NEWS: Items from the Altoona Mirror, September 8, 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, Friday Evening, September 8, 1899 LATE NEWS PARAGRAPHED John C. Johnston, of Harrisburg, was a visitor in Altoona this morning. George Ernest, Charles Runk and J. E. Smith are at Tipton fishing today. Miss Mae Burkholder of Brisbon, is the guest of her aunt, Mrs. A. S. Mark of Juniata. James Hartford, the Fifth ward politician, returned home from the encampment last night. Miss Sara Renta of Hollidaysburg, is visiting her numerous friends in Altoona this week. Robert Brown of 1011 Green avenue wishes to state that he is not the Robert Brown who was arrested for drunkenness. A. C. Reed of Portage, L. C. Sickler of Cresson, and Conductor H. S. Kerbaugh of Philadelphia were guests at the Logan House last night. Councilman Emery Shute, Frank Stehle and Willis Brame of the Commonwealth Hotel returned from New York on St. Louis express last night. A new case of diphtheria was reported to the board of health this afternoon. The victim is Mrs. J. S. James, wife of the pastor of the First Baptist church. Miss Bessie Herron, who had been the guest of her sister, Mrs. L. O. Steimings for the past two months left last night for her home in Hammond, Ind. J. King McLanahan, of Hollidaysburg, is at the Dennis House; G. W. Rhue of this city is at the Brighton and Mrs. G. W. Black at the Strand in Atlantic City. Rev. Elliott T. Humpton, a recent graduate of Rochester Theological seminary, after a six weeks' visit with relatives and friends in New York, Philadelphia and Atlantic City, is the guest of his brother, J. N. Humpton, of 224 Howard avenue. Rev. Humpton will preach at Astrander, Ohio, next Sunday. AT THE RECRUTING STATION. There was a busy time at the United States recruiting station in the Stehle block today. Up to 2 o'clock this afternoon the total number of applicants for admission to the volunteer army was seventy-one. Seven applicants were examined this morning and six rejected. Twenty-nine has so far been accepted and sworn in. Among those who are now enlisted in the service are Fred B. Newman and John Young, two prominent members of the W.W.W. society of this city. They have been assigned to the Forty-third regiment and will be given a chance to help exterminate the Filipinos. The men sworn in may be taken to Fort Ethan Allen tomorrow afternoon. If not they will leave on Monday. NEWS IN RAILROAD CIRCLES. Local and General Items of Interest to Mirror Readers. Gateman George Carpenter, who was off for a week with a sore thumb, was at his post this morning. Theodore N. Ely, chief of motive power of the Pennsylvania railroad, was in the city yesterday. Foreman Davis, of the boiler shops, has taken possession of his new office, which rests on iron pillars ten feet above the floor and is reached by a flight of steps. H. L. Hostler, of the car shops, left this morning for Pittsburg, to inspect an order for 1,000 steel hopper gondola cars that are being built by the Shoen Pressed Steel car works for the Pennsylvania railroad company. HOSPITAL NOTES Samuel Lykens of Millville was thrown from a wagon at Union avenue and Twentieth street yesterday afternoon. The wagon passed over his body at the thigh. His left leg was broken and he was otherwise cut and bruised. The ambulance was called and he was removed to the hospital where his injuries were dressed. John Kyle of 706 Green avenue was treated for an infected finger and David H. Tipton of 102 Fourteen street received treatment for a leg ulcer. Mr. John T. Freed, aged 26, of 1912 Eleventh avenue, a brakeman was hurt in the yard at 8:30 o'clock this morning. He was riding on the rear end of a train when he was struck by a telegraph pole and knocked off. He was picked up unconscious and taken to the hospital where an examination showed that he was badly contused about the head, face and back. ALTOONA SOCIAL EVENTS The following people participated in a very enjoyable time at the home of P. D. Sheehan of Juniata last evening: Miss Dunmire of Altoona; Mr. and Mrs. Whippo and family of Juniata; Mr. and Mrs. Edmiston of State College; the Misses Allen of Juniata; Mr. and Mrs. M. Harrity; and Mr. Blair Allen. Music was the feature of the evening. Refreshments were served at 11 o'clock a short time after which all left for their homes. Mr. and Mrs. Herman Grosse, of 521 Third avenue, entertained last evening at their spacious home Miss Elsie Hostler, the well known music teacher, and her pupils in elegant style. The evening was spent in vocal and instrumental