NEWS: Items from the Altoona Mirror, August 28, 1899, Blair County, PA Contributed for use in the USGenWeb Archives by Patty Millich & Alice James Copyright 2006. All rights reserved. http://www.usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm http://www.usgwarchives.net/pa/blair/ _______________________________________________ Items from the Altoona Mirror, Monday Evening, August 28, 1899 LAST EVENING'S STORM The City was Deluged With Water Cellars Flooded and Streets Turned Into Running Rivers - The Passenger Depot Looked Like a Lake. Great Quantities of Stone and Dirt Were Washed Down from the Hills. Altoona and vicinity was visited last evening by a terrific rain storm, which did considerable damage throughout the city. The storm was accompanied by thunder and lightning. The rain began falling about 5:30 o'clock and increased in intensity until shortly before 8 o'clock, when a regular downpour set in, which lasted for almost an hour. The water descended in torrents and the sewers were unable to carry it off fast enough. As a result the streets soon resembled rivers. The water at the Pennsylvania railroad station was ten or twelve inches deep, and empty beer kegs, boxes and other articles were floated away. There were a number of trunks in the depot shed and their contents must have been damaged as they stood in the water for a long time. Later in the night the trunks were removed to the passenger waiting room. The scenery for the Chester DeVonde company, which was in the depot shed, was slightly damaged by water. After the storm had subsided somewhat, the scenery was carried out and placed on the Logan House porch. The costumes of the leading lady of the New York Novelty company which appears at the Park theatre this week and were in trunks at the depot, were damaged to the amount of $500. The effects of other members of the company were also damaged. When Philadelphia express arrived the passenger station was flooded. A ladder was laid from the gate to the train on which the passengers walked out. During the height of the storm, the streets in the lower parts of the city were rendered impassable and the City Passenger and Logan Valley roads were compelled to suspend operations for about an hour. Hundreds of cellars were flooded and city inlets clogged up with the dirt washed down from the hillsides. The most damage was done along Eighteenth street and in the big hollow running through the Seventh ward, on the west side. On Twenty-fourth street, between Fifth and Ninth avenues, and in the lower part of the Eighth ward, and along Margaret avenue on the east side, the usual flood conditions prevailed. The sewage system was entirely inadequate to carry off the great downpour of water. Eighteenth street was a veritable river, carrying flotsam of all kinds down through the Union avenue culvert. Ninth street was no better, as the water came down in a raging torrent off of the hills. The Logan House, Brant House and Altamonte hotel cellars were filled with water, and the cellar of the new addition to the freight station has five feet of water in it. Twelfth street was flooded from curb to curb and the water ran across the street car tracks on Eleventh avenue and down into the train shed. The Tribune press room was under water but not enough to prevent work. On Eleventh avenue things were not much better. Numerous business places had their cellars flooded. Gable & Co.'s big department store had six inches of water in the basement at 9 o'clock and more coming. The water was almost two feet deep at the corner of Eleventh avenue and Eleventh street. At Ninth avenue and Thirteenth street the water was rushing down off the hill from Fourth avenue and made things lively for awhile and caused some trouble in the Pennsylvania boiler house at that point. Twenty-fourth street was inundated to the depth of a foot or more. The water filled the street from curb to curb and flowed over the walks and into cellars. At Fifth avenue it spread out over the low ground and formed a lake, on which a side-wheel steamer might have navigated. At the lower end of the Eighth ward another lake was formed by water from off the hills on the east side. The Logan Valley railway company was compelled to suspend traffic about 8:35 o'clock on account of the water at Twenty-fourth street and the large amount of earth and stones that were washed