Page:Historical and Biographical Annals of Columbia and Montour Counties, Pennsylvania, Containing a Concise History of the Two Counties and a Genealogical and Biographical Record of Representative Families.djvu/44

COLUMBIA AND MONTOUR COUNTIES try north of the river and their posterity comprises the bulk of the population m the northern townships. There are also a large number of the descendants of the Connecticut settlers to be found in that locality.

In Locust township a considerable portion of the population is of Welsh descent, and they are among the best of the farmers of the county. In Conyngham township there is a large population of foreigners of many nationalities, the predominating race being Slavonic. These arc employed principally in the coal mines.

FIRST SETTLERS OF THE COUNTY

The evolution of the present prosperous community from the raw material of the past is a story of romantic and enthralling interest. The casualties in the founding of an empire by war are not more numerous than those endured by the founders of a community in the wilderness, peopled by savages and wild beasts.

The different members of Columbia county’s pioneer society came from widely separated localities; they were led to emigrate by a variety of motives, and they differed as much in social prejudices, habits and conditions as in nationality. The common object of all was the planting of a new home, where patient, persevering toil would gain a moderate competence for old age and provide greater advantages for the growing families. There was no established rule for success in this venture, and the unbroken forest contained enough difficulties to develop the individuality of the pioneer to the fullest.

The selection of a home site was determined lately by accident. The chance acquaintance with a speculator, or the story of a friend or relative who had emigrated to the new purchase, led to the removal of the listener to the same section. Very often, as is the case in present days, the purchase was made before examination; in some cases a careful tour of inspection was made; while in other instances the fever of immigration lo new territory seized the head of the family, and without adequate preparation the household was broken up, property sold at a loss, the few portable household goods placed on the backs of horses, and (he trip begun without definite aim or destination.

With the difficulties of travel, the amount of goods brought narrowed down to only the necessaries that were easily carried. Carts and wagons were taken only as far as Sunbury. Beyond there, and in other routes into the county, the packhorse was the only means of transporting goods. Sometimes oxen and cows were taken, and their ownership was an evidence of wealth. One man was offered all the land he could see from a considerable eminence for one cow, but refused to make the deal.

The locations were determined by the condition of the ground and the class of trees upon it, and its nearness to water. Many grievous mistakes were thus made, as the forest growth in this vast empire of the west bears little relation to the character of the soil. Some of the best land in the county was left to the wild denizens of the forest, while poorer soil in apparently better locations was eagerly seized upon. The location once settled upon the family was to be provided with shelter, and for this the abundant timber supplied the materials ready to hand. But the hewing and shaping of the trees into the form of a home was the work of men, and few of the present generation would voluntarily take up the labor of constructing a log house with the crude and simple implements of their pioneer ancestors. Each family was a company of architects in itself, and but little aid was needed to erect the first rude home. When more pretentious structures came into being they were the result of the united labors of the entire neighborhood, expended during one of the famous old “log rollings.” With willing hands to assist the house was built one day and occupied the next. "Setting to rights” was not a laborious process. A few wooden pegs driven into the logs sufficed to hang a scanty wardrobe, and two larger ones over the fireplace supported the rifle and powder horn. A puncheon floor—a later luxury—and a loft were deemed unnecessary until the long winter evenings and stormy days prevented outdoor labor. The most important part of the home was the ample chimney of stone, which in this climate was placed at (he end of the house, with a broad mouth surmounted by a wide mantel, upon which accumulated most of the visible treasures of the household. This great wide fireplace was found in every home, some of the more pretentious having one at each end of the house. In it were hung the pot-hooks and hangers, and the “spit” of the old country would sometimes be found there also. Upon the massive and ofttimes artistic “firedogs” rested the hoax'}' logs that threw out a glorious blaze and served for both warmth and light. Here stood the "tin oven" and the older "Dutch oven.” within which were baked the corn pone and johnnycake. In the ashes were put the