Henry Abner FRYER, the oldest son of Contractor Clayton H. FRYER, of Pennsburg, died quite suddenly at Jersey City, N.J., on Friday morning at 3 o'clock. His death was due to pneumonia and appendicitis. On Thursday afternoon his father received a telegram informing him that his son was dying. He at once took the train for Jersey City, but on account of not being able to make better connections he did not arrive there until shortly after the boy had died. He returned to Pennsburg on Friday evening with the remains of his son. The young man had been employed with the Manhattan Electric Works at that place, for the last two years, and he was here to visit his father about eight weeks ago. The sudden death of Mr. FRYER was a severe shock to his parents as well as this entire community which deeply sympathizes with the bereaved family. His age was 19 years, 2 months and 12 days. His mother preceded him in death by about 11 years. He is survived by his father, a step-mother, one brother Jacob, of Syracuse, N.Y., and one sister Edna, who is just now convalescing from a severe illness of typhoid fever. The funeral was held on Wednesday with services at the house by Rev. J.L. ROUSH. The services were continued at the Mennonite church, Schwenksville, by Rev. W.S. GOTTSHALK. Interment was made on the church cemetery.
Lillie SCHAEFFER, wife of William SCHAEFFER, of Steinsburg, died Friday at the age of thirty years. She was a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Milton G. KEMMERER, of Steinsburg, and is survived by her parents, husband and two children. The funeral was held on Tuesday, at the Trinity Reformed church near Spinnerstown. Revs. W.W. KISTLER and T.H. LEINBACH officiated.
Infant child of Mr. and Mrs. Harvey MUMBAUER, of near Hoppenville, died on Wednesday. The child was only about eight weeks old. The funeral will be held this morning at the house at 9 o'clock, after which interment will be made on the New Goshenhoppen Reformed Church Cemetery, near East Greenville.
Child of Edwin WOLF. A ten year old child of Mr. and Mrs. Edwin WOLF, of near Finland, died suddenly of heart disease on Saturday evening. The funeral was held on Thursday at the St. Paul's Lutheran church. Rev. O.F. WAAGE officiated.
David WILL, a former resident of Niantic, died at Engelsville, Berks county, of Bright's disease. He was a sufferer with this disease for the past twenty years, but was only confined to his bed for the last four months. His age was 79 years, 7 months and 20 days. Services were held on Thursday at Christ's Union church, Niantic. Rev. J.J. KLINE officiated.
The funeral of Calvin DECHANT, who died at Charity Hospital, Norristown, as the result of injuries received while at work on the Stony Creek Railroad, took place on Tuesday forenoon, from his late home on Chain street that borough. Services were conducted at the Reformed Church of the Ascension by the pastor, Rev. H.W. BRIGHT. Interment was made at Riverside cemetery.
Frank COVELY and Miss Mary MOSER, both of Bally, will be married at the Church of the Most Blessed Sacrament, Bally, on Saturday, May 2.
