NEWS: Items from the Altoona Mirror, September 16, 1899, Blair County, PA Contributed for use in the USGenWeb Archives by Patty Millich & Alice James Copyright 2007. All rights reserved. http://www.usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm http://www.usgwarchives.net/pa/blair/ _______________________________________________ Items from the Altoona Mirror, Saturday Evening, September 16, 1899 NEWS IN RAILROAD CIRCLES Freight Conductor Jesse H. Cornelius of 2408 Beale avenue is confined to his home with pneumonia. He was taken ill on his train between Altoona and Pittsburg Thursday night. Thomas J. Maitland of Media, Delaware County is in the city today. Mr. Maitland is well known in railroad circles here having been chief clerk for general Superintendent Gardner. One hundred recruits for the Forty-first and Forty-seventh regiments, United States volunteers, passed east on fast line this morning. They were from the Pittsburg recruiting station and are destined for Camp Meade. Andrew Kirkpatrick was slightly injured in the head-on collision between the pay train and a freight train on the Pittsburg, Virginia and Charleston, on Wednesday night, at Bair station, near Pittsburg. Kirkpatrick was formerly a special apprentice in the shops here and was assistant master mechanic of the Pittsburg, Virginia and Charleston. DOINGS OF THE CITY POLICE William Harris charged with being drunk was arrested by Officer Vaughn this afternoon. John Niggins, the drunken hobo arrested Thursday night, was discharged by the mayor yesterday afternoon. The David Powley hearing which was to have occurred before Alderman Raymond yesterday afternoon has been postponed. James Feeney has withdrawn the information before Alderman Raymond against his wife for attempting to shoot him and paid the costs. LATE NEWS PARAGRAPHED Dr. J. L. Brubaker went to Tyrone today on day express. Mr. Charles Myers, the Eleventh street plumber went east on day express today. Miss Laura Burket of Fifth avenue left today for a brief sojourn among friends in Pittsburg. The detail of the Sheridan Troop held their annual rifle practice for records today at Tyrone. Kenton Harper of Washington D. C. is the guest of his sister, Mrs. O. C. Roth of this city. Mr. John M. Barclay, wife and son, Samuel, of 1505 Third avenue left last evening for a two weeks' tour in the eastern cities. A case of scarlet fever at 1812 Twelfth avenue was the only contagious disease reported to the board of health today. Mr. and Mrs. Samuel McMinn of the East End left today for a week's visit to New York, Philadelphia and other eastern cities. Miss Frances Weamer has returned home from a two months' sojourn through New York, Connecticut and all the eastern watering places. Mrs. E. B. Rutter and daughter, Ida, of 202 East Third avenue, departed on Thursday morning for a three weeks' visit among friends in Ebensburg and vicinity. The sewer on Eleventh street bursted this morning and flooded the cellar at the Altamonte hotel and caused considerable damage to the engine and boilers before being fixed. Mr. Harry Colestock, formerly a well-known printer of this city but now working in the government printing office at Washington, is visiting his father, S. H. Colestock, Juniata. Miss Minnie Dickel of 2105 Thirteenth avenue has been appointed deputy grand mistress in charge of three sisterhoods of the Daughters of Malta, by Sovereign Grand Master John Cairns of Philadelphia. Ex-Cow Catcher, J. S. Weakland, who had been visiting friends in the city, left for his home in Anglaze county, Ohio, this morning. Mr. Weakland is now a farmer and came east with a carload of hogs. Mayor Giles and the committee appointed by councils to attend the convention of the League of American Municipalities at Syracuse will leave for that place tomorrow. The conventions open on Tuesday. These cases were treated at the hospital today: John R. Vaughn, of 2305 Eighth avenue, fracture of the ribs; Chas. A. Trimble of Tyrone, laceration and contusion of the hand; Edward G. Snow of 1431 1/2 Third avenue, laceration of fingers. FIRE BUGS AT WORK. Attempt Made to Burn Woodcock's Arcade. An attempt was made Thursday night, at 12:50 o'clock, to fire the Woodcock arcade building, on Eleventh avenue. The firebug secured some waste paper and wood from W. S. Aaron's warehouse, which were placed in the ash bin underneath the porch [at] the rear of the arcade and the match applied. The fire thus started, illuminated the alley and attracted the attention of Mrs. Lila Willer, a cook at James Gilland's restaurant, at Eleventh avenue and Fifteenth street, who has a room in the rear of the arcade. The fire was making rapid progress and the glare of the flames reflected in her window from the stable across the alley. It was only a short time before she had been aroused by the alarm for the Reighard oil company fire. Mrs. Willer located the fire and hastily summoned assistance to extinguish it. A number of occupants of the arcade organized a bucket brigade and in a few moments the attempt at