Blair County Newspaper Articles
News, obituaries, birth, marriage and death notices, by date.
Items from The Morning Tribune, Altoona, Pa.,
Friday, March 20, 1891
Local Brevities.
Dust has taken the place of mud on the paved streets.
The Lutteman Sextette at the opera house this evening.
The ladies of the Pythian Sisterhood will meet in Stehle's hall at half-past 2 o'clock this afternoon.
The tramp must go and the best way to make him go is for councils to provide work for him to do.
The ham and eggs and oyster supper will be continued this evening in the rooms of the Railroad Men's Christian association.
B. F. Mann, the newly appointed postmaster at Bedford, has taken charge of his office and has appointed John Burnham his assistant.
Contractors are getting ready for the summer campaign. It is a question whether as many houses will be built the coming season as were last year.
The trout season opens on the 15th of April. This is a pointer to some individuals who are now reported to be catching the speckled beauties.
Mr. W. H. Herr yesterday found a purse at Seventh avenue and Seventh street, containing a small amount of money. The owner can have the same by calling at this office.
Tuesday evening, at the parsonage of the First United Brethren church, by the pastor, Rev. J. N. Munden, Mr. W. H. Berry and Miss Bertha Templeton, both of this city, were united in marriage.
Mrs. Lantz and her daughter Cora, of No. 1601 Eighth avenue, have returned from Philadelphia, where they had been by the advice of their physician, to consult Professor Da Costa about Miss Cora, who has been suffering with an attack of the la grippe for over a year. Her many friends will be glad to hear that the doctor has hopes of her recovery.
WINTER LINGERS.
Although the birds begin to sing,
The frost still tingles ears and fingers,
For winter in the lap of spring,
With all its old persistence lingers.
If spring's as charming as is claimed
By bards who with sweet songs receive her,
Old winter cannot well be blamed
For being mighty loath to leave her.
- New York Press.
In Other Counties.
On Monday last a Clinton county man killed a blacksnake which measured over four feet in length.
Jonathan Cunningham, one of the oldest residents of Somerset county, dropped dead at his home near Somerset one day last week.
Rev. Mr. Buell, pastor of the Somerset circuit, United Brethren church, is lying at the point of death, the victim of typhoid fever.
There were 281 applications of all kinds - tavern, wholesale, bottlers' and brewers' - in Cambria county, and up to noon yesterday 197 were granted, thirty-five refused, forty-eight held over and one withdrawn.
John D. McElwain, of Henderson township, Huntingdon county, died at the home of his father in Oneida township on Wednesday aged about 47 years. Other recent deaths were Thomas Snell, of Mill Creek, aged 75, and Mr. Sarepta Wagoner, of Clay township, aged 71 years.
Hospital Notes.
C. H. Ryan, a brakeman on the middle division, while making a coupling between cars in the yard yesterday, sustained a severe crush of the thumb of the right hand. After the injury had been dressed he went to his home in Harrisburg.
David Price, of Birmingham, a middle division brakeman, who has been in the surgical ward a month past with a compound fracture of the right arm, was discharged, as was also Emily Dunmire, who had been under medical treatment.
Dominico Foloka, an Italian, who was admitted some time since for medical treatment, is in a very precarious condition. Yesterday morning he had a very severe hemorrhage, and it is not expected that he will survive many more days.
Music Amid Flowers.
In addition to the delightful programme to be given by the Lutteman Sextette in the opera house this evening the Myers Bros., artists in floral decorations, have been engaged to beautify the stage settings with rare tropical plants and blooming flowers, thereby combining the beauties of nature with the melodies of song. This entertainment promises to be one of the most enchanting and largely attended of the season, and to avoid any interruptions during the programme all persons are earnestly requested to be in their seats promptly at 8 o'clock.
School Report.
Report of room No. 7, Eighth ward (Second street), for the sixth month ending March 11th: Number in attendance during month, 39; per cent. of attendance during month, 92. The following pupils attended every day during the month: Katie O'Donnell, Maggie Bigley, Jessie Wonderly. Nora Carolus, Clara Crouse, Edna Numer, Annie Smith, Mary Kepner, Olive Beecher, Minnie Feser, Walter Fowler, Charles Hainley, James Lathero, Harry Stolff, William Flaig, Freddie Weiss.
Marriage Record.
