The Daily News from Huntingdon, Pennsylvania • Page 6

PAGI SIX. THE DAILY NEWS, HUNTINGDON AND MOUNT UNION, SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 27, 1954, MR. KUNG Further Light On A Pioneer Tragedy By ALBERT M. RUNG 820 North 16th Harrisburg, Pa. Two Mapieton readers, Mrs.

Celia Baker and Mrs. May R. Buchanan, have been mentioned on past occasions for the valued aid given the writer. Both have told a number of local incidents that occurred in days long past, and the happenings would undoubtedly have been if their loyal efforts nad not succeeded in preserv- the records. Mrs.

Buchanan was respon- iible for the interesting account of the strange disappearance of the little folks in Easter Hollow, as well as other events in the vicinity of Mill Creek. She has promised to tell the result of her observations on area of Brady Township after they have been completed and, as so little of the region's history is known, it would seem that a fertile 'field therefore awaits her efforts. Data On Eaton Descendants Received Perhaps the outstanding event in Brady's history was the tragic slaying of Loudenslager and the Ea.tons by Indians. Beyond a record of these depredations given in local histories, We were told little regarding the subsequent activities of the members of the Eaton family who survived. However, a communication received several months ago from B.

R. Faust of Mill Creek revealed the surprising information that he and Mrs. Faust had been corresponding with descendants of the Eaton family. Calling upon Mr. Fausr a short time- later, we discussed the Loudenslager and Eaton murders and he kindly turned over the correspondence relative to the Eatons that the writer might make a transcription.

According to Historian U. J. Jones, young Loudenslager, who resided in the upper end of the Kishacoquillas Valley, left his home on horseback for Fort Standing Stone just previous to the Tory uprising, with the thought of enlisting with Major Uuggage to guard the lead rnines in Sinking Valley. When he reached the head of the valley, five or six Indians in company with a white man appeared upon an eminence, from whence three Indians and the white man fired at him. Loudenslager was seriously wounded, while his horse, which had also been hit, took fright and dashed madly on toward Standing Stone with its heroic rider still clinging to its back.

Died On River Jones then states: "Weak and faint from the loss of blood, when he got there he was unable to move, and some of the people carried him in and sared for him as well as they could; but he was too much exhausted to give any account of the occurrence. After some restoratives were applied, he rallied, and gave a statement of the affair. His description of the white man in company with the Indians was so accurate, that the people knew at once that Hare, if not the direct author, was the instigator, of this diabolical outrage. "Loudenslager, for want of good medical attendance or an experienced surgeon, grew worse, and the commander, to alleviate his sufferings if possible, placed him in a canoe, and despatched him, accompanied by some men, on his way to the nearest point of any importance; but he dieo after the canoe had descended the river but a few miles." Eaton Tragedy Responsible From all reports eventually gathered against Jacob Hare, it was reasonably certain that evidence given by the dying Loudenslager pointed definitely to the notorious Tory. The excitement at the fort had about reached its height, according to Jones, when more bad news arrived.

He continues: "On the same day, the party that shot Loudenslager went to the house of Mr. Eaton (though probably unaccompanied by Hare), in the upper end of the same valley bur, nor finding any men about the Eaton being took captives Mrs. Eaton and her two children, and then set fire to the buildings. The work of devastation was on the point of being completed when Mr. F.aron reached his home.

He did not wait to see his house entirely reduced to ashes, but rode to Standing Stone as fast as his horse ccuid carry him and spread the alarm. The exasperated people could hardly muster sufficient patience to hear the particulars before they started in pursuit of the enemy. They travelled with all the speed that energetic and determined men could command, scouring the country in every direction for a period of nearly a week, but heard no tidings of Mrs. Eaton and her children, and were forced to give her up as lost. "This aroused the wrath of the settlers, and many of them were for dealing out summary punishment to Hare as the instigator; but, in the absence of proof, he was not even brought to trial for the Loudensiayer murder, of which he was clearly guilty.