on its track at Fifth avenue from Thirteenth to Twenty-second streets. A force of men was immediately sent out to clear the tracks, and as soon as the rubbish was removed, traffic was resumed. The City Passenger company shut down about the same time. The tracks in many places were several inches under water. Cars on the Seventh avenue line only ran as far as Twenty-fourth street. Three cars were burned out and one car was derailed on Broad street. Fourteenth avenue, between Thirteenth and Fourteenth streets, presented a dilapidated appearance this morning. The street is badly washed out and at the intersection of Thirteenth street there are great piles of dirt and stone. The storm would undoubtedly have done a great deal more damage than it did had it not been for the fact Street Commissioner Robeson had men detailed at all the main sewer inlets to prevent them from clogging up. The cellar of Magee's hotel was flooded as was also that of the Altoona Mirror building. The embankment of the new Mirror building was also washed out considerably. Street Commissioner Robeson had a force of men at work today clearing the mud and debris from the streets. Pennsylvania railroad traffic was not delayed by the heavy storm and all trains were run on time. There were two partial washouts on the Middle division, one at Bixler and the other at Trimmer's near Newport. In both cases the ballast and cinder on the side of the embankment were washed away, but the tracks were not damaged. In the midst of the storm, the sewer in the railroad yard at Sixteenth street burst. The ballast and cinder were washed out from under two tracks which had to be put out of service until the break can be repaired. The island of Flowing Spring was almost inundated. There were between fifty and sixty people on the island, most of them from Altoona. They all got a good soaking. Temporary bridges were built and in this manner some of the people got away and went to the residences of farmers, where they dried their clothing and spent the night. At Point View the water rose over three feet during last night's storm. DOINGS OF THE CITY POLICE Our Reporters' Notes Gathered at the Mayor's and Aldermen's Offices A drunk arrested by Officer Roberts on Saturday night was fined $1.80 by Alderman DoByne last evening. Charles Gantz was discharged by Alderman Crampsey Saturday night on the charge of assault and battery. Two men charged with drunkenness were arraigned before Acting Mayor DoByne yesterday afternoon. One paid $2.80 and the other, being financially embarrassed, was sent up for seventy-two hours. While celebrating an Italian wedding on Ninth avenue last evening some of the participants, as usual, got drunk and a quarrel ensued and two of the police were summoned and one of the belligerents was arrested The case of Samuel McCurdy against John Wertz, Maggie Wertz, Emma Wertz and Alva Ehrenfeld, charging them with disorderly conduct, which was to have been heard before Alderman DoByne Saturday, has been continued. The woman who was found lying drunk in a ditch one night last week and arrested was not named Mundy as stated in the Mirror. The name was given to the Mirror reported by a person who should have known better but it was a mistake just the same. On Saturday, Alderman Ramey received money to purchase transportation for Samuel Rugindz, a 14-year-old lad, of Brooklyn, whom he sent to jail on August 10 for trespassing on the Pennsylvania railroad. He was taken out of jail and sent home on day express. TO WELCOME THE TENTH President Gets an Ovation in Altoona First Regiment Goes Through Yesterday Afternoon The presidential party, enroute, left Pittsburg, reached Altoona at 5:30 Saturday evening. The party consisted of the President and Mrs. McKinley. Private Secretary Cortelyou, Executive Clerk Barnes and General Wesley Merritt. A large number of people were at the depot and while the train remained there, the president was kept busy shaking hands. Among those at the depot was Dr. H. T. Hancock, who treated the president's nephew, James McKinley, while the latter was ill in Porto Rico. The doctor has an autograph letter from the president, thanking him for his services. The presidential party was joined here by Superintended Robert Pitcairn of the Pittsburg division. When the train pulled out President McKinley stood on the rear platform and received a