The following marriage license was granted by Charles Geesey, esq., clerk of the orphans' court at Hollidaysburg since our last report:
No. 2,845 - To Philip J. Metzgar and Frieda Weber, both of Altoona.
THE WATER SUPPLY.
Develop the Water Shed at the Point Before Going Elsewhere.
The resolution approving the ordinance providing for a loan of $220,000 to build a new impounding reservoir at Kittanning Point was adopted by the board of trade at its special meeting on Friday evening last. In making the motion to adopt the resolution Mr. Peter McTamany spoke as follows:
Mr. President: As I introduced the resolution to ratify the ordinance appropriating $220,000 for the purpose of providing a more ample supply of water for the city, and as might be expected, several gentlemen expressed themselves as not just ready to vote on the subject until they would hear the question discussed, now it seems to fall upon me to open the discussion.
I will be as brief as possible and try and run over the principal points inside of ten minutes and give others a good chance to be heard on the subject. The first point is a well known fact that there is a general desire of the people of this city to have an ample supply of water at all times - that is every month, every week, every day in the year - and not be stinted at any time, more especially during the dry and hot summer months. Now, what is the best and most reliable practical method by which the desired results can be accomplished? We have no river or other large streams to draw from. We are located on high ground, but high as we are we have a large area of water sheds above us that, if properly utilized, will furnish sufficient water for a city of more than 200,000 inhabitants. What must we do to have water every day in the year, rain or shine? We must do what has been done and always will be done in many other places in all civilized countries throughout the world - we must provide storage to carry us through the dry, hot months.
And storage is what a great many people of this city are opposed to. They seem to think that by some means they ought to have an abundant supply of pure, fresh water at all times, and they of course never take time to think of where it will come from or how much will be required. Public water works supply a vital necessity in every town and city in the country, and it seems to me that public water works are only in their infancy yet, because even in places where they are established they are not as well developed as they should be. They are of such vital importance to communities that everything should be done to make as perfect as possible. The subject we have for consideration to-night is how the water system of Altoona may be improved. This subject has been greatly discussed in all its particulars, such as the cost of pipes of various sizes, the right to take streams, damages, etc. Now for a brief review of what has been done in Altoona within the past five years:
In 1885 the councils of Altoona succeeded in refunding the bonded debt of the city, which was then bearing $29,000 annual interest at a lower rate, and thereby reduced the liability from $29,000 to $16,000, saving $13,000 - this being completed on the 1st day of July, 1886. The councils were encouraged to invest a part of that saving in improving the water works. At the same time the water department had been put under a better system of management, and the revenues from water increased from about $15,000 a year to over $30,000 a year. This increase in city finances justified councils to provide for a generous increase in the water supply. To this end they authorized the water commissioners to employ a hydraulic engineer to ascertain what was best to do. The plans he submitted to the commissioners were so plain and practical that they desired to adopt them at once.
After the subject was thoroughly discussed councils prepared and passed an ordinance providing $250,000 for this purpose. This ordinance was submitted to a vote of the people on the 15th of March, 1887, and defeated by a small majority because the people did not fully understand the subject. The summer of 1887 was rather dry. The railroad company was obliged to haul water to keep going and some of the shops were partially shut down. The water commissioners were compelled to get the Vigilant steamer to pump water below McGarvey's and afterward start an additional pump at Canon's, on the branch. This state of affairs lasted that year until December.
The necessity of the case was so apparent that the new councils were obliged to make provisions for the water commissioners to increase the storage at Kittanning Point and lay a new line of 16-inch pipe to the city. Since that job was completed in the spring of 1889 until the present time there has been a fairly good supply, except during the month of August, 1890. That month most conclusively showed that the storage was not sufficient and to improve this it has been decided to build an additional reservoir, to hold at least four times as much as the present one does. The site of the new reservoir is located so that the Scotch run water shed can be taken in, making about 2,000 acres additional. With this addition it is expected that 50,000 people will be provided for and not compelled to cut off the hose and run such great risks from fires as will be the case during the dry, hot months. I hope this measure will get the unanimous approval of the board of trade and not have a dissenting vote in councils and be ratified by the citizens, that the work may go on at once.
