|
inherited the strong physique of his sturdy ancestors, and spent the early years of this life in the lumber business, being engaged in cutting of the splendid forests of pine timber, then covering the northern part of Cambria and Clearfield Counties. This timber was cut and hewn into square logs, then called squared timber, an entire tree sometimes 90 to 100 feet in length being squared by the use of the broad axe, hauled to the banks of Chest creek, and in the spring of the year rafted in rafts and floated down the creek to the Susquehanna River, and thence to market to Lock Haven and Maryetta. Part of the year was spent in the cutting of pine logs and sawing them into boards and plank, which was loaded upon the raft of square timber, and thus floated to market. The timber along Chest Creek was regarded as especially good. The trees were tall and straight. Many of them were cut and trimmed up as round logs, called spars, from 80 to 100 feet long, and with the use of many teams of oxen, ropes, blocks and tackle, were hauled to the creek, rafted together and floated down to market, and later used as spars upon schooners and masted ships sailing the Atlantic Ocean.
John H. Somerville later located upon a farm in Susquehanna township, near the Clearfield County line, where he was engaged in ghe business of farming and raising of live stock for a number of years. He spent the latter years of his life at Patton, where he died in 1918. His wife died in January, 1923. Mr. and Mrs. Somerville had but two children that reached maturity: Reuel, the subject of this sketch; and Harry, otherwise known as Doctor Somerville, a country doctor, located at Chest Springs, Cambria County. He engaged in the practice of medicine and was interested in experimental farming and stock raising. He was a pioneer in the good road movement in Cambria County, and for a number of years prior to his death, Dec. 8, 1923, was president of the Supervisors' Association of Cambria County. A system of permanent highways for Cambria County was his hobby, and to bring this about he gave a great deal of time and energy. He died, following an operation for appendicitis.
Reuel Somerville spent his early life on his father's farm and attended the public schools. At an early age he showed an aptitude for books and attended nearby country normal schools, and engaged in teaching in the public schools. He taught for four years, during which time he applied himself assiduously to study. Tiring of teaching, he entered the University of Michigan, where he took some special courses along with the study of law, and graduated from the law department of the university in 1893.
|
