NEWS: Items from the Altoona Mirror, August 31, 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, Tuesday Evening, August 31, 1899 DOINGS OF THE CITY POLICE Our Reporters' Notes Gathered at the Mayor's and Aldermen's Offices Irvin High was given seventy-two hours in the lockup for fighting. A common drunk was arrested by Officer Cherry at the depot last night. He left his watch as security for a hearing at 2:30 o'clock this afternoon. An old soldier was arrested by Officer Cherry last evening for being drunk and committing a nuisance on Eleventh avenue. He is having a hearing this afternoon. Three tramps, giving their names as James Coyle, Charles McCarthy and John Gallagher, were sentenced yesterday by the mayor to work five days on the streets. W. D. Wagoner, who is wanted in Johnstown on the charges of swindling and embezzlement, was arrested in a Tenth avenue saloon about 10:30 o'clock last night by Chief of Police Seedenburg and Officer Carney. He was lodged in the lockup. Wagoner was arrested on a warrant from Johnstown. It was sent here shortly after he left that place some months ago. Wagoner was connected with a metropolitan loan association and after he got Johnstowners to invest several thousands in it, the concern collapsed. W. D. WAGNER'S SIDE OF IT The Alleged Embezzler Wanted in Johnstown Tells His Tale of Woe A reporter for the Mirror interviewed W. D. Wagner, who is being held in the city building, on a charge of embezzlement, preferred by Johnstown parties and who will be taken to that city as soon as an officer arrives. Wagner's statement was briefly, that he was agent for the American Investor's company, representing the "Associates of New York." He took some time explaining the methods of the institution with the ponderous title, and as nearly as could be understood, explained that the "Associates" was a body of fifteen men, "scattered" over different portions of the country and who jointly guaranteed the payment of certain bonds which were offered for sale, and which apparently matured when the purchasers got done paying for them. These bonds were payable in annual installments and when such installments were paid the purchaser could "apply" for a loan. This of course does not prevent sundry other people from "applying" for loans from other sources. However, the purchasers after one year had this privilege specially granted by the associates and Mr. Wagner judiciously remarked that none of the loans asked for by Johnstown investors had been refused. Consequently our hot- headed Johnstown neighbors had, in Mr. Wagner's own language, "no kick coming. He further showed the reporter a receipted list of payments from the general manager, showing that he paid over well and truly, all the moneys which the fiery and untamed Johnstowners had paid to him. "This is the name of the man who prosecuted me," he said, pointing to one name on his receipted list, "and how can he hold me for embezzlement?" The reporter gave it up. Wagner than entered into a long account of their methods in dealing with mortgages and wound up by saying that he had been with the "Associates" as an agent since last November. That the total amount paid in by the Johnstown investors was only about $1,100, and that when he learned that the company was embarrassed by reason of some foolish New Jersey people arresting the principal men in connection with "some trouble about some loans" in response to a letter from the company's bookkeeper, he went to New York City. Here he learned of the company' difficulty and then and there prepared a letter, setting forth these facts, mailing one to each of his Johnstown patrons. Instead of appreciating this act of kindness on Mr. Wagner's part, the Johnstown people, with a rare heartlessness, sent warrants for him to New York. Not wishing to be locked up in the tombs, Mr. Wagner says, " I had to get out of town." His apprehension here followed. Wagner is a slender, neat looking fellow of perhaps 38 years and evidently one who is not easily