Blair County Newspaper Articles
News, obituaries, birth, marriage and death notices, by date.
Items from The Altoona Tribune, Altoona, Pa.,
Wednesday, June 15, 1870
LOCAL ITEMS.
PROCEEDINGS OF COUNCIL - Adjourned Meeting, June 13, 1870. - Council met at 7 1/2 o'clock, P. M., and was called to order by the President.
The following members were present: Messrs. Anderson, Elway, Green, Jaggard, Kipple, Long, O'Toole, Robeson, Stewart, and Jones, President - 10.
The minutes of the preceding meeting were read and approved.
The Mayor presented his report for the month of May, 1870, together with the Treasurer's receipt for the sum of $139.00 collected from various sources.
The following bills were presented and read, and orders granted for the same:
To Altoona Gas and Water Co., for gas consumed to June 6. 1870 - $ 23.00
To same for water rent for year commencing June 10, 1870 - 132.00
[Total] - $155 00
Mrs. McHale, residing in Fifth Ward, entered complaint against a neighbor for certain injuries which she alleged she sustained.
Referred to members from Fifth Ward.
Mr. Robeson, from Fifth Ward Committee. reported that they had given Mr. James Smith permission to construct sufficient drainage through the alley, between 16th and 17th streets to properly drain his cellar.
Council approved the action of the Committee.
Mr. Jaggard, from Committee on Permanent Improvements, reported that the Committee had examined the route for the proposed sewer from Thirteenth avenue and Twelfth street to Eleventh street, and that they had placed the matter in the hands of the City Engineer.
The City Engineer stated that he had examined the routes proposed, but desired a week's extension of time in order to make a still more thorough examination.
On motion of Mr. Robeson, the extension of time asked for was granted.
Robert Tate, Tax Collector elect, presented his bond, with surety, in the sum of $10,000 for the faithful performance of his duties.
On motion of Mr. Jaggard, action in regard to the same was deferred until next meeting of Council.
On motion of Mr. Kipple, A. A. Smyth, Esq., was exonerated from payment of $1.65, being amount of tax overcharged.
Verbal reports were made from the various committees, and they were continued, with instructions to report at the next night of meeting.
A communication from A. J. Cassatt, General Superintendent of the Pennsylvania Railroad, relating to stone for macadamizing Tenth and Eleventh avenues and Twelfth and Thirteenth streets, was presented and read.
On motion of Mr. O'Toole, it was ordered that a contract with the Railroad Company for the delivery of such stone be closed as soon as practicable.
On motion of Mr. Jaggard, the City Engineer was instructed to place permanent marks on all corners where benches or lines had already been located.
The Chief of Police reported that he had notified Mr. Kelley to stop removing the sand from Fourth avenue, and that Mr. Kelley had quit.
Sealed proposals for constructing sewer on Thirteenth street and Eleventh avenue were presented, opened and read.
On motion of Mr. Elway, action on the proposals was deferred until next night of meeting.
Sealed proposals for excavation and embankment on Thirteenth avenue, were presented, opened and read.
On motion of Mr. Kipple, the proposals were referred to the Committee on Permanent Improvements.
A petition from citizens of the Second Ward, praying for relief from the nuisance caused by the main sewer passing through said Ward, was presented, read and placed on file.
On motion of Mr. Robeson, Messrs. Jaggard and Stewart were appointed a special committee to take the subject into consideration.
Mr. Stewart moved that the City Solicitor be requested to draft an ordinance providing for the macadamizing of certain streets and avenues heretofore designated; and also providing for the assessment of the cost thereof upon the property owners on said streets and avenues, and for the tapping of sewers hereafter to be constructed.
The motion was agreed to.
On motion of Mr. Kipple, the Finance Committee were requested to meet the City Assessors at the Council room, on Saturday evening next, at 6 o'clock, for the purpose of revising the assessment.
A complaint in reference to a gutter on Fourth avenue was referred to the Street Commissioner, with instructions to remove the annoyance complained of.
Council then adjourned, to meet on Monday evening next, June 20th, at 7 1/2 o'clock.
