NEWS: Items from the Altoona Mirror, September 22, 1899, Blair County, PA

Contributed for use in the USGenWeb Archives by Patty Millich 
& Alice James

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Items from the Altoona Mirror, Friday Evening, September 22, 1899

ALTOONA SOCIAL EVENTS.
Social Notations Contributed by People Interested in Them.

  Mr. Charles Downs celebrated his 21st birthday anniversary by giving 
a reception to about twenty of his friends in the Elks' rooms last 
evening.
  A birthday party was given in honor of Mr. John Flaig Thursday 
afternoon.  The afternoon was very pleasantly spent in various games, 
music, etc. 
  The Misses Gilliford of Fourteenth street and Sixth avenue 
entertained about fourteen couples at the Wopsononock hotel last night 
in honor of their cousins, Misses Mazie and Hallie Gilliford of Port 
Royal.
  About 200 Odd Fellows from Hollidaysburg and Altoona attended an old 
time husking bee at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Archibald Harnish in 
Frankstown last evening.  A big red pumpkin was awarded to Thomas Jones 
as the prize for the best corn sheller in the assemblage.  The judges 
in the husking bee were ex-County Treasurer, John T. Akers, Editor 
David Over and James H. Bell.  John W. Cliber and Howard Carney entered 
in a milling contest.  Carney received the prize, a watermelon.  
Seventy-five couples participated in a cake walk.  Miss Alice Manning 
of East Hollidaysburg was the fortunate winner of the cake.  Music was 
supplied by Jackson's orchestra of Altoona and the County Capital 
Mandolin and Guitar club.  Other items on the program were a phantom 
dance and an old folk's dance.  The festivities lasted until midnight.

SKIPPED FROM THE HOSPITAL.
A Boy Taken There for Rupture Ran Away Last Night.

  John Kissinger, a boy whose home is in Lancaster, rode into the city 
between blind baggage early yesterday morning and was arrested and 
locked up by Depot Policeman Emeigh.  Late yesterday afternoon the boy 
became ill in the lockup and a messenger was sent for Dr. Shaffer.  The 
physician could not be found, and as the boy was suffering great pain, 
Dr. Long was summoned to treat him.  He found young Kissinger suffering 
from rupture and though his condition was rather serious.  He ordered 
the boy's removal to the hospital at once.  The police authorities 
telephoned to the hospital and were informed by Miss Featherman, the 
superintendent, that the patient would not be admitted to that 
institution until the consent of Drs. Shaffer or Fay had been obtained, 
according to the rule of the hospital.  She was informed that 
considerable time had been spent in trying to find Dr. Shaffer. The 
sick boy was then placed in the patrol wagon and taken to the hospital.  
The resident physician examined him and made the same diagnosis of the 
case as Dr. Long.
  During the evening the boy recovered sufficiently to leave the 
hospital unnoticed, and his whereabouts are still unknown.
  This morning Chief of Police Fisher, of Lancaster, came here to take 
young Kissinger home, and learned of his escape from the hospital.  He 
visited that institution in company with several local police officers 
to learn more particulars concerning the nature of the boy's illness.

LIGHT COMPANY REORGANIZED.
A. Louden Snowden Elected President of the Company.

  The Edison Electric Light company, which recently sold out to a 
syndicate of Philadelphia capitalists, reorganized this morning by 
electing A. Louden Snowden and J. McCaull, both of Philadelphia, 
directors.  These men take the place of H. C. Dern, president of the 
company, and Hull H. Smith, who resigned because of disposing of all 
their stock in the concern.  A. Louden Snowden was then elected 
president of the company.

