NEWS: Items from the Morning Tribune, February 12, 1878, Blair County, PA Contributed for use in the USGenWeb Archives by Jessica Orr Copyright 2006. All rights reserved. http://www.usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm http://www.usgwarchives.net/pa/blair/ _______________________________________________ Items from the Morning Tribune, Altoona, Tuesday, February 12, 1878 CITY AND COUNTRY. He Wanted the Best Man. A party on Ninth street about noon yesterday was inquiring for the "best man in town." He appeared as though he wanted to have a "wow" with somebody, as he was pretty well "up" himself and had a carpetbag full also. He was referred to Eleventh avenue and Twelfth street, where a policeman can usually be found. When that locality was suggested he immediately wilted, and one man could have held him then as well as a dozen. A Private Meeting Made Public. On Saturday night a private (?) meeting of a number of prominent Republicans candidates was held on the East Side. It was to "set up" things political, but too many Democrats and outsiders got wind of it, and the meeting failed of its object. There was lots of beer flowing, and when there's anything to drink around it's no use trying to keep away the Democrats. The consequences was that the meeting took the nature of a social party, and the "Reps" postponed their schemes till another day - or night. The Seaboard Pipe Line. The stockholders of the Seaboard Pipe Line met in this city on Saturday and completed their organization. They decided to build one pumping station for every twenty miles, but the practical operators contend that it will be necessary, especially in the mountainous regions, to have pumping stations every three or five miles. The works at a station will cost between three and five thousand dollars. B. from Tuckahoe. Mr. B., from Tuckahoe, slept in the station house last evening. Mr. B. didn't want to be exposed. He was found at the corner of Eleventh avenue and Fourteenth street about half-past six o'clock last evening asleep on the sidewalk, and the tenderhearted policeman picked him up and conveyed him to the lock-up. Mr. B. probably wishes this morning that he hadn't thrown away his "blue ribbon." The July Rioters. Mr. A. V. Dively left for Harrisburg on the Fast Line at 12.10 this morning to intercede for the July rioters confined in Hollidaysburg jail before the Board of Pardons. List of Letters Remaining uncalled for in the Altoona Post Office February 9, 1878: LADIES. Anderson, Mrs. Elizabeth Burns, Mrs. Mary Boombaugh, Maggie Burrell, Millie Curns, Jennie Dinsel, Mary Delozier, Mrs. Sarah J. Day, Mary O. Feuchter, Katie Grimes, Susan Hileman, Mrs. Sarah Johnson, Mrs. Sarah McClellen, Mrs. Angeline Milton, Mrs. Henry McMinn, Mary Emma Morrison, Mrs. Maggie Miller, Mrs. Susan J. O'Connell, Mary A. Rolen, Laura Stover, Jennie Trueman, Mrs. Mary M. Vogel, Maggie Watter, Clara E. GENTLEMEN. Brady, Patrick Bailey, R. Brown, H. Crawford (2) Durant, E. L. Derch, Herman Hamilton, Lewis S. Hyde, Baptist Hertman, Eli Irwin, Edward M. Jefferson, Thomas Johnson, Henry Jones, John W. Line, Kings Mattich, Line Moore, John A. Moore, Dervin Mytain, J. W. Mason, Mas H. Rife & Co. S. Reilly, John Smith, Will S. Stewart, J. P. Vaugn, William White, G. P. Zimmerman, Abraham Zerman, Charley T.B. PATTON, P.M. CITY AND COUNTY. A Butter Thief. About noon yesterday, while a man named Smith, who had come to the city with a wagon containing marketable articles, was at dinner at Mr. MacIntosh's, on Tenth avenue, some thief or thieves stole from his wagon, which was standing in an alley between twelfth and Thirteenth streets, above the Logan House, a fine large roll of butter. Whoever the party was he had black hands, as the grime was left upon one of the rolls, which had evidently been picked up and laid down again, a final one captivating the epicurean taste of the robber. Effects of the Late Mr. Wm. D. Manson. At the time of the tragic death of Mr. William D. Manson, in this city, Coroner Humes took possession of his effects, the real value of which he wisely concealed. Various sums were mentioned at the time, ranging from $49,000 to $70,000. Coroner Humes last Friday transmitted by Adams Express to Mrs. Manson the valuables found in the possession of her husband, which amounted to $102,733.57. The Coroner by his secrecy sought to prevent temptation to shadow the express car carrying so large an amount of money, and he succeeded very well in the execution of his purpose. HOLLIDAYSBURG DEPARTMENT. Little Facts and Fancies - Big Things Grave and Gay. Conductor Love was in town yesterday. He bears his blushing honors meekly. W. Fisk Conrad, of Tyrone, was in town yesterday evening looking after the matter of costs. Harry Lingafelt is again on duty at the post office, much the better in health for his recent trip. By the way business was transacted yesterday the court will not consume many days of this week. Hon. Daniel Shock was visible on our streets yesterday. It is supposed he was heading for Harrisburg. J. K. Kussell, of railroad fame, was observed surrounding