Now, sir, as I have said to insure a supply at all times, and especially during the warm, dry summer months, necessity compels the city of Altoona to build storage dams. It matters not what stream or how many streams they will draw from. This is the fact that I desire to impress upon you. Storage must be provided. I believe every intelligent person will agree on that point. But, sir, the point that they disagree upon is just where the storage dams should be built. This is where the trouble begins. One set will suggest one place and another party will want something else. * * * One point all agree upon, that is, Altoona should have an ample supply, reliable at all times, every day in the year. And now, sir, the best and most practical thing to do at once is to improve the streams and water shed that we have got and use it to its greatest capacity. This must be done by making additional storage and protecting the streams as much as we possibly can. Until this is done we are not doing justice to Kittanning Point, nor justice to ourselves.
I am decidedly in favor of using Kittanning Point for all that is in it. Other streams will not get away from Altoona and can be taken at any time that the condition warrants such an act. All laws pertaining to water in this country are in favor of the masses of the people and Altoona has a decided majority of inhabitants in this latitude.
Death of John B. Raugh.
At half past 12 o'clock yesterday afternoon John H Raugh died at his residence, No. 826 First avenue. Mr. Raugh had been a sufferer for the past year from Bright's disease, an ailment which compelled him to take his bed three weeks ago and from which he was destined never to recover. He was an employe of the railroad company in the capacity of a watchman in the lower shops, and was held in esteem by his employers.
He was born in Huntingdon county in August, 1836, and for a number of years past had been a resident of Altoona. A wife and four children survive him as do also four brothers, two of whom reside in Bellwood and two in Iowa. Mr. Raugh was a soldier during the late war and was a member of company C, Fifty-third regiment Pennsylvania volunteers, having enlisted October 16, 1861, and was discharged November 6, 1864. He was a member of post 62, Grand Army of the Republic, and will be buried with the honors of war. The time of the funeral will be announced tomorrow.
Wedded Wednesday Evening.
Wednesday evening, at the residence of the bride's mother, 823 Eighth avenue, in the presence of a large number of invited guests, by Rev. H. R. Bender, Miss Blanche Olmes and Mr. William M. Reid, of this city, were united in marriage. The occasion was enlivened by music rendered by Professor. J. Askew's orchestra and was greatly enjoyed by all the guests. The presents were many and valuable. The repast was bountiful and relished by all present. Amid many congratulations and expressions of friendship, this young couple are permitted to make a favorable start in married life. May their happiness be genuine and continuous.
PLENTY OF ROBBERS.
Business Places Entered by Thieves During Wednesday Night.
The fellows who run great risk of getting shot because of entering business houses and dwellings in the absence of the owners or while they are enjoying the sleep which comes to an honest man after a day of toil, were very busy during Wednesday night and at least four stores were entered by them and valuables taken therefrom. Here are the robberies:
MEAT MARKET ENTERED.
William Endress, whose meat market is located at No. 608 Sixth avenue, closed his store at 10 o'clock Wednesday night and retired to his home which is close by. About 5 o'clock yesterday morning he was wakened by a gentleman who had found the door of the meat market standing wide open. An examination followed and it was found that the money drawer had been broken into and the cash, amounting to 31 cents, had been taken. This was all that was missed. Billy says the fellows were very foolish to break into his meat market for he got nothing this pay day. Entrance was effected by breaking open the front door. The thieves must have been near-sighted, as the transom directly above the door was open.
GENERAL STORE ROBBED.
The general store of G. W. Burket, located at No. 524 Sixth avenue, was also visited by thieves on Wednesday night or early yesterday morning. Persons living near the store heard considerable commotion between 2 and 3 o'clock, and it is supposed that it was between those hours that the robbery was committed. The front door of the store was burst open and the money drawer was visited. Mr. Burket is general steward of the Second United Brethren church and in the drawer in envelopes were some $10 or $12 of money belonging to Rev. T. P. Order. This was taken together with $6 belonging to Mr. Burket. The safe was locked and the $160 in it was found all right in the morning. The thieves also took a lot of woolen underwear, blouses, overalls, hosiery, buckskin gloves, etc. The total loss is estimated at between $50 and $60. The store was lighted up and the thieves threw the goods about promiscuously.
TAILOR SHOP ENTERED.
C. Hubscher is a merchant tailor, and his shop is at 404 Seventh street. He worked up until a few minutes of 10 o'clock yesterday morning, when he closed the shop and went home. Some time between then and daylight thieves broke open the front door, breaking two locks, and proceeded to take almost everything there was in the shop. A suit of clothes, two coats and two vests, a bundle of silk lining and a piece of goods from which a suit was to be cut were taken. This latter was afterward found on a fence in a lot near by, the thieves having been frightened or were too lazy to carry it farther. Mr. Hubscher places his loss at about $85.