frightened. He seems to take the matter with philosophic coolness and while declaring his innocence, expressed his entire confidence in his discharge at the hearing in Johnstown. Mrs. Anna Smith, in company with Mrs. Elizabeth Amheiser, went on a visit to friends in Petersburg, Huntingdon county. Mrs. Amheiser returned home yesterday but Mrs. Smith will remain for two weeks. A DARING ESCAPE Handcuffed Prisoner Jumped From a Train Near Johnstown Detective Morris Weiss, of Scranton, went to Fayette county on Tuesday and secured George Bigger, who committed an aggravated assault and battery on a person of a prominent Scranton man. He started back on eastern express last evening with his man handcuffed. When near Johnstown, Bigger made an excuse to get out of his seat and when about one mile east of Johnstown, he ran out on the platform and jumped off the train while it was running at a high rate of speed. His absence was not noticed for some minutes and it was then too late to look for him. When the train reached Altoona, Weiss decided not to go back after him and proceeded to Scranton without the man. CAUCUS AT THE WINDSOR At the Windsor hotel last evening some sixty members of the Democratic county committee from Altoona and surrounding districts met and considered the matter of filling the vacancy on the Democratic ticket, caused by the death of James Funk. Those present expressed themselves in favor of having but one candidate, which of course would render the election of B. J. Murphy practically certain. It was believed that this decision reached by those assembled would exert an influence on the session of the committee on Saturday next. A LETTER FROM CARL SCHURZ Editor L. G. Lamade of this city is the proud owner of an autograph letter from Carl Schurz, the great German-American, who was invited to make an address at the Baden picnic of German-Americans in this section, held last Tuesday. Mr. Schurz is now at Lake George, New York, under the care of physicians and writes that he very much regretted his inability to attend the picnic last Tuesday. Mr. Lamade eulogized Mr. Schurz at the picnic and he wouldn't take any money for the autograph letter from Mr. Schurz now in his possession. HOSPITAL NOTES C. F. Vauclain, 1523 Fifth avenue, had the little finger of his right hand taken off by being caught in some cog wheels in the machine shop at Juniata. Harry Sylvester Spang, aged 5 years, of 1616 Twelfth avenue, was treated at the hospital yesterday for a sprained shoulder. HOLLIDAYSBURG Misses Margaret Traugh and Jessie Plummer are visiting Mr. and Mrs. Harry Stout of Collinsville, Pa. Miss Marion Schroyer has returned home from Chicago. Mr. Moses Brown donated a freezer of ice cream to the boys' brigade at Campus ridge yesterday. Miss Verna Cree entertained a number of her little friends last evening. Miss Helen M. Landis is visiting her friend, Miss Jean Meanor, of Greensburg. The large cross and ball on the steeple of St. Michael's church is being regilded. Miss Laura Baldrige is visiting Mrs. Harry Peffer, of Natrona, Pa. Miss Olivia Kelly will give a euchre and tea at her home in Gaysport tomorrow afternoon and evening. A meeting of the Hollidaysburg high school alumni was held last evening in the public school building. Mr. W. L. Baldrige presided and Mrs. W. B. Reed acted as secretary. The membership roll of 186 graduates was called of which number thirteen are dead. It was decided to attend the county alumni reunion at Lakemont tomorrow. The following committees were appointed to secure the largest possible attendance of their respective classes: 1879, Major John H. West; 1880, Miss Maggie C. Keeley; 1881, C. F. Brown; 1882, Mrs. Samuel Porcher; 1883, Robert W. Smith; 1884, Miss Louisa Klos; 1885, Miss Mary H. Elliott; 1886, Mrs. H. M. Henshey; 1887. F. H. Goodfellow; 1888, Caroline R. Goldman; 1889, Miss Bess W. Smith; 1890, Miss Henrietta McGraw; 1891, Mr. J. K. Roller; 1892, Miss Harriet Lewis; 1893, Miss Irene Hunter; 1894, Miss Edna K. Russ; 1895, Miss