Travel diary: D. Stabler, 1823

20

the road, and nearly drove us on the opposite Bank, and very soon after Jack started at a blacksmiths Shop, worse than he has done since we have been from home; I was as Anna Stabler says affraid enough of them, and they affraid all the balance of the way. We concluded it was but for us to meet with some trials, least we might be too unmindful of the many favors we daily receive; _ One more remark, and I think my memorandum will close for this day, on this new and excellent Turnpike, we have travill'd 7, 9, and I believe 10 miles without seeing the abodes of Men, except some deserted huts, occupied by the laborors, when making the road.

11^th of the M^o, Time favoring it, I may notice, that in this late wilderness Country only 22 years since the first friend settled in Bald Eagle Vally, they now abound with many comforts and some of the luxuries of life. They have plenty of nice Maple Sugar, nice preserves in plenty, Salt made within 20 miles of them, Iron works within 4 or 5 miles from W^m Fishers, and at

21

several places, the best of Salt fish brought, in pickle and sold by the Barrel, from Lake Erie. This new Turnpike from Harrisburg to Erie, has greatly improv'd their situation in many respects, its length which is mostly finish'd is near 300 miles _

I have a little matter to add for Sarahs information; notwithstanding Cousin Debby richly deserved mint drops at Clearfield yet I entirely forgot to put one into her mouth _ but I have made up for it to day; she being greatly favored, both in testimony, and supplication H. B. One thing more I must add; I have been made snuff box carrier, and have seldom opened it, but what dear James has been brought into our minds. His affectionate attention toward us in providing snuff, Segars, and medicine &c has really been a comfort; George Wilson joins Cousin Debby in taking snuff, and I often take pleasure in giving it to them.

22

After this meeting we dined at W^m Fishers, and having been kindly solicited to take in our way to Centre, the houses of some of the descendants of R Valentine, an eminent minister among friends; we acceded to their proposition, and left W^m Fishers family, with grateful affectionate feelings; we had here been cared for, with more than common kindness; when we arriv'd at Valentines in the evening of the 17, found an Aged friend; Sister to H M^cPherson, and widow of R Valentine the 2^d _ in the midst of Children, Grandchildren, and great grandchildren. Some of her Sons have the care of a Forge and some, of them at furnace 3 miles farther, where we went to dine, and return'd here to lodge; we could not pass this day without often remembering we were not moving on our journey, but the day was to spare, unless a meeting had been appointed on the one preceding Centre M^o meeting, and I hope it has not been lost, among these people, they want help

23

they want taking by the hand, of those who know the way and faithfully walk in it. _ They are such as we could enjoy some agreeable social intercourse with, and thro this medium, find our way into their hearts; a religious opportunity after dinner; was favor'd, and will not easily be forgotten by them, an interesting young couple who live here, went with us to dine at their Uncles she is first cousin to W^m Stablers wife, her Father was M Millers brother, they are taking them altogether 21 including the Old Woman and 2 great G Children a very interesting family, much harmony prevails, much business is done, and if they do not get too rich, I think there will come out from among them some sterling Quakerism._ We have here seen two Forge Hammers at work. They have 3 fires, one for the Pigs, and two for the Hammers. At the other works, they own, we saw a casting, some in moulds, and also a bed of Pigs, a process worth seeing, when we had the time to spare

24

We are told that there are 5 Forges in operation, the farthest they are apart is 9 miles, and 3 nearer together, but in different directions, but can all be heard 6 miles distant from each of them in a spot of the Valley*; Valentines Furnace is call'd Logan Furnace, their works are all erected on Logan Creek. It takes its name from the distinquish'd Indian Chief of that name, and we have pass'd thro' the Hunting Grounds, once in the possession of that great Man. These Iron Men now living here, rafted down Bald Eagle Creek to the Susquehanna 30 Ton of Iron Bars Plough Shares &c &c, to some of the Market Towns and down the Ohio, thro another channel 100 Ton in the Spring. We have partaken 3 times on their table of some of the finest fresh Fish I ever tasted, call'd Trout, just caught in their Pond, above the Dam on the margin of which the Turnpke runs. Their Iron is all taken on Sleds in the winter to the places of deposit, and there waits for high water in the Spring. _ I write these things for my childrens information, but not to unsettle them

*and two more Iron works within 18 miles