music of high order. Miss Hostler played several very beautiful solos on the piano which showed her capabilities as a pianist. She also sang several very beautiful old ballads. Mr. George Brim entertained the assembly for a half hour with choice selections on his phonograph. Lunch was served at 11 o'clock after which a flash light picture was taken of the group. Tucker Smith sang several fine tenor solos with Miss Hostler playing the accompaniment. The eighteenth wedding anniversary of the marriage of Mr. and Mrs. William White was celebrated last evening by giving a reception and lawn fete at their home, 1023 Sixteenth avenue. These persons were present: Rev. and Mrs. ----?; Dr. and Mrs. J. U. Blose; Dr. and Mrs. C. W. Brown; Mr. and Mrs. G. W. Barto, Mr. and Mrs. B. F. Mulhollem; Mr. and Mrs. Chas. Hawkins; Mr. and Mrs. Harry Breth and daughter; Mr. and Mrs. William Ritter; Mrs. Nicewonger; Misses Mame Mulhollem; Edna Mulhollem; Sue Baker of Philadelphia; Mary Adams, Mary Dunmire, May Plummer, Irene Plummer; Josie Simmons of Tyrone; Margaret Westfall, Messrs Blair Dunn; Jonathan Baker, Hazel Fries, Frank White, Levi Myers, E. G. White, A. J. Harter, C. G. Plummer and Christ Mentch. ALDERMAN DOBYNE'S COURT. Charles Dean, Charged with Desertion, Given a Hearing. Charles S. Dean was arraigned before Alderman DoByne at 10 o'clock this morning, charged by his wife . . . desertion and non support. Mrs. Dean, who had a young baby in her arms, testified that her husband had not contributed anything toward the support of herself and child for some time, and that he would not life with her and intended to leave the city. Their household effects were sold at constable's sale, after which Mrs. Dean went to the home of her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Ephraim Deffenbaugh. Her husband accompanied her and remained there from the 27th of July until last Monday night, when he kicked up a racket with his wife and left. Yesterday he drew his time from the railroad company, saying he intended to leave. His wife made information against him and he was arrested by Constable John Roe. Dean said that he was a much-persecuted man. He had only been married a couple of years, and during that time his wife had caused him to be arrested seven times. This was the second time he had been arrested for desertion. He said he didn't intend to leave his wife and child and was doing what he could for them. He had been out of work for a long time, only doing an odd job now and then, the money for which he turned over to his wife. He said he was arrested for the disturbance at the Deffenbaugh house and had to draw his time to pay the costs in t he case or go to jail. He said he promised to give his wife $10 or the $25 he drew if she would meet him at Eleventh avenue and Twelfth street. This she did not do, and he started for her home, when he was arrested. The alderman advised the couple to try and settle their difficulty without going to court. They took his advice and went into his private office, where matters were amicably adjusted. The costs were paid by Dean and he was released. DOINGS OF THE CITY POLICE Officer Harlow shot a supposed mad dog on Gospel Hill this afternoon. Mrs. Annie Tresse of Bellwood has brought suit before Alderman Raymond against John Beers, her tenant, in which she charges the defendant with threats. The case will be heard this evening. Mrs. Melissa Hite appeared before Alderman Raymond last evening and preferred charges against her husband, Joseph Hite, of cruelly beating and maltreating her. He was locked up and will have a hearing this evening. At a hearing before Alderman McCleary yesterday, Dr. Livingston was held in $200 bail for his appearance at court to answer a charge of assault and battery preferred by M. J. Hesser. The counter suit against the Hesser boys, preferred by Dr. Livingston was dismissed. Rose Slogenhaup and a young fellow named Effinger were arrested at Seventh avenue and Seventh street at 11:30 o'clock last night on a charge of drunkenness and disorderly conduct. Both resisted and it required two policemen and a constable to overpower them. The case in which Constable Detwiler was charged with letting a prisoner escape, was called up in the court at Ebensburg on Wednesday. After the case was called, the . . . leave to withdraw. . . which was done, and Mr. Detwiler was exonerated. Alderman Crampsey last evening heard cross suits in which Mrs. White and Mrs. Beck were prosecutors and defendant and Charles Beck and Mrs. White occupied the reverse positions. After