's re-election - 1864, some unknown persons (under cover of night) hanged President Lin- coln in effigy at Luthersburgh, but nothing terminated at any time in the heat of political excitement, in overt acts, as stated in the preceding false assertions. There were but three deserters in Brady during the war, and two were not citizens of the township. There were arrests made in 1865 on the charge of "resisting the draft." As to the truth or falsity of these charges on which the arrests were made, the reader is referred to "The American Bastile " by Senator Marshall, of Philadelphia.
We close the chapter on Brady township by quoting the Clearfield Repub- lican's report of the Woodside Centennial, celebrated at Luthersburgh on July 30, 1885 :
The morning of July 30, 1885, just one hundred years after the first settle- ment of Brady township and Clearfield county, was a grand one. A cool air fanned the warm morning breezes, and amid the booming of the anvils the birds sang their anthems of praise to the first centennial. Early in the morn- ing the visitors began to arrive, and before nine o'clock the streets were full of busy people driving and walking this way and that. By 9:25 the officers of the day began organizing for the parade, and the air was full of flying dust caused by the busy marshals as they rode this way and that, giving orders to the procession. The late arrival of the Troutville Cornet Band detained the crowd for some time, and it was eleven o'clock before the music of the bands was heard, denoting the commencement of the programme. At the head of the procession rode a number of very savage warriors, and in all the Indian parades we have witnessed, where white persons filled the bill, we think the boys of Brady made the best display of any we have ever seen. Their dress was a good representation of the Indian, and those who were near us during this period of the programme spoke in praising terms of the boys. They were Chincleclamousche and his tribe of Indians leading the way for James Wood- side into Clearfield county. Following them there came several marshals of the day, who were very gaudily attired in ribbons and rosettes, and mounted on well groomed, fiery animals. There came next in line about twenty-five more savage looking braves mounted on spirited steeds, and in their perfection of the play some used rope bridles. This was a reality, we thought, as their yells would have made an Apache hunt his wigwam for fear of being annihi- lated, and as for looks the Choctaws would have been Parisian dudes, as they
473
BRADY TOWNSHIP.
were painted for the war-path in great variety of colors. The next scene in the moving throng was the hunter and trapper as he was years ago. He was accompanied by his long-barreled rifle and the brave hound that would stand the fights of a mad stag to protect his master. This was a very good card for the day, and the dress was in accordance with the calling. The next object was an emigrant who was supposed to be on the lookout for a place to " squat." He was driving an ox team hitched to a rickety old wagon, and on the canvass cover were printed several appropriate mottoes for the occasion. The entire family occupied the wagon, and as it passed along the streets one had a good chance to think back to the time when that way of traveling was popular, and then to run down along the later years to the fast flying railway train that car- ries you a mile a minute. In the rear of the emigrant train rode a representa- tion of James Woodside. It was a good one in the manner of dress, and thus the children of to-day of that section looked upon the founder of their homes. A half-dozen more mounted Indians followed the pioneer, and kept the chil- dren laughing and the dust flying by their equestrian feats. The Troutville Cornet Band followed them and discoursed some fine music. The band is composed of sixteen pieces, and considering their amateurness, they did good work. The old reliable Rockton Martial Band came next in the route of pro- cession, and as we listened to those favorite tunes, we dropped off six or eight years and allowed ourselves to think we were about to enjoy one of the old- time Brady Fourths of July, and we felt inspired with a new zeal. Those of the citizens who wished to march in line to the cemetery, followed the Rockton Band. Next to the last body in parade was that excellent musical organiza- tion known as the Excelsior Cornet Band of Du Bois. We have often heard these boys play, but not of late years, but they seemed to be doing their best. It has been our pleasure to listen to numerous bands, and among them we may mention the Mexican Band. They can play louder, of course, but they can't play better than the Excelsior. They were followed by the balance of the citizens of the community who wished to march in line to the grave of the one whose name will ever be remembered for the establishing of this part of the grand old Keystone State.