great ovation. In response to the cheers the president smiled, bowed and waved his hat. He refused to make a speech at the depot. SUPT. DE HAVEN HURT Fell From a Ladder at the Brick Works This Morning John DeHaven, superintendent of the new Altoona brick plant, west of this city, met with an accident about 5 o'clock this morning. While going up a ladder to inspect the brick kiln, he slipped and fell to the ground, a distance of six or seven feet. His hip was injured and his back badly wrenched. The ambulance was summoned and the injured man was removed to the hospital. Mr. DeHaven boarded at Beale avenue and Thirtieth street. His family resides at Ackson, O., but are making preparations to move here. It is thought that Mr. DeHaven's injures are not serious. He is aged 50 years. CAPTAIN JOHN S. FAIR Appointed Captain in the Forty-third Regiment of the U.S. Volunteers Captain John S. Fair, of this city, yesterday received official notice of his appointment as captain in the United States army. He was assigned to the Forty-third regiment, volunteer infantry, under command of Col. McClemand. The regiment will be recruited at Fort Ethian [sic] Allen, Vermont. Some of the recruits, however, will come from Pennsylvania, as the station at Harrisburg, has authority to enlist men for this regiment. Captain Fair will leave the latter part of this week for his post of duty. ALTOONA TEACHERS' INSTITUTE The teachers' institute for Altoona convened this afternoon at 3 o'clock in the high school building. Professor Keith, superintendent of Altoona's schools, is in charge. A good corps of instructors are in attendance and it is expected that the institute will be a very profitable one. LATE NEWS PARAGRAPHED. Mr. and Mrs. Louis Stouffer, of the east side, returned home last evening, after spending two weeks in New York and Atlantic City. Mr. A. Flaherty and oldest son, Frank, arrived home after a visit of two weeks to friends and relatives in New England. They had a very pleasant time and enjoyed the trip very much. Miss Laura Westbrook, the milliner, left on day express today for New York and Philadelphia. She will be absent two weeks, attending the fall openings of millinery and buying her fall line of millinery goods. W. S. Hammond and N. P. Mervine will leave tonight to attend the convention of the National bar association which convenes in Buffalo this week. Before returning home, they will visit Niagara Falls and take in the sights along Lake Ontario. Miss Ross and Miss Stewart, who have been taking the normal course in kindergarten primary training under Mrs. Treat, principal of the training school of Grand Rapids, Mich., have returned and will open their school next Monday morning at 1218 Twelfth avenue. A NEW CASE OF SMALL-POX Other Contagious Diseases Reported to Health Board Today Another case of small-pox was reported to the board of health this afternoon. The victim is Mr. George Keisel, the building contractor, residing at 415 Fifteenth street. It is not known where he contracted the disease. The house was placarded and quarantined by the health officer. Two cases of typhoid fever were also reported to the health board. One is located at 2003 Twelfth avenue. The physician who made this report added that the gutters on both sides of the avenue in this section are a menace to public health. Health Officer Miller said he notified the street commissioner concerning the filthy condition of the gutters but that he paid no attention to them. The other typhoid case is at 1926 Tenth avenue. A case of scarlet fever was also reported from the Second ward. MOTION AND PETITION COURT Legal Matters Presented to Judge Ben at Hollidaysburg This Morning Dr. J. R. Humes was appointed guardian of Charles Walker, minor child of Philip Walker, deceased; guardian to give bond in sum of $4,000. In the assigned estate of J. C. Akers, order of sale of real estate granted to J. Lee Plummer, assignee. Sale to take place at the court house, October 27, 1899 at 10 a.m. Citation awarded, returnable first day of next term, on H. B. Huff, committee of Elizabeth Shimer, a lunatic, to file his account. Report of M. M. McNeil, auditor, appointed to report and suggest a decree in the estate of William Hammond, deceased, estate, confirmed nisi. David Koch, guardian of Gertrude and Philip Pottsgrove, deceased, is authorized to make sale of certain real