Lingafelt's anthracite consumer yesterday evening. Everybody thought there would be another beautiful bed of snow by Monday morning, but then everybody isn't the clerk of the weather. There have been some changes in the employes of the Pennsylvania Railroad at this place, but until something more definite comes to the surface, it is not deemed expedient to comment. There are six families from Philipsburg, Centre county, settled down as farmers in Prince William county, Virginia, and George M. Smelty, of this place, who paid them a visit last week, reports them all prosperous, contented and happy. It will be noticed by our record of court proceedings that the ejectment cases brought by E. B. Pike and wife have all been continued at the cost of the plaintiffs. Thus the determination of an important matter is again relegated to the distant future. In the case of C. Metz vs. John Brotherline, tried before Judge Mayer some two years ago, in which the jury awarded the plaintiff between $600 and $700, defendant applied for a new trial. Yesterday morning the opinion of Judge Mayer, granting a new trial, was filed. James Crabb, of Williamsburgh, had one of his arms caught in a threshing machine on the 16th of January and the flesh thereof badly torn. He refused to have the arm amputated and was seized with lock-jaw from which he died. His remains were forwarded to New Jersey, his former home, on Tuesday evening. Thomas Patterson, of Williamsburg, while in the set of entering his stable on Saturday evening last, was run against by his dog, which had been locked in the stable, and knocked down. In his fall he struck a plow, fracturing his lower jaw in two places. Mr. Patterson is a very old man, which aggravates the injury. He is the father of Mayor John D. Patterson, of Harrisburg. HE WASN'T USED TO IT. Dr. C. Tager Delancy, formerly of this place, now hanging out in one of the by ways of Logan township, was in town yesterday. In the course of his perambulations he found his way into the Prothonotory's office in search of money due him. He found, of course, that an attorney had the funds and departed, evidently, with the intention of discovering how much his share would be. Before he got out of the room, however, he met Sheriff Brawley, of the Blair Iron and Coal Company, and attempted to get an opinion out of him in reference to the value of a piece of ore land which he seems to own. Not getting a great deal of satisfaction he jumped up and with a "good evening," started for what he supposed to be the outer door. He brought up all standing in the vault, and the look of bewilderment which settled over his face was funny. In answer to the stentorian yell of Bowers, he retraced his steps, and with a muttered "I ain't used to this here condemned twisty place," finally made his safe exit into the hall. Under the circumstances the doctor was excusable, for his perplexity sort of lightened up the atmosphere for a couple of weary scribblers, but the reader cannot enter into the richness of the scene. It had to be seen to be enjoyed. COURT PROCEEDINGS The fourth week of the county court began yesterday morning at ten o'clock, Judge Pershing, of the Schuylkill district, presiding. Judge Pershing is so well known to the people of Blair county, both as to personal appearance and as to profound legal ability, that it would be folly for us to attempt to add anything to what is already known of him. Considering the fact that civil causes are on trial, the attendance yesterday was large. The following cases were continued at the cost of plaintiff: E. B. Pike and wife vs. Daniel Radegan. Same vs. George Crehn. Same vs. L. W. Hall. Same vs. F. W. Boley. Same vs. Jacob Gerhard. Same vs. John K. Eakin. Same vs. John Hartzell. Same vs. same. Same vs. A. Bowers, et. al. Mountain City L. & B. Association vs. John Malone's administrator. Defendant confesses judgment in amount claimed by patient. D. & C. Moore vs. Jos. Ake and wife. Continued at costs of defendant. James Stevens vs. A. K. Wilson & Bro. This was an action on a book account and the jury awarded plaintiff something over $200. Lewis Zimmerman, et al. this is an action to recover a balance alleged to be due, and is on trial. CITY AND COUNTRY. A Handsome Improvement. Mr. A. B. Garnier, tobacconist, Eleventh avenue, below Twelfth street, is about commencing an improvement which will do credit to that portion of the avenue. The excavations were commenced yesterday preparatory to the erection of a new three-story building to take the place of the one now occupied by him. On the top floor will be a club-room, and the second floor is intended for offices. The tearing down of the back building has been commenced. At the extreme top of the front of the building, according to the plan, will be mounted a handsome sign for the benefit of Mr. Garnier. The windows in the front or the lower floor will be of French plate glass. The west side will be occupied by Garnier's store and the east side by Jacob Snyder. The building will be a handsome structure when finished. It is thought it will take about six weeks