After the assemblage had gathered about the grave of the pioneer, a dirge was played by the Troutville Cornet Band. Rev. Holt, of the Luthersburgh Methodist Episcopal Church, then offered up a prayer. P. S. Weber, esq., of Du Bois, then placed some beautiful flowers upon the long-neglected grave of James Woodside, the pioneer. The flowers were composed of a cross made of beautiful flowers, and as they were laid upon the sainted tomb, Mr. Weber spoke these words, suiting the action to the words: "In memory of James Woodside, who was buried fifty years ago ; these are probably the first flowers ever placed on his grave." Rev. Holt then made a brief address, which was listened attentively to by the vast crowd, and made numerous references to the
474
HISTORY OF CLEARFIELD COUNTY.
pioneer for his bravery in establishing a home for those who followed. The Excelsior Band then played a dirge which was rendered in excellent style. Photographer Beard, of Du Bois, was on the ground at this stage of the pro- ceedings, and took a view of the grave and crowd. Rev. Holt then adjourned the proceedings at the cemetery, and requested all to meet in Goodlander's grove, but a short distance from the cemetery, where the balance of the pro- gramme of the day would be concluded.
Arriving at the grove we found the same old picnic ground where so many of our happy days were passed. After an absence from this favorite spot for nearly six years, the scene looked much the same to us. Prof. W. S. Luther, of Du Bois, came to the front of the stand and called the assemblage to order, and then announced the organization of the day, as follows:
President, Samuel G. Kuntz. Vice-presidents, Grier Bell, sr., Erasmus Morey, of Elk county ; Jacob Kuntz, John Carlile, Frederick Zeigler, Major Martin H. Luther, Rev. Wilder, Rev. John Reams, Asaph Kirk, David Dun- lap, sr., J. J. Weber, W. F. Johnson, John W. Hollopeter, John Rumbarger, James C. Barrett, Andrew Pentz, sr., Daniel W. Moore and David C. Dress- ler. Secretaries, Elijah Ashenfelter and Dr. R. V. Spackman.
The president then announced the object of the meeting, and introduced P. S. Weber, of Du Bois, who read the following poem, written for the Du Bois Courier, by a rising and promising young man :
JAMES WOODSIDE. 1785-JULY 30-1885.
One hundred years ago to-day A brave and daring pioneer, Amid these hills had found his way, With beating heart that knew no fear.
The wild birds sang among the trees, The brooks were hid by ferns and moss ;
The leaves waved in the gentle breeze, And fiercer winds their boughs would toss.
The growling wolf and hungry bear, Crossed o'er his dark and lonely way ; The dismal wood seemed as to dare The hunter in the gloom to stay.
He traveled on, o'er rock and dale, Until a wigwam in a glen He found, and there he told his tale To all the wild and dusky men.
He told of dangers he had met, The cold and hunger he had borne ;
They welcomed him, and for him sat An earthen pot of Indian corn.
475
BRADY TOWNSHIP.
They promised peace with him to keep, As long as he would 'mongst them dwell,
To fish, to hunt, and with him sleep, And 'round the camp-fires, stories tell.
For two and twenty years he stayed Among the children of the wood, Ere other white men here had strayed, And on this lonely ground had stood.
The Indian 's gone, with bow and spear, And white men here have come to stay
Since came the hardy pioneer, One hundred years ago to-day!
Space will not permit us to give Mr. Weber's address in full. We will, therefore, excerpt such portions as will be of the most general interest. His subject was, " An Historical Sketch of James Woodside, Esq."
"After explaining the term 'Pioneer,' and classifying him with Columbus, Lord Baltimore, William Penn and others, he launched this query: 'What may have been Woodside's ambition and expectations ? In settling here, and living in his lonely log-cabin for twenty-two long and weary years without a single smile from a white man's face ?'
" He who looks back to the history of mankind will often see that it is not always he who sows that will reap the golden fruit of after years. So it was in our hero's case, whose personal appearance, habits, character and prowess, we shall now briefly consider.
" James Woodside, esq., was born in this country, 1749, was of Irish des- cent, was thirty-six years old when he settled here, he came from that part of Chester county which now constitutes Montour county. He was five feet, eight inches high, rather sparely built, weighed about one hundred and forty , pounds, had dark brown hair, with florid complexion ; all of which betoken that he was of the ' vital-mental' temperament, which indicates brilliancy of intellect and sound health. He possessed a fair education-for his times-was rather reserved in conversation, but always cogent and to the point. His first visit prior to his settling here in 1785, was in company with a squad of sur- veyors, as chain carrier, he afterward acquired two 500 acre 'Lottery War- rants,' (so-called). Nothing, to-day, is known of his relatives, save that a nephew of his visited him several times, the last time about two years before our subject's death. Said nephew, as far as is known, succeeded to his estate.
