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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, July 28, 1880

COURT PROCEEDINGS.
Auditor's Reports - Election for Dean Township Ordered - Criminal Business.
MONDAY'S WORK CONTINUED.

Report of A. J. Riley, Esq., auditor appointed to report distribution of money put into court by Philip Dempsey, defendant, in No. 115, July term, 1878. Confirmed nisi.

Report of George A. Dobyne, auditor to distribute the balance in the hands of John G. Lingenfelter, trustee to sell the real estate of Charles Hughes, late of Blair township, deceased. Read and confirmed nisi.

Report of M. E. Buckley, auditor to hear and decide on exceptions to the first and final account of Sarah Elway, administratrix of James Elway, deceased. Ordered that the costs be paid out of estate yielding rents. Confirmed absolutely.

Report of H. H. Snyder, auditor to hear and determine exceptions to account of James Gavin, administrator of Bernard Gavin, deceased. Read and confirmed nisi. Exceptions filed.

Report of Martin Bell, Jr., auditor to distribute balance in the hands of J. C. Sanders and Samuel G. Rhoads, administrators of Isaac Rhoads, deceased, as shown by their second account filed. Read and confirmed nisi.

Petition of citizens of Hollidaysburg to change the place of holding the election in the Fourth ward to the house of P. Shollenberger. So ordered.

Report of the Commissioners appointed to review and return draft or plan of a proposed new township, to be called "Dean," to be erected out of portions of Allegheny and Blair townships, Blair county. Now, July 26, 1880, it is ordered that on Tuesday, the 2d day of November, prox., the election officers of Allegheny township shall hold an election at the place fixed by law for holding elections in said township, at which the qualified electors of said township and the qualified electors outside of the bounds of said township residing within the bounds of the proposed new township, to vote in the township of Blair, may vote for or against the proposed new township. Public notice of the same to be given, and the election to be held and conducted in all respects as required by the Act of Assembly, April 24, 1857, regulating the erection of new townships. - BY THE COURT.

M. Alexander, Esq., was appointed Auditor to hear and decide exceptions to final account of Mary Mell, administratrix of William Mell, deceased.

Martin Bell, Esq., was appointed auditor to hear exceptions and make distribution of the account of William P. Patton, assignee of Robert Stewart.

B. L. Hewit was appointed master to take testimony and report and frame a decree in the matter of the bill and answer in the case of John Freiland and Matilda S. Freiland, in the right of Matilda S. Freiland vs. C. Houser, Jr., and C. Houser, Sr.

Libel in divorce read and subpoena awarded in favor of Lizzie McMurtrie.

Libel in divorce read and subpoena awarded in favor of Susan McFarlane.

Petition of Louisa Jones for a rule to show cause why a mandamus should not issue to compel the city of Altoona to pay the damages and interest assessed for opening Fifteenth avenue. Rule returnable at Argument Court.

Commonwealth vs. Nathan Brown. Indictment - Assault and battery. Grand jury returned a true bill. Defendant pleads guilty and submits, and the same day sentenced to pay a fine of five dollars and cost of prosecution, and to stand committed until the sentence is complied with.

Commonwealth vs. Michael Krummell. Indict - Fornication and bastardy. Continued to next session. Child not born, and the defendant and P. Krummell, each enter the sum of $500, conditioned for the appearance of the defendant at the next sessions.

Commonwealth vs. Moses Stonerook. Indictment - Fornication and bastardy. On motion of the District Attorney continued to the next sessions. Child not born, and the defendant ordered to enter into recognizance in the sum of $500, conditioned for his appearance at the next sessions.

Commonwealth vs. William F. Smith. Same.

Commonwealth vs. Royer J. Meyers. Same.

Commonwealth vs. John Mulholland. Same.

Commonwealth vs. Blair Boyles. Same.

TUESDAY.

Court was called at 9 o'clock A. M.

Commonwealth vs. Frank Ward and Alfred M. McLaughlin. Indictment - Larceny. On motion of District Attorney and by leave of the court a nolle pros. was granted upon the payment of costs by defendant.

Commonwealth vs. Michael McCullough and Peter Dumm. Oyer and Terminer. Indictment - Arson. The prosecution charge that on the fourteenth day of February last the defendants went to the borough of Newry with an old sheet iron stove, some shavings or sawdust and a can of coal oil, in a one-horse wagon, and having rented a house from one Adam Wentzel, entered the house and in a short time afterward smoke and flames were seen issuing, and the building was entirely destroyed. To verify this statement a number of witnesses were called on the part of the Commonwealth, among whom were Mrs. Rebecca Wentzel, Miss Bessie Wentzel, Henry McIntosh, James Conrad, William Hoover, Augustin Plempel, Albert Shultz, Mrs. Schultz, James Conrad, Jr., Francis McCoy. Charles Beegle, Bessie Wentzel - recalled. A. F. Kerr, Charles Helsel, Daniel Piper, Mrs. Shultz - recalled. Lewis Wentzel, Jacob Tinklepaugh - recalled. John Campbell, Robert Shultz, Henry McIntosh - recalled. Dr. Beegle, Solomon Langam. Commonwealth rests.