DOINGS OF THE CITY POLICE

  The case of W. H. Kelly vs. W. C. Fletcher before Alderman McCleary 
was heard yesterday and the defendant discharged.
  Johnny Moser, the lost boy who spent Wednesday night at the lockup, 
was taken to his home at McGarvey's by his father yesterday.
  John Bart and Sam Hamm, the two boys arrested for disorderly conduct 
and shooting sling shots along Eleventh avenue were fined $1 and costs 
or twenty-four hours, but sentence was suspended during good behavior.
  Mrs. Aggie Houck, charged with keeping a bawdy house and two girls 
arrested in her place were released from the lockup last night.  A 
friend of Mrs. Houck's went security for their appearance for hearing, 
which took place before Acting Mayor DoByne this afternoon.
  Lieutenant McGuire and Sergeant Weller arrested Wm. Barnes, a drunken 
tramp on Seventeenth street yesterday afternoon.  Later they learned 
Barnes had gone into Lem. Stambaugh's store, Eighth avenue and 
Seventeenth street and upon being refused money, struck a son of the 
proprietor.

TWO FAMILY REUNIONS.
Members of the Isenberg and Good-Hileman Families Gather at Lakemont.

  The reunion of the Isenberg family at Lakemont park yesterday 
afternoon was largely attended.  There were members of the family 
present from almost all over the United States.  The program published 
in the Mirror some time ago was carried out, after which a business 
session of the family was held.  The following officers were elected:
  Executive Committee - S. B. Isenberg, Prof. W. F. Isenberg, J. A. 
Isenberg, A. P. Isenberg, C. E. Zimmerman and John Johnston.
  Committee on Music - Professor J. W. Isenberg, A. R. Isenberg, C. G. 
Metz, A. K. Isenberg and Harry Isenberg.
  Committee on Transportation and Grounds - S. L. Isenberg, Blair 
Isenberg and R. A. Isenberg.
  The executive committee was given authority to elect its chairman and 
secretary.
  The history of the family shows that four brothers of the family came 
from the Rhine valley, province of Isenberg, and settled near 
Frederick, Md., about the middle of the last century.  In the course of 
time these scattered, one going eastward, from whom the family in New 
Jersey, New York and the New England states descended.  One went to 
Ohio, and one, John, came to Huntingdon county, in 1804, and it is from 
him that the greater part of the family has descended.  William L. 
Isenberg, aged 84 years, of McConnellstown, was the oldest direct 
descendant, although Mr. Norris, from Shade Gap, an indirect 
descendent, exceeds him in age limit.
  At a meeting of a number of the members of the family last evening at 
the home of S. H. Isenberg, a committee was appointed to publish the 
history of the family.  Rev. J. M. S. Isenberg, of Spring City, Pa., 
was chosen chairman, with power to appoint his aids.  Dr. Lorain 
Isenberg, of Shreve, O.; S. H. Isenberg, of Altoona, and Rev. S. F. 
Isenberg, of Centre Hall, Pa., were added to the committee.  Dr. Lorain 
Isenberg, of Ohio, was chairman of the meeting.
                              GOOD - HILEMAN.
  A reunion of the Good-Hileman family was also held at Lakemont 
yesterday afternoon.  There was an interesting program at the casino, 
beginning at 11 o'clock in the morning.  Officers were elected as this 
session.
  At 2 o'clock in the afternoon, after music by Jule A. Neff's 
orchestra, a prayer was offered up by Rev. O. C. Roth, the pastor of 
the First Lutheran church.  A vocal solo was rendered by Miss Emily 
Bell, which was followed by an interesting address by Judge Martin 
Bell.
  After music by the orchestra, Rev. B. R. M. Sheeder, of Williamsburg, 
spoke of the "Value of a Family Record," his remarks receiving close 
and careful attention.  A solo by Miss Emily Bell preceded the closing 
address by Rev. W. W. Anstadt, of the Lutheran church of Hollidaysburg.  
"The Social Advantages of a Family Reunion" were pleasantly portrayed 
by him.  The program was concluded with benediction by Rev. H. M. 
Heilman, of the Bethany Lutheran church.

NEWS IN RAILROAD CIRCLES.
Items of Interest to Railroaders all Along the Line.

