Blair County PAGenWeb

Blair County Newspaper Articles

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

Items from The Altoona Tribune, Altoona, Pa.,

Friday, January 3, 1890

THEY WENT WEST.
One Result of an Advertisement in a Matrimonial Journal.

Special to the TRIBUNE.
HUNTINGDON, Pa., January 2, - Saxton, Bedford county was the scene of a very singular elopement to-day, the principals of which can be compared to a union of snowy December with smiling May. About two weeks ago Miss Mamie Reed, of Trough Creek Valley, this county, left her home with a view of visiting the family of her uncle, Mr. D. H. White, who resides in Saxton. Miss Reed had often paid her respects in this manner to her relatives before, but on this occasion, as the sequel will show, her visit was specially planned with another object in view.

There arrived in this place yesterday morning a rather distinguished looking gentleman who registered as Isaac D. Baker. It was subsequently learned incidentally that his residence is in Kansas and that he is a prosperous farmer. This morning he took the south bound train on the Huntingdon and Broad Top railroad for Saxton, Bedford county. There he was clandestinely met by Miss Reed, and after a few hurried remarks at the depot, the two separated to meet at the same place again when the north bound train steamed up to the station. The two then boarded the train, each occupying separate cars until the train was nearing this place, when the gentleman went into the car that contained the tender object of his long eastern journey.

The appearance and deportment of the couple gave no rise to suspicion on the part of any of the depot officials that they were other than father and daughter. After lingering about the ladies' waiting room at the depot until mail arrived, they procured tickets to Altoona and boarded that train. A few hours afterward Chief of Police Graham, of this place, received a telegram from Mr. D. H. White, of Saxton, giving a minute description of the elopers and requesting that they be apprehended. As the message arrived too late Chief Graham could do no more than regret the dilatoriness of the avenging uncle in sending the telegram. Mr. Baker is 75 years of age, while his companion has seen only 17 summers.

The manner in which the two were drawn together is as novel as their elopement itself. Two or three months ago Mr. Baker had an advertisement inserted in a matrimonial journal soliciting the correspondence of some young lady with the ultimate object of marriage. This advertisement was seen by Miss Reed, who at once answered it, and since then a constant interchange of letters has been kept up between the two. It is understood that, owing to the vigilance exercised by Miss Reed's parents over her, it was at the suggestion of Mr. Baker that an elopement should be attempted. The result of that suggestion has already been told. It is believed the objective point of the elopers is Mr. Baker's rural home in Kansas. Telegrams have been sent ahead asking that the couple be apprehended.

Altoona Tribune, Altoona, Pa., Friday, January 3, 1890, page 1

HOLLIDAYSBURG HAPPENINGS.

Water rents are now due and must be paid before the 10th and all delinquents on that day will be cut off.

An elegant supper will be served this evening in the opera house by the Ladies' Aid society of the Grand Army of the Republic. Everybody who can enjoy a good, square meal should go there this evening.

It always gives pleasure to not only hear of the success and prosperity of a Hollidaysburg boy, but to hear a leading newspaper speak approvingly of him. The Daily (Nashville, Tenn.,) American of a recent date has this to say regarding our townsman, Mr. J. Craig McLanahan, and his thriving mining industry in Lawrence county, Tenn.: "The Lawrence ore banks now being operated at Pinkney, Tenn., under the management of J. Craig McLanahan, does an extensive business. From 800 to 1,000 tons of ore is daily unearthed, and steady employment is given to 250 hands. Ore is shipped at the rate of fifty cars per day to Hattie Ensley company, Sheffield; Sheffield and Birmingham Coal, Iron and Railway company, North Alabama Furnace, Foundry and Land company. Two steam shovels failing to come up to requirements a third has been ordered soon to be put into operation."