incendiarism was frustrated. A man was seen running down the alley towards Fourteenth street a few moments before the blaze was discovered. As it was quite dark in the alley, no description of the man could be obtained. ALTOONA SOCIAL EVENTS Mr. and Mrs. W. B. Calvert of 407 Howard avenue celebrated the fifth anniversary of their marriage Tuesday evening by entertaining a number of neighbors and intimate friends. FINAL ARRANGEMENTS MADE. The local aldermen met this afternoon at 'Squire O'Toole's office, Bridge street, and made final arrangements for the reception of the State Magistrates' association, which meets in this city on the 19th inst. Committees on reception, entertainment and banqueting were appointed. The banquet will probably be held at the Logan House on Wednesday evening. INSPECTED THE SHOPS. Mr. T. Treece, who was sent to this country by the Great Northern Railway company, of England, to inspect twenty mogul locomotives now being built at the Baldwin locomotive works, Philadelphia, for that company, visited the Altoona shops yesterday and until train time last night was pleasantly entertained by Shop Foremen Peter Moore and Thomas Reese. MEETING OF WAR VETERANS. Reunion of the One Hundred and Twenty-Fifth Pennsylvania Volunteers Today. The survivors of the One Hundred and Twenty-fifth Pennsylvania regiment held a reunion in Altoona today, which was largely attended. The meeting was called to order in the room of Post 62, in the Stehle block, shortly after 10 o'clock this morning by Captain W. W. Wallace, of Philadelphia, president of the organization. Secretary J. D. Hicks read the proceedings of the last reunion of the regiment, which was held in 1896. The question of erecting a monument in honor of the regiment was then discussed. The general opinion was that the monument should be placed on the battlefield of Antietam, where the regiment did gallant work thirty-seven years ago tomorrow. In this great battle the regiment lost 114 men killed and wounded. The penetrated farther into the enemy's lines than any other regiment that participated in the engagement. The monument committee appointed at the last reunion was continued, with instructions to use its influence with congress to have the monument built. The next subject considered was the history of the regiment. While this question was under discussion a comrade announced that more commodious quarters had been secured for the meeting on the third floor of the building. The veterans then adjourned to the Knights of Pythias hall, where the discussion concerning a history of the regiment was renewed. In 1891 Milton S. Lytle, of Huntingdon, was selected to compile and have published a history of the regiment. It was stated that considerable money was paid to him, but that his work on the history was progressing slowly. It was agreed that the money paid to Lytle had been practically thrown away, and that if a history of the regiment was ever written someone else would have to do it. The historical committee appointed in 1896 was continued, and the president given power to fill the vacancies caused by the death of two members. This committee will select a new man to prepare the history. Another matter considered was the erection of a monument to the memory of Colonel Jack Higgins, who is buried in Grand View cemetery, Johnstown. Officers were also elected. This afternoon a campfire is being held in the Knights of Pythias hall. ABOUT ALTOONA FIREMEN. The York Daily of yesterday says: "Yesterday morning the Pennsylvania Railroad Fire company, of Altoona, spent several hours in York, the guests of ex-Chief Crimins, at the Northern Central hotel. The company arrived on the 4:52 train, and after partaking of breakfast, left for Gettysburg on the 7:55 train. There were forty members in all, including Chief M. Valentine and ex-Chief Adams, of the Altoona fire department. After taking in the sights of the battlefield, they will return to York and be the Vigilant's guests on Saturday. A committee from the Vigilant company met the Altoona boys at the train yesterday." CLOSE OF THE FAIR. There Was a Good Attendance on the Last Day. The management had considerable trouble with the pretty baby contest. On Wednesday the prize was awarded to a baby who was disqualified by being over a year old. Yesterday the judges were: Mrs. Charles Miller of Altoona; Mrs. Lovell Baldrige and Mrs. Cramwell of Hollidaysburg. They awarded the prize to the baby of Mrs. George Brandt of Gaysport but R. A. O. Kerr made a mistake and placed a fine fat baby in the carriage and mother went off delighted with her prize. The fair was a financial success. HOLLIDAYSBURG. The remains of an infant daughter of Mr. and Mrs. James Milliken, of Wilmington, Del., were brought here yesterday morning and interred in the Presbyterian cemetery. The child was aged 11 months. The members of the County Capital guitar club banqueted George M. Smith, jr., of Philadelphia, at Dunkle's cafe, last evening. Margaret, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. J. Craig