  James L. Settle, of McVeytown, is among the oldest telegraph 
operators along the middle division, having served in that capacity 
since January, 1870, during which time he has worked at all the most 
important points along the line from Harrisburg to Altoona.
  The "Pennsy's" employes at this point are laying in large quantities 
of winter coal.  The company is giving it to them at about one-third of 
what it can be purchased for at the coal yards, and the men are not 
slow in taking advantage of the reduced rates.  Even the Pennsylvania 
will be compelled to raise fuel prices soon, hence the hurry of the 
railroaders to get in their winter supplies. - Harrisburg Patriot. 
  J. C. McSpadden, of Rockwood, the contractor, is authority for the 
statement that the Ligonier and Somerset railroad is already in course 
of construction.  Twelve miles of roadbed has just been completed and 
is ready for the ties.  Mr. McSpadden believes that it is the company's 
intention to follow up the work until the entire distance from Ligonier 
to Somerset is graded, and that by early spring track laying will 
begin. - Latrobe Advance.
  "You may talk about running ground," said the old engineer, "but the 
most attractive point on all the Pittsburg lines is the down grade 
between Cadiz Junction tunnel and Mingo, on the main line of the 
Panhandle, where through the cuts, tunnels and on high fills the fast 
trains make sixty miles an hour without any trouble.  If necessary it 
would be possible to make sixty-eight miles an hour with the use of 
very little steam on this part of the road, but we would like to have 
the class L engine with high driving wheels before we try to break the 
records on this part of the road."
  Twenty-three years ago there went forth from his humble home near 
Marion, Franklin county, Pa., a young man, carrying with him a bundle 
of shoemaker's tools, all of his worldly possessions, except the 
clothing he wore.  Tuesday he returned, the possessor of a fortune 
estimated as being between $150,000 and $175,000.  This man is George 
Lewis Hoffman, of Mt. Carroll, Ill.  He came east to bring his brother, 
Adam Hoffman, general freight and passenger agent of the Mexican 
Central railway, whose mind has given way under the hard strain 
attendant upon his duties, to Flushing, L.I., for treatment.  He 
married a niece of P. D. Armor, the beef magnate.  Mr. Hoffman is 
counsel for the Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul railroad at Mt. Carroll, 
and is very successful in his practice of law.

RAILROAD MEN'S REUNION.
The Veteran Employe's Association Met in Harrisburg.

  The following will be of interest to Altoona railroad men: Almost one 
hundred veterans in the service of the Pennsylvania railroad attended 
today's third annual reunion of the Veteran Employe's Association, 
middle division, Pennsylvania railroad, which was held in the rooms of 
the Pennsylvania Railroad Young Men's Christian association, beginning 
at 2 o'clock Thursday afternoon.  Such old-timers as Superintendent W. 
H. Myers; O. Gibson, master mechanic, Huntingdon shops; Robert Steele, 
assistant trainmaster, Altoona; Thomas Scott, yard-master, Tyrone; 
Robert Bandavander, foreman of Bellwood coal wharf; Ex-Supervisor James 
Cullen Spruce Creek; Irvin Crane, weighmaster, Harrisburg; A. W. 
Greenwood, superintendent of the East Broad Top railroad, with 
headquarters at Rockhill; W. Brooke Moore, passenger trainmaster; 
Charles McClintock, assistant trainmaster; W. J. McFadden, baggage 
master, Union station; L. C. Clemson, assistant road foreman; W. H. 
Black, superintendent's office; Charles McCarthy, foreman of masons; 
Simon Whitemoyer, yardmaster, and Engineers Stewart Groninger, Theodore 
Wollerton, W. S. Miller, J. L. Kennedy and Sam'l. Hertzler, of 
Harrisburg, were present when Vice President Gibson, in the absence of 
President Creighton, called the meeting to order.
  Later, General Superintendent Creighton came in and presided.  
Secretary W. H. Black read the minutes of the last meeting in this 
city, and the list of members who had died during the year, as follows: 
Engineers Harrison Funk, Dec. 10, 1898; S. C. Gushard, June 26, 1899; 
Samuel Hepford, Sept. 17, 1899; David Madara, Jan. 1, 1899; Division 
Foreman, H. M. Grassmyer, Oct. 16, 1898, Lewis Hefright, machinist, 
April 29, 1899; Conductor J. P. McClellan; Division Operator Harvey J. 
Rose, March 14, 1899; Policeman D. B. McDonnell, Harrisburg; Agent 
James North, May 21, 1899.  A sample of the style of memorial 
parchments to be issued by the association in the near future, was 
submitted.  On the first page is a reproduction of that portion of the 
middle division, where the tracks wind around Slip Rock, east of 
Mexico.  It is a very neat affair.
  Twenty-eight new members were admitted during the year, making the 
present membership about 200.  Treasurer McFadden reported receipts of 
$381.25, and disbursements of $274.52, leaving a balance of $105.62.
  Chairman Moore, of the historical committee, reported progress, and 
the committee was continued.
  These officers were elected: W. H. Myers, superintendent, Harrisburg, 
Wood Myers, superintend, Harrisburg, president [sic]; O. Gibson, 
Huntingdon, vice president; W. H. Black, Harrisburg, secretary; W. J. 
McFadden, Harrisburg, treasurer.  The last three named are re-
elections.  Engineer Martin G. Stoner, of Harrisburg, was substituted 
on the executive committee in place of Engineer Samuel Hepford, 
deceased, and the other members of the committee, Messrs. J. L. 
Kennedy, Harrisburg, David J. Cramer, Mifflin; A. W. Greenwood, 
Rockhill; and Jos. J. Brown, Altoona, were re-elected.
  During the reunion, Superintendent Myers and other members of the 
association delivered addresses.
  From 9 until 12 last night the association banqueted at the Bolton.  
Superintendent Myers was toastmaster, and addresses were delivered by 
Vice President Gibson, Treasurer McFadden and other members - 
Harrisburg Telegraph.

