NEWS: Items from the Altoona Mirror, October 4, 1899, Blair County, PA Contributed for use in the USGenWeb Archives by Patty Millich & Alice James Copyright 2008 All rights reserved. http://www.usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm http://www.usgwarchives.net/pa/blair/ _________________________________________ News Items from the Altoona Mirror, Wednesday Evening, October 4, 1899 NEWS IN RAILROAD CIRCLES James J. Dixon, of Cassandra, while making a coupling in the yard yesterday, had the ring and middle finger of the left hand badly crushed. He was taken to the hospital where it was found necessary to amputate the fingers at the second joint. The whereabouts of William Edmiston, the Pennsylvania electrician at Gallitzin, who disappeared from his home some months ago, are still unknown. Suspicions of foul play which were first entertained have given away to the belief that Mr. Edmiston is still alive and will turn up all right later. Between 4 and 5 o'clock Monday evening an unknown man was killed by way passenger at Blairsville Intersection. Shortly after 7 o'clock yesterday morning two men were run down and killed at the Packsaddle between Bolivar and Blairsville Intersection. They were employed by Division Foreman Shomo and were struck by the third section of southwestern express. DOINGS OF THE CITY POLICE James Simpson, charged with disorderly conduct was arrested at Eighth avenue and Fourth street early this morning. James O'Neell was arrested last night by Railroad Officer Emeigh on a charge of being drunk, disorderly and abusing an officer. Patrolmen Gansz and Elpern arrested an inmate of the almshouse who was drunk and disorderly at Eleventh avenue and Seventeenth street last evening. Mrs. Teckler Marx made information before Alderman Irvin yesterday, charging Mrs. Joseph Teufel with willfully and maliciously shutting up three of her cows and one owned by Mrs. Hills. John Dehle, who is charged by Carl Pietsch, the butcher, with larceny by bailee, was arrested by Officer Kolley this afternoon at Seventh avenue and Seventeenth street. He was locked up to await a hearing. In the police items of the Mirror yesterday it was stated that George Ebright had been arrested for drunkenness. Mr. Ebright says he was not drunk, but merely happened to be near by when another man was arrested and was gobbled up by Officer Kolley. At the hearing yesterday afternoon Ebright was discharged. Dan Carney, charged with drunkenness, was sent up for twenty-four hours by the mayor yesterday afternoon. A. Herzog, arrested for disturbing a meeting at the Hebrew synagogue Monday, forfeited $2.80, the security given for a hearing and Kooney Herald was fined $2.80 for drunkenness and disorderly conduct. Patrolmen W. H. Cherry and Ira Baird made a raid on Mrs. Trout's house at Eighth avenue and Fourth street about 1 o'clock this morning. The inmates of the place were having a high old time when the officers swooped down upon them. The three men who were in the house escaped. Those arrested were Mrs. Trout, Lizzie Smith and Bess Smith. They were bundled into the patrol wagon and taken to police headquarters and locked up. COURT OF QUARTER SESSIONS In the case of William Shope, who is charged with breaking and entering a freight car, the defendant admitted that he was in the stock yard at the tie pile but denied that he was at the car. He said he went to Bellwood a couple of weeks after the occurrence and took the train for Philadelphia, where, on the 28th of January, 1898, he enlisted in the First United States infantry, was sent to California and thence to Santiago. After remaining there about a month he was transferred to the Nineteenth United States infantry and went to the Philippines. Subsequently he was brought back to the United States and arrived in New York on July 6, 1899. From there the company was sent to Camp Meade. He got a leave of absence and while visiting Altoona was arrested for this offence. The jury found the defendant not guilty. His honor gave Shope fair notice that if he was ever convicted in this court he would get a long sentence. T. W. Bee pleaded guilty to forgery. His crime consisted of altering a railroad check from 30 cents to $30, which he passed upon D. E. Sprankle of Altoona. Sentence deferred until sentence day. William George pleaded guilty to assault and battery and was sentenced to $1 fine and costs and serve thirty days in jail. Jury was sworn in the case of W. W. Blake, who is charged with perjury. It is alleged that in a case pending before Alderman Metz of Altoona, the defendant swore that Thomas Stiles and William Stiles were partners in a cigar and tobacco business in Tyrone. It developed upon the trial that Mr. Blake, a