EXCELSIOR FESTIVAL. - The strawberry festival, held in the Opera House, on Friday and Saturday evenings last, by the boys in blue shirts, was well patronized, at least on Saturday evening, and we hope that they netted a handsome surplus over and above expenses. When we visited them, we found all the tables filled, and a much larger crowd waiting to be served. Everything was arranged in good style, the tables occupying one side of the hall, the centre clear, and several rows of chairs on the other side, for the accommodation of those who were waiting to be served, or remained to enjoy the music discoursed by an excellent string band which occupied the stage. The large room gave ample accommodation for the crowd, without in any way interfering with those engaged in serving the tables, or the comfort of visitors. The benefit of a large hall, for such purposes must have been obvious to all who visited the festival.
In this connection we would state that the Excelsior boys desire us to return their thanks to the citizens for so liberally patronizing them, and particularly to the committee of young ladies who were in attendance at the different tables. The latter were very attentive, working constantly for the comfort of all present while serving the luscious strawberries or delicious ice cream, and certainly deserve the thanks which have been showered upon them by the members of the Excelsior company.
CONFIRMED. - The appointment of John Lingafelt, Esq., as postmaster, at Hollidaysburg, vice James Bingham, Esq., resigned, was confirmed by the United States Senate, on the 6th instant.
SUNDAY SCHOOL MEETING. - On Sunday afternoon last, all the Protestant Sunday schools, of this city, met in the city Opera House, at three o'clock, to listen to an address delivered by Rev. Pelts, of Philadelphia. The exercises were opened by singing that beautiful Sunday School hymn entitled "Water of Life." H. L. Delo, leading, assisted by Dr. Gemmill, John Shoemaker, J. Delo, Mr. Glosser, Mr. Cole, and others, after which prayer was offered by Rev. W. Wragg, of the U. B. church. The schools again united in singing "Jewels," at the close of which Mr. Pelts was introduced and for three-quarters of an hour commanded the attention of the children and large audience of grown persons. After the address the children and audience joined in singing a Sunday School hymn, and after a few announcements closed by singing "Coronation." And it was singing, - singing that must be heard to be appreciated. Imagine 2,500 voices, young and old, pealing forth old "Coronation." It was grand.
This was the largest assemblage of children ever convened in this city. It is estimated that there was full 2,500 persons in the hall. Counting the Sabbath School children only, there were some 1,700 or 1,800, and we feel sure that there were from 700 to 800 persons not directly connected with the schools. Here again, the benefit of a large hall was so obvious that we need not say a word in reference to the necessity for such a building.
KILLED. - Nathan Denny, a watchman at Warrior Ridge station, was run over by the Cincinnati Express west, on Saturday morning last, and instantly killed. His dog, with him at the time, was also struck by the locomotive, or the cars, and had his back broken. - The train was stopped and several of the train men and passengers went back to where the man was lying, but found the dog so fierce and savage, that notwithstanding his injury, he would not permit any one to go near his master. Several shots were fired at him from pistols, but none of them took effect, and it was not until parties, who were acquainted with the dog, came up and coaxed him away, that any one could go near the injured man. The deceased had been in the employ of the Railroad Company for many years, and was regarded as a faithful man. He leaves a large family.
MAN INJURED - SINCE DEAD. - On Friday evening last, a man named John Ryan, residing at Prospect Hill, Cambria county, attempted to jump on one of the cars of the Fast Line, as it was pulling out from the depot, but missed his footing and fell upon the track, where one of his legs was caught by the wheels of the next truck. The leg was broken at the thigh, and the flesh stripped from the bone down to the knee. He was taken up and cared for until the next morning, when he was sent to his home, where he died shortly after. He had been to Huntingdon, in search of work, had returned to this place on the mail train, and, being under the influence of liquor, as was supposed, missed the mail train and attempted to get on board the fast line, where he met with the accident.