McLanahan, of Pinkney, Tenn., gave a party at the seminary yesterday afternoon in honor of her fourth birthday. About twenty-five little folks were present. R. B. Hutchinson, who was arrested by Officer McGraw on Thursday evening for being intoxicated, was given a hearing before Justice Lowry yesterday morning and fined $4.30. Madam Rumor prophesies four weddings of well-known young people for the month of October. Miss May Maitland returned to her home in Media after a two months' visit with relatives and friends in this place. Mr. and Mrs. A. C. Harnish will entertain at their home next Thursday the brethren of Hollidaysburg Lodge I.O.O.F., their wives, daughters and best girls and the members of Eleanor Lodge, Daughters of Rebekah of Altoona. About 200 guests are expected to attend. Prof. Jackson's orchestra, of Altoona, will furnish the music. Rev. W. W. Ryan will preach at Foot of Ten Sunday afternoon at 3. Rev. George A. Joplin of Duncansville will preach in the Presbyterian church tomorrow morning and evening. DUNCANSVILLE. Merchants A. W. Smith and T. Koon have returned home from a fishing excursion down at the Three Mile Dam. They succeeded in landing some very nice fish. Miss Emma Bowser will spend the next few days with her sister, Mrs. James Wolf, at Ganister. William Gunnett is down with an attack of typhoid fever. Mrs. L. G. Confer of Williamsburg is the guest of Duncansville friends. FRANKSTOWN. Miss Elsie Gorsuch entertained Miss Urma Boocker of Sunbury at her home Saturday evening. Mrs. Mary Glenn of Braddock is visiting Miss Gorsuch. Mr. William Merritts has returned from a ten days' trip to Philadelphia and Atlantic City. Miss Minnie Rodkey visited her sister, Mrs. Clapper at Altoona, several days last week. William C. Beard, who has been ill for several months, has taken a turn for the worse and is dangerously ill at this writing. Messrs. Walker and Hazlett of Burket, spent Sunday with R. S. Weight. Mr. Wesley Enders and bride visited Glasgow, Cambria county, recently. Rev. George Shimer and family have returned home from their summer vacation. Miss Annie Silinger of Mt. Etna is the guest of town friends. Mr. M. H. Evans, our genial postmaster is handing out the mail in grand style since the new boy arrived at his home. Miss Alice Bice has gone to Ellwood City to spend the winter. The Democratic committeemen from this place are Harry Merritts and T. N. Caldwell and not O. S. Price as printed in the list. Our schools opened on Monday for a seven months' term. With Mr. Taylor of Martinsburg as the grammar and Miss Deal of Hollidaysburg, primary, we trust teachers and scholars will get along and make it a pleasant school term. Mr. George Reed left for Sharpsville, Mercer county on Monday morning to work at his trade as a bricklayer. Fred Weston has discovered a vein of white sand on his land which may prove to be a paying find. Miss Stella Clyde Mentzer, one of our handsome ladies, is the guest of her grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. Harpster at Frugality. Mr. John Robbins, boss farmer for Lynn A. Brua, met with a painful accident one day this week. While carrying straw out of the barn door, he fell out the door, a distance of fifteen feet, breaking several ribs and receiving severe cuts about the body. CHRISTIAN TEMPERANCE UNION. Sixteenth Convention of the Woman's Christian Temperance Union Held Thursday. The sixteenth annual convention of the Woman's Christian Temperance union of Blair county was held on Thursday in the Juniata Presbyterian church. Mrs. Sarah Bain of Juniata presided. The devotional exercises were conducted by Mrs. J. H. Law of Hollidaysburg. Following the roll call, Mrs. Bain made a brief address after which the president appointed the following committees: On grouping unions: Mrs. M. J. Harris, Mrs. E. O. Strattan; on courtesies: Mrs. F. Shiffler; auditing committee: Mrs. J. H. Law; on papers: Mrs. Olive Bain; on resolutions: Mrs. T. A. Goodno, Mrs. C. C. Zimmerman, Mrs. J. R. McNeal, Mrs. J. H. Law. A duet was sung by Mrs. F. Shiffler and Mrs. Olive Bain after which the secretary, Mrs. M. J. Elder read a letter from the state corresponding secretary, Mrs. H. Frances Jones. Reports from the various unions were called for and responses were made by Mrs. H. F. Baker of Bellwood who said that a remonstrance gotten up by the members of the Bellwood union was very effectual since there is no licensed hotel in that place. The president announced that the Demorest medal contest, which was to have occurred on Thursday evening, had been declared off on account of the tent meeting now in progress in Juniata. Mr. Jennings, the evangelist, spoke entertainingly of his experience in Pittsburg where he was granted the privilege of doing temperance work at a mission in that city. The secretary next read a letter from Mrs. Wilson in which appeared her resignation as county superintendent of railroad work. The matter was referred to the executive committee. Election of officers being next in order, the president