The act, however, put people upon their guard; the most notorious known tory in the county had openly shown his hand, and they knew what to expect of him. "Mr. and almost' for years for his wife and children; and, as no tidings could be had of them, he was at last reluctantly forced to believe that the savages had murdered them. Nor-was he wrong in his conjecture. Some years afterwards the blanched skeletons of the three were found by some hunters in the neighborhood of Warrior's Mark.

The identity of the skeletons was proved by some shreds af were known to belong to' clinging to their remains." Home Of Eatont Near Eagle Mills Africa history (1883) in its account of Brady Township adds little to the version given by Jones, except stating "The Eaton house was on the hillside by the spring below the present Eagle Mills." The Eagle Mills was located along Saddlers Run, approximately a mile northeast of Mill Creek, and was said to have been a prosperous industry in its time. We learn more concerning the Eatons, however, from the data obtained by Mr. Faust in his correspondence with Eaton descendants, principally with the Rev. N. E.

Davis, 268 Sherman Avenue, Ashland, Ohio. Family Originated In Wales From the recent data we learn that the Eaton family came from Radnershire, Wales. With the record beginning back in the 17th century, thence coming down to the third generation we find that David, father of the unfortunate family, was born in Bucks County, Pennsylvania, in 1737. He married Mary Eaton who was probably a cousin, a practice not uncommon back in those times, and the family "record is thus shown: "DAVID EATON born 1737. Was a Baptist minister and cooper.

Born in Warminster, Bucks Co. Pa. Moved to Mill Creek, Cumberland (later Huntingdon) County, Pa. Lived in Brady near Stone Mountain, in log house. Locality was called Milliken Mill property.

Settled there about 1775. Married Mary Eaton of Philadelphia, who was born June 24, 1737. David was a Captain in the Revolutionary War, serving under Col. Johnston in 8th Batt. of the Penna.

Militia. "Children of David and Mary: 1. Isaac, Jan. 8, 1764. 2.

Joseph B. Nov. 3, 1765 (married Bathsheba Sackett). 3. James, no date.

4. George, April 17, 1768. 5. Mary Parnell, Feb. 10, 1770.

6. Martha, July 5, 1773, died July 14, 1813. 7. Kezia Ann, born about 1774, married Root. 8.

Thomas, Born about 1775. An infant without name killed by Indians." Only One Child Died As the record continues it reveals a different version from those given "in our histories, as we find that Mrs. Eaton and one (not two) of her children died with her, while four children were taken captive by the Indians; another fact which history appears to have overlooked. The record resumes: "David Eaton was the grandfather of Edith DeFord, whose mother was Mary Parnell Eaton, above, who married Joshua DeFord, probably son of -Jacques DeFord of Juniata Valley, near where the David Eaton family lived (see history DeFord Family). The terrible event that took place on June 10, 1778, at the house at Mill Creek, took the lives of Mary Eaton and her baby.

They were evidently taken to Warriors Mark, twelve miles away and there killed and scalped, as the bones were later found in the woods. Joseph, George and Isaac were away from home, as was. David Eaton who was at the mil). Mary Parnell, Martha, Kezia and Thomas were taken on the long trip to Montreal and sold to the British for eight dollars each. Thomas died there.

The three found five years later by the father, who'had been told of their fate by a woman captive after her return from Montreal. David Eaton married Elizabeth Razor, a widow. The Betty Razor Spring, which supplied their needs, is still running in 1954." Rev. Davis' adds this note to the closing lines: "1 have picture of a large tree from which flows a stream conning from a spring called 'Bettie's This picture shows two stones that are supposed to mark the place where David Eaton and his second wife, Elizabeth Razor, were buried. There is no name on these stones." "First Man Buried At Mill Creek" The death- of David Eaton occurred November 12, 1794, while that of his second Wife is not given.

The Africa history states that "David Eaton was the first man buried at Mill Creek" (P. 222), while a description of the Mill Creek Church (P. 228) contains the fol.owing: "The tery in connection is the oldest in the township, and one of the first persons interred there was Adam Hail. His remains were carried to the yard by an ox-team driven by Jacob Hawn." The cemetery recalled is undoubtedly as ancient as all have claimed, and is located near the intersection of Route 26 and the highway leading to McAlevys Fort across Lick Ridge. The church has long since disappeared and the writer has been unable to find any trace of its location during several visits made through the sadly neglected confines.

