Newspapers: The Sharpsburg/Etna Herald, Allegheny County, PA November 30th, 1878 Contributed for use in USGenWeb Archives by Norm Meinert, November 1999. njm1@ghplus.infi.net --------------------------------------------------------------------------- USGENWEB NOTICE: Printing this file by non-commercial individuals and libraries is encouraged, as long as all notices and submitter information is included. Any other use, including copying files to other sites requires permission from the submitters PRIOR to uploading to any other sites. We encourage links to the state and county table of contents. --------------------------------------------------------------------------- The Herald, Sharpsburg/Etna, PA (1878-Present) Selective Extracts From THE HERALD A Sharpsburg and Etna, Pennsylvania Weekly Newspaper Publication November 30th, 1878 Editor's Note: Here are my personal observations, and recorded extracts, from microfilms borrowed through inter-library loan from the Pennsylvania State Archives, on the Sharpsburg and Etna Herald newspaper, circa 1878. Unreadable areas of question are indicated with ?'s. The first issue of THE HERALD newspaper, in its meek and humble beginnings, dealt primarily with an introduction of itself to the citizens of Sharpsburg and Etna, Pennsylvania. News was scarce but nonetheless the first issue contained light-hearted items borrowed from other publications of that era which will NOT be reproduced. And, in a successful effort to draw the local publics' attention, The Herald included a "PERSONAL" column which contained one and two sentence "blurps" about some prominent citizens' doings. Many weddings, engagements, and obituaries were generally lumped together under this column. As with any newspaper venture there was a need for advertisers. Initially there were few, and gratuitiously the Editor mentions them within the news reporting columns repeatedly. In my attempt to salvage genealogical and historical information about the people of the Sharpsburg/Etna areas I'm attempting to reproduce here any pertinent facts as they were reported during these times. Unfortunately many obituaries and/or other announcements written during this time period do not follow any standard. As time progressed, announcements took on a more formality and included much more factual data. Once I've completed recording reproductions from The Herald, I'll be including on these pages reproductions from The Weekly Observer, a second newspaper which was serving the Sharpsburg/Etna area during this time era.) FIRST EDITION "The Herald" in its infancy, blossomed on Saturday, November 30, 1878. News items were sparse in the beginning and much of the newspaper space carried items of light-natured happenings. Church related news items were used frequently; references to advertisers were intertwined in columns of local events; and articles relating to close friends of the Editor and Proprietor, J. A. RATTIGAN helped fill other areas. The "flag" for the original Herald read: J. A. RATTIGAN, Editor and Prope. The Herald is published every Saturday morning, cor. Main and North Canal Streets, Sharpsburg, Pa. Contributions are solicited from all quarters, and will at all times be inserted when in gener- al keeping of this paper. Communications for publication should be brief as possible, plainly written, and only upon one side of the paper. When anonymous, they will be neither published nor returned. Communications intended for publication must be addressed to THE HERALD, or handed in by Thursday noon. SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 30TH, 1878 ------------------------------------------- OUR PLATFORM We are independent in all things, neutral in nothing. The political world will only hear from us when its votes violate public confidence or trust. Perhaps this fact will seem strange to some of our citizens, who think that a paper published in our borough should wield its editorial weapons in favor of a certain party or platform; but we have learned that in small publications, it is the better way to deal fairly and impartially with all. In criticizing certain classes of politics, upheld by the people, it is difficult to do so without causing hard feelings of the criticized parties, there- by instead of gaining the good will of our patrons, we incur their displeasure. ------------------------------------------- Here are some items extracted from the first issue, Vol. 1, No. 1: Advent of Sharpsburg's First Newspaper ------ Progress, spirit of the present age, Smiles triumphant on the printer's page Time, noting what has just been done, Records an era just begun. Tell it to whomsoever you meet, A friend today is on the street. An event worthy to be noted down In the annals of our growing town. The news of the week, correctly, we think Are reported today in printer's ink. Is this privilege long denied, A keen want has been supplied; The gossip of this, and its sister town Is gathered together and here "boiled down;" Items of interest, from far and