estate of his wards. On petition of George Beck, rule awarded, returnable at argument court, to show cause why the liquor license of the St. James hotel, Altoona, in name of M. A. Keough, should not be revoked. Commonwealth vs. A. J. Stanley, et al, Rule awarded to show cause why fifa and mandamus for costs should not be granted against the city of Altoona. Rule returnable second Monday in September. Subpoena awarded in divorce case of Mary A. and Theodore Mowry. In the George Dumm, deceased, estate, return of sale of real estate confirmed nisi. Order for sale of real estate granted in the estate of Edward McNevin, deceased. The liquor license of the Kellerman House, Gaysport, heretofore, in the name of A. L. Rutherford, was transferred to Thomas B. Mattern. A. J. Riley was appointed committee to inquire into the lunacy of Luther Coleman. In assigned estate of W. Ebert, the sale of a certain lot in Logan township to Harry Templeton for $500 and one lot and building on north west side of Eleventh avenue, between Tenth and Eleventh streets, Altoona, to Thomas Weir, for $4,750, confirmed nisi. Mrs. Elizabeth McIntosh vs. James Condron. Rule granted to take testimony. Decree made correcting deed of Mrs. Martha Leader for property on the corner of Fourth avenue and Tenth street, Altoona. Report of W. I. Woodcock, auditor to hear and decide exceptions and restate accounts of Samuel C. Leamer and Julia Weghamen, executors of Henry Leamer, deceased. The auditor decides that Samuel Leamer, trustee, for Mrs. Burton, having loaned the money, not as trustee, but as an individual, to the banking house of Gardner, Morrow & Co., and to James Thompson of Davenport, Iowa, he is liable for the loss sustained and must make good to Mrs. Burton the full amount, which is $7,455, with interest from the year 1894. The report of A. W. Porter, auditor, to disburse the funds in the hands of the executors of James Gardner, deceased, arising from the sale of the personal property of the decedent. The auditor distributes $72,200.65 among the creditors of Gardner, Morrow & Co., representing in amount $133, 297.72, or a pro rata of 58 and four tenth per cent. The executors are surcharged with $26,640 of this amount; $20, 810 is royalty received by the executors from the Franklin Forge stone quarries. The auditor allowed all claims on renewed certificates representing the amounts in the bank prior to the death of James Gardner and several claims for amounts which were in the bank prior to the death of James Gardner were disallowed because the accounts had not been satisfactorily proven. The auditor charged for his services $1,350. Exceptions will be filed to the report and probably the matter will be in litigation for some months yet. The following accounts were disallowed: G. C. Lowery, $443.74. The auditor holds that there was no balance due at James Gardner's death. J. L. Confer, $534.11; Mrs. L. List, $36.42; Barbara Bachman, $375; W. B. Hall, $800. The amount for distribution is made up as follows: Accounts of executors, $45,560.62; surcharged William Jack note and interest, $5,820; royalty, $20,810.07. Total, $72,200.69. Stenographer charges, $100. NEWS IN RAILROAD CIRCLES Local and General Items of Interest to Mirror Readers Michael Toner, who is employed by Contractor Kerbaugh in the railroad improvements at the Point, was in the city this morning. He said the work was progressing favorably and will be completed in a few months. Mr. George Whelan, clerk in Superintendent of Motive Power Atterbury's Office, has been appointed chief clerk of motive power on the Philadelphia and Erie division, to take effect, September 1. His headquarters will be in Williamsport. Mr. Harry A. Anderson, who for some years has been chief clerk to Master Mechanic Brown, of the Juniata shops, will succeed Mr. Whelan. HOLLIDAYSBURG. Regular Correspondence. The Gaysport schools will open on Monday, September 4. Miss Emily Speck, of Bethlehem, is the guest of Dr. Easter and wife. Captain Jonathan Derno and wife left on Saturday for a two week's visit to Williams' Grove and other summer resorts. Miss Sarah King, of Boston, is a town visitor. Superintendent C. A. McFarland and a force of men were engaged yesterday in replacing the receiving tank at the Portage Iron works, Duncansville, on the line of the Blair's Gap run water line. This tank has become greatly