John HARTZELL, of near Sumneytown, was on Monday committed to the county jail by 'Squire KLINE, of Green Lane, on the charge of non-support and deserting his family. Some time ago he left his wife and children and as they were in destitute circumstances they were removed to the county almshouse. The Poor Directors located Mr. HARTZELL and preferred the charge which placed him in prison.
Through a defective stovepipe, John HABORE, his wife, three children and niece, Mary HABORE, of Upper Lehigh were overcome by coal gas. All were found unconscious on Tuesday morning. A three-year-old daughter, Mary, is dead and the physicians are endeavoring to save the others with little hope of success.
While striking a match to light a lamp, Mrs. Susan L. SHUMAN, of Allentown, accidentally set fire to her clothing and was literally roasted. Mrs. SHUMAN is an aged woman, and resided with a son of her first husband, William REICHELDERFER, who is employed at the Allentown rolling mills. The son had not yet returned from his work when Mrs. SHUMAN, evidently wanting to light a lamp, struck a match. In some way her clothing became ignited, and flashed into a mass of flames instantly. The woman started for the door, which she managed to open, and then fell flaming to the porch. A neighbor's child saw her fall, and called her father, who with the aid of passers-by, quickly extinguished the flames with a length of carpet which happened to be hanging on the fence. Several physicians were summoned, and responded at once. After making the woman as comfortable as possible, she was removed to the hospital in the ambulance. The woman's head, arms and body were literally roasted. She was in the habit of wearing a lace cap, and this, no doubt, made the burns on her head more severe. At the hospital it was not expected that she would survive the night, having inhaled considerable flame and smoke. Her age, also, counts against her. Although for many years past her children have offered her a home with them, she steadily persisted in living alone. Her children have done everything possible for her comfort.
Miss Sarah OREM, a teacher in New Britain township Bucks County, returned from school and threw herself on the bed to take a nap. While asleep she walked out of the house, and having been gone for some time, search was made for her. She was found with a badly cut foot, an artery having been cut on an ax in her somnambulist rambles. She was still asleep when found, walking toward the house, and knew nothing of the occurrence. She is now unable to attend to her duties.
Howard F. BOYER, one of Reading's best-known citizens and for a number of years chief of the Reading Fire Department died suddenly of heart failure, superinduced by pneumonia, on Tuesday morning. He was born at Boyertown, and in 1848 established a livery, in which business he was engaged at Reading, up to the time of his death. He served as chief of the Fire Department from 1872 to 1886.
A Mr. REIFF, a cigar agent from Lederachsville, drove through Zill's toll gate, near Silverdale, Berks county, some time ago and repeated the trick Monday morning without paying toll. He was arrested by Jacob S. WISMER, being tracked to Bedministerville, where he was thoroughly surprised when put under arrest. He willingly paid the fine and costs which were imposed.
When Mrs. Mary DAVIS was sent to jail at Norristown on Wednesday because she was unable to pay the costs that had been imposed upon her in Criminal Court she was accompanied by her two children, the youngest being 9 months old, Warden GOTWALS refused to admit the children, and they were kept in the jail corridor until Deputy Sheriff John DAVIS arrived and took them to their father.
Miss Irene NASE, daughter of Harvey NASE of near Tylersport on Sunday evening fell down stairs with a lighted lamp. She had gone up stairs to dress to accompany another girl to church and while ready to descend she tripped and fell. One side of her face was painfully burned, and she received several bruises through the fall.
