Blair County PAGenWeb

Blair County Newspaper Articles

News, obituaries, birth, marriage and death notices, by date.

Items from The Altoona Tribune, Altoona, Pa.,

Saturday, August 11, 1866

LOCAL ITEMS.
Proceedings of Borough Council.
Regular Meeting, August 7th, 1866.

Council met. Members present - Jacob Hesser, Jno. Fresh, Moses Cyphers, and H. C. Dern, President.

The minutes of the last meeting were read and approved. The resignation of Jno. A. Baer, as Chief Burgess, was read and accepted. Mr. Neff, Attorney for Council, having been consulted, gave his legal opinion - that by the 7th section of Act of April 3, 1851, the duties of the Chief Burgess devolved upon the President of the Council: therefore H. C. Dern, by the resignation of Jno. A. Baer, becomes (ex- officio) Chief Burgess.

Mr. Woodkok appeared, on behalf of thirty soldiers, whom he represented as re-enlisted veterans, and who had been accredited to Altoona borough - he therefore claimed for each one a bounty of one hundred dollars, ($100) by way of compromise; but if he was compelled to prosecute the Borough, he would claim for each two hundred dollars, ($200.) Mr. Neff, having given his opinion as to the law on the subject, the Council deferred further action in the matter until Monday, August 13th, 1866.

Mr. Geo. W. Baker appeared and presented a petition, signed by 29 citizens, complaining of a public nuisance, caused by the Tannery, situated on the west side of Allegheny street, and praying the Council to have it abated. Mr. Baker asked the Council to build a culvert in front of his lot, across the run passing down Allegheny street, in order that he may be able to build on said lot. A committee, consisting of J. Hesser, Jno. Fresh and Moses Cyphers, was appointed to see Mr. Ray, proprietor of said Tannery, and if possible effect an abatement of said nuisance, and also examine the necessity of building and culvert, and report at their convenience.

The following bills were read, approved, and orders granted therefor:

To W. W. Snyder, Supervisor, for 18 1/2 days, $37.00
To L. Clemens, labor on streets, 17 1/2 days, 30.63
To James Woods, ","," , 13 1/2 days, 23.62
To D. Cluck, ","," , days, 29.00
To Jno. McClellan, for Freight paid P. R. R. Co. on brick for sewer, $15.00
To R. S. Runyeon, for filing saws, 2.00
To Hileman & Hesser, for 15,100 feet of pine lumber @$18 per M, 271.80
To Jno. Fresh, for hauling for streets, 22.65
To J. Fresh, for freight on lumber, pd P. R. R. Co., 14.14
To Robt. Taylor, for services as night police, one night, 1.75
To Daniel Ferguson, police, one night, 1.75
To Mr. Fettinger, for book, bought by Mr. B. McMahon, .75
To Jno. Clark, for two months services as Borough Constable, 16. 68 2/3

Mr. Woodcock presented the following bill:

ALTOONA BOROUGH, DR.

To Election Board, of East Ward, for services in holding special election.

To James Kearney, 1 day, $1.50
To 2 inspectors, each $1.50, $3.00
To 3 clerks, each ", 3.00
To Stationery, .50
To Geo. Dougherty, Constable, for putting up notices, &c., 1.50
To S. M. Woodkok, for services in getting up petition, election papers, and services in Court, &c, 25.00
To S. M. Woodkok, for money charged to him by McCrum & Dern, for printing two sets of notices, 3.00

$37.50

The above bill was laid over until the next meeting.

The following statement was made by the Auditors, R. A. O. Kerr and Dr. J. M. Gemmill, and Council ordered it to be published:

JACOB HESSER, DR.
Treasurer of Altoona Soldiers' Bounty Fund.

JACOB HESSER, CR.
Treasurer of Altoona Soldiers' Bounty Fund.

To the Chief Burgess and Town Council of the Borough of Altoona:

We, the undersigned Auditors, beg leave to report that the above is a correct statement according to the vouchers and receipts presented.

R. A. O. KERR,
J. M. GEMMILL.

JOS. K. ELY, DR., to Borough of Altoona.

To Borough Duplicate of 1864, $3140.07
   " " 1865, 3054.32

6194.39

JOS. K. ELY, CR.

Amount paid Jacob Hesser, $2764.93
By commission thereon, 238.24

5003.17

1191.22
Less Exoneration, 330.92
Balance due Borough, 860.30

To the Chief Burgess and Town Council of the Borough of Altoona:

We, the undersigned, Auditors, beg leave to report that the above is a correct statement according to the vouchers and receipts presented.