Defense open their case through Mr. B. L. Hewit in a flat denial of the averments and evidence made by the Commonwealth, and state that they will satisfactorily show that whereabouts of McCullough and Dumm at any and all times during the afternoon of the 14th of February; that it was a legitimate business they were following; that Dumm, being a carpenter and painter and "Jack of all trades," purchased or leased sewing machines from Mr. Alexander, and that he would open an office in Newry and trade or sell as opportunity offered. The following witnesses substantiated the opening for the defense: Edward Emick, Conrad Glaub and Jacob Dumm. Peter Dumm was called and objected to, because in all cases of Oyer and Terminer exclusively the defendant is by act of Assembly precluded from giving evidence. William Dunn, James McLaughlin, John Burket, John Nagley, Peter Teats, W. H. Marshall, A. F. Kerr, George Dumm, Mrs. Wentzell, Adam Wentzell.

Defense rests.

Prosecutor calls by way of rebuttal, Jonas Ansman, Charles Hughes.

After instructions to the Constables, with reference to the jury, court adjourned until to-morrow morning at 9 o'clock.

Two arguments on each side will be made in the morning, and occupy from the calling of court until noon, as the gentlemen interested will take all night, or nearly so, to arrange their arguments, which promise to be fine legal efforts.

Commonwealth vs. Samuel Loop. Indictment - Carrying concealed weapons. Not a true bill, and Chief Powell sentenced to pay the costs. Sentenced accordingly.

HOLLIDAYSBURG HAPPENINGS.
A Female Fight - Darby Kays Moves to Altoona - Matrimonial.

Several arrests were made yesterday by one constable.

We are informed that a movement is being made by the farmers to organize another agricultural society in Blair county, and hold a fair this fall in either Hollidaysburg or Martinsburg.

A child's solid gold neckchain, with a blue enameled locket attached, was lost in the vicinity of the Gaysport bridge on Saturday night. The finder will confer a favor by leaving it at the postoffice.

Yesterday George Fay, Judge Stewart, Dr. McCamey, John and Charley McKiernan, Benjamin Hewit, Dondy Shinafelt and other Williamsburgers, were hunting fin the three-mile dam for that keg of gold.

A large drove of town cows interviewed farmer McCahan's cornfield on Tuesday night. From the complacent looks next morning we would judge that they were well pleased with both the quality and quantity of the roasting ears.

Yesterday Rev. Rodgers, of the Zion Methodist Episcopal Church, baptized four more members of his church in the Juniata river at Dell Delight - Mr. William Brown and three females, one of which, a Miss Susan Lewis, would weigh fully three hundred pounds. A very few persons were present to witness the ceremony.

KILKENNY CATS.

On Monday night two females met on the sidewalk near the Logan House and after a few preliminary remarks engaged in a well-fought battle in which hair, skin, blood and calico got terribly mixed. Persons who witnessed the fight said that both young women were game, and exhibited superior skill and a disregard for punishment that would have been envied by a male prize fighter. The combatants were parted and another set to is expected.

ANOTHER OF OUR PROMINENT CITIZENS MOVES OVER THE HILL.

Yesterday Mr. Darby Kays pulled up stakes in the old town and moved to your city. Mr. Kays although the last is certainly not the least of the three hundred of our enterprising citizens who go to make up the twenty thousand inhabitants of the young mountain city. On Monday a little accident happened at Darby's house that came near changing all his future plans. We recommend Mr. Kays and his good lady to the favorable consideration of the citizens of Altoona, and our only wish is that they may find in their new home all the encouragement and joy that their fondest anticipation could picture or desire.

LINN GOES TO WIN.

Linn Brua, the lightning dry goods clerk in Law's Williamsburg branch store, departed east on Tuesday morning's train. We are told it is Mr. Brua's determination to stop at Huntingdon, where he will be "joined" by a fair partner who will accompany him during his swing around life's circle. The first objective point of the twain will be Saratoga, then Long Branch, from there to Watkin's Glen, Niagara Falls and home, where a grand reception supper will be given by Mr. John Law, after which they will get down to business. In the meantime the store has been placed in charge of Miss Julia Ditting, one of Mr. Law's lady clerks, noted for the pleasant and lady-like manner she receives all classes of customers and the superior ability or knack which she has to sell them goods.