appointed Mrs. E. E. Betz and Mrs. Katharine Baker tellers. The result was as follows: President: Mrs. S. S. Bain of Juniata; vice president: Mrs. J. H. Law of Hollidaysburg; recording secretary: Mrs. M. J. Elder of Altoona; corresponding secretary, Mrs. E. O. Strattan of Altoona; treasurer, Mrs. W. H. Wilson of Tyrone. The following delegates to the state convention were chosen: Mrs. C. C. Zimmerman, Mrs. J. A. McNeal and Mrs. J. G. Fullmer; alternates: Mrs. Katharine Baker, Mrs. J. H. Law and Mrs. M. E. Meek. TYRONE NEWS ITEMS. Mrs. Thomas Haupt and little daughter of 1231 North Logan avenue who for the past month have been visiting relatives at Cortland, N.Y., returned home yesterday. T. W. Vanvalin and daughter, of Hiawatha, Kansas, are the guests of Horace G. Elder and family, 745 West Washington avenue. They had been in attendance at the Grand Army encampment. Mr. Vanvalin formerly was a resident of Tyrone, being a passenger brakeman on the Tyrone division. Uncle Benjamin Johnston Calderwood of Ironsville had planned to take a fox hunt on the 13th of the present month but his good wife and children persuaded him to stay at home and instead of the hunt, they would do honor to the eighty-fourth birthday of his life with a huge turkey dinner and other delicacies added. EAST SHARPSBURG. Mrs. Wilt and two daughters of Duncansville recently called at Shiffler's. Rev. E. M. Beck preached an able sermon last Sunday to a well-filled house. Corn cutting is the order of the day. Mr. Cowen is the first to cut his corn. Miss Beck of near Canton, Ohio, was with us last Sunday. We hear the farmers all over the county complaining of their potatoes rotting. Grandma Shoenfelt, 87 years old, recently drove to Roaring Spring to see her daughter, Mrs. Lynn. The singing school of this place conducted by Mr. Croft still continues with interest. Mr. D. Mock of Pittsburg called on his brother of this place recently. Mr. Detwiler and sister, Barbara of near Woodbury, spend Saturday and Sunday with D. B. Rice. Emma Van Allman is the only person here who went to the Philadelphia exposition having started last Wednesday. Some of our boys who went to Pittsburg for employment have returned home, sick. Mr. Thadeus is home nursing a sprained back. He is an employee in the Altoona shops. PURELY PERSONAL ITEMS. Miss Mary Hileman has departed on a week's vacation in the east. Miss Mary Russell of Altoona is here on a visit. [Harrisburg Star- Independent] Miss Lizzie Sters will leave today on a visit to friends in Altoona. [Everett Republican] Mr. Charles Matthews and bride left last night on fast line for their future home in Wall. W. H. Jeffries of Altoona was among those who spent Tuesday in town. [Blairsville Courier] F. A. Winter went to Pittsburg on the 4:55 train this morning, to place a few pianos he sold. William Gates of Altoona moved to our community on Thursday. [Osterburg Mountain Echo] Ex-Sheriff G. T. Bell is confined to his home near Collinsville with an attack of malarial fever. Frank Bowers of Altoona is spending this week with relatives in Everett. [Everett Republican] M. G. Detwiler and mother left for Clinton, Ia., yesterday to visit George Detwiler, formerly of this city. L. C. Replogle and wife of this city have returned home after a pleasant visit with friends in Woodbury, Pa. Miss Carrie M. Stratford of Mt. Union, Pa., is visiting her sister, Mrs. C. J. McBurney of 1106 Fifth avenue. Mr. and Mrs. Harry Youngkin of Altoona are visiting relatives in this section this week. [Coalport Standard] Misses Margaret McCurdy and Edna Numer have returned from a pleasant visit with friends in Philadelphia and Harrisburg. Dr. G. L. Robb of Huntingdon had a stroke of paralysis and his son, G. T. Robb was called away on the 11:45 train. Mrs. Price has been suffering for more than a year from a tumor and has thus far been unable to obtain relief. We hope for her recovery. [Mapleton Item] Mr. Charles Eastman of 2408 Beale avenue has sold his home and left today with his family for New York where they will spend a week with friends. They will then sail for Europe September 30 with the intention of making their future home there. LOCAL NEWS BRIEFLY GIVEN. Gathered by Mirror Scribes on Their Daily Visits. The 4 year old son of Frank X. Flecher is suffering with a case of strameutum poisoning contracted on Thursday by eating the leaves and flowers of the deadly plant. Last evening he was considerably better and will recover. Rev. Father E. J. Dignan, pastor of St. Aloysius Catholic church of Cresson, suffered a paralytic stroke Tuesday night. It rendered him speechless and almost helpless and the great danger is in a return stroke which would be almost sure to end fatally. Yesterday John McConnell, the clothing merchant, received a telegram announcing the death Thursday night from typhoid fever, of Mr. Frank McCollum at his home in Washington, Pa. In July Mr. and Mrs. McCollum with their child, visited Mr. and Mrs. McConnell. Mr. and Mrs. McConnell left yesterday for Washington to attend the funeral.