There certainly would be innumerable accounts of history to thrill forever succeeding generations, had the annals of this area been preserved, but unfortunately only a fesv meager shreds have been left to support our knowledge. Story Incomplete The later record of the Eatons here presented gives additional facts which' local history has omitted, yet the story is far from complete. Some may note that David Eaton was an officer in the Revolution, and yet observe the puzzling situation that he was residing in Mill Creek during the most vital time of the conflict. It is somewhat curious that the writer's great-great-grandfather, Caleb Armitage, Sr. (1737-1832), was born the same year as Eaton, and likewise settled in Mill Creek, later returning to his former home in Germantown at the start of the war to join the Continental Army.

He also became a captain in a Philadelphia battalion and returned to Mill Creek before the end of the war, therefore it possible that Eaton could have served in the early, as well as later days, of the Revolution. However, Brady Township offers an endless field for historical research, in the opinion of the and we hope to recall some results of our efforts there in the near future. LOOKING BACKWARD IN MOUNT UNION FIFTY YEARS AGO Edward M. Beers, for some time a clerk in the Harbison-Walker Company office, resigned his position on Saturday last and will now give his entire attention to his hotel. He was succeeded in his job by George Landis.

The famous old Liberty Bell passed through town last Saturday. The relic of Revolutionary Days has been at the World's Pair in St. Louis all summer and was on the way back 'to its old home, Independence Hall, Philadelphia. The Lukens brothers are rapidly pushing- their new lime'kiln, lo' cated southeast of town, and it is nearing completion. Bricklayers have just, about completed their work at the Lutheran Church.

'The slaters have the roof almost completed and the work is progressing rapidly. FORTY YEARS AGO IN HUNTINGDON 50 Years Ago Silas Cutshall, of near Pogue, recently underwent an operation for appendicitis at the home of his sister at Eagle Foundry. Dr. Heaton of Saltillo and Dr. Hamilton of Cassville performed the operation from which the young man is recovering nicely.

Prof. P. B. Ott, principal of the Ebensburg. schools and former principal of the Huntingdon High School, will give an illustrated lecture entitled "Wonders of the St.

Louis World's Fair" in the Ebensburg Opera House December 2. To the murder of the Assyrian peddler near Petersburg last March, Huntingdon County for the year of 1904 has added a similar crime. Charles Veniere, an Italian miner, of Robertsdale, was shot dead on the streets of that place Thursday by a fellow countryman, the tragedy being the result of a quarrel. Died: Wesley Bigelow, near Mc- Saxton Borough Council Holds November Meeting J. M.

Baker of Mapieton. while I Alevys Fort; Henry Leister Miller, in Mount Union Monday, showed 5-year-old son of Mr. and Mrs. his friends a photograph of the United Brethren Sabbath School of Mapieton. One hundred and eighty-six persons, men, women and children, are shown in the picture.

The picture was taken by Photographer Frank Edwards of Huntingdon. Mrs. J. G. Isenberg- of Bast Shirley Street was honored on her birthday a few evenings ago, when her family invited a number of the neighbors into the for a party.

Needless to say it was a jolly occasion. The Raystown Water Power Co. has been given the contract of lighting the streets of Mount Union, beginning April 1, 1915. There will be 56 street lights in the town. Mount Union has thus far contributed a total of $84.50 to the relief of Belgium.

This money was included in the relief cargo of the "Thelma" which sailed from ghiladelphia last Thursday with over 18.000 tons of foodstuffs for the widows and orphans. John ana-maker chartered the steamship and he is now planning to pay the expenses of another, as donations continue to come in from all parts of the country. Robert K. Miller, 416 Perm Street. Watson Dean, 1627 Mifflin Street, a carpenter in the employ of J.

C. Hall the while employed in the erection of the C. H. Miller home at the head of Sixth Street, had a very bad fall and narrowly escaped with his life. Death came to Elmer Sheeder, former citizen of Huntingdon County, but late of Independence.

