USA > Pennsylvania > Clearfield County > History of Clearfield County, Pennsylvania : with illustrations and biographical sketches of some of its prominent men and pioneers > Part 59
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FERGUSON TOWNSHIP.
owned by Ferguson Brothers, sons of John C. Ferguson, a prominent citizen of the place, and son of the township's namesake. B. F. Lloyd has a confec- tionery, and T. H. Goon a restaurant. J. S. McCreary, at one time principal of the high schools of Lumber City, has a fine residence and is justice of the peace. A telegraph and express office is established in conjunction with the passenger and freight station, and preparations are being made for a telephone connection with Clearfield and intermediate points. Large quantities of tan- bark are shipped from here, as well as other points along the line, giving em- ployment to large numbers of laboring men. Previous to 1885 the elections were held at " Broadway " in a little old log house, about eighty rods from Kerrmoor, but on petition of the citizens of the township in that year, the voting place was changed to Kerrmoor, and is held in J. S. McCreary's office. At this writing there is no church organization in the village. The Presbyte- rians are arranging to build a church this year. A union Sunday-school has been organized, with R. H. Jameson as the first superintendent. The school is large, well attended, and much interest manifested. Since the above writ- ing, the school has been changed to Presbyterian, and J. S. McCreary elected superintendent.
Salem Evangelical Lutheran Church .- The first services held by the Lu- therans in this place were conducted by Philip Geulich, a lay elder, who lived about one mile northwest of Clearfield town. He was called the father of Lutheranism in Clearfield county. The German element settling near Little Clearfield Creek were mostly of the Lutheran faith. About the year 1834, or earlier, they assembled in a private house and Mr. Geulich read sermons from his sermon book. In connection with these sermons in English he gave ex- hortations in German. About the same time Rev. C. F. Heyer, afterwards first Lutheran missionary to Guntoor, India, traveled over Clearfield county and preached in this locality. In 1837 Mr. Geulich made an appeal to the West Pennsylvania Synod, which resulted in that body appointing Revs. A. Babb and Peter Sahm as missionaries to Clearfield county, and counties farther west. Rev. Sahm only made one or two visits to New Millport in the autumn of 1837, but Rev. Babb (who is still living) came more frequently. These services were held in the first house in New Millport, built by David Erhard, sr., probably about 1834. Rev. John Willox, a Scotchman, was the first pastor of a regularly organized congregation. He came to the county in the year 1840 and organized the church in Christian Erhard's house, where his son, Enoch Erhard, now resides, in March, 1841, with the following members: Christian Straw, John High and wife, Sarah, Christian Erhard and wife, Jane, Abraham High, George Erhard and wife, Susanna, Elizabeth High, Mary High, Rebecca High. Rev. Willox held the first communion service in the barn on the same farm where the organization took place. He served one year. This was the first Lutheran organization in the county, and the first
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HISTORY OF CLEARFIELD COUNTY.
church of any denomination in Knox and Ferguson townships. Christian Erhard and John High were the first elders.
About the year 1842 or 1843 a small church was built on the Curwens- ville road, on the hill opposite where the village of New Millport now stands, and on the lot now occupied by the parsonage. It was a small frame struc- ture, but served the purpose ten years or more, and was then used as a school-house. Rev. J. G. Dunning took charge in the spring of 1842 and served the charge three years. He was succeeded by Rev. John A. Nuner, who remained until 1847. In that year Rev. P. P. Lane came to the charge. When Rev. Lane left the charge in 1852 the membership numbered about forty. Rev. Christian Diehl took charge in 1852 and during his pastorate the present church was erected. The corner stone was laid in 1853 and the church completed the following year. The edifice is still in good condition and its value two thousand dollars. Rev. William Rex, now of Mapleton, Pa., was the sixth pastor who ministered to this congregation, remaining about one year. After a vacancy of six months Rev. Isaac Stine came to the charge in the spring of 1858. In the same year he resigned and was followed in 1859 by Rev. Joseph R. Focht, who is still in the ministry at West End, Bedford county, Pa. In the spring of 1862 Rev. J. H. Bratton was installed pastor and served the congregation until 1864, when, on account of failing health, he resigned, and after a vacancy of one year Rev. A. R. Height was called to the charge in the autumn of 1865. His stay was short, and in 1867 Rev. J. R. Williams accepted a call. He was succeeded in 1869 by Rev. Abel Thomp- son, under whose supervision the new parsonage opposite the cemetery, and near the church, was built at a cost of thirteen hundred dollars. He served the congregation four years and was universally esteemed for his modest and friendly demeanor. Rev. Williams accepted the New Millport charge Janu- aay 1, 1884. During his pastorate he was greatly afflicted in the loss of his two only children, a daughter aged sixteen and a son aged twelve, in May, 1875. He did not long survive them. In January, 1886, he breathed his last, and his body was taken to Funkstown, Md., for interment. One month after the death of Rev. Triday a council meeting was held and Rev. P. B. Sherk, then of Karthaus, was called to the charge. He served this people for five years, or until April 1, 1881. His health failed and he was called to his re- ward May 30, 1882, and was buried in the cemetery opposite the parsonage. April, 1882, Rev. A. J. Bean, now serving Clearfield charge, was elected as pastor. According to resolutions of synod New Millport, Clearfield and Bloom- ington were formed into a charge, and Glasgow, formerly of New Millport, was added to Bellwood. Rev. Bean served in this connection until May, 1885, when Clearfield was again made a separate charge. In October of the same year Rev. George W. Crist, the present pastor, received and accepted a call to New Millport charge, consisting of two appointments. The church has now
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GEULICH TOWNSHIP.