to complete it. The Reduction of the Mayor's Salary. The adjourned meeting of Council last night was a failure. When a Tribune reporter entered the Mayor's office, where the meeting was to be held, he encountered only five members, Messrs. Cessna, Cunningham, McCormick, McGill and Reitsnyder. The clerk, Mr. John McNevin, and Mayor Gilland were in the room. The enthusiasm over the reduction of the salary of the Mayor seemed to have suddenly departed. As it takes nine members to constitute a quorum, there was no business transacted, and we presume those who were present were just as well satisfied. The Tribune, while not particularly interested, has little belief that the reduction scheme will pass Council. It is not a popular measure. The taxpayers do not think the Mayor receives too large a salary, as it requires the full time of the incumbent. The slim attendance at the meeting last night was an indication of the unpopularity of the idea. Reportorial Pick-ups by the Way Side. If you love music hear the Swedish Lady Vocal Quartette. Tickets for the Swedish Lady Vocal Quartette are in demand. The residence of John Shuck, in the Eighth ward, was burglarized last week of a lot of underclothing. Marion McCartney, of Logan township, at a shooting match in St. Augustine last Saturday, won a sleigh worth $25, making a string of 1 « inches, distance 50 yards, off-hand. An animated discussion took place at Eleventh avenue and Seventeenth street yesterday afternoon between a forlorn maiden who said she was already 23 years old and a cruel, hard hearted young man who had no pity. The lady insisted she would be an old maid in two years if somebody did not come for her, but the young man would not "take a tumble." The poor girl finally entered her house with a "heigh ho!" recklessly swinging the basket of vegetables she had on her arm. A "Blue Monday" Criminally. There were four men and a dog in Alderman Griffin's office yesterday afternoon when a Tribune reporter called. The merits of the dog were the fruitful source of comment. There was no criminal business doing, and as the dog was asleep behind the stove and the men were discussing matters of no interest to the public the reporter thought he was out of place and departed into the bleakness of the day outside. Poffenberger on the East Side was of no account criminally, and Alderman McCormick's office was shut up, with that everlasting paper notice on his door. The policemen stood on the corners with their coat collars buttoned close up to their chins, and when asked if there was any police news turned away with a look of ineffable disgust, saying even when arrests were made there were no "perqs" attached. At the Mayor's office everything was extremely dull, and in fact it was a veritable "blue Monday" all around. Political Potpourri. Charley Jones, of the Tyrone Herald, has been nominated for the office of Burgess by the Republicans of Tyrone. Mr. Jones will make an efficient officer if elected. Harry Husfield is confident of election as Alderman in the Second district. Mr. Husfield has lots of friends over the bridge, and they appear to be sticking to him. Mr. W. B. Blake thinks what everybody says must be true. And he says everybody tells him he is the coming Alderman for the East Side. Mr. Blake is the Greenback-Labor candidate. Mr. William Riddle, of Tyrone, was nominated by the Republican borough convention of that town for the office of constable for the fourth time on Saturday evening. Mr. Riddle had forty-nine of a majority over two other competitors. He has been a faithful incumbent of an humble office. Mr. Hazzard, the Greenback-Labor nominee for Alderman in the Third district, thinks if he is not elected it will be the fault of those who have promised to vote for him who may change their minds on election day. That's generally what's the matter. A promise is the easiest thing made and the easiest thing broken. Mr. Braniff, Republican, in the same district, is equally certain, if all the promises are kept, and when he told this in the hearing of the Tribune reporter he smiled broadly. TYRONE TRUMPETINGS. Notes Large and Small - Some Blown in Fancy, Others in Fact. The oil well at Osceola is progressing finely. They have succeeded in getting down now about 1,200 feet and the prospect is good for finding oil. The tools had gotten fast in the well again; but they are now working O.K. The coal trade on the T. & C. R. R. has taken a fresh start again, and tons upon tons are now being brought over the hill daily, and D. D. Wood, Esq., train master, and R. M. Bailey, Esq., main runner, have their hands full of business. No more courteous and gentlemanly officers are to be found any where. George Dickson, Esq., who recently sold his farm in Tyrone township and was reported to be going to Kansas, has purchased the well known Kooken farm in Huntingdon county. We are glad to have George still stay among us, but sorry he did not get suited in little Blair. George belongs to that class of citizens that we regret to lose. The borough council had a quorum on Friday evening last and transacted, as