The funeral of the late Murray Manning, which occurred yesterday morning at 10 o'clock, was very largely attended, perhaps the largest funeral of any young man who ever died in Hollidaysburg. The circumstances causing the death were so shocking and the profound sympathy which went out from every head to the grief stricken parents of the deceased, will in a great measure account for this unusual interest. The casket which contained the precious remains were born to St. Mary's church, under the care of the Emerald society, of which deceased was a worthy member and who, as a tribute to the memory of their dead brother, had placed thereon a large and handsomely wrought floral harp, the emblem of the order. After the celebration at the church of a mass of requiem, the pastor, Rev. Father Donnelly, pronounced an appropriate funeral address, in which he paid a glowing tribute to the memory of the young man, who was thus cut off in the morning of life and ushered without warning into eternity. At the conclusion the remains were followed to the tomb by a large concourse of friends.

Married.

BATHURST - REIGH. - At the residence of the bride's parents, Sabbath Rest, January 1, 1890, by Rev. S. F. Forgeus, Mr. John Bathurst and Miss Bessie Reigh.

FROM THE RICHLANDS.

Frank and Johnny Kopp are "batching" on the old Kopp place. Get married, boys.

The district institute that met at Ashville on the 21st ult. was a general success. Cambria county appears to be waking up on common school matters.

Ashville is considered out this way a big bung-hole. The man that goes through there without getting full is considered as having run the gauntlet.

Giving and receiving gifts took up a great portion of the time of Tuesday afternoon at the Dysart school, which was fully appreciated by the teacher and scholars.

Little Jimmy Kingston came very near his death by letting an ax slip off his shoulder and cutting a deep gash along his neck. While the blood was spurting out and the rest of the children around crying, Jimmy exhorted them to keep quiet lest they'd scare his mamma. He has been one of our most regular scholars. He is about 8 years old.

Young Will Pierson, by far the best hunter in these parts, has been visiting his parents at Dysart. He caught a rabbit after arriving in a peculiar way. It holed along side a spring run, and not having time to go for a mattock to dig it out, he damned up the water and "splash dammed" the little fellow out of his burrow. He left for Washington county Thursday morning, where he is engaged on a newspaper.

A new comer to Dysart had his "flitting" upset into creek while crossing and they had a terrible time getting the goods out. Jim Grove said he wouldn't charge him any thing for the hauling of them. After that almost anything is liable to take place out this way. We positively heard a man the other day instructing children in his charge in relation to keeping secret sins that a man once who did so died and was buried and they had to bury him three times before he'd stay and the last time he came up he was on fire and out of the fire came a voice saying, there was one sin I never repented of.

When we noticed that the Blair County Teachers' association met again we let our mind run away back into the sixties when we took part in the institute as a pedagogue. It was simply an organization twenty-eight years ago. We doubt whether there is a teacher belonging now who did then. Many of our nearest teacher associates have passed over the river. Among them were J. Ginten Causmean, Professor John Miller, William M. Gwin, A. C. and J. C. McCartney, brother and cousin, Miss Kate E. Gwin, Miss McCormick, Levi Lewis and others whom time and space forbids to mention. Our soul desire was for the advancement of the institute and it is stronger now than ever.

Altoona Tribune, Altoona, Pa., Friday, January 3, 1890, page 3

Local Brevities

The outlook for 1890 for Altoona is one of prosperity.

All the passenger trains made good time yesterday. There were no wrecks. The holidays being over affairs will now settle down to their ordinary tenor.

Miss Jessie Devine, of Johnstown, is visiting her friend, Miss Nadie Coho, of Eighth avenue.

Miss B. M. Hare, of Chestnut avenue, who has been visiting her many friends in Williamsburg, during the past week, returned to her home here last evening.

The lowering of the sidewalk and the putting in of a crossing on the upper side of Eighth street, between Seventh and Eighth avenues, is a decided improvement.

In the list of officers of Washington camp No. 31, Patriotic Order Sons of America, recently printed in these columns, the name of Assistant Secretary C. D. Jennison was inadvertently omitted..