wholesale Tobacco dealer, sold a bill of goods to T. T. Stiles & Co., and, after the bill became due, he brought suit before Alderman Metz and obtained judgment, which was paid off by William Stiles without taking an appeal. His honor said: "When the defendant failed to take an appeal he could not now come into court and allege perjury and there could be no conviction." The case was submitted to the jury upon the question of costs. The jury found the defendant not guilty and the prosecutor, William Stiles, pay the costs. His honor fully concurred in the verdict and sentenced the prosecutor accordinging. Jury sworn in the case of George Tillery, charged with aggravated assault and batter upon M. Tillery. The parties in this suit are colored residents of Altoona, defendant being married to the prosecutor's sister. There seems to have been some trouble between the two families. The defendant keeps a small store on Twenty-fourth street. The prosecutor said: "On July 23 I went into defendant's store and said, "What is the trouble between you and my wife; she says you are speaking ill of her." He said, "You get out of here." I went out, and he followed me and struck me over the head with a revolver." The defendant denied that he committed the assault and charged the prosecutor with being the aggressor. Frank Meck, Jacob Green and John Love testified to the good character of the defendant. Jacob Green, president of the Lincoln club, and that the defendant was an inoffensive member of the club and that he, Green, had been instrumental in having the defendant at one time appointed a member of the police force of Altoona, a position he creditably filled for three years. T. H. Greavy argued the case to the jury for the defendant and R. A. Henderson for the commonwealth. Jury out at adjournment. GRAND JURY RETURNS Com. vs. William George, assault and battery; prosecutrix, Minnie George. A true bill. Com. vs. Emory Smith, fornication and bastardy; prosecutrix, Myrtle Kelly. A true bill. Com. vs. Hayes Snyder, larceny; prosecutor, Harry Wands; a true bill Com. vs. Mamie Cassel; prosecutrix, Mrs. Mary Isett. A true bill. Com. vs. Charles Killinger, fornication and bastardy; not a true bill and the county pay the costs. Com. vs. George Rowles, assault and battery; prosecutrix, Stella Rowles. Not a true bill and the county pay the costs. Com. vs. Charles Metz and Mrs. C. E. Metz, selling liquor at Williamsburg without a license. A true bill as to Charles Metz, but not a true bill as to Mrs. C. E. Metz. THIS MORNING'S SESSION In the case of George Tillery, indicted for assault and battery upon M. Tillery, the jury finds the defendant guilty. Sentenced to pay $10 fine and costs of prosecution. Joseph Hileman, pleaded guilty to pointing a pistol at Mr. Geesey. Sentenced to pay $1 fine and costs of prosecution and enter bail to keep the peace. The following cases were settled: Commonwealth vs. Isaac Singerman; Sarah Nesbit; John Weakland; Jesse Dellerline; Harry Jenkins; George Funk; Howard Price; Wood Boyles; J. S. Burket; Charles Smith; James Hetrick. Jury sworn in the case of Charles Metz, a resident of Williamsburg, charged with selling intoxicating liquors without license; prosecutor, John Clark. The Commonwealth alleges that the defendant sold ambrosia, a beverage which looks like beer, tastes like beer, and has the same effect as beer, to diverse persons. J. G. Wagner, constable of Williamsburg, testified - I bought a bottle of ambrosia at the store of defendant and drank it. I found it had the same effect as beer. I got the ambrosia from defendant within the last two years. About a month afterward I drank a second bottle of ambrosia, but it did not have the same effect. Benjamin Coyle said - I bought a bottle of ambrosia from the defendant and drank it. I felt the effects of it more than I ever did from drinking beer. I drink beer whenever I need it, and I need it when I feel like it. I made the purchase over a years ago. Harry Cogle testified - I know the defendant. I purchased a bottle of ambrosia from defendant about a year and a half ago and drank it. I did not feel any effects from it. Irvin Treese said - I know the defendant; have been in his place of business; I have purchased three or four bottles of ambrosia in one evening and drank them; I never felt any effects from it. Edward Prough, who resides near Franklin Forge, said - I purchased ambrosia from defendant on last Saturday evening, but I had been drinking cider and beer before and did not feel any worse after drinking it. Grant Lyon testified - I have frequently purchased ambrosia from the defendant and drank it. It had no effect on me. The testimony of the commonwealth having closed, O. H. Hewit, esq., counsel