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Blair County Newspaper Articles

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

Items from The Morning Tribune, Altoona, Pa.,

Wednesday, June 28, 1871

LOCAL ITEMS.

NO PAPER. - In accordance with our usual custom in observing the "glorious fourth,'' no paper will be issued from this office next week. Therefore, all hands are open for invitations to celebrate the day, at pic nics, or other places where the good things of this world are in danger of spoiling for want of scientific devourers.

INTERNAL REVENUE CASE. - We recently referred to the case of C. E. Picher, of Tyrone, who was arrested by the U.S. Marshal for certain violations of the Internal Revenue Law, in the purchase and sale of tobacco and cigars.

A bill of indictment was found against him at the present term of the U.S. District Court, at Williamsport, the charges being the purchase of leaf tobacco without entering it in his book, and accounting therefor to the Revenue Department; selling cigars, without being stamped, and employing more manufactures than he was authorized to do under his bond. Before pleading to the indictment, the defendant, through his counsel, D. J. Neff, Esq., made an offer of settlement. After which a jury was impanneled and found against the defendant a verdict of guilty,

On motion of District Attorney Swoope, the court then postponed sentence until the defendant's offer should be acted on by the Revenue Department. The requirements of the law in these cases are so stringent, and the books to be kept, and the accounts returned so complex, that ignorant persons, even with the utmost care, may inadvertently violate law. Picher's character for honesty in the community, as far as we can learn, is fair, and it is generally believed that whatever offences he may bare committed against the law resulted from ignorance, and not from any fraudulent intent. The Government, we think, should wisely discriminate between actual frauds upon the Revenue and those omissions, defaults, and infringements of the law, which arise from ignorance or inadvertence.

"AND SATAN CAME ALSO." - While the procession of the several temperance organizations of this city were proceeding down Eleventh avenue, on Saturday morning last, on their way to the place designated for holding their pic nic, there appeared in their immediate wake an individual whose morning potations had been anything else than cold water. The spectacle was both amusing and instructive, affording, as it did, a striking representation of two great antagonisms, and, withal, a scene worthy of an artist's pencil. There in the foreground was a company of well-dressed and healthy-looking ladies and gentlemen, representatives of sobriety and decency, while in their rear came what they are laboring to exterminate from society, a disgusting specimen of the dram-shop, with blood-shot eyes, bloated carcass and flaming proboscis. It was ludicrous in the extreme, as the inebriate posted himself on the corner of Twelfth street and gazed with bleared vision after the cold water army. If he could have seen himself as seen by others, in sober moments, and not have become thoroughly disgusted with himself, then he is beyond that point where manhood ends and brutality begins. It reminded us of a story of a young lady who was converted under the ministrations of Father Gruber, and who claimed him as her spiritual father. "Yes,'' said the venerable man, I thought it was my work, for if it had been the Lord's, He would not have put those nice posies in your bonnet." So this fellow was none of the Good Templar's work, for they would not have put that "nice rosy" on his nose which sent forth such a scarlet glare. It was Satan, and he was his representative. All good men "passed on to Shun'em."

GRAND BALLOON ASCENSION. - Prof. John A. Light, the renowned Aeronaut, who has made 113 successful balloon ascensions in different parts of the country, will delight the people of this city and vicinity, on the Fourth of July, with one of his air voyages, should the wind and weather permit. The press everywhere speak in terms of the highest praise of Prof. Light's aeronautic qualifications. The Harrisburg Patriot, in a notice of his balloon ascension from Carlisle, on the 18th of June, 1870, says: - "Prof. John A. Light, of Lebanon, made a very fine ascension at Carlisle to day, which was witnessed by several thousand spectators. Mr. Light's splendid balloon was speedily inflated, and at 2.40 P. M., amid the huzzas of the delighted multitude, the aerial ship rose majestically into the upper regions, taking an eastern direction. - The day was calm, and not a breath of air seemed to stir the atmosphere. When the balloon had reached an altitude of 3,000 feet it struck a light current of air, and was wafted in a direction due south west. It then ascended to an altitude of about 5,000 feet and floated at that height about four miles, when it descended to an altitude of 2,000 feet, taking a western direction. Prof. Light landed safely at seventeen minutes past three o'clock, on the farm of Mr. Henry Lyons, three miles from Carlisle. This was the one hundred and fourth [sic] ascension that Prof. Light - one of the most successful aeronauts of modern times - has made. His next adventure among the clouds will be at Chicago, on the fourth of July next.''