near, For the old and the young, are published here; To the household we tell a tale, ??? ???? ??? ???? Storekeepers who are knowing and wise, Will be very apt to advertise. O'er public humor we'll have a care, In public success we hope to share; The peoples' servant we'll ever be, Our columns, to them, are always free. And thus kind friends we'll make a start With public interest at heart. As such receive, and please protect Our leaves from Winter's cold neglect: The chilling winds of cold November, The ice and snow of dear December, On many a prospect, fair and bright, Have cast their wan, and withering light, Lives born for some glorious end, Projects on which success might tend, ?????? ???? ????? uncharitable breath, ?????????? ????? ????? Yet there's hope which we in secret feel-- May the Future from us never steal-- That THE HERALD shall ne'er await The consequence of such a fate; But may we into the household come, And be welcomed 'round the hearth at home, And may each family take much delight, In reading THE HERALD Saturday night. T.H.S. --------------------------------------- Our Greeting (Editorial) OUR GREETING In this, the first issue of THE HERALD, we present to the people of Sharpsburg, Etna, and the sevral adjoining towns, our first effort in journalism. We may have been possessed with too much ambition when we conceived the idea to establish a weekly newspaper in Sharpsburg; but, nevertheless, are perfectly willing to give it a trial, notwithstanding the several objections offered by some of our citizens, who predicted that such an enterprise would be rewarded by the utter derision of the people. To start a newspaper is not a difficult matter, especially in a town where there is no journal published, because the idea is novel; it strikes the people favorably; but, the difficult part about newspaper publishing, is to make your paper interesting; to make it contain all the news of interest to its readers; and last, but not least, is to conduct it on a principle that will gain for it the respect of the people. Sharpsburg, at the present time is one of the most thriving towns in Western Pennsylvania, and contains a population of between three and four thousand people, which with Etna and the several surrounding towns held for the establishment of a local newspaper. There are towns that have but half the population we have that support three weekly newspapers which all pay, and why cannot Sharpsburg, that has the name of being a first-class business town, support one? We have given this question considerable study before we undertook this enterprise, and we feel assured that our efforts will be rewarded. All we ask of you is to be as lenient towards us as possible in your criticisms; to regard us as amateurs in the business, and not to look for editorials that will compare favorably with a "Greely," or a "Dana," and secondly, your support, for we assure you that there is nothing that will give a young editor more encouragement than to see his paper well patronized by the public. If the people will bear those two points in mind, we assure you we will do all in our power to make this enterprise a credit to our borough, and we hope the time will come when THE HERALD will be spoken of as one of the successful organs of the county. --------------------------------------- Baptist Sabbath School Entertainment Friday evening, November 22nd, the Baptist Sunday School had an entertainment, to which THE HERALD man was, of course, invited; and he went, with a goodly crowd of others, notwithstanding the exceedingly tempetuous weather. The programme was as varied as it was lengthy--so much so that quite a number of pieces had to be omitted. However, the parts of the programme given were excellent, and at quarter past ten o'clock the audience still asked for more. The parts in which the children participated were enjoyed very much, and showed considerable care in training them. Little Jennie LEWIS sang a beggar girl song, in costume, in a manner which charmed the audience. The tableaux were very good, notably so was the one "Simply to Thy Cross I Cling." There was a local hit in the shape of a "Model Literary Society," which was said to be dedicated to the late Sharpsburg Lyceum-- a thrust in the dark. The other recitations, songs, etc., were well rendered, and deserve a more extended notice, but our space forbids. However, on the whole, it was quite a success, and was indeed an entertaining entertainment. The audience said so by sending up a petition, three feet long, asking that it be repeated on Saturday evening. Accordingly, it was done, and the second was even better than the first. The young people of the Baptist Church certainly deserve credit for furnishing cheap entertainments. Sometime ago they had a free one and at this one the price of admission was put within the reach of all. ----------------------------------------- Personal (includes Obits, Weddings, Travel, etc.) (Editor's Note: Unreadable areas are defined with "xxxxxxx's", surnames were