Among those who for the past twenty years have been making efforts to build up Pennsburg and its enterprises, none deserves more credit than M.K. GILBERT (picture), of the firm of Gilbert & Hevener. Mr. GILBERT was born about fifty-three years ago at Zieglerville, this county being the son of Frederick GILBERT, a life long resident of that place. He early learned the trade of tinsmith, working in the shop of his father. While still in his teens he got tired of the trade and engaged in teaching in the public schools. He followed teaching successfully for three terms and during the periods between terms he attended Freeland Seminary, now Ursinus College, and assisted his father, working on his trade. In the spring of 1874, he associated himself with William A. WELKER and they opened a general store at Red Hill, under the firm name of Welker & Gilbert, Mr. WELKER being owner of the property. At the time the partnership was formed Red Hill consisted of about ten houses in addition to the hotel. On entering the partnership Mr. GILBERT was single but he married in 1875 and moved into the house adjoining the store, at present conducted by George M. WELKER, in which building Wm. A. WELKER and family also lived. In 1879 the firm of Welker & Gilbert dissolved partnership and the business was conducted for two years by Mr. GILBERT. In 1881 Mr. GILBERT bought the well known corner store property in Pennsburg, from the firm of Shetler & Bissey and succeeded them on assuming possession. In starting business at this place Mr. GILBERT devoted all his time, energy and ability to the enterprise, with a determination to achieve success. His store room soon proved to be too small for the increase in business and an addition was added. As the business increased additional accommodations were provided till at the present time it is one of the largest, if not the largest, store building in the Perkiomen Valley and the stock carried, as to value and quality, is exceeded by none. Almost six years ago Mr. GILBERT felt as if duties, in his advancing years, were more exacting than desirable, associated with himself George H. HEVENER, of Pennsburg, and since that time the business is conducted under the firm name of Gilbert & Hevener. Mr. GILBERT has prospered since he came to Pennsburg, and every legitimate enterprise, requiring public aid, has had his support and assistance ever since he is here. Being very conservative in his views, but of a liberal turn where liberality is economy, Mr. GILBERT has proved an ideal official as a member of the first council of the borough of Pennsburg and as a member of the school board. In addition to his duties as senior member of the firm of Gilbert & Hevener, Mr. GILBERT is serving in the directorate of the Pennsburg Water Company and serving as secretary of the Goshenhoppen Fire and Storm Insurance Company, as well as treasurer of the borough of Pennsburg.
The summer home near Perkiomenville, of Wilson ARBOGAST, of Allentown, was entered by thieves and relieved of goods to the value of about fifty dollars. Mrs. ARBOGAST spent a couple of days with friends at Perkiomenville this week and while there she decided to look at their summer home near there. When she came there she was amazed to find that some one had forced entrance through the window. When she entered the house she found things in a topsy-turvey condition, and about 25 yards of her best carpets, several clocks, bed blankets, clothing and shoes were missing. The loss was estimated to amount to about fifty dollars. Suspicion rests on some one living in the neighborhood and if the person will not return the goods in a short time a search warrant will be issued and his house will be searched.
Abraham KRUPP, the old Franconia township resident who was tortured and robbed by masked man one night a year or so ago, died Thursday morning of last week, aged about 75 years. Mrs. KRUPP, the aged wife who also was tortured at the same time, still survives. Deceased never fully recovered from the shock of that terrible night.
William BOYER, of Pennsburg, this week accepted the position as watchman in the Farmers National Bank of Pennsburg. Mr. BOYER has been hostler at the Pennsburg Hotel for a period of twenty-five years and only recently resigned. He entered upon his new duties on Wednesday.
The frame building at Schwenksville next to the Item office, was on Saturday evening consumed by fire. The first floor was used and occupied by Miss Kathryn BERGER for a millinery store and the second and third floors by J.K. SHANER as a paint shop. The tenants closed the building for the day only about ten minutes ere the fire broke out and they are unable to account for the conflagration, as everything was all right when they left it. The fire company was called out as soon as the fire was discovered, but the building was doomed, so they placed all their efforts on the saving of the Item office which was close by. The building was insured in the Line Lexington Company for $250, and the millinery stock was insured for $600 in two stock companies. Mr. SHANER carried no insurance and his loss amounts to about $50. The building destroyed was the one in which the "Schwenksville Item" was started by Rev. N.B. GRUBB in 1877.
Thieves entered the chicken house of Henry H. SCHULTZ of Clayton and stole about sixty chickens.
It is a fact not generally known that calithumpian serenades are against the law in the state of Pennsylvania.
More than 1,000,000 names are again on the pension roll. Since Executive order No. 78 became operative 4000 names have been added. This is the largest number of names on the pension roll since directly after the Civil War.
