NEWS: Items from the Altoona Mirror, September 21, 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, Thursday Evening, September 21, 1899 NEWS IN RAILRAOD CIRCLES. Items of Interest to Railroaders all Along the Line. Assistant Superintendent Robert O'Donnell, of the Pittsburg division, and party, arrived in the city this morning on a special train run as a section of the Limited express. H. Boyd Parker, of Mifflintown, has been sent to Barree to assist the Pennsylvania railroad agent, W. H. Wilson, formerly of this place, during the building of the new tunnel between that point and Spruce Creek. About 4 o'clock yesterday afternoon an east-bound freight train was wrecked near McGarvey's station. Six cars loaded with coal were demolished, blocking all the tracks. The Altoona and Gallitzin wreck crews were ordered to the scene, and after a couple of hours' work succeeded in clearing away the wreckage. Trains Nos. 25 and 13, fast mail and mail, were held at the Altoona station about an hour and a half. The wreck was caused by a brake shoe dropping down on the track. SPORTS AND SPORTING ITEMS. The Latest Base Ball, Bicycle and Other Sporting Items. Edward Smith, George Earnest and Charles Runk, the local wheelmen who are making a tour of eastern Pennsylvania are storm bound at Mercersburg, Franklin county. They were caught in Tuesday's rain while several miles out of town. William Sutch, John Hinton and John Gochenour, who played the season with the DuBois baseball team, have returned home. They took part in forty-seven games, and all played first-class ball at the bat and in the field. Hinton had a batting average of .576, Sutch pitched thirty- two games and lost five. Jimmy Reeder, the local pugilist, has issued the following challenge: "Joe Cain, Jack Hamilton and Marty McCue, have refused to fight me at Brooklyn, N.Y., and now I am ready to take on anyone who is in want of a match. I am ready to make a match with Solly Stroup or Yock Kenninger, of Pittsburg, at once, for money or fun." DOINGS OF THE CITY POLICE. Cases Brought Before the Mayor and the Aldermen of Altoona. Frank Allen, the man who went into the passenger station to sleep off a jag, forfeited his security of $3 by not appearing for a hearing last evening. George Funk was arrested yesterday on a warrant issued by Alderman O'Toole, charging him with cruelly beating his wife. He gave bail for a hearing on Friday. Robert Brown, the colored man arrested for drunkenness and disorder, was given seventy-two hours yesterday, but sentence was suspended five hours to allow Brown to leave town. Edgar Blackburn, 17 years old, of McKee's Gap who was wanted for playing ball on the streets, gave himself up at police headquarters yesterday and was fined $1 and costs, but sentence was suspended during good behavior. Alf Campbell and Ed Mulhern, charged with fighting, were before Acting Mayor DoByne yesterday and were fined $5 and costs or given the alternate of seventy-two hours in the lockup. Campbell paid his fine and Mulhern took the seventy-two hours. Patrolmen Roberts and Gansz arrested John Bart, white, aged 15, and Sam Hamm, colored, aged 14, on Eleventh avenue, near Twelfth street, yesterday afternoon at 4:30 o'clock, for disorderly conduct and shooting slingshots. Bart gave the officers considerable trouble before he was landed in the lockup. He made such a racket in his cell that he was put in the "sweat box" for fifty minutes. Johnny Moser, a little 5 year old boy, dressed in a Dewey suit of clothes and claiming his home is near McGarvey's station, where his father is employed on a coal tipple was picked up in the Pennsylvania railroad yard last night and turned over to the police authorities. Johnny says he saw the cars pile up at the wreck last evening and while the workmen were at work, crawled on the wrecked cars and came to this city. The police last night made another raid on the disorderly house conducted by Mrs. Aggie Houck, on Ninth avenue near Ninth street. A neighbor made information against Mrs. Houck, charging her with keeping a bawdy house. The police arrested Mrs. Houck, Tillie Snyder, Maggie Lear, Joseph Stewardson and Samuel Franklin. The men gave security for a hearing tomorrow afternoon. The women were locked up. M. A. Beck, a merchant tailor of Lilly, whose store was robbed of a large amount of clothing about six