COMMON PLEAS COURT.
Yesterday Afternoon's Session.

  In the Gardner vs. Juniata Borough damage suit, additional testimony 
was heard as follows:
  John Mulhollen, a resident of Juniata borough who owns five houses 
and lots and one acre of ground in the borough, said he was familiar 
with the Gardner mill property for thirty years.  He estimated the 
market value of the Gardner mill property, before and after the 
appropriation of the water, at $5,500 and $2,500 respectively.  Witness 
said that plaintiff, in 1884, offered him this property for $5,500.
  William Stoke, of Altoona, placed the market value of the property, 
before the taking of the water, at from $5,500 to $5,800; afterwards, 
at from $2,500 to $2,800.  
  D. E. Parker, of Juniata borough, said that since the appropriation 
of the water by the defendant borough the volume of water in the 
Homer's Gap stream had materially diminished below the reservoir.
  Defense rests.
  G. V. Gardner was called in rebuttal: I did not offer to sell my 
property to Mr. Mulhollen in 1884 for $5,500.  I offered my property at 
public sale in October, 1890, and Mr. Christ Hauser, sr., of Altoona, 
bid $9,000 on it.  The sale was held over on this bid.
  The evidence closed last evening and the arguments of counsel will be 
made this morning.
                       THIS MORNING'S SESSION.
  The evidence having closed yesterday in the damage suit of G. V. 
Gardner vs. Juniata Borough, the court limited the arguments of counsel 
to one hour and a half on each side.  One hour of the morning session 
was consumed by the respective counsel submitting points of law to the 
court.  Arguments were made by Messrs. Craig and Greevy in behalf of 
the plaintiff and by Messrs. T. C. Hare and N. P. Mervine for defendant 
borough.  Judge Bell delivered his charge this afternoon and the case 
was given to the jury at 4 o'clock.

WILL COMPLY WITH THE LAW.

  A few days ago an item appeared in the Mirror stating that Steward 
Bridenbaugh had not been complying with the law that requires him to 
report to the coroner all deaths of inmates of the almshouse.  Mr. 
Bridenbaugh says he was not aware of such a law being in existence and 
that he is willing to comply with its provisions on request of the 
coroner. 

MILITARY NOTES.