capitalized for ease of identification, spelling was left in tact.) PERSONAL Squire KEIL is rapidly assuming aldermatic proportions. Edw. H. GIBSON, as manager of a surprise party, is a success. Mr. John J. KEIL, our enterprising Etna druggist, will soon have his name displayed on Main street. Wm. B. KROSEN, of Etna, is out for Coroner. Doc is a first-class fellow, and is deserving of the people's support. Mr. H. THICKETT was tendered a pleasant surprise party on Tuesday, Nov. 19th. Herbert has a host of friends. Mr. Samuel CHESSMAN, a former resident of Etna, is back in town. He intends starting in business there at an early day. Henry M. AYRES, our affable agent, at Sharpsburg, paid us a visit last week. Mr. Ayres during his stay with us has gained many friends. Capt. Robert NESBIT, our Burgess, has left for Modoc City, where he intends starting in the grocery business. We wish him success. W. C. MEYER, our enterprising dry goods merchant, has just returned from the East. W. C. is all of business as ever, and deserves credit for his enterprise. The many friends of Mr. J. G. PATTERSON, who was severaly injured by xxxx xxxxx xxxx xxxxx xxxx since, will be xxxx xxxxxx xxxxx recovering. S. E. HANNAH, Esq., of Etna, the energetic financier of that borough, is full of business. When Mr. H. is in any way connected with an enterprise it is always sure of success. Thomas H. SHEDDEN, of Etna, deserves special notice for the creditable manner he conducted the entertainment at the Baptist Church, on Friday and Saturday evenings last. Robert GRAHAM, Esq., our enterprising lumbr merchant, of Etna, has lately purchased a lot on Middle street, where he proposes erecting a fine residence. We are glad to have him with us. John L. HODGE, formerly conductor on W.P.R.R., was in town Sunday. He is at present engaged in the hotel business at Bradford, Pa. John L. was always gentlemanly in his manner, and has many friends. W. A. GILDENFENNY, of Pittsburg, was married to Mrs. Jennie ROBINSON, daughter of T. H. GIBSON, Esq., on Thursday evening, Nov. 21st. Rev. John SCOTT, of Grace Church, performed the ceremony. J. McC. CREIGHTON, formerly superintendent of the W.P.R. division, was recently appointed to general manager of the Empire line, Pennsylvania Co., and P. F. SMITH, late foreman of Engineers of Pennsylvania R.R., is spoken of as his successor. Mr. E. M. LUDWIG, formerly conductor on the W.P.R.R., and of late, superintendent of the new Narrow Gauge, has resigned the superintendency of the above mentioned road, and is back at his old position as conductor. We are sorry to hear of this change, as is Mr. LUDWIG. The new road loses a valuable assistant, and leaves a vacancy that we think cannot easily be filled. ------------------------------------ KIRKPATRICK'S LECTURE (from November 30th, 1878 issue) A splendid audience assembled at the U.P. Church, Etna, to hear Hon. John KIRKPATRICK deliver his pleasing lecture on his recent travels in Europe. The Judge spoke some two hours, which proved very interesting to his listeners, as his talent as an orator is unrivaled. The management of the lecture was under J. G. WEIR, who done his part in a creditable manner. As the lecture was for the benefit of the church, the members turned out well, and the result was a success, as quite a large sum was realized. The ladies of the U.P. Church intend holding a Social on the evenings of Dec. 31st and Jan. 1st, at the Academy Hall where they would be pleased to see their friends. ------------------------------------------- Some Miscellaneous Items -------------------------------------------- THE EIGHT O'CLOCK SYSTEM The system lately adopted by the re- spective grocers of this borough, is we think, an admirable plan. Heretofore they were compelled by practice to keep open till late. By the new system of closing at eight o'clock, it gives the business man a few hours for recreation after his day's toil is over. At first, this plan was regarded by some as being foolish; but, by degrees they found it to be as it was intended, ben- eficial and useful. --- We should value affliction as we do physic--not by its taste, but by its effects. ------------------------------------------- We understand that J. J. KEIL, the enterprising Etna druggist, intends opening a fine store in the old stand, cor. Main and 7th sts, Sharpsburg, where will always be found a complete stock of everything kept in a first-class drug store. ---- Try WHITE's improve Cherry Pec- toral for coughs, colds &c. ---- Don't forget to ask for WATKINS' mince meat and fruit bitters. ---- Pure Drugs and Medicines cheap at WHITE's Etna. ---- FOR SALE--A lot 110 X 44, situated in Etna borough, above Spang's mill, on which is erected two frame dwell- ing houses, one six and the other three rooms; also, a stable 16 X 20 feet. En- quire for terms and particulars of Thomas HIGGINS, Etna, Pa. ---- For a good job of sign painting go to P. A. HARTMAN ---- A very pleasant farewell meeting was held in the Presbyterian Church on Tuesday evening, it