FOURTH OF JULY ON THE PARK COURSE.- The attractive list of Premiums offered by the Altoona Park Association, for trotting, pacing and running horses, to be awarded on the Fourth of July, has arrested the attention of the owners of fast horses in different parts of the country, and the managers have notice that several will be entered, thus guaranteeing a lively time upon the course on the Fourth. - Those who take an interest in fast horses, or delight in witnessing animated contests for premiums, can be gratified by attending this trial of speed upon the Park Course. Judging from the interest manifested in the contests, last fall, we expect to see a large crowd of people within the Park on the Fourth of July, should the weather prove favorable.
TREMENDOUS RAINS. - On Saturday morning last, the hills and valleys, in this section were visited by the heaviest fall of rain that has been witnessed for many years. It was not a storm, but a constant fall in torrents for a half hour or more. As a consequence, the streets were overflowed and lots and cellars in all the low parts of the city were overflowed or filled with water. Perhaps the fall was opportune, for the purpose of convincing the City Council that the small sewers they contemplate putting down would be just nowhere when it comes to carrying off such a body of water as that which fell on Saturday. It was fully demonstrated that a sewer of the size contemplated on Eleventh avenue, will not answer for such showers. Better have the sewer too large than too small.
BASE BALL. - A match game of base ball will be played, on next Saturday afternoon, between the first nines of the Keystone and Gem Base Ball Clubs, of this city. A close game is expected.
The Liberty Club, of Hollidaysburg, paid a visit to this place, on last Saturday, for the purpose of playing with the Keystones, but rain falling all day, the game was not played.
PASSED THROUGH. - About noon, on Monday, a special train, bearing the Knights Templar of Pittsburgh, Greensburg and other Commanderies in the western part of the State, passed through this city, for Williamsport, where the grand Conclave is to be held, opening this morning. They were all finely and fully dressed, and made a handsome appearance. - At this point they were joined by a number of members of Mountain Commandery.
FIRE ALARM. - An alarm of fire was created, on Monday morning, by a quantity of paints, oil and benzene, kept in a pit in a house in "Carpenter's grove" becoming ignited. - The fire was speedily extinguished with no other loss than the paints and oil, and no damage, except the burning of the hands of an employe who was present when the fire occurred.
- Our old time friend, A. A. Smyth, now of Titusville, dropped in upon us, on Monday morning last, looking hale and hearty as in days of yore. Alex. is a live man, always on hand when any good work is to be done, either for benevolent or patriotic purposes, or the good of the public. We are pleased to learn that he is prospering at Titusville, and is about to set up shop on his own hook. Success attend him.
TRIBUTE OF RESPECT. - At a meeting of the Bar, held at the Court House in pursuance of notice, June 11th, 1870, Hon. Samuel Calvin was called to the Chair, and Maj. Wm. Williams and Aug. S. Landis were chosen Secretaries.
On motion, Thad. Banks, John Cresswell, John Dean, Wm. Williams and A. S. Landis were appointed a committee to report appropriate resolutions.
That committee reported the following resolutions, which were unanimously adopted, and it was ordered that the committee convey a copy to the bereaved family of the deceased:
WHEREAS, James M. Bell, the oldest member of this Bar, has just been by death forever removed from our midst.
AND WHEREAS, It is proper that the members of the Bar should give expression to their feelings on the occasion. Therefore,
Resolved, That though for some years, Mr. Bell had in a great measure retired from the active duties of the profession, he was for many years universally regarded as one of the leading and ablest lawyers in the valley of the Juniata.
Resolved, That though for some years in feeble health, he was for a long time one of our most active, energetic, useful and influential citizens - always distinguished for strong practical common sense, great will and energy of character, and kindness, and devotion to his friends.
Resolved, That we hereby tender to his widow and family our sincere condolence and sympathy in their bereavement.
Resolved, That these resolutions be published in the several papers of the county.
Maj. John Brotherline, John Dean, Col. R. A. McMurtrie and Hon. Sam. Calvin made appropriate remarks upon the character of the deceased, and paid high tributes to his personal worth, his intellectual power, and his eminence as a lawyer and his usefulness as a citizen.
On motion adjourned.
SAML CALVIN, Pres't.
WM. WILLIAMS, AUG. S. LANDIS, Secs.