weeks ago came to the city today to inspect the stock of clothing in Thomas Cox's cabin to see whether he could identify any of it as belonging to him. Mr. Beck was sent to the Hollidaysburg jail to get the key of the cabin from Cox and this afternoon made an inspection of the goods. Annie Fisher, alias Blanche Miller, had a hearing before Alderman Stephens this morning on a charge of assault and battery preferred by Sarah Strouff. The women both lived with a colored family at 2304 Ninth avenue and while there got into an altercation which resulted in the suit. The Strouff woman said that Sue Moore, the prize fighter, urged the defendant to punch her, which she proceeded to do. The case was held over until next Saturday, pending a settlement. J. T. McEnery, the comedian of the "Spider and Fly," company, who was discharged for drunkenness at Johnstown last Saturday night and who was arrested and held for the December term of the Cambria county court on the charge of larceny of three costumes is giving Manager M. B. Leavitt a lot of trouble over in Johnstown. He enlisted the services of Frank Wallace of Gus Cohan's company, now playing in Johnstown and Wallace caused Leavitt's arrest for the larceny of McEnerys trunk, containing the costumes. Leavitt gave bail for his appearance at court and turned around and sued Wallace for perjury. At 9:30 o'clock last night the police raided a gambling joint back of B. H. Grove's cigar store on Eleventh avenue, near Twelfth street. An interesting game was found in progress and the players were surpsed by the entrance of the blue coats before they had time to remove the cards and money. They made no resistance and were easily taken to the police station, where they gave fictitious names as follows: John Mason, John Dillon, John Adams, George Reilly, William Roberts, James Mason, Bernard Blaney, Jacob Alvin, William Harris and Adam Schmidt. The proprietor of the joint was not arrested but went to the mayor's office later and gave $20.80 security for a hearing this afternoon. THE SALE RATIFEID The action of the trustees of the First Presbyterian church in selling the church parsonage to Dr. J. M. Sheedy was ratified at a meeting of the congregation last evening. ALTOONA SOCIAL EVENTS. Social Notations Contributed by People Interested in Them. About three dozen guests were entertained Monday evening at a pretty house dance given by Mr. and Mrs. Wm. Gettys of Allegheny, Pa., in honor of their friends, Miss Rhea Stout and Mrs. J. Farrell of this city. Tuesday evening a very enjoyable party was held at the home of Miss Jessie Haulman, 719 Eighth avenue. The evening was pleasantly spent in games and vocal music and at midnight a dainty repast was served The following persons were present: Misses Lulu Flick, Jessie Haulman, Sue Hunt, Annie Baker, Agnes Grimmel, Mary Richers, Cora Beighy, Florence Thomson, Nettie Richers, Annie Ervin, Amalda Crammer and Messrs. George S. Moore, William Davis, Thomas Ake, Albertia Hillery, JoeRodkey, William Engle, Charlie Hawksworth, Albert Flat, Leo Coon, Earl Fleck and S. R. Crammer. JAS. FARRELL BADLY INJURED. Fell Off a Freight Train While on His Way to Pittsburg. James Farrell, who became famous as one of the defendants in the Bonnecka murder case met with a serious accident Tuesday while on his way to Pittsburg in search of work. Tuesday morning about 4 o'clock, he left his home in Green alley, between Tenth and Eleventh streets, telling his wife that he was going to Pittsburg to try and get work. "I don't know whether I'll get killed or not, but I'm going," he said. "Oh, I guess you won't get killed, but you'd better look out," cried Mrs. Farrell as her husband closed the door after him. Farrell went to Twenty-fourth street, where he boarded a freight train. At Derry he was put off the train but got on again when it pulled out. At Hillside, Farrell fell off the train, the wheels passing over both of his feet. His left foot was so badly crushed that it was necessary to amputate it at the Greensburg hospital., where the injured man was taken. The right foot may be saved. Tuesday evening Mrs. Farrell was notified of the accident. Yesterday Max Farrell, a brakeman in Stratton's yard and a brother of the injured man went over to Greensburg to see if anything could be done for James. If possible, he will be removed to a Pittsburg