Nature's Resting Place - McGuire Cemetery Redux

McGuire Cemetery, Diamond Valley

A while back, I wrote about McGuire Cemetery, a nearly forgotten cemetery in Huntingdon County that is located in Diamond Valley.

Since the initial journey to the cemetery, I've discovered more about the cemetery and the family interred there.

Probably the most important person in the history of the McGuire family is Michael MacGuire. When he died in 1855, the region lost an important piece of the region's early history. Up to the time of his death, he remembered the events of his life clearly and was often quoted by early historians of the region. A lot of the areas early history came from his memories.

His father was Bartholomew MacGuire who settled in the Barre area at the foot of Tussey Mountain in 1755, the same year that William Braddock was defeated at the Battle of the Wilderness by a force of French soldiers and Indian warriors. Many settlers on the frontier returned to safer parts of the state, but Bartholomew remained in present-day Diamond Valley. Though the threat of Indian attacks was constant, he persevered in raising his family in the wilds of Pennsylvania. Throughout the 1770s and 1780s, he survived the various Indian attacks, seeking shelter at Fort Standing Stone at present-day Huntingdon.

Michael was born in 1767 and spent his entire life in Diamond Valley. His own memories included a number of Indian massacres that took place in the region, but it went beyond that as his memory provided a number of unusual incidents in his history.

One thing that was lost with his death was the burial locations of two Indians. The first one was located on the farm of Conrad Bucher, Esquire, which was located about one mile north of Alexandria. The second burial was in The Narrows near Water Street. The graves of these two Indians were lost with his passing.

I find it strange, however, that Michael did not mention in his family history stories of his siblings. The most interesting story was mentioned before, but allow me to expand it. It is the story about Jane MacGuire's escape from the Indians. On June 19, 1777, she set out to Fort Standing Stone, driving a small herd of cows to the fort. As she approached present-day Huntingdon, she was surprised by a number of Indians who killed her companions. She managed to escape, but one of her attackers spotted and chased after her. The Indian quickly overtook her and, in her frantic attempt to get away, she fell. As the Indian was almost upon her, one of the spooked cows suddenly appeared and ran past her; she grabbed for it and managed to grab onto the cow's tail which pulled her away to safety.

These are just a few of the interesting stories about the MacGuire Family, early settlers in the Diamond Valley region of Huntingdon County, who survived the trials and hardships of the Pennsylvania wilds.

The Search for the Stone Fortress

Black Moshannon State Forest

In the early 1880s, newspapers within Pennsylvania carried an article about an ancient stone fortress that was rumored to have been located somewhere near the headwaters of Moshannon Creek. The article was first picked up by a Philadelphia newspaper and was soon picked up by a number of other newspapers.

The article stated that along Moshannon Creek, about seven to eight miles east of Houtzdale, hidden among the mass undergrowth were the remains of an ancient civilization. The area had a semi-circular wall that was about eight hundred feet in diameter, averaging about eight feet high. Running southward from the southernmost portion of the wall were seven pillars, each six feet high with bloodstains on each. Behind the semi-circular wall stood a number of small pyramids. This was evidence of a gigantic race of beings that once lived in the area.

Sound to good to be true?

Of course it is. The article does exist, written by Henry Shoemaker as another of his fantasies that has since become a part of regional history. The story returns from time to time to make an appearance buried deep within the local section, but reporters today realize his fabrication is nothing more than a tall tale from his own imagination.

The problem with Henry Shoemaker's tales are they are so filled with lies and half-truths that when he actually did tell a true story it is brought immediately into question. The first time I had read about the ancient stone fortress, I, too, was intrigued by his story.

Large formation of rocks along the
Allegheny Front Trail

After pouring over a number of maps and reading and rereading the article, I discovered a locale that I really wanted to explore. One spring morning, I set out to explore the area I had choosen, hoping to discover the truth of the legend.

A day's journey provided me with some very beautiful woodlands and a great hike outdoors, but brought me no closure to the legend. What I did discover that day was the foundation of an old building; trees had grown up through the remnants of the stone walls that made up the foundation. Leading away from the foundation were two stone walls that had been reclaimed by nature and were barely visible as they disappeared into the woods.