R. A. O. KERR,
J. M. GEMMILL.

Jos. K. Ely, Dr., to Borough of Altoona.
To amount of First Bounty Duplicate of 1864, 4105.70
" Second Bounty Duplicate of 1864, 6326.96
" Second Bounty Duplicate of 1865, 12206.50

$22639.16

Jos. K. Ely, Cr.
Less amount paid Treasury, as per receipt, $20101.06
To Commission thereon, 675.00

20776.06

1863.10
Less Exonerations, 1250.52
Balance due Borough, 612.58

To the Chief Burgess and Town Council of the Borough of Altoona:

We, the undersigned, Auditors, beg leave to report that the above is a correct statement according to the vouchers and receipts presented.

R. A. O. KERR,
J. M. GEMMILL.

On motion, Council adjourned to meet on Monday, August 13th, 1866.

H. C. DERN, Pres't.
Attest: T. BROPHY, Sec'y.

THE EXCHANGE HOTEL. - Mine Host, Col. John Woods, formerly proprietor of the Altoona House, has taken charge of the Exchange Hotel, in this place, and with his usual enterprise has had it so remoddled, by the addition of new buildings and otherwise, that we can safely assert that the present accommodations are quite unexceptionable. The large and commodious dining room which extends from the front to the rear 60 feet, being 18 feet in width, is lofty and pleasant. It is neatly painted and papered, and furnished with tables that run crosswise, so that private parties or families can be select. Adjoining to this on the front is a bar-room of 25 feet long by 20 feet in width, fitted up with convenience and taste, and the bar is supplied with the best of wines, liquors and ales that can be procured. In this room is a handsome marble slabbed wash stand for the convenience of transient customers and others. The private entrance at the side, leads, by one flight of stairs, to the ladies' parlor on the second floor, opening to the balcony in front of the house, and for which airiness and comfort is quite desirable. The gentlemen's parlor and reading room is in the rear of the bar-room and approached from the hall, and is in every way comfortable. A large number of bed-rooms have been added by the addition of the new building, so that now, there must be a very large influx of visitors to overcrowd the house. All the sleeping rooms have been neatly furnished with every requisite for the comfort of guests; are all carpeted and well ventilated, and are very suggestive of home comforts. The kitchen is quite separate from the dining room, so that no unpleasantness from the steam or smell of cooking is experienced while eating. This department is presided over by the best of cooks. The choicest that the market can afford is here prepared for the guests, and our experience teaches us that the tables are plentifully supplied therewith.

The rooms on the ground floor, as well as the ladies' parlor and halls above, are lighted with gas. The house being kept open both day and night renders it peculiarly convenient for the traveling community generally, and its close proximity to the depot, and the fact that meals are ready at all hours, will be found a great desideratum to those who have but a short time to stay in town.

The employes throughout this hotel are proverbial for their civility and attention to the patrons of the house, and the thorough cleanliness of every department is frequently the subject of remark by the guests.

We must not close our remarks without mentioning the names of those mechanics who have done the work of remoddling the old part, and erecting the new part of this now pleasant and capacious hotel. Mr. Joshua Reifsnyder the house carpenter and joiner has proven himself a thorough mechanic. Messrs. Darr & Rockett, have decidedly shown skill in their art of graining and painting. As a gas-fitter and plumber, Mr. Thomas Myers is master of his business, and Messrs. Mock & Burket as plasterers have finished their work in a style that will bear the closest inspection.

Col. Woods is so well known far and near, as gentleman who thoroughly understands how to keep hotel, that it would be almost superfluous on our part to add our testimony to his record as such. We would say, however, that we trust he will receive all the patronage that his enterprising spirit deserves.

THE NEW ROUND HOUSE. - The new engine house, commonly called the round house, now in the course of erection by the Penna R. R. Company, adjacent to their works in this town, will far exceed either of the other two now in use, and will be one of the largest in the country. It is a circular building of brick and iron and is 300 feet in diameter. There are forty-four stalls or tracks for locomotives. In the centre, which is open above, is a large turn table constructed on a pivot, so that one man can turn it alone even when a locomotive is standing on it. The part of the building where the stalls are, is to have an iron roof, and from the open centre there will be a pair of doors opening on to each track. The interior will be lighted by eighty-three windows. There will be but two entrances from the exterior of the building. The Company have their own employes to superintend the erection, Mr. Jacob Renner being the clerk of the works, Mr. Joseph Watson, foreman of masonry and brick-laying, assisted by Mr. Samuel Pollock, and Mr. Geo. Rosenberg, foreman of works, assisted by Mr. Frederick S. Hesser. Mr. D. H. Hartley has the superintendence of the turn table and also of the roofing.