hospital. THAT JOKE ON ARBLE. For several days past items have appeared in local papers stating that Engineer S. W. Arble had been robbed recently while on a visit to the east. The following should settle the story: Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, City of Altoona, ss.: On this 20th day of September, A.D., 1899 personally appeared before me, an alderman in and for the aforesaid city, duly authorized to administer oaths, S. W. Arble, who, being duly sworn according to law, doth depose and I say: I was recently in New York and Philadelphia and did not have my pocket picked nor did I lose one penny, the city press to the contrary, notwithstanding. And further deponent saith not. S. W. ARBLE Affirmed to and subscribed before me, this 20th day of September, A. D. 1899. S. B. RAMEY, Alderman MORE RECRUITS SENT AWAY. Six more recruits for the Forty-third regiment, United States volunteers left for Fort Ethan Allen, Vermont, on day express this morning. Their names are: Lawrence A. Woodring, Henry Anderson, Andrew Johnson, Philip E. Rishel, Edward L. Moore and William R. Most. Five applications for admission to the army were received at the recruiting office today. J. CLOYD KREIDER BETTER. A report from the almshouse this morning said that the condition of ex-Constable J. Cloyd Kreider, who was stricken with paralysis a few days ago, was somewhat improved. Slight hopes, however, are entertained for his recovery. ELOPED WITH A HOBO. A tramp giving his name as John Gannon appeared at the home of Milt Barner, at Patton, about two months ago, and asked for something to eat. After he was fed at the Barner home he received a position in the mines at that place and secured boarding at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Barner. On Labor day Gannon eloped with Mrs. Barner, who took with her her husband's money, some of his best clothes, and his six months' old baby boy. PULPIT AND PEW LOCALS. Rev. N. M. Miller has been appointed to the Juniata charge by the United Evangelical conference in session at Conemaugh this week. The P.R.R. Y.M.C.A. will hold cottage prayer meetings this evening at the residence of B. F. Colbert, 1500 First street; also at the residence of A. J. Bradley, 1908 Eleventh avenue. LATE NEWS PARAGRAPHED. Mites of Information Brought in at the Last Moment. A. V. Dively has received an invitation from Chairman Rilling to stump the state for the Democratic ticket. F. V. Smith, formerly of Tyrone Forges, now a resident of New York was in the city a short time last night, the guest of Dr. C. B. Dudley. Patrolman Herman Roberts is a candidate for the Democratic nomination for common council in the Fifth ward. C. D. Beegle of the Lafayette hotel is still confined to his bed, suffering from an abscess on the brain. His condition is still quite serious. Mr. James C. Wilson of 112 Chestnut avenue, who had been taking in the sights of Philadelphia and New York, for the past ten days, returned home last night. SUSTAINED A COMPOUND FRACTURE. Thirteen-Year-Old George Caswell, of Millville, Painfully Injured. Little George Caswell, aged 13 years of Millville was painfully injured about 10 o'clock today while playing near the Millville school house. Together with some other lads he was climbing up on top of the high fence surrounding the school building. He was sitting top of the fence when he fell off alighting on his right arm and shoulder. He was taken to the hospital where it was found his arm was broken in three places and badly bruised. The fracture at the elbow was a very severe one. His injuries were dressed and he was taken home. He stood the painful ordeal of having the fracture reduced in a manly way not even shedding a tear. A DISORDERLY HOUSE RAIDED. Mrs. Houck has employed H. P. Graffias as her counsel. She says that Catherine Biggins who made the information against her is not a neighbor, but resides in the western part of the city. Mrs. Houck also says the Biggins woman formerly resided at her house. The hearing is taking place this afternoon before Acting Mayor DoByne. ALTOONA MAN DESERTED. John J. Wagner, of this city, who some months ago enlisted in the regular army of the United States, has deserted and a reward of $30 is offered for his capture. When he took French leave he was with his regiment which is located at Fort McHenry, Md. Besides the $30 