listening to the evidence offered in each case, the alderman gave the litigants until this evening at 7 o'clock to settle their differences at which time, if that was not done he would render a decision. SISTER AGAINST BROTHER. Mrs. Cassel Has. J. D. Clark and His Housekeeper, Mrs. Isett, Arrested. Mrs. Mame Cassel, who was held for court in the sum of $200, on a charge of adultery yesterday, preferred by Mrs. Mary Isett, has sworn out two more informations before Alderman DoByne, in which she charges Jacob D. Reed with adultery and Mrs. Isett with fornication. Mrs. Isett keeps house for Reed, the brother of Mrs. Cassel. The defendants were arrested and locked up, being under secure bail. They will have a . . . hearing tomorrow morning. The suit brought against Mrs. Cassel was evidently for the purpose of trying to frighten her into withdrawing the information against William Jones, who is charged with feloniously assaulting her. This scheme didn't work, however, and now Mrs. Cassel retaliates by having her own brother and Mrs. Isett arrested on serious charges. BELLWOOD S. M. Orris of Milesburg is the guest of his brother, Mr. G. P. Orris, and family on Main Street. John J. Swires is going to light his dwelling and store room with acetylene gas. This light is destined to be the light for our town. The oldest resident of our town, Mrs. Judith Meadville celebrated her ninety-first birthday on Monday. Mrs. Austin of Milesburg after a week's visit at the residence of Mr. Robert Stevens on Cambria street left for home this week. Mrs. Kate Ford and Mrs. C. F. Moore are at Atlantic City this week. Workmen are now digging out the cellar for the new township school house just outside the borough limits, at the end of South Second street. It will be a neat and commodious building. Mrs. John Stonebraker of Altoona, is visiting her father and sister, Mrs. Albright on Cambria street near the shops. Mr. A. L. Goss, a former resident of our town, was circulating among relatives and friends the past week. Mr. and Mrs. Jesse Moore, Mr. and Mrs. Blair Cornmesser, Miss Jennie DeArmit and Mrs. Dr. W. H. Morrow are spending the week at Niagara Falls. Mr. W. B. Humes, freight agent is spending a few days in Philadelphia. A. Osmon, A. F. Alward, John T. Cresswell, Elijah Estep, Joseph Cannon, John Wertz, Samuel Loucks and George Mills, all members of post 426, G.A.R., are in attendance at the encampment in Philadelphia. Miss Bertha Wentzel has returned to Millersburg normal school to pursue a course of studies. Mr. Robert Wray, will leave on Tuesday next for State College, where he will enter the freshman class. Eugene Burns will enlist this week and put on a suit of blue that Uncle Sam Provides for all his boys. Mrs. Charles Monat and children are visiting friends and relatives at Cottage, Huntingdon county. Mrs. D. S. Herbert of Hiawatha, Kansas is visiting her sister, Mrs. Rev. W. C. Kuhn on Third street. CAUGHT AFTER THREE YEARS. Wright Brothers Lodged in Jail at Indiana - Wanted for Torturing the Bruners. A dispatch from Indiana, Pa., under date of September 6, says: Sharp and Clint Wright, of Burnside, Clearfield county, who have been wanted for three years for a robbery in this county, and who were finally arrested by Deputy Sheriff Joseph Neal on Saturday, have been brought to jail here. The Wright? brothers were incriminated in the robbery and torture of Henry Bruner and wife, an . . . couple of Banks township . . . . April 17, 1896, by Charles Pierce, who turned state's evidence, and is now serving a ten-year sentence in the western penitentiary. While Mr. Bruner was being tortured and robbed, Charles Pierce's mask became loosened and he was recognized, and Mr. Bruner though he recognized Pierce's brother, John by his voice. The Pierce brothers were arrested and tried in June, 1896. Charles pleaded guilty and in so doing said that his brother had nothing to do with the robbery, but incriminated the Wright brothers and a man named Daniel Best. Since that time Best has not been heard of. John Pierce was then placed on trial, but on his brother's testimony was cleared. Mrs. Bruner was cruelly used. After she was tied her shoes and stockings were taken off and lighted matches were held on her feet in order to make her tell where the money was hidden. The soles of her feet were frightfully burned. The thieves then searched the house and secured $65 in money, a revolver and a gold watch that Mrs. Bruner had carried for thirty years. EXCEPTIONS TO FEE FILED. Judge A. O. Furst, of Bellefonte, one of the counsel for