Detective J. O'CONNOR, of Pottstown, and Constable Thomas KLINE, of Boyertown, raided a camp of Weary Willies in West Douglass township, near the Berks county line on Tuesday afternoon, and succeeded in landing six men in the Boyertown lock-up. The men arrested were: Paul SMITH, Harry OBIC, William FULLMER, Augustus PETERMAN, John BERNHART and Harry APPERMAN. For several weeks these six men had been living in an old house along the Swamp Creek, near Congo, and had been terrorizing the farmers in that neighborhood by raiding hen houses and committing various small thefts. They grew so bold that they frequently demanded articles of food from the wives of the farmers when the tramps knew that the heads of the families were away. Complaint was made to Detective O'CONNOR, and on Tuesday in company with the Boyertown constable, he proceeded to the camp of the hoboes and made the arrests. The men were taken to Boyertown and placed in the lock-up until the next morning when they were taken to Pottstown and given a hearing before "Squire MISSIMER. They were later removed to the Norristown jail. The camp of the hoboes was well supplied with provisions, and all the captured men are big, husky fellows who are too lazy to work. Among the articles captured by the detective were two hammers made by fastening two-inch iron nuts on wooden handles. These were used to grind coffee in the absence of a mill. The hut was well supplied with cooking utensils.
Dr. T. Harper RICE, of Pottstown, after an absence of three years and eight months, spent in foreign lands, arrived at his home on Sunday evening. Nearly four years ago Dr. RICE went abroad and finally reached Johannesburg, South Africa, where he became a house surgeon in one of the Boer hospitals of that city, first as junior and then senior surgeon. After service with the Dutch Army he returned to Great Britain and entered the Royal College of Surgeons, of England, and passed a flattering examination and was awarded a diploma. The last year and a half he spent in Edinburg, Scotland.
Frank SMITH died at the Allentown Hospital on Saturday from injuries received on Friday night in a boxing bout with Hans HARTRANFT, in the Keystone Athletic clubrooms, at Allentown. The principals, who are both youths, were scheduled to fight eight rounds. In the seventh HARTRANFT landed a blow on SMITH's chin, felling him heavily to the floor. SMITH soon became unconscious, and was taken to the hospital, where he sank steadily until death resulted. The physicians say SMITH died from a fractured skull or clot of blood on the brain. As soon as Mayor LEWIS learned of the affair on Saturday morning he sent Chief of Police EASTMAN after HARTRANFT. The latter was found at work in McDermott's boiler works and the Chief brought him to the Mayor's office. HARTRANFT had heard of SMITH's death about half an hour before the Chief fetched him. In the meanwhile at the instance of District Attorney LICHTENWALNER, Constable HELD, of Salisbury, swore out a warrant before Alderman FRY charging HARTRANFT with manslaughter. The constable served the warrant on HARTRANFT in the Mayor's office and the Mayor held the defendant in $2,000 bail for his appearance at court. Francis DAEUFER qualifying as bail. The maximum penalty for manslaughter if $1,000 fine and twelve years' imprisonment.
Frank BENFIELD of Fruitville met with a serious accident on Saturday evening by being kicked in the face and forehead by a horse. Mr. BENFIELD Iis about 19 years old and is in the employ of farmer Irvin B. GRUBB, of Fruitville. Last Saturday evening after the day's work in the field Mr. BENFIELD took the span of horses to a trough for the purpose of watering them before putting them in the stable. While they were drinking he started to loosen the harness. While doing this one of the animals kicked striking him on the face and forehead. Assistance came at once to Mr. BENFIELD and he was removed to the house. Drs. G.A. WEIDA of Frederick, and W. H. KNIPE of Limerick, were summoned who found that the young man's frontal and nasal bones was fractured. The one eye was also very badly injured and it was feared that the physicians would have to remove it. After closely examing the injuries the doctors removed three small pieces of loose bone and dressed the wound. If no complications arise, Mr. BENFIELD will recover, but his face will be badly disfigured.
Fire broke out in the summer kitchen of George FRONHEISER, of Huffs Church, one day this week. The flames spread rapidly and the entire kitchen was soon in flames. By the heroic efforts of the family and the assistance of neighbors the fire was extinguished, but not until the large house had become ignited. The flames started on the cornice and had done some damage to the house before they could be subdued. The entire house was filled with dust and smoke and the damage to Mr. FRONHEISER is about $500. The property is insured in the Goshenhoppen Mutual Fire Insurance Company, of Pennsburg.
Siesholtzville, although almost at the extreme lower end of Berks county, can boast of having in their midst the youngest auctioneer in the county. Erwin D. WETZEL (picture), of that village began his career as an auctioneer last year and made application for a license, which was granted him. He is but twenty-three years of age, and as an auctioneer he has been quite successful. He is a son of David WETZEL, the cobbler, of Siesholtzville. Mr. WETZEL's services as an auctioneer are in constant demand and there is not doubt that in course of a short time he will be recognized as one of Berks County's leading sale criers.
The residents of Lansdale and vicinity were startled on Thursday of last week when they heard that the body of aged Mrs. Jane CUMMINGS, of Whites Corner, was found in the well at her home. It was at first suspected that the lady had been murdered and then thrown into the well, as she lived there by herself. This theory was soon exploded as the floor on the well indicated that she met her death accidentally, as the floor on the well was rotten and broken down. Shortly before 8 o'clock on Thursday night George ALBINSHINE, of Lansdale, had occasion to go to the well for the purpose of drawing water. As he was engaged in this work he felt the bucket strike an object in the bottom of the well, He investigated and drew from the depths the body of Mrs. CUMMINGS. The neighbors were at once notified of the find and from what could be learned the body had been in the water for at least several days. Mrs. CUMMINGS was about 78 years of age. It is thought that her death was due to accidental drowning. It is known that she does washing on Mondays and it is persumed that while in the act of drawing water from the well the woodwork which was partly rotted away collapsed under her weight and precipitated her into the watery depths.
Alvin L. YERGER of Red Hill, was married to Miss Sadie L. JONES of the same place on Saturday evening. The wedding was private, only a few of the most intimate friends were present, and was solemnized at the home of the bride. The bride is a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Jonathan JONES. Rev. W.B. FOX, of Sumneytown, preformed the marriage ceremonies.
Last Modified