ABSCONDING WITNESSES. - Delinquent and absconding witnesses hereafter will have to be a little more careful in responding to the process of the courts, in important criminal trials. As will be seen by the following section of a law passed at the last session, they make themselves liable to indictment and heavy penalties:
Be it enacted, &c., That if any person who shall have been required by virtue of any writ of subpoena or other legal process to attend to testify in any prosecution for forgery, perjury or felony before any criminal court, judge, or justice, or other judicial tribunal in this Commonwealth, or who may have been recognized or held to bail to attend as a witness on behalf of the Commonwealth or defendant, before any court having jurisdiction, to testify in any prosecution aforesaid, shall unlawfully and willfully, from this Commonwealth or from the jurisdiction of such court, and with intent to defeat the ends of public justice, abscond, elope, or conceal himself, and refuse to appear as required by said subpoena or other legal process or recognizance of bail, he shall be guilty of a misdemeanor, and being thereof convicted, shall be sentenced to pay a fine not exceeding two thousand dollars, or undergo an imprisonment not exceeding two years, or both, or either at the discretion of the court.
Y. M. C. A. - There was a large turn out at the anniversary of the Young Men's Christian Association, in the Lutheran Church, on Monday evening. The addresses of Gen. Beaver, and others are highly spoken of by those who were present. We are sorry that other important engagements prevented our being present, as we desired to give a full report of the exercises. We hope to have a full report in time for our next issue.
GET YOUR TICKETS. - Holders of, and parties entitled to, Life Membership Tickets in the Altoona Park Association, will please call upon John Lloyd, at the First National Bank and get the new tickets prepared for them. The Treasurer desires to finish up the business previous to the opening of the grounds on the Fourth of July. They will therefore accommodate him by calling immediately.
RED MEN'S PIC NIC. - The first annual Basket Pic Nic of Bald Eagle Tribe, No. 102, I. O. R. M., of Tyrone, will be held at Sinking Spring Grove, near Tyrone, on 4th Sun, Buck Moon, G. S. D. 379. Judging from the names on the committee of arrangements, it will be an enjoyable occasion, and it will give us pleasure to participate should circumstances permit.
NEW COAL YARD. - By reference to an advertisement in another column, it will be seen that John Cunningham has taken the coal yard of Messrs. Watson and Cullen, on the old Branch track, in Fifth ward, and is now prepared to supply coal of all kinds.
DROWNED. - On Saturday afternoon last, a man named Sankey, fell into Stone Creek, below Huntingdon, and was drowned. His body was not recovered until Sunday evening, when it was found in a pile of driftwood a short distance below where he fell in.
MARRIED.
On the 17th ult., by Rev. D. Hartman, Mr. Albert C. Rickabaugh, of Altoona, and Miss Christie Henshey, of Antis Township.
DIED.
June 1st, near Airy Dale, Huntingdon county, Mrs. Martha J., wife of J. N. Hamilton, in the 37th year of her age.
Once more has death entered that household and taken the wife and mother. Consumption, that fell destroyer, marked her for its victim. She leaves a husband and four motherless little ones behind. In all the relations of life - daughter, sister, wife, friend - she was a noble example to her sex, one that might be followed without going astray; naturally of a religious turn of mind, her every day life was marked by christian charity, love and kindness, characteristics which made her the dispenser of peace at home, and a shining light to the church. But neither beauty of person or mind, neither filial affection or reverence for the Almighty could turn aside the icy hand of death, neither the skill of the Physician, the love of husband and relatives, or the warm sympathy of friends could stay the insidious attacks of the destroyer. Though the deceased was in the noontide of life, surrounded by every comfort to make existence desirable, she gave up all without a murmur - manifesting in death as well as in life the sublime reverence for the Heavenly Father - "Thy will not mine be done." - N. H. B.
In Gallitzin, on the 25th May, 1870, Dessie, daughter of W. B. and E. A. Brenneman, aged one year, eight months and fifteen days.
Farewell our dearest Dessie,
Saved from all earthly care,
Taken to the world of light,
Our little angel there.
Altoona Tribune, Altoona, Pa., Wednesday, June 15, 1870, page 3