the James Gardner estate, has filed exceptions to the fee of $1,350 charged by Lawyer A. W. Porter, auditor, to distribute the estate among the creditors of the defunct Gardner, Morrow & Co.'s bank. Yesterday afternoon Alderman DoByne took depositions to show that Mr. Porter's fee is not excessive, but reasonable. Attorney Porter, in his disposition, said he had made distribution of the estate among 260 claimants, divided eight intricate questions of law, and referred to eighty citation of cases, involving over 100 days actual labor, to the detriment of his other business. About a dozen of the older members of the bar deposed that Mr. Porter's fee was quite moderate. These depositions will be sent to the court to be passed upon. T. J. Baldrige, of Hollidaysburg, another of the counsel of the Gardner estate, cross-examined the lawyers. HELD AT THE POSTOFFICE Letters held at the post office improperly addressed: Charles Crumpton, 4852 Bridge street; Charlie Hartwell, 911 Nineteenth street; W. S. Lytle, 808 Twentieth street; George E. Taylor, 1318 Fourteenth avenue; Mrs. Elizabeth Porter, 127 Seventh street; Mrs. H. M. Parker, 1026 Taylor street. May Have Been Wrecked by Tramps. CORRY, Pa., Sept. 8. - The terrible wreck at Miller's station may have been the work of train wreckers. Edward Miles, the head brakeman on the freight on the side track, said that he saw the unfortunate Schotz close and lock the switch after the caboose had cleared the side track. Other trainmen have come forward and gave accounts of trouble with tramps at Miller's and say the latter swore to be avenged. Spoke of Hawkins' Death. PHILADELPHIA, Sept. 8. - The Fifteenth Pennsylvania volunteer cavalry held its reunion here. Lieutenant Colonel Barnett of the Tenth Pennsylvania made a feeling address on the death of Colonel Hawkins. The following officers were elected for the ensuing year: President, Charles M. Betts; vice president, Smith D. Cozens; treasurer, Theodore H. Smith; secretary, John F. Conaway. McCormick Gave Testimony. UNIONTOWN, Pa., Sept. 8 - William McCormick, the blind murderer, corroborated on the witness stand Mrs. McGogan's story of their relations, but insisted that he was attacked, which started the fight the night of the murder of Mrs. Monaghan. Attorney Boyd, in his opening talk for the defense, said it would be shown that some other person did the killing. LUNATIC TO BE TRIED. An Unique Proceeding in Law That Will be Watched With Interest. Although incarcerated in the Danville insane asylum, after being legally adjudged insane by a commission in lunacy, George Brungard may be tried at this month's term of the Clinton county court on a charge of arson and robbery, a true bill having been found against him by a grand jury, says the Lock Haven Democrat. It will be remembered that Brungard was arrested for setting fire to the barn on the Dornblaser estate, in Nittany valley, in a spirit of vindictiveness, and for stealing wheat. Later he confessed to the grave charge, but as he acted so strangely he was committed to the Danville asylum. District Attorney McCormick is now engaged in the effort have him brought to trial, although he is insane. It is an unique proceeding in law, the outcome of which will be watched with much interest by the legal fraternity. County Detective Keller is now subpoenaing witnesses in the case. LOCAL NEWS BRIEFLY GIVEN. Mrs. T. P. Orner, of Pitcairn, who is visiting at 917 Seventeenth street, lost her pocketbook yesterday, containing $10 and a card bearing her address. Mr. J. L. Reifsnyder, the well-known contractor, moved his place of residence from 1924 Union avenue to the Leisenring property, at Thirteenth avenue and Twelfth street. Some miscreant last night entered the premises of Samuel Knox, Broad avenue and Twenty-fifth street, and stole some vegetables and fruit, which was left in a cupboard on the back porch. Rev. J. A. Hollenbaugh and family, having suddenly been called to the bedside of Mrs. HOllenbaugh's father, the mission band outing has been postponed from Saturday, September 9, until further notice. Bert Berkowitz, the well-known volunteer fire company chief, today received a large panel picture of truck and engine companies No. 1, of the fire department of Syracuse, N.Y. The picture is an excellent one and is highly prized by Mr. Berkowitz. It is expected that the Twenty-eighth infantry, now recruiting at Camp Meade, will go through here about September 19, en route to the Philippines. Captain Edgar S. Stayer, of this city, is quartermaster of this regiment, which