WILLIAMSBURG WAIFS.
Much Sickness Prevailing - Personal and Otherwise.

Mr. David Klepser and family of Martinsburg, are visiting friends in the village.

Much sickness prevails in this community but it is not confined to any particular disease. More old persons have died recently than for the same length of time for a long while, and many more are lying seriously ill.

A WELCOME VISITOR.

Mrs. Mary Streamer Lewis, an old-time resident of Williamsburg, is visiting her numerous friends in this place. Few persons there are who do not remember the kind heart and gentle ministration of this truly good woman. Like a Sister of Charity, she has carried joy into many a household. Her presence was as welcome to the many homes here as flowers in May. May she dwell long with us, and her shadow never grow less.

Morning Tribune, Altoona, Pa., Wednesday, July 28, 1880, page 3

CITY AND COUNTRY.
Things Briefly Told.

Eight car loads of immigrants took their way westward yesterday.

Amie Vide, daughter of Frank Waring, of Tyrone, died last Friday.

Company D indulged in a street parade last night. Twenty-seven members turned out.

The Altoona City Band will give one of its lawn concerts at the Logan House on Thursday evening of this week.

Josh Baker, clerk at the St. Cloud Hotel, Philadelphia, and a first rate fellow, was stopping at the Logan House last night.

A letter addressed to Mrs. Ann Murphy was found on the street yesterday evening. The person can get the same by inquiring at the postoffice.

The shopmen's excursion will leave Altoona for Atlantic City on the night of August 13 and will be accompanied by the Altoona City Band.

At a meeting of the Vigilant Fire Company on Monday night Mr. Frank Molloy was elected President, vice William H. Johnson, resigned.

The case of Morgan against William Allen, charged with assault and battery, was settled before Alderman Blake by the defendant paying the costs.

Mrs. Annie, wife of Archie McDonald, of Tyrone, died last Friday of cancer in the breast, after months of severe suffering, in the 25th year of her age.

The next Senator, D. P. Ray, of Tyrone, not having a sufficient supply of water for his big tannery, is putting in a large pump to draw it from the river.

Pennsylvania railroad engineers are making surveys in two ravines north of the city a short distance, looking to the location of the proposed new city reservoir.

A sensational story started about a stray dead baby in the Fifth ward yesterday afternoon. It was originated by a doctor but didn't turn out worth a cent as a sell.

Quite a number of Pittsburgh physicians were on fast line east this morning, bound for Philadelphia to attend the funeral of Herring, the father of homeopathy.

Rev. H. A. Thompson, D. D., of Westerville, Ohio, and the Prohibition candidate for Vice President, was in the city yesterday. He is the President of Otterbein University.

On Monday afternoon as Jacob Hengling was driving a wagon loaded with stone down the mountain through the "Kettle," his wagon broke throwing him out and crushing him badly.

Daniel Hight, of Roaring Spring, has, through the efforts of Agent Nicewonger, had his pension increased from $8 to $10 per month. Mr. Hight was a member of Company C., 200th Pennsylvania Volunteers.

On Monday night a horse belonging to an ice-cream peddler ran away at the Ninth street crossing, breaking the wagon and spilling the ice- cream. Dominic O'Kline fixed him up and he started on his way rejoicing.

The man who mixes mortar on Eleventh avenue, near Sixteenth street, splashes it around entirely too promiscuously. He ruined a coat for a gentleman who was passing that way yesterday afternoon.

Mr. John A. Reynolds has removed his steam saw mill to the Mulhollem tract of timber, near Blair Furnace, and is now ready to commence operations. Mr. Chas. Hensel, of this city, has contracted to do the work for Mr. Reynolds.

Captain Mike Quartz, conductor on the Pennsylvania railroad, has been confined to his home at Cresson for a week past with congestion of the brain. For a time his condition was considered very precarious but we understand he is now convalescing.

The engineer who examined the topography of Kittanning Point on Monday estimated that the cost of putting in a new reservoir there would not be less than $25,000. Yet the Council Committee say the cost will be about $14,000. Why deceive the taxpayers?

Mr. John Points, who has been employed in the railroad shops for some time past, has returned to his home in Graysville, Huntingdon county, to remain permanently. Mr. Points is an excellent workman and a very clever gentleman, and we wish him and his pleasant family every prosperity.

On Monday the lightning started the telephone bells to ringing. Jack S. didn't like the music, and to shut if off just tried to pull out the bell hammer and plug up a hole, but it didn't come. Then he threw the telephone down on the desk and thought himself secure against any attack from the electric fluid.