Ulysses S. GEHMAN (picture), of Earlington, Franconia township, recently received an appointment to a lucrative position in the United States Custom House in Philadelphia. He entered upon his duties on Wednesday, March 11th. Mr. GEHMAN was born November 27, 1868, near Morwood, Franconia township, this county. He worked on his father's farm and attended the public schools of his native township, and later attended Sumneytown Academy and West Chester State Normal School. He began teaching in Salford township in 1889, having been appointed to finish an unexpired term caused by the resignation of Prof. Lewis R. HARLEY. He was reappointed to the same school to teach the following term. He has since taught thirteen terms in Franconia and Lower Salford townships. By close application at home to the higher branches of study and satisfactory teaching he was given a professional certificate by County Superintendent HOFFECKER in 1900. The following year he took the examination before the County Permanent Certificate Committee, and received a Permanent State Teachers' Certificate. Mr. GEHMAN always took a great interest in the advancement and progress of the schools of the township of Franconia. It was through his efforts largely that the graded course of study was adopted as early as 1895, under which a number of pupils have since graduated. In 1898 he purchased the store property of Josiah G. GERHART at Earlington, and went into the mercantile business at that place and for several years continued to teach school in connection with the store business. He was postmaster at Earlington from the time he took possession of the store until April, 1892, when he resigned. In April, 1891, he was appointed by Governor STONE a Justice of the Peace of Franconia township, to fill the vacancy caused by the resignation of Allen G. REIFF, who moved from the township. He has filled the office with entire satisfaction, and during the short time that he is in office has built up considerable business in that line. He was re-elected at the February election with the highest vote received by any of the candidates for that office. Last July Mr. GEHMAN took the Civil Service examination to be an applicant for a position in the United States Custom House at Philadelphia. He passed very successfully, having an average of 90.20, this being the third highest mark attained by any member of the class, there being over eighty applicants examined. Upon the recommendation of a number of influential persons he was recently appointed by C. Wesley THOMAS, Collector of the Port of Philadelphia. Mr. GEHMAN will probably resign the office of Justice of the Peace very shortly. The appointment of Mr. GEHMAN is not only a gratification to Mr. GEHMAN himself, but to a large number of his political and personal friends as well. In politics Mr. GEHMAN is a stalwart Republican of the staunchest type. He always has taken a very active part and interest in the welfare of his party. He has frequently represented his election district in the county conventions; and not only in his district by throughout the county he is recognized as a political factor. He is a director of the Lansdale Trust and Safe Deposit Company, a member of Zion Mennonite Church, Souderton, and prominently identified with other affairs of the community.
Frank K. WALT, of this borough, made a trip to Three Tuns, this week and while there he sold ten tons of phosphate to James Q. ATKINSON, the owner of a large truck farm at that place. Mr. ATKINSON will use the phosphate on his potato patch.
Mr. and Mrs. Charles E. HILLEGASS, of Philadelphia, returned to their home, after spending a few weeks with the former's parents Mr. and Mrs. Jonathan P. HILLEGASS. Charles having been confined to bed the major portion of the time with sickness.
Miss Annie GREULICH, of Quakertown, visited her parents Mr. and Mrs. Charles GREULICH, of East Greenville on Saturday and Sunday. She was taken sick while here and was unable to return to Quakertown.
Misses Carrie KEELY, of East Greenville, and Carrie KULP, of Pennsburg, left for Philadelphia, this morning to spend the day and Sunday there with relatives.
Rev. N.L. BECHTEL, of East Greenville, will preach at Milford, tomorrow at 10 a.m., in German; at East Greenville, at 2 p.m., in German, and at 7 p.m., in English at Hendricks.
Gideon M. NICE, of Hillegass, on Monday moved with his family from that place to Manayunk, Philadelphia. He intends to start a grocery store in that town in the near future.
Mr. and Mrs. Edwin GREISAMER, of Flemington, N.J., spent the Easter holidays with the former's parents Mr. and Mrs. S.P. GREISAMER, of East Greenville.
Dr. O.H. DENGLER, of Norristown, purchased a good team of horses from D.K. GRABER. Frank LARZELERE, of the same town purchased three.
Mr. and Mrs. Warren HILLEGASS, of Philadelphia, spent the Easter holidays in this borough with the latters mother, Mrs. Sarah ROEDER.
Mr. and Mrs. Edwin HOOT and daughters, of Philadelphia, spent the Easter holidays with relatives and friends in these boroughs.
Mrs. Katie HOFFMAN, of Palm, has made her home with her brother Henry STYER, of Pennsburg, for whom she will do the housework.
Dr. E.Z. HILLEGASS, of Mantua, N.J., and Calvin M. HILLEGASS, of Allentown, visited their relatives in this borough on Wednesday.
John SULLIVAN, operator at the Pennsburg station was taken ill on Tuesday. He went to his home near Zieglerville. Mr. GERLACH of Red Hill, is here in his stead.
Samuel ALTHOUSE, of East Greenville, this week planted a few ornamental trees in his yard, which are claimed to come from Europe.