Evidence would say that the stone fortress didn't exist, yet gigantic skeletons have been discovered in other parts of the state proving that an ancient race of large humans did exist. Burials mounds for these lost peoples have been found near Girard with skeletons seven to eight feet tall.

Does it mean an ancient fortress exists within the Pennsylvania wilds? I don't believe it is the truth, but the rumor still persists and intrigues many people. Maybe one day, someone will find evidence of the lost fortress, but until then it remains a mystery wrapped within the lies and half-truths of Henry Shoemaker.

Natural Features of Trough Creek State Park

Rainbow Falls

Near the headwaters of Raystown Lake, nestled within the scenic Great Trough Creek Gorge, is Trough Creek State Park. The state park is a hidden gem that few realize exists but within its boundaries are a number of natural formations that have been caused by years of erosion.

One hot and humid day as Mike and I set out to do some geocaching, we had our eyes set upon Trough Creek and the caches there. What I received was more than a handful of caches; what I received was a wonderful outing within this secretive locale.

Though the most noted natural feature is the Balanced Rock, a number of natural features dot the landscape of the Great Trough Creek Gorge. As I explored the parklands, I found an area that I immediately fell in love with; there is no doubt I will be back again and again to explore the area.

Copperas Rock

Copperas Rock is an eroded rock formation that sits alongside the Great Trough Creek; stained a coppery shade of yellow from the erosion of suphur from a small coal pocket. Though ferrus sulfate is the leading cause of stream pollution in the coal regions, the amount that enters the creek is so small that it does not affect life in the stream. At the base of the rock is a small cave that is believed to have been created by early settlers as they dug out the ferrus sulfate as a source for yellow dye.

Another interesting formation is at the far end of the park. Driving until the road ends, I discovered the remnants of an ice mine. Walking down a small flight of steps, the ice mine, a shaft that is thought to have been created by prospectors looking for iron ore, comes into view. Though iron ore was not discovered, their actions created a natural refrigerator that stays cold through the summer. As I visited the ice mine, I was surprised how cold it actually was; taking three steps down the stairwell, I was immediately overcome by the coldness of the area. In comparision to the hot and humid weather of the day, this area was so much nicer; had I not wanted to visit other areas of the park, it would have been easy to remain in the coolness of the ice mine.

Steps down to the man-made ice mine

Travelling the length of the gorge, there are countless rock formations (some with names, most without) and many waterfalls. The most noted waterfall in the park is Rainbow Falls, a beautiful waterfall on Abbott Run on the way to Balanced Rock; the picture posted is of Rainbow Falls.

Two other waterfalls I noticed along my day's journey are worth visiting. The first is just south of Copperas Rocks. Looking at the rock formation, look just a little south of the formation to see another beautiful waterfall cascading down over the rocks.

Loooking over the railing at the ice mine
The man-made shaft's entrance is under the rocks pictured

Another waterfall is located in the northernmost portion of the park. Parking near Pavillion #5, I crossed the creek and headed northward towards a cache located along Old Forge Road. Though I found the cache, I was more impressed with the waterfall that dropped off the rocks on the opposite side of the creek. Most people probably do not ever see this waterfall because it is not right along the road. The walk back to the waterfall is worth the short hike.

The area is definitely worth the journey and I know I'll be back. The park and all of its features are located near Raystown Lake and the community of Entriken.

Balanced Rock, Trough Creek State Park

Balanced Rock, Trough Creek State Park

Near the headwaters of Raystown Lake, nestled within the scenic Great Trough Creek gorge, is Trough Creek State Park. The state park is a hidden gem that few realize exists, but within it are a number of natural formations that have been caused by years of erosion.

On one hot and humid day, as Mike and I set out to do some geocaching, we had our eyes set upon Trough Creek and the caches there. What I received was more than a handful of caches; what I received was a wonderful outing within this secretive locale.

The one thing I really wanted to see was the Balanced Rock. I could remember as a kid reading about it and I had pretty much forgotten about its existence until earlier this year. Going through a number of geocaches within the region, I stumbled upon this Earthcache and knew I had to go see this natural formation.