for the defendant, moved the court to direct a verdict of not guilty on the grounds of insufficiency of testimony to sustain a conviction. His Honor said - I am inclined to think that it is a question for the jury. E. M. BEALE WITHDRAWS E. M. Beale, the enterprising young business man and a Democrat who has never balloted the ticket, has decided to withdraw from the contest for delegate from this congressional district to the national Democratic convention. The many friends of Mr. Beale regret his action in this matter, as he seemed to be the most popular person mentioned for national delegate. The fight will now be between Messrs. Greevy and Dively. A SAD ACCIDENT Miss Olivette Detwiler of Fifth avenue had quite a painful experience on Tuesday evening. While lighting a parlor lamp her clothing caught fire, burning her quite severely. In attempting to extinguish the flames, the young lady's mother was also considerably burned about the hands. STOLE HIS HOUSEHOLD GOODS Several weeks ago, Frank Delaney, colored, better known as "Shine," was arrested for being an inmate of an alleged disorderly house, conducted by Mrs. Plowden on Sixteenth street, near Thirteenth avenue. Mrs. Plowden and the other occupants of the place were also arrested. Mrs. Plowden and the two white girls captured in the place were released upon promising to leave the city. They got out of the house, but did not leave town. "Shine," who is now employed at the Altamonte hotel, had four chairs, a bed, a mattress, stove and an overcoat in the house. When he went to get his goods yesterday he discovered they had been taken away by some persons unknown. He feels very bad over the loss, as he expects to get married in the near future. LATE NEWS PARAGRAPHED City-Clerk Hamor attended court today. James Dixon, of 915 Nineteenth street, who has been laid up with rheumatism for two weeks was able to be out today. Mr. John Brennen, who was in New York to witness the Dewey celebration, returned home last night. He reports having a very enjoyable time while in the metropolis. Messrs. Joseph and John Flanigan who have been guests at the residence of Mr. and Mrs. Peter Harlow of 1315 Fourteenth avenue for a week, left for their homes in New York yesterday. HOLLIDAYSBURG Mr. Adam Schmidt and son, Max, are spending this week in Philadelphia. Mr. A. C. Milliken of Pottsville was a Sunday visitor in town. Misses Anna Leland of Albuquerque, N. M. and Marin Fulton of Roseland, Kan., are the guests of Mrs. Lou Caldwell. Letters remain uncalled for in the Hollidaysburg post office addressed to: Elmira Baker, John Baker, Annie Boyd, Clara Griffith, C. C. Hamel and Sadie Teeters. Court Crier James S. Plummer and family have moved into the Harnish property in the east end. Mr. Alvin Walters, of Clarion, and Miss Kate E. Lilly, of Patton, were married at the Methodist parsonage on Monday by Rev. A. S. Bowman. Mrs. Robert Clark left on Tuesday for her home in Denver, Col. Mr. Alexander McClure will shortly remove his family from Roanoke, Va., and will take possession of his residence on Mulberry street. Mr. John W. Cliber and Ed Frank are spending a few days fishing at Point View. Dr. John T. Leet is sojourning in the eastern cities. CURRYVILLE Mr. J. H. Summers was visited by his mother and sister of Trough Creek Valley, Huntingdon county on Sunday. Mrs. Isaac Latshaw visited her son, John, at Loysburg, several days last week. Mr. Louis Mader, the Swiss artist who did such fine painting in this vicinity some years ago, painted the ceiling of a room for Mr. William Keith. Mrs. Schlonanger, of Pittsburg visited at C. Brown's several days last week. Saturday evening last about forty persons gave Mr. W. B. Kauffman a very pleasant birthday surprise party. It was gotten up by Mrs. Kauffman and it was an entire success throughout. An excellent supper was served and the evening was pleasantly spent in various amusements TYRONE NEWS ITEMS Mr. and Mrs. W. F. Conrad, Mrs. Jonathan Ginter and their nephew, Irwin Stewart, left yesterday morning for Philadelphia. Mrs. Hallie Barr, wife of Police Lieutenant A. R. Barr, is sick at the home of her sisters, the Misses Comfort, at Lewistown, threatened with typhoid fever. BELLWOOD Mr. W. S. Bell has purchased the Irwin & Wray coal yard. His office is in Cornmesser's book and wall paper store. Mr. W. M. Ermine has returned from a trip to Philadelphia. James C. McBurney of Altoona was a caller on Monday. Beginning on Monday last, Harry Hagerty will deliver to the Mirror patrons the people's paper regularly. Harry is a bright and pleasant boy and we believe he will give entire satisfaction. The Illustrated lecture given in the Baptist church on Tuesday evening by