Colorado, lessee of the Pinkerton block of the Vindicator THIRTY YEARS AGO Don't forget to go to the "poverty sbshul" in- the Presbyterian social roam Thursday evening of next week. There will be "vittuls" served and a program of and entertainment. The large sawmill of I. H. Herbster near Calvin was destroyed by fire, entailing the loss of a great quantity of lumber and i property at a time when he was on the verge of making the fortune for which he had striven for many years.

He fell in the sump and drowned. 25 Years Ago Playing at the cinema: Clifton, Victor McLaglen, Edmund Lowe and Lily Damita in "Cock-Eyed World; at the Grand. Jack Mul- hail and Lila Lee in- "Dark Shapiro, Ken Maynard in "Wagon Master." Georges Clemenceau, "th of France, is dead and all France mourns her World War leader. A large crowd saw the Huntingdon High School team down Lewistown High 13 to 0. John Ergler, a native of Austria, died at the age of 80 at his home 517 Oneida Street, November 25th.

T. Homer Donnelly, 60. well- known farmer of Morris Township, was discovered dead along the highway west of Waterstreet where he had been stricken with a en Routine matters were discussed and acted upon by the Saxton Borough Council at the regular meeting Tuesday evening oi' last week. The minutes of the October meeting were read by the secretary, Frank Steel, and approved. Harold Zerbe.

Emerson Edwards, and Clyde Weaver appeared before the council to request information on. the removal of the abutments on Miriam Street and the condition of the entrance at Branch and Miriam Streets, as well as the general condition of Branch Street since the removal of the abutments. After a lengthy discussion of the matter the citizens were asked to wait until the has been completed, when the street will be placed in the best condition No definite plans were announced, but the council assured group that the street committee would do its best to rectify matters. Saul Wayne appeared before the council in connection with the matter of drainage near his property on Catherine Street. The present drainage ends on his property and due to improvements he plans to make on his building (former Moose Hall), he requested the council to Supply approximately twelve feet of drainage.

This request was approved by the council. Street Committee Chairman Thomas Hickes, presented his report which included complaints on the conditions of alleys, etc. He also announced that relief lalbor is available, but that the men report for work irregularly. It should not be necessarv for the council to The Daily News Founded 1922 by Joseph I-' Blddlt John 11. Blddlc, Publisher been shut off, and the bridge at Shoups Run is in bad condition and needs repairs, he said.

Police Officer Lester Thomas reported that there were' four speeding violations and two parking meter violations during the month. Extensive repairs are needed to parking meters, he reported. He also said that there had been complaints made on the illegal parking of several school buses. This condition will he checked. This street lightse at South Railroad and Emily Streets, near the Honor Roll, is being repaired, it was reported.

The collection of parking meter funds was discussed, and a cart will be purchased to facilitate the collection. The police officer was instructed to enforce the illegal parking meter violation rules, regardless of who is involved. B. T. Weaver, street commissioner, made his report, and the proposed work schedule and supervision of workers were discussed at length.

The secretary presented a communication from the Saxton Fire Company requesting the approval of Allie Masood as the new fire chief, and this approval was given unanimously. A resolution was presented for the purchase of the water lines and all equipment from the Huntingdon and Broad Top Railroad Company. The-water lines and equipment are now being leased by the borough. Approval was given to the resolution. The secretary reported that the water analysis made October 27 was approved.

Entered at the post office at Huntingdon, Pennsylvania, January 31. 1922. as second-class mall matter under Act of March 3 1870. Published Every Day Except Sunday E. Blair Shore Eugene T.

Shore General Manager Editor Member of Audit Bureau of Paid In Advance Circulation 10,160. SUBSCRIPTION RATES CARRIER Staple copy 5 cents; weekly 30 cents; yearly (in advance) $18.35. MAIL (payable In advance): Huntingdon and contiguous counties Sll.OO per year. All other mail subscriptions oer year. G-E WILL MATCH CASH GIFTS TO COLLEGES New York, Nov.

26. The General Electric described its "corporate alumnus program" a novel plan in match dollar for which dollar GE anv will gift an employe makes to his alma meter. Philip' D. Reed, board chairman, announced the plan Monday and said it would, remain in effect during 1955 after which the company will assess the results. Reed said 23.000 GE workers hold degrees from more than 540 colleges and universities.