Mr. and Mrs. Jeremiah MEST, of Allentown, visited the latter's sister Mrs. Milton T. KLINE, of Pennsburg, on Easter.
C.I.G. CHRISTMAN and family, of Kutztown, spent Good Friday in East Greenville with the family of Fianna STEINMAN.
Mrs. Horace WILL and son and Miss Ida DIEHL, of Philadelphia, spent Saturday with the family of D.K. DOTTERER, of East Greenville.
Prof. H.W. KRIEBEL, of East Greenville, who spent some time in Germany arrived in New York on Thursday, and he arrived at his home yesterday.
Mr. and Mrs. Edwin THOMAS and daughter, of Philadelphia, visited the family of M.K. GILBERT on Sunday.
Mr. THOMAS, of West Point, spent the week with his son-in-law M.K. GILBERT, of this borough.
Rev. FEGLEY, of Trappe, will preach tomorrow evening in the St. Mark's Lutheran church, of this borough.
John F. WEYAND, of Pennsburg, made a business trip to Norristown, on Thursday.
Henry J. SMITH, Esq., of this borough made a business trip to Norristown, on Thursday.
Rufus RENNINGER, of Philadelphia, visited friends in this borough on Wednesday.
Mrs. Wm. DIMMIG, of East Greenville, spent several days this week with her parents at Allentown.
The family of James SWARTLY, consisting of himself, wife and son, of Harleysville, is now confined in a dark room, undergoing treatment for hydrophobia. Last Thursday a dog came to the farm of Mr. SWARTLY, chased a goose and badly mangled it, after which he continued down the road. Mr. SWARTLY saw the dog, but not until it was too late to prevent the dog from injuring the goose. Mr. SWARTLY at once killed the goose and he, assisted by his wife and son picked the goose. The dog was killed at Mainland by John CLEMENS and it was ascertained that he was afflicted with rabies. The report was soon spread. Mr. SWARTLY and his family heard it and they became greatly alarmed at the thought that they might have got some of the dog's saliva on their hands while handling the goose. They at once drove to Lansdale and consulted Dr. FRY, who makes the treatment of hydrophobia a specialty, and he adviced them to take his treatment and as a result the family returned to their home and have since been confined to a dark room. The treatment requires them to remain in that room for two weeks.
Monroe BREY, of East Greenville, had an operation performed at the German Hospital, Philadelphia last week. Mr. BREY some time ago was kicked by a horse while gooming him in the stables of Henry KEELY. Soon after that he felt a soreness at the place where he was kicked and this gradually became more painful until last week he decided to go to the hospital. Dr. W.H. HUNSBERGER, of Pennsburg, accompanied him and when operated on it was ascertained that pus had formed and the kick had been the cause of an abcess forming there. Mr. BREY is getting along nicely and he is expected home in a few days.
A meeting of the consistories of the four congregations of the Old Goshenhoppen Reformed charge, was held at Keelor's church on Easter Monday afternoon and another meeting is to be held on the first Saturday in June at the same place. The Lutheran charge of Pennsburg, Sumneytown, Keelor's and Sassamansville, Rev. W.B. FOX, pastor, is to be divided to give each congregation weekly services. Mr. FOX will retain two of the congregations, probably Sassamansville and Pennsburg.
The chicken stable of W.A. CLEMMER, near Clayton, caught fire on Tuesday morning, at about two o'clock. It was about half burned already when they found it out. Nothing could be saved any more. About 85 old chickens and about 125 little chicks were burned. Nothing was insured except the contents. The cause of the fire cannot be explained unless the brooder which was in the building set it on fire. It however, was all right yet at about eight o'clock. The loss was about $150.
About twenty Democrats of East Greenville, held a meeting in the J.L. Dimmig & Bro.'s cigar factory of that town on Monday evening and organized a Democratic Club. They adopted the name "The Jeffersonian Democratic Club." J.L. DIMMIG was elected Temporary President, and Raymond LEH, Temporary Secretary. The club will have another meeting at the same place on Monday evening, April 27, when the permanent officers will be elected and by-laws adopted. Every Democrat of the upper end is invited to attend this meeting.