is ordered to leave San Francisco, September 30. PASTOR WELCOMED HOME Rev. H. G. Moody Tendered a Reception Last Evening. On his return home from spending a three weeks' vacation in Ohio, Rev. H. G. Moody, pastor of the Juniata Presbyterian church, was tendered an enthusiastic reception at the church last evening by members of his flock. An interesting program, consisting of solos, vocal and instrumental, was rendered. Revs. Stephens and Greenhoe, of Juniata; Rev. J. H. Mathers, of Bellwood; Rev. J. W. Bain and Rev. J. E. Irvine, of Altoona, took part. Mr. Calvin Ake, of Altoona, sang a tenor solo. Mr. Wesley Reed delivered an address of welcome on behalf of the session of the church, to which Mr. Moody feelingly responded. Mr. E. Peterman sang a bass solo and the choir rendered some fine music. The affair was in the nature of a surprise to Rev. Moody, and had the effect of making him feel welcomed home by his congregation. Following the program rendered in the church, those assembled gathered on the lawn adjoining the church where the ladies served refreshments. It was a pleasant evening, well spent by pleasant people, and one much enjoyed by all. PURELY PERSONAL ITEMS Miss Myrtle Detwiler is the guest of friends in Tyrone. M. P. Boggs, the jeweler, is visiting his parents in Pittsburg. Misses Eva Vaughn and Emma Artz are visiting friends in Newry. Mr. Percy Jenkins of Altoona was home on a visit last week. - McVeytown Journal Dr. John J. Johnson, practicing dentist in Delaware, is visiting his parents in this city. Alderman Stephens and wife, of Altoona, are visiting friends here. - Harrisburg Telegraph Miss Annie Owens has as her guest, Miss Elizabeth Adams, of Altoona. - Ebensburg Herald F. E. McCullough, secretary of the board of trade, arrived home from Philadelphia yesterday. Mrs. J. A. Elliott of Fifth avenue and Thirteenth street is visiting friends at Blairsville. Miss Maude Craine and Miss Mara Ginger departed yesterday morning on a visit to Niagara Falls. Miss Agnes Eppler has returned home from a tour of eastern cities, after being absent for three weeks. Dr. Guy C. Robb, who has been confined to his home by sickness for several days, is again able to attend to his practice. Miss Anna Belle Baker and Miss Kit Shuey, of Harrisburg are visiting Altoona and Hollidaysburg friends. - Harrisburg Star Independent Mrs. Henry Brenneman of Altoona accompanied by her sister, Miss Minnie Miller are visiting friends in this vicinity. - Lewistown Gazette C. N. Swoyer, wife and daughter, Helen, left today for Boston and Washington. Mr. Swoyer will attend the seventeenth annual meeting of the "Old Time Telegraph Association," in Boston. Mrs. J. G. Fluke and sons and Mrs. J. D. Snyder of Fifth avenue, left for Bedford county this morning to attend the annual Fluke reunion. They will be the guests of Mr. Phil. K. Brown at Waterside. Mrs. Thomas G. Hammond of Dallas, Tex., who was the welcome guest of Mr. and Mrs. J. S. Smith of the Hotel Belmont has departed for her far away home. Her many friends wish her a safe journey. H. L. Hostler, an employee of the car shops left this morning for Schoen's Press Steel Car works, Pittsburg, to inspect an order for 100 steel gondola hopper cars to be built for the Pennsylvania railroad company. George Shively, wife and son, Frank, of Altoona, spent Sunday at the home of Frank Rice on Dorcas street extended, stopping off on their way to Philadelphia. - Lewistown Gazette Mr. Martin Boyles and wife of 502 Eleventh street left today for Gettysburg and other points of interest. Mr. Boyles expects to go over some of the historic battlefields in which he participated in the struggle of 1861-65 and which he has not seen since. Mrs. T. P. Ornec, of Pitcairn, who is visiting at 917 Seventeenth street lost her pocketbook yesterday containing $10 and a card bearing her address. Mr. J. L. Reifsnyder, the well-known contractor, moved his place of residence from 1924 Union avenue to the Leisenring property at Thirteenth avenue and Twelfth street. Rev. J. A. Hollenbaugh and family, having suddenly been called to the bedside of Mrs. Hollenbaugh's father, the mission band outing has been postponed from Saturday, September 9 until further notice. CARD OF THANKS Mrs. Jacob F. Weber, 1911 First avenue, desires to publicly express her sincere thanks to the many friends who kindly assisted her during the illness and death of her husband, especially to his many friends in the P.R.R. foundry for beautiful flowers; to members of the Frohsinn singing society and to her neighbors in general.