Catharine Lemon; 1896, Miss Estella G. Reed; 1897, Mr. Roy Fogel; 1898, Miss Anna Schmidt; 1899, Mr. Edward Hoopes. It was decided to hold an annual meeting of the alumni in the Lakemont casina on Friday at 5 p.m. at the close of the general exercises. A committee on general arrangements was appointed as follows: W. L. Baldrige; Chas. F. Brown; Max C. Schmidt; Miss Lida McFarland; and Mrs. W. B. Reed. The meeting closed with an appropriate talk by School Superintendent J. D. Metzgar on the subject of "Alumni Cooperation in School Work." DUNCANSVILLE Regular Correspondence Mrs. Cloyd Irvine of Harrisburg, is the guest of Mrs. M. A. Fields. John Beegle, who figured in an accident at the works last week is able to be around again. We are anxiously awaiting the return of one of our boys who was a member of the victorious Tenth regiment. It is William Glinter, who has been absent from our town for about eighteen months. A handsome hat rack and umbrella stand now graces the shaving parlors of J. D. Estep. OUR CORRESPONDENTS HENRIETTA Regular Correspondence Miss Nellie Crawford, of Roaring Spring, was the guest of Mr. and Mrs. George Gates the latter part of last week. Mr. Fred Smith and family of Altoona spent the past week with relatives here. Church services for next Sunday are as follows: Reformed Sunday school at 2 o'clock p.m.; preaching by the pastor, Rev. E. M. Beck at 3 and Christian Endeavor at 7. Bethel, Sunday school at 2 p.m. and Christian Endeavor at 7:30. Miss Martha Delozier and Annie Wertmann of McKee visited friends here the latter part of last week. Mr. H. R. McGregor and wife of Altoona spent several days last week with their grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. C. M. Snyder. Mr. W. B. Nicodemus spent Sunday at Hopewell. Mr. David Smouse and wife, of Harrisburg, visited the former's brother, Mr. George Smouse several days last week. Mr. and Mrs. F. N. Byers, recently spent several days with their brother- in-law, Mr. John Higgins and family, of Duncansville. Mr. J. E. Hagey purchased two fine ponies last week. Mr. Samuel Falknor of Lista, Somerset County, visiting his brother at this place over Sunday. Miss Mary Stoudnour is the guest of Miss Annie Wertman of McKee. Messrs. Elias Glass and Andrew Falknor took a business trip to Roaring Spring last Saturday. TYRONE NEWS ITEMS Mrs. Thomas N. McFeaters, 201 West Ninth street, departed yesterday afternoon for an extended visit with friends in Indiana, Pa. Mrs. Blanche Hamer, 1230 North Logan avenue with her little daughter, Bertha, are visiting Grandmother Morris and Aunt Julia Morris, at Milesburg, Centre county. Tomorrow evening from 7 to 10 a Gypsy social will be given on the lawn at Mr. and Mrs. A. M. Laporte's residence, Lincoln avenue and Tenth street. Wilson T. Charles, 9 East Twelfth street, telegraph operator at this station, left yesterday morning for Madera Junction, Tyrone and Clearfield branch, where he will act as dispatcher for the Tyrone division for the next two weeks, while the regular takes his vacation. Colonel D. M. Jones post 172, G. A. R. of Tyrone, will attend the Grand Army encampment at Philadelphia next week, leaving here Monday morning, on Atlantic express. Dr. C. M. Ewing commander of the post, will head the delegation. The headquarters will be at Camp Sereton. JURORS FOR OCTOBER COURT List of Names Drawn From the Jury Wheel Yesterday The following names of jurors were drawn from the jury wheel yesterday to serve at the quarter sessions court to be held at Hollidaysburg the week beginning Monday, Oct. 2: GRAND JURY: Altoona: D. B. Rothrock; S. E. Hedding; John Gearhart; Edward Kabella; James H. Wilson; N. F. Cunningham; H. W. McCartney; Charles Swoyer; Edward Reese; G. B. Sellers; Henry F. Jamison; Frank E. Maloy. Antis: Robert Hildebrand. Blair: George Kephart Bellwood: H. W. Tweed; Harry Cornmesser. Frankstown: William Ling; John B. Riddle; R. H. Blyler Freedom: Joseph McCormick Hollidaysburg: Edward Jacobs North Woodbury: George Allen; S. M. Shriver; Marshall