Having made a start in 1889 in the way of street paving the Mountain City should not allow any retrograde movement the coming season. Not only the avenues but many of the cross streets should be paved.

The regular monthly meeting of the members of the Altoona board of trade will be held this evening at 8 o'clock in the building association room of Woodcock's Arcade. Every member should attend.

Died on Wednesday morning, Albert, son of George and Maggie Wible, aged 1 year, 7 months and 18 days, of diphtheria. The funeral took place from their residence, 602 Second avenue, at 9 o'clock yesterday morning.

The funeral of Mr. Michael McCabe will leave his late residence, No. 1503 Eleventh avenue, this morning at half-past 8 o'clock, and proceed to St. John's church, where services will be held. Interment in Oak Ridge cemetery.

The funeral of Joseph N., son of Henry and Kate Fettinger, will take place from the parents' home, No. 1230 Seventh avenue, tomorrow afternoon at 2 o'clock, and will be conducted privately, only the relatives being expected in attendance. Interment in Fairview cemetery.

The announcement of Isaac N. Atherton as a candidate for the republican nomination for city treasurer will be found elsewhere. Mr. Atherton is a good citizen and a popular one, and if he is nominated will be elected and will administer the office with courtesy and exceptional ability.

The funeral of Andrew Lingenfelter will take place from his late home at Burket's Station at 3 o'clock this afternoon, to proceed to Hutchinson's cemetery, where the interment will be made. The 1.50 train from this city will stop at Burket's and all who attend the funeral from this city can return on the 5.55 p. m. train.

C. B. Clark, esq., returned last evening from a holiday visit to his brother in Warren, Ohio, and other relatives there and in Pittsburgh. He brought with him as a memento of the otherwise pleasant trip that very popular Russian malady with a French name, "la grippe," which he reports as being quite prevalent in that vicinity.

Johnstown Tribune: Mr. Jacob Young, the Clinton street jeweler, left this city on Philadelphia express at 7.16 last evening for Altoona to attend the entertainment to be given there by the Elks. Owing to the wreck on the eastern side of the mountain his train did not reach Altoona until about 5.30 this morning, hence he was not present at the entertainment.

Charles C., the bright and promising son of Mr. and Mrs. Lloyd Young, residing at 1516 Third avenue, died yesterday of membraneous croup. Although but 6 years and 5 months old, he bore up through untold suffering and agony with a courage that was truly heroic, and in some moments would converse rationally to the sorrowing friends around his dying bed. The bereaved parents have the heartfelt sympathy of their many friends. Funeral service at 2 o'clock this afternoon. Interment in Oak Ridge cemetery.

Letters held at the postoffice: Improperly addressed - H. B. Caldwell, 703 Eighth avenue; Conrad Glaub, Sixth avenue and Fourteenth street; Mrs. James Adams, 402 Fifth avenue; Mrs. A. Thompson, 1222 Seventh avenue; G. Harry Hooper, 119 Sixth avenue; H. J. Fleck, Sixth avenue and Fourth street; Mr. McNamara, 1816 Twelfth avenue; William Rickenbaugh, 1719 Sixth avenue; Miss Roxie Coleman, 1301 Eleventh avenue; Will Brown, 1406 Tenth avenue; Thomas Fenton, 1004 1/2 Eleventh avenue; E. H. Harding, 608 Eleventh avenue; William Fasick, 1415 avenue. For postage - Mrs. Allie Forney, Saxton, Pa; Rymond [Raymond?] Campbell, Middletown, Pa.; W. C. Plummer, Columbus, Ohio; O. B. Strunk, Curwensville, Pa.

Installation of Officers.

In the rooms of post 62 Grand Army of the Republic last evening, the following officers were installed by Comrade William B. Keller and James S. Ashbridge, of post 30, Johnstown: Post commander, Henry Painter; senior vice commander, Adam Leake; junior vice commander, H. T. McClellan; adjutant, E. C. Applebaugh; quartermaster, Theodore Renner; officer of the day, W. H. Conroy; officer of the guard, Samuel Sager; chaplain, Henry Yon; surgeon, W. D. Hall, M. D.; sergeant major, Jacob Walters; quartermaster sergeant, J. L. Machlin.