He said any contribution by a GE employe to his college will be met by a "like gift from the to $1,000 for each graduate. SALVATION ARMY WEEK PROCLAIMED transport the men work, accord- New water billing- forms were music cerebral hemorrhage while route to the Lutheran Church. Other deaths: Mrs. A. L.

Smucker. 205 Mifflin Street; Mrs. Abraham -Lane, near Alexandria; William D. Varner, formerly of mine ties. The fire took place on i Huntingdon, at Meadville; Robert, haT In Wednesday night and was discov-.

Parker Robley. at Vandergrift; ecl lne aoanaonLa ing to the chairman, and the council agreed. Another trial will be made with the relief workers to keep the men at work. A street light was approved for installation on South Railroad Avenue and Letitia Sti-eet, near the Cessna property. James Reed of the building committee reported that progress is made on its project.

The burgess, Frank A. Clapper, presented his report which showed that there had been four violations, four convictions, and forty dollars in fines collects He announced that the fire company had requested permission to hold a carnival on Spring Street between May 1 and July 1, 1955, and the council granted this permission. The burgess also announced that the Cleanup Week work will continue until completed, since unexpected developments have slowed the project. J. A.

Benner of the water committee reported that the roads to the reservoir have been cbmp'let- presented. and. three bids vjere submitted. The contract was awarded to the Sheterom Printing Company. Envelopes will be purchased through the postmaster, Stephen McCahan.

The following financial report was then presented and approved: borough fund $518.64, expenses 5583.58. balance water fund general- receipts $495.51, expenses $212.14, balance water sinking highway fund police pension fund parking meter expenses 599.26, unpaid balance sewage account unpaid Councilmen attending the melting were: Julius Diehl. J. A. Benner, Fred Cypher.

James Reed, T. J. Hickes, and Paul Weaver. These borough officials also attended the session: Secretary Frank Setele, Treasurer Ralph Reed, Street Commissioner B. T.

Weaver, Police Officer Lester Washington, Nov. 26. Eisenhower has proclaimed the week of Nov. 28 national Salvation Army Week. He issued a proclamation urging all citizens to honor the Salvation Army "for its work in the United States in the past 75 years." "Let us remember that the banner of this organization and the principles for which it stands are stalwart bulwarks for the protection of the spiritual and physical needs of our people," he said.

Use The Daily News Want Ads RUG CLEARING ered about 2:30 in the morning. Origin is unknown. About twenty men succeeded in saving a lot of ties and lumber worth several thousands of and Mrs. A. R.

McCarthy, for forty years residents of Mount Union, have presented the School Board of Wayne Township. Mifflin County, two desirable lots on Cedar Crest for the erection of a building- for the free use of the residents of Cedar Crest, Lucy Furnace and vicinity for tion, religious and social activities, Immediately, the directors began the work on a substantial building' which is now under roof. Dr. McCarthy expects to furnish the new community home a library. Mrs.

Eva Stewart, a teacher of Mount Union, Mrs. G. W. Treasure and son Paul. Mrs.

J. H. Barley and two children, Ellen and Jame's Mr. and Mrs. D.

F. Knisely and daughter Martha of Altoona. Mrs. Nancy Bard Minnick, Mount: Union. 10 Ypars Ag'o Huntingdon County joins with Blair County in heartiest congratulations" to Elder James A.

Sell of Altoona. who on Thanks- giving-, celebrated his 99th birth- clay. He was born in Freedom Township November 23, 1845, but on that date Blair County was still part of Huntingdon County. water supply Thomas, and Burgess Frank to the T. J.

Hickes property has.) Clapper. A. QUALITY 3O4 HUNTINGDON spent Thanksgiving Day with Mr. and Mrs. B.

F. Myers at Shirleysburg. CASSVILLE Mrs. Emma Ricka.ba.ugh spent several days the past week with her brother and sister-in-law. Mr.

and Mrs. Loraine Mierley of McConnellstown. Harry Wagner of Huntingdon, viously Mrs. Earl Hammond of Smithfield and C. B.