The Seventeenth Street Sewer.

Work is progressing very satisfactorily on the Seventeenth street sewer and it is now about two-thirds completed. The sewer is being sunk quite deep and averages near ten feet. As all the people were never suited, so it is in this case. Some of the people are complaining of having to dig down too deep to get their drains into it.

Political Notes.

The Sixth ward Republicans are very active and have a tremendous club in working order. They are building a wigwam at Eighth avenue and Twentieth street, and will soon be ready to get into it. There are 145 voters on the roll, 100 of whom are equipped. They meet every Friday night.

The Eighth ward Republicans are getting into shape and will in a few days organize a campaign club. They are anxious to poll a heavy vote and show what the ward can do in November. All those wishing to join the club can do so by calling on George Burket, Sixth avenue, and signing the roll.

The Third ward Republican club held a meeting last night in the Opera House. There was quite a good attendance, including a number of Fifth ward Republicans. The Fifth ward men who were present were in favor of joining the Third word, according to invitation, and a meeting will be held in a few days to decide upon it. The committee on naturalization was instructed to bring all persons desiring to be naturalized to Hollidaysburg this week, as it will likely be the last opportunity they will have before election. The following gentlemen were named as members of the Executive Committee, with instructions to make a canvass of the entire ward immediately, and each was assigned a district: Tenth avenue from the Globe Hotel west, Evan Powell and Ed. Mountney; from the Globe Hotel east, W. S. Humes. Eleventh avenue - east side, W. D. Couch; west side, W. L. Woodcock. Twelfth avenue - east side, William Kemp; west side, W. H. Glenn. Thirteenth avenue - east side, W. H. Glenn. Thirteenth avenue - east side, Levi Knott; west side, W. S. Arble. Fourteenth avenue - east side, S. Raible; west side, Charles Garden. All north of Fourteenth avenue - G. L. Myers, C. E. Applebaugh, Mr. Kephart, W. Monroe Ake, Harry Perchey. Smithtown, G. W. Amheiser.

A Demented Man's Wanderings.

On Monday night a fellow named Fred. Richter, who has been slightly demented, passed through Altoona on his way from Allegheny City to Bedford. In some way he became confused and got off the train at Huntingdon. Last evening he came from there to Altoona on fast line. He left the train here, and when he started to go on again it had pulled out. He was much disappointed, and told the gatekeeper he would not wait until the next train but would walk over the mountain. In a short time his brother came after him, and was hunting him all along the line. He got on his track at a late hour, and finally found him in the Rising Sun Hotel.

Miss Burkett's Assailants. Miss Burkett, of Somerset county, who was abducted and outraged by the circus men, recognized twelve of her beastly assailants in an examination at Greensburg on Monday. The names of the parties are D. C. Melville, M. I. Morton, James Parsons, Jefferson Baker, Vick Burton, Scott Ferguson, William Wilson, Jesse Burton, John Manior, Philip Porhie, Frank Peniman and James Harrington. They were taken in custody by the Sheriff of Somerset county and yesterday transferred to the Somerset jail. These brutal scoundrels will doubtless get a taste of justice from the "frosty sons" of Somerset.

Funeral of 'Squire Owens.

On Monday morning the venerable 'Squire Owens, of Birmingham, was carried to his last resting place by eight of his elderly friends. One of the largest funeral processions ever in that part of the county followed the remains of the old-time resident to his grave. Funeral discourses were preached by Dr. Moore, of Tyrone; Dr. Barron, of Hollidaysburg, and Dr. Wilson, a former pastor, of Birmingham. Nearly all the old farmers and very many relatives from the country within ten miles around were present.

Commissions Received.

Colonel Burchfield, of the Fifth regiment, has received the commissions for the following officers from the headquarters of the Fourth brigade: For Captain, Amos Mullen; First Lieutenant, Henry S. Hale, all of Company B, of Bellefonte; Captain, John L. Piper, Company D, of Altoona; Second Lieutenant, Edwin T. Carswell, of Company H, Johnstown.

A Child Without Eyeballs.

The Tyrone Times says that Mrs. Robison, of Warriorsmark, Huntingdon county, is the mother of a little son, now about 7 months old, born without eyeballs. The child, as a matter of course, is entirely blind, but cheerful, happy and beautiful to look upon. It is physically perfect in every other respect and looks like a child asleep, its eyelids being closed, but perfect.

A Wretched Snarl.

From the Standard.
The Altoona members of the committee then took up about a half hour of the committee's time by a discussion of their private differences. They have got into a wretched snarl in Altoona, and all because the Democratic masses of that city have relegated the management of their affairs to a set of persons with more ambition than brains, and with more greed than all other qualities combined.