" Daniel Ogden settled near Clearfield in 1797, who, by the way, was the first man who settled in Clearfield county with family; (Mr. Woodside was, and remained a bachelor). The second settler after Woodside, in Brady town- ship, was Joab Ogden, in 1807, at what is now known as Carlile Station, on the R. & P. R. R. Next came the Scheffers, in 1812, and settled at what is to-day the first ward of Du Bois. Next came Erasmus Morey, who is with
476
HISTORY OF CLEARFIELD COUNTY.
us to-day, eighty-nine years old. He was followed by Mr. Lebbeus Luther, founder of Luthersburgh, in 1820. Then came Jacob Kuntz, who is also with us, eighty-eight years of age. He was followed by the Knarrs, Weisgerbers, Yoas, Wingerts, and others.
"Our hero died in December, 1834, at the ripe and advanced age of eighty-five years, in the identical log-cabin built by himself on his improve- ment, and lies in his peaceful sleep beside a fourteen-year-old sister of Major M. H. Luther, whom he had nursed and dandled on his knees in her infancy. He became much attached to her, and on the occasion of her death requested to be buried by her side, which favor was granted him one brief year after.
" He himself, hauled head and foot stones for the grave of his beloved young friend, and also for his own. In the course of years a wild cherry tree sprang up at the foot of his grave, standing as a sentinel, guarding what was earthly of the noble pioneer. Here is a question for scientists : How much of the material body of James Woodside has been absorbed by this cherry tree? Who knows but much of the physical part of our centennial friend may have been absorbed by that tree and wafted by its branches and leaves as showers of blessings over his followers in Brady township ?"
In continuation, Mr. Weber introduced the following comparisons with " then and now " :
"Since then our population in the United States has increased from 4,000,- 000 to over 50,000,000. Now, the border of civilization moved from the western line of Pennsylvania to the Pacific Ocean. Since then the rise, glory and ruin of the first and second French Empires have become a thing of the past. Nearly every kingdom, dynasty, principality and power in Europe has been revolutionized, subverted and reconstructed. In our own beloved country, the War of 1812, Mexican war, and the greatest of all civil wars, have passed into history, and to-day the union of States stands firmer than ever be- fore. Since then the rights and powers of kings and potentates have been restricted and limited, and the rights and liberties of its subjects enlarged, es- tablished and secured. The rise, progress and development of the steam engine-in its application to manufactures and modes of travel by land, water, lakes, oceans, mountains and deserts with a speed outstripping the wind, and with such resistless force as laughs at storms, winds and waves-has been perfected.
" The sun now, as we have just seen in the cemetery, [he refers here to the photographer, who is spoken of in another place], paints the portraits of friends we love; lightning carries our messages to the ends of the world with a speed out-running the sun in his daily journey, and by telephone, while sitting in our
477
BRADY TOWNSHIP.
chamber at Luthersburgh, you converse, as face to face, with your friend at Bellefonte, Clearfield or other towns.
" The scientists, philosophers or prophet who had then dared to dream of crossing the American Continent or the Atlantic Ocean in seven days ; of con- versing with his friend in London, Berlin and Paris, would have been regarded by the wise men in Woodside's early days as an idle dreamer or a lunatic. Since his days we have pierced the bowels of the earth, and the rocks have poured us out rivers of oil !
"Far away in the distant past, James Woodside remembered the day when ground was first broken for the Erie Canal, and then after long and weary years, he remembered the sight of the canal boat (in general). How bright (to him and others of his day), the world was then ; what a grand sight that old dingy canal boat was to the world ! What golden visions of commercial prosperity delighted their hopeful imaginations! How sweet to their boyish ears was the music of the ' mellow horn' of the old boat, as it proudly plowed its way (at the rate of five miles an hour) through the water, and settled safely in its dock where, like some old tired horse, it was securely tied to a dilapi- dated fence post.
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.