dilapidated, thereby causing a great loss in the volume of water. Mr. John Tierney is going about on crutches. One week ago he cut his ankle with a hatchet. Miss Viola Shinefelt is visiting in Indiana county. Prof. McGowan, of Juniata, was a town visitor on Saturday. Miss Mary L. Ingold has resumed her duties as stenographer in the office of O. H. Hewit, esq., after a week's illness. A special meeting of the Hollidaysburg school board was held on Saturday evening. Miss Sallie C. Dutt was elected assistant principal to succeed Prof. W. C. Hanawalt, resigned. Miss Mary F. Miller was advanced to the position of teacher in the room now taught by Miss Dutt. Miss Myrtle Reed tendered her resignation as a teacher of school No. 2, primary department. Miss Estella Reed, daughter of Mr. Charles H. Reed, was appointed to succeed her. The board also took action requiring every pupil to be vaccinated before entering school. A terrific rain storm swept our town last evening about 8:30 o'clock. The rain fell in torrents and the lightning was terrible to witness. The electric lights all over town went out and the 'burg was as black as Egypt. Amid the crashing of thunder and the sound of the deluge of rain, a fire alarm was sounded. A brick house formerly owned by Henry Jaekel, now the property of a Lancaster party, had been struck by lightning and partially destroyed. The Phoenix boys responded to the alarm and worked manfully to save the building. The house was unoccupied. Traffic on the Logan Valley was suspended for half an hour. Cellars all over town were flooded. This morning pavements were littered with sparrows that had probably been killed by electricity. KILLED IN A LUMBER CAMP. A young man named Lantz, a native of Clearfield, was fatally injured in a lumber camp near Vintondale, Cambria county, Saturday, and died while on the way to the train, while en route to the Memorial hospital in Johnstown for surgical attention. Lantz was crushed by the fall of some heavy piece of machinery used in the lumber operations. The unfortunate man was aged 25 years. The remains were shipped to Clearfield today. CAME NEAR DROWNING Sylvester Bitner's Experience at Point View Sylvester Bitner, of 1202 Fourteenth avenue, had a narrow escape from drowning in the Juniata river at Point View yesterday afternoon. He was in swimming when he sank and coming to the surface, cried for help. After struggling in the water a short time, he went down again. When he came up the second time, he was almost exhausted. One of his companions, who was in a boat by this time, got close enough to the young man to throw him an oar, which he grabbed. Another man on the shore then jumped into the river and swam out to young Bitner. He was rescued in a very weak condition, just as he was about to sink for the third time. Had he gone down again, he would have no doubt been drowned. After considerable difficulty he was gotten into the boat and taken ashore. He was afterwards removed to Sylvan cottage where he had been stopping. THE FIRST REGIMENT At 3:30 o'clock yesterday afternoon the First regiment, National Guard Pennsylvania, passed through on its way to Pittsburg. The regiment occupied a special train of thirteen cars and was commanded by Lieutenant Colonel J. Lewis Good. It was composed of 903 officers and enlisted men. On the same train was the First brigade band and the Germania band, of Allentown, consolidated of sixty-three pieces. There were also forty-three pieces in the field music. While the train was at the depot two barrels of empty beer bottles were put off. With orders to return them to a Philadelphia bottling house. The First regiment paraded today in Pittsburg in honor of the return of the gallant Tenth. TYRONE NEWS ITEMS Misses Edna, Margaret and Mary McFarland of Altoona are visiting their aunt, Mrs. C. M. Buck, 1529 North Pennsylvania avenue. Rev. and Mrs. H. F. Senft, who have recently returned from Jerusalem and Palestine will have charge of the meeting in the Alliance rooms in the Stewart building, West Tenth street, this evening at 7:30. The fire alarm at noon on Saturday was caused by burning soot in the chimney of the dwelling occupied by John A. Lytle and family, 1452 North Logan Avenue. The teachers and scholars of the old Cabin Ford school house, in Warriorsmark township, with their families and friends to the number of 200, had an enjoyable