HORRIBLE. - On Friday morning last, between New Florence and Johnstown, a train of cars ran over Mr. R. Accoon, cutting off one of his legs. Immediately after the accident, two men happened that way, and instead of having the least commiseration for their victim, immediately set upon him with stones, clubs, &c., did beat him until dead, although he begged hard for his life. They robbed him of his clothing, cut his throat and threw his carcass into a spring of water near by. They then proceeded to build a huge fire, and improvising a turn spit with a spawl of railroad iron, drew the body from the water, fastened it to the skew and roasted it before the fire. The cannibals secured some bread and condiments from a neighboring farm house, and feasted upon the remains of their unfortunate victim. It is needless to say that it was the first "square meal" that two jour printers had had for several days, and they know how to turn everything to a good account in an emergency. They are still at large, and will doubtless escape.

PERSONAL. - W. J. Jackman, of the Democrat, and Wm. W. Davis, of the Republican, Mifflintown, as well as Mr. Moyer, of the Freeburg (Snyder county) Courier, dropped into our sanctum last week. They were looking well, and report business fair in their respective localities. Postmaster Books, of Mifflintown, also paid us his respects, being a member of the Republican State Committee.

HUNTINGDON ITEMS. - The following are from the Huntingdon papers this week: Mr. White, of Penn township, was attacked while at work in his field, the other day, by a man named Isett, and struck a blow in the face, breaking two or three of his front teeth. It seems that a horse trade was the cause of the difficulty...... James Marlin of Clay township, last week in the hay field jumped over a ditch with his mowing scythe in his hand, and fell with his elbow on scythe inflicting an ugly wound...... On Saturday night last a raid was made on Adams Express Office, Huntingdon. The thieves broke open the safe, and stole therefrom some papers, but no money, as the agent never leaves it in the office at night ...... Bob Houck, East Huntingdon, has made several attempts within the past week to take a "new departure." One day he used laudanum to get it up, which had little or no effect; then he went for his "jugular," but was prevented in that direction, and, finally, several ounces of laudanum wouldn't land him on the other Jordan. Too much "bug juice," it is alleged, is the cause of Robert's misery..... John Houck was sent to Huntingdon jail for drawing his brother's pension, last week...... Capt. Thos. S. Johnston, of Huntingdon, came very near being robbed while asleep at a hotel in Pittsburgh, one night last week.

TEMPERANCE PIC NIC. - Notwithstanding umbrellas had to be brought into requisition when the members of the different temperance organizations, of this city, were leaving for Calvert's Grove, on Saturday morning last, we learn that the pic nic was a grand success, and that nothing occurred to dissipate the pleasures of the occasion. The clouds broke after the procession had proceeded a few squares, and the remainder of the day proved clear, with the exception of a slight fall of rain when the party was returning home in the evening. - The Altoona City Band accompanied the temperance organizations to the woods, and their sweet strains of music, for which they are especially noted, cheered the large assemblage throughout the day. Revs. Baker and Wragg were the orators of the day, each delivering an address appropriate to the occasion, and listened to with marked attention by the large crowd in attendance. We are pleased to note that the pic nic passed off so pleasantly, and hope that the next one held under their auspices will be greeted with more golden sunshine. We were unable to attend, however, our thanks are due and are gratefully tendered the committee for their kind invitation to mingle with them in their pleasures.

GRAND PIC NIC. - The mere announcement of the fact that St. John's (Catholic) congregation, of this city, propose having a grand pic nic, at their beautiful grounds, the City Park, on the 4th and 5th of July, is a sufficient guarantee of a "good time generally'' to all lovers of innocent recreation and amusement. The ladies and gentlemen in charge assure us that no trouble or expense will be spared to make this the pic nic of the season. Every arrangement that can in any way add to the comfort or enjoyment of those attending has been made. The best musical talent of the country has been engaged. A cordial invitation is extended to all.

Mrs. Kate J. Bowman, Mrs. Julia M. Bowman, and Mr. Thos. Carland, all of Altoona, sailed from New York for Ireland, on Tuesday of last week. A safe, pleasant and prosperous voyage be theirs.

ARRESTED. - James Harkens, residing on Eighth Avenue, near Seventeenth St., was arrested the other day, for alleged brutality to an orphan boy whom he took out of an Ohio Almshouse to raise. The allegation is that ever since the boy has resided with him, he has been the subject of harsh and brutal treatment, so much so, indeed, as to call forth the denunciation and disgust of the neighborhood. On Monday night last, the youth was put through an exhilarating flagellation by his foster father, which brought to the scene many of the citizens of that quarter of the city, among whom were Messrs. Joseph Hileman and Alderman Durbin, who sadly interfered with his operations. He was arrested, and after a hearing before Alderman Durbin, was held in $1,000 to appear at the next term of the Court of Quarter Sessions. Subsequently Harkens had warrants issued for the arrest of the above gentlemen for malicious assault, in disturbing his domestic sports, and invading the sanctity of his peaceful domains. As the matter will undergo judicial investigation we forbear comment.