First view of Balanced Rock from the park's roadway

Balanced Rock is perched atop a cliff that overlooks the Great Trough Creek. It immediately appears that it could easily slide off the side of the cliff with the slightest of touch, but it has held the same position for thousands of years and will continue to remain there until nature erodes enough of the land under the rock to send it into the creek below. The Balanced Rock is made up of a harder type of rock that did not erode like the rock surrounding it and as the mountain eroded away Balanced Rock remained.

Despite the heat and humidity, Mike and I set out one Friday afternoon to hike up to the Balanced Rock. The coolness of the shade and the slighter lower temperatures within the gorge did little to lower the overall "ickiness" that the humidity and oncoming thunderstorms were creating.

Crossing the suspension bridge over the Great Trough Creek, I managed to get to the other side, though it was a slow-going process; the bridge bounced with each step I took. Having a fear of heights, the bridge's bouncing did little to calm those fears as I cautiously made my way across step by ever slow step. What took me minutes, Mike crossed in seconds and we were soon on our way along the mountainside, on a narrow path with a steep drop-off on the creekside.

Rainbow Falls on Abbot Run

About halfway from the bridge to the rock, the path crosses Abbot Run, a small stream with a number of cascading waterfalls. The trail crosses just below Rainbow Falls, a beautiful series of falls that immediately bring cameras out to capture images of the natural wonder.

Upon crossing Abbott Run, the trail goes up the side of the mountain, following Abbott Run for a slight distance before doubling back to go to the top of the ridge. The steps are stone steps set into the side of the mountain, and though not that bad going up, the uneven steps make for an exciting trip back down the side of the mountain.

We finally arrived at the top of the mountain and the trip to the top was definitely worth it; there on the side of the cliff was the huge boulder that appeared ready to slide off the edge at any moment. Mike and I both did the same thing as we gave it a slight push; it didn't move for either of us. I could only marvel at the natural wonder and I realized that such a site, so close to my home, should have been explored years ago. Though one day it will fall from its perch (though it will be millions of years from now) it is present now for people to visit and explore.

The view of the area was awesome and I took lots of photos of the rock and the gorge it overlooks before descending once again into the gorge, leaving it to its solitude.

On the way down, we passed two families with kids on their way up to the Balanced Rock. "How is it?" one of the fathers asked. "Well worth it," I replied and it truly was worth the trip.

Lost Cemeteries of Lewistown - Old Lewistown Cemetery

Grave of Dorcas Buchanan

The Old Lewistown Cemetery, also known as Old Town Cemetery, sits in the middle of Lewistown and within its gates lies the remains of an important character of local history. Within the walled piece of hallowed ground is the final resting place of Dorcas Buchanan.

Already, I know you are scratching your head and asking: "Who is she and why is she important?" I know because I did the same thing the first time I heard of the name. Though known to local historians, those outside the region have probably never heard of her. In fact, the first time I visited the old cemetery, I had no idea who she was or her importance in local history.

The old cemetery is hidden among the maze of streets in the heart of Lewistown. The cemetery is at the junction of East Water and North Brown Streets; though they look like they are main roads in the town, I don't think I've seen ten vehicles driving on them during the three trips I've made to the old cemetery.

It was first brought to my attention by my sister who had "discovered" it one day and, knowing my love of older cemeteries, brought it to my attention. The cemetery isn't very big, but it was filled with the residents of years gone by; many of the stones had been broken or were missing either due to time or vandalism.

The approach into the cemetery was through two rusty gates along North Brown Street. One of the stone pillars has a plaque on it stating: "Dedicated to Dorcas Buchanan First White Woman Settler in Mifflin County."

Old Town Cemetery, Lewsitown

Near the rear of the cemetery, buried under a simple brown stone with crude writing, is the first white woman who settled the area with her husband and son. Dorcas was born in Ireland in 1712, she would move into this region in 1754 with her second husband, Arthur, and family. Her first husband, Henry Holt, died in Philadelphia in 1735. She would marry Arthur Buchanan in 1738.