about one hundred communicants. The present elders are Samuel Tobias, Robert High, and M. R. Lewis. The deacons are A. F. Bloom and James M. Bloom. The Lutheran Sunday-school was organized about 1877 as a Luth- eran school. Previous to this time it had been called a Union school, but was carried on and supported principally by members of the Lutheran Church, and also held in their building. The school numbers about one hundred and twenty-five members and a great interest is manifested ; Philip Erhard is the superintendent.
Baptist Church .- The New Millport Baptist Church was organized in the year 1873 under the pastorate of Rev. W. A. Ridge. John S. Williams and James Glenn were elected deacons, and Abner Glenn, clerk. The member- ship numbered twenty. Services were held in the old Methodist Church for several years, and afterwards in a shop on John S. Williams's farm. The meetings are now held in the Lutheran Church. On account of many mem- bers moving away the membership of the church shows no material increase.
CHAPTER XXXVI.
HISTORY OF GEULICH TOWNSHIP.
G EULICH, the only township in the county which has for its boundary the J boundary line of three other counties, lying as it does at the southeast corner of Clearfield county, it is touched by Centre county, Blair county, and Cambria county. Bounded on the north by Woodward township, in Clearfield county, the northern boundary line runs from southeast to northwest ; on the east it is bounded by the lines of Centre and Blair counties; on the south by Cambria county, and on the west lies Beccaria township. The history of this township has much in common with Beccaria township, partaking of its interest, its devel- opment, and progress. Like Beccaria township, its wealth of timber, pine, oak, hemlock, chestnut, and beech has been fearfully depleted by the woodsman's ax; many contracts have been begun and completed upon its area, which only had for their consideration the different grades of lumber. At a time between 1850 and 1860 a traveler across the entire width of Geulich township, from east to west, could see nothing but the sky and pine trees. Although much later in its formation than some of the adjoining townships, its advance in farm improvement, lumber activity, etc., etc., was not widely separated from Beccaria and Woodward. Constructed as it is in surface, it shows some of the greatest inequalities in difference of altitude. At the celebrated point on top of the mountain, known as Highland Fling, eight miles from Tyrone in Blair
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HISTORY OF CLEARFIELD COUNTY.
county, and but half a mile from the headwaters of the Moshannon Creek, it reaches a wonderful height, being between nine hundred and one thousand feet higher than Bellwood or Bell's Mills, in Blair county ; while, on the other extreme, we find our way to the corner at the northwest of township, in the neighborhood of Madera, and here is Muddy Run, whose channel is cut down deep in the gullies and ravines, burrowing and searching, as it were, for the very lowest place in the area of the township. This run forms the boundary between Beccaria and Geulich townships. The headwaters are a number of beautiful springs but a short distance south of the county line; from thence the course is almost directly north till it empties into Clearfield Creek. This, the only stream of any note in the township, was for many years the only means of transporting timber to the eastern market.