outing at their reunion and picnic at Hundred Springs on Saturday. A permanent organization was effected and David L. Wray, of Bellwood, was named as president. Hundred Springs was designated as the place of the next annual reunion, in the second week of August, 1900. All old friends of the school are requested to send their names and addresses to the principal. DR. T. E. SMITH ARRESTED He Got Into Trouble in Johnstown Over a Horse Dr. T. E. Smith, whose office is in the Waters building, was arrested between 8:20 and 9 o'clock this morning by Constable James Herzog, of the Third ward, on a charge of maliciously destroying the property of a livery stable keeper, Albert M. Masters, the well known liveryman, being the prosecutor, says Saturday's Johnstown Tribune. Mr. Master appeared before Alderman Will J. Lamberd of the Third ward, last evening and preferred the charges against him. The prosecutor alleges that Smith hired "Charley," his 6-year-old bay horse, on Monday, to go to South Fork and Dunlo; that he did not stop at South Fork but went on to Summerhill, because it is said, he claimed the victuals at one of the hotels at South Fork were not good enough for him and he also refused to have the horse fed there; that between 5 and 6 o'clock Tuesday evening Smith was at Dunlo, and at 7:15, the horse dropped dead on the Geistown road, a short distance from the Johnstown House. Mr. Masters valued the animal at $75. After making ineffectual attempts to settle with the defendant yesterday, Mr. Masters preferred the charge and this morning Constable Herzog served the warrant. Smith, who was evidently expecting the officer, made a futile attempt to get bail from a man in the same building in which he has his office. On being taken to the magistrate's office he refused to say whether he was guilty or not, but he asked if there was no way of settling the case and then summoned Attorney Atkinson as his legal adviser over the telephone. A commitment was made out and given to the constable and Smith would have been taken to the police station had not Mr. Masters arrived at the alderman's office in the meantime, and decided to settle the case if Smith would pay him $35 for the animal, which he concluded to do. He said he did not have the money with him, however, and Constable Herzog accompanied him to his office for it. There the physician retired to his private room and obtained of a woman a big roll of bills from which he took the required amount, with $2.80 additional costs. On making payment, Smith told the constable that his receipts for this month are $2,000 behind those of August, 1898, when he was located in Altoona and that he intended "Shaking this G-d d-n town," because a man can't get anything there unless he first planks down the money in advance. When Dr. Smith was in Altoona he was located for a time in an office on Eleventh avenue between Thirteenth and Fourteenth streets and afterwards in the Phoenix block. NOTICE TO TAXPAYERS The city and sinking fund tax for the year 1899 is now due and payable at the treasurer's office, city hall. On and after September 1, three per cent will be added and one per cent, each month thereafter, until paid Fred Scheffield, City Treasurer ALTOONA SOCIAL EVENTS Social Notations, Contributed by People Interested in Them On last Friday evening a party of young folks went to "Wopsy" on the 7:15 train to escort Miss Annetta Crosthwaite, who has been spending the summer at Fernwood cottage. The following young ladies and gentlemen composed the party: Misses Cora Fasick, Mary Myers and Anna Smith, and Messrs. David and Chas. Bennett, Chester Bair, Carl Hinton. After spending a pleasant evening in music, games and other amusements, a collation was served on the lawn by Mrs. D. W. Crosthwaite, who chaperoned the party, and Mrs. Kelmmert, assisted by Master Frederick Thieme, who acted as host. They arrived home on the last train from Wopsy, while the mountain sides seemed to echo back their voices as if taking part in the enjoyment of the occasion. On Tuesday evening, August 24, a birthday party was held at the home of Walter Filler, 2004 Spruce avenue in honor of their daughter, Maud's eighteenth birthday. Those present were: Misses Emma Price, Anna Price, Lottie Hughes, Anna Ault, Sallie Lingenfelter, May Lingenfelter, Mrs. Joseph Lingenfelter, Grace Stone, Mrs. W. M. Filler and