we are informed, considerable important business. Among other things done and acted upon was the report of the committee who had that famous boardwalk in charge. We tried to get a copy of the report, but failed in so doing in time for to-day's paper. The Bald Eagle tannery, we are glad to note, is operating full time. D. P. Ray, Esq., the proprietor of this institution, is certainly doing all in his power to add to Tyrone's material wealth. For the office of Superintendent of County Schools Dr. Haberacker has announced himself as a candidate. The doctor has been one of our best teachers for quite a number of years and would certainly make an efficient school superintendent. He is assured of the party support of this end of the county, and he deserves it. When Plummer came up to the trough and burgess or not burgess was put at him he backed off and let Bro. Jones, of the Herald, have a clear track. Jim would have given satisfaction to the people, and so will Charley. Rev. W. H. Dill, of Clearfield, assisted Rev. Yocum in the M. E. Church yesterday, and preached an excellent and edifying sermon in the morning. The evening sermon was preached by Rev. Dr. Hicks, of the Florida conference, to a large and crowded congregation. The doctor's sermon was also an excellent discourse and was well received by those present. The meetings in the M. E. Church were continued with unabated zeal and interest during the whole of last week and by announcement of Rev. Yocum they will be continued during the present week. The afternoon meetings are spoken of as being especially interesting and profitable. Rev. Dr. Moore, pastor of the Presbyterian congregation, very much to the gratification of his people has sufficiently regained his health to again assume his pastorial duties. The doctor is much beloved by his people and we rejoice with them and in common with all our citizens at again having his genial presence with us. Rev. Dr. Graves, agent of William and Mary College of Virginia, preached an able sermon in the Presbyterian Church on Sabbath last. We were denied the pleasure of hearing it, but were informed that it was one of great learning and research. Police matters are quiet. Not an arrest last week and the town remarkably quiet. Constable Riddle as a peace officer is a success. If it is even known that he is in town, it is a sufficient hint to wrong-doers. The Republican primaries passed off quietly with a full vote out, and with the exception of about a half dozen votes in the Second ward, we hear of no complaints of unfairness. The nominees are C. S. W. Jones, for Burgess, Wm. G. Waring and J. M. Calderwood, for School Directors; A. J. Mattern and Jno. Ballman, Council First ward; Jas. A. Crawford and I. P. Walton, Council Second ward; Caleb Guyer and J. H. Burley, Esq., Council Third ward; and F. D. Beyer and John A. Newling, Council Fourth ward; all good selections and able and representative men. Constable Riddle was handsomely renominated by a large majority over both his opponents. Jacob Stevens and Valentine Stonebraker were nominated for election officers of First ward. We did not get the names of those nominated in the other wards except Wm. Walton, Esq. A very able accountant and clerk was nominated for Borough Auditor. PERSONAL. Rev. W. H. Dill is tarrying at the house of F. M. Bell, postmaster, while in town. Adam Wolfgang and Isaac Bell, dispatchers, and uncle Billy Plummer, all P. R. R. men, placed your itemizer under obligations for courtesies extended. Frank W. Stewart, deputy revenue collector from Huntingdon, was in town on Friday. Come again, Frank; we have lifted the quarantine. Colonel McCamant makes a good presiding officer, but there are some Riddles that he can neither control, solve, nor induce to sit down. J. F. Riddle, Esq., and A. A. Stevens can both make good speeches, even though the former gentleman may be accused of buncombe by the presiding officer. Fisk Conrad has a level head in making rules to govern building associations. Neighborhood Notings. Fourteen prisoners are in the Huntingdon jail. Mr. Lutz an aged citizen of Shirleysburg, has been arrested on the charge of firing the barn of John Jacobs. The churches having been opened in Huntingdon, the small-pox epidemic begins to wane. Only five cases of small-pox and varioloid were reported on the 10th by the Huntingdon Board of Health. One death on Sunday, a son of Mrs. Roup. Say 224 instead of 24 engines repaired at the shops in this place during 1877, friend Local News, 50 of which were "reminiscences of Pittsburgh," and you will be about right. That industrious young lady, Miss Addie Covert, of Clay township, Huntingdon county, gives proof that she is worthy the hand of some good young man by piecing a quilt containing 3180 patches. The Atlantic and Pacific Tea Company of New York yesterday sent out from Harrisburg to Baltimore their magnificent advertising wagon and team. The wagon weighs 4500 pounds. The team is composed of eight black horses; each animal having a set of gold-mounted harness, valued at $700. each horse weighs about 1400 pounds.