Harry WASSER sitting at a table in the reading room of the Trexler House, Allentown, apparently sleeping but actually dead, failed to attract attention for four hours on Wednesday afternoon until finally Louis J. NAGLE made the ghastly discovery. WASSER, who is a moulder by trade but had not worked this week, came into the Trexler House Wednesday at about ten o'clock and sat down at one of the tables finally falling asleep there. In this condition the bart ender, George MALSBERGER noticed him several times. Guests walked about him but paid no attention to his inanimate form. At about four o'clock Louis NAGEL entered and seeing him tried to rouse him to talk to him. When he attempted to raise the man's head, the entire body responded. It was rigid in death. Dr. P.L. REICHARD and Coroner SCHEIRER were summoned and the young man's death was attributed to neuralgia of the heart. The Coroner and Dr. REICHARD declared the man had been dead in the neighborhood of four hours. Deceased was a son of W. and Eliza J. WASSER and was 31 years, 5 months of age. Though somewhat sick the past few days he made little complaint.
Because of the scarcity of teachers in Berks county, the High school at Morgantown has been closed. F.J. FISTER, principal, resigned to accept another position as principal of the East Greenville Schools and the school will remain closed until a teacher can be secured.
Amos H. SCHULTZ, of Worcester, like many other farmers, had an excellent corn crop. Desiring to know the yield per acre Mr. SCHULTZ measured an acre, allowing 72 pounds to the bushel, and found that the acre yielded 100 3/4 bushels.
While he was attending services, a horse and buggy belonging to Michael YOUNT, of Kelly Point, seven miles west of Lewisburg, was stolen from the rear of the Lutheran church. The culprit has not been apprehended.
In court at Reading on Saturday James R.S. LYNN was divorced from Emma LYNN. They were married in Allentown March 30, 1902, while living in Milford, Lehigh county, because she would not move to Allentown.
Daniel MILLER, 96 years, of Congo, is the oldest Democrat in Montgomery county, and has voted for every Democratic Presidential candidate since he cast his first vote for Andrew JACKSON.
Joseph PALASKY took two ounces of carbolic acid in mistake for medicine, at Scranton, and although his throat was almost eaten out he ran three squares to a drug store for aid, and may recover.
Dr. Henry HERB has been engaged by Dr. G.A. WIEDA of Frederick to take charge of his practice during his absence while attending the legislative sessions at Harrisburg.
Samuel POLEY and M. SCHAFFER, of Gratersford, met with an accident last Thursday evening, while hauling cornfodder in which both might have lost their lives. They secured the cornfodder above Schwenksville and while driving around the corner at Horace KRATZ's mill, at a rapid gait, the load was upset, and both men who were on top at the time got under the fodder. Had not help arrived at once both might have been smothered, for the entire load of fodder had covered them. Mr. POLEY was painfully bruised about his body and Mr. SCHAFFER was removed from underneath the fodder in an unconscious condition. Luckily Dr. MARKLEY, of Gratersford, came along soon after the accident and he attended to the injuries of the men. They were removed to their homes and it has been reported that the fall had shattered Mr. SCHAFFER's brain to such an extent that he had gone insane and has since been removed to the asylum for Insane at Norristown.
The team of John SCHREIBER of Perkiomenville and that of an unknown person collided one evening this week, while going in opposite directions. Both parties had no light on their buggies and as it was pitch dark they did not notice each other until the wheels of the wagon caught. Both wagons were upset and the occupants were thrown into the street. Mrs. SCHREIBER, who accompanied her husband was the only one injured. She received slight bruises over her body and head.
John G. GLAES of Passmore writes another letter to Town and Country from Dayton Ohio, which place he visited after spending the three last days at the St. Louis Fair. At Dayton he visited Soldiers Home and there he met Wm. BAUMEN formerly an organist and stone cutter in the vicinity of Pennsburg. Mr. BAUMEN is now 76 years of age and still hardy. Mr. GLAES started for his home on Thursday evening and he has probably arrived by this day.
M.L. MILLER of East Greenville was this week appointed guardian by the Orphans Court, of Katie N. REIFF, Jacob N. REIFF, George U. REIFF, Wellington N. REIFF, and Harry N. REIFF, minor children of the late Abraham W. REIFF of East Greenville.
Frank BURD of Allentown ploughed up seven bushels of potatoes on November 30 in alot on Seventeenth St., that city. The potatoes were left in ground by a tenant who moved away from the place. The potatoes are solid and of a good variety.