Morgan PETIT JURORS Altoona: Frank Barron; J. B. Saucerman; P. A. Latchford; J. E. Miller; John McCune; Jackson Simonton; Fred Ramey; W. H. Lee; Walter J. Hamor; George F. Streit; W. H. Markley; Thomas Wiggins; James F. Tiernan; D. S. Williams; W. H. Stambaugh; W. B. Ward; Charles A. Green. Allegheny: Edward McCoy Hollidaysburg: Edward Fleck; John S. Keagy Tyrone: Michael Brice; B. J. Bell; W. H. Kellogg; S. C. Cowan; W. T. Henderson Tyrone Township: B. F. Warfel; Thomas M. Fleck Frankstown: Robert Tussey; John Webber; John McIntyre. Williamsburg: William Estep Bellwood: George McCracken; J. T. Cresswell Snyder: Daniel Curfman Logan: David Feather; John Simer Juniata Borough: W. H. Aikens Greenfield: David Mussellman; Isaac Bowers Duncansville: Isaac C. Hess Roaring Spring: H. C. Hair Huston: Daniel Kauffman; Calvin Brumbaugh Martinsburg: David Brumbaugh North Woodbury: John L. Metzger; G. Frank Skyles; D. S. Baker Newry: James McMasters AN AERONAUT KILLED Belt by Which He was Held to Parachute Broke, At Punxsutawney Fair Grounds Dubois, Pa., Aug. 31 - N. E. Crissey, an aeronaut, fell 600 feet to instant death on the Punxsutawney fair grounds. Crissey was scheduled to make daily balloon ascensions at the fair grounds this week. He went up in a large tube, which inverted itself at the proper moment, and the balloonist and his parachute turned and descended . When he ascended, however, the belt by which he was held to the parachute broke just as he was inverting his tube and he shot like a stone to the ground outside of the fair enclosure. When picked up, he was dead. Five thousand persons saw the accident. Crissey was 25 years of age and an experienced balloonist. He belonged to Johnstown, Pa. The tragic fate of Cressey, the Johnstown aeronaut who was killed at Punxsutawney yesterday emphasized the fact that no wise person takes undue risks on his life, even to earn a living. We are glad to note that Mayor Giles is reviving the chain gang. Tramps are becoming so numerous and bold in this city that something must be done to abate the nuisance. Then again, a little work on our streets won't hurt either the streets or the tramps. LOCAL NEWS BRIEFLY GIVEN Gathered by Mirror Scribes on Their Daily Visits Engineer George Innis, of Seventh avenue, is happy over the arrival of a baby girl at his home. A four foot rattlesnake is on exhibition in W. S. Lee's store window at Seventh Avenue and Thirteenth street. The snake will be offered to the Pittsburg zoo. Louis Bagger & Co., patent attorneys at Washington, D.C., report that on last Tuesday Mr. Levi Knott, of this city, obtained a valuable patent for improvements in slate washers. Battalion Adjutant Willis E. Mackey will be appointed regimental adjutant of the Fifth regiment, National Guard of Pennsylvania, to succeed Captain John Fair, who has entered the volunteer service. Drexel company, treasurers for the Porto Rico relief fun, acknowledge having received the following contributions at their banking house, Chestnut and Fifth streets, Philadelphia: Simpson Methodist church, Altoona, per Rev. George M. Hoke, pastor, $7. The congregation of the First Lutheran church will tender a reception to its pastor, Rev. O. C. Roth, this evening at 8 o'clock, on his home-coming from his vacation. The affair will be held in the lecture room of the church. All are welcome to attend. F. M. Canty, of 817 Fifth avenue, whose dwelling house caught on fire on the 25th inst., as a token of his appreciation of the good work of the firemen, yesterday presented to Chief Pimlott a box of fine cigars for the members of companies Nos. 2 and 3, and truck A. The old-fashioned campmeeting, under the auspices of the Sixteenth Street Methodist and the African Methodist church, will reopen on September 3 and continue until October 1. Good singing by a splendid choir and excellent sermons will be features. Revs. T. A. Powell and T. W. Williams will be in charge. Miss Regina Tulley, daughter of Michael Tulley, of Summerhill, was wounded, near