In 1856 or 1858 an effort was made by the citizens in the southeastern part of Beccaria township, to form a new township. Very little encouragement was given them at first. Then came the election to determine the question of form- ing the new township. This election was held at the old village of Amesville, and resulted by a small majority in favor of the new township. The proper surveys being made, the boundaries having already been determined, the de- cree was made by Judge Burnside, who was then president judge. Judge Burnside gave to the new township the name of Geulich, out of respect for him who was known as Father Peter Geulich, well known in all that vicinity for his thrift and stability of character. Aside from the vast wealth of timber which was abundant in all parts of the township, the whole area was underlaid and is yet with rich deposits of coal, fire- clay and other minerals. As yet the coal is but slightly developed, there being no facilities for shipping. The township only includes three miles of railroad in its entire area. This is where the Moshannon Branch of the Tyrone and Clearfield Railroad leads off at Osceola, and running through the north end of township terminates at Vulcan, in Wood- ward township.
Although no railroads have as yet been constructed, the surveys are already made, and the location fixed for sufficient roads to develop on a grand scale the hidden wealth of this portion of the county. The first opening of coal was made by George Washington Davis, who came from Huntingdon county about 1835 or 1836. He was convinced that coal existed there in quantities, and being of an investigating turn of mind, he prospected largely through all that section. Finally during the time between 1842 and 1845 he determined to make an opening on Muddy Run, and about half way between the present town of Utahville and Janesville, near the turnpike connecting the two places. Here, as early as 1851, he found a six foot vein of the finest coal, free from slate and sulphur to a remarkable extent; it averaged but four or four and a half inches of bony running through it, and it is to-day considered coal of the best quality. To this bank in the early days came blacksmiths and others
533
GEULICH TOWNSHIP.
who were prepared to use coal, from Tyrone, in Blair county, from Hunting- don county, and others from Centre county, and greater distance. Ox teams, mules, horses, and even cows hitched to improvised vehicles, constructed to withstand the inequalities of the mountain roads, were constantly going and coming from the adjoining counties to haul out the valuable fuel. This vein has since been carefully examined and is found to extend through the entire western end of the township, continuing in such a position as to be easily worked, and accessible with little expense, while towards the eastern boun- dary of the township the coal runs out, seeming to have been subjected at one time to some great upheaval ; also the southern slope of coal seems in good condition, and easily accessible. Towards the western boundary the fire-clay seems but slightly accessible and indeed not so plentiful ; while, as we go to the south, it is found in greater quantities, underlying the coal and easy to work. Some little iron ore presents. itself along the old plank road and east- ern boundary, but not in sufficient quantities to make an even surface, and therefore, from the first opening made by Mr. Davis, can be traced the same quantities of workable coal all along the western slope. Peculiar to this sec- tion has also been the continued existence of a grist-mill since 1855. An old settler in the township, William Smith, constructed a rude mill for grinding purposes, upon the site where now stands a modern mill. It was situated near the present town of Janesville, and run by water-power derived from Muddy Run. Here it received all the grinding for a large section of country including Cambria, Blair, and Clearfield counties - the only grist-mill then and for a number of years afterwards in that section ; it was widely known as Smith's Mill, from which afterwards the post-office of that place gained its name of Smith's Mills. From Smith the old mill was bought by the Nevlings, who rebuilt it on a larger scale, and increased its capacity and business. After running the mill for a number of years the Nevlings sold to the Flynns, who again rebuilt and modernized the old structure; it has since continued to be run as a grist-mill under the ownership and supervision of P. & A. Flynn, until the year 1887, when it was again repaired and furnished throughout with the modern roller machinery by P. Flynn, and has again started on a long life of usefulness to the surrounding country. Upon the ground, and within the area included in the present Geulich township, many of the most influen- tial and enterprising citizens of Clearfield county first established themselves in business, and from its territory has come the capital and reputation of a number of business men whose influence has been felt, and whose enterprise and business qualifications have been of great advantage to every part of Clearfield county and many of the adjoining counties. From here has come one of the leading bankers of the county, from here has sprung up one of the largest and strikingly successful lumber and saw-mill firms in the State, from here has come a State legislator and senator. Its citizens have contributed
68
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HISTORY OF CLEARFIELD COUNTY.
some of the most efficient county officers, both elective and appointive, and here to-day are some of the wealthiest farmers in the county, who together with their general knowledge, have imbibed and nurtured an accurate knowl- edge of geology in their endeavors to arrive at a just estimate of their hidden wealth.
