Page:History of Delaware County (1856).djvu/222

 HISTORY OP period was one of imminent danger, the roads were awful beyond description, and it was frequently necessary to clear them of obstructions in order to proceed. After leaving Cats- kill, there was not. a single bridge for their wbole journey. The party, after passing several small settlements, arrived at the house of Benjamin Barlow, in Stamford, who had com- menced his improvements the preceding year. He had erected a small log-hut, about twelve feet square, and also a barn, in which, as the house was too small, the party received the kind attentions of their host, while, in the absence of pasturage, the teams and horses were turned into the surrounding woods to browse. The third day after the party had arrived at Bar- low's, it was discovered that the horses had strayed off in the direction of home; Abraham Grould, Greorge Squires, and Josiah Patchin, were dispatched with three days provisions to follow up and retake the missing animals. After following the trail a short distance, the animals had taken an unexpected turn, and instead of going toward the North River, had fol- lowed up a gulf now known as Eose's Brook, and thence across the mountain, near where the present road is located. The sun had passed the meridian ere the party arrived at the height of land ; a short distance down the mountain they met a hunter by the name of Israel Inman, who had settled the preceding year on the fertile flats now owned by Jacob C. Kealor, Esq., of Boxbury, and who had the day before taken up the animals, and was now following up their track to disco- ver their owners, if possible. Inman immediately conducted the weary travellers to his own home, where he entertained them with a repast of venison steak, and with all the hospitality common to pioneer settlers. Having ascertained that they-were in search of a favorable situation to settle, and being well acquainted with the country, he volunteered his assistance. They examined the lands in the valley of Fall Brook, (now West Settlement,) and having