Henry SHANKWEILER, a well known ore mine lesse and contractor, and for thirty years proprietor and landlord of a hotel near Macungie, died from cancer of the stomach, aged 79 years.
A valuable gold ring was found at the St. Paul's Lutheran Church near Red Hill. The owner can secure same of the pastor Rev. O.F. WAAGE.
Plumber V.H. STECKEL of Pennsburg has contracted with J.P. KLINE Esq., of Red Hill to place a steam heating plant in his dwelling on Main Street.
Clerk of Orphans' Court Henry A. GROFF, this week issued a marriage to Henry K. WAGNER and Mary W. GILBERT both of Perkiomenville.
The property of the late Mrs. Sallie KEELOR in the borough of Green Lane was on Saturday sold to Christiannia DEETZ, of Sellersville for $3,000.
By the will of the late Mrs. Thomas KEMMERER, of Lehighton the Lutheran Orphanage, at Topton get $100.
Dr. S.K. BRANDT, a physician and druggist, of Alburtis, died suddenly of heart failure.
William GROFF aged 33 years, of Bechtelsville, Berks County, on Thursday evening of last week committed suicide by shooting himself through the heart. GROFF, lived with his wife and family of four children in a pretty little house which he recently purchased and he had charge of the Round House, at Barto, for a number of years at a salary of $58 per month. He recently made application for a position with better wages and the Reading Railway Company offered him a position as fireman on the Lebanon Division at a salary of $80 per month. He was to enter upon the duties there on the following day and as the time drew close, it appears GROFF became despondent which caused him to do the rash deed. After an early supper on Thursday, Mrs. GROFF took the three oldest children upstairs to bed, the husband having first kissed each good night, and gave them an affectionate farewell, as was his wont before going to work as night-watchman. Soon after GROFF took the baby to bed in another room, closed the door softly, so his wife in the next room should not be disturbed, came downstairs and shot himself with a 38 calibre revolver. Mrs. GROFF heard the shot, rushed downstairs and found her husband lying across the couch, dead. The bullet had penetrated the heart and death was instantaneous. The frantic woman tried to raise the body, and it fell to the floor blood flowing from the mouth, ears and nose. She ran screaming out of the house to give alarm, and Irwin SHUTT who was passing the house, hastily summoned Dr. L.Y. LECHNER. The physician responded promptly, but found the suicide beyong human aid. The children were standing in the room in their night robes weeping piteously and the wife was almost heart broken with grief. The revolver was found lying alongside the couch, as it fell out of his hand. He must have committed the act while sitting on the couch, and then fell across it. His left breast was bared, he entered his body above the fifth rib. The flesh was scorched, and he evidently held the revolver against his body. A coroners jury was empanelled and they rendered a verdict of "death by his own hand."
The thirteenth annual convention of the Berks County School Directors assembled at Reading. Dr. C.D. WERLEY, of Topton, presided and M.S. PARVIN, of East Berkley, was the secretary. the Rev. Edwin H. LEINBACH, of Womelsdorf, had charge of the devotional exercises. These officers were elected: President, Dr. C.D. WERLEY; first vice president, C.H. HERTZOG; second vice president, S.K. FISHER; secretary, M.S. PARVIN; treasurer, Dr. F.R. BRUNNER; delegates to the State Directors' Convention, Dr. F.R. BRUNNER, George C. HARTLINE, Dr. A.W.B. KAPP, Dr. H.F. LIVINGOOD and C.H. HERTZOG.
The woodland on the farm of Frank K. SCHULTZ, of near Kraussdale, known as the Dr. Jonas GERHARD farm, will be cut down. There is some good standing timber there and it will yield the owner considerable.
George WEISBROD, of the brewing firm, of Weisbrod and Hess, of Philadelphia, last week placed five fine deer in their game preserves about Porters Lake, Monroe County.