IN THE WEST END.
A New Bridge to be Erected by the Railroad Company.

The big cut on the line of the Pennsylvania railroad just west of BO office, at Twenty-fourth street, has been so enlarged during the past year as to admit to two more tracks being laid there. This improvement has been rendered necessary because of the great increase in traffic. When these tracks have been laid there will be ample use for them.

Grading is now being done preparatory to the erection of a new bridge over the tracks of the main line between Twenty-fourth and Twenty-fifth. The bridge will extend across the big cut and will be built on the style of the Seventeenth street bridge and will have a roadway, and also passages for pedestrians. The erection of this bridge will render the Twenty-fourth street crossing unnecessary and it will eventually be closed. This will remove the last grade crossing on the main line within the city limits, as with the completion of the proposed bridge the road will be crossed above the tracks at Seventh, Seventeenth and Twenty-fourth streets, with foot bridges at Fourth, Ninth and Twelfth.

At Twenty-fourth street on the lower side of the main line and just east of the BO office weigh scales are to be erected by the company, and much of the weighing of cars now done on the scales opposite Thirteenth street will be done at the new ones.

Persons who have not visited the vicinity of Twenty-fourth street within the past year will be surprised when they do take a walk that way at the great amount of excavation which was required in order to widen the big cut. Embankments have been made of the material taken out which tends to enlarge the area which can be used by the company for additional tracks. There is no better way to measure the increase of traffic on the road than to take a glance at the enlargement of the yards below Fourth street and above Eighteenth.

Officers Prince Arthur Castle A.O. K. M. C.

At the regular meeting of Prince Arthur castle No. 138, Knights of the Mystic Chain, held last evening the officers for the current term were installed by District Deputy Select Commander George R. Major. Following is a complete list of the officers for the term: Chaplain, Sanford Dillon; past commander, John Benner; commander, A. J. Hesser; vice commander, John Valentine; first lieutenant, J. E. Westover; recording scribe, W. H. Schwartz; assistant recording scribe, J. Breckbill; financial scribe, O. D. Brubaker; treasurer, W. P. McCune; chief of staff, H. E. Weiss; assistant chief of staff, Harry Stover; inside guard, H. F. Bailey; outside guard, W. W. Reddig; trustees, J. E. Westover, S. W. Tennis, P. B. Dillon; representative, W. H. Schwartz; alternate, Scott Crissman.

TYRONE TOPICS.

Rev. George, Leidy, at the Methodist parsonage, said the pleasant words yesterday afternoon uniting in the bonds of matrimony Miss Martha S. Welsh and Lewis K. McCullough, both of Clearfield.

Mrs. J. C. Wilson, nee Livingston, with her four children who have been visiting friends in this section for a few months past, will leave this morning for her home at Monangon, Dickey county, North Dakota.

A new and much needed floor is being placed on the bridge which crosses Bald Eagle creek on Juniata street. This bridge should be elevated to the extent of at least eighteen inches and thereby make a safer and better roadway.

A black ebony cane, a gift from his shop mates in Altoona shops, was left in the ticket office in Altoona Thursday afternoon. The cane is marked M. K. Howe. A reward will be given for return of same to M. K. Howe, Tyrone, Pa.

The Empire hotel bus, James Spangler, manager, will deliver passengers and baggage from and to the station to any part of town at moderate rates. Telephone communications or orders can be left at the Empire house. Will conveniently seat fourteen persons.

Gilbert Lloyd Owens, who with his wife, has been spending his Christmas holidays in the city of Brotherly Love, returned home on New Year's day, leaving his better half alone to follow after, who is in good hands suffering from a slight attack of "la grippe" which, however, has not yet reached us to any alarming extent.