reward offered for his apprehension, the officer arresting him will be allowed $29 for expenses. HENRIETTA. Regular Correspondence. Miss Flora Dougherty spent Saturday in Altoona. Henrietta can now boost of an ice cream parlor at the home of Prof. S. B. Smith. Mr. L. A. Shoup who is employed in the Altoona shops, had a toe mashed while at work last Friday. He was unable to work for several days. Mr. Isaac Burget of Fredericksburg visited his sister, Mrs. Nancy Nicodemus last Sunday. Wesley Falknor and wife, of Dayton, Ohio, were the guests of Mr. and Mrs. Andrew Nicodemus over Sunday. They are on their return home from the G.A.R. encampment, Philadelphia and have been visiting friends in Morrison's Cove for some time. Simon Stoner and children of Windber are visiting her father, Mr. Elias Burget and family. Miss Maggie Smith went to Roaring Spring on Tuesday where she will be employed in the book factory. J. K. Gates, with his wife and son, Orville, of Fredericksburg, spent last Saturday here with relatives. Mr. and Mrs. Josiah Treesh of Bassler were the guests of the former's father, Mr. John Treesh, last Saturday. Mrs. Carrie Ensley of Johnstown is visiting her parents, Mr. and Mrs. J. E. Hagey. Mr. Samuel Gonder of Altoona came out on his wheel on Sunday and spent the day with his wife and children who were visiting friends here. They all returned to their home on Tuesday. Mr. J. E. Hagey is having the old stone mansion near the depot repainted and repapered. It will be ready in a few weeks for its occupants. Madam Rumor has two weddings booked for our town in the near future. Mr. George Smouse and family recently returned home from a visit to Harrisburg and Mt. Union. Mr. Harry Burger of East Freedom and Mr. Snyder of Roaring Spring, will be at the Reformed Sunday school on Sunday to arrange for the Sunday school convention to be held here the latter part of October. While cutting corn this week, Mr. S. B. Nicodemus found an ear of corn which was eighteen inches in length. DUNCANSVILLE. Mrs. Harry Beegle of Scottdale, accompanied by her son and daughter, is visiting her parents, north of town. Mrs. Jennie Bancroft who was taken to the sanitarium a few days ago is growing rapidly worse. She is suffering from a complication of diseases and her condition is such that she cannot be brought back to her home. The Myers reunion was held on the old homestead farm in Maple hollow a few days ago. Miss Nellie Confer left this morning for an extended visit to friends at Lancaster. She was accompanied by her niece, Miss Irene Confer. A young daughter is a late arrival at the home of Milford Langham. Dr. Confer, wife and sons, Ralph and Clarence, left today for a trip through Huntingdon and Centre counties. They went the overland route, and among other places will visit the family of Rev. George E. King of Milesburg.. TYRONE NEWS ITEMS. Mrs. John D. Resse of Johnstown, on Tuesday evening inspected the Woman's Relief corps, No. 119 of this place. John W. Webber of Altoona has a force of painters at work on the Pennsylvania railroad warehouse at this station. The Moore Mission band of the First Presbyterian church will meet at the home of Miss Sarah D. Morrow, 1220 North Logan avenue tomorrow evening. The topic will be "Japan." Mrs. J. L. Hollingshead of 1069 Eighteenth street left yesterday morning for Lewistown and Philadelphia. Harry M. Dry, pyrotechnist, of this place yesterday received a very costly gold medal, elaborately engraved and beautifully designed with emblems of his profession, presented to him by Harris & Bauman, proprietors of Chutes park, Denver, Col., testifying that Mr. Dry had furnished the finest display of fireworks ever given in the park. Rev. J. A. Dunlap, Ph.D, of East Eleventh street left last evening for Shanksville, Somerset county to be in attendance at the funeral of Rev. C. D. Spangler who died at his home in that town on Tuesday of typhoid fever and will be buried today. At a meeting of Tyrone encampment No. 279, I.O.O.F., held Tuesday evening, the following officers were installed by District Deputy Grand Patriarch W. E. Rodkey, of Altoona: Chief patriarch, T. S. McIntyre; high priest, H. M. Cameron; senior warden, W. P. Owens; junior warden, H. G. Elder; scribe, Wm. A. Miller; guide, H. A. Krider; treasurer, John H. Miller; first watch, Henry Haagan; second watch, Matthew