On the historic site of the Bloody Conflict – 2 killed, 18 arrested

Tom Adams built his log cabin on this site in Kellytown, Knox Township in 1861. He lived here with his wife, son and daughter. Adams enlisted in 1862 and deserted from the 149th “Bucktails” in 1863.

A party was being held by known deserters at this site in December 1864. Soldiers were tipped off and marched to Kellytown to make arrests. Capt. Southworth marched troops from Philipsburg to Knox Township. On the night of December 13, 1864, Co. C 16th VRC of the Union Army surrounded the Adams’ log house at this site and requested the surrender of deserters and draft dodgers. Deserter Tom Adams fired and killed Union Soldier Edgar Reed of New Hampshire. Shots were fired killing deserter Adams in this yard. 18 men were arrested that night at this place, and within a month 150 more were incarcerated. Only New York City had more civil violence than Clearfield County during the war.

After Adams was killed, the family sold the cabin to the Barnett family.

The present 1860s cabin, originally from this township, in 2004 was moved and rebuilt on the exact location of the Adam’s cabin. The one-acre site also contains a blacksmith shed, spring house and a shed housing a period wagon, sleigh, buggy and thrashing machine.

Located at 6246 Curwensville–Tyrone Highway, Olanta, PA 16863