FRUIT STORE ROBBED.
John Cappelari is proprietor of the fruit stand and confectionary store located in the T. B. Shorter building, corner of Sixteenth street and Eleventh avenue. During Wednesday night a window on the Sixteenth street side of the building was forced open and thus admission was gained to the store. A box of cigars was taken from a case and from the money drawer about 60 cents in change.
The Excelsior Cornet Band.
A number of enterprising young men, residents of this city, having organized themselves into a cornet band, last Tuesday evening, March 17, consisting at present of eighteen members, they propose to increase their number as opportunity will admit. They have named the organization the Excelsior Cornet band, and will soon purchase new instruments of the latest pattern and will begin practice at once. Several members of the band are proficient musicians, and are able to play their instruments efficiently. Mr. L. D. McCaulley is the leader and instructor, and Mr. W. B. Rean [sic] drum major. They propose giving a cakewalk in Kuhn's hall, Ninth street and Green avenue, this evening and tomorrow evening, and on one or two evenings each week until April 10, the proceeds to be applied to the purchasing of new instruments. All persons interested in the formation of the new band are invited to patronize them.
United American Band Entertainment.
To-night the United American band will give an entertainment and cakewalk in Music Hall. An attractive programme has been arranged - all a pleasant evening's entertainment is assured. Persons who have been selling tickets are requested to make return to committee at Music Hall to-night.
You are Invited
To attend the cake walk now being held in Kline's hall, corner of Sixth avenue and Fourth street, under the auspices of the memorial committee of post 468, Grand Army of the Republic, and ladies of circle No. 16. It will be continued during Friday and Saturday evenings, March 20 and 21.
THE COUNTY COURT.
Record of the Business Transacted at the Session Yesterday.
The county courts reconvened at Hollidaysburg yesterday morning at 9 o'clock, Hon. John Dean presiding.
Disposition was made of the following cases on the civil list for trial:
In the case of George Fay vs. G. C. Richter and Margaret Righter, to annul a deed made by the plaintiff to the defendants, the jury found in favor of the defense.
Joseph L. Calvert vs. Patrick Sullivan. Continued by consent.
In the case of Peter Good vs. the City of Altoona, the court entered the following decree: "In the matter of the application of the defendant for continuance. The plaintiff here insists on a trial; he is advanced in years, claims he has been greatly wronged and has sustained serious damages, professes a willingness to have the dispute amicably adjusted on a fair basis without a formal trial, but complains of dilatoriness on part of defendant and an indisposition to make any definite arrangement. The defendant expresses a desire for an amicable adjustment. From what is said at the bar, it seems to us a case which should be settled out of court, for the reason that a jury, even after calling any number of witnesses, could not in the very nature of the case have as full knowledge of the matters in dispute as the parties themselves. As both parties seem to exhibit a spirit of concession and compromise, which may end in a permanent adjustment, on the adoption of at least a basis of settlement, if they have the opportunity and as the trial of the case will occupy nearly, if not all of a week, there yet not remaining over one or two days of this week, and as city councils meet next Monday night, we will hold any decree over until Tuesday next. Then if no action looking towards an amicable termination of the case be had, we will make a special peremptory order that the cause be tried at June term next." BY THE COURT.
After entering this decree his honor stated that only the peculiar circumstances of the case invoked such a decree, and it was not intended to furnish any precedent for any subsequent case.
Celia Buckberger and Anton Buckberger, her husband, vs. The Borough of Hollidaysburg. On December 20, 1887, Mrs. Buckberger fell in an open ditch in that portion of Hollidaysburg known as Shantytown, spraining her ankle and suffering other personal injuries, for which she asked $500 damages. The plaintiffs failed to prove any negligence on the part of the borough and a compulsory non-suit was directed.
The City of Altoona vs. John W. Otto. The defendant demurred to proceeding to trial in this case for the reason that, although the suit was brought in the name of the city, it had not the sanction of the city authorities. After full argument was had on this point the demurrer was sustained.
Frank Brandt vs. George Iber and Wife. This action was brought to recover $41.89 for services rendered in performing extra work on an addition to the house of the defendants, in Altoona. The case was given to the jury just before adjournment.
Court will convene this morning at 9 o'clock.