L. Allison; third watch, Emanuel D. Mock; fourth watch, H. M. Brindle; first guard of the tent, E. B. Kerns; second guard of the tent, C. C. VanScoyoc; outside sentinel, M. Herzog; inside sentinel, Dr. C. M. Ewing. LOCAL NEWS BRIEFLY GIVEN. Gathered by Mirror Scribes on Their Daily Visits. The old volunteer fireman are requested to be present at the funeral of L. B. Pancake. Fire Chief Pimlott's horse is on the sick list and is in the hands of City Veterinarian Shimer. In the United States court at Pittsburg on Tuesday, Isadore Blaw of this city and Isaac Goldstein were discharged from bankruptcy. Alvin Weston, son of Joseph Weston, of Gallitzin, is suffering with smallpox. Charles Conrad, of Chest Springs, has the same disease. In the United States court, at Pittsburg, on Tuesday, Isadore Blaw, of this city, and Isaac Goldstein were discharged from bankruptcy. Mayor Giles has written to the New York World that he will take charge of the arrangements for a salute when Dewey is sighted on Sept. 28 and has arranged for the ringing of the bells. PURELY PERSONAL ITEMS. Arrivals, Departures and Other Facts Concerning People Known Here. Mrs. Margaret Hamilton of 913 Sixth avenue is seriously ill. Mr. J. Blumenthal, wife and daughter, Jean are visiting friends in Philadelphia. Harry Herr, who has been ill with typhoid fever for several weeks is recovering. Harry Hamel and wife left this morning on fast line to visit relatives in New York. Gus Simon, who has been confined to his home for the past two weeks is able to be out. Dr. Wm. M. Findley is home from a visit to Boston, New York and other eastern cities. Mr. and Mrs. C. W. Moore of 1511 Twelfth avenue are visiting friends in Bellevue, Ohio. Miss Gertrude Gilchrist of Fifth avenue left today to visit friends in Bedford and Cumberland. Gard. Geisinger and wife have returned home from their wedding tour spent in eastern cities. Miss Emma Maize has returned home from a three-weeks' visit to Atlantic City and New York. E. Dane Smith has returned to the west after a visit to his home at 1504 Eighteenth avenue this city. Misses Jean and Nell Allen of Seventeenth avenue are spending a week with friends at Harrisburg. Miss Bella Keyes and daughter, Minnie, of 1114 Eighth avenue left today for Philadelphia and New York. Mrs. A. W. Dennis, Mrs. J. Weinch and Carl Weinch of Columbus, O., are guests of Mrs. H. T. Wolf of 1121 Seventeenth avenue. Mrs. Bitner of Mill Hall accompanied by her son, Fulmer, are the guests of Mr. I. T. Bitner, of Washington avenue this city. Mrs. Cora Zollinger and her sister, Miss Jennie Huffard of Pittsburg are spending a week with their aunt, Miss Ina Huffard of Second avenue. The Misses Constantine who have spent the summer at the Baltzell residence on Twelfth avenue left today on day express for their home in Baltimore. The Rev. W. Ward Willis of Philadelphia has been secured as a temporary supply by the Cavalry Baptist church. He will arrive in Altoona in time to preach both morning and evening next Sunday. Rev. Willis comes highly recommended by his brethren and associates. He is a graduate of Spurgeon's college and although not old in years, has been actively engaged in the ministry for thirty years. HOLLIDAYSBURG. Regular Correspondence. Mr. John Denniston has purchased the Gardner property on the line of the Logan Valley for $1,800. Mr. Joseph Leet has become a student at Chambersburg academy. Miss Blanche Goodfellow gave a lawn party at the home of her grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. W. H. Goodfellow this afternoon in honor of her fourth birthday. Mr. F. W. Morton has placed an arc light in his store room. Miss Edith Elliott will leave tomorrow morning for Philadelphia where she will resume her art studies at the Drexel institute. The blacksmith shop of Mr. Charles Carner, located on Juniata street was broken into by thieves last night. A number of tools sufficient to start a blacksmith shop were stolen, among them being some new ones which Mr. Carner had never used. BOARD OF HEALTH NOTES. A case of scarlet fever at 223 Third avenue and a case of hives at 1816 Seventh avenue were the only cases of contagious disease reported to the board of health today. Tomorrow the city will be rid of the last small pox case, when the health officer lifts the quarantine at the Webber residence, 1316 Fourth avenue.