Dr. Martin L. YOST, one of the most estimable residents of Lehigh county, was killed at 1.45 Saturday afternoon by a Philadelphia line trolley car. He met his death in a manner as sad as it is shocking. Dr. YOST left his house in Allentown after dinner and went to the home of his son, Alfred, who is still in bed from the effects of his attack of pneumonia. After a talk with Alfred, the senior Dr. YOST took the son's team, two horses and a carriage, to see some patients in Salisburg and attend to business on the farm. Maxey, young Dr. YOST's driver, drove the team. At the crossing of the trolley tracks and the pike the team was struck by a Philadelphia car. How it happened nobody could tell exactly in the excitement that followed the accident. Maxey escaped unhurt, but it cost the life of one of the most lovable men and one of the best citizens in the county. The pole broke and rising and crashing backward over the dasher, struck Dr. YOST in the abdomen. Death must have been instantaneous. He never spoke afterward and it isn't known that he moved. Dr. YOST was 71 years old. He was a director of the Second National Bank and one of the most influential and highly esteemed residents of Allentown. His second wife survives with three children, Dr. Alfred J. YOST, Helen and Mrs. Charles NEUWEILER.
Michael MARQUETTE, a recluse residing along the Schuylkill River, near Norristown came within an ace of losing his life on Saturday night, in his craving for the enjoyment of his pipe. He has been an inveterate smoker, and of late despite the warning of friends, he has lighted his pipe and laid down and fell asleep. On Saturday night he again fell asleep and sparks from the pipe set the bedding aflame. He was awakened after the clothing were in a blaze and were it not for the assistance of several men who passed the place at the time the aged man would have perished and his house have been destroyed. He was removed to a hospital the next day.
John TRUMP, of Powder Valley owns a game rooster, with the courage and pluck of a bulldog. Last Saturday night TRUMP heard a series of yells issuing from his henhouse, and reached the place just in time to grab a tramp as he from gashed and cuts inflicted by spurs and beak of the rooster. One gash was nearly two inches long and cut the cheek to the bone. Farmer TRUMP dressed the tramp's wounds and kicked him off the premises.
F.M. HUFFMAN, a miner employed by the Keystone Coal Company, at Greensburg, and one of the recipients of the 1500 West Virginia turkeys distributed to their men for Thanksgiving was signally fortunate. Upon cutting open the fowl he found in its craw a fine diamond ring with two sets.
A woman in the Fourth ward, Allentown whose husband objects to wiping the dishes for her because "it isn't a man's work," read to her helpmate from the Bible 2 Kings 21.18; "I will wipe Jerusalem as a man wipeth a dish, wiping it and turning it up-side down." He has meekly wiped the dishes ever since.
William B. DETWILER and Mary B. DETWILER, of Hatfield, have entered suit against the Lehigh Valley Traction Company for the sum of $10,000. The plaintiffs lost a son John C. DETWILER, during an accident below Hatfield, on October 15, 1904 in which they claim the car was negligently operated.
Charles KING, of Lansdale, was a defendent at City Hall, Norristown, on Sunday morning on the charge of disorderly conduct. He drove to that town and met a young man who volunteered to show him the sights of Norristown. KING woke up Sunday morning in the City Hall and all his cash was gone. His team was found on the street. He was released after paying a $7.50 fine.
P.S. FENSTERMAKER, the Lehigh County member of the State Board of Agriculture, has arranged for three farmers institutes to be held in Lehigh county this winter as follows: Macungie Feb. 13 and 14; Allentown, Feb. 15 and 16 and New Tripoli, Feb. 17 and 18.
A white Shetland Pony, that has served the family of J.W. TOWNSEND, of the Cambria Steel Company, at his Bryn Mawr home, was chloroformed to death Monday. The pony was 37 years old. Mr. TOWNSEND then had an expert taxidermist cut off the pony's head. This will be mounted, and the hide will be made into a rug.
Sheriff elect Edgar MATTHEWS on Tuesday forenoon filed his bond for $25,000 with the Guarantee Title Trust and Safe Deposit Co., of Scranton as surety. The bond has been sent to Harrisburg and as soon as it is approved by Governor PENNYPACKER Mr. MATTHEW's commission will be issued.
A horse and carriage belonging to James TART, near Hatboro, were stolen Sunday by a negro who formerly worked for Alfred MANN, at Woodmont. The thief was captured with the stolen rig and was taken to Norristown on Monday for trial.
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