Pioneers Gave Names to Local Area (Article from Tribune) Samuel and Solomon Adams and their sister, Rachel Adams are credited with having been the first white settlers in Cambria County. It is believed that they lived in what is now the 7th Ward of Johnstown, according to Henry Wilson Storey's "History of Cambria County." Tradition has it that Rachel Adams was killed by Indians while traveling to Bedford. She and her brothers had only gone a few miles from Johnstown when Samuel and Solomon found it necessary to return. Rachel was left with the horses. When the brothers returned they found Rachel dead and the horses gone. The bereaved brothers named the small stream where she was killed Rachel's Run and the nearby hill, Rachel's Hill. The tragedy happened near Elton in Adams Twp., not far from Geistown. (Hence, the name of the Rachel Hill Elementary School.) Later, while Samuel and Solomon again were going to Bedford, they and their companions were attached by a number of Indians. The pioneers scattered and ran, except Sam. He ducked behind a tree and fought. When the white men returned they found Samuel and an Indian dead. Both had been stabbed. The white man and the red man were buried in the same grave, located a few hundred yards from the William Cole home in Richland Twp. Approximately a century later, in 1870, when a new township was formed in south-eastern Cambria County, it was named Adams Twp. In honor of the pioneers. Joe Wipey, a friendly Delaware Indian, lived in a cabin near Johnstown and often visited Solomon and Samuel Adams. Wipey was murdered in May 1774 by 2 renegade white men - John Hinckston and James Cooper - while fishing from his canoe in the Conemaugh River. Kicky Ruston, another friendly Indian, lived in a wigwam on "Kicky's Ridge" in Adams Twp. Wipey and Kickey were among the last of the Indian race to remain in southern Cambria County during its pioneer days. (Kicky's Ridge is above the old Salix airport.) This was the Luther Airport. Named for Pioneers - Adams Twp. Was formed January 5, 1870, from part of Richland Twp. It was named for Cambria County pioneers, Solomon and Samuel Adams Batha Karr