Nevin, the six year old son of Oscar BENFIELD, of near Huffs Church, Berks county, one day last week had several fingers lacerated by a saw. He was playing at the wood pile while his father was sawing wood and in some manner his hand came in contact with the teeth of the saw. The middle finger was nearly severed from the hand.
Dr. J.D. CHRISTMAN, of Allentown, son of our townsman William CHRISTMAN, won a fine piano in a drawing which the firemen of Allentown had at the big fair held there this week.
Master Earl HEANY, son of S.G. HEANY, of Salfordville, on Monday had a trying experience, while using a lotion for his eyes. He picked up the wrong medicine and used it as a wash. Soon after coming into contact with his eyes he experienced great pain and it was at once detected that the wrong medicine was used. A doctor was quickly summoned who after prompt treatment relieved the boy of the pain and suffering.
The Senate finally passed the House bill making it a misdemeanor for any doctor or other person knowingly not to report within 10 hours a case of small-pox, diphtheria or scarlet fever which may come to their knowledge, providing a fine of from $50 to $500, or imprisonment from 10 days to 6 months, or both, and also making it compulsory upon all cities, boroughs and townships to furnish quarantined persons medical aid, necessaries of life, etc.
Irwin STETLER, the merchant at Frederick, this county, has since New Year shipped one hundred and twenty-eight dozen fish nets to different parts of the United States. He now has orders on hand for fifty dozen more. All these nets are made in the vicinity of Frederick.
Mrs. W.A. CLEMMER, of near Clayton, found a large egg this week which when she opened it contained another egg, with a hard shell of about normal size.
Jacob FREEMAN, of Leesport, Berks county, completed his 100th year Tuesday. He is the oldest living person in the county, and is still enjoying the best of health. Mr. FREEMAN followed no special rule to attain this great age. He allowed his own impulses to dictate his mode of life. He has, however been moderate in all things. He smokes from eight to ten pipes a day "to kill time," and has always used "old rye" moderately. His advice is: "Don't over do it. Anything is killing if you don't know when to stop."
Mabel WRIGHT, of Allentown, returning to her home in Catasauqua, from work in a silk mill on Wednesday evening, was struck by a shifting engine. Both hands were cut off and the girl was so badly cut about the head that her recovery is doubtful.
Dr. D. George KNECHT, of 917 Hamilton street, Allentown, will open a branch office in Pennsburg on Wednesday, April 22. He will open an office in Henry STAHSEL's building on Main street. He will be at that office every Wednesday.
Dr. P.O. WICKERT, of Spring Mount, this county, formerly of South Bethlehem, was sued for non-support by his wife. The case was tried at Easton, Northampton county, on Monday. Judge SCOTT heard the complaint. Mrs. WICKERT admitted that her husband had told her that he had a home furnished and ready for her in Montgomery county, but she had declined to go with him because he had not treated her properly. She was afraid to trust him until he had given evidence of his honesty, when he says he will take good care of his wife and three small children in the future. The taking of testimony took up the greater part of the day. More than a score of witnesses from South Bethlehem were called. The Court room was filled with spectators. Judges SCOTT, shortly after closing the trial, passed sentence that Dr. WICKERT pay his wife $25 per month for the support of the three children until otherwise decided by the Court and pay all the costs of the prosecution and give $300 bail to comply with the sentence. In the evidence produced WICKERT was charged by his wife with having been providing for a woman named Mary LONG, and neglecting his family.
Mr. GRABER was holding a horse sale at the Keely House, in East Greenville, and when he was exhibiting the sixteenth horse to the people in attendance, he was kicked in the abdomen and rendered unconscious. He was removed to the Keely House, and Dr. DICKENSHIED, of Plover, who was attending the sale applied restoratives and in course of a short time he regained consciousness. Several other physicians were called and he was later removed to his home suffering from internal injuries. Mr. GRABER was compelled to remain in bed this week but his condition has so much improved that he is able to sit up again. Had Mr. GRABER not been so close to the animal when he was kicked it is quite likely that he would have been killed.