  Harry Oves, of this city, has enlisted in Philadelphia in one of the 
volunteer regiments and will go to the Philippines.  He was a member of 
company C, Fifth Pennsylvania volunteers, last summer.
  Major John P. Kennedy, late of the Fifth Pennsylvania volunteer 
infantry, was in the city last evening.
  The rifle range of company C, Fifth regiment, was opened for rifle 
practice this morning.
  Col. Theodore Burchfield has announced the appointment of an adjutant 
for the Fifth regiment, National Guard of Pennsylvania.  The lucky 
aspirant is Lieutenant Colonel W. Fred Reynolds, of Bellefonte, late an 
aide-de-camp on the staffs of former Governors Pattison and Hastings.  
Lieutenant Colonel Reynolds is a well-known citizen of Bellefonte and 
was first appointed on the staff of Governor Pattison on July 13, 1893.

ENJOYED A FISHING TRIP.

  H. H. Lampe  of the firm Lampe & Co., George and Blair Gracey, of 
this city and James I. Gracey of Philadelphia comprised a jolly crowd 
of fishermen who bivouacked in the wilds of Huntingdon county this 
week.  The waters were unfavorable for good fishing, but these 
gentlemen know how to handle the rod and line and their haul of heavy 
fish surprised their many friends in Altoona.  Several consignments 
reached  Altoona, but the great part of the catch was shipped to a 
Philadelphia market.  While in Huntingdon, the gentlemen were the 
guests of Mr. D. R. Gracey.

INVESTIGATING HENRY'S DEATH.

  Coroner McCartney went to Frugality this morning to investigate the 
death of James Henry who was injured on the railroad at that place and 
died in the Altoona hospital yesterday morning.  

LATE NEWS PARAGRAPHED.
Mites of Information Brought in at the Last Moment.

  R. A. Henderson, esq. was in Pittsburg yesterday.
  Mrs. Frank Six and son, Edward, of Wilmerding, are visiting friends 
in this city.
  Edward Grove and James W. Fisher, both of Johnstown, are guests at 
the Brant House.
  Mr. Ed Sink has accepted the agency for Altoona of the Edison 
Improved phonograph.
  Mr. Charles Neff of New York is visiting his parents at 1909 Eighth 
avenue, this city, after an absence of two years.
  Miss Laura Kitt of 312 Sixth avenue is the guest of her sister, Mrs. 
Harry Reese and Mrs. Matshak of Philadelphia during the exposition.
  S. R. McFadden of Ebensburg , S. H. Smith of Johnstown, E. S. McNaul 
of Lock Haven and A. L. Reed of Portage are recent arrivals at the 
Logan House.
  Tucker Smith today received a letter from his brother W. E. Smith and 
George Ernest, who are making an extended tour awheel.  They have gone 
over Maryland, Virginia and West Virginia and yesterday went over the 
battlefield at Antietam.  They will go to Washington D. C. before 
returning home. 

JUNIATA CLUB ELECTS OFFICERS.

  The Juniata club held a meeting last evening and elected the 
following officers: President, H. P. Wilson; vice president, F. D. 
Casanave; secretary W. S. Jackson; treasurer, John Lloyd; directors, C. 
B. Dudley, E. B. Green, E. McLean, S. S. Crane, F. Hastings, W. H. --
hter, W. C. Leet, C. Lindstrom, -- Koelliker.

TYRONE NEWS ITEMS.

  Mr. and Mrs. A. M. Woodin and two daughters of 1029 Cameron avenue 
are visiting friends at Williamsport.
  Mrs. A. S. Garman and Mrs. Rosensteel departed yesterday for Niagara 
Falls by way of the Bald Eagle Valley railroad.
  Lieutenant H. F. Egle, company D, Forty-seventh United States 
infantry, Camp Meade, was in town yesterday for the purpose of opening 
a recruiting office at the Ward House, Wednesday, September 27.
  Officer Swartzell on Wednesday evening captured two colored men at 
this station.  They had attempted to board a west-bound freight train 
at Port Matilda in the afternoon, but were prevented by Conductor 
Stewart C. Cowen, who was struck in the face by one of the men.  They 
came here on the evening passenger train.  Mr. Cowen had telegraphed to 
the officers a description of the men, and when they landed they were 
taken in custody and later taken to the jail at Bellefonte.