Among those who first came here, and of those who have left children to perpetuate the name, and of those who still reside here, many names are recognized as being familiar to the whole country surrounding: The Geulichs, with Father Peter Geulich as their source ; the Glasgows, who were first known by Mr. John Glasgow moving in about 1840; the Cresswells, headed by John Cresswell, all of whose family are now dead or removed, so that all trace is lost of the family ; the Nevling family, who are all descended from Mr. John Nev- ling ; the Hannahs, who were introduced by the arrival of John Hannah in 1854 or 1855 ; Joseph Fry and family, who were among the pioneers in the wilderness ; the Allemans, David and Henry, now represented by the family of Henry Alleman ; Harry Hummell, an old settler, who came from Dauphin county and settled near the present Allemansville, and the Fulkersons, who are descended from Daniel Fulkerson. All these are family names which will always be known throughout the township. And again we find the Rameys to be identified with the business interests; the Flynns, who were led here by Mr. Edward Flynn, afterwards killed in the woods by a tree; the Coonrods, the Ganoes, the Kingstons, the McKiernans, the Davises, the Stevens, the Ginters, who formed a settlement or town of their own, the followers of Samuel Smith, William McCullough, Lisle McCully, Samuel Whitesides, Robert Pot- ter, etc., etc.
During the year 1850 the first saw-mill was built by Joseph Fry and Daniel Fulkerson. It was largely an experimental mill, as the machinery was rough and unmanageable. It was, however, a success, and having been placed at the headwaters of Little Muddy Run, it was never idle. It was afterward rebuilt and refitted.
TOWNS.
Janesville has the honor of being the first town in the township, and was named Janesville from Jane Nevling, who afterward became the wife of Dr. Caldwell, of Glen Hope. The town always held the name of Janesville, but when the post-office was established it was given the name of Smith's Mills, by which name the place has since been known, Janesville and Smith's Mills always being one and the same place.
In 1851 Abraham Nevling, who had moved into the new country, built a house for his own use, and was soon followed in building by Westley and Mrs. Nevling. The Nevling family then owned all the surrounding land. This was the origin of the town of Janesville and Smith's Mills. Jonathan Boynton,
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GEULICH TOWNSHIP.
who came to Janesville a young man, poor in funds but rich in energy, was taken up and given an interest by some eastern capitalists. He continued there a number of years, and subsequently moved to Clearfield, and became president of the First National Bank. A. G. Fox then erected the first store in Janesville, and established a general store, but was soon followed in the business enterprise by Boynton & Nevling. Fox was then bought out by the Flynns, and the business was ever afterward conducted by them. The Nev- lings retained control of their store business, and it has now come to be the property of G. B. Nevling & Son. Edward Flynn first came into the town- ship from Canada, where he was soon followed by Patrick and Anthony Flynn. They soon established large lumbering interests around Janesville, and from their work many new settlers were brought into the community, until the set- tlement assumed the proportions of a town. From Tyrone, in Blair county, William Henderson came to Janesville and erected a tavern or hotel to accom- modate the increasing number of people who became interested in the busi- ness of the country. This afterwards was sold to John Litz, and was still con- ducted as a hotel and tavern by Mr. Weld when destroyed by fire in 1885.
In 1868 the Smith's Mills post-office was established upon petition from the citizens, and Joseph D. Ganoe appointed postmaster, which position he has continuously held for nineteen years. A church was first erected by the Meth- odist congregation at Janesville, and soon became a flourishing congregation. It was followed by the Roman Catholic Church, who also established them- selves, and both constructed substantial buildings. Subsequent to the build- ing of the Methodist and Catholic Churches, a Presbyterian congregation was formed, and they also constructed a substantial church building. These were followed by a large and commodious school-house. Well furnished, hand- some residences were built by Messrs. James, Anthony, Guss, and John Flynn, and others, and soon the town put on the appearance of a prosperous and well populated village. The representative business men are now Mr. A. Flynn, G. B. Nevling, and Messrs. McKeirnan, Ganoe Brothers, Chaplins, Kingstons, Prideaux, Spencer, Stites, and Conrod.