Elmer B. OBERHOLTZER, a farmer residing on his father, Amos B. OBERHOLTZER's farm, near Bechtelsville, Berks County, made heavy shipments of milk to Philadelphia between April 1, 1902 and April 1, 1903. He shipped all the milk to Edwin SCHARLES, a dealer in milk and cream and he received four and four and one-half cents per quart. Mr. OBERHOLTZER made the largest shipments from Bechtelsville, for many years. The milk was the product of from fourteen to seventeen cows. The total amount of quarts shipped for the year was 41,665. The number of quarts shipped each month was as follows: April 3417; May 5088; June 2613; July 2877; August 3179; September 3303; October 3759; November 3178; December 3516; January 3735; February 4207 and March 4792.
Adam MCLEAN's team, of McLean's Station, was on Monday eveing upset by a reckless driver who was following him on the road from Red Hill to Hoppenville. When Mr. MCLEAN turned from the main road near Reiter's mill, the other team ran into his hind wheel and upset Mr. MCLEAN's wagon, which caused the horse to run away and damage the wagon. The occupant of the wagon which caused the runaway, did not stop to see what damage was done.
While Irene, the 4-year-old daughter of Oscar J. ERB, was playing in her father's mill at Tucquan, near Lancaster, her clothing was caught in the machinery and she was whirled around a shaft. Before the machinery could be stopped the girl was so badly injured that she will die.
Howard WALTERS, of Rudy, and Miss Eva YERGER, of Perkiomenville, were on Saturday married at the parsonage at Telford, by Rev. C.R. FETTER. The groom is a son of real estate agent M.H. WALTERS.
Edward DOTTS, 12 years old, of Norristown, who borrowed John BICKINGS' team, of that town without asking, on Sunday evening and who has caused the police considerable trouble, has been sent to the protectory at Flatland.
Harry A. BAUMAN, of Allentown, has brought an action against the Perkiomen Railroad for $39.29 with interest, in the Prothonotary's office, at Allentown, which he claims is for wages due.
Mrs. James Q. ATKINSON, of Three Tons, this county, raised radishes in her garden this season. The seeds were planted early and this week she was able to place them on the table.
John ERDMAN, of Trumbauersville, had a duck which was almost sixteen years old. The duck died last week.
Charles BURKHALTER, of Hosensack, formerly of Zionsville, Upper Milford township, until within 15 or 20 years ago rightfully and proudly claimed to be the champion rifle shot of Lehigh county, and of the world, age considered. He is now 83 years old, but when at the age of 68 he challenged all individuals of like age to a contest. As late as 1898 in a match with landlord Milton BREY, of Zionsville, and Francis REINHARD, he made a most extraordinary score. At a distance of 60 yards he delivered his five balls (the number agreed upon for each contestant) within a circular target measuring 3 1/2 inches at an inside distance of one-half, three fourths, one, one and three-eighths inches respectively from the centre. Four of the nearest balls were delivered within a circumference of a little less than one and a half inches in diameter. This without doubt was a most remarkable achievement for a marksman of Mr. BURKHALTER's then age. In his earlier days he sometimes did even better, and at the shooting matches in his vicinity he invariably captured every leading prize. Mr. BURKHALTER from his early years was recognized as the champion shot of the lower end, but in his now advanced years he seldom handles a rifle, he being content with the record he established. He is or was a tanner by trade, and was the inventor of a rapid tanning process, but made little or nothing out of it by reason of a lack of capital.
On the farm of Morgan MOHRY, near Lanark, Lehigh County, is a chestnut tree measuring 28 feet in circumference. It stands close to the road leading from Lanark to Friedensville. Though very old it still bears. Several years ago it was struck by a bolt of lightning which tore large splinters from the trunk and hurled them many feet. The tree, however, recovered from the effects, and a year or two later was again laden with burs. It is believed to be several hundred years old.
