|
|
|
(Below is a bit of recorded history of the Beaver Valley, and especially
the Glendale area of Cambria County as published in the old "Coalport
Standard" under the date of December 4, 1909.
It is the obituary of Mrs. Mary Gates, aged 90, one of the pioneers of
the area, and was written by W. T. Moore, husband of
a foster daughter of Mrs. Gates. The clipping was preserved by Mrs. Perry Esch
of Flinton, PA.
Flinton, PA, Dec. 4, 1909
The passing away on the 29th day of November, 1909, of Mrs. Mary (Troxell)
Gates at the residence of her daughter, Mrs. J. S. McKee
(of Flinton), removes from our midst one of the earliest settlers of
Northern Cambria County.
She was born in Antis Township, Blair County, in the year 1819. When she
was six years old her parents found that the advantages were greater for
securing a home on the western slope of the Allegheny mountains, and decided
to locate in what is now Reade Township. Roads being nothing more than
bridle paths over these lofty mountains, this little six year old tot was
compelled to walk the entire way, as the family had no other way to travel.
They located on what is now known as the Perry Troxell homestead.
As far as the writer knows, the family at this time consisted of the
following children: Elizabeth, Abram, Catherine, John, George, Margaret,
Mary, Hannah, and Perry, all of which have preceded her to the grave.
Hannah and Perry being too small were carried by their parents to their
new home. Margaret and Mary (notwithstanding their tender years) had their
burden to take care of -- they carried a chicken, which unfortunately for
the little folk got away, giving them considerable trouble before they
captured it.
After getting located (in this then a wilderness) in their new home, they
all went to work with but one object in view -- to clear out a farm by
Christmas day, 1825. They planted their first field of wheat on what is now
known as the "Roseland picnic ground" and the Lord crowned their
labor with an abundant harvest of the golden grain.
As time passed, the subject of our sketch grew to womanhood and was wooed
by a hardy young pioneer (Isaac Gates, Sr.) who became her husband in the
year 1842.
Having been educated in a school of pluck and perseverance, she was
well-fitted for the new cares that were to enter her life. She and her
husband started to housekeeping in a little log house owned by George Walters,
Sr., located on or near the right hand bank of the Beaver Dam Run. It was
here their first child was born, "Matilda".
Her husband was engaged as a sawyer in the first saw mill in this
locality.
The worked and struggled along until the time came that they could buy
land of their own when they secured the tract of land now owned by L. O.
Gates. They cleared enough to build the first home of their own, a small
house, and moved into it. It consisted of a one-story affair with one slide
window and a blanket to serve as a door, (her husband being still engaged
with Walters) worked at night and what he could at home during the day,
finishing his home; but fortune was smiling on this persevering couple and
it was not long until they were able to buy more land.
The moved farther up the Beaver Dam country, built and located in a log
house situated near the junction of the Beaver Dam and Slatelick run, which
was later known as Glendale. Their principal business was lumbering, having
by this time got a mill of their own.
The country for miles around was nothing but a solid forest of pine, oak,
hemlock, infested with wild animals such as bear, panther, deer, and wolves.
But these conditions did not deter their determination to establish a
permanent home in the vast wilderness now known as Glendale.
It where they reared their family consisting of the following children
Matilda, John, Lafayette, Joel, Isaac, Perry, Mary, and Hannah (who died
when five years of age).
Mrs. Mary Gates gave her heart to God in the year 1840 and united with
the United Brethern Church of which she was a lifelong member, being in good
standing sixty-nine years. In her earlier years she practiced great
self-denial for the up building of the church of her choice.
In her life time she personally helped to erect three churches, one at
Fiske, Cambria Co.; the one recently razed at Beaver Valley and also the new
brick church dedicated a little over a year ago near the site of the one
recently razed.
She was always ready to help with strength and purse. Grandmother Gates
was a kind and loving mother, a true friend and neighbor as all that knew
her will bear witness; always holding out a helping hand to those that were
in need. Her life in this world has gone out, but it is as the setting sun
on a summer eve, the rays that are cast back to those that were near and
dear to her are beacon lights becoming to follow her to the haven of rest.
Grandma has answered the oft-repeated question, "Is life worth
living?" in the affirmative.
She leaves to mourn her loss the following children Mrs. E. M. Strayer,
Mrs. J. S. McKee, J. A. Gates of Flinton; I. W. and P. C. Gates of Coalport;
L. M. Gates of Muscative, Iowa; Hon. J. C. Gates of Harrisburg, and one
foster daughter, Mrs. W. T. Moore of Flinton.
After a short service at the house her remains were taken to the church
at Beaver Valley where the usual services were conducted by her pastor, Rev.
Buffington, assisted by Rev. Duke
of Glasgow charge, and then were tenderly carried by her sorrowing sons and
laid to rest beside her husband who had preceded her to rest thirty-three
years ago.
Click on the Up button to return to the Photographs Index Page Copyright © 2000-2001 Kenneth W. Stallard |