Smith of State College visited Mr. and Mrs. W. H. Norris during the week.

Sunday guests in the Norris home were Mr. and Mrs. Robert Brooks and children of Bedford. Mrs. Edgar Horton and Mrs.

He is believed to be the oldest educa- preacher in the preaching! He was a. mainstay in the formation of the Brethren Normal School, now Juniata College. He Was united in marriage October 19, 1867 to Esther B. Stiffler of Canoe Creek. Mr.

and Mrs, Sell had the rare privilege of observing their 73rd wedding anniversary in October. 1940. Mrs. Sell died in February of 1941. Stanley R.

Brown of Hustontown, was instantly killed in an automobile accident three miles south of Mount Union. Sergeant Paul J. Simpson was seriously wounded somewhere in Germany on November 8, accfrd- ing to word received by his wife, the former Betty Swan of Alexandria R. D. 1.

Mr. and Mrs. Leroy Wakefield, former residents of Huntingdon, now living in Cleveland, received the tragic news that their Private Donald Wakefield, reported missing son, pre- in October, is now offically reported dead. LATTA GROVE Mr. and Mrs.

Robert Cutchall and two children of Huntingdon and John Cutchall of George Whited of Broad Top Aurora, Colorado, recently spent a were recent visitors at the J. E. McGahey home. Mr. "and Mrs.

Clyde Swope and children were Sunday visitors at the Thomas Black home at Broad Top City. The Rev. and Mrs. William Berkheiser and family visited their family in Vestal, New York, last Saturday. Mrs.

John McNeal and son Larry, Mrs. Mary David, and Mrs. Ellis Ford and son David were recent callers at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Doyle Watkin, Sunday dinner guests in the William Rupert and granddaughters home were Mr.

and Mrs. Ernest 'Holland of Huntingdon and Mr. and Mrs. Herbert Holland and i daughter Susan of Shade Gap. Other callers during the pastHveek 1 in the same home were Mr.

and I Mrs. Roy Black of Mount Union and Mr. and Mrs. Mitchel Burri- gardner and family of Mapieton Depot, R. D.

day with Mr. and Mrs. O. Querry. John Cutchall, who spent the past two years in England, stopped to visit relatives en route to Colorado.

He is a former resident of Huntingdon. Mr. and Mrs. John Pannebaker called in home of Mr. and Mrs.

Bob A. Dell of Mill Creek Monday evening. Mr. and Mrs. S.

W. Pannebaker visited their and daughter, Mr. and Mrs. Kenneth Park and family of Knightsville, last Sunday 'afternoon. Mrs.

Jean Goodman and son Brad of Huntingdon, George Stever of Tyrone, and Mr. and Mrs. Ira Grissinger of Latta Grove re- cently visited Mr. antf Mrs. O.

H. i Querry. 5-Poinf Buck Stolen Minneapolis, Nov. 26. Melvin Abel.

37, drove happily up I to his home with a five-point buck strapped to his auto and ivshed inside to telephone his mother. While he was her, his mother jokingly said "better look out, somebody might steal it." Abel sent his wife out to watch the deer, hut it was too late. Someone had stolen it. Subscribe for- The Daily I cenU per copy. WARNING GIVEN ON LOBBIES BY ME ANY Washing-ton, Nov.

26. AFL President George Meany charged Thursday night that employer groups "have organized well- financed lobbies to press for adop- You get it ONLY on the FRIGIDAIRE Porcelain Pair tion of anti-labor state, laws." Meany made the statement as the AFL opened a campaign against "right to work" laws in 1.7 states, denouncing the statutes as "a serious threat to sound and democratic labor relations in America." The employer groups hops to have such laws enacted in more states, Mea.ny said, noting' that all but four state legislatures will liieet next year. Automatic Washer Famous Live-Water washing. keeps clothes moving under water all the time not half-in, half-out. Gets out the deep down dir: other washers leave behind.

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Drum is porcelain finished, no snagging. McCLAIN GAS a ELECTRIC St. Phone 846 Huntingdon.