THAT SAME OLD "TORTLE." - On Friday of last week as Capt. J. Burley was renewing the fence around his premises, on the southern slope of Sink Hill; Mr. Calderwood, (who was doing the work,) in removing a flat stone for the purpose of setting a post, discovered the remains of a land turtle, with the following initials cut on the shell: "E. D. 1811." These stand for Elisha Davis, who at that time owned and lived on the farm now occupied by Fulbert Snyder, and owned by Wm. M. Lyon & Co., and adjoining the town on the west. In 1841, thirty years ago, Capt. Burley found the same turtle in the woods back of Sink Hill, and in 1843, two years afterwards, his brother John Burley found the same turtle in one of the fields on the Elisha Davis farm - and then again, in 1867, Capt. Burley came across the same gentleman within a rod or two from the place where the remains were found while mowing. The following additional initials are now on the shell, viz: "W. McVey."

These were placed there since Mr. Burley last saw the turtle in 1867.

Query. - What age does the land turtle attain? - Tyrone Blade.

HINTS TO TROUT FISHERS. - When you see "excellent trouting in a romantic mountain district'' advertised in the papers, go somewhere else. On arriving where you have reason to think trout exist, inquire of some rural angler which are the best brooks, and fish exclusively in those he runs down. Keep as far as possible from the brook. If the trout see you they will not connect with the rod, in which case you will find it difficult to connect them with the line. Take some agreeable stimulant with you to the water side. You will find it a great assistance when reeling in. One of the best places for obtaining the speckled prey is under a waterfall - but you needn't mention this fact to the ladies. When you land a two pound trout (which you never will) double the weight, else what's the use having a multiplier? The experienced angler goes forth expecting nothing, and is rarely disappointed. Avoid the water courses invested with saw mills. These streams seldom contain many trout.

SOCIABLE. - The ladies connected with the First M. E. Church, of this city, held their first Sociable at the Hall of the Vigilant Engine Company, on Friday evening last. It was very well attended, and altogether a decided success. The object of these festive gatherings is to raise sufficient funds to refurnish the Church which is now undergoing thorough remodeling. After indulging in sociable conversation for a time, the "hat is passed around," and each person present may contribute whatever sum he or she may deem expedient, when all are served with excellent refreshments. The object is a good one, the efforts of the ladies commendable, and we bespeak for them the liberality and patronage of our citizens, and can assure them they will receive the worth of all they may contribute, in the good things prepared for the occasion.

THE EMPIRE HOUSE. - The Empire Hook and Ladder Company have finally completed all the necessary arrangements and will proceed with the building of their Truck House without further delay - J. L. Reifsnyder, Esq., having been awarded the contract for the erection of the building. Some slight changes have been made from the original plan, although the main features of the original idea have been retained. The building is to be ready for the use of the Company by the middle of November next. The Empire boys are in a more prosperous condition just now than ever before, and may be classed as one of the "live" institutions of our Mountain City.

A HOME-MADE DISINFECTANT. - Dissolve a bushel of salt in a barrel of water, and with the salt water slack a barrel of lime, which should be wet enough to form a kind of paste. For the purpose of a disinfectant, this home made chloride of lime is nearly as good as that purchased at the shops and drug stores. Use it freely about sinks, cellars, gutters and outhouses, and in this way prevent sickness, suffering and expense.

KILLED. - William Daugherbough [Daughenbaugh?] was killed on the Bald Eagle Railroad on Monday last. The man was deranged, and ran under a train at Eagleville, which passed over his head and leg. He lived at Howard, Centre County.

SAD CASE OF DROWNING. - On Sunday last three young men from Ferguson's Valley rode some horses to Kishacoquillas creek above Mt. Rock Mill, when two of them determined to go in bathing. The water being rather shallow where they were, Jefferson Snyder, son of Joseph, and his companion Harland went down stream about 50 yards where the water was from three to four feet deep. The third remained on the bank where he had been riding in his horse, and shortly after his attention was attracted to the two below, who were holding each other and apparently dashing about the water, but as he supposed in play. Harland however called to him that Snyder was drowning, and before more assistance arrived, such proved to be the case, the unfortunate young man having ceased to exist when his body was rescued. Whether he was attacked by cramp or with a fit, it is impossible to tell; in his struggles he drew Harland under water once, and the latter being the weaker of the two, probably lost his presence of mind, and under the instinct of self-preservation, hesitated too long in going to Snyder's rescue. A young man named Moyer got the body out. The deceased was aged about 22 years, was a steady and industrious young man. - Lewistown Gazette, 21st.