When the engine house is completed the company will have room enough to house 104 locomotives, at any time, in Altoona alone.

THE RED ROVER. - There are very few of our readers, either in town or country, but who are accustomed to see the Red Rover, which at all times is filled with a large assortment of notions of all kinds. Our friend, Mr. J. H. Moore, of Hollidaysburg, who is the proprietor, appears to be very felicitous in always having a stock of such goods on hand as his customers require, and we have always found them of qualities the most desirable for the purchaser, and he sells at prices as low as they can possibly be procured elsewhere. To say that he carries everything, from a needle to an anchor, might possibly be a little exaggeration, but we feel justified in stating he always has on hand any article that comes under the denomination of "Notions." However well supplied you may be, yet we are sure you want "Moore," so then next time you see the Red Rover take a peep into the bazaar and patronize our friend.

ANDY CHERRY. - Andy has branched out quite extensively since he has taken possession of his new building, on Annie street, East Ward. His stock of furniture is complete. He manufactures all kinds of furniture to order, in the most fashionable style. He has a fine hearse and will attend funerals promptly, on short notice, on reasonable terms. The report that he will not attend funerals for less than $10, is a mistake. His charges are as reasonable as those of any other undertaker in the town. His prices are regulated by circumstances.

FIRE. - A destructive fire took place in Johnstown, Juniata county, a few days since, which totally consumed a large two story tenement occupied as a dwelling and store house by Dearing & Folts, with nearly all the contents. The loss is estimated at $5000, on which there is an insurance of $2000.

BASE BALL. - The Juniata Club, of Hollidaysburg, played against the Social Club, of Huntingdon, on Saturday last, on the grounds of the latter, with the following result: Juniata, 55; Social, 46.

The National Club, of Hollidaysburg, played against the Keystone, at Frankstown, on Saturday last, with the following result: National, 73; Keystone, 32.

A new base ball club, composed principally of members of the Juniata Fire Company, has been organized in Hollidaysburg. Their play ground is on Market Square. The club is named "Free and Easy."

The young men of Lewistown are about forming a Base Ball club. They have been practicing at the game for some weeks, and many of them are said to be gaining proficiency.

Another club has been organized at Mifflintown, making three clubs in all, in that borough.

The following is the score of a game played between the 2d nine of the Mountain (seniors) and the 1st nine of the Logan (juniors) on Monday, the 6th inst.

Passed Balls - Not scored. Home Runs - Mountain 8, Logan 1. Struck Out - Mountain 2, Logan 1. Fly Catches - Mountain 7, Logan 7. Fly Catches Missed - Mountain 5, Logan 1. Out on Foul Ball - Mountain 5, Logan 5.

Umpire. R. B. Gemmill. Scorers - C. J. Mann and Willie Williams. Time of Game - 3 h 10 m.

The attention of those who have claims against the Government for additional bounty, pension, back pay, &c., is called to the following letter from the Penn'a State Agency, at Washington, D. C. It will be seen that the Agency charges nothing for its services, and from its long familiarity with and access to the records of the War and Treasury Departments, it furnishes the very best method by which to collect these claims.

HD. QRS. PENN'A STATE AGENCY, WASHINGTON, D. C., Aug. 1, '66.

To Soldier's Union, No. 3, of Pa:

The Secretary of War has not yet issued rules and regulations for collecting bounties under the late bill. If discharged soldiers, will send me a statement of dates of enlistments and muster-out rolls, and Post Office address, I will send them applications. Any one discharged by reason of wounds received in the line of duty, should state so. In cases of widows whose claims were collected by the Agency, all that is necessary is for them or their friends to write, and we will attend to their claims.

I hope all will avail themselves of this Agency, and thus save fees. The late bounty law is a very imperfect one, and is liable to misconstruction. - We must await the construction of the proper authority.

Very truly yours, JAS. GILLILAND, Asst. Mil. Agent, Penn'a.