How shall we look when we grow old? Respectfully referred to Frederick Annanias Harris. After he has secured an even pathway to his home, without plotting in darkness, politically speaking or otherwise, he has given evidence of good sense by refraining from attendance at the polls since his defeat for postmaster.

The proprietor of the Empire house and his clerk are laid up, and also the proprietor of the Keystone hotel, with a disease resembling la grippe, which in ordinary cases would be pronounced a severe cold with its concomitant surroundings. Our humid atmosphere of the past few months, without proper care being taken, may have a large say in the resulting causes.

Tyrone council will meet this afternoon at 1 o'clock to inspect the grading of Henry street. They should extend their examinations to the west end of Washington avenue, where more of their live constituents reside. The greater benefits should be extended to those who can hear and see - all respect for the dead and gone - but those living should receive some consideration.

Robert Speer, son of R. Milton Speer, esq., a leading attorney of Huntingdon, will lecture in the First Presbyterian church, Logan and Clearfield streets, this evening at 7.45 o'clock; subject, "Foreign Missions." Mr. Speer is an able and fluent speaker and has given much time and thought upon the subject of his lecture. All should go and hear him. We are informed that he is preparing himself and will devote his life to this work and will shortly leave for Africa, where he expects to make his future home.

No more live, awake, up-and-go-at-it citizen exists in this best- laid-out town, superficially speaking, than A. G. Morris. He does not wait for the poking process of a town council for the betterment of our highways, but has a keen eye to what is practically needed in the way of repairs, and at his own expense fixes up in a durable manner the streets adjoining his properties, which could be profited by our public authorities and many of our citizens if they were only so disposed to enhance the value of the surroundings. Don't you think?

TEACHERS' INSTITUTE.
Some Interesting Discussions Were Had Yesterday.

Special to the TRIBUNE.
HOLLIDAYSBURG, January 2. - Last evening's lecture, delivered by Russell H. Conwell, was indeed a treat of rare occurrence. So well advertised and so much was expected that we almost feared some persons might be disappointed, but this was not the case. Never in the recollection of the writer has a lecturer had such an audience in the court room. For the space of two hours Rev. Conwell held his audience on "Acres of Diamonds," and all were sorry when he closed. Diamonds lie all about us and we should content ourselves with working in the sphere in which we are placed, not leaving the duties near us and trying to grasp those things which are beyond our reach, not leaving a certainty for an uncertainty. The lecture was full of good and useful lessons, teaching us that our happiness lies in the amount of good we do for others.

Miss Annie Gibson, of Muncy, entertained the audience previous to the lecture with some very excellent singing.

Teachers' meeting was called to order at 8.30 this morning and after the singing of "America" and the reading of the minutes of the previous meeting, the discussions of topics left over from yesterday's session were resumed. "The Bible in the Public Schools" was discussed by Messrs. Walters, Seedenburg and others. The subject of "Monthly Examinations" called forth remarks from Captain Cassidy, W. B. Morrow, P. E. Kerlin, H. Stonebraker, Miss Owens, Dr. Graff, Professor Albert, Professor Pinkerton and others. Motion prevailed for the continuance of the subject of "Examinations" and that the meeting be opened at 8.15.

The hour having arrived for the opening of the regular session of institute, the choir sang "Ever Will I Pray," and Professor Albert conducted the opening exercises, after which the minutes were read and approved. This being directors' day, the chairman of the Directors' association was introduced, who made a brief statement calling all the directors to the arbitration room.

M. S. Smith was next called for on the subject of "Responsibility of the Teachers." The paper was well received by the institute. The gentleman said that the teacher's responsibility did not end with teaching the pupils of that which pertains to life alone. Future America looks to the teachers of the public schools.

Singing by the institute was followed by W. R. Vaughan on the subject of "Grammar."