At the Mayor's Office.

The two runaway Philadelphia newsboys were kept in the lock-up yesterday and in the evening were shipped to Philadelphia on charity passes. They were very glad to get away.

The Hollidaysburg man who was arrested for drunkenness on Monday night was fined all the money he had, two dollars, and was then released.

DEMOCRATIC HARMONY.
An Invitation to Step Down and Out, or Be Squelched Out.

From the Standard.

If Thomas H. Greevy and H. H. Herr and John A. Doyle and George W. Good cannot sink their private difficulties and agree to work together, on the one platform, it is their clear duty to step down and out, and to let other men conduct the campaign. There are numbers of good Democrats in Altoona who are equal to the task, and if would-be leaders will not see that party interests are above personal interests, let some of these be called to the front. But we think that the prominent Democrats of Altoona are beginning to see through the cunning tactics of the TRIBUNE, and that they will no longer permit themselves to be used to rake Republican chestnuts out of the fire. The TRIBUNE has a right to do as it is doing. It is a Republican paper. As such, it is doing all it can to break up the Democratic party, and one of its methods is to get Democrats to help it. Why should Democrats be guilty of calling each other hard names? Why should members of the same party, like school children, be bawling at each other "Syndicate," "Herr ring," "Greevy ring," etc. It is contemptible. The Democrats of Altoona ought to hold a grand mass meeting, call some man from the ranks to the chair, resolve to discountenance all childish squabbles, and to hold no more political association hereafter with men who stand ready to assassinate their fellow Democrats. The time is here when they should put away childish things.

The Coal Trade.

The Pottsville Miners' Journal says: "The state of the anthracite coal trade at present may be described as an expectant one. Dealers are expecting higher prices, operators are expecting a brisk fall trade, miners are expecting a return to full time work after the first of August, and everybody is expecting something to turn up. As yet nothing has turned up except the usual crop of rumors, and as they fix nothing and are worth nothing, it is useless to repeat them. The trade, however, is gradually stiffening, as the policy of restricting production is having its legitimate result, and consumers who have neglected to stock their coal bins during the slack times will have a loss to figure up unless they fill their orders very soon. Full time for August is talked of, and though no definite programme has been arranged for that month, there will be much disappointment if a continuance of the restrictive policy is ordered. It is difficult to see the necessity of continuing the present arrangement during another month, notwithstanding that the stock at shipping has increased 125,180 tons since the first of the month. August is the month that begins the fall season, and the total amount now at shipping points - about 90,000 tons - will soon be absorbed should the fall trade become at all brisk."

Bennington Correspondent Take Notice.

From the Standard.
If the Bennington correspondent of the TRIBUNE desires to have a temperance meeting at Bennington let him secure a house, make the preliminary arrangements and then notify any temperance worker in Blair county "that all things are ready." "Mr. W. H. Schwartz" has no "temperance lecturers" on hand, and he is not in the habit of going or sending where he is not invited. He has a profound contempt for strolling temperance lecturers, believing that one such does more harm than a half dozen bar-rooms.

The Original Settlers of Birmingham.

The original settlers of Birmingham, in Huntingdon county, have nearly all passed away. The venerable Mr. Owens who was buried on Monday was one of the last three who saw the site of the town when it was a howling wilderness, and settled on it. John Copley, aged 82 years, and James Thompson, aged 90 years, are the two sole survivors. Although both are far past the allotted three score and ten years they are yet hearty men and look to be good for years to come.

The Logan House Concerts.

Below will be found the programme prepared by the Logan House quartette under the leadership of Mr. Praetorious. Exercises will begin at 11:30 A. M.:

1. Wedding Marche, Mendelsohn
2. Overture - "Poet and Peasant," Suppe
3. Paraphrase - "Loreley," Nesvadba
4. Selection - "Martha," Flotow
5. Waltz - "Sounds from Vienna," Strauss
6. Selection - "William Tell," Rossini
7. Gavotte - "L. Ingenue," Arditi
8. Galop - "Indish Mail," Lamothe

The Fourth Ward School House.

EDS. TRIBUNE: I wish to say a word in regard to the Fourth ward school house, which has been condemned as unsafe. Our citizens are not all of the same opinion in believing it unsound. An examination of the building by Messrs. Dysart, Plack and Marshall and a number of others has convinced these gentlemen that the building is amply sufficient and will be entirely safe for the next thirty years. If the building is solid it would be a needless expense on the taxpayers to tear it down. Yours, C.

Morning Tribune, Altoona, Pa., Wednesday, July 28, 1880, page 4