being the oc- casion of a farewell tendered to Miss Annie HERRON, previous to her depar- ture for the foreign mission. Miss HERRON was the recipient of a handsome present, and a purse containing fifty dollars in gold. She leaves behing her a large circle of friends. ---- Considerable excitement was occa- sioned on Saturday last by the runaway team belonging to Mr. SCHRAMM. It seems that while the driver, Mr. Joseph SCHRAMM was absent, the horses took fright from some unknown cause, and dashed up Main street at a fearful pace. They succeeded in turning all corners without any damage, and were finally captured near TIBBY's glass works. ---- Mrs. POTT's polishing irons, the best in the market, at MYRICKS. ---- Don't forget the Social and Supper at the Academy Hall, Dec. 31st and Jan. 1st. ---- One of the most enjoyable social events which we have had the pleasure of attending for some time, took place at the residence of Mr. Charles CAPPER, North Canal street, on Tuesday even- ing, Nov. 19th, it being a surprise party given to Mr. Herbert THICKETT in honor of his twenty-first anniversary. "Trip- ping the light fantastic" was indulged in, much to the enjoyment of all present, and at a seasonable hour the guests de- parted; but not without thanking and leaving a good wish for the kind host and hostess for the kind attention shown them; the only regret offered was that birthday celebrations after this style are not more frequent. ---- ???n. M. BRINTON was married Thanksgiving to Miss Mollie BOYCE, ?????? them the greatest of happi- ness. ----------------------------------- Advertisements -------------------------------- H. J. WAIGHT In expressing his sincere thanks to his Custom- ers, and the pub- lic generally, for the Liberal Patronage he has received, would respectfully inform them that he has concluded to CLOSE OUT --his entire stock of-- GLASS, CHINA, QUEENSWARE, BRUSHES, TOYS, Notions, Etc., and hereafter he will devote his entire time to the Painting Business, in all its branches, at the Same Old Stand, MAIN ST., SHARPSBURG. ----- It will pay you to call and ex- amine the Stock, as no reason- able offer will be refused. All goods will be --sold at-- Private Sale. -------------------------------- JOB PRINTING ----- RATTIGAN & PAUL Job Printers, Are prepared at all times to do Job Printing on SHORT NOTICE And in the Best Style of the Art. Business Cards, Bill-Heads, Letter-Heads, Statements, Posters, Hand Bills, Circulars, Agreement Notes Wedding Invitations, Ball Tickets, Visiting Cards, etc., Printed in the best style, Call upon or Address, Rattigan & Paul, Sharpsburg, Penn'a. ------------------------------- E. MYRICK --Dealer in-- General Hardware, Glass, Oils, Paints, Sash, Grate Plates, Tile, Fire Brick, &c, Main St., Sharpsburg. ------------------------------- R. CHESSMAN UNDERTAKING and Embalming promptly attended to. Carriage, Horse and Buggies For Hire. Coffin Rooms and Office, Bridge St., Etna ------------------------------- H. C. GOODMAN --PRACTICAL-- WATCHMAKER and JEWELER, --and dealer in-- Watches, Clocks, Jewelry, etc. Main St. SHARPSBURG ------------------------------- JOHN J. KEIL, Druggist and Pharmacist --dealer in-- Pure Drugs, Chemicals, Patent Medicines etc. at Lowest City Prices. Physicians' prescriptions a specialty Opp P.O., Etna, PA ------------------------------- RAMSEY & CO., SHARPSBURG, Pa. dealers in Drugs, Medicines --and-- Chemicals, FANCY AND TOILET ARTICLES, SPONGES, BRUSHES & PERFUMERY. ------- All prescriptions carefully compound- with accuracy and despatch by competent persons, at all all hours of the day and night. ------------------------------- J. R. W. TIBBY, --Dealers in-- GROCERIES, FLOUR, PRODUCE, --and-- GENERAL MERCHANDISE. Main St., above 18th, SHARPSBURG ------------------------------- JAY M. WHITE, DRUGGIST AND PHARMACIST, and dealer in Perfumary, etc. Physicians prescriptions carefully compounded. BRIDGE STREET, ETNA ------------------------------- CHALFANT & DARRAGH, dealers in Mansfield and Anthracite COAL, Office and Yard at ETNA STATION ------------------------------- J. HOLZHEIMER, Manufacturer of FURNITURE AND CHAIRS, and proprietor of the Sharpsburg Livery and ????? Stable Undertaking promptly attende dto Cor. Main and Ninth St., SHARPSBURG, Pa. ------------------------------- GIBSON & CO., MERCHANT TAILORS and dealers in Mens' Furnishing Goods ------------------------------- P. A. HARTMAN HOUSE and SIGN PAINTER, Grainer, Glazer, Paper Hanger, and Kalsominer. ----- English and German Sign Painting in all its branches a Specialty ALL ORDERS WILL RECEIVE PROMPT ATTENTION. MAIN STREET, SHARPSBURG ------------------------------- W. C. MEYERS DRESS GOODS Nos. 413 and 415 South Main street Sharpsburg, Penna. ------------------------------- SHARPSBURG "T" STORE ------------------------------- KEILS' BAKERY, Main Street, Sharpsburg ------------------------------- F. W. BEALAFELD, PRACTICAL BUTCHER, and dealer in all kinds of FRESH AND SALT MEATS, Wholesale and Retail -------------------------------