HOLLIDAYSBURG HAPPENINGS.
"Only a Farmer's Daughter" will be the attraction at the opera house March 25.
Interest in court proceedings continues unabated and a long procession of suitors and witnesses still wend their way to and from the trains.
Much needed improvements are being made to the council building and that aged structure will soon shine as a fit meeting place for our borough dads.
Masters Howard and Charlie, the bright boys of Mr. and Mrs. A. J. McKee, gave a party at their home on Walnut street last evening, entertaining in a pleasing manner sixty young friends and companions.
Lieutenant Will Rooney has arrived home from a three years' cruise on board the United States man-of-war ship Swatara, to China, Japan and South Africa. The lieutenant is highly pleased with his long sojourn in these distant lands, and his conversation is flavored with much interesting information and breezy anecdotes.
Miss Amanda Balt, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Henry Balt, and Mr. Joseph Shannon, of Altoona, were united in marriage at the home of the bride, on Mulberry street, last evening, Rev. E. T. Swartz, pastor of the Methodist Episcopal church, being the officiating clergyman. The TRIBUNE extends to them sincere wishes for their future joy and happiness.
Mrs. Elizabeth Keyes, the efficient janitress of the Baptist church, celebrates her 65th birthday to-day. Last evening a company of her young gentlemen friends stormed her home, laden with many useful presents and light refreshments. Mr. Thomas McFarland made a neat presentation speech in behalf of the kind donors, and the party then withdrew, leaving the good lady quite overcome by the multitude of her gifts.
The Brush mountain school, Mr. Levi B. Hoover teacher, closed a very successful six months' term on Wednesday last. The number of scholars enrolled during the term was 35; percentage of attendance, males, 797; females, 827; total 817. A spelling bee was had in the school house on Tuesday evening which was attended by 175 persons. On Wednesday afternoon exercises of a literary nature, consisting of dialogues, recitations, select readings and addresses, were participated in by the scholars before a large gathering of friends and patrons of the school. Mr. Hoover returns to his home, at Henrietta, with the proud satisfaction of knowing that he has raised this school to a high and enviable standard.
THERE will be an entertainment held this evening in Music Hall, Woodcock block, under the auspices of the United American band. An interesting programme has been prepared and a cordial welcome is extended to all. Admission 25 cents. There will in addition be a cake walk at the close of the entertainment.
Geo. M. Gesser, the Tailor.
There seems to be considerable discussion relative to the proprietorship of the new tailoring establishment at No. 1603 Eleventh avenue, some parties claiming that other parties are part owners or partners in the management of the same. We desire to correct this error and assert that Mr. G. M. Gesser bought the property and stocked the store and is conducting the business in his own name and for his own benefit and the benefit of his many business friends or patrons in this city, and has no business connections whatever with any other tailor or tailoring establishment in this or any other town. He desires this to be distinctly understood by the public and makes affidavit to the above statement, viz:
Before me, an alderman of the city of Altoona, came Geo. M. Gesser, a resident citizen of the city of Altoona, who, being duly Sworn, says the statements above are true; that he has no partner nor associate in the business conducted by him at No. 1603 Eleventh avenue, Altoona, Pa.
JOHN O'TOOLE, Alderman.
ALTOONA, March 18, 1891
TYRONE TOPICS.
"Running Wild" this evening in the opera house. Curtain up at usual
hour.
Thomas McCaffery, who has been with us for a few days, has returned to his home in Philadelphia.
A. Kock, of Kersey, Elk county, has purchased the good will and fixtures of the Tyrone Meat company, limited, and took possession yesterday.
The board of trade meeting in Conrad's opera house on Monday evening next should not be forgotten. The wheels of government will be set in motion on that evening.
Harry M. Hershey, an old time friend with headquarters at Hollidaysburg, was with us yesterday, looking up his chances for the nomination of prothonotary at the coming county republican convention.
Base ball the coming season will have a local habitation and a name in this quarter. At a meeting held last evening in the "TRIBUNE quarters" preliminary efforts were mapped out and the result will be given in a later issue.
Cake Walk.
Camp 12 Sons of Veterans' drum corps will hold a cake walk in Young Men's Democratic association hall, corner of Ninth street and Eleventh avenue, Thursday and Friday evenings. All are invited to be present.
Morning Tribune, Altoona, Pa., Friday, March 20, 1891, page 4