LOCAL NEWS BRIEFLY GIVEN.
Gathered by Mirror Scribes on Their Daily Visits.

  Undertaker Thomas Lynch is having his office at 1605 Eleventh avenue 
renovated.
  The grocery store of Giles Bros. will be closed until Monday morning 
on account of the death of their father. 
  Health Officer Miller today raised the quarantine on the last case of 
small pox in the city, at the Webber domicile on Fourth avenue near 
Thirteenth street.
  In the same hospital to which James Farrell was taken for treatment 
after being injured by falling from a freight train at Hillside is 
Frank Wilson, who is convalescent from typhoid fever. 
  About 9 o'clock on Wednesday night a coal oil lamp exploded in the 
bath room of Mrs. William Hall's residence, 1433 Eleventh avenue, 
burning the table on which it was standing and the window casing, 
before it was discovered. 

PURELY PERSONAL ITEMS.
Arrivals, Departures and Other Facts Concerning People Known Here.

  Patrick Burke of Washington D.C. is visiting his sister, Mrs. L. C. 
Zerega.
  Mr. and Mrs. Alfred Risdon and Mr. and Mrs. William Robader are 
visiting friends in Detroit, Mich.
  J. W. Saunders of Baltimore is the guest of Guy Cunningham of the 
firm of Cunningham Brothers.
  Mr. Jacob Dill and two sisters of Bolivar are visiting Blain 
McCormick of Seventh avenue and Ninth street.
  Miss Margaret Adams of Altoona is visiting Misses Bessie and Mary 
Adams of this city.  [Lancaster Morning News]
  The Misses Allen of Altoona are guests of Miss Mabel Funk of 1425 
North Sixth street.  [Harrisburg Patriot]
  Mr. B. William and wife and their son, Thomas, of 117 Willow avenue 
left today for Blairsville where they will visit friends.
 Mrs. J. F. Hamlin and daughter of 712 1/2 Eighth avenue and Mrs. J. L. 
Smith of the Belmont hotel returned from Atlantic City and other 
seashore resorts last night.
  Mr. A. E. Wilt, salesman for Lippincott & Co., is seriously ill at 
his home in the Eighth ward.  He is suffering from typhoid fever.
  Miss Lizzie Snyder, librarian at the Mechanic's library, who has been 
touring Europe for several months returned home last night.
  Mr. and Mrs. John Hamilton of 1223 Fourteenth avenue are at Fargo, 
N.D. where they are visiting their son, Lewis T. Hamilton, esq.
  Mrs. John Conley and children of 1115 Fifth avenue will leave 
tomorrow morning for Philadelphia and Roanoke to visit relatives and 
friends.
  Mr. P. F. Conlon of Pottsville is visiting his brother and sister, M. 
J. Conlon of 1309 Fourteenth avenue and Mrs. G W. Hicks of Fairview.
  W. C. Stockton of West Unity, O., en route to the University of 
Pennsylvania spent yesterday with his cousin, J. Banks Kurtz, esq., of 
this city.
  Mrs. Lizzie Whitmer and daughter, Isabella, who had been visiting the 
former's mother on Fourth avenue, have arrived safe at their home in 
Elm Creek, Buffalo county, Nebraska.
  Captain J. A. Freeland and wife, of Bethan Ill., who had been guests 
at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Arthur Askew, 1024 Lexington avenue for 
several days left for home this afternoon.
  Alderman W. H. Stephens and wife, Undertaker Joseph Stevens and wife 
and Miss Rosie Stephens were in Gallitzin yesterday attending the 
silver wedding anniversary of Justice Thos. Stephens, a brother of the 
above gentlemen.
  Miss Mame Murray accompanied by her friend, Miss Ella Engle, departed 
today for Philadelphia where they will take in the exposition.  They 
will visit West Chester, Reading, Pottsville and Port Carbon before 
returning.
  Mrs. E. C. Smith of Nineteenth avenue and Eighth street has a pear 
tree in her yard which presented a novel appearance.  The tree is 
bearing profusely but the fruit is almost hidden by a mass of snowy 
blossoms.