While a resident of Janesville, the Hon. James Flynn was chosen to repre- sent this senatorial district in the State Legislature, and finished his term with the confidence and respect of the whole district, having gained great popu- larity. Mr. Flynn since 1885 has resided at Coalport, in Beccaria township. With the construction and building of new railroads in and around the vicinity of Janesville, the growth of the town was somewhat retarded. New towns have since sprung up, fostered by the encouraging railroad facilities, of which Janesville was deprived, and what was once a lively lumbering town is now completely cut off and allowed to go backward. With the prospected roads, once a reality, the town will again spring into life and vigor. About 1853 a company known as the Phoenix Lumber Company, which originated in Phila-
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HISTORY OF CLEARFIELD COUNTY.
delphia and Westmoreland county, controlled largely by Jacob and John Co- vode, and under the management of Charles Fuller, started to build a mill one mile east of Allemansville. They brought in the first circular saw, and with abundant capital started quite a town around their new mill. This business was carried on upon a large scale for a number of years; everything that was attempted was carried through at heavy expense, but when at last they had accomplished the destruction of the best timber, the town was allowed to de- cline, and so it continued until now almost extinct. Under the influence partly of their company the old plank road was built in 1853. On the land where once was a flourishing town, Andrew Mulholland, one of the substantial men, now lives. The first school-house in the township was built by Joseph Fry, Henry Alleman and Daniel Fulkerson in 1855, at the place where the Oak Grove school-house now stands, near Allemansville, and on the land of Henry Alle- man. Two school-houses have since been erected at or near the site of the original one. In 1855 Henry Alleman organized and conducted a union Sun- day-school, from which originated the first church at Allemansville.
Allemansville .- In 1851 John Potter, who had resided in a shanty near the present Allemansville, moved away, and Henry Alleman, who had just come into the county, occupied this shanty. He afterwards enlarged it and subse- quently rebuilt the house now standing on the same site. The feature most noticeable in connection with the house, is that the division line between Cam- bria and Clearfield counties passes through his kitchen and dining-room, and a party at table sits on one side in Cambria, and on the other in Clearfield. Mr. David Alleman erected the first house in the present town of of Allemansville, in 1854, and the town was originated and built by Henry Alleman. Mr. Alle- man supplied the lumber for every house in the village. In 1866 an endeavor was made to establish a post-office at Allemansville, but the endeavor was not crowned with success until 1868, when the post-office of "Allemans " was estab- lished, and Mr. Henry Alleman was appointed postmaster, which position he has continued to hold for eighteen years. In 1869 P. Sneeringer & Co., estab- lished a large general merchandise store at this place, and did a heavy busi- ness. Mr. Alleman secured a half interest, and afterward entire control, and now conducts a business in general merchandise very successfully. John Han- nah has worked as a blacksmith in the village and as a wagon-maker for fifteen years. A Methodist Church was built in 1871, and the Oak Grove school- house is also near the village. Here Mr. Henry Alleman resides on a large and productive farm, and has long been the treasurer for the township.
Ramey .- The northern town of the township is that of Ramey, which is probably directly due to the effect of the branch railroad running along that border of the township. This is the only town or village in the township which enjoys the advantages of a railroad. In 1877 the post-office was made at this place, and here is a handsome Methodist Church. A large mill, and heavy
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GIRARD TOWNSHIP.
lumber business is here controlled by D. K. Ramey & Company, employing about one hundred men. The business men are Frederick Alvon, blacksmith, and James Croyle, blacksmith, S. J. Fox and others ; while recently a handsome school-house has been built.
CHAPTER XXXVII.
HISTORY OF GIRARD TOWNSHIP.
Nº TO accurate data concerning the exact date of the erection of Girard town- ship can be acquired. The records of the Quarter Sessions Court, in which this information should be found, were so imperfectly kept that no men- tion of the fact is there made. It appears, however, that at a term of the court held in the month of September, 1832, a return was made by Usebius Cinkade, for the deputy constable of the township; and, in all subsequent court proceed- ings the return of the constable for Girard township regularly appears. It is fair to assume, therefore, as a fact, that the erection was made in 1832, and prior to the month of September. Girard township, geographically, is situate on the north boundary of the county and occupies a tract extending from the West Branch to the Cameron county line. It is bounded east by Covington and west by Goshen townships. In length it extends about eleven and one- half miles (average), and is of an average width of about five and one-half miles. The surface north from the river is generally rough, hilly, and in some parts quite mountainous. The greatest altitude is reached in the western part at what is known as " the Knobs," where, according to the estimates of good authority, the hills reach a height of from twenty-two hundred and thirty to twenty-two hundred and eighty feet. The township is drained by the waters of Surveyor's Run, Bald Hill Run, Deer Creek, Buck Run, Sandy Creek, Mos- quito Creek, and other streams of less magnitude.
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