During the French and Indian War, they left the valley; history seems to be unsure of where they fled to after Braddock's defeat. Local history states they settled near present-day Mexico (near Port Royal) while others claim they returned to Carlisle, the town they had once called home before settling in the Lewistown area. The stop in Mexico might have been a temporary one, because records show her youngest son was born in Carlisle.

Arthur died September 23, 1760 and was buried in Carlisle. Dorcas returned to Lewistown in 1765 and was one of the pioneer women of Mifflin County. She died in Lewistown, January 20, 1804, aged 93 years. At the time of her death, she had 118 living descendants between her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, great-great-grandchildren, and great-great-great-grandchildren.

In Rung's Chronicles of Huntingdon County, he records that family lore states that at the age of 55, Dorcas completely lost her sight. She was blind for twenty-three years until, as mysteriously as she lost her sight, it suddenly reappeared and she was once again able to see.

Dorcas and her son, Arthur, Jr, Old Town Cemetery

The stone erected for Dorcas was not one provided by her descendants. Tradition states that in 1835 two strangers heard that she was buried within the cemetery in an unmarked grave. The two of them went up Shade Mountain and selected two slabs, one for the headstone and another for the foot of her grave. They crudely cut the letters into the diamond shaped stone by hand.

Col. Arthur Buchanan, Jr., is buried beside Dorcas. His grave was marked by a newer stone that was set in 1970. Arthur the younger was a veteran of the Revolutionary War.

The cemetery that she is buried in was the first one set aside for a burial ground in Lewistown. It wouldn't be until 1814 that a second cemetery would be formed by the Lutheran and Reformed Church (the cemetery no longer exists - it was along West Third Street).

Geocaching Run - May 1, 2010

Land of Oz, near Boalsburg

 Since geocaching has brought me to many, many places that I've never been before and has taken me back to places I had forgotten about or to other places that I've enjoyed going to time and time again, I feel that I should be sharing my caching runs with the world so that even the non-cachers can enjoy seeing new and exciting places.

Did you know that the Land of Oz is located near Oak Hall (near Boalsburg)? "The Land of Oz" brought me to the location of the Tin Man, Toto, and Tik-Tok. Growing up, I can remember passing this location a number of times. When we would drive through the area, we would often drive past the Tin Man; it was an extra delight that, as a kid, was an added bonus to our travels. All three were standing there, guarding a recently planted garden and hiding the cache location.

The next stop was just down the road at "The Old Boal Militia Wall." I've known about this old wall for years and the cache here was one of the first ones I had looked at doing, but for one reason or another, I never ventured over to grab it. However, today was the day to grab it. The old wall was supposedly one of two that were used by the local militia to hone their shooting skills. This one was used for handguns, while another larger and longer wall was used as a backstop for larger caliber rifles.

The Old Wall at Boalsburg - it was supposedly used
as target practice by local militia

The third find of the day was "Fairbrook Loop." I had started this a while back and (though I had found the rest of the stages) drew a blank when it came to the final stage. The park was empty, so I was able to grab the cache quickly. Until the first time I had stopped here (about a month or so ago), I never realized that the park was as big as it was. Definitely a fun place to be and if I didn't live so far away from it, I would easily spend a lot more time hanging out there. The twenty-nine acres that make up the park are definitely worth stopping by to have a picnic on the way through the area.

After stopping at a number of cemeteries along Spruce Creek, the next cache of the day was "Little Toy Exchange." This is one took me for a slight walk along the Juniata River. From the time I started down the abandoned stretch of highway, got to the cache, and back to the truck, I sawsix trains. Not a whole lot here to see other than trains and the only thing to do is fish. Maybe on another day, I'll have my rod with me to do some fishing.

The final cache grab of the day was "The Lion Inn." The cache was placed near the location of a restaurant by the same name that once stood there. I can't say I ever remember a building there - to me it was always a gravel parking lot. It was neat learning a little bit about a place I've passed countless times.


It was a great day getting out and enjoying the weather, though it was a hot one. Lots accomplished and I'm sure you'll be reading about the rest of the places I visited soon.