the ankle, by an accidental discharge of a revolver a few days ago. In cleaning house she found a loaded revolver, which she placed on a chair, and, in passing the weapon a few minutes later, her dress caught it and it fell to the floor, where it was discharged. A steer got away from a farmer, John Balser, of Sinking Valley, as he was driving it into the stock-yard of Butcher G. M. Aurich, at Fourth avenue and First street, yesterday, and caused considerable excitement until it finally started back home. Benjamin Beason, a boy, was tossed, but escaped injury. Mr. Balser was horned in the face and had his jaw bone broken. PURELY PERSONAL ITEMS Arrivals, Departures and Other Facts Concerning People Known Here Mr. C. H. Macey, of this city, is registered at the Hotel Lafayette, in Philadelphia. Miss Ada Williams of 608 Second street left yesterday for a two weeks' visit to Pottsville. Charles Stains, a former constable, arrived in the city on Philadelphia express last night. John A. O'Neil, wife and daughter have returned from a visit of two weeks to Philadelphia. Miss Sallie and Jessie Nepley and Ella McGregor of Altoona are spending a week in this city. [Harrisburg Independent] Rev. Alden Hutchison, pastor of the United Presbyterian church, returned to the city last night and will occupy his pulpit next Sabbath. Mrs. C. W. Schmidt and Miss Mary Weller returned home from a two weeks' visit to Atlantic City, Philadelphia, Baltimore and Lancaster. Mrs. George Bolbach and daughter, Florence, came home on Monday from a long visit to Altoona where her husband is employed. [Lancaster News] Mrs. John Peters, of Lewistown, is attending the sessions of the Centre Baptist association. She is the guest of Mrs. John Kellar of 804 Green avenue. Frank Lemcke, of Franklin, Pa., is visiting his father, Rev. H. J. Lemcke, who resides with his daughter, Mrs. William Selwitz of 708 Fourth avenue. Miss Emma Gilliford, who has been visiting at McAlevy's Fort, Huntingdon county for the past three weeks returned home on Altoona accommodation last night. Thomas P. Strittmatter, esq., of Philadelphia, who had been sojourning in Cambria county for several weeks, spent last evening with Altoona friends, enroute home. Miss Jessie Taylor left last evening for the est. She will be the guest of her aunt, Mrs. George Davis, of Mattoon, Ill, for some time and then go on to St. Louis. Her many friends wish her a safe and pleasant journey. First Lieut. John Dunkle, of Company A., Huntingdon, is one of the delegates to the Central Baptist association now meeting here. Lieut. Dunkle will very likely be elected captain of the company, to succeed John S. Bare, recently elected major. Rev. D. S. Daugherty and family left yesterday for Williamsport. On Friday Rev. Daugherty will proceed to Norwood, where he will assume the pastorate of the Immanuel church. Mrs. Daugherty will remain with her mother in Williamsport until her home at Norwood is arranged for occupancy. EAST END ITEMS Miss Sadie Buchanan, who has been ill with convulsions for some time past is somewhat better today. Mrs. William Dibert and children of Kettle street, who have been visiting friends in Claysburg for some time past, has returned home. Mr. William McDowell of Pottsgrove avenue has been on the sick list for some time. Mr. Robert Gunsaulis was laid up with the rheumatism for several days last week. Mr. Mac Steward has been laid up for more than a week with stomach trouble. Mrs. Mundorff and her children, of Hollidaysburg, are visiting at the home of Mr. Sylvester Young. Miss Maggie Widensall, formerly of East End, is visiting at the home of Mr. Joseph Brown. Misses Katie Lingenfelter and Celia Gunsaulis have returned home after a two weeks' visit in Ohio. Mrs. John Lingafelt is suffering with a strained ankle which she got by a fall about two weeks ago. Miss Rose Kelly is visiting her sister, Mrs. Annie Young of East End. Mr. Jerry Bowers and family have moved to town. They will be missed by their friends and neighbors. We wish