STRUCK BY LIGHTNING. - A heavy thunder storm passed over this vicinity yesterday (Tuesday) afternoon between 3 and 4 o'clock. During the prevalence of the storm the dwelling house of Mr. A. Sandoe, in this borough was struck by lightning, but fortunately was not much damaged. The electric fluid struck the chimney on the west gable end of the wing part of the building, knocking off half-a-dozen bricks, and then proceeded down the outside of the house, breaking three panes of glass in the attic window and tearing loose some weather-boarding near the window; it then struck the tin spouting which runs across the end of the building, and was conducted by it to the ground. A coat hanging near the attic window was set on fire by the fluid, and was partially consumed when discovered. The inmates of the house were severely stunned by the shock. - Mifflintown Sentinel, 21st.

ARRESTED FOR LARCENY. - John Elliott, an individual of the African persuasion, who vibrates between this city and Huntingdon, being sadly in need of a chronometer with which to note the flight of time, feloniously appropriated one to his own use at the latter place some days ago. He was arrested here on Saturday, and escorted back to the scene of his exploit on Sunday evening, in the Cincinnati Express, by Officer Ely. John wore on the occasion of his return trip a handsome pair of bracelets, made of pure iron, and will, doubtless, be assigned comfortable quarters by the authorities of that ancient village for some time to come.

SERIOUS ACCIDENT. - At New Pleasant Grove, Thursday last, while Mr. Johnson, a tanner, was in the act of nailing a board on his bark house, his head was caught between the end of the beam, drawn by the mill horse when grinding bark, and a post, forcing his head into a space of five inches with such force as to stop the horse suddenly, and to inflict injuries which render his recovery exceedingly doubtful. - Huntingdon Monitor, 20th.

PEEL ON PAVEMENTS. - Our orange eaters are cautioned against throwing the outer coating of that fruit upon the sidewalks, as it is provocative of profanity. Nothing short of Orthodox Quakerism can keep a man from talking about brimstone when he finds himself suddenly seated on the sidewalk and the passers by enjoying a laugh at his expense.

FLIES. - Those who desire to be rid of these troublesome summer pests, need only to use the following simple remedy: Take half a spoonful of black pepper in powder, one teaspoonful of brown sugar, and one teaspoonful of cream; mix them well together and place them in a room on a plate, where the flies are troublesome, and they will soon disappear.

MORRISON'S COVE RAILROAD. - We learn from Mr. Wilson that his surveys of Morrison's Cove have been completed, and a line determined upon past Martinsburg to the ore beds in Leather Cracker Cove. The road from Hollidaysburg to McKee's Gap, 8 miles, is finished and in running order. It turns the end of the mountain at Hollidaysburg, crosses the Juniata river below the reservoir, and enters the gap near water level. From this point to Leather Cracker measures 13 miles, with a branch, half mile long, to Martinsburg. Mr. Wilson's original line intended McKee's Gap at a much higher level, in order subsequently to gain grade in ascending the ravine of Plum Creek; and it then kept around the flank of the Loop mountain, to north and east of Martinsburg, above the village, so as to have a free run along the central ridge of valley, southward to the gap of Yellow creek, and so to Broad Top. But local interest, especially those connected with the large deposits of ore at Bloomfield Furnace, demanded a location more to the west, involving heavier grade. The line settled, therefore, leaves Plum Creek after getting through McKee's Gap, and keeps up Rock Run, passing by Martinsburg below and west of the village. The 13 miles of located line are all under contract, and the ores of Leather Cracker Cove will probably be seen passing Hollidaysburg, on their way to the Cambria Iron Company's furnaces next fall. - U. S. R. R. and Mining Register.

CHANGE OF FIRM. - In reference to our advertising columns it will be observed that the firm of Messrs. Albright & Co., of this city has been changed to that of Mr. Henry Driver, the senior member of the firm, who will carry on the Grocery business as usual. We doubt not, in saying that the patrons of the late firm will find in Mr. H. Driver and his worthy and accommodating son, at least a strong effort to drive a successful trade. Give them a call - 7th street and 7th avenue.

NOTICE TO TRESPASSERS. - Notice is hereby given to all persons not members of the Central Pennsylvania Agricultural Society (formerly Altoona Park Association), that if found trespassing upon the grounds of the Society, without permission from a proper officer, they will be prosecuted according to law. This applies to riding, driving or loitering within the enclosure. - S. C. BAKER, President. May 24.

