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From History of Pennsylvania, by I. D. Rupp, published in 1847.
Establishment
Clarion County was established by
an act passed March 11th, 1839, which defines the boundaries
as follows:
"That all those parts of Armstrong
and Venango counties, lying and being within the following
boundaries to wit: beginning at the junction of Red bank
creek with the Allegheny river, thence up said
creek to the line dividing Toby and Saratoga
townships, in Venango county, thence along said line
to the corner of Farmington township, in Venango
county, thence a straight line to the mouth of Shull's
run, on the Allegheny river, thence down said
river to the place of beginning, be and the same is hereby declared to
be erected into a county, henceforth to be called Clarion."
By the same act James Thompson, John
Gilmore and Samuel L. Carpenter, were appointed
commissioners, to fix upon a proper and convenient site for a seat of
justice. Mr. Thompson resigned, and by the act
of June 25th , John P. Davis, of Crawford
County, was appointed to supply the vacancy. (Laws
of Pennsylvania of 1838-9, pp. 50, 465)
Boundaries
Clarion is bounded on the north by
Venango County, on the east by Jefferson,
on the south by Armstrong, and by the Allegheny
River on the west, separating it from Armstrong,
Butler and Venango. By the return
of the census of 1840, its population and general statistics are included
in that of Armstrong and Venango counties.
The number of inhabitants within the new county exceed 15,000. Average
length 25 miles, breadth 24 miles, area 595 square miles.
Topography
The surface of this county is considerably diversified,
generally rolling or hilly. The soil in some parts is of a good
quality and productive. Agriculture is advancing with the other
improvements of the county. In its mineral resources, which have
been only partially developed, it is not surpassed by any in Western
Pennsylvania. It abounds in limestone, bituminous coal,
iron ore, &c. A number of blast furnaces and forges are in successful
operation.
Iron Furnaces
The furnaces produce annually between fifty and fifty-five
thousand tons of iron, which is chiefly sent down the Clarion
and Allegheny Rivers to Pittsburgh.
The amount of iron annually produced in this county
is equal to all the iron manufactured in the different forges in Pennsylvania
ninety-five years ago. [A table of iron production statewide
in the mid-18th Century follows the chapter.]
Clarion River
Clarion River, formerly called Toby's
Creek, is the principal stream, flowing in a western direction,
nearly through the middle of the county, and within a mile of the county
seat, and falls into the Allegheny River. It is
navigable, at high water, for boats, arks, rafts. A large amount
of lumber, iron, and other produce is floated down it from Clarion
and Jefferson counties. The Redbank Creek,
the south branch of which rises in Clearfield County,
and the north bank in Jefferson County, forms the southern
boundary, separating this county from Armstrong, falling
into the Allegheny River. Lumber and produce are
also floated down this stream. Besides these streams, there are
several smaller ones, viz.: Kern's Creek,
Beaver Creek, Elk Creek, Deer
Paint Creek [sic], Licking Creek, Pine
Creek, &c.
Townships
The townships in 1840, and their population, were
Beaver, with a population of 1,611; Clarion,
2,239; Elk, 585; Farmington, 799; Madison,
1,305; Monroe, 1,151; Paint, 491; Perry,
1,122; Red Bank, 3,070; Richland, 1,385;
Toby, 1,829; Limestone, Porter
and Washington townships were erected since 1840.
Education
Education receives considerable attention. Nearly
all the districts had, a few years ago, adopted the general system of
common schools. Besides ninety common schools, there is an academy
of advanced standing in the county town.
Religion
The prevailing religious denominations are Presbyterians,
Baptists, Methodists, Lutherans, and Catholics, all of whom have houses
for public worship. The inhabitants are generally characterized
for industry, sobriety, and morality. Few idlers are to be found
in this county. They are literally "worked out." The
people do not stand lounging.
Clarion Borough
Clarion, the county seat, situated
on the east side of the Clarion River, on the Bellefonte
and Meadville turnpike road, was laid out by the commissioners
in 1840. The land had been owned by General Levi G. Clover,
James P. Hoover, Peter Clover, Jr. --
heirs of Philip Clover of Strattonville
-- and the Hon. Christian Myers. "The persons made
a donation of the town site to the county, on condition of receiving half
the proceeds from the sales of lots. Space for the county buildings
and a public square, were reserved from sale."
The public buildings are a neat court house of brick,
surmounted with a cupola, a county prison, built of sand stone, and a
spacious academy, built of brick. The borough is well laid out;
neatness and much taste are displayed in both public and private buildings,
and a brisk air of enterprise is presented everywhere in this town. There
are several churches here.
It is the opinion of an intelligent observer that
in Clarion, like in many new places which have sprung
suddenly into existence with delusive promises of great advantages, merchants,
mechanics, tavern-keepers, professional men, all flocked to it in crowds,
all eager for their share of patronage and profit from the new
county. It was, however, soon ascertained that some must leave unsatisfied,
till the place should acquire a more healthy growth, which it has in a
good degree already attained, in the development of its inexhaustible
mineral wealth and other resources.
Other Towns
Besides the county town, there are several thriving
towns and villages in this county. The principal ones are Strattonville [Strattanville],
Shippensville [Shippenville],
Curlesville [Curllsville], Greenville,
Collensburg [Callensburg], Edinburg
[Edenburg-Knox], Reimersburg [Rimersburg],
&c.
Strattanville
Strattonville
was laid out by Mr. John Stratton, from New Jersey,
about sixteen years ago. It is on the turnpike road, about three
miles east of the county town. It had seen, until lately, better
days. It was the principal place of business for an extensive circle
of thrifty and industrious farmers. Business has been principally
diverted from this village to Clarion. There are
several churches in and near this village.
Shippenville
Shippensville [sic],
called after its proprietor, Hon. Judge Shippen, of Meadville,
who laid out this town in 1826, is on the turnpike road, seven miles west
of Clarion. It is a place of considerable business
and will undoubtedly increase rapidly. A few years ago, the Lutherans
erected a church in this town.
Curllsville
Curlesville [sic]
is a small village on the right bank of Licking Creek,
near the township line, between Redbank and Toby
townships.
Greenville
Greenville is situated near the head
of Piney Creek, on the right bank, about one mile northwest
of the Olean road.
Callensburg
Callensburg is on the right bank
of Licking Creek, at its mouth.
Settlement of Clarion County
This region of country, forming Clarion County,
was first settled only about forty-five years ago, by two different bands
of immigrants. One band came from Westmoreland County,
the other from Penn's Valley, Union County.
They numbered in all about one hundred persons. Those from
Westmoreland County came into this region under the influence
and patronage of General Craig, of that county, to settle
on what they supposed to be vacant land; but they were mistaken,
and were afterwards compelled to purchase it of the Bingham
estate. Among the early settlers were Maguire,
Young, Rose, Wilson,
Corbitt, Philips, Clover,
and others.
Samuel Brady
The adventurous Captain Brady, who
was a terror to the Indians, figured in this region of the country in
his day. [The chapter contains a recap of one of Brady's
escapades.]
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About Clarion County 