Rev. H. J. Keeley was very fine. LOCAL NEWS BRIEFLY GIVEN S. E. McNeil of 1430 Thirteenth avenue, a car inspector, is the father of a fourteen pound boy. John Corboy of 717 Seventh avenue is walking with the aid of a cane at present. On Monday he was watching a game of golf, which was being played on the cricket grounds and was not quick enough to get out of the way of a ball. Rev. Horace Lincoln Jacobs, of the First Methodist church, has been asked by Bishop Charles H. Fowler to transfer to the Fowler Memorial church, Minneapolis, Minn. The bishop pledges a salary of $2,500. Rev. Jacobs is considering the proposition, but has not yet intimated his decision in the matter. PURELY PERSONAL ITEMS Rev. Allen Sheldon Woodle returned last night from the east. Hon. J. D. Hicks came home yesterday from Hartford, Conn. Alderman J. B. Ramond returned from his eastern trip last night. Dr. McBurney and bride arrived home on St. Louis express last night. R. H. McCutcheon and Frank Eyth, of Butler, are visiting Irwin B. Jacobs. Mr. A. M. Eicholtz of New York is the guest of Mr. Guy Cunningham, the tobacconist. Miss Emma Flaugh who has been in Pittsburg for the past ten days returned home yesterday. Miss Hoover of Tyrone has accepted the position of cashier at J. C. Ewing's store, 1309 Eleventh avenue. C. W. Mingle, one the traveling auditors of the Pennsylvania railroad company was in the city last evening. Harry C. Delo, formerly with W. F. Gable & Co., has secured a position as passenger brakeman on the Pittsburg division. Mrs. A. D. Heinz, the east side jeweler, has returned home from a pleasant visit to Pittsburg and other towns in Western Pennsylvania. Mr. J. A. Bailey, the Seventeenth street barber, returned home last evening from a three weeks visit to his old home at Marion, Indiana. Mrs. H. D. Sheridan and daughter, Ethel, of Park avenue, Williamsport, are visiting her brother, Mr. C. A. Persun of 215 1/2 Lexington avenue. Dr. A. S. Stayer has returned form Kansas City where he was in attendance at the meeting of the Association of Military Surgeons of the United States. Mr. Henry McIntosh, one of Newry's most prosperous and energetic merchants, was in the city for a short time this morning. He left on day express for Philadelphia. Mrs. M. Marquette, wife of Patrol Driver Marquette, who, with her three children, was visiting her sister in Johnstown for the past three weeks, returned home last evening. W. B. Fickes, who for the past five months conducted candy stands at Lakemont park, has resumed his old position in the shops as stationary engineer under Foreman A. C. Davis. President A. P. McLeod of the Keystone Republican League left on the "Pittsburg Flyer" for Harrisburg where he will attend the State League of Republican clubs, which met in that place today. TWO SMALL FIRES. The fire department was called out last evening by an alarm sent in from box 35, at Twelfth avenue and Twentieth street. On responding the blaze was found to be in the Krieder house, at 2024 Fourteenth avenue, owned by the Juniata building and loan association. After an hour's work the fire was extinguished, but not until the house had been damaged to the extent of $400. It is thought the fire was of incendiary origin, as it was noticed the fire was both in the cellar and attic when first discovered. The loss was covered by insurance. Last evening about 8:30 a curtain in the residence of Prof. Gipprich, 1125 Eighth avenue, caught fire and was destroyed. A still alarm was sent to engine house No. 2, which responded, but their services were not needed. TYPHOID FEVER INCREASING Nine cases of typhoid fever were reported to the board of health yesterday as follows: Ella Gillespie, 2012 Thirteenth avenue; Miss Kauffman, 200 Fifth avenue; Verna Baker, 1023 Third avenue; Mary Porta, 3027 West Chestnut avenue; John, Eugene and Joseph Benton, 3017 Maple avenue; Florence and Elsie Cashman, 2810 Walnut avenue. The use of well water is given as the cause of the above cases. The other contagious diseases reported were: Diphtheria: Ross Swartz, 220 Howard avenue; scarlet fever, Annie Decker, 1013 Twenty- second avenue; Emma Hawn, 633 Oak avenue. HELD AT THE POST OFFICE Letters held at the post office improperly addressed: Walter Wolfe, 1228 Eleventh avenue; Lee Dulaney, 1507 Twelfth street; Alexander Hunt, 1309 Eighteenth avenue; Miss Sophie Hutmire, Eleventh avenue and Eleventh street; Miss Margaret Krady, 1923 Beale avenue STEAM HEAT AT THE ALDINE. The Aldine hotel is now heated by steam. A Burley heater was recently placed in the cellar of the hotel and the steam was turned on yesterday for the first time. There is a radiator in every room of the house, which will be a great convenience to guests.