them a long and prosperous life in their new home. Mr. Charles Kelly has purchased their house and lot and expects to make it his future home. Mr. Cyrus Polio of Westmoreland County is visiting at the home of his daughter, Mrs. W. D. McDowell. HELD AT THE POSTOFFICE Letters held at the post office, improperly addressed: Miss Catharine Chestnut, 2910 West Chestnut avenue; Mr. Emery Keyser, 61 Clayton avenue; Mrs. Thomas A. Logan, 720 Ross avenue; Sylvester Schmidt, 5 Anderson street. OFF FOR THE PHILIPPINES. Captain John Fair, of This City, Ordered to Report for Duty. Captain John S. Fair, of this city, who was recently assigned to the Forty-third United States volunteer regiment, received a telegram last night from the assistant adjutant general at Washington, ordering him to report at once to the recruiting station at Pittsburg to assist in recruiting men for his regiment for the next ten days. The forty-third is booked to go to the Philippines, and Mr. Fair is today getting things in readiness for his long journey and saying good-bye to his many friends. He will leave for Pittsburg tomorrow morning on western express. LIGHT PLANT CHANGED HANDS. Electric Company of America Buys the Altoona Plant. A. J. Anderson, who owns 2,293 shares of the Edison Electric illuminating company of Altoona, has sold his entire interest in the plant for $223,000. The price received, $95, is the same as that paid by him for his original shares. The purchaser is the Electric Company of America, which has a capital of $25,000,000, and controls plants in New York, Philadelphia and other cities. The president is A. Louden Snowden, and the vice president, W. J. Latta. The company here will retain A. J. Anderson as business manager and E. B. Greene as superintendent; also all the old employes. The plant is to be largely improved. Pole lines will be established all over the city, so as to be prepared to furnish light and power for every house and factory in the city. Mr. Anderson yesterday received his snug little compensation, $223,000 in cash. HIGH SCHOOL REUNION. The Graduates of the Different High Schools Will Meet at Lakemont. As announced before, all friends of the alumni of the county are invited to join the reunion at Lakemont park tomorrow (Friday) afternoon and evening. An effort has been made to make this initiatory step for a more allied fellowship among the various high school alumni of the county. The following program will be given in the casino, which will be reserved for the alumni and friends, beginning at 4 o'clock. Music, "Forth to the Battle," chorus; address, Rev. Samuel Martin, class of '86, Altoona high school; solo, "If the Waters Could Speak as They Flow," Mrs. Irene Kilgore Okeson, '91; A.H.S.; address, Prof. E. E. Houck, representing Tyrone high school; solo, Mr. Samuel Ross, '99, A.H.S.; recitation, Miss Elder, '97, A.H.S.; solo, a Scotch ballad, "Loch Lomond," Miss Jennie Robertson, '99, A.H.S.; address, R. W. Smith, esq., of Hollidaysburg high school alumni; music, "Auld Lang Syne," by everybody; grand march, 8; orchestral music and dancing, 8:30 to 10:30. VALUABLE PROPERTY AT BELLWOOD. For Sale or Rent. The large three-story frame property, known as the William M. Bell property, can be leased for a reasonable rent, or bought at a most advantageous price. The property is located in the central part of Bellwod, the ground fronting on the corner of Railroad and Cambria streets, is one hundred and twenty-five feet square. The house contains twenty-five rooms and is in excellent condition and repair throughout. The building is admirably adapted for hotel, boarding house or office uses, and is within one square of the P.R.R. and Bell's railroad stations, postoffice, bank, etc. There is also a large stable and ice house on the premises. This valuable property can be rented at $18 per month; selling price can be ascertained, or arrangements for leasing made by communicating with W. Calvin Moore, Hollidaysburg, Pa., or George M. Meyers, attorney-at-law, Bellwood, Pa.