Soldiers, disabled by wounds or disease, who have been honorably discharged from the volunteer service of the United States, who desire a home in the United States Military Asylum, are requested to make application previous to September 1st, with a statement of the circumstances of their enlistment, services, disability and discharge, to Major General Edward W. Hinks, Governor of United States Military Asylum, whose office is temporarily at Boston, Mass.

Any person having knowledge of meritorious disabled soldiers being supported by an almshouse or elsewhere, as a public pauper, is requested to give information of the fact to the governor of the asylum, in order that immediate steps may be taken for the removal and relief of such indigent disabled soldiers.

Papers throughout the country are requested to give gratuitous publicity to the above.

At a stated meeting of "Soldier's Union, No. 8, of Penn'a," held on Thursday evening, July 9th, 1866, the following preamble and resolution were unanimously adopted, and were ordered to be published in the Altoona Tribune:

WHEREAS, This association has been organized for the avowed object of protecting the rights and interests of honorably discharged soldiers, so far as is consistent with honor and justice;

And Whereas, The Union has learned with regret that certain licensed Government Claim Agents have been and are now charging discharged soldiers to the utmost limits of the law for collecting their claims against the Government; therefore,

Resolved, That we condemn the rapacious spirit which actuates such Agents; and we earnest recommend all discharged soldiers and seamen to withhold their claims from them.

By order of the Union, J. W. McKINNEY, Recording Sec'y

FATAL ACCIDENT. - Major Daniel W. Flickinger, of Turbett township, Juniata county, was fatally injured by a freight engine at Perrysville, a few days since. He had held several offices of trust in the county, and at the time of his death was an elder of the Presbyterian church in Perrysville. He leaves a wife, ten children and a large number of friends to mourn his loss.

LIKED THEIR TREATMENT. - The members of the Good Will Fire Company of this place, who recently attended a firemen's pic-nic, at Hollidaysburg, are loud in their praise of the treatment they received thereat, and at a recent meeting adopted the following expression: -

ALTOONA, AUGUST 6TH, 1866.
To the Juniata Fire Co. of Hollidaysburg: -
We, the undersigned Committee, on behalf of the Good Will Fire Co., of Altoona, beg leave to offer our sincere thanks to the Juniata Fire Co., of Hollidaysburg, for the courteous and welcome manner, with which we were received, and the untiring efforts in our behalf throughout the day, at the grand pic-nic, given in Hollidaysburg on the 27th of July.

ALF. W. GREENWOOD, }
JNO. PRICE, } Com.
FRED. DELPHINE. }

Hollidaysburg papers please copy.

BROKE JAIL. - $25 REWARD. - James Ball and John Smith escaped from the Blair county jail, in Hollidaysburg, on Sunday night, 5th of August. I offer a reward of $25.00 for their arrest.

James Ball was charged with Bigamy. He is about 5 ft 8 or 9 inches in height, slender build, fair complexion, dark hair, no beard, and supposed to be about 21 years of age.

John Smith was charged with assault and battery with intent to kill. He is about 5 ft. and six inches in height, light complexion, red hair, and is supposed to be about 21 years of age.

M. L. BECHTEL, Sheriff.

HEAVY MASONRY WORK. - About one mile West of Mount Union Station, at the point called Jack's Narrow, the Pennsylvania R. R. Company are having erected a stone wall, upon the top of which will be laid a railway track. It will be 3450 feet long, 25 high, 11 feet wide at the base, and 4 feet 6 inches at the top. The traveling community are well aware of the inconvenience that has been experienced by there being but one track over this part of the road. This will, however, be remedied by the building of this wall.

DIED.

On Tuesday evening, July 31st, Mrs. Elizabeth Bell, consort of Wm. Bell, Esq., near this place, aged about 55 years.

Mrs. Bell, although called away very suddenly from this world, being taken with apoplexy at 10 o'clock A. M., and expired at 8 o'clock in the evening, remaining unconscious the entire time, has left us, we believe, the blessed assurance by her christian walk and conversation that she was fully prepared for her departure, and died in full hope of a blessed immortality beyond the grave. She was an exemplary christian, a devoted wife, a loving mother, and an amiable and kind friend. She has left many warm friends and relatives to mourn her departure, but our loss is her eternal gain.

On Monday, July 30th, of Apoplexy, Joseph Stover, of this place, aged about 50 years.

Altoona Tribune, Altoona, Pa., Saturday, August 11, 1866, page 3