Maud Filler and Messrs. Joseph Holliday, W. S. Myers, James Robeson, James Smith, Millard Helms, George McMurry, Harry Clapper, Geo. Breckbiel, Chas. Stoner and Walter Filler. Games and dancing were the features of the evening. Music was furnished by Mr. Holliday on the graphophone [sic] and Miss Price on the on the piano. Luncheon was served at 12 o'clock and was greatly enjoyed by all who were present. LOCAL NEWS BRIEFLY GIVEN. Gathered by Mirror Scribes on Their Daily Visits. Joseph Glarth, of 815 Seventeenth street, is the happy father of a new boy, which arrived at his home on Saturday last. The remains of the late Hackett McCoy, who died at the hospital on Saturday, will be shipped to Duncannon, by Undertaker Stephens, tomorrow morning on seashore express. Willie Fickes, aged 4 years, son of Engineer W. B. Fickes, of 7 Ninth street, fell down the cellar steps at his home on Saturday morning and besides being painfully bruised, cut two gashes in his scalp. Mr. W. H. Price of the Altoona Horse Exchange is in the west, buying a carload each of horses and mules which will arrive in Altoona the latter part of the week. Watch for their advertisement at that time. On Saturday afternoon while Frank Morgan was carrying his father's dinner to roundhouse No. 3, he was attacked on Ninth avenue between Thirteenth and Fourteenth streets, by a crowd of ruffians and badly used up. Walter Victor, a little lad of 9 years of age was run down by a bicycle on Eighth avenue and Twelfth street, on Saturday afternoon, and badly bruised The wheelman was riding at a reckless rate of speed when he struck the lad. City Passenger car No. 25, in charge of Conductor Stephens collided with a wagon belonging to the American brewery at Eleventh avenue and Twelfth street Saturday evening, throwing the driver, Daniel Carlin, to the street. C. E. Snyder of 220 Third avenue met with a painful injury Saturday night. About 11:30 o'clock while walking along a freight train in the yard, a large lump of coal rolled off a car and hit him on the head, cutting a gash several inches long. Sauer Bros. grocers, have on exhibition at their Eighth avenue store, a radish weighing seven pounds and fourteen ounces. It is fifteen and one half inches in length and twenty-four inches in circumference. It was grown by Martin Morgan of Hollidaysburg. In the United States district court in Pittsburg, Saturday, Michael Keough, Jos. A. Keough and Mrs. Margaret A. Finnegan nee Keough of Altoona, under the firm name of Heirs to Thomas Keough's Estate, filed their petitions in bankruptcy. Their liabilities are $14,699 and their assets $8,255. A sneak thief was discovered about 9:30 o'clock on Saturday evening, trying to gain an entrance to the residence of Mr. Horner on Sixth street, in the rear of the Memorial Baptists church. The rascal had climbed up to a second story window and was trying to force it open when some of the inmates frightened him away. PURELY PERSONAL ITEMS Arrivals, Departures and Other Facts Concerning People Known Here Miss Eva Wolf, of 1814 Union avenue, is at Atlantic City. Sidney T. Iseta, of Spruce Creek, was a Sunday visitor in Altoona. Mr. and Mrs. Baker of Juniata are visiting Mrs. John Straley in Philadelphia. Miss Annie Newberry is visiting her friend, Miss Emma Miller, at Woodbury. Mr. and Mrs. Ira Hoopes, of this city, spent Sunday with friends in Curryville. Miss Clara Morningred left last evening for a visit of two weeks to New York. Mr. Elmer Hoover and family are on a visit to Mrs. John Straley of Philadelphia. H. G. Colyer and wife left on Saturday morning for a visit to Chicago and Omaha. Alderman Raymond is in Pittsburg, attending the reception of the Tenth regiment. Mr. Lightner Clowner left last night for Pittsburg to attend the Tenth regiment welcome. Miss Mabel Funk of Harrisburg is the guest of the Misses Allen, of Seventeenth avenue. Miss Annie Masterson of 809 Thirteenth street, left Saturday on an extended eastern trip. Charles Linstrom of Altoona was registered at the Hotel Lafayette of Philadelphia on Saturday. James Hartford and Theodore Crawford are taking in the sights incident to the Tenth regiment's reception at Pittsburg. Misses Jennie and Bertha Guiney of 1407 Second avenue returned Saturday night from their eight days' trip to Pittsburg. H. R. McGregor and wife of 3022 Walnut avenue are visiting the former's