Dr. Groff then took up the subject of "Physiology," confining his remarks chiefly to the brain. With a model of the human brain before him, he described the nervous system, speaking on the convolutions of the brain and its work. He said that he did not feel with his hand, or see with the eye, or hear with the ear, but that the brain was the seat of all these senses. In speaking of mind the doctor said it was something we knew little about, some persons thinking that the mind could leave the body and return again. Liking [likening] the nervous system to a telegraphic system, the speaker made his subject of great interest to the members of institute.

Recess, music and a report of the meeting of directors in the arbitration room followed. The secretary of the association stated that the election of officers had resulted in the choice of E. A. Feight, of Roaring Spring, for president; William Louden, vice president, and Rev. S. F. Forgeus, of Bellwood, secretary.

Secretary Martin called the roll, after which Professor Albert addressed the Directors' association. The speaker began by saying that no body of men, perhaps, were engaged in as noble a work, serving without pay, as the school directors. Permanency of the teacher in the profession was encouraged, urging the directors to secure for teachers men and women of good moral habits - young men who are not addicted to the habit of drink and using tobacco. The teacher should understand the heating of the room and be such as would have careful consideration for the health of his pupils. Free text books were spoken of by the professor. He favored the idea of free text books which should be bought with public money. The matter of grading schools would be much more easily done, it would be a saving investment to poor parents and a saving of 33 1/3 per cent, to the public. The subject of salary was spoken of, the speaker believing that the time would come when the teacher would be much better paid and that for married men we would have a good salary and a house supplied. It must come to this if the teacher would be kept from drifting into other professions. The speaker closed by urging the directors to do all they could in the matter of salary.

The president made a few remarks, after which the institute adjourned.

AFTERNOON SESSION.

The minutes of the morning session were read, after which a paper was given by H. S. Fleck on the subject of "The Teachers' Duty." This was followed by music and a paper prepared by Dr. Stayer, of Roaring Spring, on "Ventilation." It was read by W. F. Kyle and contained some valuable hints.

Professor Murphy occupied the next fifteen minutes in talking of the country schools. The professor said they were to a greater or less extent neglected. The teacher and the director have the authority in themselves to say what branches shall be taught, and are supposed to know what is best concerning this matter. The barns in some places are more comfortably arranged than the school houses. The professor strongly urged the directors to visit the school more frequently, and did not depart from the truth when he said "there are directors before me who have never been inside the school rooms of their district this term."

Professor Keith followed on the subject of "Should the State Furnish its Own Text Books?" The professor rather discountenanced the idea for reasons political and otherwise.

After recess and roll call the subject of "Free Text Books" was discussed by Professor Pinkerton, who strongly advocated the supplying of books not only for the scholar but for the teacher as well. The gentleman was not in favor of the state furnishing them but thought they should be placed there by the district. Several others spoke on this subject.

Professor Albert followed with a talk on "Morals in the School Room." It was a very excellent talk and reference was made to the "Devil's blackboard." He said that more immorality was taught by figures and writing on outhouses than could be counteracted by the teacher in a whole term's instruction. We hope these words from the professor will impress the minds of every director and teacher present and that the day of the total eradication of the "Devil's blackboard" is near at hand. Adjourned.

INSTITUTE NOTES.

A good place to spend an evening in social conversation is in the parlor of the American house.

Institute is a good place for electioneering purposes, but no one ought to take advantage of a brother candidate.

Different ones have expressed themselves as being better pleased with this session of institute than any they have attended for a long time.

We notice a number of Altoona's teachers, also a number of ex- teachers, attending our sessions of institute. Among them are T. S. Davis, J. K. Patterson, E. A. Feight, Miss Rheinewald and H. S. Wertz.

We wish to recognize the Junior Order United American Mechanics, as well as the Patriotic Order Sons of America, in the supplying of flags for the public school buildings. No intentional omission was meant by any means.

Altoona Tribune, Altoona, Pa., Friday, January 3, 1890, page 4