SPECIAL MEETING OF CITY COUNCIL. - Altoona, Pa., June 23, 1871. - Council met at 8 o'clock, P. M. and was called to order by the President.

The members present were Messrs. Anderson, Douglass, Elway, Greene, Jaggard, Kerr, Lloyd, Long, McCloskey, Ramey, Sprankle, and Jones, President - 12.

The object of the meeting being to receive the report of the City Engineer, on the surveys and estimated cost of bringing water from the several streams in the neighborhood.

City Engineer Lytle, then handed in his report. The estimates given by Mr. Lytle, were as follows:

The Engineer further reported that he had made no estimate for any extra work which might have to be done, nor for the cost of the right of way.

Mr. Anderson moved that as we have now adopted the Burgoon Run, we now adopt the survey as made by the Engineer for that stream.

On the question being called, Mr. Ramey spoke in favor of the adoption of the Juniata stream, on account, as shown by the Engineer's Report, that there is an over abundant supply of water; that the Engineer reports a purer supply of water; that the estimated cost was but $47,250.00, while the Burgoon would cost about $114,000.00.

Mr. Jaggard favored the Burgoon Run on account of his having been informed by a responsible party that the Juniata stream would not be sufficient.

Mr. Jones had also been informed that the Pennsylvania Railroad Company had abandoned the Juniata stream.

Mr. Anderson's motion being called for and the ayes and nays demanded and called, were

Ayes - Messrs. Anderson, Douglass, Jaggard, Kerr, Lloyd, Long, McCloskey, Sprankle, and Jones, President - 9.

Nays - Messrs. Elway, Greene and Ramey - 3.

So the Burgoon Run was adopted.

On motion of Mr. Ramey that (according to a resolution passed some time since,) we now refer the report of the Engineer on the estimated cost and capacity of the Water Works to some competent Engineer in Philadelphia, and have him examine the same and report to Council. Agreed to.

Mr. Kerr moved that the City invite sealed proposals for the furnishing and laying of a sufficient quantity of Pipe, for the introduction of water from Kittanning Point into the City of Altoona. Also for digging the trench or ditch to receive said pipe and filling the same, according to the plans and specifications and under the direction of the City Engineer. Proposals to be received up to July 10, 1871.

The motion was agreed to. Mr. Anderson moved that we adopt the twelve inch pipe as recommended by the City Engineer.

The motion was agreed to. On motion of Mr. Ramey that the Engineer proceed and make all the plans and specifications necessary for the work.

Agreed to.

The Engineer reported that he had made specifications for the reservoir, to be 80 in feet diameter and 20 in depth, with a capacity of 600,000 gallons.

On motion of Mr. Ramey that we adopt the specifications for the reservoir for the present.

Agreed to.

On motion of Mr. Ramey that we also invite Proposals for the digging, building and completion of the reservoir and dam, according to the plans and specifications of the Engineer. Proposals to be received until July 10, 1871.

Agreed to.

Policeman Foreman reported that he had been ordered by the Mayor not to take any cases before Alderman Durbin, and asked for instructions.

Several members spoke of cases which had been brought to the notice of the Mayor, and wherein he had taken no notice of them.

On motion of Mr. Anderson that our Policemen be authorized to take cases before any Alderman of the city, in case the Mayor refuses to take notice of them,

Agreed to.

On motion adjourned to meet on Monday Evening, July 3, at 7 1/2 o'clock. Adjourned.

NEW FIRM. - Messrs. John C. McCartney and Nevin H. Fisher have formed a co-partnership under the firm name of McCartney & Fisher, Insurance, Real Estate and Collection Agents, and are prepared to transact all business entrusted to their care with fidelity and dispatch. Their office for the present is at No. 1113 1/2 Eleventh Avenue, where they will be pleased to have their friends call upon them. They are both young gentlemen, and possess business qualifications of a high order, which only need to be pushed to the uttermost to insure a brilliant future.

MARRIED.

On the 1st inst., in Altoona, by Rev. J. B. Crist, Mr. FRANK LAW to Miss FLORA GATHERS, all of this city.

On Tuesday evening, June 20, at the residence of the bride's father, by Rev. F. B. Riddle, Mr. M. V. BOYER and Miss SALLIE E. PATTON, both of this city.

DIED.

In Hollidaysburg, on the 21st inst., IDA, daughter of the late Dr. J. F. Freeman, aged 13 years, 8 months and 4 days.

In this city, on the 23d inst., Mrs. SUSAN KEESBERY, in the 65th year of her age.

Altoona Tribune, Altoona, Pa., Wednesday, June 28, 1871, page 3