grandparents, C. M. Snyder and wife, at Henrietta. Mr. George Bruster of 1213 1/2 Seventh avenue returned home this morning from a two weeks' sojourn at Atlantic City and Ocean Grove. Mrs. William M. Fraser and daughter, Pauline, of Eleventh avenue and Bridge street went to Houtzdale on a short visit on Saturday. Mrs. C. M. Yon, accompanied by her two sons, Frank and Cecil, departed on way passenger yesterday for a visit among friends at Lewistown. Misses Carrie, Naomi and Libbie Peightel of Pittsburg are guests at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Wallace Cherry of 1906 West Chestnut avenue. Miss Margaret Richardson, one of Tyrone's young ladies, who is visiting here for two weeks, is the guest of Mrs. Potter of 2117 Fourth avenue. Miss Leah Bechoefer, an accomplished musician and Miss Lonsdale, both of Altoona are guests of Miss Bertha Bechoefer. [Martinsburg Herald] J. J. Bradley and W. J. Murray, students at St. Francis college, Loretto, are visiting their classmate, John Crum, of Eleventh avenue and Seventeenth Street. Mrs. H. R. Wilson, of 815 Sixth avenue, accompanied by her son, Benner, is visiting her parents in Summer Hill, Cambria county. She expects to be absent about two weeks. Mrs. A. Vincent, of 1904 Twentieth street returned home last night from Philadelphia where she was visiting her husband, Prof. Vincent who is with Finnegan's Four Hundred. Mrs. S. H. Haines and her sons, of Altoona, visited her mother, Mrs. Elizabeth Sweitzer in this place while on her way to Baltimore to spend some time with friends and relatives. Paul Tillard of Altoona is sojourning with relatives and friends in Fermaugh township. [Juniata Tribune] Mr. Harry Gamble of Altoona, foreman in the blacksmith shop at Juniata, spent Sunday at the residence of Mr. J. C. McDowall. Miss Annie M. Matthews of Altoona, made her aunt, Mrs. Jacobs, a short visit on Tuesday, returning home in the evening. [Newton Hamilton Watchman] Mrs. Joseph Grimme and wife will return on the fast line this evening from New York and other eastern cities, where they have been spending their honeymoon. They will immediately go to housekeeping in their neatly furnished home, 603 First avenue, where their host of friends will have the pleasure of seeing them. Bert Berkowitz of Altoona, a prominent figure in the State Firemen's association, is in the city today. He is on his way home from Syracuse, N.Y., where he attended the International Association of Fire Engineers. Bob McGhee has Mr. Berkowitz in charge and will see that time doesn't hang heavy on him while here [Lock Haven Democrat] ASKS $10,000 DAMAGES Attorney John H. Jordan, acting for Americus Enfield of Bedford, filed the statement in a libel suit last Monday in Bedford against William C. Smith and George P. Weaverling, editors of the Everett Press. The plaintiff in the suit charges that the defendants did deliberately, willfully and maliciously publish accusations against his character which were untruthful and defamatory. He claims that his reputation and profession have suffered by reason of such false charges to the greater extent than can be repaired and that he has been injured in name, standing and profession to the amount of $10,000 or more. He prays that the sum of $10,000 be given him as damages by reason of such false, malicious, libelous and defamatory publications in the paper of the defendant editors. NOTICE, MEMBERS CLASS OF '97 All members of the class of '97, Altoona high school, are required to meet at the home of Miss Rosa Elder, 1703 Seventh avenue this evening, the 28th inst., to arrange to attend the alumna picnic on Friday, September 1, at Lakemont. Eugene Blake, president. PULPIT AND PEW LOCALS News Items of Special Interest in Religious Circles Commencing with Sunday next, the Sunday school of the Eighth Avenue Methodist church will resume its afternoon sessions, beginning at 2:15 o'clock. The Altoona primary union will meet this evening at 7:45 o'clock, in the First Baptist church. The lesson, "Rebuilding the Temple," will be taught by Mr. Levi Geesey. Rev. H. L. Jacobs will address the union. Rev. A. C. Lathrop, of Everett, occupied the pulpit in the First Baptist church yesterday morning and evening. He preached two excellent sermons on "The Enrichment of the Christian Life," and "The Need of Faith.:" Dr. James, the pastor, will resume preaching next Sunday.