Australia cannot get rid of its rabbits, which are as destructive as locusts. The Legislature of South Australia is offering a prize of $200,000 to any man who succeeds in exterminating the rodents and has voted a grant to $450,000 for practical efforts in this direction.
Harry RUTH, 45 years old postmaster at Lansdale, attempted suicide on Sunday evening by shooting himself twice in the head. The weapon used was a 32-calibre revolver. One shot struck Mr. RUTH in the cheek, while the other entered the head just over the left ear. The wounds were at first considered dangerous. The unfortunate man was removed to the German Hospital at Philadelphia on Monday morning. The course taken by the shots was very remarkable. Mr. RUTH removed his artificial teeth and then placed the muzzle of his weapon in his mouth and discharged it. The ball took an upward course through the roof of the mouth, struck a bone and glanced off, emerging at the side of the nose. The second shot destroyed the right eye. Mr. RUTH lost much blood. RUTH has been postmaster for several years. He has a wife and one daughter with whom he resided. It it said that Mr. RUTH has been acting strangely for several days, and his friends are of the opinion that he attempted to take his life while temporarily insane. He did not appear in his usual good spirits Sunday. Mrs. RUTH after returning from church found her husband in an unconscious condition. RUTH was appointed by President MCKINLEY on April 28, 1900 and the office pays $1800 per year.
On Saturday last Mrs. Rebecca SPANGENBERGER, the wife of an iron ore miner in Lower Macungie township, Lehigh county, killed a chicken for a Sunday dinner, and in its gizzard found three pennies, a silver dime, a nickel, one of the old-fashioned Spanish six and a quarter cent silver coins, known as "fips" and a brass button. The chicken was about 1 1/2 years old, and assuming that it went into the banking business soon after the first deposit was probably made nearly that long ago. The coins were all smooth, the pennies having been reduced by the action thereon of the contents of the gizzard, such as feed, sand, gravel, &c., to the size of an old three-cent silver piece. At this rate the deposits would have dwindled to nothing in the gizzard-bank in another year.
Charles HEIMBACH, of Lower Milford township, Lehigh county, at his first butchering the past winter directed the butcher in employ to make for him two big sausages for slicing up and frying during the summer, and which, after having been smoked, in point of length and heftiness have perhaps never been excelled, one measuring 60 feet and 9 inches, and the other 84 feet and 7 inches and the two weighing jointly 110 3/4 pounds.
Mrs. Peter MENSCH, of Lower Macungie, Lehigh county, has in her possession a linen table cloth that is 119 years old. It was made by her grandmother, Mrs. Mary GRIMLEY, in 1784 in Berks County, and is in a remarkably good state of preservation. The table cloth bears the name of the grandmother, the maker, embroidered upon it, and also the name of Mrs. MENSCH's mother. Mrs. MENSCH also possesses a number of linen towels made at the same time by her grandmother.
Edwin KERN, of Shimersville, Lehigh county, bought a horse for $143 at a sale last Wednesday. On Thursday the animal was delivered to him and Mr. KERN at once saw that the horse was sick. He sent for Dr. Ed. WIEAND, of Macungie, who found that the animal was suffering from lung fever. Last Friday the horse died.
Sheriff LARZELERE spent Tuesday at Media attending the hanging of Albert WEST, a negro, who killed a policeman.
The Allentown band, Martin KLINGLER, leader, formerly connected with the 4th Regiment N.G.P., has been engaged for the 53rd Annual Commencement of Bucknell University, to be held at Lewisburg, June 22nd, 23rd and 24th. The band consists of forty men and is one of the finest organizations of its kind in the country. The Twilight Concerts will be given as usual, and for this occasion the band is preparing an especially attractive program.
The oldest printing press in Kutztown, which was thrown on the scrap pile, at the age of 50 years, was last week dug out and shipped to Philadelphia by a relic hunter.
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